huntmastersweep

[huntmastersweep]

Otherkin Wiki is a new, independent wiki about the culture, history and experiences of otherkin and alterhuman communities. It evolved out of the Fandom wiki of the same name, and it needs your help to expand!

Basic info on how to help is already on the site itself. There's a lot more to do than just writing pages, and even correcting a single spelling mistake is an improvement! You can also join the Discord server to get guidance on all the stuff we haven't written documentation for yet. And even if you're not interested in directly contributing, you're welcome to join just to ask questions, make suggestions, or hang out!

Otherkin Wiki aims to be a highly visible, accessible and inclusive resource that represents the full truth and diversity of the alterhuman communities. That means it'll take a diversity of alterhumans to make it work - so please consider joining us!

Visit Otherkin Wiki here!

Join the Discord here!

#otherkin #therian #fictionkin #alterhuman #otherlink #copinglink #otherhuman #wiki #alterbeing #Other+

[huntmastersweep]

Friendly reminder to treat linkers like they are what they say they are and to quit emphasizing that they know they're not REALLY thier identity when you try to explain them.

Even though it's a chosen identity, it's still an identify-as term and community. I feel like linkers don't really get taken seriously by the community at large because they're "just roleplaying" even if they're attempting ego alteration by being one.

#voluntary identity #alterhuman #otherlinking

[huntmastersweep]

Moonrise over the Mountains

© riverwindphotography, March 2022

[huntmastersweep]

So I've formed a couple new linktypes recently. And the Meaningfulness™ of them are so opposite, it's funny. And that's the great thing about linking; it's so incredibly varied and open-ended.

First new linktype I formed a few months ago: Strawberry Crepe Cookie from Cookie Run Kingdom. Specifically Strawberry Crepe in their Yogurt Phantom costume. Chosen primarily for aesthetic reasons, though their personality is very much something that vibes with me. Lonely, socially inept little gremlin. :P

The second linktype I had been debating on for the last few months. I had an extremely strong experience in December that was VERY brief, but left me wondering if this was a kintype instead. The feeling never went away fully, and rather than wrack my brain trying to hold off on confirming anything, I decided to make it a linktype so I could "try it out", so to speak.

That linktype is Helex from Transformers (IDW). Last night I decided to just take the plunge, finally tipped over the edge by one of my friend servers. I felt safe just. Trying out something new. I've been clear it's a linktype, since the server is primarily for TF kin, but we're a very chill bunch anyway.

And honestly? I'm really happy. This has very quickly become a linktype that is Always On, though who knows what the future holds? I'm having fun being a big guy for once and it feels like it's serving a purpose as well. It's letting me explore some more elusive parts of myself. Bigness is one. I have a big personality, and it does shine in my daily life, but I'm a tiny person, and I'm curious to play around with being big in personality and big in physique. And it also lets me explore the more gristly parts of myself. Stuff that I've been more averse to taking a look at, as I've always felt it just wasn't Proper for Me. But really, there's no real reason to do that.

It feels cathartic to just. Enjoy. Be a big guy with a gruesome job and a funky function and have a big dumb personality.

#voluntary identity #otherlinking #otherlinker #alterhuman #nonhuman

[huntmastersweep]

About the otherlink vs otherkin discussion... One issue I see being talked about a lot, but that often gets to a conclusion that bothers some otherlinkers is the fact that some alterhumans differentiate them in a way that does not align with every person with a linktype, which would be this:

- If you have a linktype that you cannot drop, then you have no reason to call it a linktype. It would be more useful for you to call yourself otherkin.

The issue with this statement is not obvious, but I can understand the thought process behind it. An otherkin can quite easily identify with the label otherlink and later on figure out they were always otherkin, but that isn't the experience of every otherlinker. Some of them genuinely used to not identify as their linktype, chose to do so and later on realised that they could no longer stop being their linktype. Some of them actually did want to get to the point their linktype became involuntary.

I can honestly understand why it might bother some alterhumans (especially otherkin) that an otherlinker can experience a deep identity that they have chosen and I'm not even here to give any proof that they are still otherlinkers. I just want to say that otherlinkers should be allowed to call their own experiences the way they believe it is appropriate, according to their interpretation of them. Just because someone has experiences similar to otherkinity, it doesn't mean it can't be something else.

A few examples I can think of:

- Otherhearted that experience phantom limbs, behavior, shifts and/or memories related to their hearttypes involuntarily, but do not identify as their hearttypes;

- Fictionflickers that experience memories, shifts and even goes as far as to identify as their flickertypes, but do so temporarily;

- Median systems that experience a complete shift in the perception of who they are when a facet fronts, experiencing some kind of strong shift towards this identity (and can sometimes mistake that for kintype shifts).

