#guide stuff

[linkcharacter]

Some personal design notes I made for comics speech bubbles and on dialogue!

Conclusions were drawn from their dialogue sounds and manner of speech in general in addition to my personal flair and interpretation.

And here's an incomplete list of mental notes on actually writing dialogue for characters:

Curly

expresses genuinely what he feels and what he means, though he's reserved and leaves a lot unsaid

casually playful and whimsical when talking to others or commenting on things

smooth talker

speaks delicately and de-escalatory when faced with a stressful situation

using british slang on occasion, yeah?

Anya

often encouraging or reassuring those she talks to

teasing, witty and playful with anyone not named jimmy

stutters when speaking to those named jimmy but outside of that, speaks smoothly with enthusiasm

speaks with implications, basically says iconic deep meaningful shit in a non-direct way

Swansea

mean, harsh, sarcastic and taunting

like anya, he says some deep shit but in a poetic and direct way

reminds me of Disco Elysium dialogue in terms of vibes

speaks grandiosely

" ain't, goin', el capitano, downstairs longnose, hear hear, ol' codger, rumb-a-tumblin' " very fun to write

Daisuke

unfocused, emphasizes words, informal

speaks at the same time as he thinks, most of his dialogue feels like a stream of thoughts

filler words like, totally like everywhere man

Jimmy

dry, spiteful and bitter remarks, always sounds like he's annoyed at everything

no whimsical or heartfelt comments about anything

uses metaphors and veils his words, spinning them in ways to fit his goals. twists his own words as well as others'

steals phrases from others

persuasive

[saphushia]

btw. i made this quick guide of some of the natural size and proportion reference points in the human body. of course this all varies even irl, and you can stylize however you want, so ymmv but thought it might be helpful for some folks.

[olis-inkwell-symposium]

Developing Backstory: Bringing Characters to Life

1. Where It All Started: The Character’s Origin

Place of Birth: Where did your character first see the world? Think about the impact of this place—was it a busy city where they had to fight for attention or a quiet village where everyone knew everyone’s business? This location doesn’t just say where they’re from; it shapes how they see the world.

Family and Upbringing: What was their family like? Were their parents loving or distant? Maybe they were raised by someone other than their parents—a mentor, an older sibling, or even alone. Family (or the lack of it) is usually one of the most significant factors in shaping who someone becomes.

Society’s Expectations: What was expected of them when they were young? Possibly, they were born into wealth, with all the pressure to continue the family legacy, or maybe they were raised to be invisible in a world where survival mattered. How does this influence who they are now? Do they accept or reject those expectations?

2. Childhood Events That Left a Mark

First Taste of Conflict: Think about the first time the character realized the world wasn’t a perfect place. Maybe they witnessed violence or faced betrayal. What was that moment, and how did it stick with them? This moment usually lays the foundation for the character’s emotional landscape—fear, hope, ambition, or distrust all come from these early life lessons.

Childhood Dreams: When they were young, what did they want to be? Every child has dreams—did they want to be a knight, a scholar, or even just someone who could travel the world? Did they have to give up these dreams? How does that lost dream shape them now?

Formative Relationships: Who was their first best friend, mentor, or enemy? Childhood friendships and relationships often create deep bonds or wounds that last into adulthood. Did they have a mentor who taught them everything, only to betray them? Did they lose a childhood friend that still haunts them?

3. The Teen Years: Where They Start to Become Who They Are

Trials and Tribulations: What’s the biggest challenge they faced as they grew up? Was it losing a loved one, failing at something important, or maybe being forced into a role they didn’t want? These teenage years are where the emotional armor starts forming—how did the difficulties they faced shape them into the person they are now?

Education or Training: How did they learn what they know? Were they formally trained by an institution, learning everything by the book, or did they learn through experience, like a street-smart survivalist? What impact does their education or lack of it have on how they interact with others?

