#still struggling with follower kallamar

[thegreendiamondart]

Heres a little traditional Sozo doodle I did with a Speedball ink pen! Love drawing the mushroom cryptid :DDD

Also if any of yall have like drawing requests or ideas related to COTL please drop em i am running out of ideas while figuring out how to comic properly

[cultofdarkwood]

thinking about how narinder only remembers the versions of his siblings that he didn't maul. there's a pretty popular (with evidence, one could argue) theory/headcanon that the bishops had their crowns mask over/aid them with their disabilities. but in the lamb's cult, they wouldn't have their crowns anymore, and they'd have to learn how to deal with their disabilities the way mortals do.

im specifically thinking of narinder seeing leshy bumping into things, heket struggling to speak, kallamar needing to learn sign language, and shamura unable to remember most things at any given time, and realizing. "I did that. That's my fault. That's what I did that to them all that time ago."

and then, on the other end, each one of the siblings seeing/realizing that the way narinder's arms and hands shake, why he has "bad pain days", the reason why he can't really do any fine tuned detailed work with his hands the way the lamb's followers can, is because they did that to him. "We did that to him. He's in pain because of us."

all of them realizing, "I hurt you and you hurt me and nothing will ever be the same. But despite everything, I still love you."

and all of them are too scared to ask, "do you still love me?"

[thewisaaaaad]

IM WORKING ON THE CLIFFHANGER I PROMISE anyway heres something completely unrelated about leshy :)

Leshy had lost the ability to morn. He had lost it LONG before the betrayal and sealing of Narinder, but he had never felt its loss as keenly as that day.

sitting against the wall, feeling the immense pain in his face where his eye once sat, he found that all he felt was a weak, flickering anger that struggled against an immense feeling of nothing.

he knew what he should be feeling: wrath against his brother for injuring them all, mad for him pushing into domains that did not belong to him, betrayed by his unstoppable search for knowledge he should not have, that Shamura told him not to seek.

but that wasn't true was it?

Leshy hung his head, remembering how narinder pleaded that he had destroyed the research as Shamura had asked. Besides, Leshy was still confused over why resurrection didn't fall in his brothers domain, no matter how much Shamura had insisted that death could not flow backwards. Chaos and Order were two sides of a coin that Leshy knew well, why would death not also control life? their brother being stronger should be a good thing, right?

The wounds the family had suffered were caused by a frantic struggle, not focused strikes aimed at wounding them. Narinder had not reached for his brothers eye, he had reached for his hand.

and yet Leshy had gone to bite his hand. the hand that had raised him with love and care. the hand that would ruffle his leaves in congratulation when Leshy mastered a spell. The hand that tucked him into bed, and fed him soup when he was sick and Kallamar was too busy.

the hand of the brother he loved

and yet Leshy felt no guilt. He felt...

nothing. a deep, sinking load of nothing. This, Chaos knew, was wrong. he had never been in a situation like this before, where someone he cared about was harmed in this way. but there was nothing.

for the first time in his godhood, he cursed the gift that it had given him. the one that had allowed him to embrace both his domains, causing chaos and enforcing order on his devotees without feeling guilt or remorse.

right now, Leshy wanted to grieve.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A hundred years passed, and still he could not grieve.

his followers were thriving now that Leshy no longer had the energy or will to thrash about his domain or deliver judgement.

he supposed that this meant his rule had been poor up until this point. he added that to the growing list of things he should feel bad about.

but cant.

his brother never criticized his rule.

A disciple of his rushes to him, begging forgiveness that the god waves aside. He had plenty of mercy to go around, and it was the least he could do.

The message was from their sister and brother, requesting a meeting with him.

something to distract him from the melancholy, he supposed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What do you mean, 'All of them'?!"

Anger and shock were still familiar emotions to the worm. at least he still had them.

at least he was still worthy of them.

The meeting turned out to be quite important.

Shamura had another vision, which was about to have as disastrous an outcome as the last one did.

a sheep would come to free their brother. and Shamura wanted to put a stop to it.

The sheep had once been Narinders favorite. Perhaps this would prove to be another way to atone.

A plan was quickly made, far from the ears of their maddened sibling.

Heket and Kallamar would heard the sheep into Darkwood, making token sacrifices and examples along the way, to ease Shamuras fears.

All leshy had to do was pretend that the lambs died in his forest.

Shamura would never find the sheep in Darkwood. He prided himself on how the terrain warped and distorted, creating an impossible maze, where things like a scared population could easily be misplaced.

it should hold long enough to keep them safe until Shamura lost the prophecy to the depths of their shattered mind.

Leshy knew that he should feel bad about taking advantage of his eldest siblings condition.

Leshy found that he didn't care.

[fanofthelamb]

So I went dumpster diving in my tablet for the first lamb I ever drew and WOW... I found a lot of sketches I really don't plan on revisiting. I am jsut gonna dump them below the cut for people to see!! Some of it is lore related, some of it is shit I ABSOLUTELY FUCKING HATE, but IDC!!! I will post it anyway for the tumblr users who I keep an eye on my notifs for. (yes, i see you guys. even if i dont always interact I see you and love you guys)

Anyway, here is the earliest drawin I have of me drawing the lamb!! I am going to write a comment under a lot of these to add context to them.

A cute little baby <3333 but I struggled a LOT of figuring out what the lamb was wearing, I eventually figured it out though. (I hope)

if you know, you know. (RIP VAL)

for my BTG AU. I decided I no longer wanted chemach to make the [spoiler] for the lamb, though, so I scrapped this

vaaaal,,,,,, i was still learning how to draw him, i wish i put pants on him but do those even exist in COTL? (yes)

I haven't been able to do much with them because I'm putting other stuff first, but Brear has two kids, Notre and Brejul who Narinder absolutely ADORES. he is the one who babysits.

fun fact but the lamb being touch repulsed is a projection LOL. i hate it when people touch me it feels so tickly and makes me want to bite their faces off. (but i am touch starved and i LOVE to show affection to other ppl, esp thru back rubs)

yes, they have a hoop for personal space. no, ill never use it.

drum corcl,,,, i love the little dancing guy that comes from the drums

more narinder and brear. they're not romantically interested in each other, but he is absolutely head over heels for brear, their brother, and the kids. they even call him dad sometimes.

[no context]

kallamar and leshy before their crowns. the scene i have related to this isn't happening anymore, but it was leshy begging to be taught to swim.

another "the one who baby sits" doodle. the bishops all came into the cult with a very good repuation thanks to narinder. he likes to tell the kids of the cult stories about how amazing his siblings were. at first, it was just to nobre and brejul with stories about leshy(he missed leshy a lot even though he was still mad at him, and the two reminded narinder of his time with leshy), but then it escalated into him hosting storytimes with larger groups after they started repeating some of the stories he'd tell them.

unfinsihed stuff about with the lamb and thier mom. their mom wasn't afraid of the bishops at all, but knew that they were a still a threat to her and her child's life. the lamb did NOT care for anyone thier mom didn't approve of/enthusiastically liked. they were much more afraid of the bishops than their mother.

i do not actually know if i posted this.i dont think so, but i giggle every time i scroll past it

brear and nobre <333

im still workong on BTG shit, and i post a little bit of the characters on here even tho the comics are going to be posted elsewhere. they have a "crownlike" beak, but a body part. there's different creatures who became gods through different ways; crowns are one way but their power is stuck with the crown and they are considered extremely weak compared to other gods. i wont blabber on about it tho.

so many sketches has random lines through em because i work with a tablet,,, i hate it. anyway, narinder and kallamar everybody!

sketches i made but didn't bother to finish of me and merbre,,,,,,,,, my husband #1 <3 them w/ narinder + merbre arent gonna be considered "canon" but damn it ill self-ship with them until i get a follower i can WORK with

i come back to this every few weeks and im never happy with it, i dont know if ill finish this but i think about them........ before the divorce </3

unused from an ask

heartstealer. menace. you can rip my heart out anytime, leshy <3

dreshy. he LOVES dresses and being pretty and cute and pretty. he sucks narinder into a lot and heket will sometimes join in if he demands asks her to <3

another unused drawing from an ask i'll eventually answer. (mildly offended at being called a mutton cube.)

