#arcane essence au

[arcane-essence]

Some old art back from february 2021 that I never posted

[fish-ears]

Oh and here's the design for werewolf Viktor!!

[littlefireball]

Hii, can I request Joong/woo/yuyu/hwa w a doctor au something not necessarily smut

first time to write something fluffy 😗

ʏʜ|ɪ'ᴍ ʜᴇʀᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ (ꜰ)

ᴇʟꜰ ᴅᴏᴄᴛᴏʀ ʏᴜɴʜᴏ x ᴅʀᴀɢᴏɴ ʜʏʙʀɪᴅ ʜᴜɴᴛʀᴇꜱꜱ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴᴇᴅ ᴏꜰ ꜰɪɢʜᴛ, ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ, ʙᴀᴛᴛʟᴇ

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 2.2ᴋ

ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ: ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ꜰᴀʟʟɪɴɢ ɪɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴇᴀᴄʜ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴀꜱ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘᴀᴛʜꜱ ᴄʀᴏꜱꜱᴇᴅ

Masterlist

Yunho meticulously organized his gear for another expedition into the forest to collect medicinal plants, driven by the recent surge in demand due to troubling events in nearby villages. Studying his list, he felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume needed, especially with many volunteers depleting local vegetation.

"Come on, keep going, Yunho!" he urged himself, noting that the remaining plants were deep in the Eastern woods, home to dangerous creatures. Doubt crept in, but he steeled his resolve; he was the bravest at the hospital, and if he didn't take the risk, no one would.

With determination, he hoisted his pack and ventured into the Far East Forest. The cheerful sounds of nature faded into an eerie silence, broken only by his footsteps. The air thickened with the scent of damp soil and rare plants as he scanned the underbrush for the herbs he desperately needed. As time passed and the sun set, his pulse quickened at the sight of the first hint of the rare herb.

Out of the darkness emerged six massive monsters, their eyes glowing with a fierce intensity. Yunho froze, his heart pounding in his chest. He had heard tales of these beasts. The monster tensed, ready to pounce. But before they could strike, you rushed from nowhere and lunged forward, swaying your long blade and plunged it into the monster's side, striking true.

"You…" you spun around, your gaze icy and fierce. "This forest is dangerous;how can you come alone? Leave immediately." "And what of you?" he inquired. "I am unscathed. Just go." "What? You're injured." "I said…!"

The abrupt onslaught of a colossal black monster silenced your voice, as you fought to wield the long sword gripped tightly in your hand. The blade grazed its underbelly, yet in that same moment, its razor-sharp claws raked across your arm. Blood from both of you erupted, mingling in a chaotic dance, rendering it impossible to discern the source. Vivid crimson splattered across the forest floor, while the nauseating scent of blood permeated the air, enveloping the surroundings in a macabre embrace.

Yunho's heart leapt into his throat as he watched you struggle against the massive black monster, your movements now fueled by sheer determination and adrenaline. Despite the gushing wounds on your body, you stood tall, unyielding, your sword a blur of silver as it clashed against the beast's jaws.

"Run!" "I cannot leave you like this!" Yunho declared, springing into action. While his expertise did not lie in the arcane arts of battle, he possessed a modicum of knowledge. He lifted the sword, channeling his energy into the blade, which shimmered with a radiant golden hue.

"Stand back!" You instinctively averted your gaze as he hurled the sword with precision, embedding it directly into the monster's brow.The creature let out a deafening howl of pain and collapsed to the ground, twitching in its final moments.

"Tsk…" Yunho observed the tremor in your hand, a testament to the agony coursing through you, as numerous jagged wounds marred your skin.

You swayed, your strength fading fast. Yunho rushed to your side, supporting you as you stumbled. "You saved me," he said, his voice laced with gratitude. "I should be thanking you, not the other way around."

"It's nothing," you replied, your voice weak. "Don't speak, let me help you."

—---

The tantalizing scent of culinary delights wafts through the air, stirring you from your slumber. Time seems irrelevant as you awaken, your body heavy with fatigue and discomfort. You find yourself cocooned in an adorable quilt, clearly designed for a child, infused with the invigorating essence of blooming flowers. Just as you prepare to rise, a sharp, searing pain grips your abdomen, causing you to wince in agony. Glancing down, you notice blood seeping from the bandaged injury once more.

"Hold on, hold on! You mustn't leave the bed!" Yunho hurriedly approached, setting down a bowl as he rushed to your side, gently urging you to recline. "Oh my goodness, your wound has reopened. Let me help you"

Just as he reached to loosen your bandage, you halted him with a firm grip. "What are you doing?" you inquired, a hint of apprehension in your voice. "Calm down. I'm merely here to assist you," he replied soothingly. Despite your confusion, your hands remained firmly clasped around his wrist.

"If you continue to bleed, you might lose consciousness again." His words prompted you to reluctantly release your hold, allowing him to tend to your wounds. With a delicate touch, he worked to stem the bleeding, his fingers grazing a small pouch of healing powder. Without a moment's hesitation, he sprinkled it over your injuries, intent on halting the crimson flow.

"Who are you?" you asked, your curiosity getting the better of you. "I've never seen anyone like you in these woods before."

He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing his words carefully. "I'm Yunho," he introduced himself. "I'm a healer from the nearby town. I came here to gather medicinal herbs for the sick."

"Then what about you? Why are you here?"

"My name is Y/N," you said. "I've been living in these woods for as long as I can remember. I've learned to fend for myself, to survive." Yunho nodded, understanding now why you were so skilled in combat.

"You shouldn't come to the forest alone. It's dangerous." You warned. "But what about you? You're alone, too." "I'm different. I can fight with those monsters." "But you faint. What if I am not here?" "I…I can leave by myself." "Don't do something silly and dangerous." He patted your head as a small punishment, making you pout. "Okay, done." He stood up straight and brought you the bowl. "Eat. You may feel better." You looked at the disgusting green soup, feeling nausea. How can you eat this?

"Hmm…I have to eat this…?" "Yes. It's good for you." He knelt down to keep eye level with you, narrowing his eyes. "Why are you like the kid in the hospital who refuses to take medicine?" "I am not a kid!" "Then eat the soup. It's not bitter~" You pouted and looked at him with bubba eyes. He found you so adorable, a blush even creeping up on his ears. "Do you want me to feed you?" "No, no,no! I eat it myself."

You reluctantly picked up the spoon and brought it to your lips, taking a tentative sip of the green soup. To your surprise, it wasn't as bad as you had anticipated. In fact, it had a subtle sweetness that lingered on your tongue, masking any hint of bitterness. Yunho watched you with a small smile, clearly pleased that you were finding the concoction palatable.

"See? I told you it wasn't so bad," he said, his voice warm and reassuring. "This soup is made with herbs I gathered specifically for your injuries. It will help you heal faster."

You nodded, taking another sip, and then another, until the bowl was empty. As the warmth of the soup spread through your body, you felt a sense of calm wash over you, easing the ache in your abdomen and the fatigue that had been weighing you down.

"Thank you," you said, looking up at Yunho with gratitude. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

"It's what I do," he replied, shrugging. "Helping others is my purpose. But you should be more careful in the future. The forest is full of dangers, and not everyone is as skilled as you are in defending themselves."

As you lay back down, Yunho began to gather his things, preparing to leave. "I should get back to the town," he said. "There are more sick people who need my help."

"Wait," you stopped him. "Maybe you can go back tomorrow morning. The monsters are active at night." Yunho nodded, and put his bag back to the ground.

"By the way, where are we now?" "It's an abandoned wooden house, I don't know. But I remember how to get back." "Good to hear." Even though you find yourself in an unfamiliar environment with an unknown companion by your side, a surprising sense of comfort washes over you. Perhaps it's the warmth of companionship that breaks through the solitude you've grown accustomed to, reminding you of the joy of being cared for after so much time spent alone.

"Are you really human?" Yunho asked, lifting the glass of water and setting it gently on the coffee table nearby before easing himself into a chair. "Hmmm…only partially," you murmured, your gaze dropping. "I'm a dragon hybrid…" "A dragon?!" he exclaimed, eyes wide. "Relax, I'm not here to snack on humans." You straightened up, a thrill of excitement coursing through you, but in your eagerness, you inadvertently aggravated your injury.

