welcome to the madness

I like writing and dogs.

[womblegrinch]

Stevan Dohanos (1907-1994) - Tying flies

Oil on masonite. Painted in 1950.

25.9 x 20.1 inches, 65.7 x 51.1 cm. Estimate: US$25,000-40,000.

Sold Freeman’s, Philadelphia, 5 Dec 2021 for US$252,000 incl B.P.

Cover illustration for the Saturday Evening Post, 4 March 1950. Dohanos created 125 covers for the Saturday Evening Post between 1942 and 1958.

[missingnightwingsmullet]

friends family

not my art :) credit to @irispardom on twitter

[kartsie]

Sometimes everyone dusts off or throws together their Robin costume for a hijinks filled patrol

((Yes I’m behind but it’s been a rough week))

[callitgoodwriting-deactivated20]

Worldbuilding Categories | Part 1

I'd like to preface this with two things:

worldbuilding is complex; none of this is exhaustive, but rather a starting point

unless you're doing this for RPG purposes or you're George R.R. Martin, you don't need to have a comprehensive bible on every aspect of every little thing. start with what is important to you and the story you're telling.

Languages

Most common by geographic location, demographic, religion, etc. Dead languages. Pidgin + creole languages. Different dialects, pronunciation, and communication issues within a language. Class and economic influence. Generational differences, slang, and evolving connotations of words. Education and preservation of languages. Monolingual, bilingual, polyglot prevalence.

Folklore

[Folklore encompasses legends, tales, proverbs, and myths.]

Origin of lore (religion, morality, societal need/panic, historical sightings or explanations of (super)natural events...) Focus of lore (agricultural, seasonal, health/wellness, lessons...) Common themes (deities, supernatural, cryptids...) Expression of lore (oral tradition, art, dance, rituals...)

Literature/Storytelling

Oral vs. written. Types of recording + distribution. Common and popular genres, themes, lessons... Importance in society and certain demographics.

Art

Folk art, "high" vs "low" art, fine art, popular art, classic art. Common mediums. Popular themes. How it's valued, displayed, traded/sold. Influence of socioeconomics, religion, region, history, demographics... Societal view of artists, mediums, and importance of art.

Drama

Stage plays, narrative dance, operas/musicals, radio, television, film, literary/poetic performance... Geographic and socioeconomic access. "Art" criteria can be applied here as well.

Music

Instruments. Purposes (religious, traditional, entertainment...). Lyricism and composition. Performance, recording, + distribution. Genres, themes, popularity. Perception of different variations. Prevalence and importance. Interaction with political movements and modernity. Accessibility of composition and consumption.

Celebrity

Who is valued above others (royalty, politicians, public figures, artists, performers, writers, certain families...) How gossip and information about celebrities are shared + consumed. Trends and crazes. Reality vs. generated press.

Fashion

Available fabric, dyes, labor, + technology. Expectations of modesty. Class and occupational influence. Social importance of style + quality (+ possibly brand or designer). Gendered considerations (both of wear and creation of fashion). Implications of certain colors, materials, symbolism...

Food

Access. Restaurants, street vendors, chefs... Recipe distribution. Popularity or disapproval of cuisine from different groups. Agricultural considerations. Preparation, processing, health and safety regulation, trade/sale... Diet culture. Delicacies and comfort foods. Hunting + gathering. Who's in charge of each stage of food from acquisition to plate.

Water + Sanitation

Cost and accessibility of clean water. Sewage. Running water. Bathing. Hot water. Rural vs. city. What happens to gray and black water. Toilets.

Religions

Historical significance. Modern view + prevalence. Branches + denominations. Conflict between groups. Church vs. state in government. Religion-based assumption of rights/ownership (colonization, crusades...).

Religion (individual)

Monotheistic, pantheistic, polytheistic, no deities... Prophets, messengers, spiritual beings (like angels or demons)... Closed or open religion. Written or documented material. Historical and cultural significance. Traditions, holidays, and other sacred practices. Buildings, sites, objects, and other sacred physical things. Afterlife belief. Magic. The "soul" and values/morals.

