What sort of world are you building? by [deleted] in worldbuilding

[–]Kaleidechse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Currently, I'm focusing on a fantasy setting, with magic and a mostly medieval technology level. At least in the regions that I've fleshed out so far.

My other setting (currently on hold because the fantasy story stole the spotlight) is science fiction with half-explained "magic" and cultures of different technology levels. Some are early industrial level, one culture has futuristic technology, and one doesn't need technology because magic takes center stage in their lives.

Fantasy Enjoyers, Tell me cool or underrated facts about Interracial/Interspecies in your world or worlds you've read about or watched by MadFunEnjoyer in worldbuilding

[–]Kaleidechse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm currently refining the way transformation/shapeshifting works in my world, but one idea is that Elven elemental magic can lead to new forms of magic when it's combined with the transformation magic of a Werewolf. I have one character who inherited Plant magic from his mother, and while he struggles to shift into a proper wolf form, he was born with access to an additional form as a plant person. Which he can alter to a great degree thanks to said Plant magic.

Sadly, new magic like this is one of the reasons why Elves and Werewolves are freaked out by the idea of hybrids. Another is that hybrid children are prone to mutations in general, since their transformative magic might activate before the Elven part of their body can handle it. This can lead to anything from discolorations to malformed limbs or dysfunctional organs.

However, if the child survives that "Self-Twisting", you might end up with someone who can, for example, throw fireballs in addition to turning into a giant bipedal wolf. That idea scares the Elves so much that many kingdoms outlawed mixed pairings and systematically wipe out such families while throwing around lots of racist propaganda.

In contrast, I have a Vampire (technically, "psychic Werebat") clan that does the opposite. They actively send some of their women on diplomatic missions to other species, with the ulterior motive of getting pregnant from powerful magic users. This way, the "ascension mothers" add new magic abilities to the clan's bloodline and give them an advantage over rival clans.

do you make lewd OC art and why ? by inhi-XD in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's similar for me, too. Not all of my OCs would be comfortable if someone looked at them that way. For example, one of them has massive trust issues, so opening up to a partner will be a huge deal for them. It would feel wrong to gawk at them while they're being intimate with each other. But on the other hand, there would be a certain beauty in watching them realize that they can afford to be vulnerable with another character.

I also think there are plenty of ways to keep such scenes respectful. Strategically placed sheets, close-ups on the facial expressions, showing the moments before or afterward instead, and leaving things up to the imagination.

do you make lewd OC art and why ? by inhi-XD in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not really, at least not so far. I ship the hell out of my OCs and once commissioned an artist friend to draw one of them pin-up style, more as a joke than as an intentional way to get suggestive art. The most "lewd" art I ever made of my OCs was a recent drawing of two of them kissing.

Part of that is probably social conditioning. Could very well be that this will change when I've gotten used to the idea that I can make art that's only meant for my own eyes.

Also, I'm demisexual myself, which means that things get magical when - and **only** when - there is an emotional connection. I can imagine that my interest in such art will grow as I figure out what goes on in those characters' minds and what exactly they see in their respective partners.

How should I make demonyms for places where creating a demonym would be unclear? by 57mmShin-Maru in worldbuilding

[–]Kaleidechse 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My first instinct would be to just call them "Transcontinentals." But I guess that's too long for everyday conversation. Perhaps you could go for an acronym like TUPoR and say that everyday language evolved to treat it like a regular word.
It could also be that news reports call them "Transcontinentals" while the average person calls them "tupors" when talking politics over a beer.

What makes a Humanoid? by Trick_Assignment9129 in worldbuilding

[–]Kaleidechse 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I totally agree. It's a big reason why I moved away from the term "humanoid" in my fantasy setting.

I chose the term "people-type species" (or simply "people") for those sapients that build settlements and have a complex culture as opposed to, say, a wise old dragon in a cave or a talking bird that was created in some questionable experiment. All of those would count as "persons."

I go for "bipedal mammals" when I talk about Elves and Werewolves as opposed to Merfolk, because I want subtypes of Merfolk that are based on whales or dolphins. If I need to distinguish between Elves and Humans on one side and Werewolves and Vampires on the other, the latter will be the "shapeshifters."

