#woodborning

[heartmeadows]

Countryside in Woodborn Cove

[daggerfool]

daggerfall without context

some more disgruntled and possibly deranged daggerfall stuff i edited to help you face the horrors

[animatorweirdo]

Witch shenanigans

(Something I came up with for The Woodborne Witch. I hope you enjoy. )

Warnings: Nothing much just Maedhros wondering about his life decisions.

-----------------------------------

Some random elf: The King of Himring and the Woodborne Witch. What a unique and a wonderful pair. You, my lord, must feel lucky to have such a powerful and a graceful partner like Lady (Name). 

Maedhros: Hmmm…

*Before*

Maedhros: (Name), what was that explosion I heard moments ago and why are you covered in ash?

You: *Hair blown up and face covered in black smoke*

You: *Scratching your head with your wand* So, it turns out cooking oil is highly flammable when mixed with fire flowers and electricity. 

You: Also… the lab is on fire. 

***

Maedhros: (Name), what are you doing?

You: *Walking in the river with pants rolled up* Collecting river salt! Salt made in pure running water is ten times more stronger when imbued with magic. Strong enough to even burn orc’s face off!

Maedhros: *Silence*

***

Maedhros: (Name), why are you an owl?

You: *Sitting on the desk in an owl form with a quill in mouth* I was trying to test out my bodily limits and this is far I could get without breaking my bones.

Maedhros: *silence*

You: Also— I’m stuck. 

***

Maedhros: (Name), what are you doing in the dungeons and where is the prisoner?

You: *Holding a jar with a roach inside* Oh, I came up with a new interrogation method. I wanted to see how would they like it when they are at the mercy of their captors, so I turned him into a roach and sealed him inside this jar.

The orc: *With a high pitched voice*  Help me!!!

You: *Shaking the jar* You ready to talk now!

Maedhros: *Silence*

***

Maedhros: (Name), have you seen my –

You: *Holding a hissing pike with feet and legs*

Maedhros:*Staring mortified*

You: I might have repeated my childhood mistake. 

The pike: *Hissing violently* 

*Now*

Maedhros: Truly powerful and graceful indeed. 

The random elf: *Confused*

[llitchilitchi]

I just came up with the biggest fattest Daggerfall lore theory but I feel like explaining it to anyone would just be

[thistle-nightshade]

For those you struggle to see themselves in stories, you are seen. And for those who still don't know who they are, it is never too late to find out.

Heather Nix

[owlart18]

Of the mountains and by the sea~

Some more oc concept art using colour palettes! These palettes were made by @lemonlumens

(Commission info here)

[zerofinite]

Artfight revenge for @laedrin heh

[smolebleat]

Hard agree with the monologue thing; like, what kind of villain WAS Alduin really? Compared to Morrowind's Dagoth Ur and Oblivion's Mankar Camoran (Sorry, Mehrunes Dagon), they actually have this sort of build up as villains before you face them. Dagoth Ur is literally haunting you in nightmares throughout the story of the game, and before you fight him you can literally ask him and be asked questions regarding his plans. While Mankar Camoran isn't exactly the same, he at least starts to talk to you regarding his plans the entire time you've infiltrated his Paradise, up to him shouting his master plan when you finally fight him face to face for the Amulet of Kings. During Oblivion's main story you find his Commentaries and can learn how he thinks through the text. What do you get with Alduin? A big, scary black dragon whose final boss fight is the same as any other dragon, except this time you don't get to loot his scales and bones before he fully dies. You meet the guy in a talkative mood I think at least twice; he regards you in Kynesgrove, then again taunts you during your fight against him at the Throat of the World; but it's typical "Ah, you're nothing to me. I am powerful! I am evil!" You don't learn anything about him compared to the other two, aside from how big a dragon he was.

I would love to see your takes at Skyrim someday ngl

okay i've finally got some sauce to lay on this question. The theology around Alduin the World-Eater is half-assed theology and it's ultimately why skyrim is the flop among flops.

TES main quests center around the theme of fate and the nature of the prisoner. It's an open-world RPG but there's a script and there's only so much room for narrative fuckery so they're making the medium part of the message. It's not groundbreaking or anything but I like shit like that.

At the end of Oblivion's story, you have to grapple with the fact that you led a man to his death but inaction would have guaranteed his death and many more. In Morrowind, you're inhabiting the shadow of someone else's life and whatever you do will culminate in relitigating the end of that life.

There's a prophecy and it's going to get ugly and it doesn't *really* have anything to do with you but you can't escape it. At the end of those stories, you can look back at all your decisions and wonder if they mattered at all. Maybe your life is just a piece moved on a track by something large and incomprehensible to you.

In Skyrim, there is a dragon. There is all this intense lore about the dragon but it doesn't have any real bearing on anything. Someone says you gotta kill that dragon, you say okay i'll kill the dragon. Then you do because you're god's specialest favorite, and the dragon doesn't even get to do a long-ass villain monologue.