Holidays, Traditions, + Celebrations

Cultural and religious influence. Government recognition. Birthdays, equinoxes, lunar/solar calendars, anniversaries, births, marriages... Parties, parades, gifts, gatherings, ceremonies. Food, dress, location. Associated symbolism.

Marriage, Family, + Parenting

Age, gender, socioeconomic, religious, race/ethnicity considerations for partnerships. Marriage definition, importance, + practices. Birth vs. adopted children. Surrogacy. Community and extended family involvement with childrearing. Morality and ideas of "sanctity" around partnership/marriage. Legality and legacy of family. Strict vs. gentle parenting. Views of parental involvement vs. nannies, wet nurses, + other childcare. Single parenthood. Polyamory and multiple "direct" parents. Divorce, remarrying, + step-parenting. Family pride, loyalty, name importance...

Non-Religious Beliefs

Anything that (even if originally rooted in religion) has become mainstream, commonplace, universal, or widespread. Etiquette and manners. Superstitions. Understanding of science and the natural world. Ethics.

Government

The type of government and its popularity among the masses. Voting + the people's voice. Political parties + important families. Politicians. Corruption. Inherited vs. elected vs. appointed positions. Divisions (local, designated counties/states, federal...). Branches of government. Executive power. Inherited power.

Law (Enforcement + Judiciary Systems)

Who defines and implements the law. Geographic divisions of law and enforcement. Systems of law enforcement and judiciary procedure (e.g. police vs FBI, local court vs. Supreme Court). Investigations, trials, sentencing, punishment or rehabilitation efforts. Forensics and law enforcement ethics. Community-based efforts. Non-government positions (lawyers, advocates, informants, clerks...). Procedures, protocols, and protection of individual rights. Emergency response and law enforcement patrol.

Crime

Religious + cultural influence/view on criminality of acts or substances. Prevalence of crime and prejudiced/preconceived ideas of certain crimes/criminals. Legality of certain substances or services (such as marijuana or sex work). How it affects perception or traffic of certain areas/times of day. Disparities in who is victimized, suspected, and prosecuted.

As always, take what is helpful and leave the rest.

Again, this is far from exhaustive and more of an attempt to kickstart your brainstorming. There are always caveats and asterisks and whatever else because every world, universe, galaxy, etc is incredibly varied.

Take what ya need and happy writing!

[Call it Good] Writing

[vcreatures]

Sirenia Sphyrnidae, better known as the Hammerhead Maid, is one of the apex predators found within the Sirenia class. Yet despite this, their interaction with man is quite limited. Unlike many other mermaid species that can be found in coastal seas the Hammerhead maid has no interest in interacting with humans. You will not find this species luring sailors, quite the opposite actually. Living mostly solitary lives the Hammerhead Maid is quite content not interacting with species outside their own. Having taken an extreme approach to their camouflage many times humans might not even be able to distinguish between actual shark and maid. 

While humans are relatively safe around this apex predator other marine life, including smaller mermaid species, better steer clear. Using their serrated “toothed” arms, coined “mandible arms” they can quickly strike and cutch fast moving prey. 

As with many Mermaid species, males and females are nearly identical. The only obvious dimorphism found are on males who possess “claspers” used in mating. 

[anonbeadraws]

More Ephemera for Confluence! More mysteries to unfold; What does Tensor fruit taste like, why does a dog own a pub and who took these pictures? 📷 And also, which of the Chrona watch's Many versions would you like to have best, (never mind that it seats you within a chronolock for a city entirely paused in the time stream)? Follow us on our twitter for more!

[novlr]

How to write the cold

The way we feel cold is universal, but the way we contextualise it is not. Cold has a variety of connotations for readers, so it's important to decide how to use it, and what mood you want to convey in your scene.

While cold is often associated with negative aspects in writing, if there's anything the winter season teaches us, is that it can be a positive thing as well. Rather than just using the word cold, in your next writing project, try to contextualise it. Describe the weather, the light on the snow, the comfort of warmth after an icy swim, or the fear and loneliness of the dark on a cold night.

