Farangis - Tumblr Posts
I would died to see the screaming contest between Hilmes and Shapur
Sitting in the background and eating some popcorn cheering for Shapur
Also Shapur and Daryun dragging Narsus with them would be so funny.
Two Marzbans, determined to to fight and get rid of the enemy and. Narsus complaints all the way to Peshawar that he is not able to draw his masterpieces.
Some more random AU thoughts:
After Arslan first wakes back up and recovers, Isfan can't stop fretting over him. He'd give Arslan a checkup every few minutes, to the point Farangis was like, “Bro, you're hovering.” “I am not.” “You are.”
Since Shapur and Kazai's relationship has a little leeway to be less secretive (albeit they'd pass off as lovers not husbands), I wonder if Kazai would sometimes accompany Shapur to Ecbatana. Or if the marzbans would know of him, even if just in passing.
Ecbatana shenanigans: Kharlan and Shapur unexpectedly bonding? Over being fathers? Especially after the jealous Crown Prince debacle? Maybe?
Also Shapur's loyalty in Andragoras is... dwindling. Or rather, his faith in the entire system, but since Andragoras stands at the top of it... Y'know, living with a clan that has a cultural history and identity of being wronged and persecuted by the system and those in power, it's gotta radicalize you at least a little bit. I wonder if Kharlan would notice that.
A lord, his half-brother born from a slave and is his heir, and an orphan boy he picked up from who-knows-where, one would think that's a perfect recipe for disaster but then in terms of conflict our wolf family is just... *crickets*. It'd be fun to see the shock of certain characters, haha 🤣
Eihon telling a young Isfan to recite a long list of medicinal plants and their properties in his mind whenever he feels his anger rising and doesn't want to lose control.
Shapur getting angry at something while far from home but being in a situation that doesn't allow him to express it, so he tries to distract himself by thinking about home but some stupid song baby Gieve made up is now stuck in his head. He can't get it out of his mind anymore. Poor sod.
Shapur and Hilmes having a screaming match. I have no clue what they're arguing about and at this point I'm too afraid to ask.
Isfan having to be held back from straight up murdering someone. Probably Gurgin. I don't have the context for this either.
Going back to Ecbatana (excuse my scattered brain), I wonder if Kharlan would notice the reason why Arslan noped out of the palace. Surely he must, right? And Shapur looked so... tired, the morning Arslan went to work outside the palace instead. What would he think of it? Would he even consider approaching Shapur with... information about Hilmes? I guess not, not very likely, but the seeds might already be planted.
Slings as weapons. Apparently they were widely utilized historically, and work great so long as the target has no armor or is lightly armored. Leaning towards Kashi being a slinger. Wouldn't that be cool?
Wondering how I should make Alfarīd and Ranna meet. Also Merlaine and Arslan. Hmmmm...
An argument between an exhausted Shapur and a very determined Narsus. Probably about putting forth Arslan as the hidden heir.
Isfan leaving his wolves to watch Arslan when the boy was comatose, but also after he wakes up but shouldn't exert himself, when he's not available to be by Arslan's bedside.
Farangis probably had to sedate Isfan at least once to get him to leave a comatose Arslan's bedside.
I haven't thought much about Gieve, huh... I should think about him more.
Gieve and Ranna put together would probably be called something like “Demon Duo”. Pranksters extraordinaire. Unhinged. All the good stuff, according to Kazai.
The Sindhuran debacle is still probably gonna happen. Except there's no Arslan to lead a campaign to Sindhura. Shapur and Daryun going to Peshawar to aid their fellow marzbans, probably dragging Narsus along for strategy purposes too? Haven't checked the timeline so not sure Arslan would be in a good enough shape to leave Gorgan. Most likely not. But what if Narsus remains behind, to observe Arslan? Questions, questions, so many questions...
Speaking of questions, what the everloving fuck is gonna happen to the political sphere after Tahamenay fucking offs Andragoras?! There's gonna be Team Hilmes, which Bahman would become part of, and then there's Team Gorgan, which would ally with Team Hilmes— What would Kishward do?! Actually I haven't been keeping track of where Kubard is either HELP T_T Daryun and Narsus are probably with Team Gorgan. What's gonna happen next?! Hilmes is probably finally in a position to reveal his lineage and identity, though. That's a good thing.
Narsus and Farangis brotp: an incomplete compilation
The way he constantly entrusts her with tasks, difficult and dangerous ones, and her unfailingly completing them, speaks volumes of the level of trust Narsus has in Farangis and her capabilities, and Farangis' trust in Narsus and his loyalty to Arslan.
Plus the way she regularly chides him regarding the Alfarīd matter, I don't like the subject matter nor Farangis' stance really (I like Alfarīd and I don't like how reluctant Narsus is, she deserves someone who wants her full-force 100%— and I don't really like how Farangis tells Narsus it's either accept Alfarīd's feelings or be single forever) (I do like her telling Narsus to have a serious conversation with Alfarīd though) (ANYWAYS that was a tangent) it feels like an elder sister scolding a younger brother, even though iirc Narsus is older than her. Farangis just proves that Elder Sister is a matter of attitude, not age lmao.
