Mhuhahaha, Time For Some Real Fun. Thank You @hayatheauthor For This Guide That I Will Definitely Be

Mhuhahaha, time for some real fun. Thank you @hayatheauthor for this guide that I will definitely be taking into account. I’m already doing quite of few of these, but there are plenty of other aspects that I didn’t think of before.

The Writer's Guide to Authentic Wounds and Fatalities

Writing fatal injuries in a story requires a delicate balance between realism and narrative impact. The portrayal of these life-altering events can evoke strong emotions in readers and shape the trajectory of your characters' journeys. In this blog, I will explore the intricacies of depicting fatal injuries in a manner that feels authentic, engaging, and respectful to the gravity of such circumstances. By understanding the nuances of fatal injuries, you will be equipped to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your readers.

Writing Fatal Injuries

When it comes to writing fatal injuries, it is crucial to approach the subject with care and accuracy. Fatal injuries carry immense consequences for your characters and can shape the trajectory of your story. By delving into the intricacies of portraying fatal injuries authentically, you can ensure that the gravity and impact of such events are effectively conveyed to your readers.

Choosing the right injuries for your story

Selecting the appropriate fatal injuries for your narrative involves considering various factors. Ask yourself: What purpose does this injury serve within the story? How does it affect the characters and the overall plot? Conduct thorough research to identify injuries that align with your story's context and resonate with the emotional journey of your characters.

For example, in a historical drama, you may research common fatal injuries during a particular era, such as battlefield injuries, diseases, or accidents prevalent at the time. In a crime thriller, you might explore the portrayal of fatal gunshot wounds or traumatic injuries resulting from violent encounters. By aligning the injuries with the context and themes of your story, you create a more immersive and believable experience for your readers.

Researching the mechanics of fatal injuries

To portray fatal injuries convincingly, it is essential to delve into the mechanics behind them. Understand the specific anatomical structures and systems involved, as well as the forces or mechanisms that can lead to fatal outcomes. Explore medical resources, consult experts if possible, and gather insights into the physiological and psychological implications of such injuries.

For instance, if your character suffers a fatal stab wound, research the anatomy involved, the potential organs affected, and the potential consequences such as internal bleeding or organ failure. By understanding the specific details and implications of the injury, you can describe the physical and emotional toll it takes on the character with greater accuracy and depth.

Depicting the immediate aftermath

When writing about fatal injuries, vividly describe the immediate aftermath to capture the intense emotions and physical realities. Consider the sensory details, the shock and disbelief experienced by characters, and the chaotic environment that often surrounds such events. Balancing realism with the needs of your story, create a scene that immerses readers and evokes empathy.

For example, if a character experiences a fatal car accident, you can depict the chaos at the scene, the character's disorientation, and the reactions of witnesses. Emphasize the sensory details such as the sound of screeching tires or the smell of burning rubber, creating a visceral experience for your readers.

Emotional and dramatic impact on the narrative

The impact of fatal injuries extends beyond the immediate moment. Explore the ripple effects on other characters, relationships, and the overall plot. Delve into the emotional responses, grief, guilt, anger, or determination that arises in the aftermath of loss. Utilize these emotional arcs to deepen character development and drive the narrative forward.

For instance, the loss of a loved one due to a fatal illness might lead to grief and strained relationships among the remaining family members. The emotional journey of a character grappling with guilt and seeking redemption after causing a fatal accident can become a central theme in your story. By delving into these emotional arcs and their consequences, you add depth and resonance to your narrative.

Writing Minor Injuries

While fatal injuries may capture our attention with their dramatic impact, it is equally important to pay attention to the portrayal of minor injuries in your writing. Minor injuries, though less severe, can still significantly affect your characters and contribute to the authenticity of your story. In this section, we will explore the art of depicting minor injuries, ensuring that they are not overlooked or trivialized. By delving into the nuances of minor injuries, you can add depth and realism to your characters' experiences.

Types of minor injuries to consider

When crafting your story, it is essential to consider a range of minor injuries that can occur. These injuries can include cuts, bruises, sprains, minor burns, or even minor fractures. Each type of injury carries its own unique characteristics, associated pain levels, and recovery processes. By understanding these distinctions, you can create accurate and believable depictions that resonate with your readers.

