wildcardheroes

[wildcardheroes]

Progress Update

I have some not great news, but everything will be alright (eventually).

I might have been a little too silly and accidentally broke my phone (where I write the chapters)…

… and that phone just so happened to not have been backed up before I started to write anything about the Pack of Cards universe…

So, yeah.

Luckily I kinda have the entire plot memorized lmao and I have a relatively recent version of Chapter Three on my computer, so it definitely could be worse. This was just the cherry on top to an incredibly hectic and stressful month, but everything is okay now. I hope to have an update sometime in August!

[wildcardheroes]

Small Update

Life has decided to throw a lot on my stove, so Chapter Three is on a back-back burner, but it’s still cooking! It’ll be served… eventually.

One could say I’m… overcooked.

In the meantime, I edited a paragraph in Chapter Two to showcase just a little bit of Fyrus’ alterations. ↓

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Hayden, the tallest man – let alone Omega – he’d ever met, held a burned wrist high in the air while simultaneously attempting to flip a pancake with the other. “I told you I’m fine! You don’t need to worry about it!” This answer did not placate Smith, as the Beta attempted to climb Hayden to reach his wrist while ignoring the tansy that sprouted from his hair. “Let me help you! I do this professionally!” 

For those curious, one of tansy’s meanings is resistance.

[wildcardheroes]

It’ll be a Christmas Pride miracle if I get this chapter out today, I’ve been so busy irl. If it’s not published today, expect two chapters in July!

[wildcardheroes]

I will get this chapter out before the end of June, I just wanted to reveal that my chapter skeleton stated:

“A small tangent to reflect on Giwi, her VTuber, and Delta alterations”

…and I don’t think a “small tangent” is close to 1K words.

This chapter is definitely a challenge lmao

[wildcardheroes]

This is the exact vibe I was going for! Thank you so much!!

Chapter Preview!

I wanted to give a little preview to the next chapter of W3SLIB, as it’s taking a lot longer than I anticipated to finish. This will likely be the longest chapter so far, so enjoy the opening!

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The Three of Diamonds

Jacob knew before becoming a hero that it required intense dedication and hard work just to survive each day. He’s spent countless hours honing his powers, watching over the city, and fighting criminals to make the world a safer place for everyone, and he doesn’t regret a single moment. He likes to know that his pack is making a difference in the world, one small step at a time.

Unfortunately, heroism just doesn’t pay the bills, which is how he finds himself editing his latest project while running on just a few hours of sleep. If the grind never stops, neither will he.

He’s pulled from the rhythm of his work by a sudden screech from somewhere within the house. “You can’t get away from me! I will kill you!” He spares a glance at his second monitor while laughing quietly to himself at Giwi’s palpable fury. It’s amazing what a single game of Among Us can do to a person.

[wildcardheroes]

Chapter Preview!

I wanted to give a little preview to the next chapter of W3SLIB, as it’s taking a lot longer than I anticipated to finish. This will likely be the longest chapter so far, so enjoy the opening!

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The Three of Diamonds

Jacob knew before becoming a hero that it required intense dedication and hard work just to survive each day. He’s spent countless hours honing his powers, watching over the city, and fighting criminals to make the world a safer place for everyone, and he doesn’t regret a single moment. He likes to know that his pack is making a difference in the world, one small step at a time.

Unfortunately, heroism just doesn’t pay the bills, which is how he finds himself editing his latest project while running on just a few hours of sleep. If the grind never stops, neither will he.

He’s pulled from the rhythm of his work by a sudden screech from somewhere within the house. “You can’t get away from me! I will kill you!” He spares a glance at the stream on his second monitor while laughing quietly to himself at Giwi’s palpable fury. It’s amazing what a single game of Among Us can do to a person.

[wildcardheroes]

June Update

Happy pride month!! I’m currently celebrating by being sick (boooo), but I’m getting better. As a little treat to last until the next chapter, I decided to make a list of Wildcard’s first scents that they had before presenting!

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Ace

Wood smoke (but softer)

Jester

A river in a forest

Captain

A non-alcoholic margarita

Halo

Pleasantly earthy, a bit like incense if it wasn’t overbearing

Fyrus

Dried flowers

Phase

Freshly cut wood

Weegee

Herbal, almost minty

Lilith

Candied orange peels

Vixen

Vanilla flowers

The next update should be soon-ish!