.... aaand WOW! I think that's everything guys!! things are still kinda wild but they're calming down a little bit. idk how much longer it's gonna last like this but I have some energy so I made a way-too-long post showing off art I wasn't supposed to post! Awesome. :D

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Hello! Could I please get a Kallamar x reader hc's with a reader who has chronic anxiety and struggles a lot with trusting others? Thank you!

You 🤝 Kallamar: riddled with anxiety.

However yours is something you've dealt with all your life. And while more manageable now, it still interfered with a lot of your daily cult duties.

You just constantly worry over the "what ifs" and it's hard for you to sleep at night...

So much so you'd sometimes wear the moon necklace Lamb gave you if you feel particularly restless and wanna work, giving your mind something to focus on.

After Kallamar arrived, he was the first to notice how anxious you were upon immediately seeing him.

Ofc he started a plague within the cult when he had his godly powers, so you weren't willing to trust him easily.

If you lived in Anchordeep, you'd know how ruthless and paranoid he was asking a ruler and be afraid he wouldn't change.

If not, you'd still be cautious given the stories you've heard from followers who lived in Anchordeep.

Regardless, you were afraid of sickness more than most..so when he got sick, you didn't even go near him.

After he healed and started contributing to the cult more, he gained the trust of Lamb and regained some with Narinder, too (ofc they had ways to go, but it was progress).

Try as you might (in wanting to trust him too), however, you kept having tremors and heart palpitations every time you went near him.

Kallamar 100% understands if you wanted to keep your distance or just adjust to being in the same space as him during sermons.

He'll be patient with you every step of the way, hoping to become your friend so you could see how humble and kind he's become.

[pessimisticshapewithablog]

TOWW and the reason for his imprisonment...

A part of me really wants to believe TOWW wanted to try something different from the Old faith and Shamura and co didn't like that. Not that TOWW was secretly the good guy or actually had any humanitarian ideals. He just stopped being a religous zealot for the Old faith.

TOWW is the only bishop we see memorialized with tools. A scythe and a book. Quite different from his siblings, save kallamar. Even then he only wields weapons and symbols of office, he isn't immortalized with them.

This might seem far fetched but these items can be interpreted as symbols of mortal progress. A scythe may have gained a connection with death over time but it was originally a farming tool, first recorded to be used in some of the oldest human societies. The prevalence of its used marked humanity's move away from a nomadic, hunter gatherer lifestyle, to an agricultural one. 

A book can represent many things. But in regards to humanity it represents our shift toward the easy access and dissemination of information.

If it is the same book then that adds an interesting perspective to TOWW's... everything. 

For us the book is important for recording all we've learned and done. From our doctrines to the name of our cult. It's where all our followers' forms and blueprints go. Without it we'd probably struggle to access and catalog our actions and resources. Maybe TOWW being depicted with it implies a priority of learning and acquiring knowledge and information. He did like new things

The Bishops were acting based on what they thought gods should be, not could be. This might have been what TOWW meant by :

"Shamura was weak, not wise. Their vision was too small to contain the multitudes of one such as I.

Godhood in COTL is whatever you make of it. The only limits are the ones you place on yourself...

Conclusion

Were the Bishops aware of their fading relevance in the lands of the old faith? Did the become concerned that TOWW was still as powerful as they were before? Or maybe just Shamura.

Narinder's name means something along the lines of lord of man, king of mankind, etc. Whatever his gospel was, it might have been tied to the mortals of COTL. Maybe he was trying to teach then to overcome the tribulations his siblings inflicted on them. Not out of kindness. But change and to spite the bishops. They just seem like the kind of people who would abhor mortals becoming technologically advanced. Be it for religious reasons or for fear of mortals no longer wanting to worship them. They had been gods of their chosen concepts for eons, with TOWW's action they would be forced to adapt to this new world or die in irrelevance. And they chose the latter...

[luis-block]

I'm curios if you had any hc with the bishop followers now that there canon, I adore how Heket is a women of very few words

I have loved having them as followers, and boy do I have some headcanons for them all lol

Bishop followers headcanon

Warnings: talk of traumatic imageries

Shamura

Has worse memory issues after the become a follower. They still have much more knowledge than anyone, but remembering when its your turn to be the chef for the cult often a struggle.

Like the rest of his siblings, still wear the bandages where their injuries are. I imagine now that they are just followers they look much worse that the originally did. Especially Shamura’s head injury, the top of their head looks like it still semi-freshly healed. The skin and skull are their now, but it still looks like they got scalped. Gets the worst migraines ever, sometimes even needing to be on bead rest for a few days because of it.

Is really happy to have all of their siblings back and tolerating each other. They love their family more that their family even knows, so to see them all in the same robes and around a fire again makes them feel like the are over the moon.

Kallamar

Has a hard time hearing without his crown and is partially deaf from his injuries. With the help of some other deaf followers he has learned sigh language to help communicate in another way.

Since he can’t hear all his own voice, he might be a bit loud. But most are patient with it.

He is still very much terrified of Narinder, and the lamb because he now has the red crown. I think that it would be so ingrained in him that it’s a fear he can never fully shake, even knowing that him and his brother are complete equals again.

I think out of all the siblings he would like being a follower the most. Don’t get me wrong, he still misses his power and status and all that came with it. But not overseeing anything would be a big relief for him.

Heket

Would absolutely talk a bit more it she could (mostly angry comments to the lamb lol) But without her crown her vocal cords are really fucked up. But I do think outside of her usually bishop duties she would be a woman of little words still. But it would be very frustrating to her that she can’t always talk the way she wants to now.

She would also still be standoffish to the lamb and Narinder, both for different reasons. She might come around, but it will take time.

Unrelated, but I would like to think she has a bit of an underbite in this form. And dresses more like a ‘tomboy’ rather than a fully feminine lady.

Leshy

Was very upset when he really couldn’t see. I have headcanoned that his crown gave him the ability to see some basic shapes in black and white scale, so he had some kind of vision. But now he doesn’t, and he is quite angry about it.

His other senses are still very heightened, as he comments a few times about smelling the lamb. I think he would use a type of echo location to get around instead of a cane most of the time. When you hear a clicking nearby, you know Leshy is coming.

Has the second worst injuries as a follower of his siblings: with Shamura being first, Leshy being second, Heket being third and Kallamar being forth. Leshy is also the one to feel the most phantom pain as well, feeling all four of his eye sockets throbs at the same time without the help of his former crown is excruciating for him.

[neonpaperlanterns]

Something I don't know if I rambled about was the way each Bishop fights.

Leshy, being blind. Doesn't seem to really target Lamb. At least, he blindly tries but most likely struggles with the sounds and smells of his minions in the fight. (Wonder if in the Papa worm story... This is more just him fighting at a self given disadvantage. Despite duties and responsibilities, he just struggles to even think about willingly fighting and killing Nuala.) he is most likely overconfident and overwhelmed himself thinking he could take Lamb (mostly) on his own.

Heket fights like a leader, her cult heavily with her, her siblings do have aids but she has it in spades in comparison I'd say. Even doing a tactic of having her retreat mid fight while two of her elite beasties jump out. Plus, they just keep coming. Hopping into battle while she fights Lamb.

Kallamar fights like a coward, most of his attacks are to keep you away. And from what I've seen, he is the most desperate and it shows in how a LOT of people state he is the hardest boss fight. A cornered wet beast.

Shamura... Fights like they accepted death. They won't give in, but they accept it and aren't afraid to meet it.

They've mastered the fights to reflect the bishops in some way or form. Leshys' overconfidence (or familial love conflict with familial love in Nualas' case.) Hekets' loyalty (to her family. But still). Kallamars' cowardice and fear of death. Shamuras' acceptance of it all. "Five becomes... Becomes... Nothing. Nothing at all."

...

Just wanted to ramble that to someone. Onto the question.

Regarding stories of post-CotL, where Lambert is the new god of death and recruits the bishops... In your head, how would sizes work?