For example, a character who sustains a cut on their hand may experience sharp pain, the sight of blood, and the need for immediate first aid. On the other hand, a character with a sprained ankle may struggle with mobility, experience swelling, and require rest and care for a few days. By paying attention to these specific details, you can enhance the realism of your storytelling.

Conveying pain and discomfort

When writing about minor injuries, it is important to effectively convey the pain and discomfort experienced by your characters. Consider describing the sensation of pain, the throbbing or stinging feeling, and how it affects their daily activities or interactions. Showcasing the emotional impact of pain, such as frustration, irritation, or vulnerability, can deepen the readers' connection to the character's experience.

For instance, if a character suffers from a sprained wrist, you can describe the dull ache that persists, making simple tasks like typing or holding objects challenging. By capturing these small but significant moments, you immerse readers in the character's struggle and create a more realistic portrayal.

Balancing realism with narrative pace

While it is important to depict minor injuries realistically, it is also crucial to strike a balance with the overall pace and momentum of your story. Consider the significance of the injury within the larger context of your narrative. Some injuries may require more detailed attention and impact the plot, while others may serve as background elements. Adjust the level of detail and focus accordingly, ensuring that the portrayal of minor injuries aligns with the narrative's flow.

For example, a small cut on a character's finger may not require an extensive description unless it becomes infected or triggers an unexpected consequence. By aligning the portrayal of minor injuries with their narrative relevance, you maintain a consistent pace while still acknowledging their impact on your characters' lives.

Writing Bloodshed And Realistic Blood Loss

When writing about wounds and injuries, it is essential to consider the amount of blood loss your characters may experience. Realistic portrayal of bloodshed can enhance the authenticity of your scenes and immerse readers in the gravity of the situation. In this section, we will explore the factors influencing blood loss and techniques for accurately depicting it in your writing.

Understanding blood loss and its impact on the body

To authentically portray blood loss, it's crucial to have a basic understanding of how the human body responds to injury. Research the circulatory system and the role of blood in transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Consider the different types of blood vessels and their potential for bleeding when injured. This knowledge will help you create realistic scenarios and determine the appropriate level of blood loss for specific injuries.

Factors influencing blood loss in different injury scenarios

The amount of blood loss can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Factors such as the size of blood vessels, the rate of bleeding, and the body's ability to clot play a significant role. For example, a deep laceration in an artery will result in more substantial blood loss compared to a superficial cut on the skin. Consider these factors when describing injuries and their resulting bloodshed.

Techniques for accurately portraying blood loss in writing

There are several techniques you can use to convey the realistic impact of blood loss in your writing. Describing the color, consistency, and flow of blood can provide vivid imagery. You can also include physical symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, or fainting that may accompany significant blood loss. Additionally, consider the emotional response of your characters and how they react to the sight of blood or their own injuries.

By incorporating these techniques, you can create scenes that evoke a visceral response in readers and enhance the authenticity of your writing.

Bruises: Colors, Progression, and Pain

Bruises are a common result of injuries, and understanding how they form, change in color, and cause discomfort can greatly enhance the realism of your writing. By accurately describing bruises, you can bring depth to your characters' injuries and portray their healing process convincingly.

Understanding the stages and colors of bruises

Bruises go through distinct stages of color as they heal. Initially, they may appear red or purple due to the broken blood vessels beneath the skin. Over time, the color changes to blue, green, yellow, and eventually fades to a brown or yellowish hue. Understanding this color progression can help you accurately describe the age of a bruise and the healing process.

For example, a fresh bruise might be vivid purple, indicating recent trauma, while a fading bruise may have a yellowish tinge, suggesting that healing has begun. By incorporating these color details, you can add realism to your characters' injuries and track the passage of time within your narrative.

Depicting the progression of bruises over time

As bruises heal, they often change in appearance and size. Initially, a bruise may be small and localized, but it can gradually spread and become more extensive. Describing this progression can provide a sense of the healing process and the passage of time within your story.

For instance, a character who sustains a significant blow to the face may develop a bruise that starts as a small spot near the eye but expands to cover a larger area over the next few days. By accurately portraying the progression of bruises, you enhance the authenticity of your characters' injuries and their recovery.

