#questioning guide

[fromfiction]

Questioning a Specific Source (Questioning Guide Part 2)

There are two elements to discovering a kintype; questioning, which is a process, and awakening, which is an experience. Specifically, questioning is the process of figuring out if your experiences are elements of an awakening. Sometimes an awakening is so aggressive and obvious that no questioning process is necessary, however, most of the time when considering if something is a new kintype, it’s a good idea to go through a questioning process.

There is no right or wrong way to go through questioning; everyone’s questioning process is different. Questioning itself is an attempt at gaining deeper self-knowledge, and for many metaphysical fictionkin, questioning is a deeply personal process whose details are difficult to share or explain. It can involve meditation, journaling, astral travel, canon research, and anything else.

Here are some thoughts and ideas to get you started on your own personal questioning process, written specifically for metaphysical kintypes but applicable to other types of kin questioning.

Questions to ask yourself when considering a specific source media, (but not a specific character):

What made you start questioning this source? 

Was it a feeling? A dream? A rumor? A compulsion toward it? A repulsion away from it? A connection to something you've felt or known about yourself?

What does the world depicted in this source make you feel?

Does it feel familiar? Does it make me feel nostalgic? Homesick? Unsettled? An urge to escape?

Are there unusual things that are inexplicably familiar about the world of the source to you?

Are there any rituals, traditions, food, clothes, animals, plants, geography, public figures or institutions, etc that you feel like you intuitively know or understand? Do any of these things seem like something that was missing to you in your daily life?

Is there anything about the world of the source as described in canon that stands out to you as wrong?

Do you have any immediate reactions to finding out information about the source world that goes against what you intuitively understand or expect?

Is there anything about the source world that you guessed or expected that was later confirmed?

Any strange ideas or 'headcanons' that you came up with before you found out that they were canon?

Do you have any intuitive and immediate feelings about the way you would live day to day in the world of the source if you were there now?

If someone asked you questions about the world of this source, would you feel confident, or find yourself answering them intuitively without thinking about it?

Every kin experience is different but in general, the more of these questions that you can answer 'yes' or have deep and involved answers to, the more likely it's possible that the source you're questioning could be the origin of a kintype.

View part 1 of the questioning guide here.

Questioning guide for specific characters coming soon.

[inky-duchess]

Fantasy Guide to Building A Culture

Culture is defined by a collection of morals, ethics, traditions, customs and behaviours shared by a group of people.

Hierarchy and Social Structures

Within every culture, there is a hierarchy. Hierarchies are an important part of any culture, usually do ingrained that one within the culture wouldn't even question it. Hierarchy can be established either by age, gender or wealth and could even determine roles within their society. Sometimes hierarchy can may be oppressive and rigid whilst other times, ranks can intermingle without trouble. You should consider how these different ranks interact with one another and whether there are any special gestures or acts of deference one must pay to those higher than them. For example, the Khasi people of Meghalaya (Northern India), are strictly matrillineal. Women run the households, inheritance runs through the female line, and the men of the culture typically defer to their mothers and wives. Here are a few questions to consider:

How is a leader determined within the culture as a whole and the family unit?

Is the culture matriarchal? Patriarchal? Or does gender even matter?

How would one recognise the different ranks?

How would one act around somebody higher ranking? How would somebody he expected to act around somebody lower ranking?

Can one move socially? If not, why? If so, how?

Traditions and Customs

Traditions are a staple in any culture. These can be gestures or living life a certain way or to the way a certain person should look. Traditions are a personal detail to culture, they are what make it important. Tradition can dictate how one should keep their home, run their family, take care of their appearance, act in public and even determine relationship. Tradition can also be a double edged sword. Traditions can also be restrictive and allow a culture to push away a former member if they do not adhere to them, eg Traditional expectations of chastity led to thousands of Irish women being imprisoned at the Magdelene Laundries. Customs could be anything from how one treats another, to how they greet someone.

How important is tradition?

What are some rituals your culture undertakes?

What are some traditional values in your world? Does it effect daily life?

Are there any traditions that determine one's status?

Values and Opinions

Values and Opinions are the bread and butter of any culture. This is the way your culture sees the world and how they approach different life hurdles. These may differ with other cultures and be considered odd to outsiders, what one culture may value another may not and what opinion another holds, one may not. There will be historical and traditional reasons to why these values and opinions are held. Cultures usually have a paragon to which they hold their members to, a list of characteristics that they expect one to if not adhere to then aspire to. The Yoruba people value honesty, hard work, courage and integrity. Here are some questions to consider?