Obviously they'll be the same size as the followers once recruited in game. But in real life there are creatures huge and small, in game that is also the case. There are large hostile cultists whom wield big swords. And that one pig dude with the axe whom decapitated Lamb then ditched the entire story of the game.

So would you keep them as... Giants in your stories or what?

-Sunny Anon

Okay so that's really cool! And looking back on their fights make so much sense. Thank you for pointing it out, you are really good at noticing things. Again I find that so fascinating.

But onto your question.

In my head they stay big. Not as huge as they were because I like the idea of them decreasing in size after being stripped of their power. But still definitely tower over others just not as dramatically has before.

side note: Sunny2 has passed away of old age. Any desire for the next reincarnation?

[skyistheground]

Same anon that sent the Shamura au ask again. Quick question: would like to hear some thoughts I had about it? Just some details and stuff.

narinder and the lamb have slight redesigns-- narinder is a bit fancier and, of course, under blessing of shamura, the lamb gets new clothes

leshy, heket, and kallamar don't get much chages, except they aren't injured. shamura didnt do anything to them

backstory stuff under the cut

in this au, narinder is sort of the impromptu leader because his control over death is what makes their cult work-- followers fear death, he can secure a lot of loyalty and secure the old faith's rule for many millennia to come

narinder would often go to shamura for visions of the future so he could plan ahead, always plan ahead

the problem is, the visions for shamura are draining, physically, mentally, and emotionally. they sit through and watch distressing things, then relive it by having to talk about it. not all of narinders plans to subvert or plan around the future even work, and the blame often falls on shamura for not telling him enough, even if that was all they could see. plus, over time, it seemed like narinder only wanted to talk to them for visions, not for being his sibling

they didn't tell him how they felt, though. in fear of making things worse. shamura can sometimes choose when to have visions, but not what is in them.

the final straw was a peculiar vision about a lamb wearing their crown-- something that may spell bad news for themselves if shared. it just didn't look good.

so they tried fleeing, vanishing away from their family. it didnt last too long-- they were caught and dragged back

narinder secured them in an isolated cave of their own domain to prevent them from running away again and tried to convince them to share their visions-- saying that it was for the good of the old faith

shamura, stubborn as they are, still refused to talk. frustration rose within them with passing time, it was a bottle waiting to explode

narinder got his hand a bit too close one day and they lashed out, chomping down, refusing to let go, tugging and shaking until it tore off

so their mouth was caged. narinder made a few attempts to get them to speak after, promising forgiveness and freedom, but they still refused

he eventually stopped visiting.

silk cradle was then used as a place of exile-- heretics and nonbelievers are cast far away from the lands of the old faith to either struggle in the wilderness or die horribly, hunted down by spiders

the lamb was one of these heretics. by coincidence, they managed to find shamura in their cave

and after millennia of standing around, and recalling their past, they decided to take a shot at freedom

[tri-god-cotl]

One by One, Hand in Hand

Deer learn best through trial by fire, don'tcha know?

As always, many thanks to Jonnie @jonquilandlace for the assistance and for even writing sections I had issues with! Love ya, Jonnie <3

This is also on AO3 if that suits you better!

As soon as the pentagram’s light dimmed and her hooves hit the stone, Kaliaphra felt like taking a week-long hibernation period.

It wasn’t that the crusade went poorly, per se; it had simply been a massive struggle. Kallamar had wasted no time in following his sibling’s suggestion, immediately ordering dozens—near hundreds—of servants to kill her. She’d never felt safe when living under the bishops’ rule, but it was quite different when their ire was directed toward her specifically.

She was better at dodging than expected, something that carried over from her previous years of soldier training, and had even managed to defeat the disciple Saleos. Now boasting several gashes and a swollen ankle, Kali trudged into Haven, wanting nothing more than to lie down and sleep.

The glittering golden platform near the center of camp flared red and ejected a shrieking otter and jellyfish. No rest yet.

With one small plot near the entrance, it was nigh-impossible to re-enter the camp without being spotted by a farmer. As soon as Kaliaphra realized this, she fixed her posture and swallowed her pain, just in time for a worrying hedgehog to notice and scamper over.

“My Fawn, you’re injured!” they squeaked. “What do you need me to do for you? Shall I get the medics?”

“Thank you, but that will not be necessary.” Kali tugged the rucksack from her shoulder and handed it to them. “Cauliflower to the kitchen, seeds to the seed bin, and bones split between the acolytes and farmers, if you do not mind. I also found a few gemstones, which can go to the masters of construction. You may take one for your troubles, too.”

Their eyes blew wide, and they gave a hasty bow. “Yes, My Fawn! Thank you very much!” They hurried off again, this time in the direction of the kitchen.

She sighed, then moved on to the platform where her first recruits sat.

Kali paused in her movement with that thought. First recruits. She would build the cult as the Lamb did, one wayward soul at a time.

The shaking figures looked up at her as she approached. The first—an otter—stared with round, wet eyes. The second—the hooded jellyfish Saleos—stared with narrowed eyes and bared teeth. She looked at both with the same expression, one she carefully trained neutral.

“Thank you,” the otter stammered. “They were going to sacrifice me; I thought I was a goner! I—what do you need of me, savior? My name’s Arbre, savior, and I swear that I’ll serve you until I die.”

“Arbre,” she repeated with a smile. “Welcome home. I promise that you will be well taken care of here, and—”

A barking laugh cut her off, coming from the other on the platform. Saleos glowered at her with a surprising amount of confidence considering how much he was shaking still. “How rich, the second-rate false idol thinks she can care for a whole following. Lord Kallamar was right in calling you pitiful, you vile creature.”

Please don’t kill me.

Kaliaphra blinked. The sentence came in Saleos’s voice, that was certain, but his mouth didn’t match. Had she been hallucinating?

Please don’t kill me, it insisted. Have mercy, mercy! I’ve heard that the Lamb is gracious and merciful, so please be the same, fawn.

Was that…

She glanced at Arbre once more.

Ungrateful. Ungrateful, and scary, but the Fawn won’t let them do anything, right? They beat them already! I hope the Fawn likes me. Keep me safe, Fawn, please, I won’t be ungrateful!

Again, the words didn’t match the mouth. They were two different lines of dialogue, one even audible when the other wasn’t. Kali remembered when the Lamb seemed to know worries on her mind, even before she shared them in the confessional booth. She’d had her suspicions then, but…

Her ears flickered behind her, toward the shrine of the Lamb.

I’ll finish up here and bring some water to the farmers. They’ve been at it all day.

Pray to the Lamb, and maybe they’ll get better.

Everything’s fine! It’s normal and fine! Nothing to worry about.

We have not had a sermon in days.

I wonder if they want sandwiches to—

All in our power we can—

If we show worry the Fawn will—

Does she even know how to—

Do we even have things for—

We’re just mere followers, but maybe if—

Be strong for our—

Why did she have to be the one to—

She hasn’t moved.

“Ah—” Kali blinked, ears and attention swiveling back to the recruits. “Apologies. Lost in thoughts—my thoughts for a moment.” She plastered on a smile and offered her hands to the two of them. “Arbre. Saleos. Welcome home! You will have a new life here, on these grounds, under the merciful eye of the Red Crown.”

Both of their trains of thought—why was she able to hear their thoughts, what the fuck—screeched to a halt as they stared at her outstretched hands. Arbre hesitated for only a moment before taking it, whereas Saleos took a few moments longer to do the same.

As she pulled them up, Arbre jerked with a grimace of pain. “Ah, s-sorry! My wrists, I think they… uh…” He rubbed at those sites, and she took notice of the raw skin and clear robe burns.

She glanced at Saleos, whose gaze remained averted, and noted his lingering wounds from their battle. “I see a trip to the infirmary is first on our agenda. Let us be off, then!”

Kaliaphra led the way across camp, thankfully with no issue; she could hear a continuous stream of thoughts from the two, indicating their following behind her. All the while, she picked up on the thoughts of everyone they passed, coming in as a constant hum through the Crown upon her head.

There’s two with her!

She looks tired, more tired than the Lamb ever looked.

Are they going to see the Lamb? Why won’t they let us see the Lamb?

