Written sometime in January, 2025
A heart of Marble
Stonely structures, beautiful engravings
Veins of jade, pulsing throughout
But what of its core
Crevices sheltered in shadow
A false heart it seems
Hollow, brittle, and bare
The daintiest of taps
And it would shatter
Into fragments and simple shards
But, so long as it holds steadfast
Strong, resilient, and fair
I do not need to wonder
To think, invoke, and fear
For this heart, this simple stone
Is confused enough
This poem was originally written from me attempting to determine how a characters main ability worked. I couldn't get my thoughts straight, so I dumped them out. Of course, this poem was not laid out immediately after I discarded my brain of ideas, but the initial premise was.
I am quite proud of it, and the feelings it conjured the first time I read it aloud. The end is my personal favorite part. The last sentence, 'Is confused enough', feels like an abrupt end, an unsatisfying one. And that is the point. It emulates how the character is feeling quite well, the previous lines almost like an open window, with slivers of wind singing you a lullaby, for it only to close shut in your face.
Written sometime in either late November, or early December of 2024
Light Horn Bulls are an above average sized species of bovine, measuring about 9 feet from nose to tail, and about 6 feet tall. Their horns are crescent shaped and span 4 and a half feet from the left most point to the right most. Fully grown males can weigh up to 4,300 pounds, and females can weigh up to 2,500. Their horns glow a bright yellow-white due to the Light Path Dao mark fragments present.
Since Light Horn Bulls are Light Path Beasts, they have one of the fastest gestation and reproduction periods, second only to Blood Path. The females are pregnant for 3 to 4 months, and usually give birth to a single calf. They can give birth to twins rarely, but if the twins are a male and female, the female will usually be infertile. They females can mate during their estrus period, which is about every 11 to 15 days, for a 16 hour period. The calf's are born entirely helpless, but are able to walk almost an hour after birth. They reach their juvenile stages about 5 months after birth, and reach adulthood around 20 months after birth. They start to hone and develop battle instincts around the 14 month mark, and can reliably fend for themselves at around 18 months. Due to Light Path Dao marks being present all year round, in the form of the sun, Light Horn Bulls can live to about 20 to 30 years of age.
The battle strength of Light Horn Bulls are remarkably high due to their sheer size and large horns. They can gain incredible speeds, topping out at 47 miles an hour, and put all that force into a deadly horn charge that has the capacity to injure most defensive Rank 2 Gu. They do however have quite weak defenses for their Rank. A top tier Rank 1 Offensive Gu is capable of damaging their hide. Their vision is not the best either, they still sport the panoramic vision their mortal counterparts have, but their depth perception is even worse, only capable of perceiving in a 15 degree cone stemming from their eyes.
This is technically a 'fan-fiction' (or fan-made species) of a fairly popular Chinese novel that is on permanent hiatus. That novel is called Reverend Insanity or Daoist Gu Master by Gu Zhen Ren. If the terms like 'Dao mark' or 'Light Path' are unfamiliar, don't worry. It is simply the power system of the novel.
This would be an apt time to say, this is apart of my most extensive piece of work (almost 50,000 words as of February 21st, 2025). The work itself initially started as a world for a campaign between me and my friends. It somewhat got out of hand, and now I have an idea for a novel! This is also the novel I wish to finish one day. This work does use the power system and setting (somewhat), of the novel mentioned previously, so I would classify it as an 'AU Fan-fiction', or Alternate Universe fan fiction, as some things differ from the source material.
Most of the word count is random world building, I will not lie. There is about 12,000 words of actual story, or at least ideas for the story.
Written on the 8th of May, 2024
In a secluded village on the coast of a deserted island, a small boy with skin as dark as ink was born. He learned how to play, how to run, how to jump, but what he loved most was books. Small scraps of paper flowed from the sea onto land, and he would carefully store them, and read them over and over again. His mother was forgotten by him, as she had passed before giving him a name, and slowly, the world also seemed to forget her.
