Mao_Ri

Rus telegram channel: https://t.me/Marika_219_MaoRi

[maori219]

where are all the Russian-speaking fans of Peter Watts’ Firefall???

i made a Telegram space:

Firefall RU: Blindsight | Echopraxia

https://t.me/blindsight_ru

[Russian-speaking community].

We talk Blindsight, Echopraxia, vampires, consciousness… all the crazy stuff. Come if you want memes, fanart, theories, or just someone else to get what’s happening in the books

[maori219]

After re-reading "Blindsight" and all its accompanying stories several times, I suddenly picked up on a few interesting details: just how much Jim truly loved Helen, how much he put up with her, and just how damn much Siri takes after his father! To the same extent that Helen is, fuck, so dense. Just an utterly impenetrable woman! And while Siri chose to avoid his mother for obvious reasons, Jim… He’s an incredibly soft type, even excessively gentle toward Helen. I don’t even know how I missed that before.

I actually feel a little ashamed now that I initially didn’t like him much. I won’t argue that a large part of my attitude toward the Colonel was shaped by that very scene where Jim choked Helen. I might have kept thinking that way, until I came across an interesting take suggesting that Siri’s memory of the kitchen incident might be false. Thanks — now I feel better.

[dr-abigail-richelieu]

Vampires were an extinct human subspecies, discovered and then de-extinct through morally questionable genetic engineering research in the year 1981 by The Genomic Innovation Institute (or G.I.I) in an attempt at finding cures for some neurological disorders through gene therapy and tweaked retroviruses. Thanks to these… Morally questionable experiments, It was discovered that some specific dormant genes were extremely widely spread throughout the population and that these genes could be reactivated in some individuals. In certain cases some of these genes express spontaneously. This gave rise to the theory that some neurological disorders could at least partly arise from the expression of these genes albeit in a very “broken” and rudimentary form. Essentially the treatments to cure certain types of neurological disorders turned out to activate some of these dormant genes, essentially turning the test subjects into what we now call a Vampire. The Genomic Innovation Institute decided to pursue research on this subspecies, hoping to turn a profit. Thanks to them, we now have a complex understanding of Vampires…

They were humanity's natural predator, emerging between 300,000 and 200,000 years ago, around the same time as Homo sapiens, or at least shortly after. They hunted our ancestors with brutal efficiency, to the point that even though we eventually forgot about them (before bringing them back from extinction), they remained engraved in our cultural memory. For lack of better words, they were the things we feared were in the dark.

It's difficult to identify ancient vampire remains, as their identifying traits are primarily neurological and soft tissue-related. However, their skeletal structure does have some minor differences, which allow for identification now that we know what to look for. It seems that vampires began going extinct around 2000 BCE, with their population drastically reducing as civilization emerged. Their extinction was due to more than one factor. 

-Vampires were extremely antisocial, which makes sense for a predatory species whose prey resembled it that much. This however did complicate mating between vampires because vampires didn't just tend to ignore each other but would see other vampires as threats and would often attempt to dispatch each other upon contact. Since sexual dimorphism is quite lacking in Vampires, which not only resulted in both of the sexes looking very androgynous, it also meant that both Male and Female had essentially the same musculature and strength and general ferocity, sexual coercion would have most likely resulted in one or both of the party's demise or heavy maiming, rendering it extremely inefficient. Plus, vampires seemed to generally be very uninterested in copulation, though it did happen from time to time. Strangely enough all of this seemed to have made the idea of mating with humans more appealing for some Vampires which is why like with Homo Neanderthal, Vampiric DNA can be found in modern day humans. (The mating behaviours of Vampires will be discussed more thoroughly in another chapter)

-The Emergency of euclidean architecture seemed to have greatly affected vampires. We discovered that in their eyes, the receptor cells that respond to horizontal lines are cross wired with those that respond to vertical ones. When both are fired simultaneously in a specific way it'll result in quite a violent seizure. We call the effect “The Crucifix Glitch”. While the glitch will only trigger when intersecting right angles occupy more than 30° of visual arc, we discovered, thanks to our currents subjects, that the simple suggestion of the Crucifix Glitch being triggered is enough in 75% of cases to completely dissuade an attack, if they had been exposed to it previously (depending on the vampire's current emotional state). These seizure are quite violent, reminiscent of Tonic-Clonic seizures, but because of the vampire's particular muscular structure and their higher distribution of fast twitch muscle fibers, these seizures tend to result in dislocated limbs much more often than regular seizure. Plus, with the Vampire's unique neurochemistry, we suspect that the seizures are much more distressing for them. In conclusion, the seizures caused by the Crucifix Glitch are extremely traumatizing and painful for vampires to the point that any right angles, even if not in a context that could induce the glitch, will usually make a vampire extremely uncomfortable and anxious (work best if they've been exposed to the glitch at some point in their life). Because of this a lot of the vampires did not even dare to approach human settlements with euclidean architecture, which greatly complicated things for the overall survival of the species.