How important are these ethics and core values? Could somebody be ostracised for not living up to them?

What are some morals that clash with other cultures?

What does your culture precieved to be right? Or wrong?

What are some opinions that are considered to be taboo in your culture? Why?

Dress Code

For many cultures, the way somebody dresses can be important. History and ethics can effect how one is meant to be dressed such as an expectation of chastity, can impose strict modesty. While other cultures, put more importance on details, the different sorts of clothes worn and when or what colour one might wear. The Palestinian people (من النهر إلى البحر ، قد يكونون أحرارا) denoted different family ties, marriage status and wealth by the embroidery and detailing on their thoub.

Are there traditional clothes for your world? Are they something somebody wears on a daily basis or just on occasion?

Are there any rules around what people can wear?

What would be considered formal dress? Casual dress?

What would happen if somebody wore the wrong clothes to an event?

Language

Language can also be ingrained as part of a Culture. It can be a specific way one speaks or a an entirely different language. For example, in the Southern States of America, one can engage in a sort of double talk, saying something that sounds sweet whilst delivering something pointed. Bless their heart. I have a post on creating your own language here.

Arts, Music and Craft

Many cultures are known for different styles of dance, their artwork and crafts. Art is a great part of culture, a way for people to express themselves and their culture in art form. Dance can be an integral part of culture, such as céilí dance in Ireland or the Polka in the Czech Republic. Handicrafts could also be important in culture, such as knitting in Scottish culture and Hebron glass in Palestine. Music is also close to culture, from traditional kinds of singing such as the White Voice in Ukraine and the playing of certain instruments such as the mvet.

Food and Diet

The way a culture prepares or intakes or treats certain foods are important to a culture. In some cultures, there is a diet yo adhere to, certain foods are completely banned. With Jewish culture, pork is prohibited along with fish such as sturgeon, along with shellfish and certain fowl. Meat must also be prepared in a certain way and animal byproducts such as dairy, must never be created or even eaten around this meat. This is known as kosher. The way one consumes food is also important to culture. In some cultures, only certain people may eat together. Some cultures place important on how food is eaten. In Nigerian culture, the oldest guests are served first usually the men before the women. In Japanese culture, one must say 'itadakimasu' (I recieve) before eating. Culture may also include fasting, periods of time one doesn't intake food for a specific reason.

What are some traditional dishes in your world?

What would be a basic diet for the common man?

What's considered a delicacy?

Is there a societal difference in diet? What are the factors that effect diet between classes?

Is there any influence from other cuisines? If not, why not? If so, to what extent?

What would a typical breakfast contain?

What meals are served during the day?

What's considered a comfort food or drink?

Are there any restrictions on who can eat what or when?

Are there any banned foods?

What stance does your world take on alcohol? Is it legal? Can anybody consume it?

Are there any dining customs? Are traditions?

Is there a difference in formal meals or casual meals? If so, what's involved?

Are there any gestures or actions unacceptable at the dinner table?

How are guests treated at meals? If they are given deference, how so?

[bitchy-craft]

PICK A CARD: Uplifting messages from your spirit guides

Hello and welcome to this pick a card! In here I will give you some uplifting messages from your spirit guides. I hope you guys enjoy and find this interesting!

masterpost > paid readings > patreon masterlist

The extended version of this reading is found on my Patreon, the link of which is here.

Pile 1:

There is no one in the world who is as funny and intelligent as you.

People who complain about your personality simply have none of their own.

It is okay to be upset and to be influenced by others’ their words, even if they’re nonsense.

You are going to make it very far in life, we can see it all.

You need to give yourself more credit because you’ve grown so much over the years, god knows why you don’t see it yet.

Slow progress is still progress; no one shoots up and continues to do so for the rest of their lives.

You’ve survived so many bad days so far, it is proof that you are strong and resilient.

It is okay to rest and not be productive every single day. You are no machine.

You are allowed to be proud of yourself for things others might consider normal or unimpressive; they’re impressive for you.

You’ve got a softness the world needs, but at the same time a softness that is too good for this world.

extended reading > paid readings

Pile 2:

You do not owe anyone an explanation about your (mental) health.

Crying and feeling emotions don’t make you weak, it makes you real.

Your progress doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s, you are unique so you have unique progress.

Just because you are struggling doesn’t mean you are failing.

You’re allowed to start over as much as you want; eventually you’ll get it.

