i'm curious to know the ratio of writers to readers on ao3 so here's a poll. when i say writer, i mean people who have published works on ao3, doesn't matter if it's once, or if it was ages ago, or if it's a regular occurrence. when i say reader, i mean people who have never published a work on ao3. the reader vote still counts if you don't have an account on ao3. if you're a writer who is also an active reader, please still click on the "writer" option!
please do boost this so it reaches a larger sample space!
The Arcanus Archives is an upcoming 18+ modern fantasy interactive novel. Inspiration is taken from: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and The Olympians, The Mortal Instruments (and various other YA series).
[[Content Warnings]]: This story will include things such as explicit language, violence, substance use, sexual themes, etc.
“That's the thing about magic; you've got to know it's still here, all around us, or it just stays invisible for you.” ― Charles de Lint
The allure of magicae is undeniable. It's a force so majestic that many dedicate their entire lives to its pursuit - something that most people spend their entire lives devoted to.
After all, when one can do practically anything with just a wave of their wrist, why would they even consider wasting their time on things like cooking and cleaning when they could be learning to tame dragons or inventing new spells? Most Magus don't even consider leaving the world of Magicae once they've made a life for themselves.
Of course, you aren't most Magus.
Instead of breaking curses or making potions, you've made the very practical (and totally not boring) choice of settling down in the non-magical world. An odd choice, sure, but it's not like you were exactly going to make it very far as a Magus. Not with your...condition.
Especially now that the war was over.
Honestly, spending the rest of your life as a Debilis was probably the best choice you could have made.
...or at least, that was what you thought until a certain bird flew through your window and let the parchment in their mouth flutter down onto your desk.
So now, instead of being able to live out what would've been your very happy and normal life, you are being dragged back into a world full of mystic and wonder to fight a war that you really don't want anything to do with. You'd be terrified (or perhaps thrilled) if you weren't dreading it so much.
Have fun exploring a world of magic and wonder. Try not to get too caught up in the excitement though - after all, there is a dark side to everything.
Create your own character! Their personality, appearance, gender identity, sexuality and skills will be yours to customize!
Choose from five different houses that your MC could've been in during school!
Look back into your past and all the fun experiences and relationships that come with it. Try not to fall too deeply into it though - you still have the future to look forward to after all.
Join a secret magic organization in order to stop an upcoming war!! Yay!!
Navigate through a series of complex relationships. Will you find friendship? Fall in love? Help mentor and care for the child of your deceased friends? Join the dark side and murder everyone? It's completely up to you!
A former classmate and the current Lychnus Professor at Medeius. Astoria's just as intelligent and charismatic as you remember. Of course, she has upgraded from the popular head girl of your past and has become second-in-command for the Circle. Amidst the chaos of ongoing conflict and her unwavering commitment to her duties, will you be able to capture her attention?
Personality: Astoria is the type of person that garners respect from both friends and foes alike. Behind her calm and polite demeanor lies a heart that is filled with both passion and dedication. She embodies intelligence, talent, charisma, and, most notably, leadership. One can only wonder how someone is so perfect...
Appearance: Astoria is as elegant in appearance as she is in personality. Her dark umber skin is always perfectly clear and there is never a single jet-black hair out of line when it comes to her curls. Whether she be in a perfectly pressed pantsuit or a more casual turtleneck, she is dressed to the nines. Her captivating dark brown eyes complement her hourglass frame, that has her standing at around 5'9".
An incredibly powerful Magus and, more importantly, one of your (former?) best friends. It's been a few years since you've last spoken but for the most part Caspian has remained the same. He's still the arrogant, reckless, and overly charismatic man that he has always been. You wonder if he'll still let you see what's really going on under that surface, even after all this time apart...
Personality: Caspian exudes an aura of confidence and charm that draws people towards him like moths to a flame. He possesses a rebellious spirit, always ready to challenge authority and fight for what he believes is right. Beneath his roguish exterior, however, lies a fiercely loyal friend who would do anything to protect those he cares about. You used to be one of those people.
