It's been a while so,
the South Park Foreign Kids (in my AU)!!
Some things to note:
-Still tweaking how I draw Philip
-Still tweaking Herbert's outfit
-I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRAW TEEN GREGORY WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT HP!GREGORY SO BARE WITH ME AS I FIGURE THIS OUT
-Overall, I like these =3
Heyy, not many updates on the South Park AU, heheheheh.
It likely will take a long time to actually drop anything since, at the moment, I have to keep up with my school work and focus on some more personal things IRL.
Ik there aren't a lot of 'fans,' per se. But I still thought that it'd be nice to post smth else abt the AU.
So, here is a list of fun facts & headcanons that are canon to the Rings That Bind AU =)
The timeline for this AU can be a bit complicated. With how it's starting in the prologue, you'll be getting bits of events that took place immediately after s4 ep14, then a skip to the events of ep201 with the stories catalyst. But the bulk of the stories events take place years after when the characters would be teenagers.
Anywayyyyyy,,
-Philip, Herbert, and Estella sleep pile.
Well,, it isn't really sleep piling as much as it is just falling asleep together. So, it's more like a situation where they could be, for example, sitting together outside and just drifting off; sort of just leaning on each other. This, of course isn't really lore relevant but something that'll probably prop up a lot lol.
-Damien is like a not-so-human human heater.
It's been a long-standing headcanon of mine that as a demon, especially as one with pyrokinesis, Damien's body temperature is warmer than average. Ofc, in Hell, it's more balanced out/cooler. But granted the fact that Colorado's climate is much cooler, his body adapts to be warmer.
So, of course, when you have a friend that's a living heater, and Winters get cold as crap, you can imagine that a lot of the others gravitate to him & stick closer. He doesn't mind it tho (he actually likes it, but he wouldn't admit that).
-I may or not have touched on this in the AU intro or not, but Christophe has a collection of old World War artifacts.
Some he's bought from collectors, some from pawn shops, and even a few that he found himself while digging up around South Park (mostly his backyard or at the edge of the woods).
-Philip is good with his hands & arms.
Welll, this is semi canon. But I still want to touch on this. Most of us, of course, know that Philip is a strong thrower (see the dodge ball episode lol), and it's often a common headcanon that he's a good archer (due to a canon in the original Great Expectations; I haven't read it yet tho). But I think it goes a bit further. Basically, I think he's also good at more fine (??) work, for example crafts like crochet.
This is something that is kind prevalent & lore related. You'll see what I mean by that later though.
-Herbert, how do I put this, sort of 'keeps tabs' on the animals he interacts with.
Nothing too weird or complicated about it. But, after he goes to South Park--and even before that, he would keep journals or notes about interactions he's had with animals. At first it's mostly his bunnies but he eventually accumulates a whole collection. For him, it's just a way for him to remember little details that he might want to bring up again, or just to be considerate. He may also use it to share stories that he hears about with friends.
-Damien & Kenny are friends.
Since Kenny more often than not ends up in Hell whenever he dies, he eventually encountered Damien and they grew close. All this to say, if he isn't hanging out with the other foreign kids, he's probably with Kenny and Leo/Marj =)
-Rebecca & Estella hang out sometimes.
They're sort of friends?? Except they're both extremely cautious of people so, more like close acquaintances with common interests. Their hangouts typically just consist watching shows like Law & Order SVU, House MD, etc. They both like analysing and predicting stuff that may happen (Estella likes to try and read people's intentions--habit she picked up from her power & Rebecca likes guessing diagnosis and prognosis; foreshadowing? Perchance). =)
-Philip & Herbert both have some level of chronic pain.
I very much still need to do research on Hepatitis B, so correct me if I'm wrong about anything. But I imagine that, granted how severe his case had been, even after recovery, he often dealt with aches and pains. He doesn't like to draw attention to it, so he often tries to ignore it. Most of the pain is in his sides and legs. But it does slow him down, so sometimes he may just try to sneakily take pauses to rest or sit for a bit (it's also usually how he ends up chatting with any flora or fauna he encounters).