[wildcardheroes]

Void’s Alter-Ego: Update

I decided to go with Phase, as it references video game terminology and what his powers do. I deleted the poll, and I just wanted to post what I went with.

I appreciate the feedback though!

[wildcardheroes]

Here you go! Supposedly the piece represents the Oracle looming behind Ace but the proportions were fighting me hard enough that I just ran with the first one that looked ok :P [also maybe minor blood warning. there's stuff that's implied blood but doesn't really look like it]

Oh my gosh, this is amazing!! I love this so so much!! I love the detail of the ace and the heart on the hoodie glowing as well, that’s such a cool idea!!

I love his expression as well, it really captures how I wanted him to feel in the first two chapters: unsure if this is the right thing to do. He constantly feels the presence of the Oracle, even when she’s not there.

Thank you so so much for this wonderful art!! ♥️♥️♥️

[wildcardheroes]

pst. uhm. im interested in... fanart, perhaps? i looked through the currently posted chapters and i don't think there's a detailed design list (no diss there-i quite like getting the tidbits over time usually). but uhm. may i perhaps have at least a traits list for ace's design? no pressure ofc!! i don't wanna pressure anyone lol.

I would be so honored, you have no idea :0

Luckily, I have a design concept for Ace! I have a few ideas for everyone’s disguises (or at least their masks), but I’ve had Ace’s figured out for quite some time actually. I’ll (eventually, hopefully) make a master list of their designs, but here is the Ace of Hearts!

(Tumblr might have eaten the quality, so click on the image for a better resolution)

(06/19: I looked up some mask types and the most similar one I found was called a Colombina mask)

[wildcardheroes]

Jacob deals a card, the Oracle ends her turn, the Wildcards place a bet.

[wildcardheroes]

Jester has a bit of bad luck, the Ace of Hearts almost folds, the Oracle discards her hand.

[wildcardheroes]

Alphas, Omegas, and Betas

Designations 

There are three designations: Alphas, Omegas, and Betas. This post will explain how each designation functions in this universe. 

I use "tend to be" a lot, because not every Alpha, Omega, or Beta hits every point for their designation. For example, someone can hit every Alpha stereotype and not be an Alpha! Things like that are not uncommon, because people are people, and every person is unique.

Alphas 

The stereotypical “leader” designation, Alphas tend to be taller, more muscular, and broader than a Beta (imagine Betas as a baseline, like an average human). Alphas evolved to be the exterior protector of their pack from outside forces. Their scents tend to be subtle yet distinct, unmistakable yet not overpowering. Their scents are tied to their emotions, but not as much as an Omega’s.

Alphas experience ruts, which can last up to a week. When presenting, physical changes include the canine and incisor teeth sharpening (but nowhere near a vampire, just sharper than normal), and AFAB Alphas develop secondary sex characteristics. During a rut, an Alpha feels very territorial over their personal space (and sometimes others, especially those they are close to). Their mind enters a “haze”, usually alongside more traditional physical urges. If another non-pack Alpha is near them, they might try to intimidate (or actually fight) the other to show dominance.  

If an Omega / Beta partner or pack member is near them, they might try to become overprotective and very physically close (but that doesn’t necessarily mean sex. An asexual Alpha or one not looking for sex might just try to hold the other very close to them, like a bear hug). Alphas in rut also get satisfaction from ensuring that their partner / pack is safe and provided for. 

Typically, a rut occurs twice a year (and tend to not be as bad as a heat) but can be induced by being near an Omega in heat. Some Alphas prefer to go through ruts alone. 

Omegas

The stereotypical “nurturing” designation, Omegas tend to be smaller and have wider hips compared to a Beta. Omegas evolved to be the interior protector of the pack and the home, ensuring physical and emotional safety. However, most of modern society depicts Omegas as inherently weaker and in need of protection. An Omega’s scent is not very subtle and can be heavily dependent on their emotions.

Omegas experience heats, which can last up to a week. When presenting, physical changes include the canine and incisor teeth sharpening (but less so than an Alpha), and AMAB Omegas develop secondary sex characteristics. During a heat, an Omega’s body rises in temperature, their lower body begins to cramp, and certain body parts begin to severely ache. Their mind enters a “haze”, and they create (or adjust, if one is already made) “nests” consisting of clothing and fabrics, and it helps if those items are scented or owned by themselves or those close to them. They have an intense desire for companionship, and both romantic and platonic companionship helps. 

