Welcome to the Paranaturaverse!

Sideblog of @whistlingstarlight

[paranatura-verse]

✨ Welcome to the Paranaturaverse! ✨

A universe where folklore, myths, urban legends and everything inbetween is reality. Across two timelines, two planets, multiple dimensions and outside the universe, many stories from throughout history are ready to be told.

Aliens, both hostile and harmless, make their way to Earth. Humans are genetically altered to grant them unnatural abilities, a gross mimicry of naturally-existing psychics. Fantastical beings and fae lurk in the forests, strange interdimensional beings flicker in and out of reality. A woman makes a choice that will split reality in two, and gods oversee all.

///////////////

Notable races

Humans: The most common sapient race on Earth. Two subspecies include Psi-Humans, humans born with psychic abilities, and Phenomenals, humans with already irregular genetic makeup that been enhanced through unnatural means.

Calcaniums: A empirical race of planet-conquering aliens from the Andromeda Galaxy. Originally from their home planet Calcania, their colonisation spreads throughout the galaxy, and they now have their sights set on the Milky Way.

Doggerlandians: Amphibious, finned humanoids who live in the North Sea. Typically asocial and wary of humans, they keep to themselves, although some sightings (and even attacks) have been reported. Often mistaken for mermaids in previous decades, recent theories hypothesise they were once humans that rapidly evolved to adapt in the now-sunken Doggerland.

Faefolk: An umbrella term for a wide variety of otherworldly creatures, such as elves, baobhan sith, changelings, irissids, and sprites. Although many reside in the human realm rather than Arcadia, they often keep out of sight from people. Some are benevolent, others malevolent.

///////////////

Notable locations

Bronze Bay: A seaside town in California, USA, named for the copper deposits that give the beaches a rich, rusty colour. Founded in the 1800s and formerly a mining town for the aforementioned copper, the town records claim giant lizards once roamed the deserts on the town outskirts.

Tag: #bronze bay

Ravenswood: A rural town in Kent, England, famous for the many supernatural rumours surrounding it. Home to an ancient forest that, if entered, you'll never leave quite the same way.

Tag: #ravenswood

Calcania: The home planet of the warmongering Calcanium race, located in the Andromeda Galaxy. The seat of the Almighty Leaders, they oversee their expanding empire, and crush all that stand in their way.

Tags: #calcaniums #calcania

Arcadia: The realm of the faefolk. At least three kingdoms are located in this realm; Rhyneris, the Seelie Court, and Unseelie Court. The prince of the Sun Elves attempts to make peace with the Moon Elves, whilst the two queens of Rhyneris attempt to co-exist with the fragmented aspects of their former god.

Tags: #rhyneris #seelie court #unseelie court

Numen Wight Laboratories: The biggest and most advanced laboratory in America, named after its founder. It has branches covering genetic engineering, robotics and curiously, paranormal studies. Rumours surround the company regarding unethical experimentations, but the current owners and employees deny any such knowledge. And anyone who goes snooping in the greenhouse never comes back out.

Tag: #numen wight labs

Holloway: A town in Colorado inhabited by crude copies of humans and the living dead, sealed off from the outside world. The Imitations rule the ruined town lawlessly, whilst Ghouls roam the streets seeking flesh to eat.

Tag: #dead town #holloway

///////////////

There is no set posting schedule (at least currently), mainly as posts are made as the project is developed and much as I love this universe, I have both other hobbies and work to attend to as well.

Posts that are not related to stories, timelines, art or characters will be posted under the tag "behind the scenes", this includes posts discussing the inspiration behind a character. All posts related to canon will be posted with relevant tags.

[paranatura-verse]

Paranaturaverse updates

I've currently been very dormant here due to being pretty busy irl, as well as working on a big art project that I'm waiting for all pieces to be complete before I post it (we're currently at 16/26 complete). I'm also currently working on a physical sewing project which takes up most of my free time lately, with the plan to complete it asap to then continue my digital project.