Teenage Bonds: Did they have a first love or a first major falling out with someone close to them? These experiences often create emotional scars or connections that they carry with them into adulthood. How does that past friendship or romance influence their behavior now?

4. Key Life Events: The Big Moments That Define Them

Trauma or Loss: Was there a moment that changed everything? Think about a significant loss—maybe a loved one, their home, or a sense of identity. How does this event affect their worldview? Do they build walls around themselves or dive into relationships with reckless abandon because they fear losing more?

Victory or Failure: Did they experience a moment of triumph or devastating defeat? Success and failure leave their marks. Were they celebrated as a hero once, leading them to overconfidence, or did they fail when everyone was counting on them, leading to crippling self-doubt?

Betrayal: Was there a betrayal that shaped their adult relationships? Whether it is a friend, family member, or lover, betrayal often changes how we trust others. Do they close themselves off, constantly expecting betrayal, or try to rebuild trust, afraid of being left alone again.

5. Where They Stand Now: The Present Moment

What Drives Them Today: What’s the one thing pushing them forward now? Is it revenge, the need to restore their family’s honor, or maybe even just survival? Whatever it is, this motivation should tie directly back to their experiences.

Emotional Baggage: What unresolved emotional wounds are they carrying? Everyone has scars from their past—some are visible, others not so much. How do these emotional wounds affect how they treat others, how they react to conflict, and how they move through the world.

Current Relationships: Who’s still in their life from their past, and how do they feel about it? Did they reconnect with someone they thought they’d lost, or are they haunted by unresolved issues with people from their past? Do they have any ongoing tensions or regrets tied to these people?

6. Tying Themes to Their Backstory

Cultural or Mythological Influence: How does their personal story tie into the larger world’s mythology or culture? Do they carry a family legacy, a curse, or a prophecy that hangs over them? How does this influence their interactions with others and their perception of themselves?

Recurring Symbols: Are there objects, dreams, or people that keep showing up in their life, symbolizing their journey? Perhaps a recurring nightmare haunts them, or they carry an object from their past that’s both a source of comfort and pain

7. Character Arc: The Journey from Past to Present

How Does Their Past Shape Their Growth?: Every character has emotional baggage that needs resolving. How does their backstory drive their arc? Do they need to forgive themselves, let go of the past, or accept who they’ve become to move forward?

Unanswered Questions from the Past: Are there any mysteries in their backstory they need to solve? Maybe they’re unaware of their true parentage, or maybe there’s a forgotten event from their childhood that will resurface and change everything.

[obliviasart]

PSA: Remember to give your florets regular oral inspections, it's for their health!

[hinamie]

I'll give them shelter like you've done for me

[inky-duchess]

Fantasy Guide to Early 20th Century Trains

Trains were a popular means of transportation during the early 20th century. The previous decades saw to the explosion of more trains, more services and more tracks linking country communities which were isolated from cities and larger towns. So what do we need to know about trains in the early 20th century?

Typical layout

A basic layout of a train is as follows: passenger compartments, dining cars, luggage and guard vans.

Compartments: Compartments are where the passengers sat. They were divided between three classes – first, second, third. First class compartments were the most expensive. The seats were upholstered, and the floors were often carpeted. They were much larger than the other class compartments. They would be fitted with gas light like the rest of the train, the windows would have curtains, and the walls would often be panelled with wood. Second class compartments were less luxurious but pretty much the same as the first class only smaller and less grand. Third class would feature wooden benches or seats fitted with cushions or fabric, they were smaller and often more crowded. Compartments could be offered as corridor compartments which offered more movement between compartments and cars. Compartments would offer seating areas and areas to store hand luggage. Some trains travelling overnight would offer sleeper cars which offered beds and an area to wash.

Dining Cars: Dining cars were offered on some trains. There would be tables for the passengers to eat and get something to drink. Dining cars were usually offered only to certain classes or segregated by class.

Luggage Cars: Where large luggage would be stored.