"Easy, easy." Yunho swiftly moved to your side to assist you in reclining gently. "I'm not scared of you. Just caught off guard. I thought dragons were just tales." "I don't have any dragon features, no claws, no tail, no wings. So I was expelled. I saw this wood as my home and I promise to protect it." "I'm sorry to hear that." "It's fine."

"I'm not human either!" You gazed at him as he posted comically. "I'm spider-man, whiz~" He bent over the ground, mimicking the sound of shooting spider webs to make you laugh. "Okay, kidding. I am an elf actually." "I know." You cried out because you laughed so hard. "I know when you used the magic."

"Oh really?" Yunho grinned, his heart lifting at the sight of your smile. Even though this was your first encounter, an unexpected connection sparked between you, igniting a warmth deep within. As the days rolled by, you discovered a swift recovery, aided by Yunho's comforting soup and your own inner strength. With each passing moment, the bond between you deepened, hinting at a soulmate connection, though the truth remained unspoken.

On the day he left, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden pendant. "Take this," he said, placing it in your hand. "It's a token of my gratitude for your help today. If you ever need me, just hold it and call my name. I'll come as soon as I can."

You looked down at the pendant, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort emanating from it. "Thank you," you said, slipping it around your neck. "I'll take good care of it." You continued to explore the forest, always keeping the pendant close to your heart.

You would find him.

—----

"Hey, bbyongming, climb down from the tree." "Sandeoki, don't bite hetmongi!" "Wooyonyang, give it back to ddeongbyeoli!" Yunho found himself immersed in the demanding task of caring for the children, a pursuit that left him extremely exhausted. Despite the modest number of eight little ones, the challenge was formidable, particularly considering they disobey at all.

"YAHHH!" Yunho couldn't help but growl and guess what? They stopped for a second and kept playing. "Fine. I'm done." As he sat down on the sofa, he heard a special voice calling his name─your voice.

"Y/N?" He rushed to the door and found you standing in the clearing. "I felt your call," he said, rushing towards you. "Are you alright?"

You smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. "I'm fine," you said. "I'm here as a gift." "Gift?" "Yah. You saved my life and I naturally repay you." Yunho smiled back, his eyes shining with warmth and kindness. "But how can you find me?" "Your scent." "Huh?" "I mean your necklace, it tells me." "Oh yeah. It has my scent. Want to have a seat?" He rubbed his hands nervously and his ears turned red again. "Sure."

It was evident that he was not extending an invitation for you to sit, yet you found yourself assisting him with the children. They were all hybrids, to which you were surprised, though they were unlike your own kind. Had you not spent an extensive time hunting in the forest, your energy reserves would surely have been insufficient. Nevertheless, they were so adorable, particularly that black cat named Wooyonyang, who seemed to cling to you. Now, you recline against the sofa, seated on the floor, observing the peaceful slumber of the little ones at your feet.

"You are so good, Y/N!They all listen to you.." Yunho remarked, drawing near enough for his shoulder to brush against yours. "Perhaps it's because I am hybrid, too.." You felt an overwhelming fatigue, as if merely keeping your eyes open drained every ounce of your energy. "Maybe you should visit more often… Y/N?" Yunho sensed a gentle pressure on his shoulder, discovering you drifted to sleep, resting against him.

He gazed at your visage with adoration, captivated by your exquisite beauty. The gentle rays of the setting sun caressed your skin, casting a delicate luminescence that was a world apart from the first moment he laid eyes on you. Your enchanting scent enveloped him, igniting an irresistible fascination. He leaned in once more, drawing near enough to savor the warmth of your breath. He cupped your face, gazing at your rosy lips, slowly got closer and pressed his lips against yours.

"I'm here for you, no matter what." He murmured, parting from your lips. But before he wanted to kiss you again, a shout cut off him. "AHH!!Dr.Yunho kissed Y/N!!" "WHAT?" Sandeoki and Wooyonyang shouted together, making everybody awake.

Okay, now Yunho just wanted to kill them.

[andy-888]

I need to hear ppls hc about how Viktor works now bc with Machine Herald it was easy, half metal half human, but now??? Like can he change between "normal" and Herald? He is Herald always?? Like I don't think it would make much sense if it was like a temporal form, and honestly I don't think I'd like that. I love magic cryptid Viktor bc it lowkey keeps the essence of old Jayvik dynamic and Herald Viktor is so cool...

The only hint we have is AU Viktor, but he had like a weird cosmic cape? Did that happen when everyone died? Did he just shut down the system? Since none of the mannequins attacked Jayce, they were just Viktors CCTVs.. idk what are your thoughts?? How do yall think Arcane Herald works now??? It's been eating me alive. Does he get to keep the third arm

[ao3feed-piltovers-finest]

our legs and pride grew taller

by raizldc

"Damn it, Vi. Do you even understand how hard this is for me?! How you-"

 "Cait."

 "It hurts."

 "Stop."

 "I still love you. And it hurts."

 "This is why we can't do this anymore, Cait! We couldn't make it work. We just can't..." Vi collapses onto the couch, her hands burying her face, desperate to block her out. Her Caitlyn.

 But no matter what she does, Caitlyn is always there. She feels her even when she's absent, she sees her face when she closes her eyes. There's no escaping her. It's how she's built; wired to carry the very essence of Caitlyn from the moment they met until they last. Bound to this life where the memories linger and haunt her until she yearns for it all over again.

 A life where Caitlyn is wired the same way.

 A love that refuses to die, that fights to survive.

 "We just fucking can't."

 —

 modern au: caitlyn and violet were once two young girls who met, fell in love, and promised each other forever. spending the last two years apart, two hurting women who were once lovers reunite and rebuild the bond they believed was gone.

 after the accident.

Words: 2301, Chapters: 1/10, Language: English

Fandoms: Arcane: League of Legends (Cartoon 2021)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/F

Characters: Vi (League of Legends), Caitlyn (League of Legends), Jinx (League of Legends), Loris (Arcane: League of Legends), Maddie Nolen, Jayce (League of Legends), Viktor (League of Legends), Mel Medarda, Vander (League of Legends), Isha (Arcane: League of Legends), Sevika (Arcane: League of Legends)

Relationships: Caitlyn/Vi (League of Legends)

Additional Tags: Angst, Exes, Childhood Friends, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Modern AU, Friends to Lovers, Heartbreak, Accidents, Coma, Hurt, Grief/Mourning, Healing, Love, Romance, Smut, they're still inlove with each other it hurts, Sex, Past Relationship(s)

Read on A03. from AO3 works tagged ‘Caitlyn/Vi (League of Legends)’

[lenreli]

Day 19 - Skinny [AU]

[AO3] Time for more scifi vamp/witch!! :D

-

At first, Hob thought nothing of Dream's blood ― only that it was willingly given at the time, but over the months of knowing Dream, he's become a connoisseur. The taste of magic is subtle, and mainly Hob can taste the oils and herbs Dream works with, like it's infused into the skinny bones of Dream's essence. 

And Dream's blood is so very moreish, hot and fresh, Dream whining and arching up on the bed as Hob sucks him from a thin wrist, the pale skin not showing the deep red of the witch's blood. 

"Hob," Dream rasps, and Hob's still heart feels like it skips as he realises Dream has a weak pulse ― which Dream wanted, for his ritual, but still. Grabbing Dream's pouch nearby, he stares at the vials inside in confusion, distracted by Dream's blood ― and by the come, smell thick and heady, but Hob can't touch. "The blood in the red vial," Dream whispers, "then give me that and the golden vial."

Hob nods, listening to Dream's pulse as he puts the red vial under the bite on Dream's wrist ― blood of a dying witch, needed for a specific spell. Blood collected, Hob's fingers shake as he gives that and a shiny golden vial to Dream. Soon, Dream starts chanting, arcane magic in the air coalescing around Dream and the vials. 

A circle starts forming in the air, endless spirals forming within it as Dream chants, starting with the simple black of Dream's magic ― until Dream puts his blood into the golden vial, both the vial and sigil becoming a bright, blinding white. Looking away, the chanting continues… until it stops. As well as Dream's heart. 

"Dream?!" He whispers, finding himself over Dream's body, and he tries to listen closely, finding nothing as he puts his hand on a cold cheek. "Dream," he pleads uselessly ― and then. A beat. And another, more as Dream gasps awake, eyes a deep black as the witch coughs and heaves, sparkly red blood on the sheets as Dream coughs up a black gem, an infinity of swirls and stars inside it. "Dream?"