I've also got two more characters (possibly) in the works once I'm back drawing, depending on if I settle on designs I'm satisfied with for them. All I'll say on them for now is their names are Kiel and Meredith, and if you can guess which old-school actors I've named them after then kudos to you.

All in all blog is very much still going, just currently exercising that bit in the introductory post about how I'll only update when there's something to say 😆

[paranatura-verse]

Path of the King

Part Thirty Five

"Tharok." You turn to the Moon Elf lord, "May I be so bold as to ask you for the Sapphire Tablet? You kin have guarded it well, but we believe it's purpose must be fulfilled now."

Tharok touches a hand to his chest and extends it to you in a sign of respect. "Of course."

Queen Asalith, meanwhile, looks horrified. "For what dark purpose could Rhyneris need to complete the Path?"

"No dark purpose, your majesty." Eohi bows his head, forcing his tone to remain neutral. There's no trace of respect in his eyes, however. "We seek to prevent a threat against all of Arcadia. The Emerald and Diamond Tablets were stolen, and we have your son and General Thas to thank for their reclamation." A flicker of warmth lights his eyes; clearly he respects the young prince far more than his mother, "Muroi do not have the intelligence to coordinate such an attack, nor to lure a forest troll so far into the Valley."

A murmur of unease ripples through both elven armies at the mention of the troll.

Tharok steps forward. "It appears the muroi involved in such attacks are the very same that emptied out of Haradhel's forests, which are usually crawling with them. This has emboldened the imps to make attacks on my people; I suspect whoever is behind such deeds seeks to keep us occupied with other matters, so we do not turn our eye to what they may have planned."

Asalith looks conflicted, before beckoning to your small party. "I think it best for you to come with me to Aertuith. Lord Tharok, would you accompany us?"

Tharok nods in agreement, before turning to one of his soldiers and giving a command in Eilar. He remounts his panther, as Asalith climbs onto her great deer. Whilst you mount Oret's horse behind her, he rides beside you.

"I will have the Sapphire Tablet escorted safely to join us in Aertuith. Seems this map of yours will finally have its pieces reunited."

"Why's she taking us all the way back to her kingdom though?" Karkat pipes up, looking confused, "Can't she just do the same and once they're both here we can head back to Rhyneris?"

"Because Asalith is one of the oldest elves in Arcadia; she knows Rhyneris's history better than some of its own people. If anyone may be able to shed light on this King the map points to, it'll be her."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Asalith indicates for you all to take a seat in her private wing of the Aertuith citadel. Once you all do -excluding Eohi, who remains standing, shifting uneasily from hoof to hoof- she begins her tale.

"My father was crowned Faranhil's king many years before the irissids came to Arcadia, and he saw the birth of their new kingdom. He became a close friend of Prince Makras, who explained to him the reason for their exodus." She stares at you and Karkat in particular. "The first irissid King was a powerful magic wielder, and loved his people. But the King went mad, and his court bound him to his throne, suspended in time. Out of grief, the first Rhyneris was abandoned and his subjects travelled north. To resettle their kingdom."

She walks towards a golden chest at the edge of the room; opening it, she removes a small, unassuming wooden box. Murmuring something in Eilar, the box opens and she produces a shining red stone; the Ruby Tablet.

"When Makras was crowned king, he and his mother had a map carved that would guide one back to the old king, in the hopes that one day, a cure would be found for his madness. He entrusted each piece to the peoples of Arcadia, with an oath to protect it, to ensure it could not fall into the wrong hands."

"Clearly, the wrong hands want it though." Oret mutters, examining the Diamond Tablet. "But who?"

"No great evil has threatened Arcadia in over twenty thousand years, since Teldan and Drarr defeated the Maiden of Winter. And she was soundly destroyed." Tharok comments.

As more ideas and theories are passed around, the sun begins to set. Long shadows stretch across the room.