Conveying the pain and sensitivity associated with bruises

Bruises can be painful, sensitive to touch, and affect a character's movement and daily activities. Describing the pain and discomfort experienced by your characters can create empathy and immerse readers in their physical ordeals.

Consider conveying the tenderness of a bruise when pressure is applied, the throbbing sensation, or the limitation of movement due to the pain.

Remember The Side Effects

Injuries, whether minor or severe, often come with a range of side effects that can significantly impact your characters' lives. These side effects can extend beyond the physical realm and encompass emotional, psychological, and social aspects.

Physical side effects

Injuries can have profound physical side effects that go beyond the immediate pain and discomfort. Consider the potential consequences such as limited mobility, impaired coordination, chronic pain, or the need for assistive devices like crutches or braces. Describing these physical side effects can add depth to your characters' struggles and provide a realistic portrayal of their healing journey.

For example, a character who sustains a leg injury may experience difficulty walking, require physical therapy, or have long-term complications that affect their day-to-day activities. By addressing these physical side effects, you create a more nuanced depiction of the aftermath of injuries.

Emotional and psychological side effects

Injuries can have a profound emotional and psychological impact on characters. They may experience fear, anxiety, trauma, or a loss of confidence. Consider how the injury affects their self-image, relationships, or mental well-being. Explore the emotional journey your characters undergo as they navigate the aftermath of their injuries.

For instance, a character who survives a near-fatal accident may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggle with recurring nightmares or panic attacks. By incorporating these emotional and psychological side effects, you can deepen the complexity of your characters and their responses to traumatic experiences.

Social implications and changes

Injuries can also lead to significant social changes for your characters. They may face challenges in their personal relationships, encounter stigma or discrimination, or experience changes in their roles or identities. Explore how the injury affects their interactions with others and their sense of belonging in the world.

For example, a character who sustains a facial injury may encounter judgment or stares from others, leading to self-consciousness or isolation. By addressing the social implications and changes resulting from injuries, you can create multi-dimensional characters and explore the impact of their injuries on their social dynamics.

By incorporating these various side effects into your writing, you bring depth and authenticity to your characters' experiences and showcase the wide-ranging impact of injuries.

Conclusion

Writing authentic wounds and fatalities requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects involved. By following the guidelines and exploring the subheadings discussed in this guide, you can create compelling and realistic portrayals of injuries in your writing.

Remember to conduct thorough research on the specific injuries you want to depict, understanding their mechanics, symptoms, and potential outcomes. Consider the immediate and long-term effects on your characters, both physically and emotionally. Incorporate sensory details to immerse readers in the experience, describing the pain, bloodshed, colors of bruises, and the progression of healing.

Additionally, don't forget to address the side effects that injuries can have on your characters' lives. Explore the physical limitations, emotional struggles, and social implications that arise from their injuries. By delving into these aspects, you can create well-rounded characters and compelling narratives that resonate with readers.

I hope this blog on forging epic battles will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment any tips of your own to help your fellow authors prosper, and follow my blog for new blog updates every Monday and Thursday.  

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and publishing tips for authors every Monday and Thursday! And don’t forget to head over to my TikTok and Instagram profiles @hayatheauthor to learn more about my WIP and writing journey! 

Alterra Update: I’m back

Listen here you little shits, I’m back. Ya’ll want some more world building, don’t tya? No worries, I got you;

First up, a little announcement. Starting sometime in October, I will be releasing a demo for the first 8k words or so for beta-readers. That’s right, you guys will finally get to see what I’ve been doing all year.

Now, on to the update!

DRAGONS: In my world, Dragons are entirely sentient, with the most powerful species being practically immortal. Most dragons are not much larger than a human, but the more powerful ones can get quite large. Dragons possess the capability of using a unique variety of natural magic called “Drengic.” The color of a dragon’s scales are directly proportional to that dragon’s strength and power, as well as the kind of Drengic magic they posses.

There is a sort of hierarchy of power with the species of dragons, which is divided in to 4 classes: Monarch, Royal, Ambassador, and Predator.