[elderscrollsconceptart]

Lord Woodborne

Art asset for The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall

Art by Louise Sandoval

[darkwingphoenix]

Queen Iriana Ascendance: Kingdom of Ascendance

This is the Great Kingdom to be added to my @loominggaia AU, and since she herself SPAMS spoilers (Hey, least ya warn us), I'll just put info down here

LORE UNDER CUT

High Queen Iriana Ascendance, born Iriana Liatt of Woodborne, was born to a family of elves. When she turned 16, though, she transformed into a demon. She quickly left her family after that, despite her mother basically begging her to stay back.

She spent her days since then travelling around as a bard/escort, staying in Tabiya for a time with a roshava called Talul Sarfeesha. After he died, she made of with a significant amount of wealth.

Eventually, she was staying in Viersen in 6020 right as Project Starblast occurred and bombed Viersen with ejecta. She managed to survive as two divines, Saraia Hammonspielcrichton (Yes, that's Saraia's last name) and Skylie Evangeline, rescued her as they fled the city dodging ejecta.

After the incident, however, Iriana felt something extremely off about herself when practicing her lute: Unknowing to her, she and all other demons, as well as drau, adhene, kobolds, pixies, hilichurls, and some other monsters had gained a soul as a direct result of Project Starblast. She started to travel with Skylie and Saraia, using Saraia as a way to feed, until they arrived where Damijana had been destroyed, as Iriana had been feeling a massive pull to the location. There, thousands of other monsters had arrived, all slowly realizing they had souls.

Iriana decided to, and convinced the other monsters, that they should create a nation for themselves, as many didn't like monsters all that much, and it'd be a sanctuary for all monsters.

Eventually, with Skylie as a close ally and advisor, the Kingdom of Ascendance was quickly rising, using the ejecta, magic of various monsters and various refugees who heard of Iriana's promise, and sheer determination and spite, with Iriana as the High Queen. However, the kingdom was not yet recognized.

Kingdom of Ascendance: The Monster Kingdom

Ascendance was almost totally ignored by almost every High Ruler due to its seeming insignificance, as it was simply seen as monsters swarming to an abandoned region of the world, soon joined by the remaining Damijani from Slegelse Island, travelling there with no one remaining on Slegelse to investigate, and were soon integrated in.

The only Great Kingdom to recognize Ascendance was the Unseelie Court, as its ruler, Morgause, is a monster herself and as such gained a soul. She happily aided the new nation while struggling with her new emotions.

Eventually, the other Great Kingdoms were forced to recognize Ascendance when Ascendance's military assaulted Oaken Island of Evangeline soil and deftly took over the ruined island after Saraia and Skylie's attack on the island's only economically valuable item: Its siege dragons. Once it was in Ascendance control, the military quickly attacked Evangeline proper, taking Kelvingyard, Greenhearst, and even Woodborne from Folkvar. The army departed, leaving a vanguard behind to defend while the army went to invade Zareen Empire and take the cities of Uman, Elleg, Driza, and Viersen from the Zareen Empire.

After this war, Iriana simply asked for Ascendance to be recognized as a Great Kingdom, which was quickly granted.

After the Dawn War of Ascendance, the kingdom quickly settled down to repair the cities that were invaded and bolster its own economy, barely interacting with other Great Kingdoms until 6048, 10 years after the dawn War began.

Iriana's Policies

"All of those affected by the Ascendance upon which our nation was forged by were made by powerful beings known as divines. Without them, we could not exist. Therefore, all divines are legally allowed to live - and operate - within our borders without fear of attack."

"The monsters of our nation were once essentially refugees adrift in a world that rejected them. From now on, all peoples who face discrimination anywhere shall be welcomed with open hands, should they be willing to help us grow."

"Magic is a part of life for many people on this world, monstrous or not. There shouldn't be restrictions over which magics someone may practice, so long as they use it responsibly."

"While the Nymph Pact is certainly an easy way to stave off nymph attacks, there's simply no reason we should sign it, so long as we carefully regulate our industrial quarters to not overpollute and send our dirty work to places willing to do so."

Will magic is key for many peoples, commoners and meru cannot use it, and gaians don't always have access to its power. As such, iron tools shall be allowed in Ascendance."

"While many monsters are feeling nausea and headaches while witnessing art or music, there's no way for us to get used to it if it's all locked away. We need to deal with these symptoms so that we may get used to feeling art and music."

"Our population is strongly monstrous, and as such all monsters - Within reason - shall find sanctuary in Ascendance. Furthermore, all have a need to have the food they require, and as such prostitution needs to be legal so that demons may be able to feed without having to hunt for sexually frustrated individuals."

Ascendance Royal Family

Iriana Ascendance

Iriana is the High Queen of Ascendance, and is the founder of the kingdom. Like all monsters born before the Ascendance, she still struggles with having a soul, often experiencing sickness while listening to music or having nausea when looking at art.

She still allows art to be put into her palace, as she believes she'll eventually get used to it.

As a ruler, she's very serious about her policies. She's heavily focused on building an economy for her nation, made up of the rubble of a destroyed city and numerous conquered cities.

Unknown to anyone but herself, Iriana has fallen in romantic love with Skylie, as a result of her new soul. She has no idea how Skylie would react to the information and thus keeps it secret.