If a partner or pack member is near them, an Omega in heat tends to be clingy and crave physical closeness (but again, but that doesn’t necessarily mean sex. An asexual Omega or one not looking for sex might just try to hold the other very close to them, like a bear hug). Anyone close to the Omega can reduce the intensity of the heat by scenting the Omega, quelling the intense pain into a dull ache.  

Typically, a heat occurs once a season (and tend to be harsher than a rut) but can be induced by being near an Alpha in rut. It is very rare for an Omega to prefer spending a heat alone. 

Also, periods do not exist. Uterine lining is simply reabsorbed like in other animals. 

It’s important to note that a rut or a heat doesn’t make one lose control of themselves, that’s an excuse that some use to get away with doing whatever they want. Someone in a rut or heat might be more… outspoken about their desires, but they still have some semblance of control over themselves, and they understand when advances aren’t reciprocated.

Betas

The stereotypical “negotiator” designation, Betas are essentially a standard human, physically. Betas evolved to be very adaptable to new scenarios and can sometimes be considered the “voice of reason”. A typical Beta’s scent is kind of like an emotional diffuser, meant to calm others and prevent highly emotional responses. Their emotions can impact their scent, but oftentimes the changes are not obvious to those not close to them. There are more Betas than Alphas or Omegas, and those two are about even (imagine about 60% Betas, 20% Alphas, and 20% Omegas).

Betas experience cycles, which last for about three days (and cycling is the umbrella term for a rut, heat, or cycle). They present differently compared to Alphas and Omegas: a Beta presentation begins with a massive headache, similar to a very strong migraine. They gain a good amount of immunity to the effects of an Alpha or Omega’s scent, while being able to subconsciously discern the emotions and intentions behind those scents. 

During a cycle, an intense headache forms and many scents (even from those they love) become overbearing, often leading to the Beta self-isolating during this time. The application of scent blockers on others can help during a cycle. 

Typically, cycles occur once a year (generally around the same time the individual presented), but some Betas are prone to cycle-like headaches that occur more often. 

Siring and Carrying

Is there a different word for sire?

Can sire:

Alphas

AMAB Betas

AMAB Omegas

Can carry:

Omegas

AFAB Betas

AFAB Alphas

(This is a very long post, so information about scents and bonds are below ↓)

Scents 

Every person has a unique scent that fully develops after a presentation. The predominant scent glands are in the neck, but there are smaller glands on the wrists. They emit a person’s signature scent and can change in intensity depending on the situation. When someone hits puberty, they start to develop a “first scent” that will eventually morph into their full scent after presenting. It’s impossible to tell what designation someone will be from their first scent, but that doesn’t stop people from making guesses. 

An Omega’s scent can turn into a “soured” version when distressed. It is not a pleasant scent and can either be a warning to stay back or a plea for help. 

Scent blockers exist and are similar in appearance to bandages. They don’t fully block someone’s scent, but they dampen the effects. Alpha and Omega heroes tend to wear them on duty, and patches are always worn on the neck and occasionally on the wrists. The patches help prevent mishaps during a rescue, such an Alpha in a rut from becoming too aggressive when being rescued by another Alpha, or too assertive when being rescued by an Omega. They also help prevent Omegas in heat from becoming attached when being rescued. 

Bonds, Bites, and Breaking Up

Platonic Bonds

Platonic and pack bonds are formed over time are based on scenting. Scenting is done for many reasons: it can be intimate, done to calm another down, during a (platonic) pack cuddling session, and more. Cuddling (especially between friends and pack members) is very common and not seen as weird or inherently romantic, it’s just something people do in this universe.

Friends tend to scent each other a lot due to the wrist glands. The saturation of the scent changes depending on the intentions. Platonic scenting is light, like an accent note to a person’s scent. Romantic or sexual scenting is more intense, like the two scents became one. 

Both platonic and romantic bonds are created in time. In this universe, a random Alpha or Omega can’t go up to the opposite secondary and bite them to claim them forever, it’s a bit more complicated than that. 

