#haremwip

[alistonjdrake]

first line tag

tagged by both @authoralexharvey & @serotoninshift (although I think they were certainly different. same thing really) I’m gonna ty to focus on stuff I don’t already overshare

Council of the Olive Grove

“I understand you’ve had no choice in where you lay your loyalties,” said the countess to the spy. “So I am giving you a choice in how we’ll handle your indiscretion.” 

Pretty Girls Love Dead Things

I think love in all its forms is ultimately pure. I loved her before I knew what it meant. I loved her to the point of imitation.

Silk & Hysteria

This was not the first time, and as history had a way of repeating itself, Mohun doubted it would be the last.

The House of Ruin

The morning Justyna ducked out of the townhouse into the pouring rain she wasn’t trying to catch a cold, she was trying to catch water.

The Night Court

The night Mikolaj jumped out the window he wasn't trying to run away, he was trying to buy drugs.

Saint Saltykov

When the State-Princes of Dimur came to visit Saulès, they always mucked up the city’s numerous ports with foul-smelling ships and an increase in armed robberies.

The Sorcerei of Cokumpoint

Ethel Baker did not believe in ghosts.

Someone Will Die

Her friends called her Mery. The nickname came from her father. 'Merry Meredith'. Eventually, she just shortened it.

We Heard the Devil

The first time I saw Uncle Luis after the incident was at my dad’s funeral back in 2016. 

Of Blood and Stone

There was a very good chance no one knew she was there.

being a cop out and tagging whoever sees this and feels like sharing! I’m lazy :) 

[harem37]

ko-fi chibi commissions open~

Hiya! Im opening up ko-fi commisions to earn some extra money for an upcoming holiday~

one chibi = one commission

ko-fi.com/haremwip

[alistonjdrake]

Silk & Hysteria: The Setting

Silk and Hysteria takes place in a vaguely (and I do use that liberally) late medieval setting among feuding empires and thriving merchant states. It’s indulgently filled with dragon mythos, powerful & prophesized dead queens, and illegal magic (my favorite “empty” concept). Below the cut I’ll go through the map.

It looks empty for now but all the important names are currently tacked on and we’ll add detail later so shhh.

The dashes on the map currently represent Anarga’s most active trade routes and the other is our lovely Mohun’s journey from the kingdom he calls come to life in the harem. 

The Mahidghati Kingdoms

While usually grouped together on the basis of similar religious practices and an origin story, the kingdoms vary greatly in terms of culture and language and the reverence towards certain dead queens. As well as the overbearing presence of the Magisterium and the College of Jharkaner Arts.

‘Jharkaner’ refers to the Mahid practice and belief system behind magic which is unique to them. Having the ability to do magic in the Mahidghati kingdoms is usually owed to having a spiritual imbalance, impure blood, or either a sign of an ancestor’s sin or virtue depending on what the ability is. The most common Jharkaner arts tend to be foresight and the ability of “star reading” which all just makes for a better court astrologist or tending which usually makes for people who tend to excel when it comes to physical arts and luxury labors (sewing, paint, architecture, etc.) Most other forms of Jharkaner arts are rated on a case by case basis but due to tend to be considered illegal or considered unfit for practice by the Magisterium. In the case of being born with and discovered to have illegal magic, it is usually up to the Magisterium’s discretion what to do with the culprit and while the most common “fix” is usually keeping them with the Magisterium under close watch, there are also plenty of cases of collaring (to subdue the abilities) and castration (to prevent further inheritance) if enough Magisters vote for it. 

Magisters can be found all over the Mahidghati Kingdoms. They are often in the service of monarchs of the fabulously wealthy but it is extremely rare to find out outside of the Mahidghati due to the rest of the world’s newfound interest in witch hunting or religious beliefs that deeply disagree with Jharkaner practice. 

Other than this, the Mahidghati do not agree on much.  In fact, the separate kingdoms are often at war with one another. While it is believed each sovereign nation descends from one part of a once great empire, the modern kingdoms tend to be reluctantly friendly rivals. As such, it is not unusual for Mohun’s upbringing for there to lived through four Mahid wars. While laws and cultural practices due vary by kingdom, many are also extremely regional and smaller towns/villages often don’t notice a huge change when taken over by a neighboring kingdom. 

While the Mahidghati would like not to interact much with outsiders due to the Jharkaner Arts, mythos surrounding the dead and revered Queen Rushpa and other figures from the region have extended to feral worship beyond their borders and they often have no choice but to allow in pilgrims or those seeking to add their history and practices to another culture’s religious beliefs. 

Anarga

The aforementioned trading capital. An independent, multicultural city-state run by a woman with a title stolen from Honningul royalty (much to their displeasure).  Anarga has become an international hub and tends to remain neutral in all conflicts, considering itself a safe haven for people of any background and anyone in pursuit of their passions. Anarga has no militant forces of its own and usually keeps itself safe both with the selling of goods and information. Anarga is also the one place outside of the Mahidghati Kingdoms were one can find other magic practitioners. 

