Night Mare

something that I wrote to flesh out my worldbuilding, and that I'm really proud of! so here

A failed experiment

A historical documentation essay by Lady Xanthe Nylia- 208

While most people know that fisicana magic is banned in public sectors by the crown, the reason as to why is unknown. Using the testimony of a very dear friend of mine (which will be published in a separate article) and deep research into the royal library, I plan to bring to light why this powerful, and seemingly benign magic has been banned. It starts with experiments, and those experiments started with dragons.

Dragons are a race of creatures that can be described in many ways, majestic, powerful, existentially terrifying. To most people, very, very dead. Dragons had been hunted to extinction by elves a millennia ago, Their heads were used as a symbol of status and power, Their scales and fur were woven and stitched into royal finery. The traditions of hunting dragons had existed for centuries, and it wasn’t sustainable.

Thus, dragons were reduced to mere myth, the only things left of them being the stories written down in journals, and the various trophies that were collected over the years.

This was not an acceptable concept to some people. These people were of unsound mind and believed themselves to be gods. You could see why they thought that way, with their talent for fisicana magic giving them the ability to manipulate the forms of others to their own will.

These people, called the sallow mages, quickly grew in infamy. They were the whitewashed ghosts of the night that parents warned their children about at bedtime. Stories of the sallows spread through small towns like the warning winds of an upcoming storm.

These stories consisted of kidnappings, torture and brutal murder. However, there were still rules put forth in order to avoid the sallow mages; be home before dark and never walk alone.

The vault was what the sallow mages called their workspaces, all of them being connected by isolated and heavily protected tunnels. The actual workspaces were found by the militia in several coastal cities between Trigid and Vulre. The individual vaults contained dozens of holding cells, each of them were full. Each holding cell held 2-3 individuals, all hosting draconic features.

Some prisoners didn’t have that many unnatural changes, just elongated dragon ears and smooth spikes. Some prisoners had a moderate amount of features, with feathered frills, scaly backs, webbed fingers, or the majestic and powerful wings of air dragons and fire dragons. A few prisoners, however, were horrifically changed. 

They had the vertebrae of their spines pulled apart, and their skin stretched in order to accommodate the large size and many legs of the earth dragons. A few fire dragon hybrids had jaws that were more scar tissue than flesh, due to repeatedly biting into their own mouths with their fangs due to their inexperience and lack of control. One air dragon hybrid had their legs permanently fused together as if someone pasted the inside of their legs with glue and stuck them together. They didn’t receive wings, leaving them to crawl on the ground like a snake, ripping out patches of their newly grown feathers and exposing raw, incredibly sensitive skin.

The examples I listed above were the result of repetitive use of the fisicana  magic. The repeated molding and reforming of the prisoners' bodies had left them brittle, causing them to (metaphorically) break. The transformations were no longer stable, and the more extreme the transformation, the more volatile it was. They fell apart, leaving the prisoners half formed amalgamations of dragons and humans that were in long term, crippling pain.

After the “Vault” was found on the 39th of Grecis 201, most of the newly created dragon hybrids were offered physical therapy to undo what the sallow mages did to them. Some took the offer, others kept their changes and learned to live with them, however, those few with drastic changes had no choice in whether or not they wanted to keep their changes, out of fear that any more tampering would damage their bodies further.

These famous Dragon Rebirth experiments are the reason the crown heavily screens and restricts mages that use the fisicana branch of magic. These insane Sallow Mages took an innocent, and sometimes even helpful, tool and turned it into an instrument of horror. 

Some malls are already fit for purpose, just remove the directories.

malls are dying because they don't have blacksmith, apothecary, alehouse or peddler's

UN:MASKED 4 - ELIZAVETA PORODINA

*click* *click* perfect

oh! new pfp btw!

MORE WORLDBUILDING, this time on a holiday that i came up with

Diviti week- TLDR: celebrates Merudi as the patron god of the Ojalana empire, but isn’t celebrated outside of it.

Diviti Week is a well-known holiday sponsored by the Ojalana Empire, though it is not widely celebrated outside of it. It takes place from Merudi 1st to Merudi 7th. The holiday is a celebration of the god of wealth Merudi, and is marked by a life of affluence. People show off their wealth, sales boom, profits are made, and debts are paid off. People wear their best clothes and host parties and feasts in celebration. 

While this may seem like a holiday that only the wealthy and powerful enjoy, the lower classes are still in full support of the holiday. Local merchants consistently lower their prices during this week, especially at the end. The holiday attracts no small number of tourists that flock to the capital to partake in the festivities and watch the city become more beautiful than anything they have ever seen. Every street is hung with string lights that can best be described as icicles of pure gold that reach down to touch the heads of the pedestrians on the streets. There are ropes of braided silk draped in every alley, lighting the stony streets on fire. Exotic flowers are shipped from faraway lands and placed in the central plaza of Jackal Quartz, where one of the centerpieces of Diviti Week is held.

