#the desert lands

[weministertomonsters]

Fallen Gods

➤ Wordcount 1.2k

"I'm sorry for the mess," the god said, perched on what was once an altar laden with gifts.

The smooth slab of stone was bare of offerings, covered only by a red cloth that fell apart as he ran his fingers over the material. Everything valuable in the temple had been looted long ago, leaving the place bare of everything but the etched inscriptions along the walls and the painted pillars. Solyana had many questions to ask, like why did you save me, how did you fall, and why are you here alone?

She listened to the scrape of his pointed nails, loud even in the largeness of the space.

"Why would you apologize?" She asked, hiking her shawl back up around her shoulders as the biting chill of the wind stole her warmth.

"This is hardly a place worthy of company," the god responded, and she huffed.

"This is no temple, it's a tomb," she said.

Perhaps that was a little harsh because he looked like he had been slapped. She sighed and limped forward. He looked away, and if it was possible for a god to be embarrassed then that was what he was. Even while sitting, he was taller than her. She reached up carefully and when he did not move, she threaded her hands through his hair, slightly awed by how black it was. It was almost not a color at all, but a void.

For a split moment, she could see him as he was meant to be, in all his glory. He was lounging arrogantly on his god-throne, muscled and jeweled, with skin like shadows and a black panther curled at his feet. A vision. Her lips parted as she breathed in, expecting to taste the aura of divinity, but there was nothing but air. Her fingers tangled in the tight coils of his hair and she frowned.

"Years of solitude have rendered you nearly human," she said and again, it sounded harsh coming from her.

Kicking a fallen god while they were down was a risky thing to do. That was the way to curse your bloodline down into the future generations.

"What happened?" She asked more gently and took a seat beside him on the altar.

Some parts of the stone were dotted with old candle wax. She pried a red disc of it up with her fingernail.

"This isn't my temple," the god said, resting back on his hands. "I am young and weak enough to rank amongst the demigods. I don't even have a reputation for myself."

"That's certainly not true," she protested, and he tilted his head.

"Oh? Then why have you not heard of me?" His eyes glimmered gold in the hollow blackness of his face.

Suddenly, he looked less malnourished man and more being of power. Her words failed her, and it was only partially out of fear. The rest was awe. Even as he leaned in and caged her with his arms, she already found herself imagining what it would be like to swear herself to him. Her elbow banged against the rock and she winced, letting herself sink until her back was flat.

High above them, the ceiling was painted in eloquent red and blue miruhn, telling tales of myth and legend that she would have to take the time to decipher. Strange how she hadn't noticed it earlier.

"Go on, Solyana," the god encouraged, or maybe mocked? "Tell me my name."

She sucked in a sharp breath as she felt him close in. He knew her name. That meant there was power in him yet. Her arm had come up at some point, and whether she had wanted to push him away or pull him closer, she did not know. Her indecisive hand remained on his chest, fingers braced against not much more than bone. He could replace The Wraith and no one would notice.

"Ka'amal." The words seem to shoot out of her, surprising them both.

He froze above her. "That is not my name."

"Because you don't have one," she said.

Working on a wing and a prayer. She waited, searching his face. Was she correct? Again, the fallen god looked stricken as he pulled away and sat down hard.

"I am already beginning to regret saving you," he said, pushing the heels of his palms into his eyes.

Solyana sat up slowly. "You're tired," she noted.

"No," the answer came quickly.

"You're depleted," she amended, and he gave a dry laugh.

"If a beast were to wander in and eat you, there wouldn't be much I could do," he said. "So yes, I suppose I am."

Solyana couldn't help but giggle. "You mean you can't defend yourself?"

"What use does a god have for combat?" He shrugged.

Right now, she was stronger than him. It was a strange thing to imagine.

"I can offer you temporary devotion," she said. "It's not much, but better than nothing at all."

"Why would you?" He squinted at her.

"You saved my life."

"Which I regret doing," he said pointedly, and she laughed.

"Lie down," she said, patting her lap. "In the least, let me untangle your hair."

"Tch. Human foibles. Who cares about my hair?"

"Surely at the peak of your godhood you were better managed than this," she murmured, digging around in her pouch and bringing out a comb with a handle made out of a polished merkosc spine.

She didn't mention the short vision she'd had, unsure of how much of it was true.