Chifre said that he saw her cousin in the Lamb’s tent, but she hasn’t even gone in yet.

Her attention snapped to that thought. Theo, seen in the Lamb’s tent?

Have they done something to the Lamb? Doing something? Why is she the crown holder now? What’s wrong with our leader?

Kali stifled the rolling of her stomach at their suspicion, instead reaching out to pull back the tent flap of the infirmary and step inside. “Are there any hands available? We have two new members in need of medical attention.”

Zelva, who had been placing jars of crushed red petals on a shelf, looked over her shoulder with an alert glint in her eyes. “Aye, My Fawn. There are two cots open on that side. If you would sit them down for me, please.” Once the jars were settled and Kali let her recruits sit on their respective beds, Zelva strode over with her tray of supplies. “Minor injuries, I see. Same for you?”

“Oh, no, just them. I am quite alright.”

“My Fawn,” the old turtle pressed, “I understand that the Red Crown grants regenerative abilities, but you really should let me bandage your wounds. Or at least put some camellia paste on them.”

She waved it off with a forced polite smile, trying not to let the overstimulation and anxiety show through. “Really, Zelva, I am just fine. If you must take care of someone, please direct your attention to our newest members. I greatly appreciate your concern, but… but it is simply unnecessary to fuss over small wounds. I will just rest a bit, if that would—”

“If you managed to get your ass handed to you on day one, it’s not my fault.” 

The playful voice has her spinning on her hooves quickly, looking to where, sitting by a rabbit with minor burns (probably had been cooking, she thinks), is—

“Theanno,” Kali greeted, surprised. 

Her cousin shot her a friendly smile in return, looking back to the follower and breaking off the string of bandages once they were secured. He patted the wrapped arm gently, dismissing the rabbit to resume their duties with a reassuring smile, before standing, depositing the remaining roll into a bin and turning to her. “My Fawn,” he greeted back, half-teasing. “What’s up?”

“I… was not expecting to see you here.”

“Oh! Um…” He glanced back at the elderly turtle, then back to her. “After… Darkwood, I managed to pick up a few medical things. Not useful for much, really, just some, like, wound bandaging, emergency medicine, that kind of thing. With a lot of the chaos here lately, Zelva asked if I could stay and help instead of going out for more supplies.”

Good, Kaliaphra mused, she did as I asked. “That is wonderful, Theo, truly. Just, um…”

“Just what?”

“I just…” She gave a vague gesture to the room. “I had heard you were seen in the high tent, alongside Zelva. I had not anticipated you would be called upon to tend to… well, The Lamb.”

“What, did you underestimate what all I picked up?” Theo leaned over dramatically, draping himself over her shoulder. “Oh, the betrayal! Travesty! I’ll have you know I am perfectly competent!”

In spite of herself, she laughed. “Alright, alright; your point has been made; you are skilled, certainly.” She shoved him off lightly, and he giggled, batting at her in turn. “But that was not my point, my heart.”

He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head to the side. 

Glancing around quickly, she lowered her voice. “I thought we had agreed upon the policy before I left for Anchordeep. No one sees The Lamb until their memories have returned. If Zelva has allowed you in, I worry how many others might have... borne witness to their current state.”

Understanding dawned on his features quickly. “Oh! Nah, no, it’s—only Zelva and her two leads have gone in to treat The Lamb, I promise.”

“But you were—”

“—a special case, Kali.” Theanno interrupted her, holding up his hands placatingly. He glanced over his shoulder, where the turtle was stooped, tending to another follower, before reaching up, gently guiding Kali toward a corner. “Look, I thought you might have noticed before all this happened, which is why I didn’t bring it up; thought it was kinda obvious, but maybe not, and, like, I didn’t want to say it out loud, because that was weird and… possibly kinda blasphemous, but I’m just—I’m just gonna say it now. Kali, do you remember why I left Silk Cradle?”

Confusion flickered over her first, immediately followed by a wave of rage. “Of course.” In spite of herself, her fists clenched at her side, seeking an outlet for her frustration and impatience to remove the Bishops from the equation. “When my mother heard her sister had been murdered at Shamura’s behest, we took you in. You slipped into the night a few weeks later. Leaving only an apology behind, if I may remind you.” 

Her cousin’s demeanor darkened at the reminder. “Yeah. I… I was worried I’d get you—anyway. That’s in the past, now, at least. Back to being besties forever, yayyy, you can’t hate me for it I was thirteen. But what I was trying to get you to, um, do you remember why my parents were killed?”

“Because when the Bishops ordered the lambs killed, your family had harbored them instead.”

Theo gave her a long look.

“…What.” 

Slowly, his mouth turned up into a half-apologetic smile.

Understanding dawned abruptly. “…No.”

“Yeah.”

“Theanno. My dearest cousin. You know better than to bully me like this right now.” “I do.”

“Theanno. My heart.” Kaliaphra let out a wild, half-mad laugh. “Do you mean to tell me The Lamb, Defeater of Bishops, Immortal Vessel of Death… was one of your Lambs? Who stayed in your back rooms?”

“…Surprise?”

A flash of a memory appeared before her. Coloring pages. Laughter. Climbing through a window and down a tree. Make no noise, only a little if you must, the soldiers must not know there were fugitives among them, even if some are just children—

She waved off the train of thought. “Did I meet them before?”

“No,” Theo answered automatically, and then, “Or at least, not that I know of, but I know you had a habit of sneaking around back then.”

“Like you were any better.”

“Oh, fuck no, I wasn’t. Kept me alive, though, ha ha, so you can’t bully me for it; it’s illegal.”

“You do far too many illegal things for my sanity.”

“So do you, which is also why I have no clue if you actually met them or not. But I feel like you would’ve recognized them pretty quickly if you had, or at least they would’a recognized you, so. Probably not.”

With a soft sigh, Kali nodded, dismissing the thought. It would have been far too coincidental; the odds would have been infinitesimal. She was just a follower, after all; while she was a temporary aide to the greater design, as a child, she most certainly hadn’t been that fate-touched. But Theanno, apparently… “And that is why Zelva allowed you into the Lamb’s tent.”

Again, Theo deflated, looking down. “…Yeah. The Lamb was… they had a nightmare, and, okay so you know how I just said you can’t bully me for something when it wound up doing good? I can’t get in trouble for this if it was helpful, bet, right. So the Lamb was screaming, but no one was answering because they thought there wasn’t anything they could do, to which I called bullshit, so I snuck in to help, and just… Zelva figured it out the next morning when the Lamb still wouldn’t let go of me, and the whole ‘Only-One-The-Lamb-Recognized- From-Before’ slipped into ‘Only-One-The-Lamb-Would-Let-Touch-Them,’ so… anyway, Zelva knows the Lamb’s name now, because they only want to respond to that at the moment. I think they’re doing a great job of keeping that close to the chest, at least, though, so, tadaaa, everything is fine!”

“By the One Below, Theanno, I swear you have single-handedly raised my blood pressure even higher within these last few minutes.” She finally shrugged off her makeshift cloak and draped it across the nearest cot, sitting beside it and rubbing circles into her temples. “I did not even think that was possible after the crusade I just had.”

He startled in turn, eyes flicking wide and ears up. “Did something happen? I mean, of course something happened, but what are you referring to?”

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…”

“Huh?”

“I met the remaining two bishops on the first day,” she said instead. “Kallamar regarded me as Chifre did, like a child playing pretend—”

“Despite the Lamb not being here, Anchordeep has been invaded by a second-rate replacement—this fawn here, do you see it?” His mouth curled into a mocking scowl. “Pitiful little thing.”

Theo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “He was being a dick, Kali; you know you’re the real deal.”

She nodded absently. “And Shamura… remembered me. From before.”

Shamura’s mandibles pulled back into something resembling a sneer. “The Red Crown brings death upon us, no matter its vessel. Though my mind may be in pieces, I remember you, fawn.” There was a slight pleased curl to their sneer when Kali felt the blood drain from her face. “A dutiful soldier trainee. Strong. Faithful.”

“They called me Aphra, which is… ‘dust’, I think.”

