The Fox and the Butcherbird - A BloodyMary Daemon!AU
https://archiveofourown.org/series/6191961
Hey everyone! I thought I’d make a little reference post for this AU since I’ve had a few questions about it on AO3 ❤️
The His Dark Material/Daemon Universe
If you're new to daemons, here's a couple worldbuilding rules that are relevant to the AU
- daemons are an extension of a person's soul that takes the form of an animal, which reflects the person's personality/flaws/strengths, etc
- a daemon is its own entity - they have their own voice, identity, and personality
- daemons can change forms during childhood and settle into one "true form" during adolescence
- it is considered highly taboo to touch another person's daemon - that privilege is usually reserved for someone's intimate partner or immediate family
- a human can only go a short distance from their daemon before it causes both of them physical/ mental pain
Ryland Grace & Raava
Grace’s daemon is a Red Fox (vulpes vulpes) named Raava. She goes by she/her. Her name has Egyptian/Persian inspiration/roots, and it means “Voice of the Sun”. She tends to just stick with Grace and not socialize with other peoples’ daemons. She also tends to be a little more cynical and observant than Grace, while still having his sassiness and passion.
Obviously Grace is already heavily associated with foxes, so that played a part in picking a fox for his daemon. But red fox people are independent yet loyal folk who are very adaptable. They’re also very curious yet cautious, so they tend to be planners. Foxes are also VERY vocal animals, so they match with expressive people with a playful streak, which I thought fit with Grace’s yapper personality.
Simon & Suji
Simon’s daemon is a Silver-Backed Butcherbird (cracticus argenteus) named Suji. She also goes by she/her. Her name has Korean inspiration/roots and means “Determined to Live”. She tends to be a little softer and shyer than Simon. She knows Simon used to be a gentler soul and doesn’t want thet side of him to be lost. But like Simon, she’s quick on her feet (wings?) and has his survival instincts.
The butcherbird for his form started as just a nod to his nickname, but the more I looked into them the more I think they do fit. Their name comes from their feeding behavior - when they catch prey they will store it in trees or impaled on thorns in order to eat them or save them for later. It’s definitely morbid, so that felt apt for Simon, but it also speaks to someone who is tough and resourceful. They also catch prey by swooping down in an ambush, so someone with this daemon would be opportunistic and adaptable.
They live in small family units and mate for life, so similarly to foxes they are independent but loyal. They defend their nests and territory fiercely, with loud harsh calls - so a bold and expressive person (Simon’s potty mouth anyone?)
Please feel free to send me any questions ❤️ thanks so much to everyone who’s been keeping up with this AU so far, your comments are giving me life