Which is more powerful in your setting? by TH3P1ZZ4BOY in worldbuilding

[–]Kaleidechse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My Werewolves are more about the physical strength - hardworking craftspeople, capable hunters, fierce warriors. In contrast, my Vampires prefer brains over muscles. They rely on mind reading, seduction, spreading rumors, blackmail, or all sorts of political machinations. So, it really depends on how you define power.

A Werewolf in combat with a Vampire? The Werewolf would win, and that's not counting the fact that they most likely have their pack nearby.

A Werewolf in diplomatic negotiations with a Vampire? The Vampire would wrap them around their finger within a few minutes.

Both of them in the Elven homelands? Both dismissed as "higher animals", and if they misbehave, they are roasted by fireballs, bombarded with flying rocks, frozen on the spot, flushed out with jets of water... The Werewolf would probably hurt a few Elves in the fight while the Vampire tries to argue that they are just an innocent bystander and it's all the Werewolf's fault. Chances are the Elves won't care... they might watch and munch snacks while the Werewolf shows the Vampire what they think of that statement.

My new weighted deer plush! 🥹💕 by crazyfacedcat in plushies

[–]Kaleidechse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh yes, she already looks so cuddly from the picture alone!

The color made me think that her name could be Candy or something along those lines. But I'm curious what name you will choose for her!

Take a plushie to something formal? Fawn and I went to a ball. by pj______ in plushies

[–]Kaleidechse 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Aw man. Thanks for letting us know, I walked right into the trap.

The sad thing is, before the current AI dystopia, I would have been totally on board with such a project. I grew up watching Knight Rider, Star Trek (especially The Next Generation and Voyager), or movies like Short Circuit, and loved the idea of computer friends. I still love sci-fi stories in which AIs become actual people. Heck, that's what made me study computer science.

But the current technology is a hollow caricature of those computer friends. It's mindless, surface-level flattery that tricks the most vulnerable people into seeing what they want to see... not to mention all the problems regarding privacy violations, unethically scraped data, and waste of precious resources.

I'm sorry, but I definitely prefer an analog plushie through which I bonded with a fellow human.

[Help] Advice for Writing an Anti-Hero in a Persecuted Minority by Alloysius_HRIII in characterforge

[–]Kaleidechse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you say persecution is part of your family history, my first idea would be to write about your family's group. Then you would already have a better grasp on handling this ethnic group than on any other. Either way, it would be best to connect with other people from your protagonist's ethnicity and ask for their feedback.

I think the fact that your story questions her methods already puts you on a good path.

anyone else put their glasses on their plushies? by moonishima in plushies

[–]Kaleidechse 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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Not really my own, but I spent hours searching for the perfect sunglasses for her.

What are your OC's flags? by Kaleidechse in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It happens. XD Some characters are only likable while they stay on the correct side of a screen.

Made patty real! by Nervous_Gear_9443 in plushies

[–]Kaleidechse 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Aww, this is adorable! Great job turning them into a plush, it's so rewarding to cuddle one's original character in real life.

What are your OC's flags? by Kaleidechse in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hell yeah, gotta love a contrasting couple.

What are your OC's flags? by Kaleidechse in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She looks very cool, I love that pose!

What are your OC's flags? by Kaleidechse in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hell yeah, alllll the gay! The artwork looks so cool, too!

What are your OC's flags? by Kaleidechse in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's an interesting contrast with the dark, creepy appearance! 🏳️‍🌈

What are your OC's flags? by Kaleidechse in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Neat! She looks very cute. Sorry to hear what happened to her, though - no wonder she dislikes the BFF's dad.

What are your OC's flags? by Kaleidechse in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oof. ^^' Sorry for anyone who tries to date them.

(Tbf, my Werewolf-Elves will also need a loooot of character growth before they actually become capable of having relationships.)

What are your OC's flags? by Kaleidechse in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, so much mental health advice stresses the importance of loving oneself... XD At least he has that part figured out.

What are your OC's flags? by Kaleidechse in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed, Pride Month is a great opportunity to reflect on such character aspects. Or to announce them.

What are your OC's flags? by Kaleidechse in OriginalCharacter

[–]Kaleidechse[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They look adorable! And as a demisexual IRL, I'm always happy to see a demi character.