#a little manta sanctuary

[applestruda]

Sky au ranchers

[thetombedspirit]

Jurassic World: Camp Fam - Next Generation

I was board, so I made a next gen for the Nublar Six, based on my personal headcanons and ships so if you don't like Benrius and Kenlynn, then please don't come at me. This is all just in good fun.

Enjoy!

Emily Bowman (Benrius)

Emily was nine-years old when her parents were unfortunately killed in a freak dinosaur attack, leaving her orphaned. Darius and Ben responded to the call and took her into their care. She stayed with them for a little while whilst Social Services began sorting out her situation, wherein during that time, Emily gotten to get to know Darius and Ben and what they do; how they locate dinosaurs, care for them, and ship them off to private island habitats funded by Dr Mae Turner and Mantah Corp, now under Kenji’s full jurisdiction. She even began to conquer her fear after making friends with a Maiasaura she named Ursa.

She was eventually put into a foster home, but the conditions were poor, so she decided to run away and return to the Sanctuary, via stealing the mum’s credit card to book a plane ticket.

Darius and Ben were shocked to see Emily and horrified to hear about the living conditions. After sending her to bed, they had a long talk about how they had once talked about adopting and raising a family, agreeing they both adored Emily and didn’t want her to go. So they gave Emily the good news the next morning that they would adopt her into the family and she said yes.

Fun Fact: Ursa the Maiasaura is a direct nod to concept dinosaurs that would eventually become Bumpy, as Maiasaura was one of the many plausible candidates.

2. Julia and Xavier Kon (Kenlynn)

Despite their ups and downs, concerning Brooklynn’s line of work and Kenji's inheritance of Manta Corp, Brooklynn tries extra hard to live in the moment and not take her time with her family and friends for granted and Kenji works hard to ensure that the Kon family name is redeemed through his work. Regardless of their hardships, they work well together and support each other through their struggles.

Julia Kon is the more extraverted of the duo. She takes after her father, enjoys skating, archery and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, preferring physical activities to staying coped up indoors all day. Her brother Xavier is more closed off then his sister. Younger by two years, he prefers technology and hacking to climbing and being outdoors.

Despite their differences, two things they have in common is their love for their family and their association with dinosaurs. Namely the herd of Parasaurolophus living by their father’s climbing camp. Every month, Kenji would take the family camping at the cliffs and the kids would play with the baby Parasaurolophuses. One in particular took a real shine to the children; Brooklynn affectionately named her Nightlight, due to how Xavier would snuggle her tightly due to his fear of the dark when they went camping.

Fun Fact: Julia and Xavier are named after Brooklynn and Kenji's original concepts for Camp Cretaceous, Jules and Xi respectively. Also, Kenji and Ben used to have different roles, with Ben being the strong, athletic character while Kenji (at this point in time, Xi) was the shy, nerdy type. They since swapped roles, with Ben becoming the shy one and Xi taking the role of the rich kid and was renamed Kenji.

3. Katie Gutierrez-Fadoula (Yasammy)

When Sammy and Yaz got married and talked about starting a family, they realized there were some complications: Sammy's encounter with the Scorpios Rex damaged her reproductive organs and left her unable to carry a child to term, and Yaz was uncomfortable with the idea of ordering a doner. So in the end, they agreed to adopt.

Katie loves her moms and her life at the ranch. She enjoys spending time with Angel and Rebel, who they were able to rescue and keep on the ranch (best cattle dogs Sammy ever had), tending to the cows, chickens and the stray Pachycephalosaurus that had been hanging around the ranch lately, who she has named Bonehead. She came out to her mums as trans when she was 13 and they wholeheartedly support her through her transition.

Fun Fact: Katie is a sorta merge of Sammy and Yaz's concepts. Sammy was originally meant to be male and Yaz's name was originally Katie.

Anyway, those are my versions of the next generation of Camp Fam. I hope you like them and again, this is just all in good fun; I'm not trying to start any shipping wars.

Take care peoples.

[bestestspirit]

Bestest Spirit Showdown is over!

Congratulations to Belonging Guide!

My name is Fia, and I thank you for your participation.

(click the image to see it better)

64 spirits were elected in the preliminary round to participate in this tournament.

Who wasn't included: office spirits, npcs who aren't spirits, beta spoilers.

Links to the polls can be found under readmore

Preliminaries

Isle of Dawn • Daylight Prairie • Hidden Forest • Valley of Triumph • Golden Wasteland • Vault of Knowledge • Season of Gratitude • Season of Lightseekers • Season of Belonging • Season of Rhythm • Season of Enchantment • Season of Sanctuary • Season of Prophecy • Season of Dreams • Season of Assembly • Season of The Little Prince • Season of Flight • Season of Abyss • Season of Performance • Season of AURORA • Season of Remembrance • Days Events Guides • Redemption round

Round One

Part 1

Prophet of Fire vs Scarecrow Farmer

Frantic Stagehand vs Laughing Light Catcher

Scolding Student vs Confetti Cousin

Peeking Postman vs Manta Whisperer

Doublefive Light Catcher vs Jelly Whisperer

Pleading Child vs Cackling Cannoneer

Levitating Adept vs Timid Bookworm

Seed of Hope vs Jumpsuit Rainbow Guide

Chill Sunbather vs Tearful Light Miner

Tiptoeing Tea Brewer vs Stretching Lamplighter

Stealthy Survivor vs Sleepy Traveler

Admiring Actor vs Bloom Guide

Playfighting Herbalist vs Questgiver

Frightened Refugee vs Performance Guide

Prophecy Guide vs Fainting Warrior

Cargo Pants Rainbow Guide vs Sassy Drifter

Part 2

Crab Whisperer vs Rallying Thrillseeker

Warrior of Love vs Hide'n'seek Pioneer

Belonging Guide vs Praying Acolyte

Laidback Pioneer vs Flight Guide

Boogie Kid vs Bereft Veteran

Mischief Guide Samantha vs Mischief Guide Skidmore

Ushering Stargaser vs Slouching Soldier

Gloating Narcissist vs Saluting Protector

Troupe Juggler vs Abyss Guide

Bearhug Hermit vs Festival Spin Dancer

Blushing Prospector vs Rhythm Guide

Assembly guide vs Light Whisperer

Butterfly Charmer vs Cheerful Spectator

Young Skater vs Krab Walker

Bird Whisperer vs Daydream Forester

Backflipping Champion vs Gratitude Guide

Round 2

Prophet of Fire vs Frantic Stagehand

Scolding Student vs Peeking Postman

Doublefive Light Catcher vs Cackling Cannoneer

Timid Bookworm vs Seed of Hope

Chill Sunbather vs Stretching Lamplighter

Sleepy Traveler vs Bloom Guide

Old Questgiver vs Performance Guide

Prophecy Guide vs Sassy Drifter

Crab Whisperer vs Warrior of Love

Belonging Guide vs Flight Guide

Boogie Kid vs Mischief Guide Samantha

Slouching Soldier vs Gloating Narcissist

Troupe Juggler vs Bearhug Hermit

Rhythm Guide vs Light Whisperer

Butterfly Charmer vs Young Skater

Daydream Forester vs Gratitude Guide

Round 3

Frantic Stagehand vs Peeking Postman

Cackling Cannoneer vs Seed of Hope

Stretching Lamplighter vs Bloom Guide

Performance Guide vs Prophecy Guide

Crab Whisperer vs Belonging Guide

Boogie Kid vs Slouching Soldier

Bearhug Hermit vs Light Whisperer

Young Skater vs Daydream Forester

Quarterfinals

Frantic Stagehand vs Cackling Cannoneer

Stretching Lamplighter vs Performance Guide

Belonging Guide vs Slouching Soldier

Bearhug Hermit vs Young Skater

Semifinals

Cackling Cannoneer vs Performance Guide

Belonging Guide vs Bearhug Hermit

Final Round

Performance Guide vs Belonging Guide

Cackling Cannoneer vs Bearhug Hermit [for 3rd place]

Friendly matches

Bloom Guide vs Admiring Actor's Butt

Performance Guide's Booty vs Admiring Actor's Buttchecks

Sneezing Geographer vs Provoking Performer

The War

The Rose vs Void of Shattering

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from The Revelator:

Consider the Tasmanian devil, so named for the blood-curdling screams this tiny creature makes at night. Tasmanian devils were once common across not only Tasmania but mainland Australia, numbering as many as 140,000. But they were hunted by European colonists both for food and because they were viewed as predators of sheep. Today it’s estimated that there are as few as 20,000 left, and the only devils on the mainland live in zoos. In 1941 devils became a protected species, though they are still frequently killed at night by passing cars. And if that’s not bad enough, they are now suffering from a contagious facial tumor disease that’s almost always fatal.