Between cracking his noggin, getting literally crushed to death & revived, and previous injuries he'd sustained from his parents' deaths, Philip ends up with a lot of pains. Especially when you realise that he never got those injuries properly treated. They are very occasional and sudden but hurt like all hell. They occur mostly through pain in his left wing, knees *(a bit of projection there... erm...), and migraines. So, if Philip doesn't end up passing out or just never getting up for the day and sleeping. He ends up being incredibly irritable and anxious of other people (not really his friends, but he and Christophe definitely end up squabbling more, and he clings more to Herbert & Estella. Partially a harpy/avian thing as well; birds try to hide illness so he instinctively gets more anxious of others so they don't realise he's vulnerable in anyway). He has adapted to this a bit, mainly with his archery, he gets a bit better at shooting in lower positions and stuff like that. However, his wing injury and pain adds to the unlikeliness of him ever flying. =/
*I don't really have chronic pain, Idts. But I do have some issues with my legs--mostly my left knee, that has worsened a lot lately. Dw, ya boi's fine. I think.
-Damien is prone to the sniffles.
As I'd said before, Colorado's climate forces Damien's body to adapt. But, it's sometimes difficult to manage between being in heated spaces and cold outdoors, and just him not being entirely used to how cold it gets. So, even with his natural heating system, he gets sick often and has to bundle up more. Or, there are even instances where he has to cool down since his body may overheat to compensate. (Why are bodies so weir, dawg.)
-DAMELY IS CANON
Now, I definitely gotta explain this one. Subjecting you all to my random rarepair lol. Damley, AKA Damien x Bradley is a rarepair ship that I've come up with. This ship has no real catalyst other than me randomly coming up with it. In case you don't remember Bradley, he's the kid that Butters befriended at the conversion camp; can't rmbr the episode... I just thought "Hmmm, traumatised ex-catholic with internalised queerphobia... & the fucking Antichrist. Perfect, makes sense, let's do it." Lol
In this AU, Bradley has ice related abilities which becomes a bit of an issue in Colorado climate; he has issues maintaining body heat. Soo,,, hehehe. Add that to Damien's own issues with the weather, they end up clinging to each other often once they bond overtime. He and Damien end up getting close through mutual connections with Kenny & Butters. This ship isn't too relevant or nothin'. It's just there.
-Philip and Butters are friends.
The two aren't extremely close. But do get along well. They mostly bond over their shared interest in the game: Nameless Cat. (Totally not because I hyperfixated on it at one point.) They both really like the game and try to do races or give each other tips & hints on getting through puzzles. They are frens =3
Okay, that's all that I have for now. I hope that my, like, 6 fans like it. =>
Edit: Came up with more ideas after posting this so
-Philip and his harpy things lol
You think I wouldn't embed Philip with avian behaviours, did ya?
One, he has a few vocals--a good mix between corvid and owl. He often makes the 'basic' vocals, think random coos when he's focused or the avian equivalent of 'bruh.,' etc, etc. His corvid genetics also make him pretty good at mimicking tone and accents (which he totally doesn't use in masking--sarcasm). He also has certain traits & mannerisms that he only shares with those really close with him. For example, he doesn't 100% get preening. He was too young to have mastered it and no one taught him after his mother's passing. And, at the gentleman's school, he was discouraged from it because it was 'unruly.' However, Estella & Herbert began helping him preen his feathers and it's a habit that they ended up keeping.
Also, bonus, he has a few feathers that grow in amongst his hair. It isn't too much of a bother until he's brushing his hair and accidently tugs on one lol.
-Estella is protective of Herbert & Philip.
I don't know, man. Something abt the two people closest to you both having near death experiences that you couldn't have controlled or prevented just puts a being on edge. Ya know?
So, while she's already cautious of people herself, she's even more cautious of those around Pip & Pocket. She ends up relaxing a bit when it comes to Christophe, Gregory, Damien, etc. But, for the most part, she doesn't trust people close to them and is quick to get defensive when it comes to bullying.
(Cartman highkey ends up scared of her at some point lol)
WHAT'S THE PROCEDURE? I DON'T KNOOWWWW
(Happy early Halloween btw >w<)
Ehem, anyway,
Heyo and welcome to my official introduction post for my South Park (Foreign Kids) AU: Rings That Bind.
