solarcaravan

[solarcaravan]

@graduatedpillowmonster

I hope the things you’re working on are going well!

I like the way you think! Everyone’s just been traveling~ hard to make art while in a bouncy carriage. Or on the back of an owl in your case ✨

 aa I have gotten a bit behind on my work for the caravan. I am going to release the next prompt, sorry for it begin late. Eventually I’ll have an example out for it as well!  Thank you for your patience’s! 

[solarcaravan]

Archetype

Archetypes are a way of understanding the world. We can categorize and sort through the bits, but left unchallenged an Archetype can be a hindrance or a burden. Expected to live up to something you can’t, or to reach a perfection that is truly unhealthy. They can also be a means of self empowerment. As in choosing the figure you wish you become, or the source of inspiration you draw from. I look to tarot for archetypes, but they can be found in most media. Some archetypes are truly harmful and need to be destroyed. That is another conversation (which I’d happily have with you). This week I am asking you to explore an Archetype that would be a part of your character's life. This could be a source of motivation, what they will grow into, what they have grown out of, whatever fits. I am going to explore an archetype that does fit Ven, but it also fits an overarching theme of parts of my work, Cupid. Cupid will also be a member of the Caravan because the Caravan is full of love stories, and this god could not resist. 

Though for a sort of example. I really like tarot Archetypes so I am going to give my Caravan OC’s some tarot cards I associate with them. Also I am looking at my Shadowscape deck while I choose these. 

Argo - King of Swords, Seven of Wands, The Magician

Ven - The Chariot, The Lovers, Queen of Wands

Prax - Temperance, The Wheel of Fortune

Felda -  Knight of Wands, Two of Wands

[solarcaravan]

 aa I have gotten a bit behind on my work for the caravan. I am going to release the next prompt, sorry for it begin late. Eventually I’ll have an example out for it as well!  Thank you for your patience's! 

[solarcaravan]

Royal Owl Mount Zuri

Once Vinnie became comfortable with Nissa’s giant owl he got very interested in her harness and fancy get up. He loved the colour combinations and the way it sounds when she moved but something had bothered him slightly.

The bridle. Owls have long necks and one of their prime advantages is their ability to swivel their heads. While the bridle didn’t completely take away Zuri’s ability to do so, her movement would be restricted by the bridle. Depending on how her rider held the reigns Vinnie could see the bridle design getting in the way of Zuri being able to take in her full surroundings.

So, he decided to fix that himself.

He spent a few weeks gathering the necessary supplies to dye rope the same deep royal blue as the rest of the accents. He spent a couple more searching and trading with others to get a shiny gold piece to match the gold accents on the harness. Despite his efforts Vinnie never could scavenge enough for the handlebars at the back, but he hoped the pop of silver wouldn’t be too distracting.

“This should help Zuri be more comfortable, yes, yes.” Vinnie nodded to himself as he looked over his work. A pang of self conscious dread washed over him briefly and he hoped that Nissa didn’t mind his suggestions to modify the royal mount’s tack.

@graduatedpillowmonster @solarcaravan

[solarcaravan]

I made a playlist for the Caravan 2021! If anyone wants to check it out here’s the link. Let me know if you have any favorites, or songs you think should be added!

[solarcaravan]

Prompt Syllabus

Thought you guys might want to know where I plan on taking things. The actual prompts will have more explanation when they are released. If you have any questions please feel free to ask 💛

Introduction

Personal History

Means of transportation

Ancestry

Where do you want to go

Motivation

Symbols

Archetype

Body

Edge of the map

[solarcaravan]

Where do you want to go?

What is a place your character longs to go. Or would just enjoy seeing them. This week I would want you to dream up a place in the world that the Caravan will visit. There is no end destination for the Caravan, so they can truly visit any place. It could be a landmark, a town, a particular coffee shop, anywhere at all. Explain what this place is like. How do you think it would handle the Caravan suddenly appearing at it’s door steps? Is it based on anything from this earth, or is it completely from your imagination? 