Guard Vans: Where railway security staff could get warm. It also held a stove and hand-operated brakes which the designated guard would use to slow the train if needed.

Separation

Trains in this era were divided by class and in some case race. Unlike the American states and South Africa where there were laws preventing certain races from mixing with others or from using any class other than third class, Europe was a little more forgiving in the case of race. However, this is not to say there was no segregation. This was Europe at the height of the age of Empire. People who hailed from the ‘colonies’ were discriminated through subtler means than simple prevention, they would be discouraged from attempting to use the upper class tickets and sometimes they were even treated not as well as other passengers. Class was the main division on the train. First class of course had more ability to move, more access to amenities. They often had separate dining cars where they could sit down to full meals. Larger trains might even offer some other common areas such as smoking compartments. Second class were sometimes permitted to dine in the dining cars but may not have been allowed access to full meals. Third class was not permitted access to the dining cars, often having to bring along meals or buy food at the station before departure. The classes were not allowed to mingle. In cases of a first-class person travelling with a servant, they had the choice to either purchase a first-class ticket for their servant or leave them in third class.

Train and Station Staff

Trains did not run by themselves. The passengers and the train had many needs and there had to be an army of staff available to keep things chugging along *hehe*. That being said, the train staff weren’t the only people who kept things going smoothly, the station staff at each stop would also help out the staff and the passengers.

On the Train:

Drivers: These were the people who drove the train.

Firemen: These were the people who shovelled coal and kept an eye on the steam pressure.

Guards: The guards were there to keep the passengers safe. They sometimes checked tickets and would patrol the luggage cars, mainly to keep an out for anybody sneaking onto the trains without a ticket.

Conductors: Conductors would go from car to car to check tickets, collected any outstanding fares and kept an eye on things in the compartments.

Engineers: Would travel on the train to help out with repairs on the train.

Dining car staff: Such as maids to serve tea and coffee, waiters to serve food and if the train is large enough, kitchen staff and bartenders.

The Station:

Station Masters: Was the person in charge of the station, overseeing the flow of trains and passengers through the station.

Porters: Handled the luggage.

Signalmen: Oversaw the signals to keep the trains on track *hehe*.

Parts of the train

The train is a beast of many parts. A train in this era is a steam train, which links of cars connected together behind a steam engine.

Buffers & Buffing Gear: These are the parts of the train built in to absorb impact.

Cars: The segments of the train.

Couplers: This is what connects the train cars together.

Cowcatcher/Pilot: This is the frame that sits at the very front of the train used to clear things off the track.

Carriages: These are the cars that the passenger compartments are.

Headlamp: This is the light at the front used to improve visibility.

Freight Cars: Used for transporting goods.

Locomotive: This is the train’s engine. It is the driving force of the train, where the driver and the firemen would work.

Truck: The framework that connects the axles to the wheels.

Smokebox: Where the exhaust system of the stream engine is housed.

[datcravat]

It seems there's a new lawyer in town!!!

[hummise]

theseus' guide chapter 8 spoilers !!!

an overly dramatic visualization of the chapter finale that i got way too ambitious with enjoy

[eruptedinlight]

Those bitches in Cabin 9...

[finisnihil]

“They finally made this theme more blatant-" Why does it need to be blatant. What's wrong with subtlety? Concepts can be underused but subtlety is not neglect.

Blaring all your concepts and themes is not good writing. It's so disruptive to a story's flow when the characters look off the screen to be like "See? This is the concept. The idea. The theme."

If you can feel the hand of the author becoming too heavy that's bad.