The witch coughs some more, a pale hand coming up to grab the black gem, smooth and round. "Protect this with your life," Dream rasps, smiling wryly up at him as Dream places the gem into his hand ― the aspect, the soul of Dream and Hob breathes, placing his hand over Dream's and pressing a kiss on Dream's hand. 

"Of course," he replies, gripping the gem tightly, then putting it next to Dream's pouch. "How're you feeling?" He looks down Dream's chest, gasping and heaving, to Dream's cock, the faint rush of blood travelling south. 

"Rejuvenated," Dream purrs, pulling him down for a messy kiss.

[mindmxtters]

option 1 for an arcane au for lexi: lexi (and friends) are vastayan zaunites who get zapped by some mysterious prismatic magical energy that was released from deep underground at the exact moment viktor and jayce invented hextech and "woke up the arcane" in doing so. the magic (and their subsequent powers) are actually from an artifact the team discovers houses the essence of a strange, otherworldly being named zadavia, shenanigans ensue. option 2, less canon-compliant but also extremely conceptually funny: the hexgates start setting off alarm bells on planet blanc due to a metric shitton of Unauthorized Wormhole Use suddenly happening all at once. lexi comes to piltover on what is supposed to be a very boring bureaucratic visit to be like "hey u guys need to be doing the right paperwork to use those things" and shows up in the midst of the drama* like

*which drama? you decide!

[goobsofgoobering]

( spoliers for arcane go watch it its so good) Ok so funky little idea but I like dnd and I live and breathe arcane like it's the only show I've been watching over and over again

So,

Characters and their classes? Like dnd au ig

So lots of this will be obvious don't get me wrong but ig I'm mostly just posting this so then I have something to focus on drawing and thankfully arcane is kind of already fantasy based so it saves me time

○ jinx = I'd argue a gunslinger fighter that multiclasses into artificer

○ ekko = ok so ekkos definitely an artificer too but he'd honestly deserve his own subclass with his whole fighting style of using his hoverboard (also yes there's gonna be a lot of artificers I do apologise ) but I honestly think it'd be sick if we had a dnd class built around fast like transportation like jousting or some shit so put that up as a possible home brew if it doesn't already exist

○Jayce = OK so again artificer but after season 2 and hear me out could he possibly qualify as a paladin? Cause he did like make a promise to older viktor to stop that whole ordeal from happening so he gets that hammer to go bonk viktor on the head ( I mean goddammit jayce your suppose to shoot into viktor not at him...)

Viktor = starts off as an artificer BUT HEAR ME OUT HE BECOMES A WARLOCK?? KINDA like in this possible Au I was thinking that he becomes a patron to the very essence of the arcane itself and in the show he kinda becomes its vessel to push his whole GLORIOUS EVOLUTION

(That's my main idea so far I'll come up with more later and who knows might even draw it out :3 again all are my personal headcannons pls don't beat me up :( )

[theladyoracle]

The Slender Mansion

𖦹⭒°｡⋆𖦹The Lady Oracle AU𖦹⋆°｡⭒𖦹

a/n: just a description of how I see the Slender Mansion, and how it appears in my AU! Enjoy~!

You're being led through the woods by a masked man. He's an initiator of sorts (or rather, a recruiter? You don't really know what or who he is) but against your better judgement, he's persuaded you to follow him. It feels like you've been walking forever, and at some point you question whether or not he even knows where he's taking you. The man doesn't reply, and it almost feels like he's forgotten about you, but after a couple more agonizing minutes - you see it.

The estate makes itself known to you as you exit the trees, the air surrounding it almost seeming to shimmer in a dark yet iridescent fashion. There's something about this place...more than meets the eye.

This mansion is massive. You're not an expert on historical architecture, but something about this house makes the word 'Victorian' come to mind...or maybe 'Edwardian'...? Regardless, you can probably come to the conclusion that this house was constructed of wealth. No one knows how old it truly is.

It must have been gorgeous in its day, but now it's been reduced to peeling paint and cracked foundation, accented by shattered windows and a cobweb-infested front porch. There are no lights on - outside nor shining from the inside. As you approach the porch steps, a feeling of unease crosses you. The only thing in decent condition is the abnormally large front door, and the ornate door knocker that's fastened to it.

Your recruiter grips the knocker and raps it thrice on the mahagony wood. You stand there for what feels like a decade, until inevitably the door finds itself open to you. You enter.

The interior of the manor is vexing. Although the outside is notably massive, it is clear that from the moment you enter the home that the confines of the space are not bound to the walls of the manor. It is much larger on the inside than the out.

The walls vary between dark wood paneling and antique wallpaper. The only light illuminating a majority of the halls are candle lit chandeliers and sconses, in which the candles seemingly never run out of wax nor wick.

The decor changes consistently, and grows more outlandish and strange the deeper you traverse into the manor. Old family photos, oil paintings, and mirrors transform into strange statues that linger in the halls, and hunting trophies of animals you've never thought conceivable to mankind. Each stare at you as you walk past.

You immediately notice the high ceilings and the supernatural darkness that clings to the corners. As if it were an arcane smoke, this void-like essence snakes around every shadow touched crevasse. If you look close enough, you would see the tiny eyes that flicker and oggle at your every move. The Watchers.

Their whispers are next...filling your head with anxiety, doubt, and oddly enough at times....praise. You wonder if their constant hushed ramblings about you is a direct reflection of the Slenderman himself, or perhaps just another tool to manipulate you. They watch you for the first 6 months of your stay with no relent.

There are many doors that line the labyrinthine corridors. Some are locked and inaccessible, while others are almost begging you to open them. It is ill advised to go poking around in the rooms you are unfamiliar with. Some doors you cannot return from.

You would come to find that the estate is no doubt haunted. Icy cold corridors make love with spectral visions in the corners of your eyes as you amble through the halls at night. There are cries, and laughter, and yet you can never determine if these are ghosts or simply other residents of the manor like yourself.

Some ghosts have names and faces, but most of the specters you catch have no faces. If you stare at them too long, they vanish. It's unclear if these ghosts are mourning spirits of residents who came before you, or if they are ancient spirits that the Slenderman has summoned willingly, but you mostly find them comforting. You mostly notice them clearing cobwebs, amongst other tasks. It almost seems to make the mansion itself feel alive - as though the walls can speak to you in the language of creaks and groans.

𖦹⭒°｡⋆𖦹 Other Headcanons to be noted: 𖦹⋆°｡⭒𖦹

The mansion resides in The Woods. It's magical abilities are separate from that of The Collective.

There is an unnerving door knocker on the entrance. It is made of three faces, each with the following petrified expressions: the first face from the left has wide, terrified, bloodshot eyes and its mouth is hanging ajar in fear. The central face holes the knocker in its mouth, it possessed a downturned solemn expression. The third and final face mirrors the one on its left, only it appears to be moreso angry than terrified.

There is a gravel driveway that leads up to the manor. It splits into two sections but they both stop dead before they reach anything

There is a small garage on the left of the manor

There is a large, elaborate garden in the back of the manor. It is fit with a greenhouse and a large hedge maze. There is a large fountain at the center. Very few people are allowed access to this area.

𖦹⭒°｡⋆𖦹 I take requests! 𖦹⋆°｡⭒𖦹

[imagine-a-sanctuary-like-this]

Thoughts on AUs in fanfiction and why they may fall flat

So the other day I was having a conversation with a friend of mine about fanfic on ao3 and shared some thoughts on a very good SteveTony AU I'd read recently on ao3. We talked a little about that, and I was surprised to discover that my friend didn’t enjoy AUs because he felt that they defeated the point of writing about those specific characters. For him, an alternate universe (not canon-divergence, I mean like a serious AU that changes the setting completely) is more like an original work thinly veiled with the names of characters from fandom. Out of their specific stories they become something else - i.e., they are no longer the characters they are claimed to be, but simply OCs.

As someone who loves all kinds of AUs and who regularly filters by the Alternate Universe tag on ao3, I found this idea interesting. It got me thinking about the kinds of AUs I find successful and those that I feel fall flat, and in the end I came to the conclusion that it’s absolutely possible to write an AU that is wildly different from canon but still tells a story about the same essential characters. Since I've been reading a lot of SteveTony recently, I use Tony's arc (the MCU one) as an example here quite a bit, but you don't really need to be in the fandom to understand the point of the post.

Before all that, though, a quick poll:

Okay, so with that done...

I’ve decided to post my simple musings here, where perhaps other people would like to contribute to the discussion. I know many people enjoy AUs like me, and I always like to hear their reasoning for things like this.