Where ever the caravan goes there are rules to not disturb the environment. Don’t bring anything you won’t take back to you. Leave nature as you found it. If you collect or forage please always leave enough for the rest of nature to use as well. 

Welcome to the Lichen Forest. 

Ven leads the Caravan to these woods with great excitement. The world of the caravan is made of a great deal of maps. It is a world that is constantly growing. Switching from one map to another is a different experience every time. Ven is currently helping people prepare for the transition. Especially since this new map is going to be rather different. Ven urged everyone to dress for cold, and wet. The change of maps manifests as a curtain of light on the horizon. As the caravan gets closer the curtain of light just grows taller and taller. Through it you can only see a blurry reflection of the land you had just been through. Nothing of what lays beyond. Ven walks in front of the Caravan. Holding his arms out to the side as he passes through the curtain. Then Ven is gone, but you can almost here him laughing. Then finally it is your turn.  It feels cold and refreshing as you pass through into this new map. Now you might recognize some of the plant matter of this world as it appears of moss and lichen. Unlike normal these growths aren’t at most inches tall, but tower over head. 

You can feel the cold moisture in the air. Everything smells fresh and sweet. The ground is somewhat slippery. If anyone needs help preparing for the cold and damp - please don’t hesitate to ask. Argo has wonderful charms to retain heat and keep folk from slipping. 

Some areas in this land are rather vertical. If you have trouble getting anywhere please don’t hesitate to ask someone within the caravan for assistants.

This place is calm and damp. Rains are frequent but rarely heavy. Be prepared for mists, and a couple warm moments at the sun's height in the sky. You don’t need magic to see how alive this land is, but the magically inclined can see it clearly. All the plants are talking. Communicating with great speed about the new beings who are walking with them. If you sit still you might be able to tell Who is talking. 

Ven says he found this place when he was running from a bounty hunter. Ducked off the map instead of meeting the hunter in combat. Ven then spent two weeks terribly lost in the Lichen forests. Though he wasn’t scared. The strange thing about this place is that it’s truly Hard to be afraid here. There are no predators any humanoid needs to worry about. The magic is strong and so rooted in peace and cooperation. That feels deeply wrong to fight. Sparring matches end quicker, and destructive magic simply doesn’t work here. Argo assumes there's a limit to the dampening of magic, but he does not plan on testing it. 

Reality: Like my photos of lichen and moss? These are all from the same wooden block in my backyard. I truly think moss and lichen are so damn beautiful. These photos don’t even do the really thing justice. At least in my opinion

[solarcaravan]

Solar Caravan Prompt 4 : Ancestry 

I already talked about Nissa’s story, how her kingdom was invaded and she was raised away from the land of her ancestors. She was 6 year old was this happened, so she does have some memories of growing up in the royal palace, mostly of how high the ceilings were, reaching up in elegant arches, and of the mosaic floor she would play on for hours. She remembers the garden enclosed in her mother’s apparments, a place of sweet smells and beautiful colors. She remembers her mother’s dresses, ornate as fit her rank with gold embroidery  but still practical, still ready to go running, her sword in hand, if needed. She remembers the light, the warm, striking light that exists only in her memories, colors moving behind her eyelids.

All of those memories are not her’s alone, the walls, arches, floors and gardens surrounded her ancestors, the palace is so old and every part holds the trace of queens and kings past. The breeze that courses through the chambers whispers their names, and it echoes in her heart. 

@solarcaravan

[solarcaravan]

20£ commission done for the lovely @hoodiecladknight !! You came in clutch with my grocery expenses, love you man

I'm still open to commissions and requests!

[solarcaravan]

Ven’s Family Tree - Not Finished My hand is still busted. Can’t do handwriting stuff well and I wanted to make Ven’s human side as cool as the other side.  Humans are cooler than divine beings 60% of the time. I just had clearer I’d for what they’d look like.

