featherwurm

[featherwurm]

They both need so much contact - Karlach may be more touch starved to start, but they're both just very cuddly people. Especially after activities:

#BG3 #baulders gate 3 #Karlach #Tav #Zatavia #Art #Personal #Sketch

[featherwurm]

Sometimes I need something extremely spesific so I have to be the one to make it. Today I give you kendo champion Lae'zel because the thought wouldn't leave me alone.

#lae'zel #BG3 #baulders gate 3 #Modern AU #Kendo #Art #personal #sketch #color

[featherwurm]

Narrator Voice: "The Goddess removes the spear with a sickening wet crunch. Unsteadily the aaismar takes to her feet, body already recovering from mortal wounds, preparing herself to face her next foe."

Sketch follow-up to the previous image, because you guys are giving me the GOOD brainworms:

@unknown-but-better - That makes sense. I mean, it is her domain, after all.

@melonsap - Fuck yeah, that is too goddamn good to leave alone. I am reverberating with the implications.

@shjack180 - I mean not to give the D&D pantheon a free pass, they're kindof dicks, but boy does it add levels if she spent all this time totally out of her mother's reach.

#bg3 #baulders gate 3 #Dame Aylin #Shar #art #personal #sketch #digital

[featherwurm]

You think Dame Aylin ever prayed to her mother in the Shadowfell, while being killed over and over by Sharans seeking to prove themselves as dark justiciars, asking her how much more must she endure?

#BG3 #baulders gate 3 #Dame Aylin #Art #Personal #Digital #Color

[featherwurm]

"Why do you sketch so much of these badass women being gay and sleepy?" Because I am SO gay and sleepy.

Karlach is stacking rocks on Tav because she's very flat and still when she's laying down and it amuses Karlach to do so (they fall over when Karlach tries to wiggle to reach a rock that's just a little too far away.)

I hope I convey enough that they like to and are happy switching off who's big spoon/little spoon, laying on top of the other, needing some comfort, doing something weird to the other, etc. etc. Tav is only a little shorter than Karlach and somewhat more lightly built, otherwise they're not that far off in size (something in the water in Baulder's Gate I guess.)

#BG3 #baulders gate 3 #Kalrach #Tav #Zatavia #Art #Personal #Sketch

[featherwurm]

"Out of the Abyss" is going... well we met HIM - the chungus himself, Themberchaud, so it's definitely going somewhere. He strong-armed our 'lil guys into working for him, gave us pins with his face on them, and sent us on our merry way. Bart, my Kenku warlock is just feeling like he's going to get in trouble like he did with the Zhentarim... again.

#D&D #Dungeons and Dragons #Dragon #Themberchaud #Red Dragon #Bart #Kenku #Warlock #Art #Personal #Sketch #out of the abyss

[featherwurm]

Karlach hasn't been sweet on someone with a tail for a good long while - Tav's has caught her eye. It's much harder to see your own though.

The expression originally comes from one of the races with tails but it's just in the general vernacular now. It's usually something you might say to someone who's been stuck on a thought or action that isn't productive, aiming at something out of reach, like a dog chasing it's tail.

#baulders gate 3 #BG3 #Karlach #Tav #Zatavia #Art #Personal #Sketch #comic

[featherwurm]

A bathtime beer is a critical part of the day, or at least a relaxing day off, for a couple ridiculous tieflings.

#BG3 #baulders gate 3 #Modern AU #Karlach #Zatavia #Tav #Art #Sketch #Personal

[featherwurm]

Just some well-deserved body worship.

#BG3 #baulders gate 3 #Karlach #Tav #Zatavia #Art #personal #Zatavia “Oral Fixation” Felix

[featherwurm]

*shoves this across the table at you*

#BG3 #karlach #Tav #Zatavia

[featherwurm]

The monastery Tav hails from is one of the largest in Baulder’s Gate, and exists in service to the god of justice, Helm. It’s practice is a blend of traditions, with a structure that both serves religious and martial ends. Like any nearly self-sufficient monastery, it is an institution, and almost a little city unto itself. It is large enough to not only support monk-related religious practice and study (which includes the infrastructural support for people who live there – gardens, baths, kitchens, classrooms, dormitories, libraries), but also training for combat-oriented monks, paladins, and clerics, social services for the city (food and medical care for the poor, orphan and other child-related care and services), educational facilities (with a religious bent, but also considered to be a high quality of schooling), and of course, plenty of functions and celebrations. It is a permanent home to many people, and a temporary one for many more.