You make a difference in people’s lives; you help people enjoy life.

You are too much of a perfectionist, be kind to yourself.

It’s okay if you aren’t who you were before, everyone grows and changes. You get shaped by experiences, and the older you get the more you have.

There is still light and hope inside of you; you’re not gone yet, you’re still fighting in there. Keep going.

You don’t have to be productive in order to be of value.

extended reading > paid readings

Pile 3:

You don’t owe anyone a version of you that makes them comfortable if it isn’t authentically you.

It’s not all in your head; you’re onto something.

You’re more powerful than you think, stop doubting yourself.

Being soft in a hard world is brave.

You don’t need permission to take care of yourself and listen to your body; do what you need to do.

It is okay to want more. One can be grateful but still wish for more than the bare minimum.

You weren’t made to please everyone around you.

Not all energies are meant to align; sometimes you just don’t get along with others for no reason, and that is alright.

It’s okay to change your mind; it is normal and natural.

You’re not annoying for reassurance, it is human. Voice your needs.

extended reading > paid readings

[stemmmm]

cleaned up the first part a bit and slapped them both together. here's the full 11 fucking minutes of the Theseus' Guide chapter 8 animatic!

the chapter 1 and chapter 5 animatics are up on the same channel, too

[cowsabungus]

Quirks/personality traits to give ur OCs based on my parents

Step mum:

- fills out every survey form after a flight, hotel stay, restaurant, even getting her windshield wipers changed

- wears sandals, even when it's pouring with rain

- cries at every single gift she gets on Mother's Day, xmas and birthdays

- washes the dishes just to put them in the dishwasher

- collects magnets from every place she's ever been

- what isn't in her purse?

- pronounces only the word "restaurant" like french people do (we're English)

- has a shelf full of books she hasn't read and doesn't plan on reading

Dad:

- is mildly allergic to the sun

- loves kids cartoons (SpongeBob) and religiously quotes them

- sarcastically says "oh how we laughed" when reminiscing on negative experiences

- feeds the dogs at the dinner table despite being told again and again not to do that

- randomly has scratches on his arms all the time

- hates polo shirts

- left the army because they were "too bossy"

- doesn't like most vegetables

Hope that helps

[toolsofmyenemy]

If Azriel actually wanted Elain, just Elain, just her as a person, he would have NEVER questioned the caldron or her bond with Lucien because IT WOULD NOT MATTER TO HIM.

Questioning the caldron is him directly saying that he wants a mate bond and why wasn’t he given the same thing as his brothers. It’s a question posed in jealousy and envy. Not love.

It has nothing to do with Elain. She is a fantasy. A vessel for his desires. How he logics a way to get what he craves and wash away his self loathing.

[shisasan]

The right person will awaken a deep love for yourself, revealing the magic and wonder of your own being, embracing both your strengths and imperfections, inspiring you to reach new heights.

🜍 ⟡ ⟢

[0vergrowngraveyard]

nine visits the villain au part 2: wtf is wrong with this guy????

part one: (X)

part three: (nonexistent)

[felassan]

What kind of spirit do you think Felassan waz?

Swag

[ultravioletence]

so tired of tending to houseplant

what if houseplant tended to me for a change?

[totheidiot]

one thing i am always so particularly nitpicky on is the fact of how people will misunderstand the whole 42 thing in the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy sentiment. most people always are on about how it's the answer or something, and that is not true and it kind of defeats the whole significance of 42. 42 is not the answer to life, the universe and everything but rather, 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything. there's a huge difference and the fact that it is not the direct answer but actually an answer to whatever the question is, that fact is important. it's the whole thing about not asking the right questions and all of that. because we literally do not know what the question is, we just know whatever the ultimate question, the answer is 42.

[expertfool]

frequently thinking about how it’s confirmed that reincarnation exists in the hitchhiker’s guide universe, but we only get to see our main cast’s one life. in the same way that agrajag is ‘destined’ to die by arthur’s hand in every lifetime, are ford and arthur always ‘destined’ to meet? do trillian and zaphod always fall in love? is tricia always longing for the stars? is ford forever trying and failing to save arthur?

