provera-pastel

[gaydragontournament]

ROUND 1: PART 3

Propaganda under cut

Unnamed Young Dragon

● The grandchild of the King of the dragons, this dragon has not yet decided their gender/name

Caden Bryce

● Caden is not only canonically gay and a dragon, but is the soulmate of Valerius, the King of Dragons. In a world of shifters Caden is the 9th dragon shifter to appear in a world with 8 dragon shifters who have divided up and rule the world. Valerius at first believes him to be invading his territory after Caden stops a terrorism bombing and instead of dying he becomes a dragon shifter. Caden is kind and caring, always choosing to save others and attempting to end conflicts through peaceful means. Caden does not want the responsibility which comes with being a dragon shifter but eventually realizes he can use his new influence for good.

In this world shifters exist via animal spirits who bond with humans, granting them immortality and the ability to shift into their bonded animals, among other abilities. Caden is bonded to Iolare, the white dragon, who he can communicate with internally. Iolare has ice ability along with the ability to force other dragon shifters back into their human forms. Another ability is being able to telepathically communicate with Valerius, his soulmate, across any distance in human or dragon form. Valerius and Iolare are not the only soulmates as their dragon spirits Raziel and Iolare, respectively, are also soulmates.

[authorjessowen]

A gift art for a long time reader and patron, @almonihah , of his birb character Iolar, a great guardian spirit of raptors, in this painting appearing as a red tailed hawk. Thanks for all your support over the years 💜🪶🦅 first (digital) painting of 2023!😱 https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm5VgZQrO4-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[palehorntea]

Stream Snatch from Almonihah! Roc-Iolar coming in for a landing! Loved painting all the tress on this one :D

Timelapse: https://twitter.com/PalehornTea/status/1710021663503565221

[magia-region]

Visiolar, the Ravenclaw Eagle Pokémon

Psychic/Flying type

Visiolar is the mascot of Ravenclaw House, and as such embodies the House’s core values of intelligence, knowledge, curiosity, creativity and wit.

When it gets curious about something, it will try to learn as much about it as possible. That was how it met the new Founder of Ravenclaw, finding the goblin woman just as fascinating as Rarliort found it.

The two formed a friendship so profound that Visiolar allowed Gonxa to follow it to where it kept its horde of knowledge.

This would later become the location of New Hogwarts.

Name comes from Iolar, Irish word for Eagle, and vision. 

I made its talons black in color because the ‘raven’ in Ravenclaw can also be interpreted as ‘black’ or ‘dark colored’, like calling someone raven haired.

Guards the Spear of the Moon 

Spade card suit 

And we can’t forget its shiny version!

Instead of blue and brown/bronze, New Hogwarts’ Ravenclaw colors are blue and white. I’ve seen this coloration for Ravenclaw in actual merch, so I thought it’d make sense.

[asterwild]

[Image: A black and white drawing of a white-tailed eagle in flight, holding a fish with one of its feet. End ID]

White-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) were last documented in England in the 1780s, and were fully extirpated from the British Isles by the early 1900s. But they’re making a comeback now thanks to reintroduction projects.

The eagles’ removal from the British Isles was mostly intentional: these large birds of prey were viewed as a danger to livestock and a competitor for game, and destruction of them was encouraged. Elsewhere in their range, they’ve also continued to suffer from threats such as pesticides, lead poisoning, and habitat degradation.

Reintroduction efforts began in Scotland in the 1970s, and Ireland in 2007. 2019 saw the beginning of eagle reintroduction in England, starting with six Scottish-bred birds and another seven the following year released on the Isle of Wight. Despite setbacks such as slow population growth and killings, there’s hope that these majestic birds will be reestablished and grace the skies again.

[hawk-feathers]

An owl version of Iolar, the Guardian Spirit of Birds of Prey. Iolar belongs to the ever awesome @Almonihah Art by me.

[corbix]

Finally (FINALLY) got that Craftsman’s Singlet, and. Well.

This is exactly why Iolaire doesn’t often take his shirt off when teaching combat, it’s a distraction. Or maybe he does as encouragement...

You too can have arms like dang if you work hard at learning to yeet yourself in to danger for [REDACTED] years like a proper Knight Dragoon!

[art-for-sounds]

[ardentisnox]

So I was doing some doodling and did some pose/expression practice with two of my OCs, Ash and Iolar. This also very accurately describes 95% of their interactions.