There is a knock on the door, and a sun elf guard enters, holding a small chest. "A party of eilarhel brough this, at Lord Tharok's request." She gives the moon elf leader a curt nod. She places the chest on the table and Thas reaches forward to carefully open it, revealing an etched stone with a beautiful blue gleam; the Sapphire Tablet.

As the guard turns to leave, she suddenly stops. A choked gasp escapes her before she crumples to the floor. And her shadow begins to move. "And to think I went to all that trouble, when you've done my job for me!" A shrill voice echoes around the chamber; it's high and unsettling, yet strangely familiar. A figure crawls out of the fallen guard's shadow, a figure that seems to be nothing more than a shadow itself. But with those piercing, bright white eyes that look right through you. Even with no pupils, you can tell it's looking directly at the four Tablets.

"I'll be taking those."

Do you...

Attack!

Question the shadow

Voting ended onJul 18

[paranatura-verse]

Path of the King

Part Thirty Four

Your pace falters, before stopping entirely. Steeling yourself, you face the two armies.

"Lord Tharok, you yourself said you do not wish to risk the death of your kin. Yet here you stand on the edge of a battlefield! We need your aid in protecting Arcadia, not here risking a massacre!"

You then turn to the elven queen, offering her a bow of respect first. "Queen Asalith, I have heard great things of your people. The elves are noble, and wise. Do you truly believe another war to be wise?" You pause, unsure if you should continue, "...Would your son want this?"

The queen's eyes flash with rage. Metal flashes as she draws a long, curved golden blade.

"How dare you assume my son's wants?" She snarls, "Léiothin is loyal to his kin, and I will have him avenged!"

"But your son does not need avenging! He lives!" You plead, desperate for your words to get through to her. You remember something Oret had mentioned, at the start of your journey; "An elf does not concede anything easily, no matter how trivial."

"Enough of this!" Queen Asalith barks, turning now to face Tharok and his soldiers. "These fields will run with the blood of the eilarhel once again! For the prince!"

"For the prince!"

As the war cry echoes through the sun elf army, you feel a hard tug on your shoulder. Oret stares down at you, now looking panicked. "Please, Caiad. You can't change her mind. We need to go."

As you reluctantly make to mount the horse, you hear the thrum of footsteps. Straining your eye to see across the plains, your heart soars at a familiar sight.

"It's Prince Léiothin, and General Thas! They're coming!"

Finally, your words give the elven armies pause. A great stillness sweeps over the field, all eyes watching the approaching figures of Léiothin, Thas...

..and of Eohi and Karkat.

"Karkat!"

Oret practically throws herself from the horse as the small party slows to a halt. Karkat scrambles from Eohi's back, and the two friends embrace. Queen Asalith dismounts her stag with a similar urgency, rushing to meet her beloved son. Eohi approaches you.

"You're late." You accuse him, although there's no malice in your voice. Eohi snorts in amusement.

"I'd say we were right on time."

Queen Asalith steps back from her son, before approaching Tharok. There's a murmur of surprise from both armies as the queen sinks to her knees, bowing so low her golden hair brushes the grass, her crown threatening to fall.

"Lord Tharok, I cannot offer an apology that would be worthy of your forgiveness. I let my fear and pride take hold, and acted unbecoming of a queen. I do not deserve the mercy of your people for almost bringing senseless bloodshed upon them, but I beg it anyway."

Tharok regards her for several moments, before he dismounts his panther. Stepping forward, he takes the elven queen's hands and helps her to her feet. "I am simply glad for your son's impeccable timing." He looks over to Léiothin, "We were never friends, Asalith, but I think the prince's efforts to improve relations between the peoples of Arcadia has some merit to it. Our people have not always been at war, perhaps we can work to ensure it stays that way. For all our sakes."

Queen Asalith nods, and a warm smile crosses her features. "Sylavas, malas tel." She then turns to your small party. "And thank you, for ensuring my son's safe return. I am in your debt; if ever you are in need, the eilarhil stand with you."