[inky-duchess]

Fantasy Guide to Royal Guards

Royals have multiple layers of servants but there is no set of servants most important that their protection. Royalty are never without some kind of protection and palaces are usually guarded to the teeth. So how do we write royal security. This is for @jamie-ties-writing

Recruitment

Royal guards aren't just any person plucked from the street and put into a uniform. They are usually recruited from within the royal army, from within particular regiments across the army (a mixture of calvary, naval, artillery, infantry). The Royal Guard is usually made of of multiple regiments, not just a single one. These regiments would share and rotate duties. The British Royal family are currently guarded by the Coldstream Regiment, Welsh Guards, Grenadier Guards among others. Royal guards will be selected for their skill, sometimes their birth (they may be chosen if they rank higher socially) and of course, loyalty to the Crown. Royal guards were intended to be a show of force, strength, Majesty so they were usually impressive specimens meant to instill some power to their monarch.

Duties

A royal guard's first order of business is the protection of the family. They may have sentry duty around the palace, guarding doors or patrolling palace grounds or corridors. A Royal Guard may be assigned to one member only but most likely they will rotate through the family as needed. Of course, a royal can request a guard to always be assigned to them if they want. They may escort their charge of the day to their engagements. If assigned a certain royal to protect, they would tail them throughout the day. A royal guard may even perform ceremonial duties such as the changing of the guard or riding in coronations or state funerals. A royal guard is expected to remain vigilant but never speak of what they see, they are meant to keep an ear out for threats but never repeat whatever is said, they are expected at all times to uphold a professional countenance and respect protocol. They will be expected to give their lives if needed, and be loyal to the last.

Rank

Royal guards are a military division and rank is a part of their lives. Their supreme commander would he the monarch first but there would be an appointed commander. Depending on how you want to write Royal Guards, each regiment would have it's own captain and leaders. Of course, not all regiments may adhere to the same ranks but this would be a basic outline for you to follow.

Colonel: Colonels actually have no duties, they are more an honourary figurehead. Many members of the royal family would have a regiment to be colonel of. This usually requires nothing more than a ceremonial role, the wearing of the uniform while inspecting the troops for example.

Captain: The Commander of the regiment. They would undertake managerial duties, issuing commands from the monarch, assigning duties, approving the induction of new guards into the Household Division. The Captain would decide who would guard which member of the royal family.

Lieutenant: The Second in command. They will assume command if the Captain is not available. They would take on a large portion of duties and aid the Captain.

Sergeant: The sergeant would be next in command.

Guardsman: The lowest rank. They will have the least experience but usually the most duties. They would be the ones patrolling and standing sentry.

Uniform

Of course, no royal guard is complete without their uniform. Royal guards would have to stand out, especially in ceremonial duties. This uniform would be distinctive, not only because it is a great honour for anybody to be named to the guard but also as mentioned above, to add a layer of might to those they protect.

Notable Royal Guard Units

Dahomey Mino (the inspiration of Black Panther's Dora Milaje)

The Praetorian Guard

The Imperial Guard of Napoleon

The Imperial German Bodyguard

Varangian Guard

Swiss Guards

The Kheshig

The Janissary

The Imperial Guards of Tsarist Russia

The Cossack Guard

Guardia Real

Coldstream Guards

Irish Guards

Welsh Guards

Grenadier Guards

Medjay of Ancient Egypt

Al-Ḥars al-Malakī as-Suʿūdī

Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince

Thahan Raksa Phra Ong

[bitchy-craft]

PICK A CARD: your next self-love improving exercise

Hello and welcome to this pick a card! In here I will give tell you what exercise you should do to better your self-love and through there be open to love from others. I hope you all find this fun and interesting!

masterpost > paid readings > patreon masterlist

for the extended version of this reading and 80+ exclusive and extended pac's check put my patreon

Pile 1:

Stand in front of the mirror, clothed or naked doesn’t matter whatever you are most comfortable with, and look at yourself, truly see what you look like. Look at your eyebrows, your eyes, your nose, your lips, your chin, your jawline, look at all the wrinkles in your face and see all the years you have lived right through it. Look at your body, your neck, shoulders, arms and hands, look at your chest, your body, your hips, thighs, legs, ankles and feet. Look at every inch of your body in detail and truly take the time to take all of it in. Mention the things about yourself that you find prettiest about yourself, and if you find it hard to give yourself compliments mention the parts of yourself that you are okay with, or find the ‘least ugly’, whatever you wish to name it mention the most positive things you can tell about to yourself. Then, find the parts about yourself you are most insecure about, the parts you wish to avoid when looking at yourself, the parts you hide in your clothing and have tried to fix for years on end. Look at these parts of yourself and compliment them, compliment each and every part you find ugly or not worthy about yourself.