Here are our quick tips on how to write the cold:

In nature

Clean mountain air

Glittering ice crystals

Unique wildlife, like snow hares or polar bears

Snow muffled sounds

Steam rising from hot springs

Icy water in rivers and lakes

Overcast and rainy

Bright sun on fresh snow

Icebergs, glaciers, and ice floes

Storms and blizzards

Branches moving and creaking

Frozen ponds

Morning frost on grass

Snowdrops pushing through snowdrifts

Crisp and clear night skies

Wolves howling in the dark

Bare branches scraping against windows

Eerie shadows

Foods and objects

The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg

Heavy winter coats and scarves

Rich, hot meals with lots of gravy

Tea or coffee left out too long

Ice-cream, sorbets, or ice-lollies

Metal that is cold to the touch (like pots and pans or door handles)

Cold beverages straight out of the fridge

An icy bath

Freezer trucks or walk-in refrigerators

Dry ice

Crisp, fresh sheets on cold nights

Ice sculptures

A tap with a drip that freezes in place

Frozen celebratory drinks (like daiquiris)

A single cube of ice floating in a whisky glass

A cold pack for an injury

Character moods

Isolated

Lonely

Aloof

Sad

Comfortable

Snuggly

Focused

Panicked

Indifferent

A lack of affection

Calm and calculated

Disengaged

Serene

Depressed

Awestruck

Anxious

Reverent

Melancholy

Nostalgic

Impatient

Frustrated

Reflective

Character body language

Hunched shoulders

Crossed arms

Shivering

Snuggling into something warm

Rub hands together for warmth

Tight or strained expression

Biting dry lips

Furrowing brow

Glaring against brightness

Tense and rigid stance

Stand close to others

Slow, deliberate steps

Move quickly to somewhere warm

Sitting relaxed in a warm space

Actions and events

Start a fire or build a shelter

Winter hikes

Outdoor activities like skating, skiing, or sledding

Traffic jams or snowed in cars

Frozen lakes cracking underfoot

Dodging icicles falling from rooftops

Going ice-fishing

Long sea voyages

Frostbite

Suffering from a cold, the flu, or pneumonia

Brainfreeze

Snuggling under a warm duvet

Sipping from a steaming hot drink for comfort

Cold-water swimming

Walking to work in the rain

Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere

Chrismas in July in the Southern Hemisphere

Reading a good book by the fire while it snows outside

Positive aspects

While cold is often associated with negative emotions, using it as a juxtaposition can often help to accentuate the positive feelings you want to convey.

If it's cold outside, a character enjoying a hot chocolate under their duvet will give a much more positive impression than if they were simply staying in bed.

The beauty of the natural world in winter, like snow, ice, and winter foliage can also be used to create a scene of happiness and wonder.

Negative aspects

Cold is often used to describe characters who are emotionally detached, calculating, or generally unfeeling. It's become an easy way to clue your readers in to how they're meant to feel about your character.

There are also more creative ways to use the cold, however, like describing the disappointment of forgetting about a hot drink you put down somewhere and only remembering when it's already gone cold, or the feeling of shock after you first step out of a warm shower.

Helpful synonyms

chilly

frigid

icy

wintry

frosty

cool

nippy

freezing

glacial

brisk

chilled

cool

polar

bitter

snowy

raw

refrigerated

arctic

rimy

draughty

[emly-seppele-deactivated2026033]

ok you can buy ONE thing. One.

[animentality]

Just once, I would like the fire element people in a fantasy show to not be the evil ones.

Stop making the water people good. Those motherfuckers should go mad with power first.

Let the fire people be like omg we bring warmth and cooking to you guys. You're welcome.

And then the water people are literally drying people out, like wringing them of blood and organs like washing machine socks.

[writingmaz]

World Building

Creating Land

❂

⥇ agriculture

⟿ what is grown in abundance? how common is farmland? where is the farmland?

⥇ architecture

⟿ what kind of buildings? how tall/spacious? what are they made of? how well made? how well planned?

⥇ animals

⟿ what wild animals are lurking in the area? hunting? any animals affecting the livestock or agriculture?

⥇ biomes

⟿ desert? tundra? grassland? forest? savanna?

⥇ bodies of water

⟿ seas? lake? ponds? rivers? fresh water/salt water? fishing? keep in mind, settlements are often built near bodies of water

⥇ climate

⟿ dry? rainy? temperate? tropical? polar? how have people adjusted to this climate?

