#dark academic wanderlust

[skylinemusings]

— dark academia + wanderlust

@/skylinemusings on instagram

— i. introduction

wanderlust refers to the strong desire of wanting to wander, travel, explore the world, and engage with different cultures and experiences. it frequently represents a strong desire for personal growth through experiencing the unknown, confronting unforeseen challenges, and learning about foreign cultures, behaviors, and ways of life.

dark academia, on the other hand, is a popular aesthetic and internet subculture that centers around classic literature, the pursuit of self-discovery, and a general passion for knowledge and learning. this subculture is also often associated with ancient art, classical Greek and Latin, and Gothic architecture.

— the following slides will categorize the similarities found in the interests and motives of wanderlust and dark academia into a niche of their own. enjoy!

— ii. dark academia + wanderlust

wanderlust with ‘dark academic’ motivations consists of the desire to escape and the dissatisfaction that the restlessness and restrictions of staying in one place bring.

this niche can be explained by a strong drive to learn new things and gain knowledge through observation, analysis, and experience.

self-improvement, active thinking, and focus are all readily encouraged as well, along with the blatant desire to always be seeing and always be consuming something you haven't before.

— iii. clothing & accessories

ornate blouses collars berets flowing skirts cross-body messenger bags sailor-style shirts sun hats leather rucksacks travel guides long, flowy dresses cufflinks brooches messy buns vintage reels vests crew socks lightweight scarves burgundy lipstick khaki pants woody, vanilla fragrances trench coats sleeveless dresses fine, minimal jewlery sandals tunics film cameras white t shirts neutral eye shadow compasses tote bags sweaters tied over shoulders white crew socks glasses

— iv. related activities

attending socials, being drunk, engaging in conversation

collecting postage stamps, planning vacations, never staying in one foreign place for long

always being exhausted after a day out but resting with a sense of fulfilment and a grim realization that the day's never really over

visiting libraries, prestigious campuses, art museums, historic houses, chapels

existing, daydreaming, note-taking

observing societies, people, behaviors, and culture

sketching architecture and the humans around you

somehow being both an early bird and a night owl at once

attending dinner parties, coffee dates, and picnics

recording your observations through voice recorders or journals

exoloring gothic / beaux-arts buildings baroque palaces, english manors, victorian streets, neoclassical architecture

using film cameras, polaroids, vintage filters, and film reels

spending days with the adrenaline that screams 'tomorrow doesn't exist' with a steandiness that whispers 'today doesn't end unless we want it to'

inspiring a sense of weightlessness and a desire for the unknown in the people around you

exploring archives and libraries

being giddy with the thought of experiencing something strange or unusual

traveling by planes, buses, boats, cars, trailers, ferries, bicycles, you name it

visiting run-down / vintage record stores

penning letters / filming blogs to loved ones describing your travels

having a special fondness for horses and birds

messenger bags overflowing with travel guides, letters, and snacks

always forming unusual connections that come in handy later on

collecting souvenirs, trinkets, and obscure items with grander meaning behind them

— v. references

cr. aesthetics wiki (dark academia, wanderlust), wikipedia (dark academia), pinterest, wikihow (how to dress like a tourist), theartofsimple (what to wear when you travel), wardrobeoxygen (how to be a stylish tourist)

[julieterbang]

______theo_

[unapologeticmelancholy]

Bologna, Italy.

[useless-catalanfacts]

Main staircase in the València city hall (València, Valencian Country).

Photo by Lluís Campello on Flickr.

[divno]

I don't like how falling feels like flying till the bone crush

And the coastal town

We wandered 'round had never

Seen a love as pure as it

- Gold rush, Taylor Swift

[priyal-d123]

When there was light, I wasn't afraid

When there was no such fear as I now face

And my borders crumbled

And the the tears I couldn't contain.

But the masks never stumbled

They've been in place.

No one sees the horror more than I

For it lies behind the lies

I'd rather have it die.

*orignal lines*

[she-who-fights-and-writes]

MASTER LIST OF INSTRUMENTAL PLAYLISTS FOR WRITING (OR FOR STUDYING, MAKING ART, ETC.)