On the 4th-6th day of Diviti Week a massive 24 hour market is held, featuring everyone from farmers to furniture makers, menageries of all kinds, and spectacular dressmakers. Merchants of all kinds flood to Jackal Quartz during this week to sell their wares, most of them coming from Kelly's Caravan that makes its second arrival at this time, the other time being the 1st of Grecis. 

The second centerpiece of Diviti Week is the massive palace ball, called the golden ball, that is held on the last night of Diviti Week. It is held in the grand hall of the Palace, and it is completely public. Everyone, from the nobility to the commoners walk in through the massive doors of the palace to behold splendor beyond imagination. The roof is hung with gold and silver candles suspended by chains that fit perfectly into the space not taken up by the second floor balcony. The sconces that are drilled into the Carmine Red walls are hung with garlands of resplendent diamonds and topaz. The intricate swirls on the banister are interwoven with roses, lilies, tulips and snapdragons in every imaginable shade of orange and yellow. The marble tile of the floor is polished to a shine that reflects the feet and clothes of the various dancers

Our chimney is lovely, please ignore the hole in the floor

please spread this so that it can actually be funny instead of just 1 person voting

The true water magic

brb going outside to wistfully observe the reflections of the shop lights in the wet streets

Im concerned for what happens to the three of them after Akard follows through on his threat and storms the city

OC Intro: Dati

Hello everyone! I'm introducing y'all to Dati today!

The new poll will be up in the next couple of days!

Name: Dati (Written below in the Kishite, Apunian, and Knoshic Scripts)

It is tradition among the Safrimtwy (Knoshic: Safr - Snake, Rimtwy- Men) to be named after the various flora and fauna of the island of Knosh. Dati is named for the Carob Tree. The seed pods of the Carob are heavily used within Knoshic and Safrimi cuisine, particularly in drinks and desserts. The Safrimtwy do not utilize family/surnames, however the profession of an individual may be used as a secondary name of sorts.

Examples: Sibr Genmes (First Name: Fox, Profession: Shepherd)

Dati Mahrimt (First Name: Carob Tree, Profession: Sailor)

Continues Beneath the Cut!

Family

Father: Sibr (Fox) (Dead)

Mother: Ihmini (Lotus) (Dead)

Sister: Rweni (Rabbit) (Dead)

Sister: Bimi (Mouse)(Dead)

Husband: Istek (Alive)

Wife: Sihunu (Alive)

Son (By marriage): Lat (Alive)

Homeland/Place of Origin

The Fortress of Mahrwy (Knoshic: Mah - Water, Rwy - Houses/Village), Eastern Knosh

Ethncity/The Birth and Extinction of the Snake Men

Dati represents the last of the Safrimtwy people, one of a small collection of purposefully constructed Forestfolk tribes found within the Green Sea, particularly during and after the Arkodic-Kishite War(See here). Originating during the reign of the Eastern Knoshic King, Kenwat (502 years before Narul, 346 years after the Arkodic-Kishite War). At the time Knosh was split between a Western and Eastern Kingdom, these two groups often waged war upon each other, while also dealing with raids from Kishite and Korithian Pirates. Unlike most Forestfolk, the first Safrimtwy were created via the purposeful exposure of 16 loyal soldiers and their families, a total of 52 individuals to a magically contaminated spring located in Eastern Knosh. This was done with the intent of creating a race of Forestfolk meant to serve as an elite guard in service of the Eastern Knoshic Throne.

These individuals grew far larger than the average Knoshic (the Knoshic people on average are the shortest of the Green Sea people at an average of just 5'0 for men, the average Safrimtwy man is approximately 5'7), they additionally developed slightly larger than normal hands and feet, and a markedly improved immune system showing not only an increased resistance to many common diseases but also a much higher rate of hemostasis (the activation of platelets to seal wounds, the process of scabbing). However their most famed trait is a large tail. While this appears to be scaly at first glance (the source of the name "Snake Men ''), the tail is actually covered in many thick keratinous plates, similar to those found on a pangolin. The tail is completely prehensile and approximately the last 10 inches of the tail is covered in setae, tiny hairlike structures also found on the feet of geckos. These setae allow for the tail to be used for manipulating objects, often with surprising dexterity.

This new group proved to be highly competent warriors, quickly winning renown as guardians of the Eastern Knoshic throne and as hunters of other varieties of Forestfolk. In thanks for the protection of the king during the Battle of Mahrant and for their vicious persecution of other Forestfolk Tribes, the Safrimtwy were given the fortress of Mahrwy, built around the same spring that had created their race. The Safrimtwy served loyally for nearly 400 years, their population ballooning to over 8,600, spread around Eastern Knosh, with only a small group remaining at Mahrwy.