"You had mere moments to escape from your Order with your life, and you chose to bring a comb?" The god snorted.

"It has sentimental value," she replied, pulling him over when he hesitated.

Just like that, he was draped on the altar with his head in her lap. His eyes pierced into hers warningly.

"Relax," she smiled, beginning to work through the mass of his hair. "I'm not going to dig your eyes out."

She worked in silence for a while, ignoring all his yips and groans as she tugged on stubborn snarls of hair.

"Tell me who you are," she said.

"Who I was."

She didn't bother correcting him.

"You say this isn't your temple?"

"It belongs to my brother, Andolin. I have learned he was captured by a powerful sorceress and contained in a human vessel."

"How does one trap a god?" Solyana wondered.

"No one can, not even with black magic. Unless the god is already in poor health, as my brother was. Ironically, he was the first of the deities to suffer the loss of disciples."

"And how did you end up here?" Solyana asked.

"I attempted to hold his place for him. I waited for his return even after the last of his devoted left."

"And then you grew too weak to leave," Solyana said, understanding the truth of the matter.

Something cynical in her heart seemed to soften then.

"You waited," she whispered, and much to her surprise, a tear fell from her eye and onto his face.

"Don't cry on me," he grumbled, hefting himself up and wisping away, rubbing his cheek.

She put the comb away, lost in the sadness of her thoughts. Maybe that was what she had to do as well. What better place to wait than here? If only she could get the god to agree to share the temple with her.

──────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────────

Excuse me a moment while I fangirl over my own lore. I'm just so happy with how everything is falling into place! Maji and I have been having fun over on @the-desert-lands with all the worldbuilding.

Spoiler: This god over here adopts the name Solyana gave him. It's pronounced as Ka-ha-mal.

Does anyone remember Andolin? I wrote a story featuring him here, although I'd say that's set in a different universe because he's quite different.

[justarobowren]

Day 7: Shimmer!

Ok I know this one is a stretch, but when I thought shimmer I thought Mirages. But by the time I got to coloring I forgot? So I rendered it completely and then was like “wait. It was supposed to be in daytime.” But I didn’t want to redo it

So

:|

[desert-love]

Navajo women in monument valley

[divine-nonchalance]

Making Desert Land Fertile with Water Bunds

[caldrive]

Nancy Holt's Sun Tunnels, in a very cold windswept middle of not-quite-nowhere, near Lucin, Utah (May 2024; despite the blue sky, I got snowed on). My photos don't do this environmental artwork justice — it's worth the long drive (the last dozen or so miles on unsealed roads) to be able to contemplate the interaction between the work and its isolated surroundings.

[myboxofcookies]

To all the people who were fans of my last BAAU art, I present you a small silly sequel! BAAU belongs to @cuppajj !!

The gold “daughter” (coughcopycough) has wings is because Areesh used to keep begging her mother for a pair of her own. But was made to wait until she was older…

Speaking of Areesh… here’s the real Areesh in this au, all grown up too!

She might be able to meet Rich Cheese/Yellow Feather in BAAU since they live in the same desert(?)

[hope-for-the-planet]

From the article:

"This program supports jobs and local economies, improves recreation in rural and underserved areas, and aligns with our commitment to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 under the America the Beautiful initiative,” said Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis. [...] A portion of that $235 million will be used to acquire about 19 acres of private land on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada Carson Range within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Area. The purchase is expected to help protect sensitive species, such as California spotted owl, flammulated owl, and northern goshawk, while expanding recreation access to public lands. 

[starcurtain]

Just caught up with Natlan's archon quest and lord help me, I have a burning need to see Alhaitham and Ororon interact.

I truly feel that they would vibe perfectly. Not in a ship way, but like, in the way of Kaveh quietly wailing: "For archons' sake, he's brought another tacky thing into the house. Traveler, please do something; they've been staring eye to eye over the coffee table for like an hour now but haven't said a single word. I don't know what to do. Send help."