I find that the perfect writing playlist can GREATLY enhance the writing experience. Even if it doesn't make your writing "better" (which it can, since it helps writers with visualization, tone, and mood), it can definitely make your writing flow easier!

Personally, words distract me when I'm writing, either by breaking my train of thought or by getting me too into the music so that I'm jamming out to my favorite tunes instead of writing.

Therefore, I've amassed a vast knowledge of instrumental music across a variety of media over a course of many years. Now here I am, deciding to share all of them with you!

Maddy’s Favorite Instrumental Songs

Just like the title says. All of the best pieces of instrumental music I've ever heard, compiled together with no regard for genre. It can be a bit of a whiplash playlist, but some amazing recs in there that I just like listening to in my free time, not just for writing.

Maddy’s Ultimate Instrumental Playlist

A mega compilation of 550+ fantastic instrumental music from a variety of media and genres. Kind of a whiplash playlist if you put it on shuffle, but is a great start for anyone looking to find what kind of instrumental music they like! Playlist Groupings in Order: Independent instrumental songs, live action movies, animated movies, animated tv shows, live action tv shows, video games.

Maddy's Instrumental for Sleep

Some more chill vibe instrumental for people who either A) want to sleep or B) want a relaxed playlist that won't distract you with loud volume and sudden changes in tempo or melody.

MISC PLAYLISTS:

you're a haggard adventurer discovering worlds beyond your wildest dreams

Music to inspire wonder and wanderlust, the kind of feeling you get when you finally reach the end of a mountain hike and see the world stretching out before you.

you're a hero who's just lost everything

Basically the most sad instrumental music I could find. A playlist for grief and revenge.

more beneath the cut :)

you're a cowboy in the great American West

Cowboy instrumental for all of your ambient and writing needs. Or if you just really want to feel like a cowboy.

you're a divine witness

Epic choir music (no English). Most religious, some not, but all kind of have that eerie sacred vibe. I listen to this while writing my book about angels and demons.

you’re a scholar uncovering the secrets of the universe

Great chill study playlist! Has the kind of same exploratory/discovery type feel as the haggard adventurer playlist, but more dark academia.

you’re a villain plotting to take over the world

Villain-coded instrumental! Sinister, dark, and/or unsettling.

you're an academic weapon

HIGH BPM STUDY PLAYLIST! Keeps me focused, hyped, and helps me work faster!

you're an ancient god

Playlist that gives an ancient/eerie vibe. But some ancient gods are merciful- so there are some upbeat songs for wonder and awe!

you're falling in love

Music that encapsulates what I think falling in love feels like. Very beautiful, tender, and uplifting instrumental.

you're fighting the final battle

Intense and epic battle music for all of your fight-scene-writing needs! Good for getting shit done, but isn't necessarily restricted to high BPM like the academic weapon playlist.

you're having a tea party

Refined instrumental for a tea party, including classical, big band, and some miscellaneous goodies.

you're in a chase scene

Music for writing chase scenes. Pretty good hype music, too. Includes soundtracks from classic chase scenes in popular media!

you're in the medieval times

Medieval-sounding music for all of your ambient and/or writing needs.

you’re in your childhood room. the door is open a crack. people talk softly downstairs.

A playlist dedicated to nostalgia, to the feeling of lying in bed with your nightlight on after being too tired to stay awake at your family get-together. Could either make your day or break your heart lmao

you're the happiest you've ever been

Lighthearted instrumental meant to lift your spirits! A playlist dedicated to the joys of the little things.

[booksandwitchery]

Versailles by Cindy P.M.

[alternative-ffa]

"She's going to take one look at me and think I'm a glutton..."

Phineas was confiding in his best friend, Marcus. They had been neighbors growing up in a small town where everyone knew everyone else. Phineas had always been known as the fattest person in the small suburb of less than a thousand people.

Marcus had a wanderlust that brought him all over the world, but he was never satisfied with his travels and always returned home.

The two men sat in the decrepit screened in porch of Phineas' home. The house was small, but served Finny's needs. And there was really nothing he could do to repair the various broken items throughout the house. In the winter, one could feel the cold breeze throughout the home due to the old windows. But Finny was too fat to even complete the chore of sealing the windows with plastic for the season, nevermind getting the windows properly replaced. And that was just one of the many repairs needed.

