ask-misfits-of-war

[ask-misfits-of-war]

(Hmmm, gonna ask a buncha worldbuilding questions here so you can ramble /silly

Do the countries have their own flag? Or any sort of symbol that represents them, especially on the battlefield? [ie. like national animals, coat of arms, etc. {also whats the name of the fruitfolk country? Unless I've missed it, I've only seen the objecthead country and the neutral country being named dropped, being Makariosvia and Selcouth respectively.}]

And are the leaders like royalty? Seeing from how both Adust and Bollide being refered to with honorifics, I've been wondering for a while.

And uh are objectheads like... not organic? Seeing how Bollide refers to fruitfolk as "organic degenerates" I'm enclined to believe that they are inorganic creatures unless proven otherwise.)

(Sorry this has taken Eons to answer! Also no, I've not mentioned the name of fruitfolk's country, so I shall do that now!)

Anyway! Yes, each nation does have its own flag; In order: Viriden (Fruitfolk), Makariosvia (Objectheads), Selcouth (Neutral)

On the battlefield the flags are usually used, but banners with the colors of their respective nations are also common. Symbols are sometimes also used on banners or as decorative flares and good luck charms before going into a battle. As for the symbols themselves (speaking generally):

Viriden

Symbols include a golden fruit bowl filled with with either gold fruits, or fruits made of different precious gems. Another common one is an eternal tree bearing every fruit. Golden vines twisted together to represent strength is a favorite of the nation to use as well

Their national animal is the hummingbird

Makariosvia

Symbols include star-headed figures, as well as circuitry to represent their strives for progress. Another common symbol is a headless figure like that of a pedestal whom can swap its head a whim; it has been adapted as a symbol to represent the diverse variety of objectheads there are nowadays.

Their national animal is the ant (Insects count as ammonals I take no critisism on this (silly))

Selcouth

Symbols include a lotus with an eternal fire at its center, typically drifting along water; Never burning the flower, and never extinguishing the flame. Water and Fire in tandem are generally used as symbols of balance within the nation: in fact, their neutrality is often depicted as balanced scales with fire on one side and water on the other.

Their national animal is the deer

(More/the rest is answered under the cut)

The leaders are generally akin to royalty in one way or another to some degree, yes.

In the fruitfolks' case, the ruling line goes until a poor leader is "uprooted" and a new one is instated, but a new line of leadership can also result from just the previous line dying out. When a new leader comes into power, they have two to three years to prove themself to be a good leader after choosing their name or they will be uprooted in favor of a new one. The Adust family is the most recent line, and happen to be dragonfruit. The line before them were pomegranates, and they probably would've lasted longer had the last one of that line not been murdered. Xe was a close friend of the Adusts and one of the most beloved leaders of Viriden, and lets just say, the culprit was dealt with at a very public execution for the first time in many years.

In the objectheads' case, it has mostly been Nacre's family line in some form since the proper establishment of the nation. While the torch is passed down through the family, typically to the one(s) who show good leadership skills and are well liked by the people, they're treated less like traditional royalty. Respected yes, but there's not exactly bowing most of the time. Their "assistants," or moreso second in commands, are voted on and chosen by the people--typically from a selection the new leader knows and respects. In Nacre's case, Ilus.

In the Selcouth's case, there is the Eternal Flame, the Queen (gender neutral), and the Council below them. The Eternal Flame and Queen are like royalty, though act moreso as just figureheads at the end of the day. Most big decisions are talked with among all of them, though smaller things may be taken care of by either the "royals" or the council with little fuss. The Eternal Flame and Queen do have the final say at the end of the day, though this may change if the people themselves are involved in some big way for whatever reason (for example, something nation wide, like a war--which no one wants to be apart of).

Are the Objectheads Inorganic?

Yes and no. An objecthead's head is inorganic, while their body is organic and would be similar to a human's (with several internal exceptions, such as a few different or added organs and the skeleton being also considered "inorganic" in most places).