[gaydragontournament]

ROUND 2: PART 2

Propaganda under cut

King Valerius (Dragon's Reign by Raythe Reign/X. Aratare)

• King Valerius is the King of all dragons and first dragon shifter in this world. Valerius bonded to his dragon, Raziel, thousands of year ago during a war when his own brother was killed before his eyes. Raziel the dragon bonded with Valerius to allow him to avenge his brother. Valerius remained isolated for many years, preferring to be alone until forced to come out of hiding after the truth about the existence of shifters was revealed to the world and became a reluctant King. Valrius does not much want to rule, yet still cares for those under his protection. Meeting his soulmate Caden, ninth dragon shifter and the white dragon, changed his outlook on life. Helping him to not be as grumpy and to take a more active role in ruling.

Similarly to Caden, Valerius is immortal and able to shift into his dragon form via Raziel, his dragon spirit. Valerius is the black dragon and has the breathe abilities of all the other dragon shifters such as fire, poison, lightning, energy, lava, and more. He is also able to internally communicate with Raziel and telepathically communicate with Caden, his soulmate, across any distance in human or dragon form. Valerius and Iolare are not the only soulmates as their dragon spirits Raziel and Iolare, respectively, are also soulmates.

Whiptail lizard (Real Life)

●this particular species of lizard is the gayest thing in the animal kingdom.

-they are all female and reproduce asexually

-but still have been seen performing mating rituals with other female lizards, and are more likely to reproduce if they do this.

-they exist in real life like that’s so incredibly gay

-no male lizards whatsoever and thus all of them are lesbians

-also so incredibly lizard adorable like look one up

[asktheriftwalkers]

Chronicle; 1 - The Figure in the Rift

Fifteen years.

He’d been aware of the place for fifteen years. It was swiftly approaching half of his life that he had been involved with the Rift. This strange half world layered over the human world taunted him every moment, more specifically, the creatures that resided within it. 

For the longest time, it frightened him in the same way a child would fear the monster under their bed. Only for him, those monsters were all too real. Even still, the Rift had its uses. 

Iolar was reminded of this as he heard alarms wail at him, sirens approaching. 

Thieving was never easy, and this was no exception. The building was actually rather challenging for him to infiltrate, and while he took so many precautions, was prepared for nearly everything, there was one thing he could never completely account for. Human unpredictability. The fact was, people still surprised him to this day. This time, it was just a security guard who chose to change his route ever so slightly. The thief had tried to knock him out before he could do anything, but he raised the alarms before Iolar could finish the job.

He had laid the guard down where he found him and found his way to a more secluded office with an expansive window. Thankfully, he had what he came for, but it wasn’t a success unless he escaped without getting arrested.

Thoughts raced in his head as he paced. He could jump. The window was right there. But no, he was on the eleventh floor. He’d die. He could try to hide, but that would only delay the inevitable. He could fight, but people would get hurt. Including himself. The chances of survival were slim at best.

But then there was the Rift. 

Iolar pulled his phone out from an inner jacket pocket, speed dialing an old friend’s number. 

“Gypsy, you’re callin’ pretty la-.”

“No time, Jace. Where are you?”

“Er- at the shop?” His friend sounded rather confused, but the sound of things being rearranged could be heard over the line. Iolar knew he’d be turning off that old beat up stereo, checking the windows, and mentally confirming where he put his gun. Just in case. Jace was a creature of habit, and it was his reactions in times like these that made Iolar thankful to have him as a friend.

“I’m coming, through the Rift.”

“Got it, brother.” Jace hung up.

Stashing his phone again, Iolar took a deep breath to steel himself. He rose his gloved hand, sweeping his hand down sharply to cut open a portal as he heard footsteps approaching the office he was in. He shot an irritated glance to the door just before he stepped inside the portal, closing it behind it by holding out his hand once more.

Inside the Rift, Iolar suppressed a shiver at the icy temperature. He was surrounded by darkness. Everything was pitch black, and below him, the darkness extended. Instinctively, he focused on his feet, keeping himself from falling. He could see movement out of the corner of his eye, the shadows moving about, curious but cautious to his sudden appearance. He took a deep breath as he felt the Rift impose on his mind. Dark thoughts started to resurface, old lies that he knew well. He pushed it away out of habit, opening his eyes and looking around.

Souls of swirling color walked around him, the souls of the police and security. He could see anxiety in many of their souls, but he brushed it aside. They would be fine. He needed to get to Jace.

Starting off at a walk, he sped his pace until he was running through the Rift at a steady, fast pace. He left the guards behind rapidly. The only problem with the Rift was his inability to see the human world, only living beings. 

Namely... buildings were a rather large problem. He couldn’t count the amount of times he wished he didn’t have to worry about exiting the Rift and ending up in a wall.