-Vampires make for terrible parents. Given their natural antisocial behaviour, it’s unsurprising that they aren’t the best caregivers. Despite their longer lifespans, one might expect them to invest more time and effort in their offspring, but this is not the case. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; their longer lifespans and fertility lead them to essentially not value their offspring, as they can always have another later on in life. The father is most likely going to be completely absent, as he typically feels no compulsion to ensure the survival of his offspring. The mother, on the other hand, while interested in her child's survival, is not as invested as one might expect from a primate species. She won't hesitate to abandon her offspring if she considers it a liability. She'll usually take care of it up until it's pre teenage years where she'll abandon it. However, some exceptions to this were found, as we've recently found proof of a Vampire Pack, more on this in a later entry.

-Mating with humans: As previously mentioned, vampires tend to be awful parents, to the extent that some began mating with humans. Why? Because it was easier. Human mating rituals were simple for vampires to emulate, and once mating was complete, the male vampire could leave, confident that its offspring would be cared for. Meanwhile, the female vampire could stay with the human and be looked after during her pregnancy, a wolf in sheep's clothing, she could discreetly sustain her need for blood by feeding on humans in the tribe or even her mate. Once she gave birth, she could either leave or continue caring for her children with a continuous blood supply. Another tactic vampire would use to get out of raising their young is “Brood Parasitism”. They would kidnap human children and replace them with their own. We believe that this is what gave birth to the legends of “Changelings”.

Overall the extinction of Vampires wasn't due to one reason but a combination of many things. A reminder of how evolution might screw you over. You may have been a perfectly adapted predator but something seemingly insignificant can truly come back to bite you.

Speaking of biting, the infamous bite of Vampires while not exactly as described in myths, is nothing to joke about...

This is from a setting of mine, where alot of cryptids, myths, etc are real or were directly influence by real events/creatures all explainable by science, kinda like the amazing YouTube Channel ThoughPotato This entry focuses on Vampires which biology and history is inspired and influenced by the Amazing Peter Watts and his just as amazing books Blindsight and Echopraxia (in fact this setting started out as a AU of his awesome universe)

[maori219]

HELL YEAH!!

[maori219]

In my interpretation of their relationship (a strong word – it’s more like a bond and physical attraction), their interaction plays out less through words or emotions and more through body language. Let’s skip the “why?”– after all, we know Sarasti’s nature, how Keeton’s life unfolded, and what led him to become who he is by the end of Blindsight.

Anyway, every touch, every glance between them is met with a reaction that depends on their actions. Verbal exchange is rarer. That’s regarding the direct interpretation of behavior in their dynamic as a whole.

Come to think of it, I do imagine Keeton might have questioned things, especially early on—partly because Jukka instructed him to, but also because Siri is human. After all, lost as he was, he had to learn to live again; plus, humans need to fill their heads, to understand and make sense of things – their lives depend on it.

Also, keep in mind that vampires have a fundamentally different perception of relationships, and those toothy bastards are incredibly territorial. Don’t be surprised if Siri’s body would, from time to time, be left with not a single spot untouched – you know, “gotta let others know who this person belongs to,” or when one of them needs to relieve stress, and, well…

I have more than one interpretation of their relationship.

– Just recently in the fanfic “Lost” (in Russian; coming soon to AO3), I described them as “a constant recalibration of two broken systems.”

– Likewise, in my unpublished work “Burning” (in Russian, still in progress), I explore the following scenario: during 20 years of uninterrupted drift through space, Keeton and Sarasti become something like interdependent variables (no spoilers beyond that).

– In yet another fic (also unpublished at the time of this post but actively being written), I examine the idea that Keeton, literally by saving Sarasti – who never expected such an outcome – becomes proof that vampires do, on rare occasions, make mistakes.

I won’t dive deep into all the possible interpretations here (I’ve accumulated quite a few, but I can’t yet adequately articulate or “feel out” all of them). But if you’re interested, it could become a topic for future posts.

I thought it over and decided that sometimes (not 100% sure), I’ll take references like this and turn them into… something like that. If it works out, I’ll do it with clear descriptions, not vague interpretations.

[maori219]

This artwork was inspired by another artist's work. If anyone needs to see the art that influenced mine — feel free to ask.

It's been ages since I painted starting from a random blot, and I'm surprised I haven't lost the skill after all these years... I’d almost forgotten how easily I can create art like this.

...Or so I’d like to say, but that would be a shameless lie.

It was an absolutely painstaking, mind‑grinding task. Seriously. I need a psychiatrist (and so does Blake, by the way).

But you know, even so, it’s a rather pleasant and appealing kind of difficulty from the perspective of... well, everything? Would I do something like this again? Hell yes! It really makes my remaining neuron work, you know. This whole messy process feels like solving a puzzle (a 3000‑piece one, hah… Hah…).

Or maybe it’s just that I’m a plain artistic masochist.

That said, I still have a few questions for those folks who pump out several awesome‑looking artworks per week. I can’t do that: you don’t necessarily have to pour all your soul into something like this piece.