Thas steps forward, clutching two stone tablets that glimmer with a crystalline sheen; one silver, the other green.

"I believe you've been looking for these."

She hands you the Diamond and Emerald tablets. As you examine them, marvelling at their beauty, you take note of the carvings etched into them. They seems to resemble a map, although not of lands you are familiar with.

You turn to the two elven leaders.

Will you

Ask Asalith if she knows anything about the tablets (gain insight to your quest)

Request Tharok for his piece of the map (gain Sapphire Tablet)

Voting ended onJun 28

[paranatura-verse]

Path of the King

Part Thirty Three

"Lord Tharok!"

Breaking into a run, you hurry to the head of the procession. Many of the soldiers watch you, curious, but none try to stop you. As you approach the moon elf lord, he turns to face you.

"Caiad. I'm glad to see you." His tone is warm, relief flowing through his words, but there's a sadness in his eyes. "Did you find the skyrunner?"

"Yes- Yes, I did, but.." Your words trail off. "..you cannot risk war like this! You promised aid in our cause, a cause that may affect all of Arcadia. Your people's lives are worth more than this!"

Tharok sighs, then offers out a hand for you to mount his panther behind him. "You did your best. And you're right, my people's lives are worth more than this. But Queen Asalith is headstrong, and she will not back down. I do not wish further death for my people, but if it's war she wants, then it is war she shall get."

You tense in your seat behind him. "Surely there is another way?"

Tharok shakes his head. "Until the prince returns, I fear nothing will sway her mind. There is nothing more dangerous than a protective parent. But rest assured," He glances back at you, "You and your friends won't be caught up in our fight, you have my word."

His words do little to comfort you as you make your way to the border of Haradhel. As the forest gives way to grassland, you see another force marching towards you: the sun elves.

Queen Asalith leads the procession, clad in armour and astride a giant deer with gleaming antlers. Relief floods through you when you see Oret mounted on a horse beside her, four tiny figures just visible on the horse's head.

The two armies slow to a halt, staring each other down.

"Lord Tharok." The sun elf queen's voice rings across the field, "Three days have passed, and yet my son has not returned. Do you and your kinfolk offer any defence for yourselves?"

"I have no defence that you would listen to." Tharok replies, "For our innocence is not what you seek. Therefore if it battle you wish for, we shall grant your request."

The queen nods, her expression unreadable. "But first, a matter to attend to." She indicates Oret and the Ragdolls, then yourself, "Our quarrel is not with you. And your little ragdoll constructs regaled me with the most amusing anecdotes, I would be saddened to see them harmed. You should all leave whilst the chance remains."

"Come on, Caiad," Oret's tone is urgent as she steers her horse past you. "She means it."

You dismount the panther, giving Tharok a nod of thanks. But as you walk towards Oret, your skin prickles uncomfortably. From all the tales you'd heard of moon elves in your childhood, you were uncertain they would win a frontal assault battle such as this. Moon elves relied on stealth and the cover of darkness; would Tharok and his kin survive a fight in the open?

Should you...

Take the queen's offer and leave

Try to reason with both sides

Voting ended onJun 6

[paranatura-verse]

Art is at almost a complete standstill atm as the recent heatwave means my laptop is struggling even with only one application open atm 😔 finally making an update to Path of the King tonight and might create some more ask games just to try and keep things going here until I can proceed with art

[paranatura-verse]

I know I should be updating Path of the King (seriously thank you guys for being so patient with how shite my consistency is) but I'm instead wondering how and why I don't have vampires in my universe. I like vampires I like vampire media how are they pretty much my one interest that's never made it in?

[paranatura-verse]

You'd think given how Paranaturaverse is a big conglomerate of all my interests I'd have someone at least vaguely inspired by Journey to the West given how much I'm a fan of it, but I confess that traditional Chinese clothing is so beautiful and intricate I could never do it justice

[paranatura-verse]

Silly little teaser for Path of the King's villain, who's profile will be posted once we meet them properly in the adventure

[paranatura-verse]

Path of the King

Part Thirty Two

"What do you know, my friend?" You ask gently. The imp shifts uneasily, glancing here and there, then edges a little closer.