Having met a few devils at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania, I can report that these supposedly fearsome creatures are cute as lapdogs, with the body of a terrier and the face of a bear cub. How tragic that they were given “devil” for a name. They would have fared better had “terrier” been used instead.

Names matter. When we fear something, it becomes psychologically easier to withhold empathy for it — or worse, kill it. Nobody feels sorry for a devil.

There are “devils” in the ocean, too, known as devil rays (or manta rays). They are also in grave danger, due largely to worldwide overfishing.

And then there are the other pelagic species we have been taught to fear, such as sharks. Swimming in the ocean is statistically less dangerous than driving to the neighborhood Costco.  Nevertheless, thanks in part to Peter Benchley (author of Jaws) and, of course, Steven Spielberg — both of whom later regretted the harm done to sharks by their mythmaking — sharks are viewed as ruthless and reckless predators, far more intent on killing humans than fish. This is not true.

But truth is not what got us to this point in history. I worry for any species with a “devil,” “ghost,” or “hellbender” in its name. I worry for all predators, the wolves and bears and lions and tigers.

Perhaps if media stopped publicizing every bear or shark encounter as an “attack,” people would be less inclined toward fear. Perhaps if more Americans ventured into the woods and learned firsthand that that there is nothing to fear there, maybe then we as a society would turn our fear of animals into a fear of losing what animals we have left.

Even Dorothy, deep in those woods, had little to fear of that cowardly lion. The only true threat was of the make-believe sort: flying monkeys. Oz author L. Frank Baum knew what everyone should now know: that when we step into the dark woods, the most fearsome predator we are likely encounter is us.

[imaginatorcreates]

A Meal In The Rain

17 April 2024 — 17 April 2024

Summary: A meal in the kingdom of Sky is always best shared with others.

Word Count: ~1.6k words

Author's Note: This is inspired by Sky Food ideas by @justsomeectoplasm, go check their work out!

Also on AO3

Eating a good meal in Hidden Forest wasn’t like eating a good meal in, for example, Daylight Prairie. Prairie had plenty of options; after all, it was the home of cooking and farming! The lands were fertile and the mantas were abundant. Even Sanctuary, for all of its praise for being a vacation location, had a teeming export economy via its seafood. However, if there was something that Forest had that in abundance that Prairie didn’t, it was — 

“Fruit!”

The chibi-like skykid yanked the bowl out of the vendor’s hands with an excited honk. The bowl was slightly chilled and contained a dark violet mash, topped with various other fruits and a sticky floral syrup. The skykid let out a few more excited honks and was about to rush off before the vendor let out a call of their own. They held out a hand and mimed someone putting something in it.

The chibi-like skykid placed down the right amount of candles before scampering off to find a seat in the treehouse. The treehouse was crowded with various skykids from different realms, all crowding around to find a proper seat to enjoy their meals or snacks. The persistent scent of petrichor pierced through their brown mask to their nose.

Thankfully, most veterans were cautious enough to not accidentally kick around any chibis or moths underfoot. Most veterans were also willing to give up their seats to other skykids, unless they were deep in conversation, to which others simply gave up trying to catch their attention via honks and moved on.

The skykid swiveled their head around and tried to find their friends. They let out a few high-pitched squeaks, but that only got the attention of a few baby mantas as they flew past with the adults close behind. One baby manta even got close enough to fly in a circle around the cherubic skykid before it rejoined its squadron.

The skykid inhaled and screamed out a deep call. It reverberated through the open space, causing several skykids to answer back with calls of their own. A nearby swarm of butterflies reacted to the deep call and fluttered around the skykid before lifting them up.

They let out another deep call.

This time, another deep call answered them back. Then, another one.

The first call was a bit bubbly, and a few nearby mantas passing through the area reacted to it by letting out calls of their own. The second call was newer; it was a deeper bird call that whistled instead of chirped.

The chibi-like skykid flapped their blue, birdlike cape a few times to escape from the butterflies before gliding over to a little table set up on the mainland of the treehouse area. It was closer to the food stalls than the treehouse’s homey seating area, so the smell of various spices and herbs stuck to all pieces of fabric and mixed together to form a hot, homogenous, herbal area.

The table was set underneath a large cover, so the occasional drip of water from the trees created a deep ploink that worked to bring a sense of rain back to the Forest, even though it always rained in the realm. As the chibi skykid landed, they placed their fruit bowl down on the table and took a seat on one of the chairs provided. “I got a fruit bowl!” they announced.

One of the other skykids gave them a soft applause. “That is good to see,” they said as they pushed forward a woven steamer with its lid still on. “I got some crab dumplings to share for us, as well as some freshly stuffed buns before the vendor sold out.”

“They can sell out?”

“Yes, especially when there is a large influx of skykids such as now.”

“Because it isn’t raining in the treehouse area?”

“Exactly.”

The other skykid pushed a hot cup of tea towards the chibi. The tea smelt of various aromatic herbs, and the bottom of the clay cup revealed various crushed plants floating around. “Drink up Zephyr,” they gently ordered, “and take some of the other food as well. A fruit bowl isn’t going to fill you up.”

Zephyr removed their mask and set it on the table, inner side up. Their naturally short height revealed itself to any passerbys that might’ve assumed they were a taller skykid wearing a chibi mask. They took the cup of hot tea in both hands and took a careful sip. Despite heat not being a large problem for skykids — their inner candle was hotter than tea water after all! —  the taste was still strong and their face crinkled up in response. “Bleh! Gross! Tastes like how grass smells.”

“How would you know that?” Whynn asked as they fixed their hair. It was half-up and tied back with a violet and gold hair tie, which automatically made it ten times cooler in Zephyr’s mind. “Is that a Prairie kid thing?”

“I dunno. You ever smelled grass?”

“I have, before I settled in the vaults.” Whynn removed their pale mask and brought the cup of tea up to take a sip. They stayed silent for a moment before they added, “There’s a garden in the Starlight Dessert. I can smell some grass there.”

“But it’s not Prairie grass! Grass smells fresher in the sunlight.”

“Are you sure you are smelling sunlit grass and not trampled grass?” the third skykid asked. “On my travels to Prairie, it is always crowded when moths enter the picture, and let us not forget the sudden adoptions.”

“Dunno A.T., you live in Valley and Valley doesn’t have grass.”

Whynn promptly choked on their tea and started to cough loudly, leaning over the edge of the table to hide their face. “Zephyr — !”

A.T. gave the chibi a long, long gaze. Its bright eyes didn’t break the stare except to blink. Then, they sighed and tipped their cap at Zephyr. “Touché.”

Zephyr loudly cackled and swiped a stuffed bun. They took a large bite and gasped as a vegetable chunk nearly fell to the ground. They caught it with a hand and stuffed it in their mouth. The soft bread was light and properly held the filling of minced crab and vegetables inside. The crab was sweet and cooked in a similar seasoning as the vegetables, which were still a bit crunchy. “Yummy!” they cried out with a honk. “Thank you!”

“You are welcome,” A.T. said as they removed their own mask and set it down. He took a deep spoon and carefully scooped up a dumpling before placing the whole wrapped goodie in her mouth. It silently chewed on it as she used her free hand to adjust the feathers of his slim blue cape.

It was less of a cape and more of a back warmer to Zephyr, but it provided the same purpose: help channel their winged light to power their flight. The youngest skykid didn’t fully understand the love of skinnier capes, but maybe it was because they were young and only went through one reincarnation. Once through Eden and Orbit was enough for them, so they also didn’t spend too much on hunting down all the winged light.

They knew that Whynn and A.T. were both seasons older than they were. Whynn told them stories of Eden and how it subtly changed, while A.T. shared new locations of winged light popping up as more of the kingdom revealed itself to the skykids.