Appearance: Caspian is the embodiment of the "bad-boy" trope. Standing tall at 6'1" and sporting a lean but muscular build, his bronzed skin carries a smattering of freckles that only add to his allure. His dark, ebony locks cascade past his shoulders, framing captivating slate-grey eyes that seem to ensnare anyone who meets his gaze. With rugged good looks and an air of mystery, he's often seen in ripped jeans and a leather jacket, his skin adorned with a few tattoos scattered across his arms and torso.
Another former classmate and former rival (at least your friends former rival...) Solaine has kept their admittedly terrible bad attitude but has moved on from sneaking books out of the forbidden section of the library to breaking curses. Unsurprising, considering their skill in...less than favorable types of magicae. Still this war may be opportunity to mend old wounds...
Personality: Solaine is, to put it simply, an incredibly unpleasant person. They are apathetic and snarky on a good day and downright cruel on a bad one. Still, they're undeniable skill and intelligence is almost enough to make up for it. You also have a very distinct feeling that there is something much more warm lurking beneath their cold exterior.
Appearance: Solaine is the epitome of reclusiveness, a fact evident in every aspect of their appearance. With sickly pale skin and a tangled mane of shoulder-length (greasy) white hair, they cut a lanky figure at 5'7". Their gaze, like deep pools of dark purple bordering on black, pierces through anyone who meets their eyes. Preferring to shroud themselves in baggy, dark attire such as oversized sweaters or occasionally donning traditional magical robes, Solaine exudes an aura of mystery.
Maeve, a recent addition to the Circle, bursts onto the scene like a blazing comet of energy. While her background remains shrouded in mystery, one thing is abundantly clear: her spirit burns with almost too much passion as well as unwavering commitment to the cause. Yet, beneath her fiery exterior lies an enigma, leaving you uncertain whether to draw closer or keep your distance. After all, you don't want to get burned.
Personality: If there were a human embodiment of the term "spitfire," it would undoubtedly be Maeve. Her fiery spirit and unpredictable nature echo draw both admiration and caution from those around her. With a penchant for unpredictability and a dash of reckless bravery, Maeve navigates the world with a fervor that commands attention and respect, yet also leaves a trail of uncertainty in her wake.
Appearance: Maeve rocks a bold style that's as vibrant as her personality. With her short, blue (formerly blonde) hair framing her face, her piercing amber eyes command attention. She has tan skin dotted with freckles, and she stands at a sturdy 5'6" - her muscular build adding to her confident aura. You'll often catch her in graphic tees paired with jeans, completing her edgy look with a pair of rugged combat boots.
Jasper, perhaps the gentlest soul among them, stands as a stark contrast to his spirited sister. Quiet and empathetic, he exudes an endearing awkwardness that sets him apart. He exudes a gentle charm that he uses to navigate the world with. He seems eager to get to know you (although he seems eager about everything) and it's hard to tell if you should be flattered by the enthusiasm or not...
Personality: Jasper possesses a gentle soul, a rarity within the Circle, yet one that commands admiration. While his knowledge of magicae may not rival that of his peers, and his interest in combat appears lackluster, his dedication to the cause remains unwavering. Despite occasional hesitance and a tendency to stumble over his words, Jasper's fervor for standing up for what he deems to be right shines through, showing off the kind person that he is.
Appearance: Much like his sister, Jasper sports a tousled blond lock, paired with warm amber eyes. His tan skin, speckled with freckles, adds to his boyish charm. Standing at a slightly awkward 5'11", he possesses a lean, gangly frame that lends him a certain charm. His wardrobe typically consists of cozy sweaters, well-worn jeans, and comfortable sneakers.
reblog if you wear glasses. too many mutuals don't know they have glasses wearers in their midsts
Keep going & progressing…
(even if nobody else notices)
🫶🏻
My adaptation of the God of Arepo short story, which was originally up at ShortBox Comics Fair for charity. You can get a copy of the DRM-free ebook here for free - and I'd encourage you to donate to Mighty Writers or The Ministry of Stories in exchange.