High General Skylie Ascendance

High General Skylie, formerly Princess Skylie Evangeline, has since become Iriana's most trusted advisor, as well as Ascendance's High General, responsible for maintaining Ascendance's military. After the Dawn War, the human divine has mostly maintained the same military power as during the war, simply maintaining the numbers and using them to maintain Ascendance's violently gained borders. She is also Iriana's personal bodyguard, using her personal weapon, the Divine Annihilator, and her Archons as assistance in helping the Queen.

She is also openly used as Iriana's food source, for as a succubus, Iriana needs sexual intercourse to feed. She is also fairly certain Iriana has gained a romantic attraction to her but doesn't say much so as not to send her into a panic.

Extra Stuff:

Color: Steel Blue/Blue Grey

Banner: Half Starburst with twinned Swirls above it

Exports: Bureaucracy, Monsters (Safe ones), Mercenaries

Continents: Noalen and Evik (And some small territories on coastal Serkel)

Diplomacy: Allied with the Unseelie Court, Folkvar, Matuzu, and Mogdir. Unfriendly with Evangeline, the Seelie Court, and Zareen. Neutral to Lamai and Yerim-Mor. At war with the Aquarian Alliance.

Military: Most common soldiers are equipped with either spears or staves and a shield, or crossfins, which are crossbow-like weapons similar to Skylie's Divine Annihilator and the chu ko nu (Just add a pair of pistol grips on either end and an auto cock action for shooting faster):

Most wear simple clothing made from monsters forged by Skylie known as Mecko, which create massive amounts of extremely strong silk. Essentially, it allows for light clothing to basically ignore ranged projectiles, especially with a shield. Most have suits that look like this:

(Yes, they're looking like 02 from Darling in the Franxx. Shuddup. Also, the uniform is more of a super dark blue, and this is the women's uniform. The men's uniform just looks the same but minus the waisting, and if we're going off of Ascendance military chain of command, she'd be a brigand, or the lowest level of officer, directly above an entry level unit)

Territories

Ascendance

Built on the ashes of Damijana, Ascendance Capital was the beginning of the Monstrous Kingdom. It's a major commercial hub, especially since the Noalen and Serkel colonies have to mostly go through it to get to the Evik territories.

Slegelse

The prison island of Damijana, Slegelse has become the primary naval power of Ascendance, and it is where most of Ascendance's ships are built, military and civilian.

It is governed by King Ventrus, a drau, although he is part of a minority in a territory mostly inhabited by merrow, mermaids, and other Aquarian people who are not part of the Aquarian Alliance.

Oaken Island

The former home of Evangeline's siege dragons, Oaken is now the primary location where new saraians are born. Most wind up in service to the kingdom as beasts of burden, and the waters around the island are flush with leviathan young, as the adults usually abandon the island to go elsewhere. The others are shipped off the island before they're too large. Globeholders are also bred here as well.

Oaken is ruled by King Merrell, a merrow.

Kelvingyard

Kelvingyard had already become defunct due to High King Cobalt abolishing slavery a few years before the Dawn War, although Kelvingyard became a major center for military programs. Many saraians from Oaken arrive here to be trained for the military. It is ruled by Angror, a drau who killed the leader of Kelvingyard.

Greenhearst

Greenhearst was once the primary farming territory of Evangeline, and now it is the breadbasket for Ascendance. Many boulderbacks and world turtles go to Greenhearst for farming purposes. While Greenhearst has the vast majority of world turtles and thus farming. It is ruled by Kiliburl, a hilichurl, and a smart one.

Woodborne

Woodborne is the least significant territory, although it is still vital for its massive lumber industry. Skylie also used to live in this territory. The drau Lilith rules this territory.

Uman

A former Zareen city, Uman is the primary industrial city of Ascendance, although it is less powerful in its industry power against before it was taken by Ascendance. It is ruled by Taura, a succubus.

Driza

Driza, after being captured by Ascendance, was repaired after Project Starblast almost destroyed it. It is still mostly empty, but is ruled by Marius, an incubus.

Viersen

The other city heavily affected by Project Starblast, Viersen managed to survive better against Project Starblast, but it still got heavily damaged. It is the only city ruled by a non-monster, by a human named Emma Viersa.

[heartmeadows]

It's winter already!

[daggerfool]

The Daggerfall gang as funny texts I've found on the internet

i did this instead of my uni work, enjoy

More of this stuff here: Part 1, Part 2 Some messages I also made: I. II.

bonus:

[animatorweirdo]

The woodborne witch

You had been gifted with magic and you have used that to protect your family and people for many years. However, you find yourself lost when you’re unable to confess your feelings to Maedhros, who had stolen your heart, especially when someone in the dark is on its way trying to get you. 

Requested by Anonymous

Warnings; mentions of violence in the past, magical mischief, crushing, pining, feelings left unknown, werewolves and kidnapping. 

-------------------------------------------------

The woodborne witch. That’s what they began to call you after many years of protecting your people from Morgoth and his creatures of darkness. It was a strange nickname since people often associated witches with evil, but for you– it was a title. 

You were a human born with magic. It was thought impossible for humans to be born with magic unless you had elven blood in your family, but you didn’t, so you were a strange hazard to humans and elves alike. 

The first time you used magic was when you were just an infant. You were playing with toy cubes, and your touch made them grow branches and cause plants to overgrow in the pots and through the floor. Your parents were shocked when they found their house covered in plants. It took them hours to cut the plants off and replace the flooring. 