Character Essence

First I guess we have to think about what makes a character who they are, since this is what the whole issue seems to hinge on. I’d imagine if I were asked to loosely define a character, I would say that broadly speaking they are a person (not necessarily a human person) in a work of fiction. This is good enough in that it seems to capture what I think of as the concept of 'character', but it's not helpful in so far as it gives us nothing to really differentiate one character from another.

So maybe what distinguishes a character from others is their personality. But if this is the case, it certainly does not encompass the whole idea - otherwise we would have no real way of distinguishing between characters who are as people the same, but end up in different circumstances that force them to act differently (an example of this would what I call type-b parallels within a same story, where characters with the same essential personality are thrust into different circumstances, probably to highlight their differences or make a thematic point). Probably a bigger issue here is that characters personalities change, sometimes almost to the point of becoming unrecognizable, or at least significantly different as a matter of personality (Jaime Lannister in season 1 vs season 4 of Game of Thrones, Bucky Barnes compared between Captain America: The First Avenger and Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Powder/Jinx or Jayce over S1 of Arcane to name a few examples). Still, we would generally consider someone whose arc includes a strong change ‘the same character’, even if they are not the same personality.

Obviously things like ‘character name’ or how they look don’t really seem to work on a fundamental level. I think a little closer to the mark is something like ‘the story the character goes through’, i.e., the events that happen to them or action they take over the course of canon. These define the arc, because you bounce the character off the events around them to form an image of how they change (or how they stay the same, in the case of flat arc. Basically imagine this as mapping their internal journey as a function throughout the story) or a deeper look into their psyche.

I think this is where me and my friend would diverge, because while I think characters’ specific stories and events are important, this view sort of misses why they are important.

Why tell stories?

The story is about something. I suppose the conventional term for this ‘about’ would be the ‘theme(s)’. The story - and therefore the character’s arc - has some essential components that align with the theme, or else act as a mode of its expression. What I’m saying is that in terms of narrative layers, the theme is probably the most fundamental. What comes on top of that - places, names, specific events - map onto the theme and all those core ideas underlying the narrative, usually in a way that follows ‘narrative beats’ (in that, moments in the story that are significant to the theme) that are usually not one-to-one specific to that situation. Often these involve exploring questions about human nature, psychology, morals, etc., which don’t in themselves require a specific context to be followed to a T.

By the way, I’m not saying it’s just this that differentiates a character, that would probably be too reductionist, but at least for me when I analyze a story, this is mostly what makes a character ‘who they are.’ Themes, beats.

Which is why I think AUs have great potential to be fully in-character and in line with ‘who the characters are’ in canon (if that is indeed the goal. To be honest though, I don’t always see the point of writing strong OOC on purpose because here you’re certainly not writing about the canon character anymore) while also adding fun new elements and worlds into the mix. This way you can change events dramatically, but as long as they have the same thematic relevance or fulfil the same beat in the story as in the original, it is hardly out of character at all.

Compatibility

Of course this works better for some universes than it does for others. Some thematic beats are simply too fine-tuned to the story - for example, I have trouble visualising a drastic AU of something like Better Call Saul that keeps up with even most of this stuff. ‘A drastic AU’ here would be something like removing the ‘lawyer’ element from the story completely. I mean, one of the other reasons you probably couldn’t do that is because ‘law’ is among the themes of BCS. Some themes necessarily imply certain content, so you can't really write about these characters without writing about the law somehow.

On the other hand, other arcs are very adaptable to this kind of AU-fication. An example that springs to my mind is the MCU (not 616!) Tony Stark’s arc. It’s fairly complex, but after some reflection - and drawing on a LOT of SteveTony AU fics done well - I've found the themes are very ‘universalizable’.

To illustrate, here are the main things Tony's story is about: sacrifice/selflessness, redemption, purpose (very big in Iron Man 1), moral choices like security vs freedom (Civil War), identity I guess (big in IM3), security taken on its own (obsession with extra-terrestrial threats after what he saw in the wormhole in Avengers 1 is the cause of PTSD in IM3, creation of Ultron in Age of Ultron and the whole thematic thing they did with Thanos in Infinity War), dealing with strong emotions (Civil War)…

So there’s a lot to draw from. And what I mean when I say this kind of arc is 'universalizable' is that a lot of these can be mapped onto other stories without losing much of this meaning. This is coincidentally why I believe AUs “before ‘modern science’ was a thing” still work for Tony, because nowhere in his arc is Tony necessarily a scientist. I see it more as a tool for these themes than a theme of its own. It seems there are many beautiful AUs out there where Tony is not a scientist/engineer, yet remains in character (though I guess if you consider it a necessary part of his character, he isn’t in-character, and my argument is circular. I don't think it is though. I might make a post about this sometime...).

Anyway. That's some stuff in favour of AUs from a the story structure standpoint. They can be non-OOC.

Now, of course, an AU is not bad if it isn’t in line with what the original story was about. Well, okay, firstly there’s probably gradations of how close you are in terms of loyalty to the shape of the original story. Some AUs are almost one-to-ones moved into a different setting, some are a little more vague but follow with the general idea and map onto the most important things in the original story. If your criterion for a 'good' AU is just characters staying in character (which in my view is a little... shallow) then I guess you have a way of differentiating between fics. Personally, I think a lot goes into a good AU, and being in-character or OOC is just one factor (though not a small one).

Interpretation

There's just one more thing to talk about, and that of course is the matter of interpretation.

Different people may interpret what a character's story is about very differently. This is a complicated question that tracks back to the nature of truths and all kinds of things that are beyond the scope of this post, so I'll only touch on this briefly. Coming back to the Tony Stark example (I swear I have others, but months of reading SteveTony are... showing). I have seen people claim that Tony's arc is essentially about him realizing that 'making weapons bad' and finding ways to right his wrong and become a better person. I don't think this is... entirely wrong. That does happen in the first Iron Man movie.

But the broader point is: the people who claim this and me have looked at the same material and drawn different conclusions. Is either of us mistaken?

I think the answer in this case is yes. The reason is evidence. There is a lot more evidence against the above statement than for it (this doesn't mean my vision of Tony's arc is accurate, mind you, only that this one is inaccurate) which I think resolves the question nicely.

Some people think that discussion about literature consist of nothing but opinions, and evidence is... irrelevant. I disagree. Value-statements are certainly opinions, but examining a character's arc is not entirely a value-statement, a lot of it is working with material. The material is the story, and a lot of it can be used as concrete evidence - events, things characters say or do, things they think even. These do form a picture, and while it's sometimes hard to find a single thing they point to, it's usually pretty easy to weed out things they definitely don't point to.

Now of course, I think some variation will exist without any statement being correct or incorrect, but most of the time for the fundamental ideas in stories there will be a bunch of clearly wrong interpretations, and very strong - true - evidence that shows why those interpretations are wrong.

Endnotes

Anyway, wrapping up, that’s my thoughts on AUs and why some of them may fall flat for people like my friend. I think for a guy like him, the reason he hasn’t read many good AUs is that he hasn’t read many in general, so there’s not a big sample to draw from. And then once you’ve made a judgement about a kind of fic, you don’t try it again, so you never really end up changing your mind even if there is a chance that it might be.

If any of y’all have thoughts on this (you like AUs/dislike AUs, maybe your ideas about what makes a good AU) I would love to read them. Drop a comment!

- S

[arcane-essence]

How It Begins

The Blackrock Chronicles pre-canon fic, 1041 words

Rythian hummed happily to himself as he entered his flat; the holiday was here, and he was looking forward to spending it with his family after spending a long while too busy with study to visit. Of course, he wasn't near an End Portal, but he had a way around that.

Once he’d made sure his door was locked, he untucked his ender pearl necklace from his shirt, cupping the pearl in his hands and concentrating. In the second it took for his teleport magic to run through his body, the ender pearl cooled to an almost icy temperature, its own magic releasing, mingling with his own and boosting it.

For humans, ender pearls granted the ability to teleport – once. For people like Rythian, however, who could already teleport under their own power (at the cost of a lot of energy), they did something different. Rythian may not have been near enough to an End Portal to use one, but he had the next best thing.

His teleport activated, and he fell through the world.

After a moment of feeling like he was free-falling, the teleport completed, his feet touched the ground again, and he was in the End. He took a deep breath, ready to look around and find his bearings-

and almost choked on the smog in the air.