Jace was a familiar soul, and one of his most trusted friends. It was easy to pinpoint him, so long as Iolar wasn’t in another country. 

“Hey- get off!” 

A voice made him stop. That was-... a human voice. A human woman’s voice. A voice that wouldn’t make him flinch in the human world, but-. This was the Rift.

No one but him could enter the Rift.

Iolar turned, looking for the source of the noise. In the distance, he could see the figure of a woman. She had silver hair, pinned back in a bun of sorts. Silver hair that looked so much like his own. Iolar forgot how to breathe, until he saw her struggle against a shadow. The shadow was attacking her.

The thief finally could feel his feet once more. He sprinted toward her, biting the fingertip of his glove and roughly pulling it off. Below, a metallic gauntlet glinted off his skin, deep burn scars underneath. He shoved the glove in his pocket, running toward the woman as fast as he could.

A shadow cut across his path, making him have to dodge. Iolar landed easily on his feet, gritting his teeth. The shadow hissed and rounded back on him, lunging for him. 

Iolar blocked with the gauntlet, but not before the shadow managed to clip his other unarmed forearm. He hissed, turning the tide and slashing out toward the shadow with the gauntlet. The tips pierced the creature, cutting deep as the shadow screeched with pain. It dissipated, leaving him to whirl around and search for the woman once again.

But there was no trace of her.

Staring in the direction, he looked everywhere she could have gone. But there was- nothing. He let out a shaky breath. Was- was that real? Was there truly someone there? Or was the Rift causing him to finally lose his mind? Iolar felt a chill down his spine, before he reminded himself that no-... the Rift had never been able to manifest a full person before. It couldn’t make the appearance or the voice of a human, not even for a hallucination. 

Iolar shook his head, running a hand through his hair. His forearm was starting to sting. The pain reminded him that he needed to get to Jace. 

The thief forced his feet to move, continuing in the direction he had been running originally. Thoughts clouded his mind, leaving the thief feeling shaken as he ran. Everything felt- too much. He was aware of every heartbeat, every impact of a footfall, every soul he passed. It all jumbled together, leaving him feeling like a tensed string on an old instrument, ready to snap.

Finally, he spotted the familiar blue hue of his friend’s soul. Anxiety caused the soul to shift in predictable ways. Iolar slowed as he got closer, cutting a new portal to exit the Rift.

A rush of warmth wrapped around him as he felt true ground underneath his feet once more. The smell of sawdust and polyurethane assaulted his senses, and the lights made him wince. Iolar let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, feeling his legs start to wobble ever so slightly.

“Ch-christ, brother, you look like hell.” Jace spoke, causing Iolar to look up sharply, jumping. The stocky, muscular man stepped closer, making sure Iolar saw his movement before he grabbed his good arm, helping to support him. He guided him to a stool, letting him sit as he looked Iolar over. “The gauntlet- Gypsy, what happened?”

The words made Iolar realize he had never put his glove back on to conceal the metallic artifact on his hand. Did that woman have one too? He blinked slowly, staring down at it for a long moment. He pulled the glove from his pocket, gripping at the thick leather for a moment before he pulled it on over the gauntlet. It rested most of the way up his forearm, completely covering the intricate details of the gauntlet.

It helped. The familiar weight, pressure of the glove... it helped.

“...Gypsy?” Jace spoke hesitantly, but shifted away to pull a first aid kit out, setting it on the table. “... Iolar, I’m going to patch up your arm. Is that okay?”

Jace’s voice helped to ground him. Iolar took in a breath, giving a nod. He shifted so he could rest his arm on the table next to him. There were three places where his jacket was cut, blood causing the fabric to cling uncomfortably. He paused, before slipping his pack off his shoulder, dropping it to the ground, and shrugging off his jacket. Underneath, he wore a plain black, long-sleeved shirt that clung to his form.

“... Yeah, brother, think that shirt is hosed.” Jace chuckled softly, pulling a pair of scissors out from the kit. “Jacket might be able to be saved, if you find a really good tailor.”

Iolar knew he was filling the silence, letting the thief work through the swirling thoughts that went through his mind. He was thankful, in part. 

The carpenter cut the shirt up to where a t-shirt would rest, cutting off the excess and looking down at the wound. The cuts weren’t too deep, but wounds from the shadows were never easy. They bled without clotting, and were slow to heal. Jace started to clean the wound with alcohol and a clean cloth.

“... I saw someone.” Iolar finally spoke, not looking at his friend. “In-... in the Rift.”

