Call me Jemma! She/Her, fandom hopper, adult. Art blog with a surprising number of crossovers. TWST, All Tomorrows, Transformers, and OCs! Art Trades Open!
Long post below! It had a mix of my thought process and how I wrote killer folk society in the context of Beaumont’s family, which was one of the ruling clans of the local community.
Beaumont: the first character I made and named. I wanted to give him a name that suggested lofty expectations and a prestigious background, think old money from the Southern United States. Some other names I thought of had to do with “victory” or “king” as their meaning, to represent his seniority and skill for gambling (Ulric, Ghalib). But “Beautiful Mountain” drew me in simply because it sounded nice!
Given they live in the plains, I imagine mountains are an awesome sight. Being the first child, his name reflects the expectation that he would be the next patriarch. It’s not that the oldest is required to take the role, but they are simply believed to be the best contender.
Beaumont’s siblings were all designed in one session after Beaumont was created. So names were often of French origin to match Beaumont’s namesake. I also didn’t want names to be flowery or too many syllables as it would not be effective in calling.
Alcide: original meaning “Strength”, Alcide’s name represents classic values of Killer Folk at the time. It was normal to name pups after famous warriors, or give them names for strength, agility, bloodlust, etc. His name is fairly unusual but still fits this description.
Kestrel: While this isn’t a French name or has any specific meaning, it is named after a bird of prey which was a common naming convention of all classes. She was named because she was born quite small, but was very fierce, much like a kestrel!
Kestrel attempting to steal from Harlow:
Harlow: Harlow was a big child, but also incredibly strong. His name comes from a place but may mean “pile of stones” or “army” in Old English. I personally think this name is a friendly one and fits his gentle giant nature.
Reynard: I gave him this name for his red coat like a “renard” (fox, French), but also because the meaning is a combination of “advice/counsel” and “brave, hardy”. Given that he tries to act more mature than he really is, including lecturing Beaumont on loyalty, it suits him.
Corbin: This is less of a connection, as Corbin is from “corbeau” (crow, French) but his fur is fairly ruddy. It mainly comes from his cleverness and attention to detail; he can spend hours feeling the knots on a tapestry in his parents’ room, or running his claws along the rivets of the saddles in the stable.
It would be funny if Corbin and Reynard’s dynamic is like the Fox and the Crow (Aesop’s Fables)
Scout: “Scout” was a nickname that stuck around, the meaning self-evident; she is a curious child and always gets herself into trouble, but is surprisingly observant. Her name is one syllable versus the others, which is intentional. Easier to call!
Ursula whenever xey try to go shop for supplies with Alcide:
Random person “slur!” (Hate word of some sort thrown at Ursula)
Ursula “Al-“
Alcide “I’m just gonna talk to them..”
Ursula “Al no…”
Alcide “I’ll be back real quick! Don’t worry about it.”
Ursula “Dumbass…”
Alcide “Hey. Look at me, no funny business, I promise. Just gonna have a nice chat with the fellow over there and I’ll be right back. Don’t worry!”
One street brawl later…
Ursula now having to bandage up the damaged Alcide “Why are you like this?”
I really like their dynamic and how you wrote Alcide. In my mind he's always been a bit of a hothead but he is known to stick up for those he cares about.
Along with Ursula he has a soft spot for Harlow and Corbin. As a juvenile he would get into scuffles with those who bullied Harlow for being different. His brothers are far more smart than all of their minds put together!
Even for Killer Folk standards he is confrontational. Decades ago, it was normal for folk to erupt into brawls and beatdowns at the slightest insult. But with the consolidation of clans and development of infrastructure, those sorts of confrontations are not recommended. At least, a formal duel is expected especially for a senior member such as Alcide (Third oldest child of the matriarchs)
I think he finds out after, which is even worse. A sudden letter from Raynard that barely makes sense. Frantically explaining that Beaumont needs to come home NOW because Ursula has been having manic episodes, hallucinations, mood swings, and then suddenly isolating after claiming that they, her family, are no longer safe. (Yeah… Raynard ain’t handling this well. Poor baby🥲)
In reference to this post
Reynard is definitely the most connected to Beaumont after he leaves, when he hears it is Ursula who has been isolating, he turns tail and immediately rushes back. Despite putting on a brave face and charming smile, Beaumont is worried sick.
Everybody is relieved to see the oldest sibling back, but some aren't so happy. "Oh, so you won't come back to Kestrel assuming leadership, or Scout making her first big kill, but you'll come back for her? ...where were you?"