[keepingitneutral]

Landing House, Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States,

Industry of All Nations

[12u3ie]

“grian never left the desert” “scar never left the desert” PIXLRIFFS NEVER LEFT THE DESERT DO YOU HEAR ME

[radicalreliablerandomness]

Podcast Rec Masterpost

I've been asked a couple times for podcast recommendations so I thought I'd post a compilation of some shows and a bit of info about them. Most shows I talk about are tagged below (I ran out of tags) so you can look through fan content as well if you're not one to care about spoilers. My asks are still open for personalized recs if you send me some others that you've listened to just because I love you, yes that's right! You. The person reading this right now!

Here goes!

Dungeons And Daddies *not a BDSM podcast

This show is a dnd actual play podcast. The first season is about four dads from our world lost in the Forgotten Realms in search of their lost sons. It’s a comedy but as with all comedies, you will cry by the end of it. It's super easy to get into with great chemistry between all the cast players and the dm, no prior knowledge of dnd is necessary. They do invoke slight horror sometimes so do keep an eye out for content warnings. Season 1 has 68.5 episodes along with bonus content and a mini campaign in between seasons 1 and 2. Season 2 is currently ongoing. Transcripts available.

The Bright Sessions

This is a science fiction podcast. The premise is a collection of clinical recordings of superpowered people's therapy sessions. The plot gets more interesting and convoluted as you get further in. Incredible voice acting filled with emotion. Does have some heavier discussions so be on the lookout for content warnings. It has 7 seasons (the last two are technically not part of the first five seasons' plot) and is completed. Transcripts available.

Hello From the Hallowoods

A post-apocalyptic fiction podcast. A beautifully written and preformed podcast that explores identity, religion, and other themes in vignettes throughout this haunted world narrated by an omniscient being. Some heavier topics are included so check the content warning before each episode. Seasons 1 and 2 are completed and season 3 will be done soon. Transcripts available.

The Magnus Archives

A horror fiction podcast. A well written chronological story told through anthology which seem to be tape recordings from a paranormal investigation institute. Incredible writing and actors that really bring it to life. This is horror so make sure to check the content warnings. The show is completed at 5 seasons. Transcripts available.

Neighbourly

Another horror fiction podcast! An interesting look into all the houses on Little Street and their peculiarities. Some more peculiar than others. The podcast is absolutely delightful with a horribly fun narrator. I would suggest checking the content warnings as some episodes are more intense than others. The show has 2 completed seasons. Transcripts available.

The Fall of the House of Sunshine

A musical mystery fiction podcast. The first season is about an investigation on the murder of a beloved host of a children's tooth-themed show. That's all I can say without spoilers. There are 3 incredible seasons along with short stories in between each season. Transcripts available until halfway through season 2.

Welcome to Nightvale

Possibly the most well known science fiction podcast, it really speaks for itself but I'll do my spiel anyways. Recorded as snippets of a daily radio broadcast, the show details the weird goings on in this strange desert town of Nightvale. Narrated almost completely by the radio host's smooth voice. It's ongoing and is currently sitting at 233 episodes. Transcripts available.

The Two Princes

A fictional queer romance podcast. It takes place in that special part of fiction that always starts with "once upon a time," it feels like a story book almost. The show is based around two boys meeting in the woods. Spoiler alert: they fall in love. It's just a cute feel good show. The podcast is complete at 3 seasons. Spotify auto-generated transcripts available.

What's the Frequency?

A self described psychedelic noir podcast. It's an absolute blast even if it is a bit hard to follow. Takes place in the 1940s in LA when all radio broadcasts were turned to static. You kind of just have to go with it until you get to the end. Completed at 12 episodes. Transcripts available.

Story Break

A writer's room podcast. The basic concept behind Story Break is 3 Hollywood writers in a room together take a prompt and try to make a story for it in an hour. There are many laughs in this podcast and just all around good humor and vibes. The show is complete at 169 episodes plus two full movie scripts. No transcript.

Who Killed Avril Lavigne

A science fiction podcast. It's about a time traveling pop punk loser and that's all you need to know. It's a podmusical so you'll be getting great nostalgic pop punk type songs along with crying from laughing so hard. Completed at 8 episodes. No transcript.

The Behemoth

A fiction podcast. Based around an unexplainable creature emerging from the ocean and how the world, and one girl in particular, deal with this phenomenon. It is pretty short with the longest episode being about 12 minutes. Completed at 20 episodes. No transcript.