The insult "organic degenerates" is used in relation to fruitfolk's heads being organic, and fruitfolk may use terms like "inorganic freaks" in the same way.

Hybrids involving fruitfolk and objecheads, however, are a different story--though uncommon nowadays. Often refered to as "Plantheads" or "FloraFolk" if that gives any hints

[ask-misfits-of-war]

something's watching us

Lodi Moros belongs to @freezinglemur btw!!

[ask-misfits-of-war]

{Guess who thought they'd scheduled their posts but had in fact Not Done That}

[ask-misfits-of-war]

(y'know what imma leave something here for the lore lol

how do they eat?)

{Finally figured out how I wanted to illustrate this. I'm so glad you asked so I had an excuse to talk about it! I have done far too much worldbuilding for everything!}

Fruitfolk have multiple ways of eating that are all fairly well understood.

The way Objectheads eat are a little less understood, though not for lack of efforts on their part.

Bonus fun facts:

Young fruitfolk ("fruitlets") and elders are the most common ones to use the traditional root-feeding method.

A fruitfolk's roots are tucked up within their legs and as such, are hardly seen. Those born without proper legs often suffer malnutrition in childhood.

Fruitfolk spit is acidic. While fruitfolk are resistant to this, their saliva will leave minor burns on objectheads if not washed off immediately.

Objectheads with some sort of "vessel" for their head can switch out what drink fills their head and not consume it. Drinking via their head has to be a conscious effort.

Different objectheads leave different bitemarks in food, though so far no one has figured out how to see if there are actual teeth.

Many objecthead scientists who were studying how objecthead biology works before the war started are rumored to have secret communications with fruitfolk scientists as to continue their work.

Objectheads often have an easier time eating things overall when compared to fruitfolk, though both can eat most of the same things when push comes to shove.

[ask-misfits-of-war]

Dear Seedenal, where are you now? Are you still lost in the woods?

"I'm not going anywhere in particular, I'm just sort of hiding from people as not to startle anyone! My appearance seems to scare most, especially when I have my big flight wings out proper..."

"..though if I don't know where I exactly came from, or where I'm going, does that make me lost? I'm not really sure...I guess I didn't really think about it."

[ask-misfits-of-war]

So both leaders are paranoid and suspicious, it's just that one of em is more likely to throw someone head over tail about it?

{Casimir is stubborn to a fault and jumps to conclusions quickly when it comes to things, and is indeed more likely to throw someone about it. Outsiders who act “suspiciously” are unlikely to get much of a civil word in without someone else there to help curve Casimir’s temper and defensively aggressive nature. Cas does however almost blindly listen and accept much of what people they trust say. He is fiercely protective of her people and country}

{Nacre on the other hand is very paranoid and suspicious over virtually everything and everyone no matter what nowadays, Ilus being one of the few exceptions. Xe trusts no one other than them and while xe can be reasonable and will try to be civil xe never truly believes xe is safe. Nacre will take no one’s words without suspicion and lives in fear that even xir own people may want xem dead. The war is tearing xem apart at the seams but xe refuses to show the cracks. Nacre is hardly sure of why they’re fighting anymore}

[ask-misfits-of-war]

*a wizard covered in stiches and bullet holes appears from the shade, with white fluff covered in soot, oddly smelling of smoke*

Hey now your Majesty, I am not a liar, I have no reason to lie. The truth is far more amusing anyways. There is an escaped experiment out there, in the damn woods! How did the war get this bad for that to happen? How long is the war been going on anyways? Y'all are desperate as hell, you never tried I dunno, like gas attacks or something? Bombs? Or like tanks? Y'know the funny war cars with the guns and no wheels?

"How this blasted war got so bad?! Having to up our tech every time they come out with something new counter ours! We've been at it for several years by now--though.. sometimes, there are quieter periods...I don't see why I should trust someone who doesn't even know THIS basic information!"