Can I see any romantic potential in them? Ehhhhhh, debatable. I don't think Farangis can see him in that way.
I much prefer them being bros.
This means trouble and make it double 😂
They dynamic between the Gieve and Farangis is really the best
Gieve’s been waiting for this.
Go Farangis!!!!!!!!!
She is like Wonderwomen
Farangis is so real for this
Working on Farangis' sheet now!! :D Had to make a lot of adjustments because the proportions kept getting outta wack but hopefully it looks presentable... For now though have this!
Working on Farangis' sheet now!! :D Had to make a lot of adjustments because the proportions kept getting outta wack but hopefully it looks presentable... For now though have this!
Can’t wait to see the final results
It looks amazing so far
Working on Farangis' sheet now!! :D Had to make a lot of adjustments because the proportions kept getting outta wack but hopefully it looks presentable... For now though have this!
Oh my god I love her outfits
They are fitting her so well and she looks quite good with her hair braid and the darker skin color. The colors of her clothes are matching perfectly.
I like the facts about Apollo and Artemis and the fact that Farangis and Artemis have much in common is really great (because I love Artemis) they but are really a like. Thanks for that!!!!!!!!!
I love her ceremonial outfit, it is quite a bit diffrent from the others but on the other hand you can see the similarities in every ceremonial outfit. I really like it that hers are a bit more simple then the others. I really love the purple in it and can we please speak about this earrings??? (Another hint of Artemis…..) (I really appreciate it that you put so much greek mythology into it…..I am such a nerd when it comes too this xD)
And I really like the fact that her ceremonial outfit is more straight. This fits her really well. I
Her second outfit….man….I like the colors and her arm guards. It is so nice to see her in those green and brown colors.
And can we please speak also about her jacket from the first outfit? The turquoise and the light leave pattern? Amazing!!!!!!!! And her shoes are looking really comfortable…ok I mean it is her healer outfit…the shoes must be comfortable xD
At least please let me say that I like your outfits more then the canon outfits. Especially the outfit kn the anime…..your outfits show that she is a women who can fight and the outfits are looking like those in which you can fight!
These outfits elevate theirs. character and their characteristics. So great job!!!! Well done!!!!
I mean really….have no one ever questions who she can fight in her canon outfits?
Aaaaand fellas here we have Farangis' designs!! Took a while, mostly bc med school is a bitch and drained all my spoons while I was working on her T_T
Strap your seatbelts, lads! We're going on a Journey™!
The first outfit is one that basically communicates her status as a healer the most. White, light purple, and light green are basically the main colours I associate with her as a character, and I'm very pleased with how this one turned out. (Those were supposed to be pants but I think I made them way too baggy and now it looks like a skirt, whoopsies)
Those are supposed to be willow branches on her coat, but it's kinda debatable how much I succeeded on that front, and since willow makes a repeat appearance in her ceremonial garb, I will save the symbolism for that part.
For now, though, it's sort of unnoticeable due to her hair colour, but she is wearing an earring made from a raven feather! And wouldn't you know it, there's a symbolic reason for that!
Aside from being her familiar animals, ravens can represent death, the afterlife, wisdom, intelligence, adaptability, prescience, fortune, destiny, transformation, and the future. Their symbolism is both positive and negative, and they’re seen as both good and bad omens. Here's a few associations I picked up for Farangis:
“The raven symbolizes prophecy, insight, transformation, intelligence, and mystery. They can also represent wise people who bring messages to those around them. The raven also symbolizes recovery and healing.”
Farangis is a wise person who advises the people around her, both in this AU and in canon— and her proficiency with the art of healing is particularly well-suited to the raven's symbolism. Also, keep an eye on the prophecy thing, we'll get to it 👀 It's not as much a stretch as the spectacularly baffling pistachio-Aphrodite gymnastics in Ranna's design sheet here, but it does stretch things a little bit. You'll see, you'll see.
“Because of its black plumage, croaking call, and diet of carrion, the raven is often associated with loss and ill omen. Yet, its symbolism is complex. As a talking bird, the raven also represents prophecy and insight. Ravens in stories often act as psychopomps, connecting the material world with the world of spirits.”
Even in canon Farangis has a very close associations with spirits, as she regularly uses her crystal flute to communicate with them. That applies here as well, in Wolfpack.
Also keep an eye on the theme of loss and death. It'll all come together later, I promise.
“French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss proposed a structuralist theory that suggests the raven (like the coyote) obtained mythic status because it was a mediator animal between life and death. As a carrion bird, ravens became associated with the dead and with lost souls.”
More stuff regarding the topic of death and spirits.
“In Greek mythology, ravens are associated with Apollo, the God of prophecy. They are said to be a symbol of bad luck, and were the gods’ messengers in the mortal world.”
Farangis is a devout priestess in canon who follows the god Mithra: deity of oaths and covenants. And even though she is of the Arayan faith in the AU, she still honors Mithra as she feels right at home within Mithra's divine domain of oaths and loyalty.
And thus begins the prophecy quest. Let's get to it, shall we?
