Fan-made astral bodies lore

Worldbuilding for my astral D&D campaign ;) Main blog: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/charlieclementine

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Poof! Short comic!

I know for a fact he has the most luscious, full, beautiful head of hair. I just can't prove it...

Long time no see!

I can’t say that I'll fully be returning to this blog (I never had much of an audience, lmao) but I'll do my best to post doodles every now and then! Thanks for tuning in!

-Clementine

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"Thig crìoch air an t-saoghal ach mairidh gaol is ceòl."

"Life may come to an end, but love and music shall always endure."

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I made this a month ago at this point, but I'll post it now. Concepts for Maia of the Pleiades.

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The Underbelly's Pit (Fan-made astral lore)

The Underbelly is a sort of black market-type city that lives in the abandoned mines just below Central City. It's a packed full, crime abound place, and yet it still has not caught the eyes of the court astrals. Or rather… they choose not to see it (more on that theory later). If you're unfortunate as I am to have accidentally stumbled upon the cutthroat streets of The Underbelly, you might have noticed crowds of sneering creatures flocking to a mini coliseum when the markets of Central City become desolate and quiet. Whatever you do, DO NOT FOLLOW. Why? Well, my friend, you have just found The Pit. The most dangerous and vile part of The Underbelly.

The Pit is a fighting ring where astrals/aliens are pinned against each other and are forced to hunt each other down if they ever want a chance to see sunlight again. If you owe a shady guy some favors and don't come through with them, there's a slight chance you can find yourself in the ring. Don't worry! While you're getting the snot beaten out of you, you always have the rowdy (usually intoxicated) crowd cheering the fighters on! I've heard things like “RIP HIS HEAD OFF!” and “SKEWER HIM ALIVE!” and “PLUCK OUT HER EYEBALLS AND FEED THEM TO HER!” I'm not entirely sure how that last one is possible, since the space creature they were referencing was literally made of light and had no eyes, but whatever floats your boat, I guess?

Betting is always welcome in the pit. I've seen creatures trade in lots of coins, gems, expensive items, whatever consists of currency across the cosmos, just for them to walk away with no money at all. Typically, the creature in the ring with the least amount of bets is granted a small weapon that could easily turn the tides if used right. Clearly, whoever runs this thing doesn't like to play fair. The most terrifying part is when the crowd gets angry and tries to throw smaller alien bystanders in the ring. Thankfully, this has never happened to me (I might not be walking if it did), however, there is this alien near the entrance selling snacks that gives me a look. It's best to avoid her. I don't exactly want the world to know what “Earthling flavored popcorn” tastes like.

I've heard this strange rumor that the astrals allow the Underbelly to operate because of the coliseum. The rumor goes something along the lines of how there's a court astral funding and supporting The Pit for their entertainment. A bunch of hogwash if you ask me. I don't exactly know what the court astrals act like, but I wouldn't be surprised if they think they're too upper class for fighting entertainment or even treading the same ground as “the lower class.” But, yeah. It's all rumors and nothing more. Although… Now that I think about it, there always is this sort of balcony area, shielded with curtains that seems quite regal. It's too high up to see anything past the curtains from the stands. I guess… anything is possible, right?

[astral-field-guide]

The Dioscuri Taxi (Fan-made Astral world building)

So, you're in space, great. Not going to question how you got here as long as you don't question why I'm here. Time to get down on some cosmic sightseeing and being a human tourist! The only problem? The astrals and most aliens can fly/teleport to where they want to go, and you're made of flesh and bone who can only jump so high until your pants fall down. Not to fear! Notice how I said most aliens? 

The Dioscuri Taxi is a behemoth of a ship that physically makes no sense and functions more as a bus route than a taxi. There are much smaller airships that go through most of the Ecliptic Ring, but the Dioscuri Taxi is probably the most used. It gets through the galaxy with a giant pair of silk wings that slowly flap up and down, and various sails hoisted high. Sorry to burst your bubble, but these are a hundred percent for show. How the airship actually functions is beyond me, but I've learned not to question anything about the Dioscuri Taxi or anything associated with Gemini, for that matter. (more on their association later)

What looks like a rickety sailors ship suddenly turns into a five-star cruise when below deck. I'm not even kidding. The inside quadruples in size. Featuring alien cuisine, live astral entertainment (usually music but occasionally plays and retellings of astral history), a place to rest in a mediocre feeling bed, and of course, plenty of competitive games. It wouldn't be a gift of Gemini without some sort of sport. 