It wasn’t smoke – well, not entirely, he could smell the distinct scent of burnt wood and purpur among it. It was a spell, one so dense it had become tangible, and it was making Rythian’s eyes water and his throat burn.

He squeezed his eyes shut to protect them from the smog, taking shallower breaths, and opened the small fronds under his ears that marked him as enderborn, to try and sense the purpose of the spell. He could pick out the qualities of transfiguration and… binding? It was hard to make out, the spell was constructed in a completely archaic way. The transfigurative quality seemed to be connected to what may be an isolation quality, but that was the last aspect he could pick out before his fronds started burning too.

That was when he realised that the burning wasn’t due to the tangibility of the spell – sensory fronds weren’t so fragile that they could be harmed by smoke. No, the spell itself was causing this pain, seeping into his skin and his blood and his very bones.

And then he realised that it had transfigurative effects.

Now that he’d realised what was going on, he could recognise the way the pain was coming from the spell trying to forcibly alter his body. He closed his fronds, and forced his eyes open again to see where the range of the spell ended. He needed to get out. Where had he even landed, to find this awful creation?

His knees almost buckled, and not from the steadily growing pain from the spell. He was standing on the central end island, exactly where he’d intended to go, but the city... The buildings were burnt and shattered husks, and the once towering castle was rubble. The only things intact were the obsidian pillars and the crystals they were supporting, and the almost-clear smog appeared to span the entire island.

What had happened here?

Rythian finally fell to the ground as a pulse of intense pain went through his entire body, especially his jaw. Whatever the spell was meant to do, it was working, and he couldn’t stay here. He grabbed the ender pearl still hanging around his neck and readied a teleport.

He saw movement in the corner of his eye and turned to look, and in the split second before the teleport activated, his eyes met another's.

The feeling of floating once again, and he was back in his house. Safe again, but exhausted from the two consecutive dimensional teleports, he didn’t bother even going to his sofa; he simply curled up on the floor as the pain slowly ebbed away.

-

Later, Rythian found himself staring at his teeth in the bathroom mirror.

One minute. That’s how long he’d spent in the End, and in one minute, the spell had done this. They were still teeth, but...

After he’d mostly recovered from the teleports, he’d had the thought to examine himself for any traces of the spell, hoping he could decode the remnants to find its purpose. The few remaining fragments of it were too faded for that, but he’d noticed where in his body they’d been before they faded. His eyes, teeth and fronds; the only parts of him that were ender in origin. It’s what had led him to look in the mirror.

His canines had lengthened, and the rest of his teeth sharpened, making them look predatory. They were also now black, the pearlescent sheen of his end-folk teeth giving them a black-pearl appearance. They looked kind of cool, actually, but also like they’d give him trouble eating certain foods, and he’d probably be biting his tongue for a while until he could reverse this, and… he didn’t like the implications.

Rythian was, mostly, human. This meant he had human blood, with water and iron; naturally resistant to magic. The spell had needed to work past that resistance before it could do anything, working remarkably fast even at that, and once he’d left the source, it had simply stopped working and then disappeared.

Humans, however, were not the primary population of the End. On an enderman, with their magical blood... The spell would have started working much faster, for one thing, and would have been a lot more painful. Then, if the one being affected had been lucid enough through the pain to get out of range, the spell would have been able to stick much more efficiently and keep working on them even once the source was gone.

He wasn’t stupid. The spell had targeted his ender traits; it would have been many times more effective on a full enderman; and it was cast on the main city of the end dimension. It was meant for endermen.

Rythian closed his eyes and leaned on the sink.

…if it had done this much to him after only a minute, what would have happened to someone fully affected?

[evilyunia]

1, 14, 17 for Ranrys!

Ah, thank you for asking the questions! And to everyone who reads this: yes Ranrys is evil and irredeemable +should be that way

1. What inspired you to create your OC?

This is a really funny question to me, because Ranrys creation were very spontaneous. You see i have an own original fantasy setting (shocking i know) and there's a character named Lucian. He has this drow looking appearance (i mean visibly dark obsidian skin tone and white hair) and once while re-reading Drizzt saga i decided to make an AU where Lucian is an actual drow from Forgotten Realms. At first i wanted everything to stay that way, but then i realised that Lucian is too sweet and too polite person to be a drow from Lolth sworn society and to make him one means to change his personality completely. Also i didn't had a drow OC for a literal decade despite them being my all time favourite fantasy elven race. So decision were made to redesign Lucian into separate character and gave him a new name. At thas time i re-opened to myself OST from Enclave videogame especially from dark campaign and it inspired me a LOT to work with Ranrys more, especially when there were no limitations anymore. Now it's even shocking for me to think that him a Lucian were the same person.

14. Did you give your OC a love interest? Is it another OC or canon character? Why?

While being a mortal drow Ranrys had a lot of sexual partners but him being a pick me male +wanting to show his power any time he could made him a very abusive and cruel partner especially for drow men whom did not study arcane magic (Ranrys has a deep respect to scholars of all types and also he deems as dirt beneath him everyone whom he finds non intelligent enough, disposable or powerless mostly hierarchy type-wise). And even those who are mages Ranrys treated as his rivals and possible threat because there's can be only one token powerful male drow wizard.

But canonical love interest for Ranrys is his demonic patron Sarkontil. Both got involved when Ranrys were still a mortal trying to get an immortality and later their relationships became official after Sarkontil turned Ranrys into fiend by giving him a demonic life essence taken from another demon. Ending up in a servitude of more powerful fiend without any means to escape were a critical mistake of Ranrys he didn't foreseen because of his own arrogance. Sarkontil treated Ranrys like a toy you can hug while distress and also rip it's head apart when you are angry, having constantly an insane mood swings between being an affectionate lover and a torturer making life for his partner much harder every time just because he can. At first Ranrys tried to cope very hard telling himself that this is a small payment for new gained immortality, but the more time passed the more Ranrys became to genuinely hate and despise Sarkontil untill any admiration for him were gone. One day Ranrys had enough of these humiliations so he finally decided to kill his lover and end this parody of partnership once and for all. But also Ranrys didn't wanted just to kill Sarkontil no no no. His plan were to destroy Sarkontil's physical body without touching demonic essence giving him a chance to reborn powerless without any of his possessions. To be clear: to make Sarkontil go through misery, pain and humiliation. So Ranrys did killed him and took all of his possessions in Abyss. Truly a success, but there's was a thing he couldn't predicted. After hundred years passed Sarkontil DID reborn and his punishment... Wasn't a punishment at all! You see Sarkontil is old and immortal and few last centuries were a boredom for him: he tired of his life he tired of everything being the same, same layer of abyss, same cultists, same amusement in Zelatar. The more Sarkontil became older the more his accomplishments seemed shallow. Even participating in Blood Wars wasn't much interesting to Sarkontil anymore (even though he loves to kill devils). So losing everything and to have constantly to survive was a true blessing, like unironically. But the worst part (for Ranrys) is that after returning to Abyss Sarkontil became totally obsessed with him. You see only a few previous Sarkontil's lovers had enough courage to go against him, even less tried to murder him, and none of them succeed. Except Ranrys.

Sarkontil realised that he has more fun to be involved with someone who isn't pandering to him. Ranrys on other hand truly despises Sarkontil but he also a big fan of sex, schemes and murder (even emotional rollercoaster became more fun after Sarkontil lost half of his powers and Ranrys gained ones so now they are just equally awful to each other).

This is already too many words i try to keep a short description of their dynamics.

Sarkontil: loves Ranrys in his own twisted way, thinks that every other potential partner sucks except Ranrys, still doesn't treat him seriously and more like "haha angry twink funny"

Ranrys: genuinely hates Sarkontil, thinks he's a shallow dumbfuck but sleeps with him anyway. Will deny any positive feelings about him.

Together: they are kinda moody like both can go together on a date to see gladiators butchering themselves to death on arena and have a civil conversation, but second later they try to murder each other in public. Sarkontil and Ranrys sometimes plot a schemes against each other but it's more like a ritual to them. Usually they like to involve a second party to participate in schemes, then kill that person or people together in a brutal way and have a sex right after murder occurred (did i mention Sarkontil and Ranrys are the worst people? Now i have). And yes, they also both physically violent to each other probably local demonic nobility in Zelatar finds their relationships truly romantic tee-hee

17. List/describe up to five tropes that apply to your oc. They could be related to the oc's characterization or their narrative arc.

