#loreletter
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hybridscholar.bsky.social
Thanks so much to @princecatastrophy on Instagram for the art for this Loreletter!
June 28, 2026 at 11:53 PM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
#Argemi #Loreletter #2!

About the biology and "morphs" that make up the Mortals of Argemi.

An important one to understand how the people think, and how the cultures of the world work in this frame.

As always, these are delayed and you can support me on Ko-fi to see the next one already posted!
March 29, 2026 at 7:46 PM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
#Argemi #Loreletter
Loreletter #1!

About the creation event of mortals on Argemi by a divine creator, Her.

(There is a mistake in the last paragraph but due to an issue with the original file I can't fix it :<)
(event where gods went beyond the veil) should be "killing of the Marazian Old Gods."
Birth of Mortals and Gods Argemi was a planet that evolved naturally without the Mortals and their Gods. A being of the stars was one to birth them onto Argemi. Referred to as Her by most of the people of Argemi, sometimes called The Celestial Mother, is the divine creator to mortals and their gods. She was massive being that covered the sky in an array of bright and organized stars that shifted with her swirling body. The mortals of Argemi refer to Her often as a Garden Tender, and Argemi as her garden. Many terms used in Argemian Literature refer to this creation event as "the sowing". Her would create the gods and demigods first, imparting wisdom on them with a wordless language. Giving them the knowledge they would need to fulfill the basic needs of mortals, including knowledge of the flora and fauna of their small birth-region. Afterwards the mortals were created, a small founding population that would grow. After she was done, Her left. Most legends of the founding population overlap that she was chased away by a dark force, one that eclipsed all the stars in the night sky in Her's wake. The Duernine and the Kobolds were given one demigod each, the beings that could not die from age or disease, but could die from mortal wounds. Their founding populations were much smaller, though their demigods were given more insight than the other gods. This caused their populations to become more advanced and spread out sooner than the other populations. The Kobold's Demigod is named - who uses She/Her pronouns, identifying as an eva. The Duernine Demigod is named - who uses He/They pronouns, identifying as a kul. The other areas of initial sowing were given immortal gods. Volcanlands were given Ty'isa, Sur, Motr, & Uknyr. Borterrav were given Helx and Jol'n. The Sun Plains were given Hoquin and Wurn. These immortal gods would live and walk among the mortals as if they were them.
March 19, 2026 at 12:47 AM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
Almost done with the next loreletter, never really took a break from writing them, just putting them on a page and drawing the borders :p

Just need proofreading and to adjust the art a bit and can post the backlog on kofi to bsky
May 4, 2026 at 4:43 PM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
#Argemi #Loreletter #5

A little more focused article on a specific region and an affliction they face. This is focusing on the Berserker Curse that is present in the lineages of the Volcanland and the Vinecoasts.
In an age known as The Seeding, the thousands of years after the creation of mortals and their gods until the Veil event, The Volcanlands had 4 gods. An abnormality looking back, but at the time they didn't know anyone else existed. 3 of these gods, began to turn on the mortal population; some call it corruption while others blame simple malice. One of the devastating consequences of their efforts to kill mortals was the berserker curse. A magical curse passed through blood lines very similar to natural magics like water or fire mages. It cause those who were capable of birthing children to be sent into violent rages when faced with extreme emotions. This mostly appeared in times of distress and most tragically, with postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis emotional peaks and valleys. There was no cure except to weed it out, like an infection. Most villages were small enough at the time to be able to remove 2-5 people and the fledgling civilization became very isolated during this time. This is where great migrations of unaffected populations would take place to avoid infected populations. Eventually, with the birth of Va'karya, and her killing of the Old Gods, he was able to help the population. She created the first three blood mages to address this issue, giving them the ability to calm and teach those cursed to manage their emotions through devotion to the new goddess. Through these teachings many would control their emotions and therefore their rage. Others followed this path but went further to learn to unleash the rage when they wanted and became the berserker warriors of Marazia. In the Argemian Age they are normal members of society in Marazia who get special mental assistance and are identified young by the clergy of Va'karya. The curse itself weakening more as time goes on and the work of Va'karya and by extension, blood mages study the curse.
June 2, 2026 at 1:36 AM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
Please ask me about my ocs its literally all I think about and want to talk about and want to make art about. Thats why I make the #loreletter s because its easier than me YAPPING about them but at this point I think no question could go unanswered lol

(World building mental illness)
August 14, 2026 at 4:01 PM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
Finished another loreletter yesterday, kind of locked in since it required me to do a quick painting for it, should be posting when I get home from work today.