Ven is the grand child of The Earth, and the Sky* on one side of his family. These two forces loved each other deeply, but were never meant to be. Think of Earth and Sky as the embodiments of the ideas and energy which withstain themselves. Those who live on this earth all have an idea of what the Sky is, and what Earth or Gaia is. These Archetypes are alive, living both in reality and purely as a fairy tale. When they met the Earth heaved herself to the heavens, and the Sky came thundering down. They lived far apart and often their love could only meet in the horizons. Where the Sky could lay across the earth. Meeting towering mountains and distant seas. Their love was passionate but destructive, distant and overbearing. The love of Earth and Sky created the spirits of the Mountains , Spirit of Storms, and Constellations. These Spirits are numerous and can create themselves at this point. 

Ven was born of a human girl who fell in Love with a Storm Spirit. Ven’s mother was too young to be a mother, and simply wanted freedom. The Storm Spirit was new to touch and didn’t know how to gently love a human. 

Ven’s human mother put him up for adoption hoping someone who could be ready to love him would do so. Ven mother was 16 when she met the Storm spirit. Her family was built of confident folk who acted as if they owned the world. She fell in love with the spirit of thunder because they were the unknowable. Did not demand perfection from her, and laughed when she thought too highly of herself. It was refreshing in the beginning, but when she no longer needed confidence through attention. She realized how possessive and demeaning the storm was. She left soon after. Ven does not know her name, but now she is known as Hazel. Hazel lives on a cliff side house raising sheep. Everything was either made by herself or with the help of her community. The village knows her for her excellent goat cheese and crass sense of humor. Both the baker and blacksmith are madly in love with her, and are trying to get her attention. She is more focused on trying to map the night sky. As more constellations are being born each day. So This is an ever evolving task. The sheep also need lots of love, and make great company. 

The thunder spirit also moved on and now has found love in a whirlpool goddess deep in the ocean. There is the complication that an air spirit cannot go underwater, but they’re making it work. 

Ven’s Mother: Hazel         Hazel’s Father: Madrik - A Farmer, has a Big Stubborn heart.  Hazel’s Mom: Leta - Youngest of Four, and Loves animals. Hazel also has an older brother who she doesn’t speak with. 

Madrik’s Parent: Uta - Local healer and story Teller. Madrik’s Mother: Rene - Farmer

Leta’s Father: Merchant who sold cloth goods. Leta’s Mother: A shy weaver who couldn’t sell her own stuff, but made beautiful work. Leta has three sisters. The elder became a “sailor”. Writes home occasionally and is definitely not a pirate. The second child died at war. Third is learning to take over the family business. Though she doesn’t have an artist partner so she is making artist friends. 

Ven does not know either of his parents or their history, but the fates can see the legacy with in him. Ven and Argo are currently building their new family. A tree of many different branches and fruit. 

*Note: All sorts of divine beings live in this world. If it is believed in, it exists. The world the Caravan travels through does not follow the rules of logic, but that of a dream. It is literally made up of maps, and how you make or don’t make a map effects reality. The heavens are infinite. As many divine and magical things you imagine can exist. 

Maps are woven together. Where their edges meet reality can be wobbly. Which is why it’s good to have magicians around while you travel. especially If you plan to leave your worlds map, and into another.

[solarcaravan]

Ancestry

Unless your character was created by an alchemist or some magical event. Your character was most likely born of someone, who was then born from someone else. I want you to spend some time thinking of your Characters ancestry and how this affects them. Generational trauma and Generational gifts exist, and the pains of our grandmothers is something we can feel today. I am personally someone who has nearly zero contact with my blood relatives but I know their hopes and wounds still impact me. However i don’t want to limit this just to blood relations.

If your character has blood relationships I would enjoy it if you spent some time thinking on how it affects them. But for what you make for this prompt, it can draw a deeper inspiration. I don’t find connection is my recent blood ancestors, but my more ancient ones? Well I love them deeply. There is also the families we choose to create. Those we want to make a community with. Make some sort of creative express that shows your characters feelings on where they come from, who they choose to connect with, and what they seek in community. Defacto you can call anyone of my Characters within the Caravan family. Argo and Ven really see the troop as their makeshift family.