“Brother,” they continued, not even turning to look at Kallamar, “deal with her as you will. I wonder if we will see what little Aphra is capable of.”

“I… do not know if I can do this. They think so little of me, and while I am not seeking their approval—not anymore, that is—they do not even respect me. I worry that the others in this camp do not, either. Perhaps…” She took one shaking breath, in and out, and looked to her lap. “Perhaps I was not meant for this role.”

“Kaliaphra.” Theo’s hand slid from her shoulder, but he instead took a knee to look up at her, grabbing her hands in fervor. “If you weren’t meant for this, do you think Death would’ve offered it to you in the first place?”

“No…” she murmured, lips pursed.

“So you’re saying he was wrong to give it to you?”

Her gaze and ears shot up, something like scandalization ripping through her at the idea. “Of course not! I would never doubt The One Who Waits! He is trusting me with this task, and I will serve him without question!”

Theanno snorted, smile twisting almost bitterly. “You’re really devoted to him, huh? It even outweighs your own self-doubt.”

“…Point made, but hey.” Kali squeezed his hands back. “Besides, he has been a lot less—shall we say—belittling than Shamura was when we were growing up. Unrelated, but do you think I should see The Lamb? Speak to them, give them comfort?”

“Eh…” He glanced upward, likely toward the Red Crown atop her head. “Probably… not. At least not with the Crown; the whole, you know, last time they saw a crown it was on a bishop who wanted to kill them thing… I’m a… bit worried it might spook them. We’ll take care of everything here, though, don’t worry! And just like we promised, no one else gets in or out till Lamb’s all recovered. As for you, though. Kali. Kali-Kali. My cousin who I am the most proud of. My beloved soul who looks like she has not slept since that crown got put on her head. Please tell me you’re gonna go take a nap or something.”

She simply smiled at him and reached up to ruffle his curls fervently. “I have tasks to accomplish, silly. Structures to help build. No time to sleep.”

“Kali—”

“I will leave you be, then, dear cousin.” Kaliaphra pushed herself up from the cot and clasped her cloak back around her shoulders, then shot him an innocent smile. “See you in a couple hours for the sermon!”

She marched for the tent flap, giggling to herself as she heard him sputter behind her.

”Kali, I will put camellias in your tea until you sleep if you do not take a nap RIGHT now, I swear to the LAMB—!”

A sharp snort came from the direction of the new otter as she brushed past him on the way out. For an instant, she was worried it was at her, but then she glanced over, and his gaze rested solidly, and admiringly, on her cousin. 

“See, even the new guy fuckin’ gets it!” he called again. Then, as the tent flap fell shut behind her, she heard him continue, “Sorry about that. I’m Theanno, but you can call me Theo. What did you say your name was again?”

To say that her first sermon went poorly would have been an understatement.

Kali wouldn’t have called herself socially anxious, or even afraid of public speaking, but she stumbled over her words and lost what she wanted to say several times over. As time passed and she ran out of things to say, she finally threw in the towel upon noticing how glazed-over everyone’s eyes were.

Silently, she followed behind the crowd as they filed out, trying not to eavesdrop on their whispered conversations. It was nearly impossible, as Kali heard each follower’s thoughts, loud in her own mind.

Poor excuse of a sermon.

Gods, I miss The Lamb.

Can’t even rally a crowd like they could. I think she would’ve been better off staying on kitchen duty. Would’ve been more help there or, I dunno, chopping trees than behind the podium.

When Theanno reached a hand out to question her furrowed brow, Kaliaphra shot him a fake smile and marched out to the edge of camp. She recalled some elders complaining about needing more firewood for the campfires, as well as needing more outhouses constructed to accommodate for a growing population.

“More help”? She could be more help.

“Chopping trees”? That was an excellent idea.

The Red Crown flew from her head and took the form of an axe for her to heft. She still wasn’t used to wielding it, as opposed to the sword she’d used on her first crusade.

Ignoring the day’s warm hue shifting into a darker, cooler tone, Kali took a swing at the nearest tree and—

With a clank, the blade bounced off at an awkward angle, sending her stumbling off to one side.

She blinked at the tool, then at the tree. What the…?

Another swing, and it didn’t bounce off this time; instead, the axe blade dug ever so slightly into the bark. Kaliaphra sighed and yanked it back out again.

The thunk of her axe became a steady rhythm for five swings, ten swings, twenty swings… She lost count. Night fell somewhere in that time, the cult grounds falling into a hush with it. Fireflies and lanterns lit her efforts all the while, but no matter how many times she hit the tree, it didn’t fall.

Frustration gnawed at her, its teeth digging into her thoughts and pulling out the doubts once more. She couldn’t even cut down a tree? Yard work wasn’t something she was unfamiliar with, being the oldest sibling of three—four, if one counted Theanno—but she’d previously thought how hard could it be?

A crescendo of surrounding cicadas almost seemed like laughter.

“If you can’t handle a tree,” they said, “then how do you expect to kill two bishops and lead a group of lost souls? You’re no leader.”

“Playtime’s over, kid.”

“Pitiful little thing.”

“M’Fawn?”

CRACK.

The sound of wood splintering met her ears soon after the greeting. Kaliaphra blinked at the blade lodged not even a quarter of the way through its target trunk, then at the interrupting individual.

Before her, though a safe distance away, stood a tall bison with fur the color of coffee grounds. He was fairly well-built and intimidating in stature, though his gaze carried enough softness that she figured he wasn’t hostile, but she’d always been bad at reading body language.

At the instant doubt crossed her mind, that strange tingling sensation returned, spreading from her head to her hooves, and she was able to see what he was thinking.

Hope she’s alright. Pressure must be gettin’ to her.

She let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

He was concerned.

The bison bowed low in respect. “Is… somethin’ the matter, M’Fawn? You’ve been swingin’ at this tree since sundown. Many folk are worried.”

“Oh.” Well, that was embarrassing. Kali’s grip on the axe loosened, allowing the Red Crown to return to its place upon her head. “Apologies, I failed to notice. I hope I caused no disturbance, um… I do not believe I caught your name before.”

“Ajax,” he grunted. “Th’ Lamb found me in Anura. I was only in camp for maaaaybe a week before their… illness. ‘ve seen you around, though—love yer beet stew.”

She felt a rush of heat to her cheeks. “Oh, uh, thank you. Sorry I cannot reciprocate.”

He waved it off. “Don’t worry ‘bout it. So… th’ tree?”

With a quick glance of shame to the tree in question, her face burned hotter. “I cannot… seem to find the strength to cut through it. I am quite out of practice with an axe, it seems.”

“Were you ever in practice?”

Her eyes snapped wide, a startled and rather undignified laugh bursting forth. “P-Pardon?”

His eyes followed suit as he realized what he’d said. “Shit, uh, I didn’t mean it like—shit. That was rude of me, M’Fawn, ‘m sorry.”

“No need to apologize,” Kali giggled. “You are the first person besides Theanno to speak to me so casually since I got the Crown. It was refreshing, if a bit unexpected.” At his relieved deflation, she added, “And to answer your question, I suppose not. Cutting down trees was one of my father’s jobs in the house, though he did always promise to teach me.”

“Well, you’ve got yer axe—” He started to gesture to the hand she’d held it with, only to falter when it wasn’t there.

She summoned it back, the Crown almost giving an impression of a deep sigh as it formed the blade in her hand.

Maybe she was imagining it.

“…You’ve got yer axe,” he started again, eyes narrowed just a bit in confusion. “You’ve got th’ grip. You’ve got th’ drive. So, uh… Take a swing for me, wouldja?”

She nodded, readjusting her footing once more and letting the blade fly.

Thunk. A slight dent.

“There’s yer issue,” Ajax hummed. “You’re holdin’ and swingin’ it like a sword. Slicin’ at an inconsistent downward angle, see it? That’s why it’s not gettin’ cut through. May I—?” He held out his hand to ask for the axe before cutting himself off as he blinked with realization. “Ah, right. Red Crown. Lemme just…” With a quick movement, he reached up and over his own shoulder to pull the axe from its holder—

Kaliaphra abruptly realized that he was armed the whole time, yet not a thought of betrayal had crossed his mind. She let the Crown return to her once more while she pondered this and watched.

