Duhkha introduction
In the wake of a heaven cracked open and bled dry, five figures walk west—one in despair, one in hunger, one in plight, one in shame, and one recoiling from the light in a fabricated shell.
This is a retelling, yes—but only by the loosest ligaments. Journey to the West, boiled to gristle, flensed of fable, left to ferment in god-blood and silence. The world they cross is not whole. Names twist. Truth slips. The gods have gone to seed, and the scriptures are written in doubt.
Through the eyes of Táng Sānzàng—a man, just a man, though clothed in divine expectation—this tale uncoils. He seeks penance. The cost is unclear. The road is longer than any map permits. Along it: mad beasts, deranged men, and the slow unraveling of what divine favor once meant.
What is mercy, when wielded without limit? What debt does kindness incur? When does compassion rot into complicity?
Absolution is earned not taken.
And earning it may ruin you.
Duhkha is an in the works comic concept made by yours truly. I upload here my progress in character design and the likes. Something between a progress log and a journal. I'd appreciate support, interaction and encouragement, but even alone I shall continue to work towards making it a reality. This story is my calling.
Sincerely,
Mod Hailang.
Disclaimer: There's not sugarcoating it—Duhkha is dark. It holds every vile thing one creature can do to another, and it revels in the filth. It looks at the path that leads there. Not apologetic, but humanizing. For knowing how near we are to monsters is the greatest horror. Whatever you are imagining right now is correct. If that unsettles you, this is not your story.
Disclaimer 2: All content uploaded is a part of a on-going work in progress. As such, everything from lore pieces to character designs is not set in stone and may be changed at any time until the actual, true release of Duhkha (though I doubt it'll change in any truly significant way). For asks especially I use simplified/ not finished designs.
Fun links:
Playlists:
Duhkha Playlist (Spotify):
Duhkha Sānzàng Playlist (Spotify):
Duhkha Wùkōng Playlist (Spotify):
Duhkha Bajie Playlist (Spotify):
Duhkha Wujing Playlist (Spotify):
(YouTube versions + additional playlists for other characters eventually)
Fanfics (in recommended reading order):
The Sweetest death (the first of the fics exploring this world. A taste.)
Attachment (loose continuation of The Sweetest Death. A big concept fic showcasing the fundamentals of this world. Not for the faint of heart.)
Devil's Bargain (independent smut fic set in the Duhkha universe.)
The Kiss (Short, independent "fluff" fic published for Suntang day. Set in the Duhkha universe as well.)
Mischievousness (short one-shot. Set before the events of Attachment)
Disclaimer regarding request/ asks
1. Regarding requests (i.e., "please draw x"): I accept and will answer all requests. ALL. REQUESTS. NSFW, gore, you name it. Duhkha does not shy away from such subjects in general, so feel free to be as freaky as you want. THE ONLY EXCEPTION are requests/ asks I find annoying, and that is determined by the way things are phrased. The rule of thumb is: if you're on anon/ I do not personally know you, please stay respectful. Such asks will simply be deleted.
2. Regarding genuine questions: please try to avoid redundant questions. If I have answered something vaguely, I have meant to do so. A second question about the same topic will get you an answer, but not the one you want. Of course, the same principle of respectful behavior is applied.
3. I am filling requests/ asks at the order I get them. No playing favorites. Right now, it's exam period, so I can only draw so much. Please stay patient with me.
4. if possible, please refrain from asking more than a single question per ask. it makes my work load much more manageable this way. i would prefer 5 seperate asks with a single question in each than one with five question within. thank you for your consideration!
Thanks again to all those who bothered to interact with me and send asks! I have enjoyed every single one I've answered and can't wait to fill more!