For example: I see people saying Azula's abuse in ATLA is more blatant in the live action and it's good because "it's being discussed more". It already was discussed at length. The show made it clear she was a victim at every turn, every behavior, every reaction, it came from a place of trauma. It was made clear that she was scared of ending up like Zuko because Zuko was an example of what would happen to her if she failed. When she says she's better than Zuko it wasn't just because she was raised to think hersef superior to him but because Zuko failed and failures get mutilated and exiled, failures are abandoned. In that final Agni Kai the music is morose and somber because this isnt some epic battle its a fucking tragedy, the burning out of "Ozai's brightest light" and Azula finally succumbing to her terror and trauma she was repressing now that her worst fears are realized. How can you see a fourteen year old girl chained to a sewer grate wailing and writhing and breathing fire desperately as unsympathetic? Even Katara and Zuko are horrified as to what has become of her.

The writers weren't looking us in the eye and saying "See? She's a victim too" when they wrote this, they weaved it in. They weaved it into her obsesison with symmetry, her extreme perfectionism, the way she talks about Ozai, the ways she calls herself a monster, her isolation from those with healthy home lives, all the ways she held herself together and ultimately all the cracks and seams that she shattered down when she fell apart. It did not need to be blatant to be clear.

[dottysdokis]

"tools are useful! you try putting a nail in a board using your forehead and tell me how you feel about hammers after!"

so then. bill. life before ford was like banging your head against a nail in a 2x4? it was physically painful? you need other people so much it's painful to go without them? is that what you're saying?? you're saying that with your whole chest and think you're making a good point about people being disposable?? you stupid yearning idiot???

[cosmic-aquila]

[] The Blind Guide []

There had been silent whispers in Gotham lately, about a blind child with pitch black hair that seemed to suck the light around it, dull yet shocking blind blue eyes would stare at those who somehow stumble upon him.

He's always followed by a cold chill, they say, and a feeling of eyes everywhere. There's always a crow, raven, owl, or rat nearby, always carrying a gift for the blind child. He always knew where to go, or what was around him, despite being blind. He helped anyone that stumbles upon him, whether civilian or rouge, even Robin one time when a gang teamed up on him while he was helping a stray dog.

Which is the reason Red Robin was currently swinging across rooftops, searching for any leads on where the 'Blind Guide' could be found. Red Robin was sure he was so close to the mysterious child, when Batman called for backup in order to bust a drug's ring, causing his to abandon a new rare lead.

Its been a month or so now, with Red Robin following leads but unable to find the Blind Guide for one reason or another, and why does it feel like his siblings were laughing at him behind his back?

[toast-x-butter]

Theseus' Guide!Ford

[onionowt]

Sketchy stuff with seasonal guides

Idk what was on my mind when i decided to draw all of them, i clearly wouldn't have had the strength to do this

Also i found this guy in my folders, i'll show them too

[inky-duchess]

Worldbuilding Guide: Social Problems

There is no such thing as a Utopia. Every place has its problems. Social problems are any issues that have a negative effect on the population, and are often problems which are actively being tackled by the government or a point of anger for the population which they want their leaders to fix. Social problems can fall under the umbrella of the political, economical, cultural and environmental. Social problems add a layer of realism to your worldbuilding, offering your characters something to fight against, struggle against and draw opinion on - adding complexity to both your cast of characters and the world that they inhabit.

Poverty

Poverty is defined by people having a deficit of financial resources which prevents them from accessing proper food, housing, resources and healthcare. Poverty can be caused by low wages, high inflation, inability to access the appropriate resources or unemployment. Poverty can effect the population as a whole, leading to a heavier demand on some resources and aid offered or a character alone, who has to struggle to survive.

What is the leading cause of poverty in your world?

What are some of the consequences of poverty?

How does poverty effect the population?

Where are areas where poverty is more of a problem than others?

Can somebody access aid to help them out of poverty? If so, what sort of aid? Was it available for everybody?

Unemployment

Unemployment is when there is a high number of jobless people within the population. This can lead to other issues such as a strain on resources without a return to the state or other social problems such as crime as people struggle to support themselves and survive. High rates of unemployment often reflects a deeper issues within the state itself.

What is the main cause of unemployment in your world?

Are there some areas where unemployment is more of a problem?

What do the unemployed blame for the reason they are unemployed?