Jace stopped in his movements. Iolar could feel his friend’s green eyes on him, and while he couldn’t look at him, he could see the stunned look in his mind’s eye. The way Jace’s bushy brows wrinkled his forehead, the premature wrinkles around his eyes all but disappearing as his eyes widened, the five o’clock shadow at his jaw as it went slack. The thief closed his eyes, clenching his gloved hand into a fist as Jace continued to clean his cuts, more methodically than before.

“... In the Rift?” Jace echoed, “... Geeze, brother. Did they attack you?”

“No. It’s-... it’s from a shadow. A shadow was attacking her, and I ran to help her. Another one attacked me.” Iolar slowly opened his eyes. “... I was escaping from a heist. I heard her- saw her when I entered the Rift.”

“Her?”

Iolar nodded, looking up at him. Jace finished cleaning the wound, applying clotting powder to a large piece of gauze before pressing it against the wound. The thief bit back a hiss from pain, taking a deep breath. “... It was a woman. Her hair- was like mine, Jace.”

Jace pressed on the wound, meeting Iolar’s gaze with a serious, but concerned expression. “... You think she’s a Rift Walker?”

“... Am I crazy?” Iolar’s voice was soft, trying to hold himself together. His eyes betrayed his jumbled up emotions. 

“Probably, but not in the way you’re thinkin’, brother.” Jace smiled softly, reaching for a roll of gauze to start to wrap the wound. “... Listen, you’ve told me a bit of how you- became a Rift Walker. How you got that thing on your hand. Sure, the only other person you’ve seen with one was completely off his rocker, but you’re not. Come on, Gypsy, if you made it, if you kept your wits about you for this long, if someone else encountered the Rift, you think there’s no one else who would be able to do what you did? No one, in the world?”

Iolar let out a long breath, trembling a bit. Jace was right. His argument was logical. If Iolar had survived, surely there would be a chance someone else could as well.

“... Thank you, Jace.” He whispered, closing his eyes again and allowing himself to take comfort in the words.

Jace chuckled a little, securing the wrap and patting Iolar on the shoulder. “... Brother, if I wasn’t used to your antics by now, I’d be dead. Now, you want to hang around and get some rest, or you runnin’ off on me?” 

“... I’d-... I’d welcome your office couch.”

“Good thing I got plenty of work to do here, then. I got an armoire to finish sanding and staining.”

“Have I ever mentioned you look far too gruff to use words like ‘armoire’?”

Jace laughed, brushing his black hair back off his forehead. “Probably, but thanks. Guess I’m full of surprises, eh?”

[almonihahzrathanzon]

I took some better pictures of Roc!Iolar and posted them on DeviantArt.

[captain-wolf-of-the-sea-blog]

“This town wasn’t even on the map," he huffs, his hues looking down to the map. (given that discussion about which of your otp uses the map, this is so appropriate.)

                 Hazels at first didn’t register the Englishman, intently they had been washed over the sudden ill temperament of the sea and her squall that rearranged the mast closest to the ship’s bow.  The Morrigan’s crew had been quick to accommodate a formidable solution to her loose sheet.  Erratically, in it’s time spent unsecured, catching wild gust that was , if Shay wasn’t vigilant - would have sent them into the rocks nearest of the shore.  Grasping her wheel, with a hard left and spinning thrice over to readjust the offsetting rudder. The sporadic placement of clouds above them, darkened with an eerie cast foretelling a storm, by course of current was headed dead on them.

                        “ Ah - “ he at first inspired, “ Where is yer sense of adventure ? “ Half insinuated with a curious embark which hitched his very tone , it broke his earlier concentrated silence with the beginnings of enthusiasm.  “ Would ya rather us all be out ‘ere in tha’ storm thats approachin’ ? “ He jolted a nod skyward for the male, if not to gesture the problematic scenery and what could transpire out on the open waters far from land mass with a cloud like that.   “ I dun know ‘bout that in particular, sir.  Certainly a stop that so happens ta not be on tha’ map can be fer ‘ tha’ better good on tis one ? ” He more than pondered the reaction from the older male, given away under the hesitance as eyes finally met the darker haired templar beneath the skewed cast of his peripheral.

@mxsterkenway

[spazioaether]

Some sketches from the last month. I’ll be turning some of these into digital pieces here soon. 

[merlevum]

[effiecalvin]

Do only the ten know about the outsiders or did aelia just not pay enough attention back in her chaos goddess days?(I know this may be a spoiler question so I won't be surprised if it's not awnsered)

Every god knows about them. I am concerned it did not come through in the text that Aelia knew. My intention with her conversation with Iolar about them in book 2 was to show she knows but just doesn't concern herself with the high-level problems. Can any readers confirm this?