Marcus had made the acquaintance of a young woman on his last trip to Italy. She had been studying there at the Vatican, and the two met in a small bar where the young lady was looking over copies of old biblical texts. They got to talking and realized they both resided in the same state in the U.S. After a long night of academic back-and-forth, they decided to meet up when they were both back in America.

Marcus had immediately thought of Finny when the two of them met. Phineas was somewhat of an amateur scholar himself. Due to his extreme size, reading was one of his most fulfilling hobbies. And Marcus felt that the young lady would enjoy Finny's opinions and commentary on Catholic theology.

On this occasion, Marcus' visit to his childhood friend was to convince him to receive a new guest. It was antithetical to Finny's instinct to stay isolated. So Marcus knew he had some mental gymnastics to go through to convince his friend to meet someone new.

Phineas sat in a bariatric chair on the porch. He had dark auburn hair riddled with grey around his cleanly shaven face. The chair itself had been an expense that he could barely afford, but it was necessary if he wanted to be anywhere else but his bed.

His bed consisted of a large mattress in what should have been his living room.  Just the fact that he couldn't fit in any of the bedrooms in his small house was a frustrating reality.

Marcus replied, "She won't think you're a glutton... we'll explain your situation."

Finny retorted, "explaining my pituitary gland issue would just sound like an excuse... no one believes it."

"I believe it. I knew you back then." Marcus replied.

Phineas said, "But she didn't. All she is going to see is a disgusting blob of fat."

His face looked down, at least as much as he could considering the fat of his face and nonexistent neck. He put his chubby hands on his bloated round belly. His shirt barely covered him, and his hands grabbed the exposed fat flesh sticking out of the bottom of his shirt.

Marcus could see his nails leaving marks on his belly and spoke up, "don't be so rough with yourself."

Finny gave an annoyed grunt, then moved his hands away as the fat plopped back down on his legs.

"So, did you tell her to meet you here?" He asked.

Marcus blushed slightly, giving himself away. He replied, "... I might have... We have a few hours before she gets here though."

Finny groaned with annoyance. "You always take liberties with your decisions. What is she going to think when she sees the squalor I live with?"

"I wouldn't call it squalor... you actually do quite well keeping things clean."

"Things could be cleaner..."

"True, but I promise, she's not going to judge."

Finny sighed and said, "Fine. It seems I don't have much of a choice. But if she sees me and runs out of the house... I will say that I told you so."

Marcus laughed kindly and said, "I'll take it, if it happens."

Both men had finished their beers, so Marcus got up and went into the kitchen for more. He looked through the refrigerator and noticed that there were only a few left. Knowing he would like to be able to offer his female friend a drink, he went to the liquor cabinet and investigated the stock. Among other bottles, he found a few half empty bottles of vodka, gin, and years old bitters that sat on the shelf. He took out the vodka - an import from Russia, with a gold cap and frosted glass bottle. He blew the dust off of it and wiped it down with a wet cloth to create the illusion of newness. Then he grabbed two beers and returned to the porch where his morbidly obese friend sat.

He handed Finny a beer and then said, "you wouldn't happen to have any mixers? Maybe seltzer or juice or something?"

Phineas replied, "I should have some cans of lemon seltzer in the pantry."

Marcus nodded and said, "that should work."

The two men lit up some cigarettes and passed the time discussing Marcus' most recent trip to Italy. Their conversations always ended up academic and as they discussed ecumenical policy as it related to Canon, Marcus' phone chirped. His new friend has arrived.

Finny took a deep breath. He tried to calm his nerves and he pulled his shirt down as much as he could to cover the stretch mark riddled fat of his lower belly.

Marcus stood up and said, "I'll go meet her and bring her in, you'll be okay?"

Finny nodded.

Before Marcus left the porch he said, "I'll bring her into the kitchen first and we'll make a few drinks - would you like anything stronger than beer?"

Finny replied, "I think I have some Glenlivet in the back of the cabinet... fill a small tumbler with that and two ice cubes please."

Marcus smiled and nodded. Then he left the porch to meet her in the driveway.