In a secluded village on the coast of a deserted island, a young man with skin as dark as ink was living. In a home only lived in by one, with paper plastered on every wall. The rocks near his house were cracked open, and stone shards were lain across the beach, flowing in the lines of monsters, heroes, the cosmos, and other worlds. The man, who was a few short years of 20, lived melancholic on this island. The waves flowed, seemingly pushing the island far far away.
On one day, a landmass appeared in the distance. It was a giant mound of dirt and sand, with greenery sprouting all over it. The young man decided to explore the landmass, to discover its truth, and left behind his home. As he ventured deeper into the land, the grass started to grow longer, and the flowers bloomed brighter. As he arrived at the center, large, blinding spots of white light showed itself. Every bloom of light was connected to a singular petal on a flower, and Hope had shown itself.
As Hope latched onto the mans dark body, he went to a peculiar flower, one that did not have any Hope. He knelt down, and grasped the bud that had yet to bloom. The Hope that had latched onto his hands quickly dimmed, and flew away. Intrigued by this the man pried open the bud, and a small dragonfly, shifting with the colors of Hope, and the colors of ink appeared. As it awoke, it flew to the mans chest, and revealed itself to him. As the nameless man was listening for the dragonflies words, all of the Hope that had accumulated, vanished, and the name of the mysterious bug was revealed.
The nameless man, sat and pondered, then let out a laugh. The laugh was raspy and crackled, like old parchment, and the clear air filtered through the mans throat, passing his fraying lips.
"I see.
After all, Hope dies when it learns of the Truth."
This is the initial backstory of the main character inside my in- progress novel. I wrote it due to a prompt in the books subreddit, and it was the main reason I had the idea for my novel.
I don't think I would change any of the backstory here, as it's more of a fable, rather than a clear cut origin.
Written on the 19th of February, 2025
Description and Habitat
Razor Toothed Gar are an above average sized species of Gar (Lepisosteidae), measuring on average 5 feet (~1.5 m) from snout to tail, and 8 inches (~20.3 cm) tall from the pelvic fin to the spine. The head of the gar is on average 21.6 inches (~54.9 cm) long, and their snout would make about 70% of its length, on average 15.1 inches (~38.4 cm). Fully grown males can weigh up to 115 pounds (~52.2 kg), but on average weigh about 78 pounds (~35.4 kg). Fully grown females can weigh up to 100 pounds (~45.4 kg), but on average weigh about 63 pounds (~28.6 kg).
Their teeth are set into two separate rows on both the top and bottom jaw. Their primary teeth are sat back (Towards the inside) and pointed straight up, while averaging at about 2.3 inches (~5.8 cm) in length, and about 0.6 inches (~1.5 cm) in width. The secondary teeth are sat forward (Towards the outside) and slightly askew, pointed to the outside. They average at about 0.5 inches (~1.3 cm) long, and about 0.13 inches (~3.3 mm) wide. An adult gar will have on average 62 primary teeth, and 252 secondary teeth. Both the primary and secondary teeth have a coloring of a somewhat steel-white when clean.
The outer scales of the Razor Toothed Gar have a darker greyish black colouration, while the underbelly scales have a lighter, more steel silver colouration. The scales on their maw and under their eyes have darker pigments, and have discolouration, to help in camouflage while ambushing. They on average, have about 900 different scales, around 300 of them being the outer ganoid scales.
Razor Toothed Gar are primarily piscivores. They mainly feed on Rank 1 forage fishes, as well as (if not as often) other Rank 1 crustaceans and water fowl.
They inhabit temperate rivers and lakes. Any body of water they inhabit will, barring exceptions, be at least 42 feet (~13 meters) deep. The prefer this deeper water, as it allows them to hide eggs, as well as to stalk prey easier.
They are a rare species in the Five Regions, so they are not often seen. The Gar often have to migrate through rivers to find a mate during spawning season.