The only Monarch dragons to exist are the Red dragons. Red dragons are by far the largest and most powerful, being capable of producing a highly flammable acid that can burn at nearly 7 thousand degrees kelvin. They also have ever-lasting youth after puberty and can shrug off the likes of tanks shells and dragon hunter ballista bolt without batting an eye. Red dragon also posses the complete unique ability of transferring their own power to any other being, so long as they are a descendant of a red dragon bloodline. This includes non-draconic lifeforms whose ancestors mated with a red dragon. There are only two bloodlines of red dragons thought to still exist, being the Cascada’s and the Korcasé’s, with the king of the dragons being Rathnir Cascada.

Royal dragons are the purple, white (snow), and black (light) dragons. All three of these types of dragons are plenty powerful in their own right, with purple capable of breathing powerful beams of plasma, white capable of removing 80% of all heat in their path of destruction, and black dragons capable of firing blinding beams of light. Purple dragons are especially rare, as they are a crossbreed between a red dragon and a blue, which is highly frowned upon in dragon culture. These dragons are not quite immortal, but can live upwards of 200 000 years.

Ambassador dragons are much further down the ladder, and consist of green, yellow, orange, and pink scales. The average life expectancy of an Ambassador class is only 10-13 thousand years. The difference between their Drengic is practically negligible, with only basic dragon magic able to be cast.

At the bottom of the hierarchy are the Predators, who are barely larger than a person, and not very smart. These are the brown, grey, gold, silver, and teal. They rely on camouflage and scare tactics to hunt prey, and are the only kind of dragons incapable of speech. They are not recognized to be sentient, but should still not be underestimated.

Nearly all dragons are fully capable of human magic types, mainly thought and spoken kinds, although written magic isn’t uncommon.

The other three classes of dragons are people in their own right, with intimate relationships, friendships, families, economies, and complex social skills, which includes language. Dragons have their own language, but 62% also learn common to negotiate with the “little folk.” Dragons tend to live isolated from the rest of the world, with the entire top third of Kio being entirely dedicated to dragon territory, but Kio is far from the only place to find dragons. The entire white dragon population live atop Dragon’s Peak in Novélia, most purple dragons live among the dwarves in Corkus, and there are several Ambassador class colonies in the Rings of Troms.

This has been a brief exploration of the dragons of Alterra, enjoy.

I’m taking a break right now, but I’ll be back soon!

I’m writing an original dark-fantasy novel focusing on living with immortality, grief, and fear. I used to post weekly updates for a few months, so there’s plenty of lore you can read up on. I will resume these weekly update either this week, or next week Tuesday.

Hiiii… Active writeblrs?

hi there. just curious about what u guys are writing about. u can link ur work here if u wanna. tell me about the new character, the plot, the vibes. go ahead :) reblog if u like (I also wanna follow some active writeblrs, go ahead and like this/reblog if ur doing ur thing)

How do dragons in your world view the passage of time with such a long life expectancy? Is everything painfully slow for them or incredibly fast?

Most dragons aren’t immortal, with anything less than a purple dragon living only a few centuries. But the ones that live longer tend to focus much more on hobbies and relationships. Many of the night dragons are in kahoots with some of the most powerful kingdoms in the world to go over historical events and correct them.

Draconic literature is also quite popular in places such as Kio and Corkus, where dragons are idolized. However, in places like Runa, dragons are not considered welcome and are often hunted for sport.

I also forgot to clarify in the original post, but the dragons of Alterra are able cross-breed with certain humanoid species, which lead to people with a lot of draconic features. These include long lizard tails, subtle horns, wings (whether or not they are functional depends on the type of dragon), long black tongues, and small patches of scales in the color of the original dragon. Red dragons have the unique ability of granting human-red dragon crossbreeds a draconic form that is slightly larger than any of the lesser dragons. They can change form between hybrid and draconic form at will, but this takes a few days to a week to learn, and months to gain full control over.