And regarding Apollo:
“The most Greek of the gods, Apollo has been recognized as a god of archery, music and dance, truth and prophecy, healing and diseases, the Sun and light, poetry, and more. One of the most important and complex of the Greek gods, he is the son of Zeus and Leto, and the twin brother of Artemis, goddess of the hunt.”
Apollo is also often seen as “the most beautiful god” and Farangis' own beauty is noted by many, many people.
Farangis is a prodigious archer, a musician in this AU, and a more than competent healer as well. Apollo being a god of “truth and prophecy” also ties in with the djinn Farangis is so closely associated with in canon, and as she herself said: the djinn reveal lies from truth.
And when you speak of Apollo, one cannot forget his twin sister Artemis:
“Artemis is the goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, nature, vegetation, childbirth, care of children, and chastity.”
Artemis is a goddess of the hunt who is also heavily associated with archery just like her twin brother. And you might also be aware that Artemis has a no-romance policy with both herself and her followers, ha. And though she had a lover in canon, it's all in the past and she does not seem like she'll be starting a new love life anytime soon. Or like, ever. And of course, in Wolfpack she is happily single and gloriously uninterested in romance. Good for her.
Ravens are not symbols of Artemis, but her symbols do include: cypress, deer, bow and arrows, and the crescent moon.
And wouldn't you know it, Farangis' canon crest features a crescent moon!
Also, funny thing, I was about to include deer antlers or something incorporated in one of her designs because:
“The Persian fallow deer (Dama dama mesopotamica), an ancient domesticate once thought extinct, was rediscovered in the late 20th century in Khuzestan Province, in the southern Zagros.”
Buuuuut I... forgot. Whoopsies, MY BAD.
Also keep an eye on the cypress. It'll come up again later. I know, I know, I'm asking you to put a pin on a bunch of things but I promise it'll all come together later.
(as a fun little aside, Farangis has emerald-coloured eyes and as I stated in Ranna's sheet, emeralds were said go be “a revealer of truths, they reputedly could cut through all illusions and spells, including the truth or falsity of a lover's oath” and they're associated with Venus/Aphrodite she is really beautiful and Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty and well this isn't all that significant in the grand scheme of things I just thought it was a funny coincidence— and what's really funny is that Aphrodite's divine domain and Artemis' no-romance policy is in conflicts alright alright I'll stop rambling about this now)
She is wearing a purple sash to signify where her loyalty lies, echoing both Arslan and Kazai, both people significant to her.
Her second outfit is akin to a hunting attire, more muted greens, not a whole lot of embellishments going on because I don't think she's wild about that, simple, functional, but still looks good on her. Not much to say symbolically in this one, only that here a raven feather features again attached to her raishal (crystal flute) on her necklace, and she is wearing the healers' badge here as well. And while the healers: badge specifically references Quercus castaneifolia, the chestnut-leaved oak, another species of oak is also significant to her by ways of being important to her homeland.
“Quercus brantii (covering more than 50% of the Zagros Mountains forest steppe ecoregion) is the most important tree species of the Zagros in Iran.”
Her homeland Khuzestan would be near the Zagros mountain range I believe— though I guess they're named the Nimruz mountains in Arslan Senki? I really need to brush up on my geography.
“Iranians use its seed in traditional medicine. Other useful products derived from oaks include fuel wood, charcoal and timber hardwood.”
They're also used in medicine!
I go into much more detail of why oak trees are used to symbolize the clan healers in Arslan's design sheet here, so I won't bore you by repeating it here again.
And OH I almost forgot about the designs on her boots. They're meant to be barley!
Forgive me for I won't be able to provide much in terms of proper quotes from articles and such, because when I looked up barley symbolism on Google I literally could not dodge the Bible stuff. All the info here is provided by a lovely French-speaking friend who went onto the French side of Google and hurled up a bunch of information for me.
@werewolfcoochie thank you SO MUCH for your invaluable aid. I couldn't have done this without you.
“Barley has been an important part of human culture due to is popularity as the most common grain used in the process of malting, which is essential for the production of beer, whiskey, certain candies, and sweet meal.”
And hey, while beer and whiskey don't equate wine, it's still alcohol and Farangis has like. God-tier alcohol tolerance.
Barley can also symbolize fertility, hope, abundance, and a good harvest— which definitely makes you think of the role the clan plays in the local agriculture.
“Historically, a society that is rich in barley can typically count on having a lot of food in total, so the crop can be connected with general prosperity and overall welfare.”
×
“Barley can potentially have a lot of religious significance for different people. It can also be seen as a general sign of hope and a desire for abundance and a good, healthy life. It is the most common grain used for the making of arguably the most popular form of alcohol in the world.”
It also seems to have associations with medicine and magecraft, which makes sense since those two things were often bundled together historically.
Barley was also used in ritualistic medicine in England. Witches would cook and then let barley evaporate in the room of the sick person, and then draw on them magic symbols using the uncooked one. It was also said to help with tooth pain.
The witch Circe used it in a potion to turn Ulysses' companions into pigs. Some people also burned barley on Apollo's shrines.