extended reading > paid readings

Pile 2:

Make a journal and think of a couple of prompts for you to write about regarding self-love and having to think of yourself in a positive light. You can do this once, try to keep it up for a week or maybe even a month. The more you do this the better your self-love will become. If you find personal prompts to be too big of a step you can also make sure to do prompts about the day you had to make that a bit more positive in the end; like naming five things you liked about today. If you had a very bad day doing this exercise can make you see the positive sides of it. When it comes to journal prompts regarding self-love they really don’t have to be that difficult; think of five things you like about your appearance or personality, think of ways you show others love and how you can use this on showing love to yourself, think of things you’ve forgiven yourself for, things you’ve overcome in your life, reasons as to why you’re strong and deserving of love, or things you would do if you truly believed in yourself and weren’t insecure about it.

extended reading > paid readings

Pile 3:

Catching yourself in bad thoughts is what you should try in order to do in order to really work on your self-love. You criticise yourself a lot, more than you realise, way more even. You do not notice if you call yourself dumb, insolent or a loser, you aren’t aware of any of it. You have to catch yourself cussing at yourself, calling yourself names, hurting yourself or do any other thing that talks down on you, your personality, your looks, or your skills. The moment you catch yourself try and reverse the way you think; of you call yourself ugly instead remind yourself that you’re beautiful. If you think you’re dumb call yourself intelligent. Find the positive things about the negative ones you’ve been thinking about. Other things that might also do you well would just be repeating affirmations to yourself mainly focused on self-love but can also be directed towards your overall insecurities. They don’t have to be too detailed or long; I am enough, I am proud of who I am, I am a beautiful person, I am intelligent and compassionate, I do not need to be perfect in order to be worthy of love, and I deserve as much as all those people around me I give so much to are just enough.

extended reading > paid readings

[11-asher-11]

⋆⁺₊⋆ Ppl against age down 😭⋆⁺₊⋆

୨ৎ ───────── ≽^• ˕ • ྀི≼ ───────── ୨ৎ

Btw ppl who thinks that age down is wrong always end up to the same point "You will date minors 😡😡" BRO?? like first age down is not a thing bcs ppl are already that age there.

But also DO YOU REALLY THINK EVERYONE SHIFT FOR DATING?? or SEX?? like most ppl don't?? if i for example decide to shift back to my middle school time i will be like 12 years old. OFC AT THAT AGE I WOULDN'T HAVE DONE SEX (not even now at 17 🥲)

I think that YOU'RE the one with the dirty mind if you're against age down, bcs like why your first thought is SEX and nor fun, childhood, love and shits 🤨

୨ৎ ───────── ≽^• ˕ • ྀི≼ ───────── ୨ৎ

Like..start learning what shifting REALLY is. Thanks. Byee!

[ping-ski]

csp mini guide: edge eraser!

@lunasun hihi!! i tried to make an visual and wrote an explanation i hope this makes sense but if not then i failed LOL i hope you don't mind the tag

Erase Along Edge (Edge Eraser) text version!

1. Sketch or line as normal on one layer. 2. On a separate layer, below the lineart, color as normal. 3. Return to the lineart layer, and set it as the "Reference Layer". (Toggle ON by clicking on the lighthouse icon!) 4. Return to the color layer, select the "Erase Along Edge" tool, and erase the offending overlap! Aaand then you're done! Try stick to the outside of your lineart to avoid accidently erasing what's inside. As long as your brush size is reasonable, it shouldn't erase what's inside too much or at all unless if your cursor is inside of the lineart!

Quick Troubleshoot

"It won't erase properly?" "My lines aren't opaque and/or is too messy." That's OK!! While I do recommend solid lines (few gaps or none) or opaque lines (at 100% opacity), it's NOT necessary! It just makes using the tool easier! Most of the time you can get away with it, so don't worry about having to change your style or anything. If the lines are not solid (have gaps) or aren't opaque (lower than 100% opacity), please refer to the tool properties/settings! You may need to experiment here. Adjust the "Tolerance" and "Area Scaling" settings and repeat the process until you reach your desired result! Please note: If lines intercept (creating small "pockets) or opacity is still an issue you may have to manually erase anyways (sorry lol). By all means, it isn't perfect BUT it is a BIIIGG time saver once you have it down! The creator (pharan) makes more specific points and fixes in their guide that is far more in depth! I just want this to be easy to understand for anyone who's never used it before or is trying it for the first time! :)