But today is larger project work so commissions and trades for now :d we'll see how far I get, last weeks insomnia fucked it up last Mon.
July 6, 2026 at 1:54 PM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
#Argemi #Loreletter #9

A creature focused one, zooming in specifically on the continent of Borterrav to show their most feared megafauna. The Grenult.

Big thanks to @jarowiofficial.bsky.social for the amazing commissioned art for this loreletter!!! I love it so so much and can't praise enough!! 🖤
The natural world of Argemi is full of massive animals that are a danger to the mortals who aren't aware of the signs. Territorial marks of trees scraped of their bark, a fence of silk and sticks, or even piled rocks doused in foul pheromones. The wilderness is full of these signs, and the dense forests of Borterrav are no different. Here an apex predator leaves its marks of fallen and gouged trees, where massive mandibles held them. Often mistaken for overgrown roads, its paths through the forests carve wide voids it uses to traverse its territory. The Grenult is a gigantic creature, a naturally evolved monster, of Argemi that could best be described as a giant Earth centipede. Though it's anatomy varies in enough ways that this is a superficial and outsider-looking-in description. On Argemi, the Grenult is one of many examples of a Chitnorae apex predator. Though it is unique in that it is so large. On average they grow to 15 meters long and 2.5 meters wide. Scything mandibles as large as mortals themselves. Large enough that it is immune to predation when fully grown. Strong musculature lies beneath the layers of stone-like armor that allow it to be quick in bursts of speed. Unlike insects of earth, a majority of the modern Argemian Chitnorae are warm-blooded with fibrous muscle. There are some that still exhibit ancestral traits but the Grenult are a prime example of a warm-blooded Chitnorae. They behave as ambush predators, hunting mostly other megafauna. Depending on the region they may be underground for a majority of the time hunting subterranean creatures, or lying flat between trees and shrubs to hunt daytime herbivores. Grenult, being the largest predators in Borterrav, seem like one species but they do include subspecies depending on region. East Borterrav in the low lands have a smaller variant, though not much smaller, that hunt the smaller herbivores in the scattered forests around Doran called the Lowland Grenult. Its carapace being more green than it's southern counterpart. Another sub species is in West Borterrav, fully subterranean that hunts the large blind beasts and smaller Chitnorae animals that live in fungal havens or sinkhole caves. This one, called the Stone Grenult, is the most visually distinct of the subspecies due to it's pale, slate gray armor and white skin. It still retains its vision and is often seen on the surface at sunrise or sunset. The white skin is a trait kept from its larval stage and pigmentation never develops from pupating. The most iconic and depicted is the subspecies, Tower Grenult, the largest and most active during, and the most encountered by the Mortals of Argemi. Located geopolitically within South Doran and the Fringed territories, they are monsters of myths, as well as credible threats to those who wander into the dense woods. These animals are opportunists and will eat mortals, but they are not considered to be the preferred prey, mostly due to the size difference. Grenults show no fear of mortals or their settlements which can cause dangerous encounters with juveniles, though must adults choose to create their nests and territories away from mortals, mostly due to resources. Mortals and Grenult will hunt the same large meat sources and adult Grenults prefer areas with a certain prey population density to support their young. Which out of the 20-30 brood sizes, typically only 5 or less reach adulthood. The territory dominated by a Grenult is important to it's survival so it is fiercely guarded, many expeditions never return due to territorial Grenult attacks, not predation. Because of this the Grenult are not seen as a threat to areas with high mortal traffic/noise, allowing for some peace with the animals. Though when one wanders too close, the local garrison of soldiers may be called in, heavy casualties expected if a fight is necessary.
July 8, 2026 at 1:18 AM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
#Argemi #Loreletter #3!

About a few of the important celestial bodies that are around Argemi! The two suns, the moon, and a few comets.