“Circe is an enchantress and a minor goddess in ancient Greek mythology and religion. In most accounts, Circe is described as the daughter of the sun god Helios and the Oceanid nymph Perse. Circe was renowned for her vast knowledge of potions and herbs. Through the use of these and a magic wand or staff, she would transform her enemies, or those who offended her, into animals.”
Eyyy, a sorceress! Though Helios is not Apollo, they're both associated with the sun. It doesn't mean much, I just thought it was fun.
Demeter was also linked to barley. After Demeter lost her daughter Persephone, some humans tried to cheer her up by giving her wine, but she refused, asking for alcohol made from barley instead. And as Demeter is a goddess of nature responsible for all plant growth including crops, it would make sense for her to be associated with barley.
In Middle Ages, there was a form of divination using barley called alphitomancy.
In India, people use barley for sacrifices and private life ceremonies like births, marriages and so on— and some shamans use it to curse people.
In Ancient Egypt, Osiris was linked to cereals in general, and he was always depicted with barley. Ancient egyptians would make little statues and plant barley inside them. The growth of barley symbolizes the rebirth of Osiris after being killed by his brother Seth.
“Osiris is the god of fertility, agriculture, the afterlife, the dead, resurrection, life, and vegetation in ancient Egyptian religion.”
(I'll get to all the death stuff eventually, I promise.)
They also used barley against inflammation and also as divination tool to know the sex of an unborn child, and modern tests have shown that barley can be used to determine the sex of a baby with 70-75% effectiveness. Just a fun tidbit!
Okay, I thought I didn't have much to say about the second outfit. Uhhhh, oops?
And now finally we move onto the third. Are y'all still alive yet?
It's the ceremonial attire she would wear as a mage-musician during celebrations and ceremonies, and though it bears similarities to the spirit dancers' clothes, there are also a couple little differences! The silhouette is different, and the musicians tend to wear one of the two colours (blue or white) rather than clothes that split between them. Farangis happened to favor white.
Aaaaaand the willow! Promised I'd get to it, didn't I? Get ready, get ready, we're about to take a trip into the underworld.
Don't be alarmed.
“A large tree with long, flowing branches and leaves, the willow tree often symbolizes flexibility and adaptability. The limber and supple nature of its extremities means it bends to accommodate and withstand strong winds and adverse weather. Many, therefore, see it as inspiring and symbolic of humans’ capability to withstand hardship, loss, and difficult emotions. Thanks to its long life and the ease with which new trees can be rooted from cuttings, the willow tree is also seen as a survivor and a symbol of rebirth.”
×
“The willow tree is sometimes referred to as the "weeping willow." This name comes from the way raindrops run down its long leaves, making it look like the tree is crying. The weeping willow is therefore associated with grief and mourning in many cultures.”
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“A willow’s drooping branches and leaves are seen as a symbol of letting go. In many cultures, willows are planted near gravesites as a way to honor the dead.”
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“The willow tree symbolism of grief may be due in part to its ability to thrive in wet conditions. This hardiness has led to the tree being seen as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.”
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“Dreaming of willow trees can mean many things, but their main messages are feelings of rigidness, the need to move on, and feeling unsafe.”
Farangis endured jealousy and ostracization from her peers in the temple due to her beauty and skill, and though she stayed loyally until she was sent to find Arslan in canon, she decided to leave the temple to join the clan in this AU.
She was sent to the temple because her parents died and there presumably was nobody left to take her in— and having to deal with grief on top of a new environment seemingly very hostile to you can't be easy in the slightest. And here we get to the theme of loss— she lost her parents and struggles to deal with the fact before she joined the clan. All the death/afterlife associations I've built up until now all culminate in this grief of hers, those intense and complicated emotions that ultimately resulted in her leaving the temple (“letting go” of the expectations placed on her by the adults, by her parents, letting go of a toxic environment, no longer bound to her parents' wish) to seek out a “rebirth” under Eihon's guidance. No longer was the temple a place of refuge and safety for her, and it's debatable whether it ever was.
And regarding rebirth, you may have noticed a lot of clan-style garments go right-over-left which is usually opposite to how many cultures around the world do it: right-over-left is reserved for the dead. The people who join the clan are functionally dead to the world and the places they came from— the runaway slaves are practically “dead” to their slavers, runaway children and abuse victims are “dead” to their families and abusers, by virtue of them disappearing off the face of the earth and being impossible to find again. And many, particularly ones who had negative or complicated relationships with their previous identities/names and families often opt to change their names, making the death and rebirth a bit more literal.
Farangis and Gieve chose to keep their names because it wasn't their families/parents they had an issue with, and still love them despite it all.
“Most symbolism surrounding willow trees comes from their graceful appearance. Their lightweight leaves, long branches, and protective caves inspire many and hold a powerful message.”
×
“The willow tree originates from China, and in Ancient China, people believed that willow branches could ward off evil. They were often carried around or placed at doorways to keep evil spirits away. The concept of the willow tree bringing good luck and protecting against evil is also prevalent in countless cultures across the world.”