This has been a long time coming but I'm oh, so excited to finally be doing this. Firstly, I'll be doing a simple explanation, summary, and synopsis. And, then, you'll find the official character profiles below the cut =)
NOTE: I do intend to upload this AU as a written fic and I will be making a master post for it.
Now, the Rings That Bind AU takes place in a supernatural, fantasy-esque setting where many--not all-- people possess some for of ability. The actual setting itself is still modern but carries over a few fantasy elements in a sense. This AU is also partially inspired by the Hilda series. Most people have an ability or power that can range from anything like telekinesis to invisibility to shape shifting and so on.
A lot of abilities are somewhat genetic, with many people from the same family tree possessing similar abilities.
Official Summary/Synopsis:
Philip Pirrup is dead.
Well, he was. He had been dead up until a certain 'friend' had brought him back. However, this action doesn't come without consequence. While unaware, Philip was bound. Bound a by a deal that had been made long before even his parents had been alive. A deal forged deep into his family tree and would not be easily severed. For a few years, it'd been fine. A few nightmares there, some nausea here. He'd been able to live with it. But,...
despite his death, he was still bound.
Certain things simply had to... adapt.
Now, with the deal's scale shifted, he is a sinking ship that threatens to drag a whole town down with him. And he doesn't even know what the deal was.
His dreams return with haunts of visions of meadows and forests, he wakes up in a panic and hysterics. His scars burn more than ever and every old ache and pain decides to crawl their way back. As days and weeks past, and missing posters appear, he feels even more trapped by the rings that bind.
Now, onto the character profiles!! These are pretty long, so bare with me.
Philip Pirrup
Philip comes from a British-Norwegian family; British on his father's side & Norwegian on his mother's. His father's ability was 'dream intervention' -- he could enter people's dreams and, in some cases, even manipulate them. His mother came from a long line of Harpies (which tend to be rare), especially those of an owl or corvid nature, with most children in her family being born with at least one Harpy trait.
Philip's sister inherited their father's power. However, she'd seen it as useless and never put the skill to use. Philip was born a Harpy and his mother tried her best to raise him as she had been. His sister grew slightly bitter and jealous at the prospect as she felt that she'd deserved just as much growing up if not more.
Later, the Pirrup's death drove them further into poverty, so the two moved in with her husband, Joe. Joe had tried his best to support them, but wasn't really able to.
After the events of [s4 ep14], Philip is invited to attend school in Colorado as a part of a foreign exchange programme. Since the cost was basically nothing, his sister allowed it but refused to move. So, she essentially abandoned her brother in a foreign country & Philip is taken in by the local orphanage. Philip tried to stay in contact with his family but his letters w ere never answered. On the other hand, he wrote frequently to Herbert and Estella and the three managed to remain close.
During the events of [ep 201], Philip dies and, between then and his revival, has a strange 'dream.' For weeks after the incident, he feels sick and a few dreams persists. Unsure of what's happening, he writes to Herbert about it.
Herbert Pocket
Herbert's family is well-known for possessing abilities related to the natural world and interacting it. Herbert, as per tradition, inherited a gift similar to those of others, gained the ability to communicate with flora & fauna. Although, he better honed his skill with fauna.
Herbert met Philip in boarding school and the two bonded over, primarily, their shared interest in literature and Herbert's fascination with his species as a Harpy. After [s4 ep14], Herbert urges his family to take Estella in. Shortly before Philip left for the USA for school, he discovered what had truly happened to his bunnies after speaking to the only one that had survived. He'd tried to give them a chance to confess and apologise, but ultimately had to confront Estella and Philip.
Both had apologised profusely (mostly Philip + he was a bit more sincere) and, while Herbert--for once-- couldn't find it in himself to be forgiving, he allowed them a second chance.
After Philip's departure, Herbert grew sick with Hepatitis B and was left bedridden for some time. While he still got to personally receive Philip's letters, he'd rarely been able to reply & opted to keep his illness a secret, asking for Estella to do the same. His recovery had taken a long time and there'd been several scares in which he'd nearly died. Fortunately though, he'd been able to recover and get better over time.
Later on, Herbert had wanted to plan a surprise Summer trip to visit Philip in Colorado. But he wasn't too sure when exactly to go. That was, until he'd received a rather queer letter from Philip...