If you have questions or need someone to bounce ideas off of, I am always around 💛. Hope you all have a good week!

[solarcaravan]

Tea Time in the Machine

Prompt by @solarcaravan

Vinnie takes his time outside of the machine. He never really worked up the nerve to get this close to it before. Such a strange mix of organic-ish material and machinery itself. In his mind he was trying to deconstruct it into the most plausible parts, though he would never think about actually trying to disassemble this beauty of a beast. He placed a hand against the machine and feels its gentle thrum. Even at rest, it seems, the machine still breathed. “You are a good.” He whispers to it before leaving it with a gentle pat.

Vinnie leaps into Ven’s arms so that he doesn’t have to reach down for the hug but quickly, a bit self-consciously, hops off almost immediately after a squeeze.

Vinnie sees that his hosts have made their appearances most fancy and was happy to have scavenged a belt that he’d modified to have an artistic belt buckle looking like a leaf from his favourite tree back home.

There had been no need for clothing in the forest. Most of the tall folks left Vinnie’s people alone, many believed them to just be large squirrels and leave it at that. But being out and about in the wider world Vinnie knew there was purpose and function to clothing beyond just keeping one warm or to help cool one down. He knew many tall folks dressed themselves up like magpies and he thought it was a quaint custom.

“Thank you for inviting me, yes. Your Machine is astounding home.” Vinnie nodded as though speaking the most simple truth. “Wonderful heart,yes.”

Vinnie requests whichever earthiest tea they have. Nothing was like the pine needle teas his mom would make, with a little rosehip and a dash of cinnamon, but Vinnie wasn’t hard to please.

He places a hand against one of the doorframes and then gazed toward a different wall. Vinnie knew a cobbled together creation when he saw one. “All different but come together. The Spirit of the Caravan. The Soul of Creations. Yes… Yes.”

Vinnie startles when Ven yells up to Argo. He smiles up to Ven and brushes off his feet before entering. He marvels at all of the artwork and the patchwork of colour. Instantly any apprehension he had vanishes as everything about Ven and Argo’s home reminds hime of his own little caterpillar. Yes, Vinnie knew these were good tall folks but this absolutely cements the feeling in his heart.

He had not yet made his hosts artwork for their home, but Vinnie was still working on a few ideas and would like to know them better before attempting something sentimental.

This was the first time that Vinnie had seen Argo without his mask and was somewhat surprised. He’d seen many masks worn by many tall folks but he’d assumed the antlers had been a part of his get-up. Somehow knowing those were real antlers endears Argo even more to Vinnie. It was like taking in a whisp of home. Seeing his string beads Vinnie self-consciously fiddles with his own belt buckle.

“The Caravan is busy!” Vinnie waved his hand dismissively. “Vinnie is busy too!”)

Ven’s hand was surprisingly gentle as it set down on Vinnie’s shoulder which was a welcome surprise. He pats the tall one’s hand appreciatively. “Happy to be in your home. With you, yes.”

Of the selection Vinnie lands on a cinnamon chai blend. He waves off concern at the use of such a large cup for his small hands, but Vinnie has handled many hot things and holding tall folks tea cups would not burn his hands.

Vinnie admits his favourite music is still birdsongs. His family and people had their own songs and while he’s been with the Caravan he’s heard many lovely people sing many lovely things, but there is nothing like simply sitting in a grove listening to the birds. He is grateful for the opportunity to have traveled so far with the Caravan as he’s heard so many different birdsong which he has not before.

He wouldn’t want wings. Vinnie is absolutely adamant about that. Heights never bothered him, he could climb the machine while it roamed with no hesitation, but flying… no supports, no safeties, nothing to grab for far too long. No. Thank you.

Vinnie answers any and all questions Ven throws at him, usually with a funny story about his home to go along with it. He tells of his older sister, who for brevity he simply calls Vessa. She was always the shortest despite being one of his oldest siblings, but that was so good because it meant she could get in to the little crevasses when they were playing hide and seek and she could always reach whatever you dropped under the deck boards. His brother Fennes, on the other hand, was one of the biggest gatherers Vinnie knew. And that meant he gave the best hugs.