Zephyr thought that the kingdom was already large enough, but to hear stories of how it was smaller before? Why, it made them hungry. So they grabbed a crab dumpling.

The dumpling burst as soon as they bit into it, some of the sticky juice escaping from the corner of their mouth. The filling was savory and tasted different from their stuffed bun, despite containing the same filling of crab and forest vegetables. They wiped their mouth with the back of their hands.

“Zephyr, those are sticky and they’ll– Here, let me.” Whynn abandoned their chair and moved over to Zephyr’s side. They took a cloth napkin that was hiding underneath the dumpling steamer and wiped both the chibi’s mouth and their hands. “You’ll get these on your clothes.”

“Then it’ll be a snack for when I gotta go back to Prairie!” Zephyr joked. “Mmm, sticky crab juice.”

Whynn chuckled and shook their head. “Or you could eat your fill here and just be more careful. I know there’s good food in Prairie too.” They set the napkin back on the table and took a stuffed bun before heading back to their seat.

The conversation softly drifted into other topics as the food on the table slowly dwindled. The dumplings were the first to go, followed by the stuffed buns. Zephyr was forced to share their fruit bowl after looking at it and realizing that they didn’t have enough room to finish it all. But it was okay: the looks on unmasked faces of the two veterans after trying the fruit bowl made them feel warm inside. Warmer than their inner candle.

That warm feeling inside them caused their eyes to droop and a yawn to escape them. The constant ploink of raindrops falling from the trees gradually faded as they felt themself being lifted into another’s arms and carried away. They snuggled their face against a scarf-like cape and smelled faint traces of dust and stone.

Memory cubes.

Vault.

This was Whynn carrying them.

The veterans murmured whispers carrying words they didn’t fully comprehend through their drowsy state, so they let it lull them to sleep in the misty forest, carrying them far away to warm meals shared with loved ones.

[anerol152]

Rating Sky: cotl seasons by how scary they are:

(that I have experienced)

Abyss: 10/10 - when I tell you the trauma; I was in beta for this yk, I got the black screen in original 4th task area bug plus got separated from bestie, I was legit so scared I closed the game, not to mention the end part (nah but that sheer empty space gave me flashback to the aforementioned quest and then the Leviathan, just, no); oh also the manta tanks implications, that's scary on a moral level

Prophecy: 7/10 - mf fire trial this is why I have trust issues in games when there's a completely dark room. fun season otherwise tho, loved the lore

Passage: 6/10 - another fun season for beta testers! I'll just come out and say it, the masks were creepy. the eyes and shadows in the forest were creepy. the other masks were even more creepy. it was just bad vibes idk man the masks felt evil

Shattering: 3/10 - this is another for the rage chart; like despite the premise of apocalypse event every now and then as well as King lore this really wasn't that scary; it made Eden very frustrating tho; like haven't forgiven them for that until this day frustrating

Revival: 2/10 - only reason for this rating is bc I know eden quest will spook the moths

Enchantment: 1/10 - was first season I experienced (for a week lol), going to a new sekrit place and seeing the mountain Krill before finding out it's harmless

Nesting: 1/10 - capitalism is very scary, so was the math for all possible furniture items geeeeeez

Little Prince: 1/10 - scary for my emotions; first child that made you go to Eden for funsies, love that for him, seeing him face the Krill was a bit scary (for him) I guess

Aurora: 1/10 - this was mostly sad, like very cool, very fun, but also sad, good tie to next season; absolutely horrifying in implications for animal exploitation and history of sky tho

Sanctuary: 1/10 - vacay Island! literally nothing to be afraid of besides maybe not being able to fly back up to rest of Prairie; crab cave ig? triggering the bugged belly rub spirit was terrifying for group runs tho

Flight: 1/10 - while this may top a rage chart also another chill season; scariest thing there is getting lost in the wind tunnels, or just that whole map part ig

Deer: 1/10 - just for that Krill moment at the start and a bit at the end ig, moth nightmare ig

Remembrance: 0/10 - nothing scary really, just sad, very very sad; loved the vault lore but man, especially w irl timing

Assembly: 0/10 - yeah dunno what could be scary there, besides maybe melting in the rain for moths

Performance: 0/10 - this was very fun! loved the lost twin lore bit

Dreams: 0/10 - another very cosy season, lots of feels but none of the scary

Moments: 0/10 - tourists at a nice valley the season, so nice they invented selfies

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - April 15-21

(Sorry it's late, I got sick)

Like these weekly compilations? Support me on Ko-fi! Also, if you tip me on here or Ko-fi, at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week - almost double the content! (I'm new to taking tips on here; if it doesn't show me your username or if you have DM's turned off, please send me a screenshot of your payment)

1. Restoring an unsung hero

“"We are aiming to restore a significant area of seagrass around Nova Scotia, rebuilding these ecosystems and doing it in a climate-smart way," says Derek Tittensor, head of the FOME research group and a professor of biology at Dalhousie. "Importantly, we are also integrating Indigenous and scientific knowledge of these remarkable ecosystems through a two-eyed seeing approach.””

2. Four super-rare quolls caught sneaking around Australian wildlife sanctuary

““We had a mysterious case of cat-trap tampering whereby the traps were closed, the bait was gone but no culprit inside,” explains AWC Field Ecologist, Erin Barritt. [… T]he opportunistic little mischief-makers were juvenile western quolls, the first to be born on the sanctuary in 100 years.”

3. LGBTQ+ parents are raving about ‘accessible’ gender-neutral children’s book What Makes A Baby

““Overall I think this is a great book and a great representation of what inclusive media can look like. It incorporates a variety of perspectives and experiences to make something that is accessible to everyone.” The LGBTQ+ community – with parents in particular – praised “the accuracy of the terminology”, with one writing: “Human anatomy isn’t too much for children to learn and this book makes it so accessible for them to learn!””

4. Switch to green wastewater infrastructure could reduce emissions and provide huge savings according to new research

“Researchers have shown that a transition to green wastewater-treatment approaches in the U.S. that leverages the potential of carbon-financing could save a staggering $15.6 billion and just under 30 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions over 40 years.”

5. Millions Offered Up To Create New Disability Employment Models

“[Projects] can focus on increasing access to advanced technology careers, using advanced technology to support youth or adults with disabilities to access competitive integrated employment or helping justice-involved youth with disabilities gain employment. In addition, projects can look at early intervention and workforce reintegration strategies for those with acquired disabilities or efforts to reintegrate disconnected individuals with disabilities into the workforce.”

6. Laser-Treated Cork Absorbs Oil for Carbon-Neutral Ocean Cleanup

“Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees, which can live for hundreds of years. These trees can be harvested about every seven years, making cork a renewable material. When the bark is removed, the trees amplify their biological activity to replace it and increase their carbon storage, so harvesting cork helps mitigate carbon emissions.”

7. This boat runs on 100% renewables. Can it help clean up bigger ships?

“For the past seven years, Energy Observer has traveled around the world, serving as a floating test bed for zero-emission technologies that can propel boats and ships — without spewing any of the nasty pollution that comes from running diesel engines. […] The project’s leaders say they’re now ready to focus their efforts on cleaning up much larger and dirtier types of vessels, including cargo ships.”

8. 1,000 oceanic manta rays seen in the Maldives

“With 1,000 individuals in its waters, the Maldives is home to the world’s third largest population of giant mantas (it also has the most reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) in the world, with over 5,000 individuals).”

9. Service Finalizes Land Protection Plan for Expanding Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge

“Plan aims to deliver in-perpetuity conservation of up to 700,000 acres of land for benefit of migratory and resident wildlife. […] "These vast grassland landscapes provide essential habitat for wildlife while also providing benefits like clean water filtration and carbon sequestration, which are essential for both the environment and human well-being."”

10. Medicaid Officials Remove Barriers For Those With Disabilities

“In addition [to grace periods for submitting paperwork], states will no longer be allowed to conduct renewals any more than once every 12 months and they will be barred from requiring in-person interviews for people with disabilities, among other changes.”

And a bonus article to make up for posting late: Gay Furry Hackers strike again!