Behavior and Ecology
Feeding Behavior
Razor Toothed Gar are primarily stalk and ambush predators. They hide in and around rock outcroppings to wait for prey, while exhibiting a sluggish, almost 'sick', behavior. When a suitable prey is near the jaws, they lunge out, attempting to grasp for the center of the fish or crustacean. If the prey animal succeeds in dodging or evading the Razor Toothed Gar, it proceeds to chase the prey if it was injured at all, or seemingly slow.
If a prey animal was heavily injured (loss of movement and/or excessive bleeding primarily), the Razor Toothed Gar will not chase the target immediately. It will instead use it's olfactory and visual senses to stalk the prey, and wait for it to either rest, or return to it's shelter. After a set period of time (depending on the specific prey animal), the Razor Toothed Gar will lunge and cull its target.
As Razor Toothed Gar are Sword Path Beasts, they have fairly fast gestation periods, but longer intervals between spawning periods. Females are usually pregnant for an average of 67 days, and lay, on average, anywhere from 1500 to 8700 separate eggs. These eggs hatch on average in 5 days, and the mother would usually be gone by the time the offspring hatches, leaving them to fend for themselves. Healthy Gar can live up to 15 years, but most die around the decade mark.
Reproductive Behavior
Both males and females reach sexual maturity near the 13 month period. The spawning period for the Razor Toothed Gar is once every 18 months, for a 2 week interval. Females will spread roe about 10 feet (~3 m) over rocky crops and crevices. The males will then spread milt over the roe to fertilize them. The current will carry the roe into the small crevices present, and hide them from predators.
The roe of the Razor Toothed Gar is toxic to most types of animal in the same habitat, however some forms of evolutionary inoculation have been observed. The toxin inside of the roe was evolved as a defense mechanism against ovivores and other predator creatures.
Social Behavior
Male Razor Toothed Gar are often bigger than their female counterparts. This is for mating displays, as well as displaying territorial behavior. Most individuals of the species are solitary, and only socialize during spawning season.
The only significant social behavior of the Razor Toothed Gar, is the somewhat symbiotic relationship between smaller members of the species and the Shifting Fleet-Foot Crayfish. The Fleet-Foot Crayfish would hide the roe of the Gar, in exchange for scraps when the Gar would feed. This, however is somewhat inconsistent, as Razor Toothed Gar have little to no need for roe protection, due to both the intrinsic toxin, as well as the amount of roe produced.
Defenses and Battle Strength
The main defensive utility of the Razor Toothed Gar, are its outer scales. These scales are ganoid, and contain a center of hardened bone, making them quite defended against piercing attacks. These defenses are at the Rank 1 Upper Level, so they are quite difficult to destroy.
The underbelly does not contain ganoid scales, so it is a lot more vulnerable in regards to puncturing. It is coated in a heavier layer of mucous and gel, so it has an easier time escaping. These defenses are at the Rank 1 Middle Level.
The main offensive utility of the Razor Toothed Gar, is it's namesake. The teeth it has are very sharp, and can puncture most high tier Rank 1 Defensive Gu. Their stamina is lower, as they are primarily ambush predators, so in battles of attrition, they will be easier to deal with.
Razor Toothed Gar do have swim bladders, so they are able to chase threats above the water for a limited period of time. This allows a greater territorial advantage, as well as making them difficult to escape in a short period of time.
Their vision is adapted for darker environments, so their eyes are quite sensitive to bright lights. There is a slight somewhat gel shield contained over the eyeball, but it is mainly to protect against small debris, as well as insect bites.
Nurturing and Value
Due to the rarity and battle strength of the Razor Toothed Gar, adult males sell for an average of 750 Primeval Stones, while adult females sell for an average of 1150 Primeval Stones. These prices are lower than other creatures of the same strength, as they are aquatic creatures, so they are unable to fight on land. In oceanic and heavier water based areas, there price is inflated to match others of their battle power.