They were worried that you were ill, but after testing your strange abilities with several objects. They were worried someone had placed a curse on you and decided to seek help from the elves of Doriath. It was a difficult journey for them as they had to get through the girdle of Melian and convince the elves to lend their ear. The elves almost turned them down till they witnessed your strange abilities. They then allowed your parents to get through and seek an audience with Melian, who was more familiar with the powers of nature. 

The Sindar were curious by their arrival in Menegroth and fascinated when your parents expressed their concerns to Melian and bore witness to your strange magical abilities. 

Melian was surprised because she had never seen or heard of the possibility of a human wielding magic, especially without having any blood relation to another being. But when you held her finger with innocent glee, she knew and felt the magical connection with you. She assured your worried parents that there was nothing wrong with you. You were simply born with a unique bond with magic. 

Your parents were relieved and worried as they knew nothing of magic, so they had no idea how to teach you to control your abilities when you grow up. Melian proposed that she would mentor you when you’re old enough to study. She also suggested you would come live in Menegroth for the time being. 

Your parents hesitated at the thought of sending their only child away, but they accepted the offer as they thought it would be for the best that you learned from people who knew about magic better than anyone. 

Your parents returned to their home village, and their people were glad to see them return and shocked when your parents shared the news about you wielding magic. They first felt anxious at the thought of you having powers because they knew what dark magic could do thanks to the past attacks from orcs. However, they warmed up to it as they saw you grow into a lively child. 

You were mischievous. You often used your abilities to prank people and sometimes steal pastries and treats from the local chef, who would always yell at you after finding traces of overgrown roots. They sometimes complained about your antics to your parents, but since you never went overboard or did any harm, you often got away with it. 

You liked being mischievous, but you often did good with your abilities and helped fix some items and walls made from wood. You even helped grow some herbs for the local healer. Those gestures made the villagers appreciate your abilities, especially when the day finally came when your parents were to send you to the elves. 

You were scared and begged your parents with tears in your eyes not to send you away to a place with weird pointy-eared people. They hugged you and assured you they were friends, and this one friendly lady would teach you how to use your abilities which didn’t convince you until they promised you would see them again and get nice things if you were brave and studied hard to use your powers. 

Wanting to make them proud, you sniffed in your tears, packed your things, and left with a couple of guides after bidding farewell to your parents, who waved and watched with tearful smiles as you left the village. 

It was scary to be outside your village without your parents, but the journey was quick, and you arrived at Menegroth. Your eyes were wide as plates as you looked around, and you felt terrified of everything so strange and seemingly humungous. 

You were brought to Melian, who greeted you with a kind smile. You felt comforted by her presence. She felt oddly familiar, and she explained you had met before when your parents had come to Menegroth to seek aid for you. You grabbed her finger, which allowed you to feel each other’s fea which helped her discover your magical connection, so that might have been why she felt familiar to you. You got comfortable rather quickly– even though her husband almost scared you to tears. You got yourself ready and started learning under her guidance. 

You grew a deep connection with nature and light. You even learned how to conjure fire and lighting, though your link with them wasn’t strong.  You tried to study hard even if some subjects did not interest you. You grew a liking for making different concoctions and finding other uses for herbs and things like salt, which some of the elves found strange.  

Living with the elves was different. They taught you their language and parts of their culture, even though it was hard to understand sometimes. They were patient with you and liked taking you to celebrations and feasts, which sometimes turned into a courtly drama. It wasn’t terrible though. You did make a couple of good friends who were like your odd older siblings. 

You grew used to living with the elves after a couple of years, and you sent letters to your parents from time to time, sharing news and well-being on how you were doing. You had grown into a young adult and become almost a master in sorcery. You had learned almost everything you could from Melian, and she was proud of your growth.

There were some things left to learn, but when you received news that your village had been under several attacks. You were worried about your parent’s safety and spoke with Melian about leaving to help them. She understood your concerns for them, and despite your instruction still pending, she decided to let you go. She gifted you with a wand she herself made from the oldest trees of Doriath and bid you farewell. 

You bid farewell to those you made friends with and made haste to your village. You arrived just in time to assist them with another attack that nearly destroyed them. Your parents were overjoyed to see you again and embraced you with tearful hugs. 

Your people celebrated your return, and they made you tell all about your time in Doriath. It was a joyful reunion. 

You had then remained with your people, protecting them from the attacks while continuing your studies. You kept in contact with Melian through letters and your old friends, who often sent their good wishes and questioned if you would visit them soon. 

It was tiring to stand against the orcs and other creatures of the dark. It was like there was no end to their coming. You asked Melian for a spell that could help protect the village, like the girdle that protected Doriath, and she helped you create a smaller version that was enough to keep them away– and it wouldn’t take too much of your strength. Magic had come easy to you. It was like your second nature that felt natural to wield as a defense. However, it was harder to maintain when challenged by a foe greater than you. Such stress often leaves you devoid of consciousness. 

Your human body was less tolerant of stress caused by magical use, so you had to be careful and watch how much magic you used. 