Detailing some of the cultural aspects and geological impacts.
Argemi is one of two rocky planets within a binary solar system. The others that would've formed into planets were consumed by the stars, ejects or never formed from then protoplanetary disk. There are 3 gas giants beyond main debris disk along with their captured moons. The two stars are of equivalent mass and orbit a position in space between them. They are close but not close enough to be within each others' Roche lobe, preventing mass transfer from one to another. Argemi orbits the combined mass of the "twin stars" with a p-type orbit. Because of the variable distance and possible eclipsing of each other, Argemi experiences cycles of hot and cold, typically lasting 10-15 years. However, Argemi on average is warmer than Earth on average so the cold cycles are not enough to completely free the planet over or pose enough of a threat to life. Argemi has one moon, one small captured rocky object and 3 short-period comets. The moon maintains a similar orbit to Earth's moon but is marginally closer. This is what gives Argemi its unusually rough oceans compared to Earth, restricting ocean travel to certain seasons and cold cycles. It is made of volcanic rock from its previous volcanic history, pounded to dust by meteoric bombardment. The moon used to have Leylines as well, but when its volcanic and tectonic activity ceased, so did the flow of ley energies. Though it can not generate more, the minerals store the unused magics throughout its cold crust of basalt and rhyolite. Celestial events like eclipses can cause a strengthening or dampening of natural magics. Argemi has 3 short-orbital-period comets that reappear as short as 20 years and as long as 190 years. While not being objects with ley energy, they do represent days of important rituals for Argemians and have many varying levels of importance and varying meanings across the cultures of the world.
May 7, 2026 at 2:15 AM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
Losing my mind because I swore the loreletter I finished yesterday was saved as #7 but that would mean I have finished and not uploaded on yet lol

But im not home to check
June 1, 2026 at 7:24 PM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
#Argemi #Loreletter #10

Focusing on the Duernine in West Borterrav and their massive underground fortresses-turned-capital cities. While not a comprehensive history, nor covering all the different holds' designs, it is enough to get a good idea of their purpose for the Duernine.
The Duernine, until the Argemian Age, almost entirely resided in West Borterrav and The Isle of Neyit. This steppe and mountainous environment had many cities, but the capitals of each province was built into the rock itself. In an effort to show support for industry, have a secure fortress in times of need, and facilitate the creation of permanently supported leyline forges, the Duernine Holds were built. At first they behaved like fortresses and palaces for the nobles of the Duernine Empire. The middle class and lower class cities were built around these holds and the rocks excavated to carve a room in the Hold were used as foundation stones for the surrounding city's infrastructure. The Holds during this time were the Depth Hold, Star Hold, Ghost Hold, These capital structures would be fairly equal in terms of size but would have different accommodations depending on the culture of the region. The Depth Hold was the only one of them to expand its size beyond just a fortress or palace, focusing heavily on mining and industry to expand the wealth of the province. They dug down and deeper into the ground and the excavated areas would be turned into new rooms and great halls. Many of the workers would live in these lower reaches, continuing the mining, but also many people supported the miners with their services and moved down to be closer to them. Small mining towns developed below the main Depth Hold structure, a large plaza, warehouses, and wide halls separated the bottom layers from the original fortress/palace structure. The Depth Hold wouldn't stay unique for long, as a plague originating from the Sun-Plains would sweep through their lands. Quickly an emergency effort was made to quarantine the hold populations from each other and keep their healthy population safe. The Star Hold, The Iron Hold, Feather Hold were all destroyed or weakened by the plague that swept through the old empire. The reality of Star Hold's destruction and the fate of its people are still not fully understood. There are very few expeditions to the remote hold and even then they are steeped in superstition. With some saying the Duernine demigod curses and haunts the place. The Iron Hold dwindled before the plague took its toll, its abandonment was hastened by the sickness and paranoia. Finally, the Feather Hold and it's people abandoned the capital and make up a majority of the nomadic population that is resettling the long abandoned outer cities of the holds in the Argemian Age. Though superstition still stops the reclaiming of the hold itself.
August 3, 2026 at 12:45 AM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
#Argemi #Loreletter #8

A character focus, a person in the history of Argemi and specifically Doran. Telmont, The Quilted!