April 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[solarcal]

@amity206 i wrote out and organized the world building a long time ago, so it’s not exactly up to date with the newer seasons and season area’s but i guess if someone’s interested i should maybe look into updating it? hm something to think about ig lol either way, here’s my whole world building sheet its veryyy long so uh take your time reading it, im totally willing to answer any questions you have too :3

Isle of Dawn-Binial

where all moths are born

Moths are Megabird shaking off their feathers

those feathers fall to isle in a meteor type fashion and when they land, they are a ball of Megabird’s light which soon reforms into a classic moth with no cape, the basic moth hair, pants and mask

this happens at random which is why sky kids must keep constant watch over the beach for new arrivals

its rare for more than one moth to be born at a time but it can still happen

they are usually considered siblings more than most and its strongly encouraged not to separate them

they can leave each other when they are old if they so wish but most dont

Moths are called Mids, the species of sky kids are called Skids, and butterfly sky kids, so someone between moth and vet are called Butids

Caretakers-a whole “job”(i say job very loosely) you can have as a vet where you simply wait at the beach in isle for moths to be born to then help them adjust to their new bodies and take them to one of the various house in isle to grow up and either get adopted or picked up by a guider or just get old enough to choose to set out on their own

Guiders-more similar to mentors than a parent

they wont adopt the moth into their family but simply help them learn how sky works and take them through the realms til either they reach Empyrean or find a place they want to live or an apprenticeship learning sometime of art or craft

they can take more than one moth too where people adopting rarely do

they usually are either near the end of their lives or they are simply bored for a while, sometimes they do it just to be nice, it depends on the guider

Guiders and sky kids come to adopt moths here

Some stay for the community feeling because its like a suburban neighborhood with many moths and elder skids sticking around

Others like it for the quiet they can find by the shores as mids are typically contained to the center of Binial for their safety

houses above ground and houses built into caves and buried in the ground

Cave of prophecy

It's more like a fun training ground! Or an obstacle course

They don’t actually die, the prophet just laughs and helps them back onto the course

They're more like a referee than a prophet

Daylight Prairie-Digarem

Fisherman type region

Everyone here fishes or builds the various types of boats, water or air

They can also train mantas for various jobs

Some people are butterfly breeders/keepers

Other don't have an area specific job but like the peace and quiet

Sanctuary Isle

A beach type resort place

People commonly go to just relax and play with the flock of mantas and swim in the water

Hidden Forest-Hirthlim

Mainly filled with artisans and researchers

only place in this world you can die unnaturally is from the deadly rain of Hirthlim

Very dangerous which is why younger skids are rarely wandering alone and if they are, everyone will constantly check up on them and ask if they need help

Wood carvers, painters, jewelers, metal workers, forgers, etc etc

They just carve out like mini statues and then plop them down, scattered everywhere across the forest. You can just find one hidden away a little bit as you’re walking/flying your way through the forest

there's hand crafted stuff everywhere in forest, various sculptures littered along side the paths, crystal garlands hung from branch to branch etc

at night you see the reflection of flittering fireflies in the rivers and lakes that make them look like the stars in the sky that is actually hidden behind the leaves and branches above

The cave in the tree has gems, metals and stone that they mine to use for decorations

Treehouse

A big commune basically

People go there if they need to hide from someone or they simply need to get away from it all

It's also where mids who’s guiders/family have died or the mids who got lost in Hirthlim are taken to

Sometimes the mid isn’t a good fit for the family either they are brought back to Binial or brought to treehouse to be readopted or if they are old enough, to simply figure out if they want another family or if they wanna go off on their own for a while

the mids take a while to show their personality and sometimes the family either cant properly take care of them for some reason or its detrimental to the family itself and the mids are well taken care of and due to being so young, they quickly forget the past family and harbor no sadness or trauma from the parting

skids who work/live here commonly go searching through Hirthlim looking for lost moths

Flight

The mail center

Also a huge manta training grounds but only for riding or helping with pulling carts

Also used as training grounds for flying in tight spaces or with really strong winds

the mail is carried by the wind currents and birds pass messages between the spirits and skids that work there

like the big current that takes you all the way around flight but hundreds of tiny ones

mail leaving flight is either put on a cart dragged by a big manta or given to mail skids who have a specific section of each realm that they deliver to

they ride smaller mantas to travel around quicker and deliver the mail

the skids do the sorting and taking them out of flight

The widespread corruption and the fall of King Resh and of Sky has not happened yet

Its is starting to though, with small infrequent dark plants sprouting in Hirthlim and the corruption of the first manta in Gaial

The draining rain is not caused by the corruption, it is part of the natural Sky world that people have come to live with

Valley of Triumph-Valem

Large bustling city, think new york and street fairs

Valem + Empyrean hold like 70% of all skids permanent homes

It has many markets and schools and overall is just a huge culture landmark due to its size and population

Anything you can think of, they have have

A lot of mids stay here a long time before making the journey to Empyrean and some just never leave

Super big on competition and flying

Many sports and they hold a ton of games and celebrations

Village of Dreams

Moth epicenter

Basically the suburbs

Many many families have their permanent homes here

Huge houses

Where ice skating lessons are held :3

Hermit Valley

Where a lot engineers and inventors and scientist and researchers live

many move up to hermit valley because no one else lives up there so they dont have to worry about bother anyone with their creations and since everyone is a researcher, they are used to dangerous stuff

They are the ones making the flying boats and looking into the dark plants and the power crystals

There’s also the normal types of researchers like how the world works and there’s a lot of researchers investigating the old murals and trying to write of of sky’s history and religion down

There’s also a lot of people looking into helping disabled sky kids and making better gear for various jobs + mantas

They’re looking into creating fake wings for skids that can’t fly but so far are unsuccessful

They mainly focused on saddles for service mantas as well as other needed aids such as googles to improve eyesight

at the peaks of this giant mountain range where it snows and is giant enough to fit whole villages and a city

Along side all the birds you fly up to the top to Valem and suddenly you burst through the blanket of clouds and you’re soaring above them

You can either take a boat or manta up or fly up a wind tunnel/highway to get up

Golden Wastelands-Gaial

mainly farming fields before the big border wall for Empyrean

inside that wall are smaller villages

basically like the midwest, farms for miles and miles

a canyon is in the west but people rarely venture that way due to being so far out of the way (where the first corruption of a manta, the first step towards krill and the person who has semi control over it)

a small town/castle thing lies on that coast

Forgotten Ark

there's no ark there

its just another farm but since its an island, they have different crops and such

very floral and such, think tropics

Abyss

very veryyyyyyy small fishing village

its very hidden and people rarely go there

the fishers there venture out sometimes to sell their catches but its mainly made up of 2-3 large found families that dont want to interact with other sky kids nowadays so they just stay in their village

Vault of Knowledge-the library

its filled with researchers and scribes

all of the kingdoms history is recorded here

this is where the “priests” live too

priests arent actually priests but more the high level scribes, because they know a lot of information and can offer good advice

no one can actually talk to Megabird obviously but they have studied the memory cubes for most of their life so they know more than anyone else which is why people go to them for advice

this is like home base for all researchers

any researches elsewhere come from the library and will return there if their research is finished

they also send all their reports there

Starlight Desert

the childrens library!

this is where moths can learn about the history or just hear stories

sometimes older sky kid will leave their moths here for a while like a daycare

there’s people who live in eden that are like school teachers basically that work in starlight

Eden-Empyrean

this is like a huge spiraling city

i saw someone compare it to the tower of babel so i’m strongly referencing that

there’s multiple levels, getting smaller as they go up

the very top level is where King Resh and his advisors live and work

lower level down is where they hold meeting with the elders and just general important stuff idk

floors 1-4 are split in half basically

one half is purely the library and the other is normal house and stores and workshops and such

spirit mantas are used to move large groups of people around like buses or to travel around on one floor if they dont want to fly or have a large package or something

spirit mantas are also used in the library to reach the memory cubes higher up because that way the scribe would be stable instead of having to flap up and down

spirit mantas are used instead of regular mantas because they are calmer and easier to train

they also grow up quicker and can fly stationary in the air which is great for the confined space of eden

that’s all the like physical world, the rest is the culture and society of my world

Culture/Lore

Families are called flocks and some flocks have a bird as their emblem kinda thing

Memory cubes

the things that line the walls of vault, you can record information in it like a book, you can either record a little hologram like a video or your voice reading out words like an audiobook

they are how sky stores all its information and how they send information thats too much to fit in a letter