There are many different kinds of experiences in the alterhuman community that are similar to each other, but that doesn't mean they all fit the same label. Of course, there are many different ways to experience each one of these, however, we have to recognize that sometimes we can relate to one another without having to be the same kind of alterhuman the other being is. Being an otherlinker that reaches the point of experiencing their linktype involuntarily can still be considered an otherlinker if they so choose. They don't have to create a narrative in their heads about how they always were otherkin and only after experimenting with the otherlinker label have they started to understand themselves. That could be the case, but not for everyone.

You see, we can't really exclude otherlinkers from the label otherlink based on how they experience their identity. This label is there to show how they became their linktypes, not how they experience their linktypes. We don't even have an "Otherlinker Narrative" to be able to exclude anyone from it (even if we did, this could end up very badly). I say, yes, we can point out the possibility of them experiencing otherkinity, but if the person still believes the word otherlink fits them best and it explains their experiences accurately, can we really say they're wrong?

You could argue that if an otherlinker cannot drop their linktype, then they are otherkin. However, wouldn't that open up the discussion about whether it is possible for someone to become otherkin again and wasn't it already concluded that it is impossible, thus the word otherlinker was used for the alterhumans who chose to be their linktypes? When did the permanence of their identity became a way to exclude otherlinkers from their label? Why can't an otherlinker become so deep to their core their linktype that they can no longer choose to unbecome who they are?

I believe I already contributed as much as I can to the discussion. While I had the experience of being an otherlinker, I'm far from being the only one that can decide what is right or wrong for the community. Do not take my words as the general opinion of otherlinkers. This was just my personal view of the situation. I'm open to disagreements.

#copinglink #copinglinker #otherlink #otherlinker #otherkin #fictionkin #alterhuman #alterhumanity #HIGHLY recommend reading the discussion in the notes

[huntmastersweep]

From discussing stuff like copinglink/otherlink with other linkers I think the definition of the labels are a bit more complicated than most people think

Linking has sort of become its own independent community/subculture, even if it's a bit smaller. While I've noticed most of us can agree that links are voluntary, I talked to people who were like "I can't drop my linktype but I still like the label because I still chose it" or people who identify as copinglink who like the emphasis on coping even if they might fit the definition of kin more.

Most linkers I talked to also disagreed with the idea that links aren't integral while kintypes are, or that links are less important than kintypes.

Tbh I kind of feel like we would have a lot more potential to develop as a community if people didn't stop treating us like "otherkin but voluntary" or "otherkin lite" and more as a unique experience that, like kin, people define differently.

#alterhuman #copinglink #otherlink #otherkin

[huntmastersweep]

I think my favorite thing about being a linker, particularly a fictolinker, is the fact I can literally just write my own story. "Oh man I love this headcanon about this linktype!" BAM, now it's "canon" to my story/narrative.

An example is portrayals of the Sweeps as being rather animal-like. I kinda vibe with that, so my own Sweep-iness is also animal-like.

#fictionheir #quoiluntary identity #voluntary identity #otherlinking #otherlink

[huntmastersweep]

The Chordata Guide to Otherlinking

Hello! This is a guide written from my own experiences, and a tiny bit of consulting with other ‘linkers. If you can think of ways to improve this, let me know, and I’ll update the original post. This is Version 1.0.

What is otherlinking? What is a linktype?

Otherlinking is the active choice of identifying as something. This sounds very vague, so let’s have an example: Imagining yourself as a lion makes you more confident, so you like doing that frequently. Identifying as a lion becomes a part of your identity.

Let's get some vocabulary out of the way first, for everyone who comes across this and isn’t familiar with otherlinking.

● Linktype / Otherlink / 'link- A voluntary identity a person takes on. I.e. I identify as a woodpecker because I want to. This identity can be of a real existing or extinct animal or plant, a mythological being, a fictional being or person, an object, a concept, et cetera.

● Otherlinker - A person with a linktype.

● Otherlinking - The act of having a linktype.

● Copinglink / C'link - A subcategory of linktype. A copinglink is a linktype created for coping with trauma, stress, et cetera.

● Copinglinker - A person with a copinglink.

● Copinglinking - The act of having a copinglink.

Requirements

You might ask yourself: "I want a linktype. What're the requirements to get one?" Well, you already got all the requirements down. To take on a linktype, you need to want one. Whether you feel compelled to take one on, or you feel it could help you in some way, or you decide you want to try this just for the heck of it, it's all valid. You want, you can.