Phineas sat alone. He tried to listen to see if he could hear them. Maybe Marcus was telling her what to expect. That she would soon be face to face with an impossibly obese man. But he couldn't make out any words. He heard her voice, a lower timbre than most women - a voice filled with meaning and intention. He heard her laugh. It had melody and for an instant made him smile. Then his anxiety kicked up again.

Footsteps were heard. She was wearing heels; he could hear the gentle clicking on the wooden floors of the house. The sound changed as they moved to the kitchen and the gentle tapping changed pitch on the tile floor. He could make out their words now, mainly talking about what drink to make; but no mention of his obesity.

He closed his eyes and took another deep intentional breath to calm his nerves. They would be entering the porch at any time now. He reached for the cigarette pack, his hand shaking gently with anxiety. It took three tries to ignite the lighter due to his fear, but he got his cigarette lit, and took a deep pull on it.

As he exhaled the smoke, he saw her through the cloud. She wore a long black dress - nothing formal, just a summer dress with the color applying to the dark winter season. The smoke abated and he saw her face. She was pale, not due to any illness, but the color of someone who spent most of her time out of the sun. Her long black hair framed her gentle hazel eyes as it fell on either sides of her face. He did not look any longer than a glance, as he was expecting an expression of disgust that he did not want to see. 

Marcus led her to a chair next to him, then gestured to Phineas and said, "this is my good friend, Finny."

Before she sat, she smiled, with no hint of bother or malice. She reached out her right hand towards Finny and said, "thank you for having me, it's good to meet you."

He reluctantly took her hand in his and they shook in greeting.

She sat. Marcus handed Finny his whiskey, then sat down himself. Finny took another drag of the cigarette, then as he exhaled, realized it might be rude that he was smoking. In this day and age, smoking was not a popular activity, and he worried his clouds of smoke might be a bother to her. His first words to her were, "I hope you don't mind if I smoke."

She smiled and said, "oh, no problem. In fact, could I have one as well?"

Marcus smiled and handed her the pack. She gently took one, her long black nails pinching the filter end and delicately putting it to her mouth. She lit it, took the same kind of deep, intentional puff that Finny had done, then sat in her seat.

There was a few seconds of silence. Finny sipped his whiskey, but refused to be the first to start any kind of conversation. He wanted to say, "I'm sorry I'm so fat. I'm sorry I'm so ugly. I promise it wasn't my fault. There's nothing I can do..."

But the silence remained.

Marcus broke the silence with, "oh, I can't believe I forgot! This is Amy."

She smiled; nodded towards Finny, and repeated, "it's nice to meet you."

Finny wanted to ask, "how could it possibly be nice to meet ME?"

But instead he nodded back and said, "thank you for coming, I don't often have visitors."

Amy acknowledged his statement with a facial expression of kind pity. Finny hated being pitied, but he didn't see any malice in her face, so saw it as sympathetic rather than pitiful.

More silence followed. It only lasted a second or two, but felt much longer. Finny spoke, "so, I hear the two of you met in Italy?"

Amy said, "yeah we did; quite a small world since we're both from here."

Marcus smiled. He said, "I figured, with the both of you into theology, you'd get along."

Finny put his finished cigarette out in the ash tray and said, "I'm not exactly a scholar, but there's not much to do at this size, so I tend to read a lot."

She smiled. "I don't know your situation, but I read a lot as well."

Silence, again.

Then Amy asked the question that all three of them knew was coming, "I don't want to be rude, but, how did you get this big?" She blushed and continued, "I shouldn't have asked that. I have an idea."

Finny quipped back, "I don't think you do."

Marcus face palmed, then said, "it's not what you would expect."

Amy asked ambiguously, "oh?"

Finny said, "as a teenager I contracted rubella. It damaged my pituitary gland and my growth hormones went into overdrive. The weight kept piling on after that, there was really nothing I could do... there still isn't anything I can do..."

His hands went to the sides of his belly in emphasis. He noticed the skin of his lower belly was exposed again and he violently pulled his shirt down in frustration and embarrassment.

Amy looked sympathetic. She said, "oh no, I... I'm sorry."

Finny just grunted in acknowledgement and awkwardness permeated the porch.

Marcus' phone chirped again. He didn't look, but it chirped a second time, then a third. He looked embarrassed and said, "I've got to check this."