Ah, this one a very interesting,i do not know many tropes but i will try my best!

1. Power-hungry wizard obsessed with magic and only interested to gain more.

2. Beautiful cunning person that took their appearance as advantage.

3. Oppressed sides with oppressors. Ranrys will say that every drow male warrior deserves his low place in hierarchy +Lolth tyranny is cool and based. Yes even if he himself betrayed Lolth.

4. Mean bitch who cannot accept any defeats or fails. +Perfectionist better_than_you Idk what else to say.

[baambastic]

Hell yeah. Thanks, @sophiasrant and @head-in-the-clouds27.

Okay, so, for context, in my medieval fantasy TimKon AU, Metropolis and Krypton are neighboring kingdoms with a rapidly declining relationship. In Metropolis, Clark and Lois and King and Queen and Kon is the Prince. Kon’s origin is that he’s a half-human half-dragon homunculus created by the Mercurial Mage (Max Mercury) using a mix of magical essence from Clark and Luthor of the Lacuna (Lex is a dragon here), as a favor for Luthor providing Max with arcane secrets. Eventually, the Kingdom of Metropolis brokered a treaty with Luthor. The deal was that Metropolis would provide Luthor with food and wealth, as well as a representative in the royal court, in exchange for Luthor committing no further acts against the Kingdom or its interests. Kon was used as insurance by Metropolis in this treaty. He would be raised by the royal family and even made part of the line of succession, under the condition that if Luthor violated the treaty, Kon would be executed. Luthor has his own safeguards in place for if the Kingdom violates the treaty, of course.

Because of his background and position, Kon’s current life is full of people who variously walk on eggshells around him, bend over backwards to serve him, and yet also foist heaps of expectations on him while viewing him as inhuman. It’s made Kon self-aggrandizing and arrogant, but also deeply alone, alienated, and frustrated, so he rails against the role he’s supposed to occupy however he can. Over the course of the first part of the trilogy, he learns to understand just how much his whims can screw with other people’s lives and gains some humility, and he finds friends, companionship, and love outside of hiss world inside the castle walls, outside of what he’s supposed to be and hated for being.

On the other hand, we have Lor-Zod, Prince of the Kingdom of Krypton, ruled by King Dru-Zod and his royal consort, Ursa. In this AU, Chris Kent would never have ended up in Clark’s and Lois’s care, and so he instead spent his childhood living in Krypton with his god-awful abusive bio parents. A kindhearted boy born to parents with no hearts at all, Lor was raised to take after his mother and became known as the “War Dog of Krypton”. Lor is 15 years old when he is introduced into the story. It’s worth noting that in this AU, Kryptonians don’t have any superpowers. Zod and Ursa broke Lor down and built him up again as a weapon for them to point at their enemies, but that wasn’t enough. Zod enlisted Krypton’s Science Council in finding a way to make Lor more dangerous than any opponent he might fight. Jax-Ur was the one who made the breakthrough Zod was looking for: a way to capture the dark magics of the Nightwing and bind them to the prince’s soul. It succeeded, turning Lor into effectively a one-boy vanguard for Krypton.

Kon constantly chafes against what his kingdom expects of him and the inhumanity they assigned to him based on the circumstances of his existence, and he becomes more assured in himself and his personhood by overcoming that. And he did so by gaining friends and support, finding more people who care about him regardless of his station or nature.

In contrast, Lor has been thoroughly beaten and broken by the expectations forced on him by his parents and kingdom. They’ve reduced him to a tool for them to use, and they’ve reduced him to seeing himself the same way. Lor never found the support he needed, with the only meager kindness he ever experienced coming from Non, the Chief Scientist. And the Science Council made Lor’s metaphorical inhumanity more literal by binding the Nightwing’s essence to him. And none of it was enough to gain Lor approval from those around him, no matter how much he bent and bowed to their expectations. Lor’s existence is a dark reflection, a living example of how Kon’s life could have gone wrong, which is only heightened by the reader’s background knowledge of the kind of person Lor/Chris is at heart, who he would have been if he had anyone who actually cared about him or loved him. Kon fought to be more than what he was “supposed” to be, but Lor never had a chance to raise his fists in the first place.

Not me obsessing over two characters foiling each other so perfectly but I can’t even talk about them in a way anyone will understand because it’s in a sequel to a sequel to a fic that I haven’t even finished planning out yet goddammit why do i do this to myself

[princessfaeron]

The Heyard family farm supplies most of Oakside’s fresh crops and meat. Younger residents of the village are occasionally seen wandering around just past the property line. I wonder what they do there?

[pomellon]

Dusk’s Saurian Dragons: Elemental Magic

Okay this took me way too long but here some more dragon lore for my dragon aus! Same as the other posts this is lore I basically use for ALL my dragon aus and ocs :D

Some stuff is tweaked a little bit between some aus and fandoms to fit canons, (magic is for example sometimes replaced with essence, sometimes dragon blood is the color of the magic and sometimes not, etc.) but this is the base info for elemental magic to easier direct people to for when I start posting about dragon aus.

Elemental Magic

Saurian dragons get their magic abilities shortly after they settle into their classes, usually when they're in their late teens or early twenties. When this happens the dragon’s eyes, as well as their flesh and blood, will slowly shift from their baby grey to their adult colour, which corresponds with their elemental magic.

There’s fourteen types of magic in the saurian world. The four most common ones are fire, earth, air, and water. Followed by the four uncommon ones of ice, lightning, light, and shadow. Then the rare ones of carnage, nature, arcane, and astral.

There’s also the two mystic elements, void and mind. These differ a bit from au to au, but void will often be a banish element that’s rare or no longer exists, while mind has gone extinct.

Gods and Claims

Each type of magic is represented by a god, ancient beings who came to life at the dawn of time and shaped worlds to home their many creations. They are particularly fond of dragons as they were created in their image, and it’s through the gods that dragons get their magic abilities.

The ancient ones watch over the dragons closely and if they find one who has similar values and world views as themselves they will claim that specific dragon as one of their “children”. It’s the claim that allows the dragon to use the same magic as their godly parent, and it’s because of this that dragons with the same element tend to have similar personality types.

A claim generally lasts for the dragon’s whole lifetime, but similar to classes a claim might change or fade should the dragon’s personality drastically alter. If a god notices one of their children changing their views and values they might hand them off to another god they think may be a better fit, or simply withdraw their claim. Getting a change in magic might slightly, or sometimes drastically, change the dragon's appearance as well.

Subclaims also exist, and can happen if a god decides to temporarily give an already claimed dragon the ability to use their magic as well. Sometimes this is done as a godly favour or if the god senses the dragon will be surrounded or tied to their element for a long period of time, therefore giving them their blessing. Subclaims can also be triggered by magic items, in which case the sub claim will last as long as the dragon uses or wears the item. Magic coming from magic items tends to be unpredictable and harder to control than natural magic.

If a dragon has a subclaim they will usually keep the magic colour of their original claim, but sometimes the colours of both magics might mix, or the colour of the sub claim might show in one of the dragon’s eyes.

Completely losing a claim is very rare and tends to only happen if a dragon has fallen into a deep despair, unable to feel anything but emptiness and sorrow, therefore becoming unnoticeable by the gods. Losing their magic can be very distressing, painful, and even fatal, since magic is meant to flow through their entire bodies. While some dragons may survive having no claim they will be very weak and frail.

Magic can be used in a couple of different ways, from controlling the elementals that naturally exist in the world, to summoning the elements by breath attacks, constructs, or even creating elemental creatures or familiars. Elements that are summoned are created by pure magic and will eventually fade, so a fire started by breath magic usually won’t spread very far and will die out fast. However if a dragon was to control naturally created fire it would behave and last just as long as fire normally would.

These are the elemental gods, as well as the basic personality traits and magic used by their children:

(Please note that a dragon’s personality traits don’t always have to fit in with the element they possess. Sometimes the gods will claim a dragon that’s different to its other children, either because they sense they will have a connection to their element or simply because. If you want to create your own character within this lore,  or assign an element to fandom characters for aus, please do not feel forced to have them fit to a specific personality type. Similarly the magic colours shown are just a range of examples and does not have to be colour picked.)

Fire Spirit of Flames (she/they) Fire magic is linked to passion, loyalty and courage. Fire elementals tend to be flashy, whether it is through fashion, a loud way of speaking, or charming charisma. They have a way to grab others’ attention, like moths to a flame. They will at times be hot headed but quickly calm down where there’s nothing to fuel the fire.