You have faithfully defended your home from Morgoth’s creatures. But when the attacks became more frequent, and the protective barrier around your home began to fail– you took the matter to your people and convinced them it would be for the best if you moved to another place where it would be safe and less likely to get attacked. 

Many were reluctant but listened to the reason. You all packed your things and started moving, aiming to take refuge in Himring for the time being. You have known its lord, Maedhros, for a long time as you have assisted each other in the past. He was glad to let your people stay for a while and help you find a safer home. 

You appreciated his help. He didn’t treat you like many others when they discovered your magic. You were used to people fearing you initially, but when Maedhros got over his first shock, he treated you like every other person and valued you as an ally, like you weren’t a strange freak of nature like many others thought. It made you treasure his acceptance. 

You have heard about the deeds of his house– you almost found it hard to see him as the ruthless kinslayer everyone made him out to be especially when you started to grow somewhat infatuated with him. 

Maedhros was one of the tall elves you have seen, right next to Elu Thingol. His noticeable scars and cold exterior intimidated people, but you were not bothered by any of that. On the contrary, you found him very attractive. However, the softer nature behind his impenetrable facade was the thing that pulled you to him. 

He wasn’t always scary and kinslayer-like. With time he only got more relaxed around you when you started seeing each other often. Hidden behind that strong-willed front was a gentle ellon, who showed his care through subtle actions. You guessed it must have been that which made you like him more than you should. 

You thought it was just a temporary crush and it would be gone in a month or two, but it persisted, making you frustrated because there was no way you could be with an elf. 

You wielded magic, but you were still a human, and you would eventually die from old age while elves remained bound to Arda. And you have met a couple of his brothers who didn’t seem to think highly of humans, so you didn’t see Maedhros willing to love a human. You also believed he thought of you as nothing more than an ally he could turn to for help. 

You stopped to take a breather, to think about how everything would turn up for you and your people. Maedhros had helped you point out a place that was nicely away from the north, near the sea. The dark lord’s influence did not reach far, so orcs should be less on those parts. It was a days’ journey, but your people would be safe and live more peacefully when you create your new home there. 

The downside, it was far away from Himring. The distance was large, so there wouldn’t be any sense in traveling there and back just to keep up with an alliance. It would be more practical to end it there, so this might be the last time you see Maedhros again. It made you feel rather glum when you thought about it. 

Your mother had tried to encourage you to confess your feelings when she learned about them, but you ignored her words instead of focusing on your work and duty to protect your people from the orcs and creatures of darkness. However, when you thought you should let your feelings be known to Maedhros. You might never have the chance to say them, but this might be a chance to get rid of them because either way– it would have never worked out. 

“(Name),” You heard someone say your name. You turn your head and see the elf approaching you. You collected yourself and prepared to talk to him formally. 

“My lord, is there anything you need?” You asked with a respectful bow from your head. 

“(Name), I told you that you can drop the formalities when we’re alone, and no. I simply wanted to check on you since you seem to be under the weather, so–” Maedhros started. “Are you feeling alright?” He asked. 

You unintentionally let out a loud sigh while relaxing your shoulders. “It’s just— moving. We’re going to have a long journey ahead of us, and I can’t stop thinking about if something goes wrong,” you explained. “I have been having a hard time falling asleep as well. There are just a lot of things to do,” you said. 

Maedhros looked at you softly. “Do not think about it too much. You should rest as much as you can, and you do not need to worry about anything going wrong,” he explained. “Nothing will happen to you and your people as long as you’re in Himring,” he said. 

“I know, but it’s not just that or the current attacks,” you said. You took a deep breath before finally mustering the courage to tell what was really bothering you. 

“Sauron has become active lately. His werewolves had harassed us till we came to Himring,” you explained. “I do not know his sudden motivation to catch me, and I prefer not to find out. The only reasonable explanation is that he was ordered to, even though his attacks had been strangely relentless. I almost fell into his traps a couple of times if it wasn’t for someone looking out for me,” you explained. 

“We are safe from him for now, but I can’t stop worrying if he suddenly decides to attack us on the road,” you said. You held on to your arm, trying to stop yourself from shaking at the thought. It was a habit when you were nervous or anxious. 

“I know how you feel–” Maedhros started, grabbing your hand and gently rubbing it with his thumb, which managed to soothe your nerves. “ And trust me. I know better than anyone what Sauron can do, but I can assure you that he will not try anything beyond the borders of his master’s lands. It would be too risky for him to do anything, especially when this route is on mine and one of my brother’s lands.” He explained. 

“He will not get to you. I promise you that,” he said. 

“I trust your word,” you smiled at him before looking down and seeing how he was still holding your hand. He let go when you noticed, and you almost smiled again, little heat rising to your cheeks. 

You heard your parents suddenly call out for you, telling you it was time to depart. 

“I think this is a goodbye. I do not think we will have a chance to work together in the future,” You said. “It was my honor, knowing you, (Name),” Maedhros said. “Likewise, Maedhros,” You said and then began to walk to your parents. 

You and your people packed your things and began to leave Himring. You saw Maedhros one last time as he stood at the doors, sending you off on your journey. You looked back at him. He looked strangely sad as he watched you walk through the gates to find your new home. 