King Resh

the King of sky (he’s also the one that caused its downfall but that hasnt happened yet in this world and won’t for a while)

the ruler chosen by Megabird and he oversees all of sky

lives in eden and mainly is in charge of big transportation projects like new boat systems like in dreams and hermit valley

theres a lot more of them in this world due to the fall not happening yet

he also can request the researchers/scribes to look into certain topics like the darkstone/power crystals and such

also gonna have a huge religious role but i have to finish the religion first

Geography

the world is one big island surrounded by ocean

its just a straight line from one realm to the next

Binial is a flat beach

Digarem is rolling hills with lots of rivers and both sides are by the ocean

it gently slopes up as you get further from Binial but you can still reach the ocean easily

Hirthlim is a big forest that starts to slope up more rapidly

there are streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes formed from the water run off from Valem and the constant rain

at the beginning it doesn't rain and you could still kinda reach the ocean below but there's no beach anymore

as you get higher, on the ocean sides is a sheer cliff face with no beach below, just like rocks

Valem is the mountain range that separates Hirthlim and Gaial from each other

you pass through the clouds to reach the snowy peaks of Valem

then there's a kinda steep slope down to Gaial which is closer to the ocean

the sides near the ocean slope down to meet it so fishing can occur here too but rarely does due to most people farming here

then there's the border wall to Empyrean

the villages inside with smaller farms and then the circular city rising up

Darkstone

a mysterious stone that is mined from the mountains

Power crystals-darkstone is refined into a power crystal which is used to power machines like the boats and doors

Powered by light, either the skids natural light or the sun

Theres a job of just refining darkstone

Gives a connection between life and their machines

sky kids bodies are made of light and as they grow up their light get stronger

thats how you gain your cape and more flaps

you gain a lot when you’re younger and then it slows down as you get older til you start losing it

then eventually you lose all your light become extinguished and you turn to ash and scatter in the wind

so its very common for families to take them to their favorite spot so their ashes can be scattered where they love most

basically the rain leeches away your light and so you are slowly drained and if you get extinguished here you just die

Megabird

basically god and the universe and light

its where all things come from and all things go

it created all of sky, people and everything and is a being of pure light

its also semi the sun?

it doesn’t really dictate what people do but is part of sky’s natural rebirth cycle where when anything light dies, their light/soul returns to Megabird to then later be sent back down to sky

its the deity that the spirits and sky kids worship

its who appointed Resh as king

its commonly depicted as a bird in all the murals in sky which is why ive just made it a bird

Megabird is like straight vibing, making the universe but at the same time is the universe but is also traveling through it

its complicated

Megabird is the very fabric of the universe and each atom and plant and animal is made up and created by Megabird

but Megabird is also just a giant bird thing made up of pure light and stars gliding across the galaxies

but like at the same time the trail left behind it is what makes stars and planets and comets and everything

Logic behind why Days of Rainbow and Lights exist is because Megabird is a semi physical being

it cares deeply about all of its creations which is why it returns to check up on Sky twice a year

Rainbow being a brief pass by on its way elsewhere and Lights is Megabird checking in more closely on everything, that its all going well and nothing is horribly corrupted or anything

Jobs

the whole thing about sky is there is no “jobs”

no one is forced to work

you can quit or change jobs because everything is basically an art or a genuine love for what they are doing

some sky kids dont have a profession at all, they are simply wanderers or just like vibing and exploring or staying home with their flock or whatever

Death and Rebirth

you dont die in eden

basically your light returns to Megabird and for a while you are one with it until your feather falls down to sky again

reborn as a new moth; people reborn wont remember their past life nor will people from their past life recognize them but they will have similar characteristics to their past life and sometimes feel deja vu from their past life

skids are rarely reborn while their surviving family is still alive as it takes a while for their feather to be shaken off again so past family and reborn moths rarely exist at the same time and even rarer do they meet

skids dont remember what it was like to be one with Megabird but they know that it is nice and Megabird is kind so people dont fear natural death

when someone dies its a happy sadness because their family knows they are “whole” again and they will return to sky as well as when the family dies, they will meet up with their loved one in Megabird

Moths learn about the rebirth cycle from a young age but in a soft happy way

Spirits-??? still unnamed

arent actually spirits, cause they arent dead yet

basically they were the species Megabird sent down before the sky kids

they've lived in sky a long time before sky kids

they have a very long life span so when we arrive they are tired from their long life which is why they rarely move from the area theyre in

a year to sky kids is like a day to them so they are content to watch us enjoy ourselves and be so lively and free

they still give us the cosmetics and such but its like kinda a spell

like your body is made of light and they are teaching you how to manipulate that light into that specific hair or clothing style

The first time they help guide your light into the right shape so you know how it feels and then you can recreate it

Kinda like this

the spirits having the skykids just sit down while they give like a magic lesson lol. One spirit standing with a bunch of lil skykids sitting around them on the ground staring up at them with awe. It’s dark out, and you can clearly see that they are a spirit. The stars are twinkling up in the sky and then they start to demonstrate how to make their hairstyle. The spirit is like “now follow my hand movements” and then they do like a twirly thing with their hands and lights are sparkling around their hands and poof! Wow suddenly a hairstyle! “Now let us go through the movements together. Picture [insert cosmetic here]. Feel your light magic flow through you. Feel it building in between your hands.” The little skykids follow and mimic what the spirit showed them

you can get all the cosmetics, including seasonal cosmetics and past ults

ults are more rare as they are only given by quest givers to those they like or gain their favor

some give out ults more easily than other, everyone has flight ults as Ms Flight gives them out freely but Prophecy or Gratitude’s ults are harder to obtain due to them being more picky/higher standards

Clothing/Cosmetics

because the cosmetics are the spirits teaching you how to manipulate your light, theres no physical object you obtain

if you buy clothes or a mask that another sky kid made, that would be physical and you would have to pick it up and put it on, to replace the spell you’re wearing

if you are wearing a sky kid made cosmetic, you have to take it off like actual clothes

the only cosmetic a sky kid cant make is a new style of hair due to that being pure light and you cant cut that

some of the older sky kids can combine two or three hairs to make a new style, but that takes a lot of discipline and concentration to achieve which is why only older kids can do it

researchers are looking into making new hair style spells but unsuccessful so far

Skids can talk and emotes and calls arent a thing, you can see and talk to people without lighting or friending them

Bc of this you have to actually learn to dance and do the various emotes, you cant just perfectly copy it

Economy

There isnt rlly any

money doesnt exist

usually sky kids will just give things away for free or trade things

like if youre a seamstress and you want a special wood carving you can offer an outfit or something in exchange

people are incredibly kind and if you give them something for free, they will remember it and be sure to pay it back later

Bc of this its next to impossible to be poor

you dont have to buy or pay for a house

if youre down on your luck, people will just help you out, giving you clothes and food, a place to stay for a while so you can look for your own house comfortably

Housing

since sky kids are so nomadic almost? many families will have more than one house in different areas

they have their permanent house which is where they live most of the time and have most of their stuff in

sky kids will have extra, usually smaller houses, in other areas to vacation in or move to if they want a change of scenery for a while or if they travel a lot

they can stay in their extra house while passing through, like a large family could have a big house in village of dreams but then have a beach house in Binial for when they want to adopt a moth or one in Hirthlim to stay in while passing through or maybe they’ll get a house just cause it looks pretty while passing by

houses are free

there are sky kids that just build them for fun and as long as its structurally sound, they can build it however they want

so theres many different types and colors and shapes of houses and lots of empty free ones

if you want a house, you simply need to hang a wreath of flowers on the door to show its claimed and that no one else can have it

every house has basic furniture which is needed because if you a wandering sky kid, you can stay in an empty unclaimed house for a day or two instead of sleeping outside, though some still do that

theres not rlly any hotels, well there is a couple in Valem and Empyrean but you mainly go there as a vacation, to relax and not have to cook your own food or make your own bed or anything

Army

sky doesnt have an army, cause theres nothing to fight

there are people who like spar for fun, like boxing or martial arts or like archery and fencing

most sky kids are trained in basic survival like climbing and fishing, just in case for when they are out exploring or wandering

most people are nice but there are a very very small amount of sky kids that others might need to defend themselves against