"Not much. Voice says we get rid of elves, rats go too and we don't just get caves back, we keep forest too. Voice has no face, no body. No name. Started talking to us..." He pauses, his brow furrowed in thought, "...Moon and half ago."

A moon and a half ago. When the Emerald Tablet had been stolen from the Ancient Treasury, and your journey had begun.

"There is foul work at play, and I fear it endangers us all. My friend, you must talk to the imps. Try and get them to see sense. When this is all over I will speak to Lord Tharok, see if he would be willing to make negotiations with your people for territory."

The imp looks contemptuous. "Don't want talk with filthy elves. But.. do want caves back." He nods in agreement. "Will try to stop attacks. Can't make promises though."

"Thank you." You give a sigh of relief, relaxing. A hideous shriek echoing through the forest makes you immediately tense again."

"Impses!" The imp bounds forward towards the noise, looking up into the trees; two other imps, much larger than him, emerge from the gloom. Something looks... off: they're wreathed in a dark smoke, their eyes glowing an empty, unsettling white. They dive down, their teeth bared in twin snarls.

"Go now!" The imp gives you a push and whips round, locking claws with his brethren. You stare, wide-eyed, as the three imps collide in a bundle of fur and claws, then turn and bolt. You hear a screech behind you, but don't turn back. You can only hope he makes it out safely, and his help- however small- will not be wasted.

As you finally reach Aeltuith, the sight before you sets you on edge once again. Lord Tharok, astride a panther clad in violet and silver plating, leads a procession of armoured warriors.

You become acutely aware that with the darkness of the forest and the excitement of recent events, you've lost track of the hours. But surely not the days?

Had you run out of time?

Will you...

Accompany the army to where they're going

Try to stop them

Voting ended onMay 11

[paranatura-verse]

Name: Q'iare Age: 1,450 Gender: Female Pronouns: She/Her Species: Sun elf Place of Origin: Aertuith, Faranhil

The daughter of Solaris's high priest, and a distant relative of Prince Léiothin. As sweet and considerate as her younger cousin, Q'iare sought to help him in his goal of bringing peace between the elven kingdoms, although she took a different method. A skilled singer and harpist, she began seeking fellow musicians across Arcadia to unite people through what she knew best: music. Overly optimistic and full of ideas, Q'iare can sometimes get ahead of herself, needing her friends to balance her and help her ideas come to fruition successfully. She is the primary vocalist of their group, the Four Seasons, occasionally playing the flute on songs where Noster takes vocals. Name: Onarus Age: 179 Gender: Female Pronouns: She/Her Species: Centaur Place of Origin: Tiloba Valley, Arcadia A centaur with little affinity for mining or smithing, Onarus instead turned her attention to composing music for funerals, unions, and other ceremonial occasions. Having crossed paths with elven musician Q'iare at Dewbright Hollow, the two eagerly began comparing their musical sensibilities and sought to find more musicians to collaborate with. Easygoing and level-headed, Onarus acts as the backbone of the Four Seasons both musically and socially. To expand her repertoire as the group's percussionist she collaborated with an irissid farrier to create a set of custom "shoes" made of wood and many different metals, giving her rhythmic hoofbeats a unique sound, accompanied by hand-bells and (very rarely, due to its awkwardness to transport) a hammer and anvil. As well as percussion she provides backing vocals, but occasionally takes lead on some of her compositions. Name: Noster Age: 44 Gender: Male Pronouns: He/Him Species: Irissid Place of Origin: Triton, Rhyneris Noster hails from a family of fishers in the lake-town of Triton. A talented dancer and multi-instrumentalist, skilled in the flute, goathorn, and double-pipes, he had little interest in the family business. After a string of unsuccessful relationships Noster grew restless in his town, seeking to travel and share his music with others. Meeting Q'iare and Onarus at Wayfarer's Gate, he eagerly joined them and began helping contribute to their music. Although he typically doesn't sing, owing to his speciality in traditional irissid wind intruments, he's considered eye-catching due to his inability to remain still whilst playing, often dancing as he does. Although painfully aware of the drastic difference in lifespan, he can't help but hope for a life spent with Q'iare. Name: Uria Age: 1,002 Gender: Male Pronouns: He/Him Species: Moon elf Place of Origin: Aeltuith, Haradhel