You walked on the road alongside your mother, holding on to your horse’s reins while your father rode in front, leading everyone through the path. Your mind was occupied with thoughts, leaving you with a blank expression as you stared into the nothingness that stretched in front of you. 

“You know, my dear. You should have told the elf,” your mother started. You turned to look at her, confused. “What do you mean?” You asked. “You know what I mean. You should have told him about your feelings,” she explained. 

“Oh, that? It doesn’t matter anymore, and besides– it would have been awkward having a rejection as our last memory,” you said. Your mother snorted. “I might be getting old, but I can still tell how people feel– no matter how much they try to hide it. He wouldn’t have rejected you. He was looking at you the same way your father once did when he was too shy to come to talk to me,” she chuckled at the memory while your father coughed in embarrassment. You could not help but smile for that brief moment. 

“Even if he did feel the same. It wouldn’t have worked out.  He’s an elf who will live thousands of years, while I will only live up to my ninety.” You explained. 

“Now that you mention that. I have noticed that you haven’t been aging much by the looks of it,” your mother said. “You’re almost thirty years old, yet you are not showing any signs of age. Do you think your magic might have something to do with it?” She asked. 

“I–” you started, thinking about it for a moment. “--don’t think so. I have a lot of years, so let’s not start theorizing that I might stop aging like a normal human,” you said. “Well, it could be a possibility since you already wield magic, so who knows if you turn elf-like and live more than a hundred years,” your mother said. 

“However, you should have told him,” she said. “You might have regretted it less if you told him than kept them hidden forever,” 

“Hmm–perhaps,” you replied, imagining what would have happened had you confessed your feelings to Maedhros.  

The journey was long, and when the night came, you and your people settled down to make a camp for the night. The moon graced the sky with its light, and the stars twinkled. The owls and the grasshoppers filled the night with their songs as you sat brooding about your mother’s words. 

Your father arrived, adding wood to the mellow campfire before sitting down beside you. He glanced at you and saw how deep you were in your mind through your eyes. 

“Is there something wrong, my girl?” Your father asks, breaking you from your reverie and making you look at him. “It’s…nothing,” you replied. 

“Are you sure? You have been quiet ever since we left Himring, and your silence has only grown since you’ve talked about your feelings for that elf with your mother,” he explained. You remained silent, feeling lost for being caught like that. 

You let out a sigh. “I don’t know what to think anymore,” You stated. “Maybe I should have confessed my feelings to Maedhros,” you answered, feeling somewhat gloomy about the lost opportunity. 

“I’m sorry that you feel that way, but– who knows, maybe fate will be strange and give you a chance to see him again,” he said. 

“It could happen since fate gave you to us, and we went on that journey to find the elves in the forests of Doriath just to discover you possess magic.” He said, then laughed. “I can still remember how you cried when you saw the gray-haired elf king and wouldn’t stop till he was out of the room,” he continued laughing. You chuckled, feeling embarrassed at your past self’s actions. 

“Well, lord Thingol still gave me the scares when I lived in Menegroth,” you reminisced. “I think he would definitely be the one to discourage me from sharing my feelings with Maedhros,” you stated. “Who cares what he would have thought? What matters the most is that you do what you feel is right and makes you happy,” your father said, looking at you with a comforting gaze. 

“But if it upsets you that much– I might as well send you back on a horse so you can finally get it over with,” he said, making you snort with a red face at the thought. 

“Thank you, dad. You always knew how to lighten up the mood,” you smiled. “Just doing my duty as your father,” he smiled and then looked behind you before letting out a scoff. 

“Children! Stop running around, and don’t go into the woods!” He called as you saw three children run into the forest. “Seriously! Those children are either deaf or filled with nothing but trouble. And– of course, Charlie just has to be one of them. His parents are going to nag me if he gets into trouble,” your father muttered under his breath, ready to get up. You beat him up. 

“I’ll go get them. They couldn't have gotten too far,” you said, then proceeded to walk toward the woods where you saw Charlie and his friends go. “Alright, be careful,” your father said as he watched you leave. 

Twigs and sticks crunch under your boots as you walk through the forest. You carefully push the branches and bushes out of your way as you try to spot the children. The light from the moon and the camp were enough to illuminate your path, so you didn’t see a need to use your wand to conjure light. 

You follow the footprints on the ground and eventually find the trio standing in the opening, staring at something. 

“Charlie! Jenna! Markus! What are you doing?” You called out to them, but they didn't respond. They kept staring into the dark. You had a strange feeling, so you walked closer to them till you stood right next to them. 

“Kids!” You said and finally caught their attention. “What are you guys doing? You know your parents get worried if you play alone in a place like this,” you questioned. They looked back at you in confusion before finally answering. 

“Sorry, (Name). I don’t think we know how we got here.” Charlie said, making you frown at his answer. “What do you mean you don’t know how you got here?” You asked the confused trio. 

“We were at the camp playing, then we started hearing these strange voices.” Charlie explained. “And now we’re here,” He added. 

You frowned when he mentioned voices. “What did the voices sound like?” You asked, crossing your arms. “Like someone whispering, telling us to come here.” He explained. 

You tried to think of an explanation until you heard something snap behind you. You look back to find nothing, yet you feel like being watched by something, something sinister. It gave you an awfully familiar feeling. 