The Dioscuri Taxi isn't free to access, of course. The general fee just for boarding is two Zoens (the most recognized form of currency in the Ecliptic Ring), representing one for each twin. To participate in games, get into the theatre, or even kick your feet back, you may need to pay more than what you were expecting to. An upside is that pets are free to board! If you're low on Zoens and really desperate, you could always convince an alien that you are their pet human for the day! (it sounds silly, but this has seriously helped me out in certain situations)

The Dioscuri Taxi is a “gift of Gemini.” I'm not too educated on my court astral facts, but these are the things I've learned from other creatures. When an astral gets elected to be one of the twelve esteemed court astrals, they vow to give the Ecliptic Ring a gift of sorts. For Gemini, they gave the gift of safe travel (this was much more special back in war times as the ship was extremely defended), allowing anyone aboard despite one's species/race… except dark astrals. That one’s kind of given, though. Apparently, Gemini is the newest addition to the court, which is hard to believe, as they've been in the court for billions of years at this point. Although, that might explain why certain parts of the cosmos look down on them for being “childish.” I've never met Gemini, nor any court astrals for that matter, but Gemini seems the most “human” out of all of them. I wonder who was in court before them. I wonder what happened to them, too.

Below, you can find a sketch of the Dioscuri Taxi. To anyone who needs to draw boats for a living, I am so sorry.

[justuraverageweirdo]

OG MY GOSH OHHHTJJENEJRBRJEJJRJ FHORTJKSJFJEJRJTJWJEJRJSAJEHTJ THIS IS SO EZTREMELY FREAKING COOL OMGGGG

[astral-field-guide]

The Dioscuri Taxi (Fan-made Astral world building)

So, you're in space, great. Not going to question how you got here as long as you don't question why I'm here. Time to get down on some cosmic sightseeing and being a human tourist! The only problem? The astrals and most aliens can fly/teleport to where they want to go, and you're made of flesh and bone who can only jump so high until your pants fall down. Not to fear! Notice how I said most aliens? 

The Dioscuri Taxi is a behemoth of a ship that physically makes no sense and functions more as a bus route than a taxi. There are much smaller airships that go through most of the Ecliptic Ring, but the Dioscuri Taxi is probably the most used. It gets through the galaxy with a giant pair of silk wings that slowly flap up and down, and various sails hoisted high. Sorry to burst your bubble, but these are a hundred percent for show. How the airship actually functions is beyond me, but I've learned not to question anything about the Dioscuri Taxi or anything associated with Gemini, for that matter. (more on their association later)

What looks like a rickety sailors ship suddenly turns into a five-star cruise when below deck. I'm not even kidding. The inside quadruples in size. Featuring alien cuisine, live astral entertainment (usually music but occasionally plays and retellings of astral history), a place to rest in a mediocre feeling bed, and of course, plenty of competitive games. It wouldn't be a gift of Gemini without some sort of sport. 

The Dioscuri Taxi isn't free to access, of course. The general fee just for boarding is two Zoens (the most recognized form of currency in the Ecliptic Ring), representing one for each twin. To participate in games, get into the theatre, or even kick your feet back, you may need to pay more than what you were expecting to. An upside is that pets are free to board! If you're low on Zoens and really desperate, you could always convince an alien that you are their pet human for the day! (it sounds silly, but this has seriously helped me out in certain situations)

The Dioscuri Taxi is a “gift of Gemini.” I'm not too educated on my court astral facts, but these are the things I've learned from other creatures. When an astral gets elected to be one of the twelve esteemed court astrals, they vow to give the Ecliptic Ring a gift of sorts. For Gemini, they gave the gift of safe travel (this was much more special back in war times as the ship was extremely defended), allowing anyone aboard despite one's species/race… except dark astrals. That one’s kind of given, though. Apparently, Gemini is the newest addition to the court, which is hard to believe, as they've been in the court for billions of years at this point. Although, that might explain why certain parts of the cosmos look down on them for being “childish.” I've never met Gemini, nor any court astrals for that matter, but Gemini seems the most “human” out of all of them. I wonder who was in court before them. I wonder what happened to them, too.

Below, you can find a sketch of the Dioscuri Taxi. To anyone who needs to draw boats for a living, I am so sorry.

[astral-field-guide]

Caught a local specimen observing the wildlife.

He enjoys his emotional support butterflies.

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Have a little proto design for Taurus's dnd minifig I made quickly in Heroforge!

Might have it printed and painted soon! :3

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Buckle up folks! Writing some lore for the Taurus Domain this week! :D

Here is the first concept/design for Maia of the Pleiades!

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The Unity Markets (Fan-made astral lore)

The bustling streets of Central City are no stranger to flash sales and heckling. It can be hard to stay afloat in the sea of market stalls and trades. Luckily, I have learned a few things to help you navigate the markets.

Don't talk to anybody if you don't have to. If you see an alien with a suspicious looking grin (or grins, multiple mouths are common for aliens.) Don't engage. Especially if their prices are rather high for what they're selling.