⥇ elevation

⟿ altitude? how does the altitude affect lifestyle?

⥇ geology

⟿ rocky? types of rocks?

⥇ landforms

⟿ mountains? valleys? plateaus? plains? hills? glaciers? peninsulas? volcanos? canyons?

⥇ latitude / longitude

⟿ location on planet? how does it affect other elements of land?

⥇ livestock

⟿ common domesticated animals? common animal usages?

⥇ minerals

⟿ any valuable minerals / metals? are they mined regularly? how are they used?

⥇ natural disasters

⟿ earthquake? tornado? volcano? duststorm? flood? hurricane? tsunami? how often do these occur? protocols?

⥇ population

⟿ how many people? how dense is the population? how does the population affect surrounding nature?

⥇ resources

⟿ what is abundant? scarce? how are they used? how available are they?

⥇ sacred land

⟿ religiously important land? historical importance? widely accepted as sacred? how is it honored?

⥇ soil

⟿ good or bad for vegetation? rocky?

⥇ tectonic activity

⟿ earthquake frequency? volcano frequency? trenches?

⥇ topography

⟿ how common are maps? how accurate? how long have they been around? who makes them?

⥇ vegetation

⟿ what is abundant? scarce? what grows easily? with difficulty? what is commonly foraged? who forages? plant types? tree types?

[kinerxy]

Feralytosis

The werewolf disease

Different specimens of the primate order can be affected by this rare sickness.

The main symptoms are a total change in the anatomy of the body, increase in size, elongation of the muzzle and a great appetite for meat, preferably of the species of the infected subject.

lýkos-protanthropos Primordial Were-man.

The Protanthropos is a cuadrupedal animal with great intelligence and are very sociable, they're often found in big groups or tribes, ruled by a dominant (Alpha) pair.

These creatures can spread the sickness throught bites and corporal fluids, altought the percentage of surviving a direct attack of any of these beasts is close to none.

lykánthropos Homo sapiens lycaon.

The illness is believed to have spread to the human world when the outcast Lycaon started his reign over Arcadia, Greece.

Starting generations of disease that stretches into modern times, despite this, werewolves are nearly extinct due to the extensive hunt made by humans.

(top to bottom) lýkoseráida & lýkosnános

These are examples of small variations of the sickness, these are rather exotic due to the spreading method of the disease.

these creatures are often formed by experimentation rather than a natural contagion.

[vcreatures]

Sometimes referred to as the Sea Mandrake the Deadman’s Kelp are particularly rare and quite difficult to harvest. Deadman’s kelp is a piece of maritime botany that both seafarers and sea witches alike covet and actively seek. 

Sired by the decomposing bodies of shipwrecked fisherman or sailors these plants are used for their unique ability to call the winds or sway the seas, not unlike the conch of a Triton. However, the art of taming a Deadman’s kelp is a difficult one. If not properly utilized, what could have been the aid of a gentle wind or moving current could bring upon a massive storm. A Deadman’s kelp’s mouth, when above the water, must be covered at all times. Allowing it to wale above the waves, uncontrolled, would spell disaster. What would seem an easy fete can be difficult when Deadman’s Kelp mouths are typically gaping maws filled with serrated teeth and their bodies a wriggling, slimy, mass of flesh and detritus. 

Mermaids are not fond of these abominations of the sea and typically do away with them if encountered. 

[natbrooks-art]

sometimes being a genius is hard

[hellcifrogs]

Some NaruFox AU Uchihas. Sasuke’s still easily persuaded and Shisui helped Itachi raise him so - since Itachi is too soft for that- nothing more big brother like than making things up to mess with him. More>

[cecikiwi]

pieces i made for the @royaiweddingzine last april!

[5hio]

“Now, look at where we are, everything we’ve done"

[meggsssart]

Royai week, day 3 - Haunted

Okay so I actually had no idea what to do for this prompt, and I’ve been so busy! I really just wanted to play around, so I went for a manga panel redraw (flipped for L>R reading).

I felt that this panel fits the theme, the reason being that Riza is haunted by her decision to entrust the secrets of flame alchemy to Roy - only for it to be used by the Amestrian military to commit genocide.

(Manga reference below :) )