Calendar

Normal january to december, 24 hours, monday to sunday system

they have clocks to keep track but nobody really bothers with them

they go off of the sun or moon in the sky and its always a vague time

if they do use a clock, like two friends could agree to meet at like 3 pm and it wouldn't be uncommon for them to actually meet at 3:30-4 pm

scribes in the library are the ones keeping track of the years and major events and such

Holidays

each holiday lasts a month, so there are 12 major holidays

people dont celebrate every single day of the month obviously but it makes it easier to meet far away friends and family and making time for everyone, plus the mood and festivities can continue for longer

most of the holidays are based off of ones already in the game but theres two ive added and ive changed the others to fit better

Days of Fortune-Fortune

January, specifically the first as the big celebration day obvi

theres fireworks and wishing everyone happiness and success

its incredibly popular time to change professions or try something new

moths come down more often in isle as well

Days of Love-Love

February, specifically mid feb

this is when you just let people you know you love them

adoptions and confessions are very common during Love

its a very soft emotional month

Days of Prayer-Prayer

March

this is when everyone thanks Megabird for all its done and wishes it well in it’s journey through the universe

usually they ask for advice or wishes during this month as its rude to do it any other month

this is also generally the month when moths learn more about Megabird and the religion

Days of Bloom-Bloom

April

celebrating the start of spring

the flowers are blooming and the air is sweet

everyone is energized for the coming months

moths born during this time are more playful than most

Days of Nature-Nature

May

everyone takes a little time to appreciate the world they live in and how well it takes care of them and they take care of it

people visit their favorite locations and enjoy the scenery

photo taking and painting/sketching rises dramatically in this month as everyone wants a memory of where they’ve been

Days of Rainbow-Rainbow

June

rainbows appear frequently around the world of sky

due to the fact that Megabird flies in front of the sun and the rainbows are a sliver of its brilliance reflected on the world

Days of Sovereign-Sovereign

July

this was the month that either Resh was born or made king, depending who you ask

generally people send gifts to him as thanks or be grateful for the services he provides such as the boat transportation system and the researchers

Days of Summer-Summer

August

the crops are growing and being harvested food is plentiful

it's a time for long days of hard rewarding work and storing the food away for feast

sky kids that arent farmers come to help them with either temporary labor or taking care of them after the long days in the fields

Days of Lights-Lights

September

Megabird draws closer to Sky so everyone’s light grows brighter so for this month people start glow

the glow starts at the beginning of sept grows brighter and then mid month starts to dim so by the end of sept everyone is normal again

moths born in this month naturally glow a little year round and is the brightest sky kids during lights, makes them very easy to spot

Days of Mischief-Mischief

October

time for funny pranks and tricks

everyone can dress up and be a little crazy

it's a giggley time and people are relaxing after the harvest

Days of Remembrance-Remembrance

November

this is when people remember those who are gone

its days of the dead type thing

its a sad kind of happy, cause they know their loved ones are safe and well and theyll see them again and it isnt forever, theyll return to sky one day

they cooked their favorite foods and visit their favorite places and tell stories and memories about them

its a very mellow time

Days of Feast-Feast

December

they've celebrated their lost family now time to celebrate their current family

huge huge meals

people coming from all over to meet up, gifts are given and merry times are had

Basically you have Remembrance with remembering your dead family and friends, then Feast with appreciating your living family and friends and then Fortune where you look forward to new family and friends to come

Realm specific holidays

Binial- they celebrate every time a new moth is born of, they make sure to mark down the exact date and time so the moth can always know when to celebrate; they also celebrate fortune extra hard

Digarem- celebrates when a group of mantas completes training or there is a particularly big catch of fish

Hirthlim doesnt have many forest specific celebrations, sometimes flight will have a “theres no mail for a few days lets chill” celebration

sometimes older vets will go out and dance in particularly heavy rainfalls

some specific artisan groups will celebrate the completion of a big project or a particularly good mine from the caves

but the only forest wide celebration seems to be the quiet mourning that comes with finding someone turned to ash too early

Valem has so many celebrations that people physically can't celebrate them all so they just celebrate what's important to them, there's sports celebrations and arts celebrations and family ones

Gaial also doesn’t have many celebrations just the first planting, first harvest, end of growing, last harvest, everything stored til feast

Empyrean has a random assortment of celebrations, most of them religious or related to the researchers/scribes, i never finished the religion so maybe i should do that lol

Food

basically there's a lot of fish and crab dishes

there's food crabs and pet crabs but pet crabs get a distinct marking painted on their back so people know not to eat it

Crabs aren't corrupted yet and thus are passive

but those are the only meats in sky, so its mostly vegetarian foods and such

they do have eggs from birds but they grow like corn and sugar and wheat and rice and such

how it works

basically everything is made/grown with light from the sun which is Megabird so food is what helps grow and maintain your light

when sky kids are younger the effects are more obvious, they gain more stars on their back and cape strength

when they get older and this slows down, food helps maintain the amount of light u have and basically like slows the aging process

because aging is just losing your stars and food makes that happen slower so food is vital to growth and maintaining a sky kids light

people also tend to eat a lot more often in forest to survive the draining rain and replenish their light so it's less likely they'll die and can stand out in the rain longer

Arts

Every art is revered

Everyone plays their part and enjoys what they do and its incredibly important because it’s what people fill their lives with

Theres no job to do, no money to worry about, no school that you must attend so people have time to fill with whatever arts they chose

Spirits do still hand out music sheets to those who ask but they don’t make new ones

Sky kids can and do create new sheets to share with others

i am only now realizing how long this, oh god. i should have split the world and the culture into two posts or something, im really sorry Amity (is that your name? i just guessed from ur username) but heyyy uh if u manage to read all this, good job! and also im dying to talk about this again so yea just reblog this with whatever questions or comments or anything u got

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

Mmmm Sanctuary back at it again bc Im gonna study Marine Biology in College, but just imagine the Harbingers as abyss monsters that live in really cold enclosures so you got sick once bc it was so cold but now next time you came in you were smothered in Jackets and warmth from...wait did they steal those Jackets?

Diluc got into the enclosure once and is banned from being put anywhere near their enclosure. Poor Childe got a bunch of owl scratches.

Bonus idea of the reverse AU too where Childe and friends tends to you, a Ginormous Barn owl, or other abyssmal animal oooh Maybe a Manta ray even. Yummy thoughts.

:O!!!!!!! i hope you have so much fun in college!!! marine biology is fascinating, especially since we've explored so little of the ocean :DD what else could be hiding down there!!

oh my goodness yessss all the Abyss creatures under your care get so worried when they see that you might be getting sick- Childe, Kaeya, and the other Harbingers thrive in particularly cold environments so you getting sick is quite common at first. of course you eventually get used to it, but even the slightest hint of coughing or sniffles makes them (Childe most of all) whimper in concern. coats start mysteriously appearing for whenever you seem cold and all you can do is wonder where on earth they got them from!! (they've been stealing them. Columbina specifically) but you can't really complain because whenever you let them drape the jackets over your shoulders you're met with resounding purrs and happy coos, so in a way it's a win-win for everyone <3 oh, and the absolute best thing is going from the Harbingers' cold enclosures to Diluc's toasty warm one <33

speaking of Diluc he HATES THE HARBINGERS. absolutely DESPISES them!!! he tolerates Childe because you love him so much but all the other Harbingers??? no no no, you shouldn't be spending time with them, they're dangerous!!! go hang out with Albedo!! or Kaeya!! or for goodness sake him!! if you're ever spending time with him and he sees one of the Harbingers looking at you, he'll immediately move to block you from their view and glare at them (he definitely pouts if you're paying attention to them instead of him but of course he'll never say)

OHOHOHOOO YES Childe and co maybe finding you with injuries and helping you recuperate,,,, perhaps first seeing you as more of a patient but growing to care about you a lot,,,, yesssss <33

[amity206]

Days of Nature Redesign

ignore how messy the drawings are, I made them late at night and was focusing more on concepts and less on precision (click on images for better quality)

First of all, the island with the Days of Nature guide would have a little cave/shelter where Light Whisperer and Talented Stonemason (or Tinkering Chimesmith) heal light creatures caught in nets or injured by the corruption. To earn some event tickets, you can gather some supplies for them. (Doing the vortex quest during the event now gives you bonus tickets instead of wax). You’re also able to purchase cosmetics from these two spirits as if they were traveling spirits.