Estella Havisham
Not much was known of the Havisham's history of abilities as Estella's mother only spoke of her own & Estella's. Ms.Havisham's ability had been the power to see one's true emotions through touch and she often complained about how that'd clearly failed her with her father and ceased using it, Estella inherited the ability to read people's minds through physical contact and her mother had used that to her advantage.
After [s4 ep14] , Estella is taken in by the Pockets. The adjustment was difficult, especially since she struggled with her emotions and controlling her ability. To help, she'd been gifted a pair of gloves and a journal to help control her power and 'clear her mind.' When Herbert later fell ill, it frankly scared her. She hadn't known what to do or how to feel. But she did know that, even if Herbert were to die, he didn't really want him to be sad. So, she resolved herself to keeping him company.
She'd read to him and share with him any possibly amusing thoughts that she'd accidentally hear. She wasn't sure if it was helping or not, but was glad that Herbert didn't seem as sad as he had before.
Initially, (this transition isn't smooth, srry ^^') she'd thought Herbert's plan was silly and needless. But, when she was told about Philip's latest letter,... she was more inclined to approve.
Damien Thorne
Damien, as Satan's son, possessed numerous powerful abilities. However, he didn't come into them all at once. Rather, he gained more as he grew older & bettered his other skills. By eight years old, he'd gained levitation, pyrokinesis, basic teleportation, etc. By twelve, he additionally acquired flight/'self-levitation,' shape shifting, etc. But he'd yet to gain anymore since.
After [insert his ep here, I forgor], Damien was able to convince his father to allow him to attend school in South Park. Upon his return, he preferred only to stick with Kenny (as they'd known each other longer; more context on this later) and Butters, who'd occasionally tagged along. He attempted to try and speak to Philip again, but the Harpy never gave him the time of day, although he was still polite. Eventually, Damien finally tried to apologise for what he'd done. Philip relented and let him hang out with him occasionally.
Gregory Bellarose
Gregory had the ability of telekinesis. He hadn't really had much use for it however, which eventually got to his mother. So, she began signing him up for multiple after school activities. This ended up becoming stressful. So, when his father got time off work, he used it to sneak Gregory out of his clubs and have him help him with his World War reenactment figurines. This sparked Gregory's interest in war and revolution.
Gregory's mother finds out eventually though. And the disagreements unfortunately lead to a lot of heated arguments between his parents. During that time, Gregory buries himself in his interest. And ends up encountering a French 'mercenary' on an online forum and the two grow close.
Later, his father gets a job transfer to Colorado. As he works and earns more, he decides to go through with it and they leave London. Gregory gets to meet his mercenary friend, and choose what clubs to try out and/or join for himself. At archery club try outs, he ends up meeting Philip. And, while he ends up not joining, he still occasionally has some nice chats with the Harpy.
Christophe Delorne
Christophe, like Philip, had a rare ability. *He was able to fully, or partially, shape shift into a mole. Due to this ability though, he had some sight issues that worsened/developed over time. However, they stopped progressing at around seven years old. He still had to wear reading glasses and/or tinted glasses to help him handle the sun though.
Chris' parents never paid much mind to him, so he was often left to his own devices. He spent most of his time digging up his backyard (he had made his own hideout/tunnel system below it) and exploring some of the woods nearby. One day, he ended up digging up an old WW2 coin and, upon learning what it was, got more into the topic of revolutions and war.
He eventually encountered a 'revolutionist'(??-Idk the word, dawg) under the user StagStallion12 in a forum. At first, he paid them no mind. But they eventually began talking and sharing their opinions on historical wars, revolts, etc etc. Later on, Christophe had obviously been shocked when his 'online pen pal' moved into his town. But they ultimately grew even closer and became a formidable, 'secret' duo with big plans to 'revolutionise' South Park.
*Giving credits to @theshiningcrusader (sorry if tagging you is an issue!!) for Chris' power. I tried to make sure that it wasn't the exact same as their weremole au. I honestly had no clue what else to come up with for his ability. T^T
Anyway, that's just an--in no way brief-- introduction to my AU and its main characters. I plan to post this AU as a fic on Wattpad and Ao3 (under the name Rings That Bind, ofc).