If you don't know what they're selling, DON'T BUY IT. Several of these market stalls work off of tourists (like stumbling humans) looking for a quick snack. The first time I found this out was when I bought a delectable pastry-type thing and woke up four hours later in The Underbelly alleys having been mugged and missing two toenails (I'm still wondering what the hell happened to those).

Do approach stalls that are populated. A large and diverse crowd of different species is a good sign of not only good prices but good service! I've met plenty of intergalactic creatures that love to chat despite the language barrier. A loving worker will always show you what kinds of alien produce you can digest and what kinds will set your kidneys on fire!

Although rare, if they do pop up, do visit stalls that feature goods from Earth! (As long as it doesn't look too sketchy, of course) All Earth stalls can be fit into two categories. Junk that is under priced because no one knows what it is or junk that is overpriced because no one knows what it is. These "human markets" usually consist of things you'd find at the local landfill. Bicycle chains, old magazines, shards of glass rebranded as "Earth jewels," you can never predict what you'll find next. Every once in a while, you'll strike gold by finding Earth produce, clothes, musical instruments, or even medicine. I once found a half empty bottle of Tylenol being sold as a noise maker because the astral selling it didn't know how to unscrew the top. The look on his face was priceless when I showed him.

The markets are not for everyone of course, with the loud and often chaotic environment it comes with. I remember being petrified of the markets when I first arrived, but now it's one of my favorite places to catch up with alien and astral friends and to exchange stories. Just… stay clear of the weirdos.

A sketch of a Leonid with their Earthling wares booth I did awhile back.

Trying something different today! Let me know if you prefer the posts from first person view or third person view!

[justuraverageweirdo]

I CANT GET OVER HOW COOL YOUR WORLD BUILDING IS OMG

[astral-field-guide]

Aaa tysmmm!!

[astral-field-guide]

The Unity Markets (Fan-made astral lore)

The bustling streets of Central City are no stranger to flash sales and heckling. It can be hard to stay afloat in the sea of market stalls and trades. Luckily, I have learned a few things to help you navigate the markets.

Don't talk to anybody if you don't have to. If you see an alien with a suspicious looking grin (or grins, multiple mouths are common for aliens.) Don't engage. Especially if their prices are rather high for what they're selling.

If you don't know what they're selling, DON'T BUY IT. Several of these market stalls work off of tourists (like stumbling humans) looking for a quick snack. The first time I found this out was when I bought a delectable pastry-type thing and woke up four hours later in The Underbelly alleys having been mugged and missing two toenails (I'm still wondering what the hell happened to those).

Do approach stalls that are populated. A large and diverse crowd of different species is a good sign of not only good prices but good service! I've met plenty of intergalactic creatures that love to chat despite the language barrier. A loving worker will always show you what kinds of alien produce you can digest and what kinds will set your kidneys on fire!

Although rare, if they do pop up, do visit stalls that feature goods from Earth! (As long as it doesn't look too sketchy, of course) All Earth stalls can be fit into two categories. Junk that is under priced because no one knows what it is or junk that is overpriced because no one knows what it is. These "human markets" usually consist of things you'd find at the local landfill. Bicycle chains, old magazines, shards of glass rebranded as "Earth jewels," you can never predict what you'll find next. Every once in a while, you'll strike gold by finding Earth produce, clothes, musical instruments, or even medicine. I once found a half empty bottle of Tylenol being sold as a noise maker because the astral selling it didn't know how to unscrew the top. The look on his face was priceless when I showed him.

The markets are not for everyone of course, with the loud and often chaotic environment it comes with. I remember being petrified of the markets when I first arrived, but now it's one of my favorite places to catch up with alien and astral friends and to exchange stories. Just… stay clear of the weirdos.

A sketch of a Leonid with their Earthling wares booth I did awhile back.

Trying something different today! Let me know if you prefer the posts from first person view or third person view!

[astral-field-guide]

Welcome to the Ecliptic Ring, where the Astrals reside (Fan-made astral world building)

The map you see above is an hour-long sketch of the Ecliptic Ring. Where most astrals reside. Each astral has their own floating island domain that acts as a sort of "state." These domains have varying geology, foliage, and civilizations, built around their astral leader.

Central city is where The Great Courthouse is located. I don't think I need to explain what it's for. Central city's population is a mish-mash of many different alien and astral species. It is extremely crowded for a city, due to the fact that one does not have to worship or prove loyalty to a court astral to live there. This can sometimes cause chaos or rebellious actions towards the astral rules, with the main example being "The Underbelly." A black market type place located within the abandoned mines under Central City.

Some observant eyes might have noticed how bare the map actually is. I have not explored every nook and cranny yet, not on foot, and neither in my mind. I invite you as we explore the Ecliptic Ring together, figuring out its mysteries and culture.

(If anything is too blurry or unclear to see, please tell me! I could make the font bigger or get better pictures!)