This close little group used to hang out between the time Tav entered the monastery and left as a solo wandering monk (ages 12-21) – she still crosses paths with them occasionally. They all like to hang out and catch up as adults. They are not her only friends, but they are her closest ones from her time in the monastery, they grew up together and all know each other’s business. They are the ‘weird kids’ that found each other and have stuck together – knowing each other eased a lot of issues from their younger years.

Descriptions below (age is as of the end of the events of Baulder's Gate 3):

Sahayla Cove (52, F, Human) – Very shy and always a little young for her years, she found comfort and safety hanging out with this bunch of weirdos who thought she was very cool and interesting. Eldest of the group. Artistically talented, currently an illuminator at the monastery and loves it. Schooled at the monastery since primary school, took to boarding there for secondary school. As with Tav, has family in Baulder’s gate but her relationships there are very strained. Found comfort in the monastery and never left – is very theologically loyal to Helm as practice, but likes lively debate on divine topics (tends to view gods as just doing their jobs, and sometimes not doing it well.) (Trans woman.)

Dumah Malekson (50, M, Human… or was anyway) – Pragmatic and kind, intelligent and sensible, generally the ring-leader of the group, unless one of the younger ones got a hair up about causing a specific kind of trouble (he only ever held them back JUST enough to stay out of serious trouble – mischief and nonsense were always fine.) Less the dad-friend and more the NCO friend. One of many children of a large Bauldiran noble family who didn’t stand to inherent anything in the long term and was coaxed by his family into joining the monastery as the proper and right thing to do (both for his sake and theirs – it was… mostly his decision.) Eventually trained as and went to adventure as a Paladin of Helm – and has many of his own stories to tell.

Ceili Meddleweed (48, NB, Halfling) – Thoughtful but strongly opinionated and kindof bossy (occasionally got into some VERY mean verbal fights with Tav). Suffers from an unfortunate condition called “being right.” Very nearsighted, and small even for a halfling. Quite contradictory – orderly but not neat, impatient but kind, has a hand in everything they can reach and a wicked memory, but is only really interested in their own business. Originally entered monastic training to become a monk (and be combat trained,) but lost interest in their later teens, preferring study anything that sat still long enough (which proved no trouble to change in the monastery.) Like Tav they still have blood relatives in Baulder’s Gate they interact with – their relationships are fine. They work as a librarian now in the upper city (not in the monastery,) and are a little leery, skeptical, and gruff, but ultimately very very knowledgeable and eager to share it when prompted. (Might also be a sorcerer but keeps their casting ability on the down low – hold person is a cantrip, right?)

Pareesa Denbek (46, F, Tiefling) – Generally quiet and observant (sometimes to a point of being seen as ‘creepy’), but will speak at length once trusting and happy. Born to human parents, they did try to care for her, but were lost to tragedy (probably Bhallist activity – but no suspects were ever named) – became a ward of the state and was bounced around for far too long in foster care until finding a permanent home in the monastery. Although a little traumatized from her background, she has become one of the head gardeners as an adult, and her favorite topic in the world is plant genetics, hybridization, and the minutia of growing conditions and micro-climates. Also has an ongoing project of selecting the monastery's cats for intense vocalizations, much to some of the other inhabitant’s chagrin (they can’t talk… yet.)

Zatavia “Tav” Felix (45, F, Tiefling) – Chronically cranky with a fierce sense of loyalty and a good punch. Entered monastic training at the age of 12 as a way to cope with terrible internal anger (and also not having her emotional needs met.) Grew up into a wandering monk then turned adventurer. Now the hero of Baulder’s gate or something – off having adventures in Avernus or wherever with her partner.

“Grembo” (45, M, Malkin) – Tav’s “biological identical twin brother” (ongoing joke), more outgoing and a bit lighter-hearted than her, but the two of them have a similar sort of approach and vibe. They do behave much like siblings – the only person who can kill the other one is them. He is the main material component in Tav’s spell “fuck your life, bing-bong” (Material – Grembo, Verbal – “fuck your life, bing-bong”, Somatic – Throw Grembo at it.) Grembo is also a combat-oriented monk, he left the monastery earlier than Tav, and has been off on his own adventures.