Rude Tales of Magic

A dnd actual play podcast. It is mainly focused on the actual roleplay and story telling as opposed to the actual play. A handful of college students from Polaris University fuck the world up by completing a hazing ritual which in this case is a supposedly demon summoning. Obviously now they need to fix the world. Currently 64 episodes and ongoing. No transcript.

Midnight Burger

A very well written fiction podcast. It’s about a time/space traveling diner where the employees try to help solve a problem every place they land. Think Doctor Who adjacent vibes but with more drama. There is an overarching plot that comes together so look out for that. It has incredible characters that are really nicely fleshed out. You’ll somehow like and hate all of them as much as possible in the best way. Currently has 29 episodes of the main feed and a 9 episode mini-series. Transcript available.

Monstrous Agonies

A fiction podcast. It’s an radio advice segment on a station for “liminal Britain” aka the monstrous world to put it plainly. It’s really chill and comforting. There’s very good advice there and the intermittent ad reads will have you giggling to yourself. Episodes are on the shorter side, averaging about 15 minutes each. It does have some heavier discussions so make sure to check the content warnings. The show is completed at 111 episodes through 3 seasons. Transcripts available.

Desert Skies

A fiction podcast. The voice acting in this one is incredible, it’s the same person the whole time. The show as a whole is also just super well done. The premise is that when you die you show up on a highway and get to this astral pit stop. I’m not going to spoil it anymore you just have to experience it. There is an additional show, Desert Skies FM that's a buddy to this one. I recommend listening to both. Season 1 was completed at 12 episodes. Transcripts available.

Wooden Overcoats

A sitcom dramedy podcast. The show is about two siblings that run a funeral home on an island. It used to be the only one, it isn’t anymore. It has a wacky cast of characters and even wackier plot points. The dialogue can be a little hard to get used to at the beginning but once you get into it it flows easily. The show is completed at 4 seasons. Transcripts available.

Greater Boston

An audio drama podcast. It's set in Boston if you couldn't tell from the title and starts with the death of a man on a rollercoaster. It blends real life with some subtle (and at times not-so-subtle) fantasy elements. It's currently at 4 completed seasons. Transcript available.

Gay Future

A science fiction podcast. In a world where everyone is gay in the future we focus on this one straight kid. Following his journey to destroy the government who are making everyone gay. This is a satire by the way. 1 season completed at 6 episodes. No transcripts.

Death by Dying

A dark comedy podcast. The show follows an obituary writer while he does things that are totally under the jurisdiction of his job. A well written and preformed show. There are a lot of laughs and obviously some heartbreaks as well. Currently 1 completed season with season 2 sitting at 2 episodes for a bit now. Transcript available.

Not Another D&D Podcast

An actual play dnd podcast. This one's more mainstream than my other podcasts so I don't talk about it as much but that doesn't mean it's not incredible. The first campaign is about 3 adventurers off to save the world. Obviously. It can be a bit slow in the beginning but anything past the second half of the first season is incredible. There's humor, drama, love, and much more. The DM is also just incredible. 1 completed season, a couple mini campaigns, and the second season is currently at 43 episodes. No transcripts.

Forgive Me!

A fiction podcast. It starts based around vignettes of confessionals in this small town taken by a new father in the local church. An overarching plot is present but it's generally a feel good, sweet and simple show. They have 2 complete seasons with season 3 currently at 9 episodes. Transcripts available.

Real Housewives of D&D

An actual play dnd podcast. This show is based around the concept of a "Real Housewives..." type show but you don't need to know anything about those to listen to this. It's about 4 reality TV stars thrown into a magical fantasy world with no knowledge of how to get home. There's drama, excitement, danger, and lots more. The first season was just completed at 16 episodes. Transcripts available.

The Silt Verses

A horror fiction podcast. Two people who worship a banned god travel together up a river in a pilgrimage. There is incredible worldbuilding in this show along with acting and sound design. This is horror and a very good one at that so make sure you check content warnings. Season 1 and 2 are completed and season 3 is at 2 episodes so far. Transcripts available.

The Land Whale Murders

A comedy fiction podcast. It takes place in the year 1899 and is about a pair of friends? maybe not, that metaphorically explore the world they're living in. It is a commentary on the world we live in and the problems in it through a hilarious and wacky cast. There are currently 17 episodes between both seasons 1 and 2. Transcripts available.