How?

This is the trickier part, and it varies from person to person. I will give a basic rundown. Adjust this for your personal needs where you see fit.

1. Find your being/thing/concept.

2. Examine your reasons for why you want to call this yourself.

3.a. Your reasons for wanting the linktype might already be enough to make the identity feel right.

3.b. If you don't feel yourself clicking with the potential 'link, and struggle with identifying as it, analyze it to find the traits that don't resonate with you. You can change parts of the 'link, or view it through a different lens to make it feel closer to home. I.e. For fictional characters, it can help to disengage from fandom interpretation, or canon characterization, and instead put your own spin on them.

4. Once you've established a connection, you can reinforce it if you want to. A linktype can feel very faint at the start, so here are some examples for what you can do to make it feel more 'You':

● Wear clothing you can associate with the 'link.

● Inform yourself about new hobbies that you can associate with your linktype. I.e. If your linktype is an archer and you've never tried archery before, see if you can find an archery range open to newbies nearby.

● If you are a visual artist, create drawings of your linktype in a way that relates to your irl person. I.e. Draw the linktype in your clothes, or in irl places you've been in person.

● If you're a writer, write something including your linktype in a way that relates to you. I.e. Include them in a story inspired by real life events that have happened to you.

● Make the linktype your social media profile picture.

● Let people know they can use the linktype's name as a nickname for you.

● Change your social media alias/username to be related to the linktype’s name.

● Talk to people who will treat you as your linktype (and not just view it as roleplaying).

Don't be ashamed of expressing yourself in fear of other people’s opinions. Unless you're dependent on them (for money, safety, or other physical and mental health needs), it doesn't matter what they think.

Caution

If at any point in your journey you notice that a linktype makes you feel worse about yourself than you do without the linktype (i.e. feeding into anger, self-hatred), stop it. These dangers can already crop up during the ‘link creation process. Here are ways to go about this, and possible causes:

● Stop engaging with it. This sounds very 'It'll go away if I ignore it long enough', but that's exactly it. A linktype should fade when you don't engage with it anymore. Don't approach this by thinking "I'm not allowed to think about this anymore", but instead, every time when your linktype comes up, acknowledge it, and replace that thought with something else. If you struggle with this, examine what 'triggers' you to think of your linktype. Mindfulness is a powerful thing that often goes underestimated.

● Replace it with a different linktype that doesn't bring these problems.

● If your linktype started off without these issues, try to find out what caused it to change to become negative. Maybe there are other factors in your life that're putting stress on you and it shows through your linktype.

● Maybe you’ve outgrown your linktype. People can change over time, and your linktype could be preventing you from taking the next steps for personal growth, and this can negatively influence your well-being. Try letting go of the linktype. It might turn out the be a freeing experience.

● Talk to a therapist (, or, if you can’t access therapy, an understanding friend). Yes, tell them specifically about the linktype and the problems you have with it. A second person can shine a light on aspects you didn’t notice.

Good to know

A linktype can become an integral part to yourself, and at some point you might find it hard to separate it from yourself. Is this still a linktype? Is it a kintype (otherkin)? That is for you to know and decide. The lines can be blurry, and at the end of the day you are the only person who can decide what labels you want to use and what community has the most in common with you (if you even want to label yourself and interact with ppl w similar experiences). Unless it is harming you (or others), a linktype turned integral is nothing bad. Our environments shape us as people constantly, and a linktype over time can contribute similarly.

🐟

That’s it! If you have questions or need help, feel free to contact me through Asks or DMs. If I’m unavailable, search around a bit to find other otherlinkers who might be able to help you. ♡

#otherlink #copinglink #linktype #voluntary identity #otherlinking #copinglinking #otherlinker #copinglinker #c'link #quoiluntary #alterhuman #fictionlinker #fictionlink #otherlink guide

[huntmastersweep]

Me as a fictionheir whenever I see my original self.

It’s not quite like with fictionkin, cuz when I see my fictotypes it’s more of a “OH THAT’S ME” whereas as a fictionheir it’s more like the Spiderman picture, if that makes sense SDGHDFGH

Just felt like making a silly post to show I’m still alive, and also I really want to spread more fictionheir stuff XD

#shitpost #fictionheir

[huntmastersweep]

Lake Frövettern this morning. 