(The wizard is promptly thrown downwards and pinned under a large clawed foot. He can vaguely see two servants nearby glance away and a third awkwardly turn around and leave. This is not uncommon behavior from Casimir, apparently)

"Gases are our specially, and they've done wonders for us! But with how many have masks now it's hardly as useful as it used to be in most altercations. Still plenty useful despite this, but we do need more than just that. Our grenades aren't bad, they can get you places, but only so far with the blasted tech that keeps getting stronger! You can't rely on them for everything, but we can rely on our survivability. We are not so easy to kill compared to most, after all. Larger bombs can be good, but only if they go off in the right location..."

"As for tanks? The terrain around here is terrible for such things, even when the object-traitors bring one of those oversized toys with them we can typically deal with it just using the environment. We have similar weapons, of course, but they only prove so useful. We have our work arounds, though."

[ask-misfits-of-war]

Damascus! Would you like to help us hunt for sticks that vaguely resemble swords? -popstander

"I used to be rather good at finding them, fittingly—It's something I've enjoyed from a young age..."

"Then again, I guess I had to begin learning how to joust somewhere. It can be rather fun, actually—I always loved reading the histories about it from when I was young."

"Whoo hoo!"

[ask-misfits-of-war]

Apologies for slow answers

{Feeling a tad under the weather, but hoping to get back to answering things soon!}

{The answers are currently written out, and just need art to go with them. Thanks for everyone who's sent something in! You will get answers soon!}

[ask-misfits-of-war]

Oh, I used to stickfight as a child too! Of course, my mother didn't like it very much, but it was fun nonetheless! If Damascus says no, I will happily battle you in his stead! -popstander

(Ah, an encounter with a giant soon, then. How fun! Hopefully it stays fun, hah.)

"Ha! I've gotta find some good sticks! Maybe we can do it three ways eh? I bet jousting with an actual sword objecthead would be a blast! Haha!"

[ask-misfits-of-war]

(woopie!!!! glad it was a fun one :3)

*A tired, yet cheery voice appears, seemingly out of nowhere*

Hey, hey Mr. Adust, Ms. Adust? Whatever you prefer, are you aware that there are heinious experiments happening amongst your citizens? I saw an escaped experiment wandering around in the woods, and I heard of a doctor who's possibly involved in this utterly horrible act! A Dr. Rindfell I believe is the name...

"And how dare you accuse my people of such things! We do alter ourselves, but to call such acts heinous? Preposterous! We do nothing but make ourselves stronger, not one would do anything outside of our current research without prior authorization and letting me know about it."

"And I know not of a Dr. Rindfell specifically, though I vaguely recognize that last name. A respected one in the medical field, I think. I’ve no reason to suspect a civilian doctor of anything like that—he isn’t anyone from my hired labs as far as I’m aware."

[ask-misfits-of-war]

Lodi, then. Maybe I should just assume the average person around here would just prefer to be called by name instead of the other way around... -popstander

(Good, that's very good to hear! Phew.)

"I'm surprised this fella here doesn't mind! I guess I kinda assumed swords would just be more formal in my head? He is very polite though so that checks out and I'm counting it. I used to sword fight with sticks and give them cool names actually!"

"I still sword fight with sticks and give them names but there's been no one to do it with lately. And most think it's weird. Their loss, really. Think I could get this guy to do it if I asked him?"

[ask-misfits-of-war]

(WOOHOO THE VOID'S BACK FROM THE TRIP, HOPEFULLY IT WAS A FUN ONE :DDD)

*As guards approach, the wizard's cheery tone drops, leaving only an empty cold stare, as if it was a facade*

Oh? That's how you treat someone who lets you know important stuff? Or are you so paranoid that you believe I'm nothing more than some mad plush doll? Well then, fuck you then, if you're not gonna try and kill me, jail's boring! *flips the bird* I'm going to the other side then you bloody glass trinket! I bet they can make better weapons than you can!