Helena Oorstag (43, F, Human) – Fearless, outgoing child, not a fighter or angry like Tav, but always amenable to be the first to poke something, touch something, or go somewhere unseen. Desperate to be important and to prove ‘worth.’ Orphan adopted by the monastery at a young enough age (three or four) that she doesn't remember anything much else. In some ways it doesn't entirely suit her, but she doubled down and studied to become a cleric because she thought that would make her ‘best.’ Became much more reserved and stalwart as an adult, after a short-lived adventuring career as a cleric that nearly killed her – slowly and unpleasantly. Works as a potter these days and has a family in the lower city, just enjoys making things with her hands. Her friends say she’s all very different than when she was a kid, but they still love her anyway.

Cian Cian* (41, M, Half-Orc) – Clever but blunt, former street urchin who tried to pickpocket the head abbot, somehow got talked into joining the order (he’s not quite sure how it happened, honestly). Combat-trained monk like Tav and Grembo, but chose not to wander, instead serving to guard the monastery itself (Baulder’s Gate is an interesting city, and all of the large temples and monasteries know to have appropriate force to maintain their standing.) Slow to warm to the others, but he, Grembo, and Tav were sparring with each other from early on and took a liking to each other’s own gruff composure. Still mad Tav grew up taller than him (they were about the same size when they met – he was a big kid and still is a big guy.) *Didn’t know what to put down as his last name so just wrote his name twice.

Posin “Po” Tailclap (40, M, Dragonborn) – Just a little guy, youngest of the group, bright and curious and full of hell, orphan left in the monastery's care as an infant, grew up into a loyal paladin of Helm. Really good at getting into places he shouldn’t be – even in plate armor these days. Curious, bright, bug-eating menace to society. Has a tendency even as an adult to bully people into doing the right thing by being too cheerful and sweet to say ‘no’ to. Idolizes Dumah, as well as Tav, Grembo and Cian to a degree, and all of them lack a bit of humility, so they just run with it and let him do what he wants. (Trans man.) Knows Karlach from having done various volunteer and charity work in the lower city.

#Tav #Zatavia #Art #Personal #Sketch #BG3 #baulders gate 3

[featherwurm]

Lae'zel says herself the Githyanki have access to a tremendous wealth of knowledge, and she is well studied in it. If the Gith don't know it, it's probably not worth knowing. This doesn't account for some... errors however, especially in regards to lesser studied races that seem to have escaped notice. To be fair, there are a variety of infernal things that are or resemble insects more or less.

(This is a friendly conversation for the two of them and they like each other - they're both just very... like that.)

Some time later...

Lae'zel has a way with... communication (Karlach thinks this whole thing is hilarious and is more than willing to lean into the 'Tiefs is Bugs'.)

Tav tail buzzes when she's anxious (Tieflings aren't cats or dogs or snakes or anything - but body language is body language and a tail is a part of that).

#BG3 #baulders gate 3 #Tav #Zatavia #Lae'zel #art #sketch #personal

[featherwurm]

In your universe, does Karlach survive outside of Avernus? Or does she go back, or does she burn up on that dock?

She, Tav, and Wyll head to Avernus together per their in-game ending for me. They fight hard, have a variety of exploits, and aim to solve the problem.

I think the burning to death ending is powerful, and I would not be upset if that had stayed the only option. I love overall how the writing handled the fear, frustration, and eventual acceptance of a terminal condition.

But... In Tav's continuity because I'm a big softie (and I'm intrigued by the implication of Flo and her involvement with blueprints, and it's cathartic for me and my own health stuff) I do like to think through tremendous trial and difficulty (and undoubtedly some hard choices) things do work out to have them all return back to Faêrun more permanently. In my mind, Karlach does not get her original heart back but gets a modified infernal engine that works topside and has some alarming implications for whatever Zariel is up to (probably something bad the three of them have to deal with further on down the road.)

I have a rough outline of things and would like to write them out at some point! Tav and Karlach have further adventures in Faêrun together once they're back.