Alpha x Omega Bonds

When an Alpha or Omega is in a cycle, the scent glands on their necks are more sensitive and produce more intense scents. During this time, a bite can help calm down the cycling individual. This creates a temporary bond between the two, amplified if the other reciprocates the bite. It normally takes a few heats and ruts with temporary bonds before the two individuals will sync together. Once they are synced, reciprocal biting during this time will create a more permanent* bonding scar.

Beta x Alpha and Beta x Omega Bonds

Betas can be bitten by their partners, but the bites do not last. Beta scent glands do not have the same structure as an Alpha or Omega’s, meaning that a mating bite does not leave a more permanent result. This can be remedied by simply renewing the mark when it starts to fade, which most partners do not mind. 

A Beta’s bite on an Alpha or Omega does last, but due to their blunter teeth, leaves a different appearance. The statement is still the same: this individual is taken. 

Alpha x Alpha and Omega x Omega Bonds

It is rare, but not unheard of, for two Alphas to be in a relationship (two Omegas are not quite as rare, but still not that common). This is more common when the two are in a larger pack, but these relationships exist outside of packs as well (These relationships are also established through a bonding scar). Although stereotypes depict two Alphas as always butting heads and trying to outdo the other, or two Omegas as jealous of each other, stereotypes rarely depict real life accurately. It takes work, as any relationship does, but a relationship between two Alphas or two Omegas can be just as loving and secure as any other relationship.

Marriage

It’s not uncommon for a relationship including an Alpha or Omega to be deemed “official” in the eyes of the law as soon as bond scars are set, and a bonded status would be filed at a courthouse. Likewise, Beta x Beta relationships are also often just filed at a courthouse. However, the couple might want to host a wedding for fun or if their religious views expect them to, or the couple might host a small celebration instead.

Breaking a Bond

* Notice the emphasis on the term “more permanent”. Like any relationship, it takes effort from both partners to keep the bond strong. The bond can be maintained in several ways, such as scenting each other, spending time together, and cycling together. 

A bond scar takes more time to break, but they can break. Complete separation will eventually break a bond, but modern medicine can speed this process up by a lot. A bond in the process of breaking will create immense feelings of loneliness during a cycle. It is typical that a bond broken through divorce or separation is medically accelerated, but a bond broken through death is not. Eventually, the scar will fade entirely. 

(Inversely, modern medicine has created a pill that will delay a breaking bond, which is helpful if the bonded have to stay separated for an extended period of time)

[wildcardheroes]

Alterations

There is an extremely rare chance that an individual can manifest superhuman abilities during a presentation. The individuals are called Alters (or the Altered), because their bodies “altered” from the usual presentation. The official name for a power is an “alteration”. An acceptable slang term for these people is “Alts” (fun fact: this is where the term alter-ego comes from in this universe).

Example: he’s Altered, she’s an Alter, they are Alts.

While it is known that presentations can cause alterations, it’s a social taboo to talk about them. Alts avoid mentioning them because the government has made it very clear they want Alts to work directly for them, to use their abilities for unknown reasons (especially in the U.S., but some countries have different views). Because of this, the government will try everything they can do to apprehend an Alt who has made their identity public.

Almost all alterations do not involve a physically noticeable change, and even Vixen and Halo’s hair changing is considered unusual. However, extreme physical alterations do exist, and those with them are often shunned, sometimes within Alt communities. There isn’t a genetic difference between those with physical alternations and those without, but the official term for this type of alteration is a Delta alternation (these people are referred to as Deltas).

Example: he has a Delta alteration, she is a Delta (Alter), they are Deltas / Delta Alts.

However, Deltas are often called Deviations (or Deviants) which furthers isolates them, and most despise the term (though some are working to reclaim the word). Deltas tend to stick together and help each other out in any way they can, knowing that all they have is each other.

Another, albeit less common, reason alterations aren’t talked about is that some religious sects believe that the Altered are demons and should be killed, especially Deltas.

As there are people with superhuman abilities, some have decided to use their alterations for good… or for evil.

Although many civilians see them as heroes, the justice system does not always view them as such. Typically, heroes tend to break laws, cause destruction, or even kill, but they do this to stop villains from doing much, much worse. The justice system as a whole does not like or approve of their methods (in addition to the government wanting to use their alterations for ulterior motives), and are heavily biased against heroes if they are ever identified.

Omega heroes do exist, but they are far less common. Although modern day Omegas have more rights compared to Omegas of the past, it is still a dangerous world and many are afraid of being taken advantage of. Omega heroes often work within a group, not alone.