The bison hefted his axe—large, sharp, polished, yet worn—and, with perfected movements, took a mighty swing at the tree. A louder, less pitiful-sounding thunk followed, and the blade sunk almost to the halfway point in one motion.

She gasped, utterly delighted, and began to commend him before his arms flexed and ripped the axe from the wood. He swung again, and again, and again, repeating the process whilst Kali watched in awe and fascination. She paid little attention to the contact point—the blade was parallel to the ground, just as he insinuated—and instead found herself drawn to the flexing and rippling of Ajax’s muscles in the movement.

He was… incredibly easy to look at.

“Didja hear anything I jus’ said?”

“No, sir,” she blurted, which was closely followed by a strangled bleat. “AH—! That was—not meant to—ahem. Force of habit.” Kali turned her attention back to the tree, blatantly ignoring his gaze. “What did you say?”

Ajax huffed a laugh. “I said that you did do part of a conventional notch, jus’ not th’ first part. And then yer angle got all fucked, so you were stuck in th’ top cut. I did yer bottom cut. You follow?”

“Mhm.”

By the One Below, no she did not.

He shouldered his axe and gestured to the other side of the tree. “All we’ve got now is th’ fellin’ cut. Wanna give it a go?”

“Uh.”

“Straight across, M’Fawn.”

“Alright.” Kali sauntered over to that side, clutching the Crown axe tightly. She took her stance, set her grip, and—

A larger pair of hands took hold of the handle, covering her own. Ajax settled in behind her, gently guiding her arms until they held the axe in position more comfortably, less strenuously. “Keep th’ power, jus’ don’t throw yer shoulder out. Clean swing.” He released her, leaving her hands cold where his had been.

She willed the blood from her cheeks and swung. Once. Twice. Just a handful of swings sent the tree finally falling toward their notch and onto the grass.

“See?” the bison laughed. “Angle makes th’ difference. I’ll drag this one over th’ camp and get it cut if ya wanna take another.”

After swinging all night, just the thought of starting another made her arms hurt. “No, that is alright. I think I will assist you with finishing this tree off and then assist with other tasks around camp. Anchordeep can wait another day, and then it is time for Haborym to join us. Perhaps he will adjust as quickly as Saleos.”

“Didn’t that guy just get here yesterday?”

“He watched Zelva do her work,” she chirped back, letting the Red Crown return to her head at last, “and he was fascinated. Fully converted? Of course not. Loyal to her, at least? Seems so. There has not been any screaming coming from the infirmary, so that is a good sign.”

Ajax gave an amused huff and slid his own axe back into its holster. “Then I think you’re doin’ jus’ fine. Don’t worry ‘bout the others, just do yer thing. Shall we?”

Kali shot him a smile back and bent for the felled tree. “We shall.”

She supposed getting friendly with another follower outside of Theanno was the best way to increase her reputation as a leader, as it only took until the following morning for people to greet her with respectful bows.

Kaliaphra had already made an effort to be kind when she was just a follower, but it was different when she was the one wearing the Crown. The Lamb had been put on a pedestal by anyone with faith—or anyone with more than two brain cells—and as a result they had been constantly approached with greetings, problems, and anything in-between. The first days of her elevated status, she’d been met with suspicious stares from most, mixed with the few that gave polite smiles. (The poor sermon didn’t help.)

While she approached to oversee breakfast preparations, however, every eye turned to her, lighting up with wonder.

“Good morning, My Fawn!” Filip chirped, the very definition of ‘bright-eyed and bushy-tailed’. The fox’s tail wagged behind him, smacking into his turtle husband Padd, who simply batted it away with a laugh. “I hope you’ve rested well!”

“You’re just in time to bless the food,” Zelva hummed, setting one final bowl of fruit on the long table. “If you wouldn’t mind, that is.”

“Oh,” came her eloquent reply. “I most certainly do not. Shall we gather around?”

Just as if the Lamb had said it, followers filtered into the dining tent and gathered around the table. None looked at her with suspicion as they had before, only with admiration and faith, their thoughts offering the same sentiment.

She caught Ajax’s gaze first, and he winked at her. Glad I talked her up to some folk, was his prominent thought.

She caught Theo’s gaze second, and he beamed. You got this, you got this, you got this, death just don’t let someone interrupt she’s nervous it’ll be great you can do it Kali.

For the first time since her promotion, Kaliaphra felt a rush of devotion throughout the camp. She couldn’t help but smile as she spread her arms wide, words flowing more naturally from her mouth. “Praise our lord who waits below, for he has blessed us with this meal, with this time together, and with our lives. We are humbled to utilize these gifts and give back to him by dedicating ourselves to his cause. May this food satiate our hunger a little while longer, while we serve in wait for our departure and reunion with him. May the land be plentiful, may the words of our lord be spread for all to hear, may the hearts gathered here at this table remain strong, and may we be able to share our blessings with future wayward souls welcomed from the world outside. Praise the Lamb.”

“Praise the Lamb,” the crowd echoed, only to remain where they stood in what appeared to be expectant hesitancy.

…What were they waiting for?

“Blessed be the Fawn!” Her gaze snapped over to Filip, whose tail had not stopped wagging behind him. She wondered if he even realized what a step he’d just taken for her.

Then, as they had in the temple when she’d received the Crown, each individual followed suit and repeated the phrase that simultaneously made her fur stand on end and rolled over her like honey.

Their faith would carry her through her crusade, she decided. 

“Blessed be the Fawn!”

After enduring many heretics, after finding several treasures, and after the defeat of Haborym, the vessel of Death stood once more before her god in the Below.

“Well done, fawn,” The One Who Waits purred. His sharp grin stood out behind the veil as he regarded her. “You have taken control of the cult seamlessly and are on the path to tearing down my coward of a brother. I am quite pleased with your progress.”

Kaliaphra felt pride surge in her chest, and she dipped low in a respectful bow. “Thank you, my lord. Your support empowers me.”

His low chuckle rumbled around her. “So much more obedient than the Lamb. They questioned nearly everything I told them, did you know?”

Truthfully, the idea baffled her. “No, sir. They spoke your word with confidence. Did they really…?”

“Not in any disrespectful manner, mind you. Still, they would bleat for hours to get answers out of me. Endearing on the best days, maddening on the worst.”

“Ah. I can speak less if that is what you desire.”

Something like surprise and regret flickered in what she could see of his eyes. “It is not.”

She nodded, silently, nonetheless.

Silence hung over the Below for a handful of heartbeats before Kaliaphra found the confidence to speak again.

“My lord,” she started hesitantly, “may I… ask you a question?”

Death’s head tilted in interest. “Oh? What might that be?”

“Um… well…” Her fingers threaded through the clouds just next to the stone platform while she attempted to build her confidence. “Only if you do not mind me asking, of course. I understand that faith is blind, and I mean no disrespect—”

“Hush, now.” Despite what she had pictured, his tone and smile were calm and… soothing. “You worry for nothing. Silly fawn, ask your question.”

She blinked up at him, still feeling that pull of anxiety, but nodded nonetheless. “When you are freed from your chains, what… is to become of the Lamb and myself? We will have served our purpose then. Will you be… disposing of us? Consider us threats to your authority? I would never go against you, my lord, honest. Please reconsider.”

The One Who Waits almost looked surprised by her words, but only for a split second, before reaching one skeletal hand down to her. “Silly fawn indeed. You think I am so cruel? No, I will not be discarding you, nor the Lamb.” The smooth side of his clawed index finger slid across her cheek, an awkward but still meaningful caress. (She felt herself flush all the same.) “Even while I retain custody of the Red Crown, the both of you will remain next to me, for you are loyal and… good company.”

His hand moved then, falling from her face to hold itself open in front of her—a silent offer. Kali looked between it and his face, attempting to discern his intention, but she ultimately stepped onto the bone and sat with her legs folded beneath her. Death lifted his hand, her raised up with it, to be just below the height of his chin where they could see each other better.