×
“Willow branches also brought protection in Ancient Greek mythology, although willow also symbolized power in general. Orpheus, the bringer of song, carried willow wood with him to protect against evil in the underworld. Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, also used a wand made out of willow. Willow is connected to music in Greek mythology — the harp that Apollo gifted Orpheus was made of willow wood.”
×
“In some cultures, people plant willows near homes to keep away evil spirits. Willow branches are often used in magical rituals and spells to ward off negative energy. Willow trees also create a ‘barrier’ if they are allowed to grow down to the ground. People have sat inside these barriers during warm months to protect themselves from the sun.”
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“The willow was a powerful tree that symbolizes healing, strength, and functionality.”
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“The willow tree is often seen as a symbol of peace. This is likely because willow trees are known for their calming and serene qualities. The branches of these trees are light enough to simply sway in the wind. The soft rattle of the leaves also creates a calming effect that evokes peace in just about anyone.”
These just scream Farangis to me. Also, Hecate is the goddess of boundaries, transitions, crossroads, magic, the New Moon, necromancy, and ghosts— and associated with all of the above plus the night, protection from witchcraft, and knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants. The “transitions and crossroads” could be taken to represent the period between her meeting the clan people and choosing to join them, stuck between two paths before steeling herself to choose one.
And of course, they also have medicinal properties!
“In ancient times, willows were used for their medicinal properties. Their leaves and bark are said to help with inflammation and other ailments.”
Arrows were also apparently made out of willow branches in some cultures, which is fitting considering that Farangis is a skilled archer.
And at the bottom of the white coat, you'll see elaborate patterns adorning the side slits— they're supposed to be like, very highly stylized renditions of cypress trees though I certainly got carried away and now I'm not sure they look like cypresses anymore. Ha, told you I'd eventually get to them!
“In the words of the Shahnameh, cypress represents a single-minded, professional and wise man. In ancient Iran, at Yalda night, a tree called Yalda tree was decorated, which was generally made of cypress and pine trees. It is said that the decoration of cypress and pine in Christmas was adapted from ancient Iran, because the Iranians looked at these two trees, especially the cypress, as a symbol of resistance against darkness and cold, and they stood in front of the cypress on the first day of January. And they vowed to be strong and stable until the next year and plant another cedar sapling. In the classical tradition, the cypress was associated with death and the underworld.”
I have already talked about all the reasons I decided to rope in death and resilience in sections above!
“In Greek mythology, besides Cyparissus, the cypress is also associated with Artemis and Hecate, a goddess of magic, crossroads and the underworld. Ancient Roman funerary rites used it extensively. In Jewish tradition, the cypress was held to be the wood used to build Noah's Ark and The Temple, and is mentioned as an idiom or metaphor in biblical passages, either referencing the tree's shape as an example of uprightness or its evergreen nature as an example of eternal beauty or health. It is popular in modern Israeli cemeteries, with contemporary explanation being that its shape resembles a candle and its being an evergreen symbolized the immortality of the soul.”
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“The tree is one of the oldest symbols of mourning. In fact, ancient Greeks and Romans referred to the cypress as the "mournful tree" for this reason. Adherents of Christianity and Islam historically planted cypress near burial sites and cemeteries for protection against evil spirits.”
So... there you have it! Farangis' design sheet! I hope y'all liked it, Gieve is slated to be next though I think I'll probably end up taking a good long break first.
Describe Gieve in five words or less!
……but of course he would show up in my first ask. Very well
Though his presence as an ally with Lord Arslan isn’t unwanted, the rest of him is most unappreciated.
anddd I love the fact that she gets the backup ladies to come out and frame her any time she’s showing off how cool she is Farangis I love you so much
Finally, finally I am back on my ArSen bullshit. So starting from where I last left off (chapter 94):
Fr tho, Hilmes, where was this when I needed you to have the attitude? This just reads as copium ffs.
I normally don't give that much thought to Team Zahhak's philosophy, but this time I decided to sit down and mull on it a bit. Evil is the way of the world, the root and origin of all things, and humans have established “justice” to oppose it. The problem? Justice isn't One True Thing as many like to think— to borrow Narsus' metaphor it's actually like a thousand stars fighting to dominate the sky. And what this causes is conflict, everybody thinks they're right, and therefore the others must be wrong, and to prop up their own justice blood is shed.
One would normally associate bloodshed with, y'know, evil. Which makes me wonder if Team Zahhak thinks of justice as a hypocrisy— in fighting for their justice the pain and loss the fight inevitably causes is no different from that which evil would cause. In seeking to banish evil they just kept inventing evil itself over and over, with a prettier facade on top.
Maybe Team Zahhak sees it as a pointless, fruitless endeavor, and thus chases evil in its own right instead of dressing it up in pretty ideals that ultimately mean nothing.
That's my interpretation of these panels, I buy that line of philosophy obviously, but I think I can see where they're coming from, especially considering the origins of Zahhak himself (which, to make it as vague as possible, he was born from evil, so surely that must've shaped his worldview?).
I want to say, “what did you think was gonna happen when y'all went crazy like rabid dogs on the capital and let Bodin run free to do whatever he wanted???” because I am right— but my anger is tinged with dread/grief because the consequences. They're going to bite Hilmes in the ass.