[featherwurm]

... So about installing that infernal engine.

I can't imagine surgeons in Avernus have anything but an extremely impersonal and pragmatic manner (and let's face it, are undoubtedly cruel.) Given that Karlach is the only person she knows of from those from Faerûn to survive the process, it can't be great overall (sure, demons and devils can survive it and do, but that's a whole different matter - she's just a tiefling.)

I mean you could say the whole process is "just magic" anyway (as infernal engines are magical in nature - although they require practical care and maintenance for operation) but I don't gather the impression the installation wasn't surgical in nature. I figure the exhaust vents got fed in first, then the engine placed. Some work may have been done later to improve and add more exhaust. The engine and Karlach still has some tubes feeding them with energy here that will be removed once everything is stable.

Look, any real world surgery sounds gruesome when you describe it in detail - no matter how important and life-saving (and to reduce it to gore and horror is a disservice to modern medicine and those who have needed it to live) but open heart surgery is definitely a lot for a body to endure. Ever heard of a sternal retractor?

After cutting through the ribcage, that holds it open for access to the heart. Definitely not a charming looking device.

Put that in with 'getting an engine put in your chest in hell' and I'm sure the whole process fucking sucked. She's bolted to the table because it's hell, shit's mean.

The engine here is based roughly on a high-performance single-cylinder motorcycle engine.

#Karlach #BG3 #baulder's gate 3 #Art #personal

[featherwurm]

Sweetness and spice <3

And a very spicy bonus.

#Tav #Zatavia #Karlach #BG3 #baulder's gate 3 #art #personal #sketch

[featherwurm]

Tav has an enormous extended family - while she is an only child, her parents both had multiple siblings, and she has many many cousins. The closest to her is Morion, who is the same age as her and who's parents also lived in Baulder's Gate. The two frequently interacted as children, although they did drive each other nuts at times (they are both only children - they get along well now.) Their parents liked to compare horror stories of headbutting ankles, biting, and setting things on fire - typical tiefling baby stuff.

Long-winded explanation of a minor character under the cut. (I just wanted to poke at him a little. I like him.)

For all this, Morion is a very gentle soul, fairly quiet and reserved. He's done adventuring in his time, although he returns to Baulder's Gate between adventures to run his mother's shop when he's in town (she also adventured in her time, although she's up there in years now, and simply runs a potion and scroll shop to amuse herself.)

Most of their extended family is tieflings*, though there are some humans in there too, and the occasional oddities by marriage**. Morion's mother, Marian, is Tav's aunt on her mother's side. They are both Clerics of Lythander (They are both Level 12, mechanically.) His father was a half-orc Marian adventured with once upon a time, although sadly did not live long past Morion's childhood (due to the nature of half-orc genetics.) Morion has had multiple 'fathers' since, as his mother has remarried three more times (outliving all her spouses), although currently she is a widow with a long-term girlfriend in the city.

Morion lives in the little loft above the shop when he's in town, while his mom lives in her own home in the lower city.

Morion and Marian (even given her age) were both on the front lines at the end of BG3 - fighting off thralls and helping survivors. They both worked hard to help reconstruct their city after the netherbrain's destruction.

Interestingly, he's an Asmodeus tiefling, where most of his blood-related family are Zariel tieflings. The thought is that it must come from his dad's side, and he would have been a tiefling no matter who his mother was.

*A little unusual - a lot of tieflings end up orphaned because they come from human parents not expecting a 'demonic' looking child. But Tav's family is what happens when multiple of those people find each other, and turn into a cohesive family unit over the generations. There are parts of the family all up and down the Sword Coast.

**There's also a few oddities like her cousin who, for all intents and purposes, looks fully human (and mechanically is) but is bright maroon (is it a birthmark or what?) - she became a warlock out of spite, and she's a lot of fun.

#Tav #Zatavia #Morion #Tiefling #D&D #Dungeons and Dragons #Sketch #Art #Personal

[featherwurm]

Shadowheart and Tav have a little moral discussion about Astarion's condition (Tav doesn't feed him herself after the first time - there's more than enough people around who need biting. In the moment though, she felt badly for him.)

#baulders gate 3 #BG3 #Shadowheart #Tav #Zatavia