“Those who follow me as faithfully as you do,” he mused, “I will lavish in riches. I can already see it now: you, my little advisor, draped in the finest silks of crimson and black. Adorned in golden chains. Eternally fierce, my cherished saintess. Sweet Kaliaphra, as the keeper of your soul, do you truly believe that I would be so quick as to toss you aside after you have served your purpose?”

With every passing word he spoke, Kali felt her cheeks burn hotter. Her gaze fell to her lap as she desperately tried to will the extra color from her face. “You flatter me, my lord. Your words have replenished my confidence.”

“Good.” Death’s hand moved back toward the stone platform, where she stepped once more. “Now then, I believe you have lingered here for long enough. Return to your flock, and I will see you once more when you have slain Kallamar.”

“Yes, my lord.” She dipped into a curtsy, the bell on her neck jiggling softly with the motion. “Until then.”

The platform flared red, and Kaliaphra returned to the valley of Haven, heart fluttering. One hand drifted up to brush the spot on her cheek where he’d caressed her, and an adoring smile curled up her cheeks.

Lavished in riches. Draped in the finest silks. Adorned in golden chains.

Cherished saintess.

If that was to be her reward, she would not disappoint him.

[wolf-m-the-hybrid]

I know that I haven’t done anything for my Cult Of The Lamb AU. That’s because I ran dry in the inspiration department and couldn’t figure out some of the main characters backstory’s. But with the new update coming very soon my inspiration sparked and I figured out the backstory for the 4 allies of the Red Crown! But if I make a comic for them I know that I’ll lose motivation. So I’ll just say their backstories in this post! Some of these are more than others. Maybe one day I’ll have the motivation to make comics for them. But for now, behold the tales of the 4 allies!

~~~

Meril

Meril was born on a pirate ship along with her twin sister Amelia. Their mother was the captain of their ship and a was known as the pirate queen. But it was just a title, they aren’t actually royalty.

As the twins grew up it became very clear how different Meril and her sister were. Amelia aced every pirate challenge she faced, ready to be next in line for captain. Could easily charm anyone for all of their money. As for Meril, she continued to fail again and again in the pirate challenges. She could never talk to anyone, always flustering and messing up her words.

But her mother never punished Meril for her mistakes. Instead trying to find a way to help Meril grow her confidence. Her mother’s love kept Meril hopeful… until it happened…

One stormy night, the waves were so high that the entire crew needed to work together to prevent them from going overboard. Meril and her mother were keeping the sails from unfolding. However in the storm, Meril saw something. A light in the sky one brilliant and bright. Before she realized it, Meril had let go of the rope making the sails unfurl. Her mother fell into the ocean, the waves took her under.

Amelia was in rage. In fact if Meril wasn’t family Amelia would have killed her right there. Instead Meril was banished from the ocean. If Meril ever steps foot in the ocean then Amelia will kill her. Meril was placed at the docks in Pilgrims Pass where the light house keeper took her in. She taught Meril their ways and had Meril as her apprentice.

Things were fine for a while. What was until the Red Beast took the light house keeper into the shadows. With no one else to lead Pilgrim’s Pass, everyone looked to Meril the apprentice. So without full training, Meril became the leader of Pilgrim’s Pass.

Sozo

Sozo was found as a baby near the Spore Grotto. He was found by the healer/leader of the Grotto, Florance or Flo for short. She took in Sozo and treated him like her own son. Flo taught Sozo how to mix certain ingredients to create medicine and how to lead their people. But Sozo still isn’t ready to lead the Spore Grotto yet.

But he doesn’t mind, more time on his side project. And what is it? Making mushrooms into bombs that cause different effects!

Plimbo

Many years ago, he was a pirate who stole from the rich and gave it to the poor. One day he decided to steal from the biggest treasure horde in the world, Kallamar’s treasury. Plimbo and his crew managed to steal the treasure, however they failed to escape Anchordeep. Kallamar sunk their ship and took his riches back.

Before Plimbo fell into the waters of Anchordeep, he vowed vengeance on Kallamar for his greed. His soul never passed on, instead it’s still deep in Anchordeep’s waters. Pulling followers of Kallamar to their doom. But Plimbo’s souls will never rest until the greedy, cowardly bishop falls.

Midas

Midas was once a traveler who explored the world. His travels brought him to the Land of the Old Faith where he met Chemach, long before she was chained. She offers Midas a place to rest his feet after his long journey. Midas was a little nervous at first but calmed down when given a drink. But he can’t remember what else happened that day. He woke up alone, his chest in pain and strange yellow markings on his skin.

A passing explorer found Midas struggling to stand up and went to help him. But when they touched hands the explorer turned into gold. Midas panicked and ran away, turning monsters into gold as he continued to run. Once he found a safe place, Midas tried to remember what happened, but couldn’t. He couldn’t understand what was happening, why he could turn beings into gold.

As time went on he found out that he didn’t need to eat or drink, he couldn’t age, and continued to hide from everyone or everything that came by. That was until Ratau found him. The previous bearer of the Red Crown found Midas but didn’t attack. Instead Ratau offered to help Midas figure out what was happening to him. With his kindness, Midas figured out how to not only control his powers but figure out what happened. Chemach had inserted a relic inside of Midas that caused him his powers.

After the cult disbanded Midas continued to follow the ways of the Red Crown. It had taken him in and helped teach him how to control his powers. He will be forever grateful and loyal to the Red Crown. So Midas decided to make a cave full of treasure to be used for any Red Crown bearer. He kept it hidden inside a cave away from the prying eyes of the bishops. Midas takes in lost travelers to help them recover, but turns any followers of the bishops into gold.

~~~

And there you go!!! I want to do some redesigns again soon but not now. Anyway I hope you guys like what else I have planned for my AU! Have a good day or night!

[cloudsrust]

!!/TW: Cult of the Lamb Spoilers/!! (Mostly Shamura's domain and lowkey end game "reward")

So uhhh- I've been finally playing Cotl right? And I decided to make my first file the "comfort" one (So not finishing either the Fox or Sozo's quests, choosing "nice" rituals and just vibing)- for it I wanna marry Narinder so I chose the appropriate ritual.

The moment I carve the ritual in stone the brother of Witness Agares (Matyno, got them from the "save my brother" quest) asks for my hand in marriage, guess they fell for Lambert when they rescued them.

Oh well- I'm still far from endgame so I can just accept and have them die before going for The One I'm Actually Waiting For.

Casually wait for them to age and kick the bucket (still giving smooches, I'm not a monster) and the day comes.

(Which- that's one hell of a dramatic reaction for me leaving for a crusade?? I can respect that.) Rip in drama- just bury them and with them the whole spouse thing.

Days pass, and a follower has a quest for me:

They want me to resurrect my goddamn ex-spouse.

(Forgot to take a screen of who it was, lucky for them since I would've hit them with a surprise-sacrifice).

Salty about having to waste precious bones for it but- I don't wanna lose too much Faith (I'm trying to finish the game without dissenters- I'm at day 72 and still going strong). W E L P- bite the bullet and do the resurrection ritual.

Still smooch Matyno at times, it is not their fault that they were brought back after all and I'm- once again- no monster.

More days pass. I'm struggling to beat Kallamar since he teleports all over the place and he is the boss representation of "Random bullshit go!". Decide to pay a visit to darling Shamura (we love fucked up they/them representation on this blog <3)

And-

The madlad makes me kill my ex-not-so-ex-spouse. (Bonus points for the floral shirt, very classy for their funeral).

Literally went "JOKES ON YOU I'M INTO THAT SHIT-" and strike them down with no hesitation. I'm now a single cult leader once again.

Long story short- if this isn't they/them solidarity I don't know what it is. Thank you Shamura beloved <3

[laureliere]

Magda, Crownbearer and Shepherd of New Haven!

It's been awhile since I tackled an anthro character, so I thought this was a fun challenge. More about her, below the cut.

(This is still up in the air for her backstory, but enjoy!)

Magda was not born in the Lands of the Old Faith. Nae, it is said the Shepherd came from the heretical lands of the World Beyond - the world the Old Faith had severed itself from by the blade of a Godly Weapon.