Less than a minute passed and he made a noise of frustration. He looked up at both Finny and Amy and said, "I know you just got here... but it's work. They need me to go take care of something."

Amy replied, "oh no problem. I could stay here with Finny...." she looked at him and continued, "...if it's okay, of course."

Marcus smiled and spoke for his friend, "oh I'm sure Phineas would enjoy the company. I'll be back in a few hours, if you'd like to stay."

Finny looked panicked. Marcus wasn't wrong, he would enjoy the company. But whether he was mentally up for it was another question. Amy gently placed her small porcelain hand on Finny's and said, "we can get to know each other in the meantime."

He blushed. Surprised that she would actively choose to stay with him.

Marcus stood and said, mainly to Finny, "I'll be back in a few hours, I promise."

Then he left the porch. A few seconds later they heard his car turn on, and then Amy and Finny sat alone together... an 800lb man in a bariatric seat he barely fit in, and a beautiful thin woman who could spend her time with any man she wanted... but she chose to be near him.

To be continued...

[dailycharacteroption]

Roleplaying Races 11: Locathah

 Many of the aquatic races are insular, being shy or xenophobic either in general or towards surface-dwellers in particular. Not so for the locathah, who prove gregarious to new neighbors and longtime friends. However, they can find it hard to befriend other races that either reject them for their odd appearance and smell, or else try to enslave them.

The locathah are a humanoid piscine race, similar to sahuagin, but whereas sahuagin seem to have heritage with sharks or barracuda, locathah seem to be more akin to any number of species of reef fish, many clans sporting bright colors and patterns, as well as variation in their fins. Aside from their elongated fishy heads and fins, they also sport wiry, almost gangly frames that belie their power in the water. Additionally, they secret a skin oil which is almost unnoticeable underwater, but gives them a strong fishy odor when out of it, which can put off those who are unused to it. To the locathah, however, this is a natural part of their being, and often carries important chemical signals between the fishfolk that communicate mood and health.

Locathah society is a highly social affair, as they happily tend to and tame all manner of sea life in their underwater homes, particularly eels, which they use as guardians, and in the case of truly massive species, as mounts. They are typically lead by one or two matriarchs, who also serve as the primary egg-mothers of their communities. Locathah are peaceful by nature, preferring to flee and relocate when trouble comes a-calling. However, When abused and cornered, they can be quite vicious in their own defense.

They would much rather befriend their neighbors, however, and go out of their way to meet with local port cities and passing ships for trade, offering pearls, fish, and salvage in exchange for metal weapons, tools, and surface food (tubers being a favorite).

 Locathah tend to be agile and world-wise, but lack the academic foundation to have an interest in pursuing knowledge.

As amphibious beings, they can survive both in and out of water.

Their eyes are also adapted for dim light.

Locathah also have strong scales which provide them with a good amount of defense.

While their limbs make them supremely fast underwater, their legs can only barely support themselves on land, making them sluggish.

 Of course, with the sheer diversity of locathah out there, it is only natural there would be plenty of variants. For example, some are slower swimmers but sport impressive jaws to bite foes. Some have stronger legs for walking but cost them in their aquatic mobility. Many that live near surface settlements that are friendly are highly social and diplomatic, while others that live in the deep depths have vision adapted for total darkness. Finally, some produce much greater amounts of skin oil, and can secrete more to overwhelm other creatures with their stench.

 Social and friendly as they tend to be, many locathah that have a bit of wanderlust become adventurers, favoring agile classes and those where wisdom is favored, such as most divine classes. Their intelligence weakness does make it hard for them to play many arcane casters, and hampers them in skilled classes though. However, whether you are playing them as a druid, a rogue, or perhaps a gunslinger with magical enchantments to protect their guns (or the bolt ace archetype), you have options. You can even go against their weakness and play a wizard if you wish. Regardless, the real advantage of this ancestry lies in their defense and agility underwater, though you’ll probably want to invest in ways to speed them up on land.

 That about does it for today, but I know you’ll enjoy this next one.