They’ve left notes all over the wall on the corruption, which help teach the player about it

Two Abyss spirits - Anxious Angler and Bumbling Boatswain - are on a boat by the vortex (which is actually solid-looking instead of being made of the weird glass-looking stuff). On the boat are several piles of trash that they’ve pulled up, as well as some chat benches and a place that’s perfect for watching the Elder manta dive into the sea.

Like the Flight spirits, you can buy the cosmetics of the Abyss spirits.

Back on the main island, there’s some new permanent additions. Many of the areas with the little chairs now look more like a vacation campsite, with little tents and hammocks around a fire. Maybe they could also have some buckets of shells, a book left behind, or something similar. There would also be some murals on the walls telling the story of how Sanctuary Islands was once a haven for light creatures.

I also sketched an idea of maybe helping little baby turtles make it safely to the ocean 💕

[fictionkinfessions]

slowly recognising that i’m actually a sky:cotl kin and that my ‘oc backstory’ is actually my mems. and its like…. a Bit Absurd. to be honest .

you have the typical ‘where i lived’ (forgotten ark) and ‘where i hung out most’ (sanctuary islands — i volunteered there, i think?). you have the usual ‘what the first season i remember is’ (abyss, despite not actually being an active player for it then) and the ‘which spirit i was closest to’ (warrior, hidden forest — or little prince, but he’s everyone’s best friend ) . and then you have the … ‘my closest friend turned into a manta’ ???????????? getting picked up in sanctuary ingame makes me so so sad . did they know i didnt know.? they have to have, surely??

— hafes, skycotl

x

[thatrareskykid]

I saw various stars falling today, when I was on my way to get wax from the plants on the sanctuary islands.

Everyone did.

Someone went through Eden.

Had it not been 10 minutes and there were already flocks on the way to dawn island, some hopeful of finding loved ones that were lost to the storm

A desperate feeling overcame me, just like every single other time stars fell, I needed to go take a look, I needed to see the rescued ones with my own eyes. So, leaving my daily wax hunt behind, I decided to take a look too, I caught a manta ride there.

The Isle of Dawn is basicaly Wasteland. But safe And 99% more boring. Asside from the trials. The trials are that 1% of cool here.

People don't stay here for long, the ones that do, usualy stay on the cave of prophecies, although I doubt we will be seeing them today, they barely ever leave the cave, and there is no way they could have seen the stars falling from there

When I arrived, the sea of grey, unlit, skykids was overwhelming, a little group of veterans was isolated in the corner, some familiar faces, I tried to sneak past them without lighting any candles, Veterans aren't usualy apreciated, especialy not around Isle and Praire.

Various gray kids reunited, a shiny yellow caught my atention, I ran through the crowd, not knowing what I was looking for. A friend that I hadn't seen in about a month, 4 wings. They waved at me with a smile before they themselves reunited with their close ones.

As the sea of unlit dissipated, I traveled back to Wasteland, ready to check for any extra stars. The one I think I remember nowhere to be seen, the only proof of their existance being a second hamock on my little hideout. I can only hope they were more than a wish

[thatskydragon]

My toxic veteran opinion is that the new manta cape looks better than the sanctuary ult manta cape and I'm a little mad about it

It makes me not want to wear the old one 😭

[siquijorbestof]

Mystical Marvels: Discover the Tourist Attractions in Siquijor

Siquijor, often dubbed the "Island of Fire," is an enchanting paradise in the Philippines that is steeped in mystery and natural beauty. While it’s smaller and less crowded than its neighboring islands, Siquijor offers an array of captivating experiences that make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking something beyond the usual tourist trails. From pristine beaches to mystical caves, the tourist attractions in Siquijor are a blend of the serene, the spiritual, and the spectacular. Let’s dive into the island’s top attractions that promise to leave you spellbound.

Enchanting Waters: The Lazi Church and Cambugahay Falls

One cannot speak of Siquijor without mentioning the Lazi Church, or the San Isidro Labrador Church, and its nearby natural wonder, Cambugahay Falls. The church, built in 1857, stands as a testament to the island’s rich colonial history. Its grand, coral-stone walls and intricate wooden interiors transport visitors back to a time when the island was a spiritual hub. The adjoining convent, one of the largest in Asia, offers a glimpse into the past, with its ancient wooden floors and century-old artifacts.

Just a short drive away, the Cambugahay Falls beckon with their three-tiered cascades of crystal-clear water. The falls are a popular spot for swimming, and the lush surroundings add to the sense of tranquility. For the adventurous, there’s a rope swing that lets you plunge into the cool waters below—an experience that’s as exhilarating as it is refreshing.

Mystical Healers and Balete Tree: Delving into Siquijor’s Spiritual Side

Siquijor is often associated with mystical traditions, particularly the folk healers or "mananambal" who practice age-old rituals. A visit to one of these healers offers a unique insight into the island’s spiritual culture. Every year, during Holy Week, these healers gather in the mountains to create potions and conduct healing rituals—a practice that has intrigued many visitors.

Another spiritual site that cannot be missed is the 400-year-old Balete Tree. This ancient tree, often linked to legends of spirits and supernatural beings, is a fascinating sight. At its base, there’s a natural spring where visitors can dip their feet and enjoy a fish spa. The experience of being surrounded by the eerie, yet peaceful, atmosphere of the tree while tiny fish nibble at your feet is one you won’t forget.

Sun, Sand, and Solitude: Salagdoong Beach

If your idea of a perfect getaway involves lounging on a sun-kissed beach with powdery white sand and clear blue waters, then Salagdoong Beach should be at the top of your list. Located in the town of Maria, this beach is famous for its rock formations that provide an excellent spot for cliff diving. The turquoise waters below are inviting, and the surrounding greenery creates a picturesque backdrop.

But Salagdoong is not just about adrenaline-pumping dives; it’s also a place to relax and soak in the island’s natural beauty. The beach is less crowded compared to other tourist spots, offering a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and let the sound of the waves wash your worries away.

Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling and Diving in San Juan

Siquijor’s coastal waters are teeming with marine life, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers alike. The town of San Juan, in particular, is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse aquatic species. Paliton Beach, often referred to as Siquijor’s “little Boracay,” is a great spot to start your underwater adventure. The shallow waters make it perfect for snorkeling, where you can swim alongside colorful fish and admire the corals up close.

For those looking to dive deeper, the nearby dive sites offer an incredible experience. The marine sanctuaries around San Juan are home to a variety of sea creatures, including turtles, clownfish, and even the occasional manta ray. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, the underwater world of Siquijor will leave you in awe.

Cave Explorations: The Mysterious Cantabon Cave

For travelers who love a bit of adventure, exploring Cantabon Cave is a must. This subterranean wonder, located in the heart of Siquijor, offers a thrilling experience as you navigate through narrow passages and underground rivers. The cave is filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and the cool, damp air adds to the sense of mystery.

The trek inside Cantabon Cave can be challenging, with some areas requiring you to crawl or wade through water. However, the effort is well worth it. As you reach the inner chambers, the sight of shimmering mineral deposits and the eerie silence of the cave create an atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful. Guided tours are available, ensuring you don’t miss any of the cave’s hidden gems.

Sunset Magic: Capilay Spring Park and the San Juan Beaches

As the day draws to a close, there’s no better place to witness a stunning Siquijor sunset than at Capilay Spring Park or one of the many beaches in San Juan. Capilay Spring Park, located in the heart of San Juan, is a unique attraction with its natural spring pool, where locals and tourists alike come to relax. The park’s tranquil setting, with its tall trees and gentle breeze, makes it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

For a more dramatic sunset experience, head to one of San Juan’s western-facing beaches. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting off the calm waters. Whether you’re sitting on the sand or enjoying a meal at a beachfront café, the sunsets in Siquijor are nothing short of magical.

A Journey to Remember

Siquijor is an island that captivates the heart and soul of every traveler who steps onto its shores. Its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and mystical charm makes it a destination like no other. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with the spiritual side of life, the tourist attractions in Siquijor offer something for everyone. So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to be enchanted by the island of fire.