And... I cast fireball you piece of F grade seaglass!

*the wizard casts fireball, before promptly leaving to see the other leader*

[It was indeed a fun one! Lots to enjoy!]

(Chaos erupts almost immediately. A couple guards make an attempt chase after the wizard for a brief moment, though to little avail.

Nacre can barely hear xir own thoughts, a ringing in their ears making itself louder and louder. The heat and light from the spell causes xem to throw xirself out of the way despite this, though not without injury as some of the flames swallow part of xir shoulder. Xe hits the floor with a loud thud, and a quiet crack.

Ilus rushes over as more guards run in, many tossing water on remaining flames. The leader can't process what exactly sea's saying, but somewhere deep down, it eases xem to know Ilus is there.

Yet, somewhere deeper down, an old nickname hurts more than fire ever could.)

(Old memories and regrets never seem to leave fully, do they?)

[ask-misfits-of-war]

Psst, Damascus, you didn't hear from me, but their may be a chance that your people are looking for you.

(*whisper* Also, if you see a weird pomegranate person, im pretty sure you will be fine)

"That’s.. that’s good, it means I might have a higher chance of getting back and informing those up the chain of command. I…it’s going to be a rough conversation I fear, I know they’ll ask what happened…I don’t. I don’t want to think about it right now."

"And…" (whisper) "..a pomegranate…? I’ve never seen one personally, they’re a rarity on the battlefield—typically civilians I assume, maybe…? I’ve heard from others that they’re stranger than most. Wing-like appendages and more eyes than standard fruitfolk…I guess there’s a reason that that variety are nicknamed “Fruit of the Angels” or similar things in some places. They aren't any different from other fruitfolk except in appearance, though."

[ask-misfits-of-war]

Ah, would you prefer I called you by first or last name, and do you have any preference for honorifics, new friend? (Directed at Lodi) -popstander

(not writing anymore letters. I refuse to accidentally get this poor man killed for treason.)

"And I don’t care about any Mx, Mr, sir, or any other formal what-have-you business; Makes me feel old or think of rich stuck-up people."

[ask-misfits-of-war]

Ooooo that's what a paranoid person would say!~

And eh, I'm a wizard, and wizards are magic, I think that should settle things on how I'm not dead. One of your soldiers threw me pretty far and an enemy soldier used me as target practice, so that should explain the damage :)

And I believe that sword's name is Damascus Parastin? Pretty weird guy, got a detachable head and all that stuff. That's the guy who threw me by the way. And augmented weapons? Ehh buddy I've seen plenty of them in other countries, pretty surprised you guys dont have any. Why don't you have any by the way? Don't you want the war to end? Like robots could work, cyborgs even if you can't like program AI for them :3

*the fact he's saying all of this in a horribly cheery voice, like this is all one big joke to them, makes this sound even worse.*

"I should—did you say a detachable head? He’s a relic’kin?! He’d have to be…"

"Find me information on this “Damascus Parastin” and have scouts sent out and generals notified. It is of the utmost importance we have everyone left from that disastrous battle at least questioned, and we cannot afford to lose what could be a relic’kin sword if what this insolent 'messenger' says is true..."

"They’ve been slow to build and make more viable…we do not need nor want junk on the battlefield; we’d lose far more than we’d gain in resources that way—the last thing we need is our weapons spontaneously and frequently catching fire. Recently however, they’ve made quite the breakthrough with how reliable they are. It’s just a bit…slow to scale as it currently stands, unfortunately. I’ve gotten word we’ve begun sending more out towards the front lines however, which should bode quite well for us."

"Regardless…guards, arrest this impudent “wizard.” I want them out of my sight."

[ask-misfits-of-war]

[We're so back]

[Feel free to leave some more asks]

(Going on a trip for a couple days, would be nice to come back to more asks to answer; You guys can leave multiple if you'd like, to anyone about anything!)