[astral-field-guide]

The role of the Mother Nebulae (Fan-made astral world building)

Stars do not reproduce. Rather, they just blink into existence through nuclear fusion with the combination stray star power drifting through the cosmos. Once a star is created, they are in their infant stage. A bright ball of gas like the stars we think we are used to. Out in the galaxy, the infant stars have no parents or guardians to protect them, leaving the fate of the infant star as survival of the fittest. The infant stars are not strong enough to receive the nutrients themselves. Thus, many die out shortly after they are born. This is where the role of the Mother Nebulae comes in. Like many intergalactic species, no soul knows how they came to be but exists to die. The nebulae drift through the vastness of space, searching for an infant star struggling to hold onto their light. The nebula will hold onto that infant star (sometimes multiple at a time), cradling it and sharing energy, often for many years until the star becomes strong enough to evolve into their next stage of life. 

Being a mother nebula is no easy job, having to share nutrients and light with infants until they cease to exist and are quickly forgotten. The motherly nature of the nebulae has made it that "Nebula" is a popular name among some lower class stars and alien creatures, with the intended meaning being "motherly" and "patient." 

Appearance: Nebulae are large, sometimes as large as moons or small planets, but smaller ones do exist. They never seem to have a fixed shape, appearing more cloud-like and gaseous, letting their bodies drift through the cosmos when they are free of mind. They almost seem to have a stout body, encased by flowing, curly hair around their heads, that go to their feet. They can be a wide range of colours (often multiple) and appear to have sparking space dust scattered across their "skin." They have no visible eyes. However, the strange marking on its chest is theorized to be a point of eyesight.

Below, you can find some sketches and images of Mother Nebulae.

[astral-field-guide]

The Role of the Messengers (fan-made astral world building)

In the empty, vast reaches of the cosmos, it used to be difficult to deliver messages to one other. The role of the messengers assures that creatures may keep in touch with each other even across galaxies. When a messenger is sent on a job, the one looking to message will repeat what they want to be said to the messenger, causing them to write the words down in their daybook. The messenger will quickly fly/teleport to where they need to go to find the recipient and repeat the message to them. 

It's unknown what happens to the information in their daybooks. Some rumor that when the book fills up, it is taken to the Astral knowledge holders, kept for preservation of astral/alien life. Although others believe in the more devious theory, the counsel Astrals keep the books themselves and read the messages inside to keep tabs on certain beings. What actually happens to the books is unknown, however.

Messengers belong to certain classes. The most abundant messenger is the one that you'd probably see in more dinghy parts of the cosmos. The ones who deliver to the "common folk" of the galaxies. Some of them are quite inexperienced as it's where all messengers start and are often paid less as well. These messengers are quickly recognizable due to the bright flame situated just above their forehead. The next group of messengers are for the sort of nobleman among the astrals (Orion, Bootes, Lyra, etc). They tend to keep messengers close, sometimes even allowing them to live in their residency as a form of trade for their work. Like all messengers, these ones also have a flame above their forehead but are typically more wealthier dressed, dawning robes, jewelry, and other items to display their status. The final group of messengers are the ones that belong to the court astrals (Libra, Pisces, etc). These messengers are the most mysterious among the roles. They have the flame, some robes too, items of status, yes, but also have a magical shadowy veil that conceals their face from view. These messengers barely talk to anyone unless required for their job and typically speak in a low, hushed tone to the court astrals, almost as if not to anger them. It's unknown where they reside when they are free from their jobs for a short period of time. It's likely that like the second class of messengers, the court astrals allow them to reside and rest in certain places made for them.

The messenger flame is an old symbol of war. When the positive star creatures and the negative star creatures were at gruesome war with one another, the positive forces' messengers kept getting killed off in the crossfire of battles. This caused the positive force to attempt to make a deal with the negative force. If they were to have a specific symbol on their messengers as a warning not to kill, they would comply with the rule not to kill messengers on both sides. It took a while, but eventually, the negative forces agreed, leaving this settlement the first agreement between the sides in a long time. The agreement was eventually broken when the negative forces realized that they could disguise some warriors as messengers, claiming they had a message for the court astrals, only for them to invade and take innocent lives of many astral/alien creatures. This forced the court astrals to have to kill the warriors and confront the negative force about their broken agreement. The agreement was never amended, but the symbol of the flame just above the forehead serves as a reminder of the brief time of peace in the war.

The flame does not cause burns, rather, feels like a hot summer day on the skin. The flame can serve as a light in darker areas. The flame also dims when the messenger is asleep or unconscious.

Appearance: Messengers used to be jobs that only stars and other astral creatures could work. But the times have changed, and now you can find a variety of aliens working as messengers, too. The astrals seem to prefer ones that look more "humanoid", however.

Below, you can find a sketch of a higher ranking messenger.