To answer your original question, dragons tend to see time faster than we do, but still live life to the fullest.

writers' resources

sick of using "very _____" ? : https://www.losethevery.com/

want to simplify your writing ? : https://hemingwayapp.com/

writing buddies / motivation ? : https://nanowrimo.org

word you're looking for but don't know ? : https://www.onelook.com/thesaurus/

need a fantasy name ? : https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/

need a fantasy name ? : https://nameberry.com/

want a name with meaning ? : https://www.behindthename.com/

who wants a map maker! : https://inkarnate.com/

story building / dnd ? : https://www.worldanvil.com/

need some minimalistic writing time ? : https://zenpen.io/

running out of ideas ? : https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/

setting a goal ? how about 3 pages / day ? : https://new.750words.com/

what food did they eat ? : https://www.foodtimeline.org/

questions on diversity within writing ? : https://writingwithcolor.tumblr.com/

now what was that colour called ? : https://ingridsundberg.com/2014/02/04/the-color-thesaurus/

want more? : https://www.tumblr.com/blog/lyralit :]

As long as the romance is optional, THIS SOUNDS AWESOME!

New IF

Ten years ago you escaped from your oppressive homeworld and an arranged marriage after being granted refuge aboard an alien starship and in so doing you became the first member of your species to venture into space. Since then you have embraced your newly gained independence and explored the galaxy in your own ship as a jack of all trades. Smuggler, mercenary, pirate, and one-time diplomat, you have done it all in your time amongst the stars. So when what should have been a simple delivery goes bad you are not that surprised.

As you attempt to not only keep yourself alive, but discover who botched your job you find yourself working alongside the crew of the ship which first pulled you off your primitive world, a deposed Queen eager to regain her throne, a fellow mercenary who also happens to be your bitter rival, and your very dour AI Liz.

When you discover a grand conspiracy to destroy the Wardens and plunge the galaxy into chaos you find yourself racing across the stars in an effort to save not only the galaxy but your own homeworld as it becomes the center of the galaxy-spanning struggle.

This story takes place in the Warden Universe and is set roughly a millennium after Time Warden on the eve of the 26th century. Take on the persona of an alien from a primitive world granted sanctuary aboard a Warden ship after fleeing her oppressive family. Learn to navigate the galaxy and make something of yourself before being thrown into a galactic conspiracy revolving around your homeworld.

Play as one of four different alien species, each with unique customization options.

Be a cis or trans woman.

Customize both your physical appearance, clothing, and the appearance of your ship.

Decide how you get things done, whether it is being stealthy, talking your way out of trouble, or just blowing up everything in your way.

Romance a dedicated and brilliant doctor, a shy weapons expert, an arrogant but surprisingly tender Queen, or your most bitter rival.

Gain control of a very cuddly, yet deadly, cybernetic monstrosity.

Try to deal with the fact that you are shorter than almost everyone around you.

Lorrie Lane | 72 | ENFP-A | The Doctor

The first alien you ever met and the CMO of the Warden ship aboard which you fled your homeworld, Lorrie was the one who helped you adapt to your new life for the few months you spent aboard her ship. The two of you became close during that time but shortly after you left to find your own path you lost touch.

Lorrie is incredibly dedicated to her job and does her best to keep the crew in perfect shape, even going so far as to make house calls on the incredibly rare times she hears a crew member is sick. While she likes to pretend that she is stern and reprimands the crew over minor issues it is very easy to tell that she is simply poking fun at whoever she is assisting and she sometimes has the tendency to mother the crew.

Kimba | 23 | ISFJ-T | The Weapons Expert

Ensign Kimba is the new weapons expert on the Warden ship when you find yourself back aboard and for some reason, she seems to follow you everywhere you go. Despite several alien species active in the galactic community, she seems entranced by you specifically. Kimba spent the majority of her early life sequestered in her home being taught by private tutors and despite knowing about the few space-faring aliens that have been contacted, you are the first non-human she has ever met.

Kimba comes from a very old Warden family, though she refuses to tell most people which one as she does not want to deal with the fawning that her siblings all seem to enjoy. Most of the crew like to speculate which family she comes from as for someone to achieve her position at such a young age is practically unheard of. Only the command staff, Kimba herself, and a few trusted friends know her true lineage.