“…and that is why Frittess and Vunnen came home covered in honey and jay feathers!” Vinnine exclaims through breathless laughter.

Suddenly Vinnie notices that the room had become substantially darker than it was when he arrived. He’d gotten so caught up in memories from home he must have spent hours talking.  “Oh. Apologies, yes. Vinnie’s been going on all about family for so long…”

Vinnie hesitates, unsure if he overstayed his welcome or if he should ask of their families in return or…. He decides to sip his cold tea and let his apology hang in the air.

[solarcaravan]

Solar Caravan Prompt 3 : Means of Transportation

Nissa travels on Zuri, her giant owl - don’t worry, this type of big birds are perfectly comfortable being active during the day ;) They typically walk and run, and rarely fly but Zuri enjoys gliding on short distances, Nissa is light enough that they can enjoy it together.

Zuri is a very proud owl and gets crossed when she isn’t wearing her fancy harness and decorations. She likes the clincking noise all the metal parts make when she’s walking.  Every day of travel starts and end with a thorough preening session. If Nissa doesn’t brush her or gives her morning pets she will stubbornly refuse to stand up. 

But despite her attitude, she is fiercely loyal to her rider and won’t hesitate to use her claws and beak on anyone who tries to attack her. Around friends though, she is like a big puppy asking for pets and treats (she WILL smells any food you have on you, be careful, she’s not always aware of her size) 

@solarcaravan 

[solarcaravan]

Mechanical is so pretty but so hard to draw lol. Literally every time I draw The Machine something is different and it’s not even That machanical lol

When my hand is up and running again I want to add everyone’s transports to the main banner I use for the caravan prompts!

Transportation- Vinnie’s Junk Bugs Concept Sketch

@solarcaravan

Vinnie travels along with the Caravan at first on foot and eventually making his own roaming machines. At first it is only one pod with eight legs powered by the Spirit Urn he was generously given upon arrival to the caravan. The urn acts as an incinerator for any non-useable junk left behind by the caravan. When stopped the bug pod splays it legs out and opens the back shell revealing a well polished, if crammed full, shop.

When he gets enough scrap, Vinnie will build a second pod. They are supposed to all be the same, but knowing that scrap is always shifting he ends up making due with different pods attached together. Some with legs, some with wheels, some little more than floating crates attached to the back end.

He happily lets anyone hitch a ride with him, but he also offers his services for custom roamers for anyone who wants independence while traveling along with the Caravan. 

[solarcaravan]

Transportation- Vinnie’s Junk Bugs Concept Sketch

@solarcaravan

Vinnie travels along with the Caravan at first on foot and eventually making his own roaming machines. At first it is only one pod with eight legs powered by the Spirit Urn he was generously given upon arrival to the caravan. The urn acts as an incinerator for any non-useable junk left behind by the caravan. When stopped the bug pod splays it legs out and opens the back shell revealing a well polished, if crammed full, shop.

When he gets enough scrap, Vinnie will build a second pod. They are supposed to all be the same, but knowing that scrap is always shifting he ends up making due with different pods attached together. Some with legs, some with wheels, some little more than floating crates attached to the back end.

He happily lets anyone hitch a ride with him, but he also offers his services for custom roamers for anyone who wants independence while traveling along with the Caravan. 

[solarcaravan]

Name: Lukas Iridall

Personality: Lukas is a wild young man, with an ample sense of adventure, and has a grand amount of luck, being able to handle even the most dangerous of situations or close calls and come out unscathed. He’s somewhat jaded, but not unkind. There is no way to block him from getting to his goals if he has decided he will reach them. Approach him kindly and he will return that kindness.

Public background: Lukas is a handyman and mechanic traveling with the Caravan with Elliot. He rarely tells of his past, and would much rather live in the present. No one knows what happened to him, the story always changes. They always hold.... just a bit of truth though.