How does employment effect the population?

Is there competition to gain employment?

What are some factors that might bar somebody from obtaining employment?

What are the government doing to solve the problem?

Environment

The environment is another problem often effecting society as a whole. Whether it is air pollution or rising water levels or even urban sprawl, environment often effects how a society and a settlement thrives - either by the spending of money for preventative measures or the effects on the health of the population as a whole. Of course, most governments see environment as a small issue, especially if the problems are long in effecting them personally or to tackle them would have an effect on profit and business.

What are some resources that are very scarce?

How is the land itself effected by changes to the environment?

What are some effects on resources? Such as pollution or deforestation?

How does an effected environment effect every day life?

Does impacted environment have an effect on wildlife? On crops?

What are some health problems caused by poor care for the environment?

Is the environment a pressing issue?

Crime & Violence

Crime, violence and anti-social behaviour effect the population. Crime rates often have overreaching effects: high crime rates leads to an increased police presence, more surveillance on the population and stricter laws which often develop a population who may grow disenfranchised with the government and country they live in. High crime rates often effect property prices and economic growth, with areas of high crime often falling below market value and businesses wary to move to those areas. Crime and criminal activity often leads to people feeling isolated, especially if the area is written off as a 'bad' area, with people leaving the area when they can for safer areas. Crime might also effect children and young people if grow up with an exposure to violent behaviour, with a higher chance of them being victims or future preparators of crime.

Is the law fair? Does it apply to everybody equally?

What is the rate of violent crime?

What is the rate of petty crime?

Are punishments for crime seen as just?

What rights does a prisoner have once arrested? If any?

What crimes have a higher rate of occurrence? Why is this?

How is crime combated? Is it effective?

What evidence does law enforcement need to arrest somebody?

Is a prisoner entitled to legal representation?

How is crime combatted?

Is law enforcement corrupted by crime? How common is bribery?

How is justice obtained?

Are any crimes taboo?

What crimes are considered acceptable and in what situation?

Healthcare

Healthcare is an important factor in any thriving society. Healthcare ensures that the workforce is kept in top shape but also that those who struggled with health survived. Healthcare can often be divided by wealthy and poor, access to good if any healthcare often was restricted. Lack of healthcare can lead to high death rates, with some of the population often seeking other means for their health such as illegal practitioners or harmful home remedies.

If somebody had little or no money, could they be denied access to healthcare?

Is healthcare equal? Are there any classes who would find it harder to access healthcare?

Is healthcare a worry for the government?

Are there any alternatives for those who can't access healthcare?

Does the state provide any healthcare? If so, who can benefit?

What are some diseases that are rampant? Why?

What are mortality rates among children or infants? Why is it high/low?

Is there any care for pregnant people?

How is mental illness treated? Is there stigma around mental health?

How much would a doctor's visit cost?

Are hospitals accessible for all? What about clinics or asylums?

How effective are treatments for insanity?

Hygiene

Hygiene will be an extremely important feature of any society. Lack of hygiene through clean water or proper sanitation practises can have knock on effects on health and survival. Bad housing could effect the health of tenants, with illnesses caused by cheap materials, damp, mould and other features of decay and ruin. Lack of clean water can cause epidemics of cholera, typhoid, dysentery and leptospirosis. Poor sanitation practises like lack of human waste disposal, waste management, poor drainage and sewage systems and poor hygiene facilities led to rampant disease and infection rates, along with the infestation of pests like rats and flies.

What is considered poor hygiene?

How is waste managed? Is it managed well?

If the settlement or area has poor sanitation, what does it smell like?

Are there any personal pests that are rampant? Lice? Fleas?

Are there adequate drainage and sewage systems? If not, why?

What is considered luxury in terms of washing one's self? A hot bath? Shower?

What is the air quality like? If it is bad, why? How does it effect people?

Is water clean?

How many homes have access to clean water?

Is access to clean water a right or a privilege?