A leader of the Proto-Dorans during the era of Duernine occupation.
Telmont was born Telmont Blackpetal during a time of strife for the scattered communities of the proto-Dorans. Before this time the proto-Dorans could not be farther from unity. The kingdoms and city-states waged wars for very little and the teachings of Helx fell on deaf ears. This was hundreds of years after the physical forms of their gods went behind the veil and only the foundational cities had temples that were maintained. Many remote temples were abandoned, hidden in hopes of lowering the chance of looting, or they were repurposed entirely. These attitudes would stay even when the Duernine Empire's legions arrived. A unified Duernine Empire made quick work of the bickering states of the proto-Dorans, with some even thinking they could side with Duernine but were subjugated after their cooperation. The Duernine did not come for allies, they came for resources. Resources needed to build their great fortress capitals and infrastructure. Telmont was born in the North-Central region of East Borterrav. Within a city that was considered one of the most stable in this period of instability. He was given the nickname "Quilted" quickly as his fur pattern was unique among his peers. He was raised as a cleric's apprentice for the first few years of his life before the Duernine came and raided the city, the local army being no real obstruction, they only bought time for people to flee. He was taken North into hiding where he grew with the teachings of Jol'n and Helx into an adult. Here he would organize the people of the region to cooperate, to alert of Duernine patrols, to gather resources for emergencies, and eventually reach out to the neighboring communities in hiding to join the coalition. Something similar would happen in the other regions and eventually the spark of rebellion would spread from the Central coasts and the Southern forests. The North was the last to be told of this rebellion and was more than ready to join. Telmont became a voice for his people, but never expected to become a rebellion leader. Slowly his rallying voice became the one people would look too for guidance. An old general and younger soldiers, willing to lend their expertise helped him with military decisions but even at this early stage he supported a democratic approach to leadership. The death of his volunteer militia was something that weighed heavy on him. Neighbors and childhood friends dying for the freedom of generations unborn and currently enslaved. While he took pride in the liberation of work camps and the joy of a battle won, defeats and setbacks crushed him. His advisors would bring him up from this, and was helped more when the three regions of rebellion were able to unite. Mori from the coast and Edger from the South forests were more generals than diplomats; willing to risk it all and make sacrifices for victory. They gained quick success as each victory meant more members joining their cause, but as the rebellion progressed to involve all 3 leaders the eager recruits began to slow. Liberation of work camps still increased their ranks but many of these people were not fit to fight. Telmont and his advisors would reshape the war at a critical period and reorganize the unified forces. Together with Telmont's democratic approach they would remove the Duernine from their lands, though they were aided in the last years of the 23 year long conflict by the internal breakdown of the Duernine Empire which was aggravated by a plague from the proto-Dorans themselves. After their victory they now had the task to rebuild. Through Telmont they decided to rebuild together, creating the first parliament of Doran with only five members. Telmont, Mori, Edger, Frunak (a leader from the borderlands that was enslaved for most of the war), and Ri (A Helx cleric from the far North of East Borterrav).
June 28, 2026 at 11:53 PM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
#Argemi #Loreletter #6

Magic!! Every good fantasy setting has magic and rules for them, right?

Hard to be comprehensive in two pages, but good enough for an introduction!
All fantasy with magic has rules, and Argemi is no different. Magic without limits would have destroyed the world before it could really begin. Argemian magic comes from the world itself. Argemi's core generates leyline energy which works its way through the mantle, and live mostly within the more liquid part of the outer mantle, closer to the crust. This energy leaks through breaks in the crust and then permeates onto the surface. Even if it is a fraction of the power that lies deep in the rock, this energy has a observable effect. Many areas where "leyline breaches" occur are plagued by a distortion of reality and physics. This energy can also increase the amount of genetic mutation, creating unique creatures that exist within the area of the breaches. Argemians were created magically by Her, The Divine Tender, Star Mother, etc. The gods, demigods, and mortals were all created with Her's power, and the energy of the planet. Because of this, some Argemian's hold the ability to wield the magic in their bodies. This magic however, is genetic, it is not available to all and is recognized as a genetic mutation that may not have been intended by Her. Though none can say for sure, not even the gods. This magic consumes the magical and physical energy within the bodies of mortals and taxes the body much like exercise as it burns calories. Certain magics consume more as they're used and some magics appear more infrequently in bloodlines as they are more recessive of a gene. The types of magic on Argemi, that manifests naturally for mortals are: Water - Majary Ice - Rasuary Nature - Gaiary Death - Fetary Fire - Umilary There are also newer types of magic that are specifically given by the gods of Argemi, each being unique to the god giving the boon. However, two major types that work like birth magics are: Blood - Eztliary Radiant - Nyotary Due to magic using the body's energy. There is a level of self-protection one subconsciously practices while casting, and this is amplified based on the strength of the spell. Fire mages must protect themselves at all times from their spells while water mages can allow water to run over their bodies. But when you get to ice magic, Rasuary, one would need to protect themselves again from their own magic. To unleash powerful spells, beyond the limit of your bodily energy, it is possible to forsake the protection of your body. Instead of consuming the leyline energy and calories, it will use your bodies material as fuel / a casting resource. This is called Exertion Casting, which is dangerous and rarely done because it has a high chance of greviously wounding and even killing the caster. Many mages and more warmages bear the scars of exertion casting, done either by accident or intentionally. Its not something easy to do, but as adrenaline distorts one's reasoning many novices in frightening situations have exertion cast and hurt themselves. This is usually why mortals make an effort to train their magical children with help of the village elders or a resident mage. At a certain age it is common to send them to a dedicated mentor in the local area but if that is not available, the writings of elders are supplemented instead. This is most common for the magic variants that skip generations like fire magic and blood magic. Descriptive manuals hold common casting methods and techniques to avoid grievous injuries from trying to teach oneself. Magic on Argemi is not rare, but it is uncommon enough due to the magic types being a recessive gene. This creates a balance of magical and non-magical people so that there isn't one type of people that are obviously the most powerful people in the room. Exertion limits the power of these mages as well to prevent a small amount of magic users from being too powerful.
June 3, 2026 at 1:36 AM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
#Argemi #Loreletter #4