Interesting. VERY INTERESTING. I'm spinning this in my head. What can I do with this, hmmmm~
They were conscripted, ey?
There's something about their faith taking the shape of brutality. That their “love” for their God wasn't characterized by, like, I dunno how to put it, a genuine connection with Yaldaboath nor spirituality nor anything like that if that makes sense, but rather in the form of... Gah, my brain isn't cooperating.
The way they were so proud of killing the defenseless and vulnerable (women and children) leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
“I think we've done our duty to God well enough to call it a day.” my god my fucking god, like, killing enough people means you did your job means you don't have to do anything more no meaningful deeds or introspection you don't need to do more you've murdered and that's apparently fucking enough shut uuuup.
I know they were manipulated by those above them, the clergy and the higher-ups who wanted this campaign but ugh. Ugh.
If one were to only look at the deeds of followers of Yaldaboath, I don't think it would be inaccurate to say that Yaldaboath is an ever-hungering bloodthirsty god who demands bloodshed and human sacrifice as worship.
Of course, it's not the case, I'm sure the faith means something else, something far less murderous, but there's a point where the original intent and purpose is lost and the twisted version takes over. It is the real, tangible impact it has on the world and the people in it that ultimately matters.
Of course, this is not a problem unique to the faith of Yaldaboath, the Parsian priesthood is pretty corrupt (@innerchorus made a post about that, I'll link it if I can find it again), and y'know, all institutionalized, big religions seem to follow the rough chops. Hell, in my homeland's history one of our kings went to war to seize Buddhist texts from another king!! Like what!! That's so antithetical to what Buddhism is supposed to be about!
Where am I going with this? Honestly, I've got no fucking clue. I just needed to rant, I suppose.
Everybody's big sister comes into clutch and nudges Arslan to not lose focus.
Also, is it just me or does Arslan's hair seem kinda long in this scene? Like,
Am I imagining things???? Was his hair always this long?
After two whole rants in the same post I no longer have the brain juices to dedicate any meaningful thought about the Royal Academy thing but I will say that I definitely want to know more about it. Who attends it? Is it a boarding school? Do other regions of Pars have similar academies? How do children of nobility and the wealthy in more rural areas learn? At home, with private tutors? This was never elaborated on and I'm left with a bucketload of questions.
They!! Alfarīd looks so cute here, look at that smile! And Farangis is so fond. I really love their bond, though I wish it was featured a little more (I guess it kinda is, but it involves Farangis pushing Alfarīd onto Narsus and I'm not sure how I feel about that so yeah).
And between and behind the two there's one of the dresses Alfarīd showed Narsus later on! The one she didn't end up buying, though I have to admit it's a cute design.
Oh Gurazeh, if only you knew.
I really love how Arslan's confidence grew! Seeing him take immediate command like this is very nice. My son 🥹
Is it just me or is his hair really longer than it was before this arc????
Niiiiice. Farangis looks fantastic, Jaswant's Staring, Gieve has a shit-eating expression that makes me want to Whap him in the head, and what is Daryun doing?
They're sleeping on you, my man *badum-tss*
I'll see myself out.
Not gonna lie, the collar/lapel thing is really throwing me off. It looks like ones you'd find on a modern coat?
He's charming, ngl, I'd want to be his friend.
Now I'm sad because I haven't found a way to get Gurazeh and Gilan involved in Wolfpack! He's so great! Unfortunately Team Gorgan is in the Far North™ and he's in the Far South™ and it doesn't help that even in canon Gilan was pretty isolated from the rest of the narrative :(
Why does his beard remind me of Vahriz.
Okay so, ask game incoming.
Character(s) (you can choose one, if you want): Our son Arslan, Give, Isfan or our queen Farangis! (You can also do one of your OCs, if you want ☺️)
Questions: 2, 5, 14 and finally 23 for a wonderful end!
Hope you have a wonderful day!
(I have HARD Azar/Maar/Daryun/ArSen brain rott today... ugh my brain is OVERFLOWING with ideas and scenes!)
(I'm so sorry for the many options I can't decide on characters)
What an ask! Here's the original ask game post for others who might want to participate.
2. Favorite canon thing about this character?
Arslan
There's a lot of things I like about him, so much that I struggle to pick a favorite. I think I'll settle on the fact that he remains kind despite everything, where other stories might've made him “disillusioned” and become more ruthless in the name of character development, I am incredibly thankful that it didn't happen to Arslan. He gets to be kind. All the strengths he gains and the growth he goes through happens to support his kindness. Parts of him aren't being taken off, he's becoming stronger so that he could be allowed to continue being kind. And I find that revolutionary especially in a historical fantasy type story like this.
Gieve
The fact that deep down he does want to believe in something good, want there to be something worth believing him. He's grown cynical due to reality but the fact that he does hope even if unbeknownst to himself does something to me. Also, the fact that he's like an onion I guess. He's got them Layers™ and unraveling those layers might or might not make you cry.