Is hygiene a task that the government has to tackle?

Education

Education can either be seen as a luxury or a right, depending on how your society views it. Education is the key to social mobility and often there are barriers for the lower classes to access the education they need in order to move up in the ranks and status. An educated population is a population who questions and challenges their leaders so education may be restricted for some factions in the population. Then if education is available to all, chances are there are different access routes and levels of effectiveness - often the wealthy can afford a better level of education with better resources while the poorer classes may not be able to access the education they need or the resources.

What is the cost of a basic education?

How easy is it to access an education?

Does every settlement in your world have a school? If not, why?

What is the highest university or school one can achieve?

What is a basic education? What does it entail?

What is the rate of literacy in your world? Is literacy rates seem as a problem?

Who can access education?

Is education seen as a right? Or is it a luxury?

Are some branches of education restricted?

Homelessness

Homelessness is a social problem where there aren't enough appropriate or affordable homes for the population. Homelessness is often a result of poverty, overpopulation, personal factors such as untreated mental illness and substance abuse issues and high employment rates but also the power of the landowners and property owners, especially if they have government backing which they likely do. Homelessness is often blamed on those effected themselves but in reality, it is a reflection on the government's failures to provide alternatives or solutions to the problems that cause homelessness. Rising numbers of people without stable housing due to financial hardship or systemic failures.

How is homelessness viewed by society?

Is homelessness a problem in certain areas?

If homelessness is seen as the fault of the victim, why and how does society see it that way?

How does the government view homelessness? Is it a problem they feel they need to solve quickly?

Addiction

Addiction is a social issue that not only effects a community personally but also other factors on this list. Addiction can be substance abuse, alcohol abuse or gambling, which puts pressure on the community's ability to survive and thrive. It can also have an effect on a community's ability to work and generate wealth, pushing up crime rates.

How are sufferers of addiction viewed within society?

How does addiction effect employment and crime?

Does addiction effect both classes?

What are some things that the population are addicted to?

Is addiction a pressing issue?

Political Corruption

Abuse of power is a common theme throughout historic and modern communities. Sometimes the ability to make overreaching decisions for a population breeds greed and corruption. Bribery or blackmail might be used to sway choices. Politicians might make decisions based on personal wealth or in order to protect themselves or their incomes. Sometimes laws will be passed not for fairness but for consolidating the gap between those in power and those without.

Are elections considered fair?

How can elections be meddled with?

Are there any factions of population that are prevented from voting?

Do politicians have a reputation for accepting bribes or looking after their own interests in office?

What are some if any political scandals of recent memory?

Can politicians be prosecuted for bad behaviour?

How do the population view their leaders?

Gender Issues

Gender is an issue that effects most communities. Whether it is a pay gap between the genders or differing levels of rights or opportunities. Gender divides between men and women and non-binary individuals create levels of distrust, frustration and often danger. Gender can play into class divides, political corruption, education and crime and violence and also effect how society runs, restrictions on gender can also effect society as a whole by not allowing the whole population to be utilized as a workforce or active members of society.

What some differences in how the genders are treated by society?

If there are differences, what effect does this have within society and the fabric of your world?

Are there groups that protest against these gaps?

What are some behaviours and opportunities that are unobtainable for certain genders?

Does this effect both classes?

Overpopulation

Overpopulation is when the population is greater than the number of resources available to sustain them. Overpopulation can contribute to poverty and homelessness with too many people trying to find lodging and shelter. It can increase unemployment with people trying to access too little jobs. It can strain any healthcare providers and impact the environment. Strains on resources can often contribute rates of violence and tension.

Where does overpopulation occur?

Does overpopulation drain any resources in particular?

Is there any way for the government try combat overpopulation?

Is overpopulation caused organically or are there another factors involved?

Are there any ways to prevent or slow down growth of the population?

[cobaltfluff]

sasuga my ace detective mind-reading soulmate, I knew I could trust you