You backed away, urging the children to follow your example, and they backed away while staring at the darkness with you. “What is it?” Jenna asked with a frightened voice. 

As you carefully observed your surroundings you started hearing noises like something moving in the bushes. It wasn’t just one, but several. 

“Get back to the camp,” you whispered frantically, taking out your wand. You silently muttered a spell, and an orb of light conjured from the tip of your wand– lightening the area around you. Several giant werewolves looked right back at you from the bushes. You noticed some others from your peripheral vision that your naked eyes wouldn’t have been able to spot in the dark. Your heart dropped, and the children gasped as they stared at the werewolves with fear in their eyes. 

“Run!” You said and the children screamed. They turned around and began to run back toward the camp while you whipped your wand around your head, aiming the orb of light at the werewolves. It struck right into one of the werewolf’s faces, causing it to explode into a flash of light. They yelped, staggering and blinded. 

You took the chance to escape and follow the children back to the camp. 

The camp was just behind the corner, but before you had a chance to take another step. You got engulfed by a cloud of darkness. You stood frozen with fear. Your heart began to pound harder against your chest as you tried to find a way out– you then sensed something familiar or rather someone. 

You forgot how to breathe when you saw something move, but before you could do anything to defend yourself. A hand grabbed you by the throat. You stared right into the eyes of someone you had tried to escape. Those golden flaming eyes flickered, and you screamed until everything turned dark. 

Maedhros was writing down on the paper with his quill, silently signing the document before taking another to get signed. The candle on his desk has long burnt. The sun rose in the distance, and the cold wind flowed into his chambers, making him sigh and drop his quill for a short break. 

He rubbed his brows after spending the whole night doing paperwork. It was normal for him to work through the night since elves can last long without rest, but for some reason, he has not been able to focus. His mind keeps coming back to you. 

He hoped you were doing alright and you had reached your new home. He felt anxious when you mentioned Sauron, but he was confident the route was safe, so you should be safe.

However, he couldn't explain the disappointment he felt watching you leave with your people, knowing he might never see you again. It was a new feeling, just like when he realized how much he enjoyed being around you. You were confident and self-reliant, which he found admirable. He reminisced your first meeting the way– you planned, the way you made your people listen to you like a leader while being rather casual and shy in person made him yearn for your company even more. 

He was in love with you. It was that obvious, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell you because you both lived in different worlds. You were unique for a human, but you had your duties to your people while he had his. And he possibly couldn't bring you to a mess which was his oath. He didn’t want to hurt you like that, so he said nothing. 

All he could wish for you now is that you live a happy life while he continues opposing Morgoth. 

He hears the door creak and sees his brother peeking in. “Have you worked the whole night?” Maglor questions, walking in without an invitation. “These papers needed to get done. I can handle one night without rest,” Maedhros picks up the quill. “Perhaps that is true, but rest is still important dear brother mine,” Maglor says, crossing his arms and leaning against his desk. 

“You know you should have told her,” Maglor started. “What do you mean?” Maedhros asked, making Maglor chuckle. “You might be able to hide your feelings from anyone but not from me, dear brother.” He explained. “I’ve seen the way you looked at her. If you told her and let her know of your feelings, it might have lessened the heavy feeling you’re feeling now that she’s gone.” He added. Maedhros stood quiet, staring at his brother, who looked back at him. 

The two brothers then hear knocking on the door. “My lord, I bring you urgent news!” The messenger called out behind the door. Maedhros dropped his quill. “Come in.” He stated as the door opened.

“What seems to be the matter?” Maedhros questioned as the messenger stood in front of him and his brother. “My lord –” The messenger bowed his head. “Lady (Name) and her people got attacked on the road last night,” he answered, making Maedhros almost jump from his seat. “By whom?” He asked, almost demanding. “It was apparently the werewolves, and that’s not all– lady (Name) had gone missing,” Maedhros felt his heart drop when he heard that. “Missing?” He questioned, almost in disbelief. 

“She had vanished without a trace. Her people are asking for your help in the search for her.” The messenger explained. 

“Maedhros?” Maglor looked at him after he stood quiet for a moment. 

“Get the horses ready. We’re going to see (Name)’s people,” Maedhros stood up and left his chambers in a hurry. Maglor followed right behind, trying to keep up with him. 

The Horses whined and galloped till Maedhros and Maglor reached your people, who were in disarray and trying to clean up what seemed to be an aftermath of a fight. Maedhros saw some of the men dragging the bodies of the werewolves into piles to be set on fire, he heard children crying while their parents tried to comfort them. 

All the noises and the sight made him anxious as he rode till he found your father trying to comfort your crying mother. She was loudly sobbing as she held something against her chest. 

Maedhros was about to say something till his horse whined, and it caught your parents’ attention. 

“Lord Maedhros!” Your mother almost screamed as she stood up and ran to him, your father following behind. Maedhros jumped down from his horse and almost stumbled back when your mother grabbed his cloak with pleading eyes. “Please help us! We can’t find (Name) anywhere!” Your mother cried as he tried to help her keep steady. 