Isfan
His absolute earnestness I suppose! He's so eager, he puts 100% into things he does (like, apologizing for not being able to capture that sorcerer despite having reduced that one onto one leg, despite having fought so valiantly? boy's a perfectionist and overachiever). I find it admirable even if I can't relate in matters except art, lol.
Farangis
Her refusal to entertain Gieve's bullshi— okay, that aside, her ability to step back and see the bigger picture instead of being caught up in emotions, and thereby having the ability to gently nudge other people (especially Arslan) back on track. Also her courage because damn is she daring as fuck.
5. What's the first song that comes to mind when you think about them?
Arslan
• Kamado Tanjirou no Uta by Nakagawa Nami (more canon leaning)
• Untitled world by ReoNa (more Wolfpack AU leaning)
• Yakudou by Sakamoto Maaya (applies to both but also leans a taaad more towards AU if only because all those bells in the song)
(all three songs included in the playlist!)
(also I know this is technically three songs instead of one but have you considered he is my darling son?)
Gieve
There hasn't really been a song I hard-associate with Gieve just yet, I don't know why but nothing quite hits the sweet spot for me so far. If anyone's got recommendations I'd verily appreciate it!
Alternate joke answer is Yakety Sax.
Isfan
Wolf Blood by Adrian von Ziegler! It's an instrumental with no lyrics but I immediately think of him whenever I listen to it.
Farangis
I think I've said it before but Trøllabundin by Eivør always makes me think of Farangis! To add one more to that, Dance of the Spirit by Kokia.
14. Assign a fashion aesthetic to this character.
Rather than assign one if the modern aesthetics bc frankly I know nothing about them, I'm just gonna take this opportunity to infodump about my character design choices. Also, my answers will be for Wolfpack AND my character design sheet stuff because why the fuck not.
Arslan
His clothes reflect the most the people around him. He's surrounded by two cultures and he combines them to express himself. In terms of silhouette I tried to make him look Solid. A solid block of friendship LOL.
Gieve
Loose, free, flowy stuff. There's always something flappy hanging from his clothes. Wind is an element I associate with him so yeah! You'll see when my design sheet of him is done.
Isfan
Clothes that fit him very well in terms of tailoring. Rather than the clothes creating a specific silhouette they adhere to the body instead if that makes sense. On the more traditional side of things. Due to geographical proximity, the regional fashion of the Gorgan region is influenced by Turanian (Mongolian) ideas.
Farangis
Flowy, but in a different way from Gieve in that it's much more well put together and tidy. I don't really know how to explain it, but I chose the clothes that I did for Farangis for a reason!
23. Favorite picture of this character?
HOO BOI HERE WE GO.
Arslan
Gieve
Isfan
Farangis
The cover is brilliant and gibes me so much manga vibes. Could be a real The heroic legend of Arslan Cover.
I definitely can’t wait to read the first chapter
Chapters: 1/?
Rating:
Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warnings:
Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Fandom:
Arslan Senki | Heroic Legend of Arslan
Relationships:
Daryun/Original Character, Sam/Original Character - more tags to be added later
Characters:Arslan (Heroic Legend of Arslan), Daryun (Heroic Legend of Arslan), Vahriz (Heroic Legend of Arslan), Narsus (Heroic Legend of Arslan), Sam (Heroic Legend of Arslan), Farangis (Heroic Legend of Arslan), Elam (Heroic Legend of Arslan), Alfreed (Heroic Legend of Arslan), Original Characters - more tags to be added later
Additional Tags:
Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Worldbuilding, Grief/Mourning, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff and Angst, a lot of in-universe typical violence, even more secret keeping, dislike to friends to lovers, hey how about we give some characters even more trauma, it is basically a trauma fiest, you get trauma and you get trauma - everyone gets trauma - more tags to be added later
Summary:
As Pars and Lusitania go to war, the island country Maar offers their support in form of a delegation but get firmly rejected. The leading head of the delegation, Almennt Azar, decides to act from the shadows in order to lend aid to Prince Arslan and his growing number of loyal followers. Dispite her cold and distant demeanor they seem to be drawn to her - especially Lord Daryun - as they learn more about this mysterious knight. What lies under the facade of this White General and what does she have to do with Daryuns family? What does she know that Vahriz even hid from his own nephew?
So, uh...
Fellt a little silly today and thought I share some of my "Funny Dialoug Prompts with my Characters" with yall. (Will contain new ocs.)
Credits to the rightfull owners, who came up with most of these!
Azar: “I’m surrounded by idiots.” Gieve: “But at least we’re hot!” Arslan: *skeptical* “Are we?”
----
Farangis: “You hurt?” *leaning forward* Azar: *sitting on the ground* “No. I normally spurt blood from my rib cage.” Farangis: “You seem to be just fine.” *walks away* Azar: “Help me up at least!”
----
Azar: “Do you think-” Narsus: “All the time! I’m a good thinker, you know!” Azar: “Sometimes I think you don’t. Anyway-” *queue Narsus offended face and Daryun die laughing in the corner*
----
Farah: “You’re … alive…” Azar: “Great observation, genius.” Farah: “But, you were dead!” Azar: *spitting out blood* “Well luckily you really are a failure.”