A rare exception to the social living of elves, Uria lived an asocial life as a hunter in the forests of Haradhel. Despite his quiet, reserved nature, he was well-known and respected by his people due to his exceptional skills, able to take down game like giant boars single-handedly. As well as his hunting prowess, he was also an exceptional musician, mastering the lute at a young age. How exactly he was found by Q'iare is unclear, but he gladly accepted the offer, finally leaving the forest. Although his main role is the lute, he occasionally provides backup vocals and, even rarer, sings lead (although only jointly with Q'iare, who he has formed a surprisingly strong bond with despite their peoples' rivalry).

[paranatura-verse]

In the process of a big revision regarding age and lifespan of the Arcadian races. The Elven Wars now lasted much longer, with Eohi and his brigade's involvement only lasting in the last few years as the war encroached on Tiloba Valley, and Solfége's deconstruction into the Aspects was a much more recent event.

Irissids now live to approximately 150 years as opposed to their original 500. They're functionally the "Men" of Arcadia, so wanted to give them a much shorter lifespan to reflect that. Centaurs have had their lifespans cemented at approximately 500-600 years, where I previously had no concrete date. As a result Eohi has had a couple hundred years taken off, so that his timeline can line up with Blanchere and Noirata's revised ones. Elves have had their lifespans extended by approximately 2,000 years, bumping up to around 5,000 years on average compared to the initial 3,000. I didn't want my elves to be as ageless as Tolkien's, but thenm being particularly long-lived is an important upcoming plot point in Path of the King.

As a result of this everyone's ages have been shunted about; Blanchere, Noirata, Eohi and Karkat have all had a few years taken off, whilst Thas, Léiothin and Oret have had a couple hundred added on. Thas and Oret were both now born before the Elven Wars began, and Léiothin and Eohi during it (beginning his defence of the valley almost as soon as he came of age). Krystallos has remained the same, and the Aspects of Solfége are due to have their "ages" adjusted once I have the timeline properly revised

[paranatura-verse]

Path of the King

Part Thirty One

You slowly lower your sword, although not your guard. "Why should I?" You ask. The imp bounces a pace forward, his gaze darting back and forth.

"Forest gone wrong. Want to stop it." He bounces forward again, and you raise your sword. He quickly stops in his tracks. "Imps and elves always fighting, yes. But not choosing this fight. The rats, steal our home. Send us into forest. Elves fight us, so we fight back. But really, want caves back."

"The imps slaughtered almost an entire garrison of elves." You slowly begin to pace around him, discreetly putting yourself between him and the path to the citadel; if you need to run for it, it'll be a straight shot. "If you just want your caves back, why attack an outpost on the other side of the forest?"

The imp shifts uneasily, and for a moment you think you see a flicker of guilt in his eyes. "Voice.. deep in shadows. Tells us if we deal with elves, it helps us deal with rats. Imps take deal, but... something not right to me. No more fighting, just want caves."

He crouches forward in an awkward approximation of what you think is a bow. "Offer my helps, if makes rats go."

You pause, considering his words. By 'rats', you assume he probably means the muroi. And.. his words do make sense. If the muroi have invaded the imps' caves, it makes sense they'd overrun the forest. And it also makes sense that they'd take any deal to get their home back. And from a voice in the shadows, like those eyes... You have a horrible feeling this is all much bigger than any of you expected.