Alcide is very protective over Ursula, but this also means he holds resentment for those he perceives as "abandoning the family". Reynard is similar, and it devastates him that he can't help his family member out. But unlike Alcide, he sees no shame in asking for help.
It's amazing that they used to be a persona of mine but has since evolved signficiantly. Along with Rosario I put them into every fandom, sort of as a "Red Oni, Blue Oni" trope but subverted.
Ursula with xer foster family @rosetta222 Killer Folk ocs!
Ursula loves and is grateful for xer foster family .They gave xem a home, a family, and love. But it wasn't always perfect. Being both a Mountain Areian and an Accurst meant that Ursula had to deal with a lot of discrimination and cruelty growing up. Coupled with xer chronic mental illness that no one knew how to deal with, Ursula sadly felt rather isolated and alone even when surrounded by loved ones.
Which is why leaving and going low-contact was both the best and most painful decision Ursula ever makes.
it’s hard to tell what feelings are behind that expression, even when surrounded by xer family who appear happy, did xey ever feel like xey belong?
Oh yeah as for some lore you can tell what relationship each sibling has with each other in the sleeping pile:
- Ursula in the center, xey appear peaceful, betraying nothing. Xer hands clasp politely
- Scout clinging onto Ursula, she admires her so much! Reynard sleeps by her side protectively but doesn’t like to be outwardly cuddly. Beaumont lies next to him at the edge of the pile, facing towards the sky with a content smile
- Alcide (black hair) to the right, at the same level as Ursula. He hugs Corbin and Harlow, one embarrassed and the other content to lean on their big brother. He is protective of them because they also got bullied when they were younger. He sleeps slack-jawed, his manners crude but he still he cares for his family dearly. Kestrel sleeps on the outer edge facing the group, unconsciously watching over them.
Generally speaking, do they tend to prefer sleeping together and doing things together, or sleeping in their own rooms and doing their own things?
I imagine it was common to sleep communally for most of Killer Folk history, not unlike humans. It was for warmth, protection, and affordability for some.
But unlike humans, there was a more relaxed culture regarding modesty, so it was normalized to go sleep with trusted friends or family well into adulthood. Acquaintances became friends when they crossed the "sleep barrier" and also get to know each other's sleeping habits.
Beaumont's family are well off, they would have their own rooms for some privacy, but it was common to have late night chats and then fall asleep together.
They are also fond of taking naps together, many families with the luxury of time do!
‘Dis here blog is now “under new management” for the next 24 hours, managed by yours truly! Maybe longer, if that little blue creature thing begs me hard enough.
I ain’t no artist or whatever, but I know how to run a business. You want something? Thunderhoof’ll hear you out.
I’m keeping an optic on you humans. Don’t go messing with my turf, and we won’t have any problems.
Been thinking about my Killer Folk oc, Ursula, lately and oh boy. Beaumont and fam are gonna hate me for this. Ursula eventually decides to go low contact with her adoptive family. While she recognizes that they love her, they do not acknowledge how the environment and culture they live in is detrimental to her emotional and mental wellbeing. So she decides to step back. I wonder how the others react to this development?
I wonder if this happened before Beaumont left? Beaumont's main story arc is that he joins his friends to go gamble, fight, and just generally live the life of the city.
But it wouldn't change much, Ursula would be family, because it's not the blood that flows through one's meat, but the blood shed in battle together.
Alcide and Kestrel would be particularly hard hit, they really felt a responsibility towards xer, to make xer feel welcome and seeing xem develop. It makes them feel helpless knowing they can't stop xem from leaving.
Hi I just stumbled upon your All Tomorrows content & I just want to say how much I already love your killer folk oc, Beaumont!!! 😍😍😍💖💖💖💖💖💖
HIIII SORRY FOR RESPONDING LATE
But yes, thank you so much, I'm so glad! I will occasionally make content of him and All Tomorrows in the future but not as frequently as I did in the past. Again, thanks!
What would Beaumont do if he met his younger self?
I wonder if Beaumont and his family play musical instruments? If so, why?
"I had quite an ego back in the day, but I had the skills and claws to back me up! ...but, the biggest ego booster is seeing your crew have your back."
Beaumont made and lost a lot of friends because of his personality. He looks back at his youth fondly, even if there were some regrets... There would be a lot to tell him.
They definitely play instruments, and all of them were formally trained for it (or attempted to). Beaumont himself was taught to play a string instrument but never got the hang of it, but he does sing really well!
It was very common for clans like Beaumont's to have a set of music instruments on display. These would be passed down generations due to their craftsmanship and durability and are used to entertain guests.