The Age of the Safrimtwy came to a crashing end with the War of Knoshic Unification. The Western King, Hahru, aided by the Apunian throne and his mercenaries invaded the Eastern Knoshic Kingdom, successfully killing the Eastern King at the Battle of Pmnya. While ultimately killed to a man, the 700 Safrimtwy warriors who served at that battle were noted for their ferocity and loyalty. Fearful that the Safrimtwy may foment rebellion against the new unified Knosh, Hahru with the help of his Apunian mercenaries underwent a vicious campaign of elimination against the Safrimtwy. Years of constant warfare and subjugation destroyed the once thriving population. For some time the tails of Safrimtwy warriors became prized trophies, appearing in homes and markets as far away as Namut. 

Only one population managed to hold out, those barricaded within Mahrwy. An 8 year siege against the fortress proved unsuccessful in dislodging the remaining 143 Safrimtwy living within. While military actions against the Safrimtwy were lifted at this point, the bounty and market for their tails did not. For the next several decades this last small population, limited to their fortress and the surrounding forest and shore, were regular victims of hunters and slavers. By the time of the birth of Dati, the tribe there had dwindled to 41 individuals.

32 years before the events of The Testaments, Eastern Knosh was struck by a highly destructive earthquake. This caused the collapse of the great gateway of Mahrwy, killing a further 13 of the Safrimtwy in the process. Not long after, slavers and raiders attacked the survivors, killing all, save for one, Dati. Dati was instead kidnapped with the intention of being sold as a curiosity, the last of a once proud people.

History

Dati was born 46 years before the events of The Testaments, born to the shepherds Sibr and Ihimni while the two were tending to their small flock in the hills outside of Mahrwy. Dati was the youngest child, sibling to his sisters Bimi and Rweni. 

From a young age Dati was noted for his strength and beauty, Sibr believed that Dati was destined to be the Lord of Mahrwy and would be ultimately responsible for the rebirth of the Safrimtwy people. As such Dati was heavily educated in leadership, the ways of fighting, and a range of other skills including the playing of the mnfar, a revered stringed instrument.

 His mother took him regularly to the spring from whence their people had come, to bath and to commune with the spirits. As with most non-sages, Dati is not capable of seeing spirits. However he held a particular reverence for the spirits of the Spring as it was believed that they were responsible at least in part for the continued protection of the Safrimtwy against the machinations of the Knoshic hunters. 

At the age of 12 Dati was engaged to his second cousin, Tebi. The two were close friends throughout childhood, and neither had much problem with their planned marriage.

At the age of 13 Dati was given his own flock of 8 sheep and given the responsibility of tending to them, as a sort of spiritual precursor to guiding his people.

Shortly after his fourteenth birthday, the earthquake struck. Among those killed in the collapse of the wall was his father, Sibr. Dati was among the individuals working on repairing the wall. However, at the urging of his mother he abandoned this instead to track down his father’s lost sheep who had fled after the earthquake. At the time the rest of the Safrimtwy were gathered in the ruins of the fortress, caring for the injured and tending to the dead. 

The raiders struck while Dati was searching the hills. Slaughtering or grievously injuring the remaining Safrimtwy in their eagerness. Upon returning and bearing witness to the carnage, Dati attacked one of the raiders. Dati was ultimately bound and beaten, however before the killing blow was struck, another raider intervened, pointing out that the endling may instead be more valuable if sold alive.

Dati was sold to the Korithian merchant, Baros, at the Knoshic port town of Kherwy as a deckhand and curiosity. Dati spent the next 7 years primarily aboard the trading vessel, The Golden Hound, bouncing from port to port. Along the way Dati picked up an understanding and fluency in both Kishite and Korithian. 

When the Golden Hound was attacked by the pirate ship, The Westwind, Baros was killed in the scuffle and Dati taken as part of the booty. It is there that Dati came into contact with the eccentric pirate captain, Istek. Istek immediately freed Dati from his bondage and gave the forestfolk the option of remaining in his crew or being dropped off at the next port. Dati was not keen to be left in a strange land alone, a dangerous prospect for any forestfolk, and so he agreed to remain aboard the Westwind.

The two almost immediately fell for one another, and soon became partners, Istek the Captain, and Dati the First Mate. They two would go on to earn a reputation as devious and eccentric pirates. About 6 years later while the Westwind was docked for repairs on the island of Ninetu Istek became acquainted with Sihunu, the daughter of a carpenter. Her sharp wit and wild temperament had scarred off all suitors that her father had brought before her. Yet it was these very qualities that caused first Istek to fall deeply in love with her. 