Fire magic allows the wielder to raise temperatures and control heated elements like fire, metals, and lava. The wielder can heat the space around them or center it on a spot to set fire to or melt objects.

Fire magic will have the colour of bright oranges or red-oranges.

Earth Guard of Gems (she/they) Earth magic is linked to stability, practicality and consistency. Earth elements are gentle creatures of methodology and routine. They tend to be stubborn and set in their ways but because of this they often carry trades and knowledge from generations past. Some say that their past down knowledge might be as old as the earth itself.

Earth magic allows the wielder to shape and control different elements of earth, like rocks, gems, or metal. With a lot of practice and patience they can learn to summon earthquakes or reshape entire terrains.

Earth magic will have the colour of warm pinks, browns and or red-browns.

Air Messenger of Gales (he/they) Air magic is linked to freedom, adventure, and curiosity. Air elementals are always on the move, on a continuous path of exploring and finding enjoyment in the world. They’re free like the wind itself and won’t be tied down or take on commitments that will force them to stay in one place for any long periods of time.

Air magic allows the wielder to control wind and air. They mostly use this to control their flight and ability to travel, but can also deal devastating damage with powerful gusts and wind blasts. Some are even skilled enough to travel to places where others would find it hard to breathe.

Air magic will have the colour of cool pastel purples and blues.

Water Keeper of Tides (he/they) Water magic is linked to sensitivity, compassion, and empathy. Water elementals are open and friendly, often wearing their hearts on their sleeves. They easily read and relate to others’ emotions, like they read and prepare for the waves at sea, but at times they might struggle to fully understand their own feelings that hide in their depths.

Water magic allows the wielder to control liquids and humidity, making it possible for the user to be able to breathe and move quickly through bodies of water. While they can drag out liquid from the surrounding humidity they prefer to carry water with them when travelling. With a lot of practice a group of water elementals can even summon natural rain.

Water magic will have the colour of blues, dark blues, and blue-greens.

Ice Vagabond of Frosts (he/they) Ice magic is linked to solitude, visionary, and performance. Ice elementals often prefer solitude and can appear antisocial or detached. Because of this they will often pull on an act to fit in and tend to be quite good performers. They can be very resourceful with what little they have in the bare tundra and they’re good at planning ahead for harsher times.

Ice magic is similar to fire in the way that it allows the wielder to control temperatures, in this case lowering it. The wielder can freeze the area around them, grow ice spikes, and control objects that are frozen.

Ice magic will have the colour of pale blues, and grey-blues.

Lightning Ruler of Storms (she/they) Lightning magic is linked to energy, efficiency, and impulsivity. Lightning elementals are full of electric energy and tend to bounce from one project to the next, quick at completing and improving their tasks and skills. They don’t always think things through however, and many of them prefer trial and error over careful and detailed planning.

Lightning magic allows the wielder to summon lightning and control the flow of electricity. This magic, just like the ones wielding it, tend to be very unpredictable and impulsive. Energy blasts and waves of electricity are the most efficient direct attacks, but it takes a lot of practice and finest control. The magic can also be used to help build and control electronics and machinery.

Lightning magic will have the colour of bright blues and teals.

Light Knight of Suns (he/they) Light magic is linked to justice, truth, and hope. Light elementals are diplomatic and often prefer to settle disputes with words but are not afraid to take action in the face of injustice. They like to share their skills and knowledge and are enlightened within many topics, but at times see things in black and white and have a hard time accepting anything in between.

Light magic allows the wielder to summon and control light. This can be as simple as to create spheres of light to brighten an area but can also be used to create powerful light beam shards. With a lot of knowledge some wielder might even be able to travel through light in a kind of teleportation.

Light magic will have the colour of pale and bright yellows, and orange-yellows.

Shadow Rogue of Veils (she/they) Shadow magic is linked to trickery, deception, and secrets. Shadow elementals love the unknown, they like to figure things out and gather knowledge, very similar to light elementals except they like to keep their information for themselves in the dark. For a good price they might give up a secret, but they’re just as likely to return it with trickery.

Shadow magic allows the wielder to summon and control shadows and darkness. This can be used to create complete pitch darkness to blind enemies, or to make shadows tangible and dangerous. With a lot of skill some wielder might even be able to travel through shadows in a kind of teleportation.

Shadow magic will have the colour of cool, bright, and dark purples.

Carnage Maid of Bones (she/they) Carnage magic is heavily linked to destruction, death, and decay. Pure carnage elementals are rare and most of them are only subclaimed. They’re driven by a personal purpose or objective which often leads to violence and death, but they’re not necessarily aggressive by nature. All things must come to an end eventually and they’re simply here to ensure the circle of life and death continues.

Carnage magic allows the wielder to control blood and decay. Wounds caused by carnage elementals and magic fester and refuse to heal and wielders can shape and control spilled blood. The magic also gives them the ability to survive and slowly heal from wounds that would have killed other elementals. With a lot of skill carnage magic seems to be able to reverse and heal wounds instead of causing them.

Carnage magic will have the colour of bright and dark reds.

Nature Healer of Meadows (he/they) Nature magic is linked to creation, life, and growth. Nature elementals are gentle but blunt. They’re very aware of the laws of nature itself and while they hold the ability to heal and grow they usually aren’t bothered by death since that’s simply part of life. They tend to be nurturing and will often care for their own kind, plants, or animals, and help them grow to find their place in the world.

Nature magic allows the wielder to control plant life and encourage growth. They can heal wounds and illnesses, as well as control plant life to make them grow and move according to their wishes. Their magic can also summon momentary mutations and growth spurts for creatures, giving them a strong power boost. However with excessive use nature magic can go too far, encouraging decay past the growth.

Nature magic will have the colour of cool greens.

Arcane Sage of Mystics (he/they) Arcane magic is linked to knowledge, science, and intuition. Arcane elementals are all about knowledge and facts. They’re the types to pick things apart and put them together again to figure out how they work. They’re intelligent and driven to understand the world and magic itself, but will at times ignore morals and judgements to get what they want.

Arcane magic allows the wielder to control magic itself. The magic takes a lot of practice and skill to handle, and can be self destructive, but if successfully used it can redirect, control, and absorb summoned magic by other dragons and creatures. On a large scale arcane elementals can unleash devastating powers by magic blasts and constructs. On a smaller scale they can also change or stop the flow of other creatures' magic, influencing their ability to move and function. With a lot of practice and observation arcane elementals can even mimic the magic of other elementals.

Arcane magic will have the colour of warm, bright, and dark purples.

Astral Judge of Stars (she/they) Astral magic is linked to space, patience, and impartiality. Astral elementals are the master of patience, they take things as they come and go with the flow. They tend to be agreeable but at the same time aloof. While they might act friendly they very rarely get attached to anything, but because of that they’re able to remain unbiased and judge things fairly.

Astral magic allows the wielder to control space and gravity. They can make creatures or objects heavier or lighter, as well as shrink or enlarge them. They’re able to alter the space around them to move things around by using their magic. Astral elementals are also able to see things other elementals can’t, like visions of the past and future, or even other realities. In very rare cases some astral wielders even have the ability to control time.

Astral magic will have the colour of warm and bright greens.

Mind Wielder of Minds (they/them) Mind magic is linked to sentience, thoughts, and emotions. Mind elementals are intelligent, and could easily be mind readers even without their powers. They can predict someone’s next moves or quickly figure out their motives or wants by sensing their emotions. This tends to make them likeable, but also confusing for others as they will often act in ways their companions will enjoy, meaning they act very differently around different companions. They have several different masks for different occasions but they very rarely show their true face.

Mind magic allows the wielder to control minds. It can be simple things like little tricks or illusions, slightly changing someone’s mind or feelings about something. But it can also be complete control of the mind and having others spell bound under their magic, erasing memories and emotions, creating visions so real they hurt. In some very rare cases mind elementals can even grant sentience and intelligence to other creatures or even objects.

Mind magic will have the colour of pure white but can be any colour as part of its ability to create illusions. 

Void Stalker of Voids (they/it) Void magic is linked to discourse, chaos, and the unknown. Void elementals are nothing and everything all at once. Unlike the other elementals, voids are almost always controlled by their godly parent and are little more than puppets on strings for the Stalker to do with as they please. While oftentimes emotionless they will randomly have bursts of a chaotic mix of emotions that often makes them violent and unpredictable.