Elaine's Cooking for the Soul

A post-apocalyptic cooking podcast. The show is about a dentist who makes her way through the fallout of an apocalypse while also making a cooking podcast. It does have depictions of violence, war, and dentistry so check out the content warnings. There are 2 completed seasons. No transcripts.

Fawx and Stallion

A mystery podcast. If you hate Sherlock Holmes you'll love this podcast. Also if you love Sherlock Holmes you'll love this podcast. It's based around the detectives who live across the street from Holmes at 224B Baker street. It's pretty goofy. Season 1 is completed. Transcripts available.

The Amelia Project

A fiction podcast. Follow the shenanigans of this death-faking organization as they take in new clients and hear their stories. It does develop an actual overarching plot later on but every second is fun. Seasons 1-4 have been completed and season 5 is in progress. Transcripts available.

A Voice From Darkness

A horror podcast. It's centered around a radio show hosted by Dr. Malcolm Ryder, Parapsychologist. He helps people who call into his show with supernatural problems, gives PSAs and warnings about strange happenings, and more. Season 1 is completed and season 2 is at 9 episodes. Transcripts available.

Station Arcadia

A dystopian fiction podcast. Formatted through a radio show, it tells the story of a world that's slowly dying. There are vignettes of different characters through different areas of the world. Season 1 is completed at 25 episodes. Transcripts available.

Margaret's Garden

A science fiction podcast. It has two plots running at the same time which keeps you on your toes but makes for an intriguing story line. In one plot line, two agents are sent to investigate the strange happenings of a weird little long abandoned town. Simultaneously, we hear from the past of that town as it catches up to the agents. Completed at 10 episodes. Transcripts available.

Camp Here & There

A horror comedy podcast. It's recorded as a set of daily announcements over a loudspeaker at a totally normal summer camp. The announcements are made by the camp nurse and he's also totally normal. I promise. Make sure to check in with the content warnings as some topics are a little mature or graphic. There are currently 34 episodes. Transcripts available.

Wayward Guide for the Untrained Eye

A companion horror podcast. This is actually a bit meta because it is the result of a youtube series. This show is the one the podcast hosts in the series release, it's definitely worth both the watch and the listen though. It's got werewolves and drama. Completed at 10 episodes of video and 10 of the podcast. No transcripts.

I am in Eskew

A horror podcast. It's about a man who's trapped in a city where the buildings always change and the rain never stops. There's a weird monotonous creeping horror in this show that just draws you in. Check for content warnings definitely. Completed at 30 episodes. Transcripts available.

Traveling Light

A comfy cozy fiction podcast. It follows The Traveller on their exploration through space, visiting alien planets and collecting stories to send back to their community. For supporters of the show, it almost functions as a choose-your-own-adventure with choices to vote on and listener submissions. It's made by the same people as Monstrous Agonies so if you enjoyed that, you'd enjoy this and vice versa. There are currently 16 episodes. Transcripts available.

Not yet described but still recommended:

Eeler’s Choice

The Secret of St Kilda

The Endless Ocean

The Department of Variance of Somewhere, Ohio

The Sword & The Stoner

World Gone Wrong: a fictional chat show about friendship at the end of the world

Travelling Light

Waterlogged

Brimstone Valley Mall

[n64retro]

Super Mario 64 (Nintendo EAD, 1996)

Gif by The Cutting Room Floor.

[utahunfiltered]

A petroglyph panel in Southeastern Utah. March 30, 2024.

[desert-love]

Hopi Rock Art Petroglyphs on Navajo Reservation in Arizona

[probablyasocialecologist]

Deserts are not progressively expanding, as so commonly believed. Rather, most deserts expand and contract in relation to rainfall more than any other single factor, and have done so for millions of years. In fact, most of the world’s great deserts, including the Sahara, the Namib, the Kalahari, the Atacama, and the Gobi, date to about 65 million years ago; some of them are even older. During the planet’s great ice ages, deserts were many times expanded because so much water was locked up in huge ice sheets, allowing less precipitation. Without an understanding of the environment and ecological systems in arid lands, it is all too easy to conceive of deserts as deforested seas of sand perpetually on the move.

Diana K. Davis, Of Deserts and Decolonization: Dispelling Myths About Drylands

[chasingrainbowsforever]

~ Aqua and Silver ~