"I think the voice that promised to get you your home back was the very same that sent the muroi there in the first place." You explain softly, "The elves may see you as an enemy, but I have no part in your quarrel. If you have information, we could do with it."

Should you..

Take the imp to Lord Tharok (may decrease trust with Moon Elves)

Ask him what he knows (danger increases lingering in forest)

Voting ended onApr 19

[paranatura-verse]

Maybe someday I'll stop making new bands for this project-

[paranatura-verse]

Closeup of Jude MacLaren's various pin badges! Jude is a very socially conscious teenager growing up in 1980s Britain, and I tried to reflect that in this collection

The anarchy logo and "Vote Socialist" are linked to his political leanings. Whilst Jude is an anarchist at heart, from a political angle he sees the socialist party as the best step in the right direction and would rather vote for them than anyone else (even if he's opposed to the idea of a government as a whole)

"Free Mandela" and the pink triangle are associated with his human rights beliefs. Fully against racism he supported the anti-apartheid movement, and wears a pink triangle in support of LGBT people (particularly his friend Roxy)

"No War" and the anti-bomb badge connect to his anti-war sentiment. Although willing to get physical if absolutely necessary, Jude is overall a pacifist and against violence, especially on an extreme scale such as war

He wears "Sacked Kent Miners, True and Bold" in honour of his father, who participated in the Miner's Strike and lost his job

His got his Blue Peter badge aged nine, after sending in a drawing he'd done of the Fairy Pools on Skye during a family holiday, the blue star was a gift from Roxy not long after they first met, and the smiley face he just thought was pretty neat

[paranatura-verse]

Path of the King

Part Thirty

Setting off at a brisk pace, you begin your journey back towards Aeltuith. Whilst the idea of navigating the deep darkness of the forest daunted you somewhat (especially with imps still lurking about), you knew there was a path back you could trace: on the journey to the outpost, you'd noticed a trail of distinct, glowing red flowers that the panthers had been following; it was your best bet.

Following said trail, the hilt of your sword still gripped tightly in your hand, you can't help but marvel at the forest surrounding you. With your eye now more adjusted to the dim light, you realised the forest really wasn't as dark as it initially seemed; flowers, mushrooms and mosses glow in all different colours, scattering a rainbow light across the trees and earth. It's a hauntingly beautiful sight.

Finally, the aboveground citadel of Aeltuith comes into view. You quicken your pace, relieved to finally be back at civilisation, when movement flickers in the edge of your peripheral. You whip round, sword at the ready, watching for further movement. Then a small grey flash shoots out of the undergrowth, skidding to an awkward halt a few feet away.

The imp stares up at you with two huge, mismatched eyes, one yellow and one pink. Most of its left ear looks shredded, the kind of injury that teeth rather than a blade would cause. It takes a bouncing step towards you, steadying itself with its hands, never breaking eye contact.

When you draw your sword, it suddenly lifts an arm and in a hoarse, raspy voice it squeals,

"You wait, not attack!"

What will you do?

Attack!

Listen to the imp

Voting ended onApr 4

[paranatura-verse]

@green-planets The dots were not originally designed to be connected, but I can absolutely see how one would connect them!

Unnthri has a veeerrrry tenuous connection to the Doggerlandians, simply in that she sometimes collects souls in the North Sea. Doggerlandians don't have burial rites in the way most human cultures do, so their souls cannot get "lost" in the same way, ergo they don't require her aid. They can, however, see Unnthri, something living humans can't do. So if they wanted to talk to her, they could; she has sometimes had it out with a few of the more hostile doggerlandians who kill humans, as most of their victims are never found again (which gives Unnthri more work).

That being said, Unnthri is very cautious of working in the North Sea, especially towards Norway. That area of the ocean is K'no Agu-Knoss's domain, and he's a god that she really doesn't want to risk getting on the bad side of. Had she accepted her birthright powers she wouldn't have any reason to fear him, but as she rejected them he now outranks her in terms of power.