Trade: Lukas builds and repairs automations, and will take to any task, building whatever is needed. He’ll figure it out even if he’s not an expert.

Misc:

- Can't cook to save his life.

- He has two prosthetic legs, 75% of his legs are metal, and the feet are made into bird talons.

- A bit of a drunk, and cannot gamble to save his life, does it anyways.

- The Caravan and being around Elliot have mellowed him out considerably.

- There are symbols tattooed on his palms. They are incredibly important to him.

- Dresses rather well when he’s not wearing his work clothes.

- Excellent marksman when using a crossbow.

(Revamping one of my fave ocs??? Yes plsssss)

@solarcaravan

[solarcaravan]

Argo is so happy the Syri can finally come over, and Ven eager explains all the little knick Knacks about the room. Argo is now very interested at the thought of a shared dream. Can people truly meet one another in a dream? Ven jokes that all their subconscious’s mixed together would be one Wild time.

“There are lots of musicians and artists within the caravan,” Argo speaks warmly. In the privacy of his home he is without a mask, and his golden eyes crinkle with a smile. “The nightly fires have lots of music. I am sure someone would love to teach.”

“And if you need someone else to do the asking?” Ven winks, “I’m always around, and if I’m not Prax will”

Stained glass wings would suit Syri very well. They’d send shimmering reflects of light, and change with the day. It fits nicely✨

Tea Time

Syri had not been in the caravan long, but he did know many kind faces filled its ranks, and that went doubly so for Ven and Argo. Syri himself was still his shy self. The caravan came to a rest, and he was surprised when he was invited to the strange machine for tea. Ven’s smile was kind, and Syri mirrored his sheepishly, but with much warmth. “Hello Ven, it’s good to see you.” He spoke in a soft tone, much like elves.

Syri walked by his side, his tail trailing lazily, and his larger wing like hands had no hint of the large hidden eyes in the palms, they were closed most of the time. “Oh that’s wonderful, I do love tea, very much in fact. I’m glad you caught me before i made some for myself. Truly? I would enjoy a vanilla or a lemon lavender?” His dreams had left those tastes in his mouth. Feelings, memories… He shook himself from his deep thought, remembering he was with people.

Syri’s lips parted in awe of the space, the mismatched style much to his liking. He enjoyed bright colors, smells textures… he took it all in, so different from what he was used too. This space was made, lived in, and beautiful because of it existed outside of himself, and he adored it. Syri’s ears pricked in a sudden start when Ven shouted, his dark fur raising slightly, but it quickly flattened as he put a hand to his chest and chuckled gently at himself. “Oh excuse me I was so taken by your home… It’s alright! I’m easily startled.”

He flushed and brushed his purple locks from his face, the eyes on his palms slowly cracking open, as if gently testing if they were safe to do so out of the sun. They closed quickly if anyone made eye contact. Syri met Argo’s gaze, smiling in greeting, sharp teeth hidden behind dark lips for a unique smile. “Hello Argo. The tea smells like a dream…” Indeed, his mouth watered, very happy to taste the selection they had. The being gingerly took a seat, making sure not to scuff anything with his hooves and wrapped his tail neatly about himself.

“It’s alright, You have been busily tending to other new friends, so many new faces. I’m happy to be here now.” His ears pricked up at the mention of lavender. “Yes I’ll take that, one of my favorites.” He made his tea with cream and sugar, but only a touch of sweet. He loved lots of cream. He stirred and admired how the cream made the tea a shade of pastel purple.

Syri answered his questions, gentle laughs peppered in, tasting the tea and savoring how it made him feel in the wake of his nightly dream walks. He said he had been in the caravan for no more then a few weeks, though time was an odd thing to him at the moment. He enjoyed string instruments, mostly the lute, and had interests in learning to play some day himself. His skill for most things only existed in dreams, and he joked that if they all dreamed together, he could play for him sometime. Syri would want wings of stained glass, like the kind the Dream Elves so often made and he admired.

@solarcaravan