Born Archivist AU Wrap Up Post
Image ID below the cut. Art by @dcartcorner !
Series Summary:
Agnes Montague was a failure, the ritual poorly planned and even more poorly executed. But for the Ceaseless Watcher and the Avatars who have learned from this mistake--perhaps things could be different...
...Jonathan Sims, John as he prefers, is eleven years old when Mr. Bouchard comes to see him.
A massive thank you to you all. For reading, especially for commenting, and for all the support in getting this over the finish line.
If you're interested in reading or seeing more art, please check out the links below the cut. You do need an Archive account to read!
My ask box is open, I'd love to chat theories, questions, and thoughts anytime! Please don't be shy!
What to Know:
Child of Illumination is a fic series with three primary story arcs that follows John Sims from age eleven to his time as Head Archivist of Magnus Institute after being adopted by Elias Bouchard and Peter Lukas.
All three main arcs are rated T and suitable for those who can enjoy the same sort of content as in the podcasts. CW's are provided on individual chapters.
The Main Story:
Part One: Child of Illumination:
Agnes Montague was a failure, the ritual poorly planned and even more poorly executed. But for the Ceaseless Watcher and the Avatars who have learned from this mistake--perhaps things could be different...
...Jonathan Sims, John as he prefers, is eleven years old when Mr. Bouchard comes to see him.
Image Id at the end. Art by @sarcasticscribbles!
Part Two: Shadow in the Hunting Grounds
Agnes Montague was a failure, the ritual poorly planned and even more poorly executed. But for the Ceaseless Watcher and the Avatars who have learned from this mistake--perhaps things could be different.
Jonathan Sims, John as he prefers, has lived with fathers for six years. Like for a lot of other young people, University presents a time for self-exploration, and a first occasion of being out on his own without someone...Watching quite so closely.
Image ID at the end. Art by @sarcasticscribbles!
Part Three: Blood of the Covenant
Agnes Montague was a failure, the ritual poorly planned and even more poorly executed. But for the Ceaseless Watcher and the Avatars who have learned from this mistake--perhaps things could be different.
Jonathan Sims, John as he prefers, has spent three years working as a Lead Researcher at the Magnus Institute. For someone for whom home has had a less than solid definition, the Institute offers a chance for safe place for John to finally answer the questions that have followed him for as long as he can recall.
Being able to work alongside his father is simply an added bonus, of course.
Image ID at the end. Art by @sarcasticscribbles!
Art:
COI wouldn't be what it is without the amazing artists who have brought it to life!
Official Scene and Summary art is by @dcartcorner who does exceptional work across the board.
Official Covers for all three main stories are by @sarcasticscribbles who's art is one of the reasons I started to engaged in fandom at all!
Official additional art of some choice scenes as done beautiful by @mxwhore who I cant thank enough for their amazing work!
Other creators who have made art related to COI include @obscuravoid, @the-awful-dread-that-leaves, @novae-viking, @basilikum7, @hemi-demi, and @moominmammaonhero1n!
Please, go and show them some love! I will post an Art-chive into the series on A03 as well to link back directly to all of the amazing work that's been made! If you've made something and don't see your name here, please let me know!
Additional Content:
Part of the fun of the series are the additional side fics. They cover a range of topics from John's interactions with various people, time spent with Peter and Elias, and the horror content that makes TMA what it is. There are all flavors, from G to E, and all can be found at the hyperlink above.
These are NOT necessary to understand the story and do NOT contain critical plot points. They're simply for fun! .
A special shoutout to @selinko for a lovely set of memes that absolutely made my day and continue to do so!
FAQ's:
The following are just some things that have come into my inbox the last couple of days in particular!
Can I make fanart of this story?
Sure! Please tag me, I'd love to see and spread the love!
Can I make other fanworks of this story?
Sure! Same as above, please tag me. I'd love to see and spread the love!
Will you be writing more?
I may do additional side pieces, but the main story is happily done. I have a total of 105 fanfics, 104 of which are Magnus if you're interested!
Can I send you questions/thoughts/songs/things that made me think about the story?
Yes, my ask box is open and there is an anonymous option. I will delete rude asks, but otherwise am happy to answer. Any spoilers, I'll put below a bar.
Image IDs:
Cover Art: A painting showing John Sims at the center, playing chess with an unknown opponent. On either side above him are Elias Bouchard, surrounded by books, and Peter Lukas, holding a stack of playing cards. Together, they hold a crown of gold and green eyes over John's head, framed by a spider-web window. At John's feet are three animals--a lion, a cobra, and penguin, looking up from a base of fire that shows Agnes Montague, Tim Stoker, Martin Blackwood, and Sasha James respectively.
First Cover: Cover Art of John giving a statement to Gertrude the portrait. He is 11-13 years old, wearing square glasses and talking to her as if she is an old friend.
Second Cover: A family style portrait of Elias Bouchard (aged around 40), John Sims (aged seventeen to eighteen), and Peter Lukas (aged around 50) years old.
Third Cover: John Sims and Peter Lukas are playing a round of cards. John is debating whether or not to be on this hand with chin resting in his hand. Peter is holding a 2 of diamonds and a 7 of clubs, considered the worst draw in Texas Hold 'Em. Elias Bouchard, with a faint green light around his eyes, watches from behind John's shoulder, the whole viewed over by a Portrait of Jonah Magnus with the same faint green light.
Thank You!
Thank you all again for letting me share this story and journey with you. After one year and nineteen days of writing, I am very happy and rather proud to say the series is complete. It's my longest fanworks project by a mile and wouldn't have been possible without all of your lovely support.
With all the love in the world, Sieve signing off.
