[x-ceirios-x]

Ebony Neave

General

Name: Blaine “Ebony” Neave

Nickname: Ebony

Age: 17 (v1-2)

Gender: cis male

Race: human

Symbol:

Affiliation(s): Team NCRM. ruby’s group, formerly Beacon Academy

The Character’s Appearance

Height: 6’3”

Eye Colour: blue-gray

Hair: black, cut short in the back but some bangs hang in his face. Usually parted in the middle. Very straight hair

Complexion: medium-light tan

Picrew 1 2

About The Character

Status: active huntsman, alive

Occupation: huntsman, former student

Handedness: ambidextrous. Will use this to drive people nuts when taking notes

Clothing: white shirt, black bomber jacket, dark blue/black jeans 

Outfit Colors: whites, blacks, browns, a little blue for the jeans

Accessories: silver dog tags, black aviators, has his ears pierced in a few places & has an affinity to occasionally wearing rings

Personality

A generally charming guy, and he’s easy to get along with. He’s pretty much an open book and enjoys getting to know as many people as he can. Ebony has a certain wanderlust and wants to travel everywhere he can, as well as learn what he can. Upon first meeting, he doesn’t seem like the academic type, but he genuinely loves learning, despite his average grades. He’s never gotten along well with school and prefers to learn things practically than from a book. He’s confident and knows he’s attractive, and uses this to chat with girls (and occasionally guys). 

Likes: water, swimming, being outdoors, sparring, practical exams

Dislikes: reading & homework, generally dry/hot places

Fatal Flaw(s): Naivety. He doesn’t really understand how the “real world” works and his want (almost need) to keep everyone happy all the time makes him a little easy to manipulate. 

Strengths: long range combat, communication, talking his way out of tough situations

Weaknesses: close quarter combat, video games, essays

Weapon

Weapon Name: Arciere

Weapon Description: glorified water gun. His weapon is in two pieces that attach to become a bow. The string and pieces that hold it to the rest of the bow come off and attach to his belt, and with the pull of a lever it turns into a gun that he loads with water. His semblance makes his ammo so he rarely runs out. 

Relationship With Others

Reputation: People generally enjoy talking to him. He gets decent grades and teachers like him when he’s paying attention, though they don't appreciate his enabling of Coal’s antics.

Friends: His friends enjoy his company and he’s typically the life of the party, while also being a voice of reason. He’s not likely to get into too much trouble, but a little danger is good for the soul. He’s an enabler and will let people do stupid things and help pick up the pieces later. 

Team: The people closest to him. He and Coal get along famously, with Ebony being able to talk him out of trouble pretty often. He feels like Matina is hard to read, but he cares about her like a little sister. Roza…his feelings about her are quite complicated in the beginning. Lots of good complicated feelings though. Over time, they become more than just teammates and partners, but fall in love and no one’s ever made him happier. 

Enemy(ies): He’s a skilled fighter and doesn’t back down from a fight, so if a rival is challenging him, he’ll be ready to go. 

The Character’s Abilities

Agility: 6/10

Swordsmanship: 7/10

Long Range Accuracy: 9/10

Defense: 5/10

Offense: 8/10

Aura: 7/10

People Skills: 9/10

Semblance: Water manipulation. He can create shapes out of water near/around him, pulling water off or out of things nearby. He uses it mostly to make ammo for himself, but also to entertain friends with miniature dolphins flying around the room. 

History

Ebony grew up in one of the smaller towns inside Vale, dreading the school year and enjoying summers like any average kid. Typically, he spent summer at his aunt's house, swimming and playing in the lake she lived on. There wasn’t an evening he came in without his fingers pruned into raisins, and he didn’t want it any other way. 

He decided, after years of filling his head with fairy tales and stories from his mother, he wanted to become a huntsman around 12, wanting to live a life of danger and adventure. Whatever he got wrapped up in along the way, he could figure it out later.

Trivia

Really good swimmer & was a lifeguard over summers as an older teenager for some extra money

More to be added

[grimdarkacademia]

I like walking because it is slow, and I suspect that the mind, like the feet, works at about three miles an hour. If this is so, then modern life is moving faster than the speed of thought or thoughtfulness.

Rebecca Solnit, “Wanderlust: A History of Walking”

[academia-darling]

Paris, France, September 4, 2019

[overig]

Le printemps by Eugene Bidau (1896)

[notwilliamshakespear]

Palacio De Cristal - Madrid

[nnoceurr]

Postcards are now available for the first run pre-order until 31 May.