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Genuine Hawaiian Experiences Perfect for Families

From family getaways to family reunions, Hawaii is often considered a world-class family destination. No matter where you venture across the islands, there is always something new to discover and experience.

Head for the beach for some surfing (or sign up for surf lessons), sip on freshly brewed Kona coffee, walk along black sand beaches, or swim with manta rays. The list goes on. You can find experiences for every age group and every interest. You can also indulge in a sampling of the most delectable cuisine the islands have to offer, right from some of Hawaii's premier luxury vacation house rentals. Hawaii can be a genuine treat for the senses and a treat for the whole family. Here are five reasons why. Strum Along with Ukulele Lessons The ukulele is one of Hawaii's most well-known instruments. Its history can be traced back to Portuguese immigrants who set sail for the Hawaiian Islands in the 1800s. Today, this small string instrument—and relative of the lute—lives on as an instrument anyone is welcome to pick up and enjoy. You and your family can even request ukulele lessons and learn a few of the basics while you're on the islands. Take in the Scenic Ocean with a Beach Picnic Hawaii is beloved for its picturesque beaches. And what better way to experience some of Hawaii's signature beaches than with a picnic right on the shore? It's an experience that can be ideal for couples, young families, and families of all kinds. It's also the kind of experience that can be little more than a simple snack on the beach or a complete lunch. Fire and Dance Come Together on Luau Night Immerse yourself and your family in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture with a luau night. It's a celebration that brings together a fusion of music, dancing, fire, and food. Your unforgettable night can start with a chef-prepared meal (featuring Hawaiian specialties, of course). From there it can turn into an immersive experience complete with fire and hula dancing, lei making, and so much more! Stargazing From the Top of the World When you're on top of Mauna Kea, it can feel like you're on top of the world. For kids and adults alike, a visit to Mauna Kea can be pure magic. As you explore Hawaii's luxury villa vacation rentals you can also explore options to visit the top of Mauna Kea, where you and your family can take in a brilliant Hawaiian sunset, fine dining with a view, and watch the sky erupt in a show of stars. Experience Hawaii on Horseback Hawaii by horseback? This can be an exceptional way to experience Hawaii as a family. The islands are home to a number of ranches—including ranches that routinely welcome guests for a day of horseback riding. Your ride can take you through epic mountain valleys and along gorgeous beaches. It can even include another authentic Hawaiian dinner to round out the experience once you've worked up an appetite! About Cuvée See the world in a new way with Cuvée. Every Cuvée experience begins with their portfolio of luxury vacation house rentals. Their vast selection allows you to discover bespoke properties around the globe. Picture yourself soaking up the sun with an expansive beach view at the luxury villas Cabo is known for. Or find your sanctuary in one of the Vail luxury rentals offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. Cuvée's team of Experience Curators will work directly with you to handcraft an itinerary full of immersive local experiences. Whether you want to dine on the beach in Cabo or explore the trails near Vail, Cuvée's Experience Curators can make it happen. All you have to do is choose the destination and be ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Bring your family together for an immersive Hawaiian getaway at https://www.cuvee.com/ Original Source: https://bit.ly/3zAyQdG

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New year, refreshed mind: Destinations to revitalize your wellbeing

We all could use a little reset. Whether your 2024 resolution is to embrace a more mindful lifestyle or to check more destinations off your bucket list (I love that one), the below hotels and resorts are a great place to start. I’m here to assist you in booking when you’re ready to get a breath of the cleanest air, soak up some sunshine and pump up the serotonin.

READY, SET, RECHARGE: HOLISTIC GETAWAYS TO UNWIND

SHA MEXICO

Quintana Roo, Mexico

Opening this month, SHA Mexico is a 30-minute transfer from the Cancún airport, just north of the Riviera Maya. A variety of 2024 wellness programs focus on age prevention, leader’s performance, detox and fitness. The resort’s 7 hectares of paradise encompass white-sand beaches and crystal waters; don’t miss the cenote, a natural wonder typical of this region.

THE ALPINA GSTAAD

Gstaad, Switzerland

A mountain oasis, this eco-friendly hotel combines Swiss traditions with modern, luxury services. Six Senses Spa — a must-experience at this property — is a sanctuary of peace and wellbeing. Inspired by Asian practices and the Bernese Oberland’s peaks and pastures, this unique oasis of serenity offers world-renowned treatments designed to indulge the senses.

THE RANCH HUDSON VALLEY

Sloatsburg, New York

Opening this spring just 45 minutes from New York City, The Ranch Hudson Valley immerses guests in the best of nature. Reset your wellbeing via The Ranch programs — hiking, fitness classes, yoga, deep tissue massage and a plant-based diet. You’ll leave with an increased metabolism, cleansed system, better immunity and a heightened sense of mental clarity.

ÀNI SRI LANKA

Maaliyadda, Sri Lanka

This resort has a comprehensive approach to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Embraced by the verdant jungle with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, ÀNI Sri Lanka is a private beachfront estate on the island’s south coast. You’ll love the open-air settings and pavilions dedicated to yoga and meditation. And my favorite part? Daily complimentary massages.

LEFAY RESORT & SPA LAGO DI GARDA

Gargnano, Italy

Set on the spectacular Riviera dei Limoni, this resort is surrounded by gentle hills, natural terraces and olive groves. Onsite, Lefay SPA World is an exclusive epicenter of wellness extending more than 14,100 square feet. Experience the Scientific Committee’s innovative wellness method that stems from the blending of Classical Chinese Medicine with Western scientific research.

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NOURISHED BY NATURE: KICKSTART YOUR PATH TO MINDFUL LIVING 

TIERRA PATAGONIA

Torres de Paine, Chile

The Tierra Patagonia hotel blends into mountains and the glistening Lake Sarmiento in Torres del Paine National Park. The Paine Massif’s silhouette is the backdrop for Uma Spa; indulge in the outdoor hot tub, or switch between the steam room and indoor pool. Explore the national park’s beauty on a variety of excursions, ranging from hiking and horseback riding to a scenic glacier voyage.

PACUARE LODGE

Limón, Costa Rica

Luxurious spa treatments, rainforest culinary and celebrated sustainability combine at Pacuare Lodge. Each bungalow is a unique dwelling immersed in the magic of the rainforest, and you’ll choose between a variety of nature-centric experiences, from birdwatching hikes to nocturnal animal encounters. Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at rafting, canyoning or zip lining.

ISLAS SECAS

Chiriquí Province, Panamá

A remote paradise with a focus on conservation, Islas Secas is a homebase for seeing some of the world’s most remarkable species. From majestic humpback whales to magnificent frigatebirds, re-wild yourself in the biodiversity around Islas Secas’ archipelago. The Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean is home to an exceptional species concentration, including giant manta and sea turtles.

NIHI SUMBA

West Sumba, Indonesia

Staff at Nihi Sumba say a visit here is not an escape from life, but the return to a life well-lived. Whether you choose to enjoy surf lessons at Coconut Cove alongside world-class instructors or hikes into the local villages, there are bespoke experiences to cater to your interests. Nihi Sumba specializes in excursions, whether its birdwatching in the jungle or swimming in the clear waters of Waikuri Lagoon.

BAWAH RESERVE

Anambas, Indonesia

Tucked into Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago, Bawah Reserve drapes across six private islands. Each of Bawah Reserve’s 36 Tented Suites, Overwater Bungalows and Pool Villas are enveloped in nature. This reserve is positioned at the heart of a 1,000-hectare marine conservation area with soothing outdoor adventures; try paddleboard yoga, twilight meditation or jungle bathing.

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SPOTLIGHT ON: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

STAY:Rosewood San Miguel de Allende Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel

SIP+ SAVOR:Ki’bok (coffee) Jacques and Lavanda (brunch) La Cabra Iluminada (breakfast, lunch) Moxi Restaurant (breakfast, lunch, dinner) The Restaurant (lunch, dinner) Vinícola Toyan (wine) Bekeb (cocktails)

SHOP:Mesón Hidalgo Objecto Central Dôce 18 Concept House Casamidy Mercado de Artesanías

SEE + DO:Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel Monjigangas papier-mâché workshop Casa Dragones tequila experience

MICHAEL SHANE STEPHENS Curated Global Travel An affiliate of Protravel michael@curatedglobaltravel.com 310.691.7461 curatedglobaltravel.com

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