Ashamed by these feelings, Istek confessed to Dati. While initially angry, Dati insisted on meeting with Sihunu himself. While his initial intention had been to scare her off, Dati was enchanted by her beauty and her wit. A four month long whirlwind relationship held between the three blossomed. The three purposefully sabotaged the repairs of the Westwind in order to lengthen their time together, however this could only go on so long, and after nearly four months, the repairs were complete. After much discussion, the two men decided that they would both propose. Sihunu accepted both proposals. The three would be secretly married to one another by an Ikopeshi priest (paid in wine) and would sneak away on the Westwind that same night, though not before raiding several of the other docked ships.

Their reign of adventure and thievery would go on for several years, as they now stalked up and down the coast, capturing ships, raiding villages, and even fighting the occasional sea monster.

This came to an end when Sihunu became pregnant. The three agreed that the life of a pirate was no life for a child, and though somewhat hesitant, they put down their swords and spears. They came under the employ of the merchant Wadikir, a highly powerful and wealthy figure in the hierarchy of the Kishic city of Chibal.

Shortly after arriving in Chibal, Sihunu gave birth to their child, Lat.

The four of them now live in the dock district of Chibal. Sihunu has elected to remain on land with Lat until such a time as the boy is old enough to join the crew. Istek and Dati meanwhile take semi-regular jobs for Wadikir and other merchants.

It is during one such job that the pair first meet the giant, Narul.

Appearance

Dati stands at just over 5’6. He is tall and fit from a life of moving cargo and working the oars, Istek is particularly fond of his arms. with a rich brown complexion, further darkened by the sun, though the sun has also caused some premature wrinkling on his forehead and around his eyes. His eyes are hazel, mostly brown with occasional flecks of green and gold. His curly dark brown hair and beard have started to show hints of graying. His tail is usually hidden beneath his long Korithian style linen skirt while at port. He wears golden earrings, bronze bangles, and has a necklace of silver beads.

Personality

Dati is a kind-hearted though somewhat stiff person. He is prone to sarcasm and his temperament is short at times. He is a far less eccentric individual compared to Istek and even Sihunu. He is an introvert at heart, taking some time to get used to most people. Compared to Istek he is cautious and level-headed, though he is not lacking in bravery. Dati has little time for superstition and shows an active distaste for matters of religion, likely as a result of Isteks own fraught past with cultic activity. He is a highly affectionate person, though typically not in public settings. 

Gender/Pronouns

Cis-man He/Him

Sexual Orientation

Bisexual Polyamorous

Relationships

Dati is married to Istek and Sihunu, the three are close-knit and affectionate. He also serves as a father alongside Istek to Lat (biologically Istek's child).

Dati retains a friendly relationship with much of the crew of the Westwind.

Upon meeting Narul, he and Istek in some sense, take up a fatherly role in the life of the giant, acting as a source of comfort and guidance.

Favorite Color

Green

Favorite Food

Pemrwy genmesen : Stuffed Dates (Shepherd's Dates)

Biggest Fear

Outliving both of his partners, being alone.

Sage?

No

Literate?

Somewhat (Can read receipts in Kishite and Korithian but not poems or other more complex literature)

Excerpt

 Narul sighed and looked around the deck and then froze. A scaly serpent of sorts was slithering across the deck, crawling up Dati's skirt, a snake or something similar. It must have crawled into the ship while it was docked, or else it was something from the sea itself. Narul stood and crept towards Dati, attempting to be as quiet as possible, no easy task for a man of his size. " Dati, don't move." He whispered. Dati, who had been dozing off, glanced up at Narul and raised an eyebrow. " What's wrong? Narul?" Narul didn't respond, focused on the thing slithering across the ground. He then sprung forward, and though it attempted to flinch away he successfully grabbed whatever it was and hoisting it into the air in hopes of quickly moving it away from the sailor. Dati was quickly pulled up into the air with it, dangling from Narul's fist. " What the...what is this, a tail?" " Let go of me you bastard!" Dati roared as swung around angrily, trying to punch at Narul’s torso. Narul quickly dropped the man and stepped back, in a flash Dati was back on his feet, knife in hand. Narul took another step back, eyes flicking from the knife, to Dati's face. He knew that Dati’s knife could likely do little to harm him, but the seething look in the first mate’s eyes alone threatened to burn through the giants thick hide.

@patternwelded-quill @flaneurarbiter @skyderman @blackblooms

@roach-pizza @illarian-rambling @dezerex @theocticscribe

@axl-ul, @persnickety-peahen, @surroundedbypearls, @elsie-writes

@mk-writes-stuff, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @elsie-writes

"There's only room enough for one of us"

This is a perfectly reasonable amount of drama

Please take these overly dramatic Ishtar siblings