Her Majesty Helene Renaud | 201 | ENTJ-T |The Deposed Queen

Her Royal Majesty Helene Renaud, first of Her name, Defender of Arctis V, Prosecutor of the Imagin Campaign, and according to Herself stone-cold badass. Helene Renaud inherited the throne of her homeworld at the age of 34 and held onto it until an uprising when she was 197. She does not know why the uprising happened, or who led it but she suspects her overly ambitious cousin who now sits on the throne had a hand in the coup.

Helene’s attitude tends to be on the domineering side since her exile as she believes that she is owed everything and anything she wants simply because of who she is. According to her handmaiden, she was not always so harsh, but the coup changed her. She practically saunters onto your ship and claims it as hers, saying that she is commandeering it for her own purposes, getting her to leave is impossible however as she simply walks away whenever the subject is brought up.

Grim | 42 | ESTP-A | Your Rival

Your rival, one-time paramour, and general pain in the ass. Grim was the one who introduced you to the mercenary life but subsequently turned on you, leaving you for dead after a botched mission. Since then the two of you have frequently crossed paths, on a good day it ends in insults, on a bad, blaster fire is usually exchanged as the two of you try to off the other.

At first, her personality was harsh, but likable, since she turned on you she has changed. She is cold, and distant, even to your shared contacts with whom she was once friendly. Obviously, something has changed her but you have no idea what it may have been.

For years you have struggled to understand why she betrayed you or the reasons for her continued hostility and you long ago gave up trying to understand her. Unfortunately, the strange conspiracy has thrown the two of you together in a mutual attempt to survive the coming storm and if you can not resolve your differences it may mean both of your deaths.

Liv | Your AI

Liv is a fragment personality of the Wardens galaxy-spanning AI Lizzie. You discovered her aboard a wrecked Warden ship falling into a star when you were providing security for a salvage run. Being cut off from herself for nearly a hundred years Liv grew into a unique individual separate from her progenitor. After you saved her and she reconnected with Lizzie she refused to reintegrate having become an individual.

Lizzie was not as disappointed as you would have thought and now considers Liv to be a younger sister, constantly trying to connect with her on some level whenever the two of you make port. What Liv thinks of this is rather obvious as she rolls her eyes whenever Lizzie’s bubbly voice comes over the comm. Yet despite her apparent disgust for her upbeat sister, you know that Liv does care for the loveable Warden AI, in her own way.

Captain Torian

The captain of the ship which brought you into the stars. Torian is an easygoing individual who does not make too many demands of their crew beyond what one would expect. They are the kind of Captain even the lowliest member of the crew can come to with their problems and they will lend an ear, and share a cup of tea as they help the crewmember work out whatever is wrong. They will go to any lengths to protect their crew and in defending them they are a holy terror in a fight, dropping enemies quickly and without mercy.

Along with the Doctor, Torian helped you to adapt to your new life among the stars and quickly became as close to you as any of your siblings.

Your Family

Having fled your homeworld you left behind your mother and three older siblings and while you would not change your mind if given the opportunity you do miss them and frequently wonder what they are doing. Your father on the other hand, well you have mixed feelings. On the one hand, when you were younger he was doting and went out of his way to spend time with you, but as you grew older he became distant and eventually stopped talking to you altogether except when giving you orders.

It was your father who arranged your marriage in an effort to tie your family to someone powerful despite your mother's protests. Being the leader of his country was never good enough for him and he was constantly making choices to gain powerful friends in other countries and businesses.

The Rik’taan

An arachnoid-like species the Rik’taan were once more like Earth arachnids than the semi-humanoid form they now hold. Having evolved in the deepest caves of their homeworld the Rik’taan were slowly forced to the surface as a series of quakes changed the subterranean ecology resulting in the Rik’taans primary food supply going extinct.

The form they now have is a drastic departure from what they were. Their humanoid upper body supports four arms and a mostly human shape, while their quadrupedal lower half has four more traditional arachnoid legs set equally around their hips. Two of their arms are larger and set at their shoulders much like a human, but each ends in a hand with two fingers and a thumb, each with a large, deadly claw at the tip.

Their second set of arms is mounted on their rib cage and is much smaller and more delicate. Females of the species use them to spin the delicate silk that they produce from their fingertips into a variety of items, while the males simply use them for the sign language that makes up the species' secondary language. 