----
Gieve: *to Azar* Ten years of friendship and this is the treatment I get!” Azar: “I met you yesterday!”
----
Chabik: “You know, I really feel like we aren’t seeing eye to eye.” Mehrin: “It’s because you’re taller than me, asshole.”
----
Aleksi: “You know, I may be an idiot…” Arslan: “...but?” Aleksi: “No ‘but’, that was it.”
----
Mehrin: “... Just to be sure we’re on the same page.” Vahriz: “Page? We’re not even in the same library!”
----
(this was made by me) Gieve: “You wished you’d be like me~” Azar: “No, I don’t.” Gieve: *with a cocky smile* “Why not? I’m lovely~” Azar: *deadpan* “If I’d ever be like you, I’d be six feet underground by now.”
----
Daryun: *gently taps table* Narsus: *taps back* Jaswant: “What are they doing?” Azar: “Morse code.” Daryun: *aggressively taps table* Narsus: *slams hands down* “YOU TAKE THAT BACK-!”
BONUS:
From a discord conversation with my friends (translated) Friend A: *talking to their roommate* "Close the door, that will be better. Me: *thinking he was talking to me* "But… my door is already closed." Friend B: "Close it further. " Double Bonus: Friend A: "I was not talking to you, you Idiots!"
Tell me if you want more! (and @tired-reader-writer, you wrote that you are not feeling well. Hope this brightens your day a little!)
Arslan Senki Reread
Arslan is such a good bean. If he did have the raw power backing him to railroad the conflict into a mediation, I wonder what the result would've been.
I think it's more than just Arslan lacking the power, I don't see Andragoras and Hilmes accepting to lay their hands away from each other. Worst case scenario, Arslan dies in the middle anyways bc Assassination™. Both Narsus and Daryun are right here, Arslan himself lacks power, but also at this point neither Hilmes nor Andragoras are capable of backing off.
Farangis' dialogue here is making me feel things, dammit. Do what you can. Do what's in your power. (It's very relevant to my Wolfpack AU.)
Farangis comforting/gently advising Arslan, and then steps up to keep the project on track. She makes for a good sister-mentor figure. I love Narsus and Farangis' dynamic, her atrocious love advice aside.
I see Alfarīd as someone who ultimately values life, who fights for life even as she is a bandit. Perhaps even because she is a bandit. Rather than having your life be snuffed out for/by an ungrateful liege or king (the Zott laugh at both country and king, they answer to no one but their own, as Merlaine said) so Estelle's stubborn loyalty must baffle her a lot. It's alien to her. (Arslan is different, he's a friend, as she says.) Rather than dying for the convenience of the ruling class who would never appreciate them, perhaps to her, staying alive in spite of their best efforts to snuff them out is a form of resistance. So she doesn't understand why, why Estelle is so willing to lay their life down for a tyrannical, genocidal maniac.
The head jars.
Why yes, I cropped out the Bastard's face because I'm petty if nothing else.
The sorcerers evading death from a blow that would've, should've, killed a human being.
Saam is shaken. This is the first he's hearing of it, and he fears what this implies. What this implies for Hilmes. What's going on? What does he mean by benefactor? How is his prince tied to these unnatural beings? This can mean nothing good.
Saam's speech bubble trembles with fear for Hilmes. And Hilmes, oh Hilmes, the red flags are so vivid they're a sea of blaring neon signs now. Nay, they're neon billboards. You say so yourself, the sorcerer here is doing something morally repugnant. Open your fucking eyes, this ain't good!
Also, does Hilmes' hair seem quite long here?
Ohhh fuck you. Fuck you fuck you all the way to hell and never back. Saam was trying to protect Hilmes. And there's just something that hits so hard about that last panel. “Please believe me.” We know it wasn't Saam who said it out loud, of course, but the backdrop being a pitch black with no speaker, taken out of context it sounds like a plea and y'know, I'll bet Saam was pleading for Hilmes' faith in the deeps of his mind even if he doesn't speak it aloud. A tug-o-war, each needing Hilmes to believe in him.
I want to punt Hilmes in the sun for which side he chooses here.
Arslan Senki Reread
Some Elam appreciation! Narsus looks like a proud dad.
Arslan is so excited he's literally jumping at the chance to spoil Elam, lol. What a good bean.
Good panel!
Dorks.
Azrael looks so proud. I swear this bird understands it's being praised 😭
It's the reason Kishward couldn't/didn't choose to come with Arslan, after all. The conflict of loyalty/duty. Daryun does realize that.
Makes me wonder why Narsus chose to go with Arslan's wishes here. What did he seek to gain?
Zaravant: *all puffed up and excited for the honor*
Jimsa: ...weirdo.
Things I liked here:
Merlaine standing where everyone else is kneeling
The peeps leaning back to stare.
Arslan's lil “please?”
Merlaine folding immediately (so much for your tough act, boy)
Like,
Not even a “fine, I'll do it” or “sure” he says “As you wish.” politely? His speech bubble is shaky? Adorable.
Am I reading too much into it because it's my ship? Possibly, but I don't care. I like this ship, therefore I will overanalyze it.