Again it's an honour to be drawing one of my favourite short stories ever. Thank you so much for the original authors for creating this story; and for everyone who bought a copy and donated to the above non-profits.
something i’ve been thinking about lately is like. growing up muslim right after 9/11 is something i’d never really reflected on much because it was all i’d ever known — at 5, my friend’s mum didn’t let her invite me to her birthday party because i was the only brown girl in our class, at 12, my classmates would joke about my family being part of isis, at 16, my dad was interrogated by american airport security for hours — and it always stung and it always hurt but it was just the way things were because the western world hated muslims. but i don’t think i’ve ever fully comprehended the extent to which we were hated until now.
palestine is being turned into a mass graveyard. every single day there are new photos of the atrocities being carried out against them and videos of them pleading for help and still those who can actually intervene turn a blind eye. israel is claiming to only be targeting hamas “terrorists” while bombing a refugee camp. israeli police raided and assaulted a non-zionist jewish neighbourhood. israeli soldiers are posting tiktoks of them torturing captured palestinians. this is not a complicated issue and it never has been. ethnic cleansing is being committed right in front of us. and yet the western world leaders refuse to call for a ceasefire.
and while zionist organisations accuse pro-palestine demonstrations of anti-semitism, while zionist celebrities insist that they’re afraid to leave their mansions in los angeles, a six year old muslim boy was stabbed to death and his mother wounded in the same attack in chicago. a muslim doctor was murdered while sitting outside her apartment complex in texas. hundreds of peaceful protesters have been arrested (many of whom have been jewish). despite what zionists want you to believe, this is not a jewish/muslim conflict. i have so much love and gratitude to my brave jewish brothers and sisters all over the world who are condemning israel for their actions.
ultimately, israel have been granted impunity by the west. they have slaughtered thousands upon thousands of innocent palestinians. they have bombed hospitals and schools indiscriminately. they have used white phosphorus, violating the geneva convention. they have completely eradicated nearly 900 bloodlines. how many more need to be wiped out? how many more children need to be buried underneath the rubble? how many more doctors need to be confronted with the bodies of their own family members? how many more journalists need to detail the horrific acts of violence they are witnessing? what more can be done to the palestinian people that has not been done already?
i truly believe that palestine will be free one day. i believe the palestinian people will receive the justice they finally deserve. but what breaks my heart is how much they have suffered and will continue to suffer before they are deemed worthy of help. and it would be to all of our detriment if we ignored how much of a factor palestine being a predominantly muslim state has played into the way the world has reacted to their genocide.
-Previously Queenstown Detective-
You are the most capable, and recently only, Detective in your town. When a serie of murders threatens it, you are ready to take care of the case.
That the killings are supernatural in nature doesn't matter. Neither does the unit of agents deployed to investigate alongside you.
Because for years you have known about the supernatural creatures that inhabit this world, hidden from human sight. It was enough to delve deeper into your parent's affairs - at the time an active agent. Your distaste for the Agency only grew.
And now you will need to solve the case, but also to protect your town. You will allow no one to threaten the safe heaven for supernaturals you have created.
Rated 18+ for sexual content and possibly triggering content
DEMO: coming soon
Customize your Detective's gender, sexuality appearance, and personality.
Play a highly capable and competent MC. Outsmart and interact with Unit Echo.
Explore six routes across three love interests.
Stay by your RO's side. Or fool around with the agents working against you.
Gender selectable. Unicorns are a rare specie of supernaturals, but one stunning such as Ariel even more so. They have formed a strong bond with you - unbreakable despite your relationship status. As unicorns tend to be, Ariel is possessive and extremely bonded to the person they love the most, you.
Possible routes:
Fiancée
Ex-fiancée
Gender selectable. Navieel is part of the gorgon population of the town, the youngest member, and the most adventurous of them all. Normally, gorgons are reclusive, but they also happen to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. Navieel is soft, comfortable and always happy to spend some time warming up their cold-blooded body in your arms.
Possible routes:
Monogamous partner
Acquaintances with benefits
Gender selectable. Banshees are distrustful by nature, but Vance is the most difficult you ever had to deal with. They are as cold as they are majestic. As cutting as they are cruel. Even they do not know if there is something that can get past the hard case locking away what's left of their ability to love. But, somehow, no one else can capture their attention once it has landed on you.
Possible routes:
Spouse
Ex-spouse to strangers
Having ADHD is taking a post it to write down something you need to remember, being distracted before you get to write it down, go do something else and come back to see that blank post it on your desk and having no fucking idea what you were supposed to write on it
Edit: I have to take the trash out tomorrow. That's what I had to remember