For some Alts, heroism can’t be the answer. Those who refuse outright villainy choose mercenary work as a way to survive. Mercenaries are often Deltas who can’t get by with honest work due to societal distrust. Mercenaries do a lot of odd jobs, anything from security to intel to less… legal work. Many see themselves as doing what they can to survive, good people who were dealt a bad hand in life.

Unfortunately, some use their alterations for evil. Depending on the type of alteration one has, this could lead to dangerous situations for the people around them.

There’s a hard and fast rule within the Alter community: do not unmask another Alter. Every Alt knows the societal and (more importantly) governmental persecution that Alts face, so almost everyone, including those who consider themselves villains, would never unmask another. Everyone has a life outside of their alter-ego, and unmasking is considered cruel and unacceptable. Those close and related to the unmasked are often hounded by the media, and the government accuses them of knowingly hiding them and will often press charges against them. Additionally, unmasking one person often leads to those working with them being revealed. A lot of alter-egos would rather die than have their lives exposed.

[wildcardheroes]

W3SLIB Characters

The Ace of Hearts (Ace)

AKA: Jacob

Designation: Alpha

Scent: A snowy pine forest, hints of a smoky campfire

Alteration: Ice manipulation and generation. His powers used to be directly tied to his emotions, but he has since gained more control.

Jester

AKA: Jaiden

(She is Jester after the appearance of the wildcard in most decks, and I’m not calling her Joker. In this universe, the name of the wildcard is the Jester.)

Designation: Beta

Scent: Petrichor (the smell of rain) and lemongrass

Alteration: Unaltered, she is the mission control for the Wildcards. She is skilled with technology, hacking, and gathering intel.

Captain

AKA: Braden

Designation: Beta

Scent: An ocean breeze with a hint of citrus

Alteration: Barrier and force field generation. He can create flat barriers and spheres, and miniature shields as a reaction.

Halo 

AKA: Smith

Designation: Beta

Scent: Fresh laundry, clean cotton 

Alteration: Healing powers and regeneration. Their hair lightly glows when they use their powers, which inspired their alter-ego name.

Fyrus

AKA: Hayden

Designation: Omega

Scent: Jasmine (both the tea and the flower) and honey

Alteration: Plant generation and manipulation, both consciously and subconsciously. 

Phase

AKA: Void

Designation: Alpha

Scent: Sandalwood and patchouli

Alteration: Intangibility, can phase through walls. His clothes and anything he’s holding also become intangible. If he touches anyone while in this state, they become “stunned” for a good while.

Weegee

AKA: Cade

Designation: Beta

Scent: Rosemary and sage

Alteration: Extreme physical strength and durability. He's basically indestructible.

Lilith 

AKA: Giwi

Designation: Alpha

Scent: An orange whiskey sour but not too pungent or overly boozy, smoother and a little sweeter.

Alterations: Her Delta alterations are her horns, talon-like nails, sharper fangs, and red eyes. Her other alterations are increased strength and heightened senses.

Vixen

AKA: Pixie (Vulpixie)

Designation: Omega

Scent: Cherries (fruity and floral) with a little vanilla

Alterations: Swiftness, illusions, temporary invisibility. Her hair turned white after altering.

In-universe she is a “late bloomer” which is rare but not unheard of 

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The Ωracle

AKA: ???

Designation: Omega

Scent: Indescribable. Different designations parse her scent differently.

Alphas think she smells almost irresistible and hypnotic

Betas are unable to decipher what her scent means

Omegas think her scent is warm and safe, like home

Alteration: ???

[wildcardheroes]

Hello! I’m the author of Whisper with Words Still Laced in Blood (W3SLIB) on Ao3!

I’m Sol (pronounced like Soul, but you can call me Solitaire if you want), she / her, and I’m an adult.

This blog will serve as place for me to put additional information regarding the story and the universe of A Pack of Cards. It’s also a side blog, so I won’t be following anyone back or directly liking posts (I'll usually respond with a reblog, ask, or comment though). Sorry about that.

If you somehow found this blog without reading the story… congrats! I have no idea how you did that!

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Character List

Alterations

Designations, Scents, and Bonds

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W3SLIB Chapters

The Ace of Hearts

The Two of Spades

The Three of Diamonds (Preview)