The nurturing of Razor Toothed Gar requires a few very specific, and stringent necessities.
First, a suitable habitat is required. Depending on how many Gar you raise, the required area will be different, but a general rule is; an area of 25x25x40 feet (~8x8x12 m) area of either fresh or brackish water for each Gar, as well as either rocky subterrain or sufficiently dense aquatic forests.
Second, other types of Sword Path Beasts in a close proximity. This can be in the form of a prey, competing, or predatory population.
Thirdly, a faster breeding predator population, to match the growth of the Gar, as well as both hone battle instincts and cull sick or frail individuals.
Fourthly, a set amount of Rank 1 Blackened Blade Stones. These will help the population keep their teeth sharp, as well as promote growth. It is important to aim for about a 1:2 ratio, of stones to Gar. Having a set amount allows for more competition, and aggressional instincts.
Although every part of the creatures corpse is valuable, and can be used well, there are very specific parts that serve as a powerful economical point.
Razor Toothed Gar Primary Teeth: These function as a core component in many Rank 1 Blade Path Recipes. They sell for an average of 8 primeval stones per tooth.
Razor Toothed Gar Outer Scales: These are the primary components in the refinement of the Rank 1 Serrated Scales Gu. They sell for an average of half a Primeval Stone per scale.
Razor Toothed Gar Swim Bladder: This is a core component in the Rank 1 Piercing Air Gu. It sells for an average of 50 Primeval Stones.
Razor Toothed Gar Meat, Organs, Bones, and Skin do have their specific uses, but they aren't as notable as the previously stated ones.
This one was quite fun to write. The absolute most painful part, was attempting to find a source on the reproductive cycles of gar. And I hadn't even written that part yet...
This is a part of the 'world' I mentioned earlier, a relatively low powered species of wildlife.
This is one of my best examples of what I would want to write professionally. Clear, detailed, and explicit information on fictional beasts or plants.
Written on the 27th of January, 2025
In a sheltered cave, on the top of some frost capped mountain, echoes a manic and... seemingly scared voice.
What is Grace? The ephemeral beauty of another, or the simple love of nature? Statues of Ice that shimmer in the glow of the sun, and reflective cases of pure joy. To fall from grace would assume that you are graceful to begin with. I am not, and was never graceful. I am clumsy, I am ill-mannered, I smell of sea water. There is nothing graceful about me. It would make sense, then, for I have been struck with this mortal blow, this vengeful strike from the heavens. It is not your fault, dearest, that my heart is not well equipped for another. It is not your fault, that others can give you what I could not dream of. It is not your fault, my dearest, that I chose you, over even my own self.
These pure, and raw feelings of powerlessness. Of unfiltered screaming and clanging. This dichotomy of emotions. A chorus of different voices, of these statues mocking and debasing me. Statues of my own creation. Why would my own creations even turn against me? When have I ever mistreated you? Do you fear me? TELL ME
...
Echoes fragment off of every surface and rock, shouting, repeating.
...
The voice is raw, it shows it's pain. It presents it's vulnerability in full, watching, waiting for someone, anything, to talk, to speak. To tell it, that life will continue, that it is not a simple stature of what could have been. That these scars of ice are not permanent, that they will heal. That their dearest holds space for another.
...
But, nothing and no one speaks. Silence envelops the area, casting a bubble that even seems to freeze time itself.
...
Why must I suffer for something that I cannot control? Why must I suffer whilst others are living free and soaring high? Why must I suffer, when others deserve it so much more? Why?
The sound of ice shattering rings out. Shards spill across the floor, mimicking a sea of the crystalline white. Each fragment seems to sharpen, seems to... become more lethal, more dangerous.
I promise you dearest, I do not wish to hate you, but I fear I might.
This was written for my Creative Writing course, chosen from a set of prompts. The initial prompt was, 'Write about falling from grace'.