Void magic is nothing and everything. The magic itself often appears as black sludge or webs but can take the appearance and ability of any magic, most commonly of the magic that has recently been absorbed or devoured by the void elemental. Void elementals are however more likely to use physical attacks over magical ones, only using the black sludge on and around them to trap prey and victims.

Void magic will have the colour of pure black but can be any colour as part of its chaotic nature and ability to absorb other magic.

MAGIC IN THE SAURIAN WORLD

Magic in itself can be quite volatile and unpredictable and it exists everywhere within this world. Fauna and flora will usually have the same elemental magic as dragons even though they aren’t always able to display or use it. Instead the magic flows within their bodies, which is an incredibly important food source for the dragons.

To live a healthy life and to be able to use their magic abilities dragons need to consume magic. Preferably of the same kind as their claim, but at times closely related magic sources will do too, for example water and ice. In a pinch a completely different magic will do as well, for example light and shadow, but it will slowly poison the dragon if it’s a diet followed for a long period of time.

If a dragon goes without magic for a long period or time, or their food source doesn't contain much magic, they will slowly lose their magic abilities. Oftentimes their eye, flesh, and blood colour will grow pale, and gain back a slightly grey hue similar to their baby colour. This is a condition mostly referred to as Dull Eyes and will also happen to dragons who have lost their magic claim.

Most areas in this world will have a mix of elemental magic fauna and flora, while others are heavily influenced by one specific magic type, these are often referred to as Domains. Dragons can live in any area of the world, but similar to their diet some dragons of certain elements might grow weak in some domains. A light dragon might grow sickly spending too much time in a shadow domain, while a water dragon might not be able to use much of their magic in a fire one. On the other hand, a dragon with the same magic as the domain they're in can continuously draw magic from their surroundings, making them strong and powerful. Dragons of a similar element might even find their claim shift to that of the domains, sometimes temporarily and other times permanently.

There have been flights who have attempted to settle down in domains, but these areas tend to move, shift, and sometimes completely vanish, so it’s never been done successfully.

[catalists]

Chrome’s shadowgast fic rec list, vol 1

Well, well, well, if it isn’t the consequences of my own obsession with wizards. I might make another one of these eventually if y’all keep churning out absolute bangers, but in the meantime, here is a list of my top Shadowgast fic recs.

One rule here: I’m limiting this to one fic per author--but many people on this list have a broader oeuvre you should definitely check out.

Your disclaimer: this is not a full literature review, but rather my personal favorites. Caveat lector!

* = fic is rated M or E

sleeping in the shadow of an other self by nonwal | @nonwal

Essek has a moment to consider that gravity-based trust exercises have never worked for him, and then the spell hits. He leans back into it, falls, falls.

(In which Essek is resurrected by the Mighty Nein and framed for innocence.)

Okay, listen. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out. There’s a reason it’s at the top of the list. 30k of absolutely phenomenal characterization of not only Shadowgast but all the M9 and the coolest plot to ever plot. Not only a fantastic first read, but a phenomenal re-read as well.

multitudinous echoes awoke and died in the distance by mousecookie | @ariadne-mouse

Caleb takes a step forward and stumbles.  As he catches himself he realizes something very odd.  His hands are shadowy and translucent.  His whole body is a shadow, in fact.  If he holds his palm up to the sky, he can see the stars twinkling faintly through it.

Sharp talons of panic dig into his chest.  He feels solid - if he grabs his own wrist, he has mass, but it is wrong.  Everything is wrong.  What is happening?

Prepare Fireball, commands a voice in his head.  

The voice is familiar.  

It takes him a moment to realize it’s familiar because it’s his.

An absolutely fabulous pre-relationship fic, written before the end of the show but you wouldn’t know it from how perfectly it nails the dynamic. Ariadne has written a ton of other fabulous Shadowgast fics and I encourage you to read them all--I’m just limiting this list to one fic per author to try and cover more ground.

Great Minds by bluebirdsongs

Essek uses more high-level dunamancy in battle, and Caleb tries to reverse-engineer it when he can't sleep. AKA What if we were both wizards and I cast Tether Essence on us to save your life?

This is a gorgeous fic, both for how it handles Caleb and Essek’s conversation--with profound deftness--and for the treatment of magic-as-math. A beautiful exploration of both dunamancy and Caleb and Essek.

to make a cradle of your palm* by renquise

Essek offers Caleb his spellbook, open to the page of a new spell.

As Caleb suspected, his adaptation of Essek's gravity spell was different in its conception, for all that the result was the same. The architecture of this similar spell speaks of a different thought process, a different set of basic assumptions. It is beautifully engineered, efficient in its use of components and energy: a simple spell requiring only a length of silk thread and yet capable of reaching over a great distance and causing great damage, if applied with intent to harm.

“If you would like, you can, ah. You may—" Essek gestures at his own throat, a quick, inelegant spread of fingers. "Test the application of pressure that the spell exerts."

It takes Caleb a moment to register what Essek is proposing. He is a delicate speaker, as always.

Oh man, this one just goes for the jugular (ha) in the most perfect way. The prose here, like everything renquise writes, is absolutely masterful, and the tension between Caleb and Essek is exquisitely rendered.

fist-fighting with fire just to get close to you by kaeda | @the-kaedageist

Caleb caught Essek’s eye across the dome, and Essek returned his small smile. “It would seem that it is trickier than expected to keep things on a…private channel,” Essek thought at him.

“Unfortunately,” Caleb replied.

“Unfortunately for all of us,” Fjord interjected.

(Spoilers for campaign 2, episode 138)

Kate has a fabulous gift for getting the Mighty Nein’s voices exactly right, and this fic is no exception. This takes the hive mind/telepathy of the eyes to its hilarious, heart-warming, logical conclusion and it’s an absolute joy to read.

(perhaps i may) elaborate by demonstration* by marsastronomica | @marsastronomica

After the second fight, they rest again. There’s still time left in the day, and they may as well push as far as they can. Essek and Caleb find time between action to talk. And negotiate.

This one is an absolute banger. The flirting! The tension! The incredible intense game of chicken that Essek and Caleb are playing this whole fic...it’s amazing, you can hear the dialogue in their voices, this is another one that I read and then had to tell everyone about. And now I’m telling you about. Go read it, it kicks ass.

I’ve been lost before (and I’m lost again, I guess)* by toneofjoy

Caleb has plans to take down his old coaches. Essek has secrets. They climb rocks, make new friends, explore professional boundaries, learn about consequences, and maybe even fall in love. It’s the Shadowgast climbing AU.

AUs can be a tough sell for me, but this one’s not. Half the joy in this is the fabulously vivid world that is built by the author who absolutely knows the ins and outs of competitive climbing and expertly shares it with the reader. The other half is the beautiful growing relationship between Caleb and Essek, which is a consistent joy to read. It’s still a WIP, but I promise it’s worth reading along.

the other things that make us* by saturday_sky | @saturdaysky

Essek returns, when he can, to the sanctuary of Caleb's home. The peace of it is a balm against the tedious peril of the road, which has more misery to share than Essek had ever thought. It's nice to have a place where he can lose himself: in a book, in arcane study, in the confusing allure of Caleb's smile.

It's nice. And the cats miss him, Caleb says.

[First chapter is a complete story. Second chapter will be a follow-up epilogue to it.]

This one hurts in the best possible way. I can’t highlight my favorite bits without giving it away, but the emotional beats of this absolutely beautiful post-canon fic are top-notch and the reveal of information is perfectly executed.

darkness to me is only water to the sea by treeviality

Essek knows how his story ends. There is a place in Rexxentrum where executions are carried out, wooden steps leading up to a wooden platform. There hangs a noose, swaying lightly in northern wind, while polished cobblestones shine bright in golden light.  

There will be birds, Essek imagines, and when the lever is pulled and gravity takes hold of him one last time, he hopes they take flight.

This now-AU take on Essek being arrested is lyrical and beautiful and the author has a tremendous grasp of language and also how to rip your heart straight out of your chest and then gently replace it.

---

And, if you’re still looking for fic, I have a few, but one of my favorites is:

we never do go over (we always gotta go through) by Chrome

In the last fight with the Tombtakers, Essek Thelyss bends reality to keep them all alive and pays the price. As he copes with the aftereffects of his own magic and the party takes the long journey back to the surface, Essek and Caleb finally confront what they are to each other.

or,

Five times Essek woke up with level(s) of exhaustion and one time he didn't.