Perhaps it was an outside force that bade her entry into the Lands of the Old Faith, or sheer misfortune, but it had been a flock of doomed sheep - that had found her crumpled upon the shoreline within an inch of her life. Sentimental and compassionate creatures, Magda was nursed to health in flock's hidden settlement among the sheer cliffs and tidal caves. Adopted into their dwindling numbers, as one of their own.

An outsider to the ways of the Old Faith, Magda was fearless and compassionate to her withdrawn kin. Seeing them as her family.

Those who had found her had seen as a poor soul that was to also be entangled in struggling survival of sheep kin. While others, desperate and the ways of mysticism fueling them, Magda was a glimmer of hope. A sign from a merciful diety - if there was one. That perhaps, she could allow them safe passage away from the Lands of the Old Faith - and to the world that had hailed from originally. A world, where their kind could still thrive. It could be said...that Magda, had garnered her own following from those kind-hearted sheep.

Yet. How tragedy struck, when Kallamar had soon heard from his henchmen, that they had spotted activity of the flock along their hidden shoreline. And how a sheep, dressed in soaked clothes from another world, had somehow found herself on those very shores.

We need not detail, of the fate of that poor and foolish flock.

For Magda would carry them with her - their blood soaked deeply into her wool, as she would make her way to the sacrificial pedestal. She would carry them in her heart still - for those kindhearted souls, had not deserved that fate. And she would vow, as she looked Death himself in the eye, that she would seek vengeance for them.

Interloper. Heretic. Shepherd. This, would be how Magda would become known as.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Do you do yandere cult of the lamb? If so can we have a one shot of platonic yandere bishops (including Narinder, before the betrayal) x gn!bishop!reader? The reader can either be the oldest or the youngest but they're still old like the bishops

As the youngest of the Bishops, it became very clear that you weren't going to be taken all that seriously. Or at least that’s how you felt your brethren treated you at first.

Your crown, as it did for all its bearers, gifted you with unfathomable divine power--the power of Life, in your case. From that blossomed your own beautiful realm and a legion of followers who were eternally loyal to your cause. 

So you shouldn't need any "extra protection". Yet the Bishops always watched you like a couple of hawks, intruding into your temple often without reason. All the wile, you noticed each of their peculiar behaviors towards you specifically..and nobody else.

For instance, one evening Leshy had the gall to interrupt one of your sermons....just to ask if you knew how to perform a Sacrifice of the Flesh ritual.

For Great One's sake! He thought you didn’t know the most basic of rituals in all the lands?! 

You felt outright insulted and scorned your elder brother for assuming such things, shooing him away from your temple.

The next morning, you visited your devotion statue and saw a bouquet of camelia flowers laid down in front of it--freshly picked from Darkwood’s finest gardens. Not only that, but there was also a stack of gifts for your followers.

It was an odd yet sweet gesture from Leshy. So you accepted his apology, believing that maybe you’ve been too harsh on him.

Then one day you received news that one of your most devoted followers was kidnapped in the middle of the night--by Kallamar’s own followers.

You knew him a coward, but to do something like this was appalling. The lowest of lows. So you stormed his temple in anger, demanding for their release.

Yet...the squid seemed happy to see you, smiling as he welcomed you despite the fact he clearly pissed you off. But it turns out that he only wanted to talk to you about exchanging doctrines, but didn’t know how else to approach you.

So he ordered his cultists to kidnap your follower to lure you into Anchordeep. And he’s elated to see that it worked! You came for him!

As an apology for angering you, he made those same cultists become violently ill and blessed your follower with good health for the rest of their life. You just scowled at him and quickly left for home with them in tow, insisting that he didn’t use them like that ever again.

Then Heket, the typically arrogant frog bishop, was actually quite sweet to you. Alhough you’d much rather see her true hardiness than this fake persona she puts on specifically in your presence, you don’t complain.

When she overheard your followers were struggling with growing food this season, she took pity and blessed your entire realm with bountiful yields. Every farm plot grew twice as fast.

She hasn't said a word about it, and while you felt like it insinuated that you weren't capable of solving your own food crises..you were grateful for her rare generosity.

Shamura, ever the wiser, suggested a fighting ritual between two of your treasured followers--both of whom desire the title of Witness. Their constant bickering only created rifts in your cult, disrupted sermons, and generally upset you whenever you tried speaking to either of them.

You firmly taught resolution in conversations, negotiations, and forgiveness..no way could you see blood spilt on your temple grounds!

But despite your protests, Shamura had foreseen more disarray within your cult. This was a problem that you could likely ignore, but they couldn’t for some reason. And so they took possession over those two followers one night, filling them with the spirit of warriors, and had them duel to the death for your approval.

It left you horrified, but you did bless the winner with that title, appeasing the eldest of the Bishops.

Narinder was the last in the pattern. Despite being judge, jury, and executioner of all souls who eventually meet him...he actually asked you to decide where the dearly-departed from your cult deserved to be.

He claims it would be “unfair” if he didn’t have your honest opinion. But you objected his request.

Isn’t it his job to make that choice so you and the other Bishops didn’t have to? He was Death, you weren’t, and for him to be influenced by your judgement would surely upset the balance of nature. Of the duties of Bishops.

Why should he put that burden on you? You’ve dealt with the “life” aspect of these souls..so it should be his turn, right?

It didn’t make sense.

None of the Bishops’ actions made sense, you soon realized.

Feeling lost, you sought guidance from Haro. He was quite the enigmatic bird, yet he had a unique connection with your family--ever elusive while simultaneously all-knowing.

You asked him about the behaviors of the others. Why did they act so strange and obsessive over you? To the point of infatuation or committing heinous acts upon your followers or theirs? Was this all just for a minute of your attention?

He revealed to you that a prophecy called for a young Bishop who was fated to keep the balance of Life in the lands. But apparently many “false gods” claimed to be you, and were among the thousands slaughtered until only one remained:

You. The one true god of Life.

Knowing you were finally found, they were swift to take you under their wing, wanting to shelter you from the same mistakes they made growing up. And they did all they could to keep you happy..keep you reliant on them so you didn’t get hurt.

It seems a prophecy indeed drove them mad. 

And as Haro flew away into the night sky, you gained a better understanding of the Bishops you called family.

But it also left you uneasy, realizing they could use this against you.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

could you do a Shamura x blind reader, the reader was Shamuras right hand ( kind of like how Baal and Aym are with Narinder) nut lost their sight during a crusade, since them Shamura had been very protective of them and treats them with lots of care.

Being chosen as Shamura's right hand was the highest honor.

You were picked not only for your combat skills, but also because you because you proved to be an excellent guide to the bishop when they needed it most, especially after Narinder’s betrayal left them weak in mind and spirit.

You’ve always been by their side, tending to their every need and answering for them if a follower approached.

During one of your crusades, however, Lamb was also in the same area, being quite new to Silk Cradle. And they were currently fighting a Bomb Scout. 

You tried to intervene, attempting to find a way to stab Lamb from behind, but the bomb thrown was abruptly deflected in your direction when you least expected it--

And it exploded near you, sending debris and shrapnel into your eyes.

The scout was killed shortly after, and Lamb assumed you were dead too, so they moved on.

But you were in fact alive..only to be completely blind.

Shamura rescued you after hearing the explosion, shocked at what happened and rushing back to the cult for treatment.

Sadly it was far too late. Nothing could save your eyesight. 

Even Kallamar couldn't..no matter how much his eldest sibling pleaded. So you wore a blindfold made of silk for the rest of your days.

Adjusting to this new life was difficult, even though you were very familiar with Silk Cradle. 

It still hurt, and you struggled to get back into combat...mostly bc Shamura was fearful of you getting hurt even worse next time around. They wouldn’t let you crusade alone anymore.

You understand, given they also took care of Leshy, but you didn't wanna give up yet! It would be years before you even considered retiring from your duties!

Despite them wanting to protect you from all the dangers in the world, you have to reassure them you can handle it.

You do, however, find it comforting to know you won't be thrown out because of this. 

Shamura still saw potential in you....and wanted to keep you closer to them than ever before.