[maori219]

I’ll just quietly leave this here, alright?

I couldn’t decide which final version of the artwork to post, so I’m posting several – including the full version.

It’s up to you to pick your favorite.

Full version.

I didn’t use any “posterization” filters/effects in any of these variants.

[maori219]

I appeal to the entire Blindsight fandom, especially to fic writers and artists: why the hell hasn't anyone made a normal kid-AU with little Siri and Jukka yet?

I don't care about timings, I don't care HOW, but WHY not make an art where they're together???

I've seen a couple of baby Siri and Pag art, but where else?!!!

[maori219]

@nalfran gave me permission to paint her line: https://www.tumblr.com/nalfran/625969103045345280?source=share and, to be honest, I'm thrilled with the result!

It became a great spatial training for me in shadow and lighting, although not an easy job in terms of layers, minutiae, plans and a FUCKING background. No kidding, I've put significantly more of my resources into it than anywhere else here. However, it's still better than I would draw something of my own from scratch.

Here's what the author said to my question about the idea and plot of the art:

"As far as I remember, there was no direct plot, but the main idea was that Sarasti was like trying to protect Siri by pushing him away. I've had Gilty Pleasure for them ever since. Plot: after the events of the book, they found themselves in a shuttle that flew not back to Earth, but into space, they slept for 200 years, they were picked up by another spaceship of earthlings and a horror story in space began to unfold there. The picture doesn't really fit with this plot. but origins are somewhere nearby :)"

And I still have one of the most important questions for the Blindsight fandom in general: why is Siri Keeton such a "Silly kitten" everywhere?

[maori219]

It's not an easy artwork from the point of view of transferring the image of B-12 as a person before uploading to the network.

I definitely dreamed of a boy whose hair I never managed to depict properly. But, in fact, the result is much closer to the truth than you might think.

To be completely honest, I'm tired of drawing in this style. Just a little bit...

that's assuming that I've been working in this style for a very long time, and even if there aren't many similar works, it feels like something difficult from the technical side. I don't want to force myself, especially now.

I don't even know who I'm making excuses for, because many of you will accept any of my art content. I guess it's important for me to say it for myself, hehe. Sorry.

So expect something different from my performance. Ya'know me, I'm a total "excrementologist."

[maori219]

In fact, it seems to me that few people know what happened to Case after the events of the first book, and as a bro who has read the entire series, I consider it my duty to say that everything is fine with him (he, like, got his own family).

Seriously, I'm happy for Case as a real person!

The art is the realization of one of my recent ideas: a modified canonical scene in which Case finally agrees to stay with Linda Lee and the Neuromancer.

...He takes you away, you bastard!

The Necromancer's appearance as a boy is canonical.

[sid-sn]

[maori219]

An illustration of a scene from our "True cost of the faith" fic on ftut. (Russian).

It was originally made at the request of the co-author – @giveemhellk1d – as a poster, and although one version was planned, we got two (the later one is darker).

The light version, by the way, is inspired by some other faith arts.

The most exciting moment for me was working on the mantle and the folds.

At the same time, I initially chose the dark version earlier than the light one, and 10 different brushes were involved in the light one.

And those who haven't read it yet — what are you waiting for??🕯

[maori219]

I suggest INTERACTIVE! ✨

Everyone is welcome to participate.

Oh my God, finally something worthwhile...

Well, we're filling out notes for 079, HEHE. Please do not write nonsense, and if you really want to, then observing the SCP canon and on theme of fanart, please.

I also allow swearing and pranks :) Everything else depends on your imagination.

You can leave your suggestions in the comments/reblogs. The post will be relevant for 2 weeks or until the seats run out.

I will indicate all the participants in the final post via... Well, for a while (the devil knows how long it will take me to paint).

[giveemhellk1d]

i think that’s a RED FLAG 😩🚩

(my best collab with @maori219 )

[maori219]

Valerie... I'm just as scared of this woman as I find her to be an interesting character.

I really enjoyed painting her with song "And One - Playing Dead". It just so happens that this track is closely associated with her.

It looks like I want to make a series of artworks throughout the cycle, but no.

It was much easier with this job than with, for God's sake, Sarasti... (I want to erase the process of drawing it from my memory). 🚬

Both works are just a creative impulse to make art in a similar style.

[maori219]

Uh-h... Sarasti?

[maori219]

which nail artist did your claws, Jukka?

well certainly not someone who has repeatedly been tempted to erase this art in the middle. erase not only from the program, but also from the memory, and forget it all like a bad dream.

to tell you the truth, that's what I'll do after publication - I'll forget about this :)

I suppose, if the post is appreciated in tumblr, I will thoroughly tackle the firefall cycle, because I still have ideas, for example, for art with Valerie or Siri.

however, it won't be any easier for me to draw them, so I might regret it. actually, I still love the way Sarasti came out here. I think a vampire chose his own emotion.

I was inspired by some outlast art.

if anything, I also accept your ideas for arts. maybe I'll be inspired by someone else here.