And despite it’s neutrality, Anarga considers it’s closest ally to be Xuzou (although this could in part be because of Xuzou’s semi-isolation due to the city walls and mountainous area). As well as other speculation of Shanba Negar being either related to or romantically involved with Xuzou officials and nobility, but she otherwise remains independent in spite of this. 

Along with mercantile and trade guilds, Anarga is also home to several artistry guilds and religious institutions. 

Okudaka

After a thirty-five year reign of the Five Talons, a council of significant warlord families and houses of career soldiers, what many deem the “Charming Age” has returned with the subsequent return of the nobility and the installment of Emperor Naosuke. While it’s easy to focus on the return of the imperial family, it also wouldn’t be fair not to acknowledge the raise of rich merchant families that helped put them back in power, as the takedown of the Five Talons worked in their favor as well. 

The Five Talons are still in some form of power, however, now working alongside and beneath the emperor in order to ensure peace in the realm. The Five Talons are still responsible for the realm’s military and pursue campaigns within the Mahidghati Kingdoms due in part to Empress Fusa’s assistance and to acquire what they now consider holy relics. 

Okudaka is a kingdom deeply invested in their family ties and clan superiority. While it used to be a country pleased with uniformity and tradition, the reign of the Five Talons have also sparked both the noble class and the raising merchants to separate themselves from the Okudaka of the past. Now full of several political movements (including ones critical both of the warlords and the imperial family) and counter cultures, the emperor’s preference to live in the summer palace on the opposite side of the country from the capital certainly does not do much to help things and power is often wrestled out of the hands of greedy local magistrates by imperial soldiers every few months.  The only thing the people of Okudaka seem to be able to currently agree on is a great respect and fear of gods and spirituality, partially because many blame all the strife in the country as a punishment for past sins. 

Taglist (ask to be added/removed):  @lividdreamz @wizardfromthesea @badenraynesimpsforthane​ @blueinkblot​ @space-cadead​​

[alistonjdrake]

Silk & Hysteria: Cast of Characters

In the harem:

Mohun the Eunuch: Born in Khudu of the Mahidghati Kingdoms, collared and castrated as a youth by the Magisterium for supposedly dangerous magic, and raised partially by one of the most influential women in the world, Mohun’s life as the lover to Prince Rajesh and adviser to King Rahul of Chirpu comes to an end when war overtakes his country and allies. Now a servant in the household of one of Emperor Naosuke’s least liked concubines, and possibly still part of international spy ring, Mohun can either choose to live his life in tense obscurity or try to climb the social ladder Extras: surprisingly well educated in art and world languages, is 28 years old, and has lived through four wars. Renamed Moromichi by the Imperial Household council.

Empress Fusa: Born Zahira-Rati Tomar of the Parahi (one of the many Mahidghati Kingdoms) she joined the Togawa clan at the age of eleven to be raised by her uncle, one of the warlords who previously ruled Okudaka before the reinstatement of the emperor, and as such she ended up as the principal wife of the new imperial monarch. Although Mahidghati by blood and Oku by marriage (and the stated source for Okudaka’s involvement in Mahidghati wars) she is secure in pursuing her own agenda and goals and has a harsh demeanor accompanied by her assumed reverence among the gods. Extras: Is much closer with the Five Talons (the council of warlords) than her husband, has no children of her own but is currently in charge of the education of the emperor’s favorite minor son, was born on a holy day, is often surrounded by high-noble ladies and favored eunuchs, and is 30 years old.

Empress Dowager Ishishi: Emperor Naosuke’s mother. As she was stripped of titles and power during the age in which the warlords had an exclusive hold over Okudaka, and it was through her maneuvering and scheming that got her son in power, she takes an iron stance over the care and upkeep of the harem. She would be pleased to eradicate the Five Talons completely and ensure her son has ultimate power over the realm.  Extras: Famously dislikes Empress Fusa and most things she deems as threats to her son and clan’s legacy, may be old but she’s also indirectly responsible for a lot of death and intimidation. 

Princess Saanvi: More or less a political hostage. The daughter of King Rahul who, along with Mohun, was brought to Empress Fusa as presents. Currently most likely to end up in Prince Atusyori’s future harem once they both are of age. Extras: Currently suffering a language barrier and would latch onto to Mohun for help if appearances weren’t so important.

Noble Consort Nigato: Primary mother for most of Emperor Naosuke’s children and both the favorite of the emperor and his mother.

Prince Atusyori: Emperor Naosuke’s favorite child, still young enough to be in the harem but shows promise and is even liked among the different councils. 

Attendant Minashi: Born Andou Kuyo. One of Emepror Naosuke’s concubines, the daughter of an influential family of merchants but is not respected in the palace and the emperor doesn’t even remember she exists. Extras: Bitter and spoiled 19 year old who both misses her home and is quick to befriend Mohun out of boredom. 

Consort Kiyomi: A favorite of Empress Fusa’s.