[huntmastersweep]

Into the Mist

Print Shop

[huntmastersweep]

A cascade of wild mountain water, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: © gif by riverwindphotography, October 2020

[huntmastersweep]

Autumn reflection | oscar.swe

Location: Idre, Dalarna County, Sweden

[huntmastersweep]

Arntalbach - Osterreich

[huntmastersweep]

The Lone Fictionheir

Or: My Experience as Fictionheir

I think the alterhuman identity that I’ve consistently had the longest and have been aware of is Kakuzu from Naruto. However, for the majority of my time in the alterhuman communities, there was never a word that fully described the nature of this identity. I considered it a kintype for the longest time, though that isn’t completely accurate, as I chose to be... Some form of Kakuzu. At least initially.

Initially it was completely a “for fun” thing; I think I had recently retired an OC dear to me who was meant to be Kakuzu’s son, as well as other Naruto OCs I had. I may have wanted to focus on just canon characters. Perhaps I started just considering myself Kakuzu as a way to replace the OC I had retired. I’m not entirely sure anymore at this point, but that’s okay.

Though before I had retired that OC, I had used his name as a screen name on a lot of things. I probably projected a lot of myself onto him, maybe as a way to deal with being an outcast kid with very few friends both online and offline. For a period of my teen years, that OC basically was me, even if I didn’t want to admit it. Over the years I’ve brought back that OC to repurpose as a character completely divorced from Naruto canon.

But that repurposing... Didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel like me. I decided to lean into those feelings to maybe learn more about why I felt that way while simultaneously identifying as Kakuzu. It always circled back to him. At the same time I began to feel like this OC was less his child and more like a copy or clone. Scrapping the parent/child idea in favor of the copy/clone concept felt much more accurate. It felt correct.

But then there’s the conundrum of... Well okay, so am I Kakuzu or am I not Kakuzu? The answer that I now go with is, “Both.” I’m not completely him, but I’m also not completely not him. I chose to be this, but now it doesn’t seem so easy to just stop being Kakuzu OR my OC, even though my interest in Naruto is quite small now. I’m not sure if any of this makes sense so far, but... It’s something I really want to talk about.

But how does all that tie into fictionheir? Well, now I’ve established that Kakuzu isn’t a kintype, but I AM him while also not him. My OC isn’t a kintype, but I AM him wholeheartedly. Both lives feel like two chapters of one life. There wasn’t a way to describe this with a term, and for a while I wasn’t even sure how to explain it in a coherent way.

I discovered the voluntary identity community after deciding I wanted to be a Sweep, but now aware that choosing to be a thing is not kin. I don’t quite remember how I discovered the community, but I came across @otherlinks, and when I read the FAQ, I discovered a term that fits my Kakuzu-but-also-not identity perfectly: Fictionheir.

The definition was given, and there was a link to this post by @fromfiction: https://fromfiction.tumblr.com/post/106209149572/hey-i-was-just-gonna-ask-this-to-see-if-anyone

The definition and the example given provide the language I couldn’t find to describe my voluntary identity as Kakuzu-but-also-not. It was not coined by a fictionheir (as far as I know), but man did it really hit home for me. I was (and still am) so happy to find a term that finally described it.

But so far, I don’t think I’ve met anyone else who identifies as a fictionheir. I think part of that is most likely because fictionheir is intended to mean the same as fiction-hearted, which... I don’t agree with. I’m not the coiner, but I AM a person who identifies as a fictionheir, going by the original definition as well as my own.

I view the term fictionheir as definitely being: “One who inherits the traits or identity of a fictional character as their own, and takes up their mantle.”

However, I also view it as expanding to include those that have inherited the traits or identity of a fictional character as their own through familial/spiritual/genetic ties. Example could be an OC related to a fictional character who takes up their mantle while remaining a separate person. So, not necessarily making the conscious decision to inherit their predecessor’s traits, identity, etc.

I’m not sure though. Maybe it could be worded a bit better. I have never written something like this before, but I welcome friendly and respectful discussion. I’m just happy to have a term that describes this huge part of me and my alterhuman history, and I would love to find others that also identify as fictionheir.

#fictionheir #otherlinking #alterlinking #alterhumanity #voluntary identity #quoiluntary identity

[huntmastersweep]

Sakurasakura5371 on Instagram

[huntmastersweep]

remodeling this blog to serve as a blog for all of my voluntary identities, especially now that I have better ability to describe my experience with having voluntary identities. :)

If anyone is interested, I’ll be writing a post very soon about what I consider my most important and longest-standing voluntary identity. It’s a fictionheir linktype!

#fictionheir #voluntary identity #otherlink