“Please, could you give me closer details on what happened?” Maedhros asked, and your father stepped in. “They…came out of nowhere. I was talking to (Name) at the bonfire last night until I saw three of my people’s children running into the woods. She decided to get them, but then we heard the children scream, and the werewolves attacked us. We managed to fend them off, but then I heard (Name)’s scream…and she was gone,” He explained, then turned toward your mother. 

“We tried to look through the whole forest, but the only thing we found was her wand, broken and tainted in this strange dark matter.” Your mother handed him your wand, which was snapped into two pieces. Maedhros felt dread settle in when he laid his eyes upon it. 

“Can I see it, please?” He asked, and your father handed your wand to him. He took a closer look and saw dark veins-like things covering the wood, which was an obvious sign of corruption. He had seen it before. It did not take him long to realize who was behind the attack and your sudden disappearance. It was enough to make his heart stop in fear for your safety and well-being. 

He was almost in denial, but he could not ignore the truth no matter how much he wanted to. It made him feel horrible since he was so adamant, he was the one who assured you that you would be safe. He was wrong… you were gone, in the hands of the worst being on the face of Arda. 

“He got her–” He silently uttered under his breath. “Who?” Maglor questioned, and Maedhros turned to look at him. “Sauron…he got her,” Maedhros said his voice cracking in despair.

Taglist: @heilith

[uesp]

Akorithi: Nothing.

Aubk-i: A Spellsword attacking you for every in-game minute that passes five times.

Barenziah: 10,000-20,000 gold (disappears once the quest is over, leaving you with nothing).

Eadwyre: 10,000-20,000 gold (disappears once the quest is over, leaving you with nothing).

Gortwog: Should be a random amount of gold, but actually you get nothing.

Gothryd: A Spellsword attacking you for every in-game minute that passes five times.

Helseth: 10,000-20,000 gold (disappears once the quest is over, leaving you with nothing).

King of Worms: Should be a random amount of gold, but actually you get nothing.

Medora: Nothing.

Mynisera: Nothing.

Nulfaga: Nothing.

--The potential rewards you can receive for Lord Woodborne's diary.

[dontmixpaintinyourcoffee]

Spoilers for episodes 24 and 25 of Dandies in Danger Arc 4!!

Also, cartoon gore warning

Alright, so I don't really draw animals, let alone whatever fucking NIGHTMARE is going on here with the entity in the wardrobe, so I'm in the process of collecting references and inspiration. Here's what I have so far-

Notes from the narration:

Translucent, glistening skin

3 pairs of tusks. Pair 1 sprouts from the center of the nose and curls back into the skull. Pair 2 grows from the lower jaw, one pointed up and one pointed down. Pair 3 is placed like normal boar tusks, with one curving back into the neck and the other "carving forward menacingly". Each intersection between tusk and skin bleeds profusely.

The blood is made up of writhing, screaming boars.

The Things I'm Looking at for Inspiration!

Babirusas

Glass Frogs

The cursed form of Emperor Belos (The Owl House)

The Boar God Nago, especially his skeleton (Princess Mononoke)

The Nowhere King (Centaurworld)

The Beast (Over the Garden Wall)

Mora (The Queen and The Woodborn)

I basically ended up with three categories: Fucked Up Quadruped with Skull, Real Animal, and Nasty Collective of Tortured Souls

If anyone can think of anything else that would be useful to look at/reference let me know, I want to gather as much as I can because I am WAY out of my depth with this one haha. She's just too fucking cool to not draw

[diakiraiart]

Break from character redesigns to do a bit of work on the different species in the world I'm developing. I wanted the world to have a veriaty of species - like in D&D - but I also didn't want to lift the species from D&D, as well as have races that each of the four main characters could feasibly have been mistaken for throughout their lives... for plot reasons.

Managed for all but Earth, but there are also plot reasons why he gets a solid pass.

Anyway, if you're up for a lore dump, heres hte demographic distribution (based on a multi-culture city that all species are confortable to live in):

Humans - 45% Most numerous, well adaptive to most climates. Have the variety of IRL humans.

Woodburn - 23% - Second most common, skin developed with patterning that makes it easier for them to hide in forests and woodland. They have similar visual variety to Humans but with green tones.

Scalekin - 15% - Best suited to warmer climates. are more numerous everywhere due to a natural disaster hitting a city with a large Scalekin population. Range of reptilian scale colours, most commonly yellow and greens. A little bit taller than Humans or Woodborn but not my much.

Coldblood - 10% - Best suited for cold climates and prefer living in mountainous areas. Coldblood have the least variety in their visual appearances, if the greatest variety between masculine and feminine presenting (females tend to have less hair across their body due). skin can go slightly darker and lighter, however eyes can be many colours, however always a bright contrast. Tallest people by about a foot.

Fishfolk - 5% - Adapted to living under water, and have a civilisation underneath the waves. They are not insular or distrusting of land-folk, often seen as traders in cities. Whilst they have a vast variety in colours and frill placement, they have the least variety between their masculine and feminine presenting persons. Shortest species, their average height being around 5ft3 for both biological genders.

There are fluxuations depending where you go - south woull see more Scalekin and north more Coldblood, ect. Theres also a "Kith" species that I'm debating weather or not to keep in, thus the slight discrepency in the numbers.