In the Palace:

Emperor Naosuke: Born Ishikawa Tokuji of the Nomura clan and one of many princes of the last emperor who was overthrown, Emperor Naosuke is the twice-blessed emperor of Okudaka. The first blessing considered reclaiming the country from the warlords and the second from his marriage to someone closely attached to spiritual power. For all his prowess, he is however paranoid and deeply needy. Attached to beautiful and priceless things, constantly afraid of being overthrown, and fickle in his interests. He grew up very coddled and it shows.  Extras: Almost never leaves the palace, often has his favorite courtiers sit in on meetings for him, is 42 years old. 

Konoe Narihide: The empresss’ younger half brother and Emperor Naosuke’s favorite courtier. A financial adviser and also the acting in-between for most religious discussions. As he’s also a trained soldier, the emperor is not the only one who respects him and his insight. 

Assistant Yorisade: Principal Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Palace and secretary to the emperor. He used to serve the Five Talons and has noticeable disdain for most other palace servants. 

Princess Tsuya: Emperor Naosuke’s oldest child and married to General Wakiya of the Five Talons. Despite it being an arranged match, she’s not well liked by her family because of it. Only in court pending her possible sacrificial death that was foretold by monks after she gives birth.  Extras: Very likely having a reputation-ruining affair even as she gets along decently well with her husband. 23 years old 

Wen Yijun: A visiting envoy and a serial charmer. 

The Five Talons: A council of five warlord clans/families who ruled Okudaka for a thirty year period between the overthrowing of the last emperor and the struggle to crown Emperor Naosuke. While they still have massive power in the nation, they’ve lost a lot of popularity as merchant guild families raise to prominence and nobility has returned. 

Elsewhere:

King Rahul: King of Chirpu, on the run since the destruction and overtaking of his palace. 

Prince Rajesh: Mohun’s lover. Now dead as a result of war. A trained magister by the College of Jharkaner Arts, a big supporter of Mohun’s education and handled most of his travel expenses in the past. 

Shanba Negar: The richest woman in the world. “Queen” of the merchant guilds on the influential island city of Anarga, and independent state that has charters and connections with several nations. As she is also close to the magisterium, Negar has her fingers in several political plots and makes up different alliances in order to keep the city afloat. 

[alistonjdrake]

Babe Wake Up, New Wip Just Dropped.

At the end of a war, to save his skin Mohun the eunuch offers his services as a collared magister for the twice-blessed emperor. As a con-man, a former thief, and with ties to deadly political fractions, Mohun must find standing as a servant within the imperial harem while hiding his own agenda. But as corrupt politics and magic alike threaten the emperor’s palace and Mohun finds himself at the heart of tangled plots, must once again decide between his loyalties and his life. 

Silk & Hysteria is a low/political (hopefully) standalone fantasy in which a eunuch seduces an emperor for his own political gains and finds himself in over his head. 

Featuring Performances By:

Maybe one or two dragons

Ridiculous magic

An empress who hates her husband and is possibly plotting to kill him

A tangled web of harem and concubine drama

Manipulators everywhere

No love triangles just promiscuity and low standards

Other jealous eunuchs 

An imperial court full of assholes

This is where I would put the taglist if I had one so instead someone just tell @asablehart that I’m finally writing about harems and eunuchs but I will be posting about the world building and the new map I’m making (eventually) since this is a different setting than my other work (and eventually I’ll also have excerpts) so if anyone is interested in that or the reader’s copy when it’s ready hit me up.

[alistonjdrake]

Silk & Hysteria: Map Update

It’s honestly been a while since I’ve posted anything so I thought I’d share why I’ve been taking so long. I’m slowly adding details to the map before I come out with my world building post (and maybe get some insights about what you’d be interested in hearing about 👀).  I stand by my label of the lowest of low fantasy writers but I am stretching my genre chops a little in this setting because I’m not above dragons or sea monster mythos or the worship of powerful dead queens.

Taglist below the cut. Tell me if you want to be added/removed.

@lividdreamz @wizardfromthesea @badenraynesimpsforthane @blueinkblot​ 

[alistonjdrake]

Dreaming about getting content out for S&H, talking about the world building, and getting asks because holy fuck I’ve barely touched it

[alistonjdrake]

I’m also outlining S&H on the side (so mentally) and I’m trying to hit that sweet spot for character povs. I think I’m deciding against having the emperor be a POV character because he’s kinda dopey but maybe the story needs a dumbass break every now and then 🤔

[alistonjdrake]

I just stumbled on your Silk and Hysteria cast of characters post and I’m intrigued! Do you have anything more about the story, like any plot summary or WIP page or anything? It’s ok if not! I just wanted to learn more

Heyo! I do have a WIP intro here but unfortunately I haven’t made a page or really gave away much about the plot much yet. I plan to later in the week once I (hopefully) finish the map.

[alistonjdrake]

think I might end up doing a bit of religion building for S&H. I mention some stuff in chapter one that I think I want to flesh out a bit more so it’s solid

[alistonjdrake]

I think silk and hysteria is gonna be the first time I don’t post a wip on wattpad. Not for any particular reason if anything I just don’t feel like cover hunting for it but this also means if I want people to read it before I do anything with it I have to put effort into like...talking about it