Females of the species are much larger than the males averaging around six feet in height, whereas the males grow to around 5’5” at the tallest. Despite not being mammals females of the species do have breast-like growths but these are where their silk glands are contained. One of their more unique differences from other species in the galaxy is that the females have penile genitalia, similar to the Neotrogla Curvata family of insects on Earth.

All members of the species have four eyes with a smaller set positioned above their larger, human-like eyes, four venomous fangs in the same position as the Human canine and lateral incisor teeth, a pair of vestigial mandibles contained in their mouths, and a head of chitinous hair.

Finally, their legs and the larger set of arms are covered in chitinous armor, whereas their torsos, smaller arms, and heads have more traditional skin, except for chitin running up their backs, protecting their spines.

The Draqitor

Easily mistaken for humans at a distance or in the dark, Draqitor is a unique reptilian/mammal hybrid that has dimensions nearly identical to that of humans. The primary differences come from what a human would consider dragon-like features. They have scales covering the back of their calves, the inner thigh, the spine, the shoulders, and the back of their forearms. Their digits are all tipped with deadly claws that were once used in tests of strength. 

While males and females both have scales on their faces they differ in position with males typically having them running down their nose, and across the chin, whereas females have them across their cheekbones and have delicately scaled tips to their ears.

Both Humans and Draqitor have naturally bright hair colors such as pinks and blues, however, the Draqitor have always had them, whereas Humans have only gained them through genetic manipulation. Draqitor scales are incredibly tough and can easily deflect blades and light arms fire. In most cases, they are darker shades but some have developed brightly colored scales. Males and females do not have a distinction in height and can both reach up to 6’2” at the most.

The Lankin

Closely resembling the satyr or faun from Earth mythology the Lankin are a bipedal species with furred ungulate legs, hooves, and small antlers, however, the resemblance stops there. Lankin are carnivores and had once been pack hunters using their wickedly curved claws and teeth to tear prey apart. With their unique leg structure, they are capable of achieving incredible speeds and making great leaps without difficulty.

The Lankin eyes are sometimes disconcerting for Humans to look at as they have two pupils in each eye similar to polycoria in humans. However this does not have any negative effects and in fact gives the Lankin incredible perception, a much larger ability to perceive color, and as a species they have never had the same vision problems as Humans have in the past. Their eye colors are also much more varied than what Humans have.

Lankin females are massive when compared to the males, growing upwards of 6’5”, whereas the males typically only ever reach 5’. Their culture has gone through several changes in the last few centuries that saw the female-dominated species shift from a matriarchal structure to that of being a patriarchy. Ask a hundred Lankin how this happened and you will get a hundred different answers, but many believe that the sudden increase in female births may have had something to do with it.

At one point only three in every ten children were born with female reproduction abilities and each female typically had a harem of males under her control, but as more and more females were born the balance began to shift which allowed the males to take control of the species as their value in a harem fell and more of them found their way into jobs typically held by the females of the species.

The Rilla

A smaller species the Rilla evolved from a rodent-like ancestor. They are covered in a fine layer of fur which is incredibly soft when cared for properly and typically only top around 4’5” at the tallest. Their fur typically has dull colors ranging from brown and black, but red and occasionally white are also seen from time to time. Their faces are almost Human like but have small muzzles filled with sharp teeth they use for their omnivorous diet and tipped with very sensitive noses.

With their digitigrade legs and long prehensile, whip-like tails the Rilla has incredible balance. Like their ancestors, they have tiny claws on the tips of their three-fingered hands and three toes but in the last millennia these claws have begun to grow smaller overall, but their thumbs still retain an incredibly sharp claw.

Despite their patriarchal culture, Rilla are still very social, and entire generations of families typically live together with grandparents, parents, children, and even extended family sharing a home. Sharing a sleeping space is not uncommon in most cases with couples trying to have children only having their own space until the pregnancy takes, at which point they will rejoin the rest of the family when sleeping. 

The Rilla’s ears resemble that of a Lynx with a wide triangle shape topped with long tufted fur and are quick to swivel towards unexpected sounds. Their hearing makes up for their generally poor eyesight, though the use of glasses to make up for this is becoming more widespread by the time the MC leaves the world.