Gender & Sex for the mortals of Argemi. It's hard to talk about how I view Argemi without this, and there is much more detailed in the full document I wrote, but this is a good summary!

I hope it makes sense :d willing to ask any questions if there are any!
From the very beginning of creation there have always been 4 sexes accepted by the mortals of Argemi. At a fairly equal birthrate of 25%, "male", "female", and both types of reproductive organ-carrying intersex make up the population of Argemi. Intersex is technically 2 as it is split into male reproductive intersex, and female reproductive intersex. Though to many this distinction is not necessary so depending on who you ask there is only 3 sexes instead of 4. But it is common among the people to believe that their sex is a spectrum and the amount of intersex you can be varies in physical attributes. The people exist in acceptance of this as biological truth. Since their creation, and with the knowledge imparted by their gods, they understand their biology to an extent that is necessary for everyday life. This understanding is essential to their social structuring, reproduction, and cultural values. With all previous elements wrapping up into gender norms. On Argemi, the terms for these 3-4 sexes are often used to refer to the genders as well. The scholarly terms used are Marazian in origin. While each language has its own version of these words, the Marazian terms, and accompanying research, are considered robust and used by scholars all over the world. The three that are used are Kul, referring to masculine presenting people, Veles referring to intersex or androgynous people, and Eva referring to feminine presenting people. While the sex and gender overlap can lead to some flattening of understanding, most people do not feel shame in clarifying their identities. Introductions can often include pronouns in higher societal spaces, while common folk will state how they identify plainly with the gender term in the introduction to keep it straightforward. With this, most people have the level of respect to accept what someone says as truth when it comes to matters of self-identification. Veles using the pronouns Tahn/Tehn are usually masculine leaning and identify with the masculine cultural aspects. Veles using Te/Tei pronouns lean into the feminine but are not Eva. Both of these leanings are not determined by biology, one will choose the pronouns that fit their physical presentation to others once they're adults. For example, Te/Tei pronoun users often at a glance look feminine or can even look exactly like an Eva at a superficial glance. Though, it would be socially unheard of to assume that person was an Eva only or assuming their pronouns. On the spectrum of Veles which can be specified as the "center" of the spectrum are those who identify as non-binary, agender, or anything that would fall under the non-binary umbrella on Earth. These people would mostly use exclusively They/Them or use it as their primary pronoun like in cases of They/He where "they" is preferred but "he" is non-offensive. These people would mostly be addressed as Veles unless they state otherwise in introductions. The average person on Argemi also has no qualms about someone changing or experimenting as they grow. Some cultural ceremonies exist in some societies for renaming or rebirth of an individual with a new name / gender identity. To conclude, it is necessary to make clear that because gender is a spectrum on Argemi; there is fluidity and acceptance of changes and exploration to ones gender. The stated alignments of pronouns to gender names are not set in stone; and there are accepted exceptions to the standard/ the common. Androgynous people who use any pronouns, Eva identifying people using He or She pronouns, there is room for everyone and every way to identify as it logically applies to Argemi.
May 7, 2026 at 2:21 AM
hybridscholar.bsky.social
#Argemi #Loreletter #7

Naming Rituals of Argemi, the important days of which a child is bestowed a name. Some uncomfortable truths of pre-modern medicine, but the people carry on like humans once did as well.

(Had to re-upload, didn't notice the copy-paste mistakes)
All cultures have a differing period of time that must pass before the newborn is bestowed with a name. Even within cultures there are regions that practice altered or even completely different naming rituals. Very rare is it to find a naming of a child that isn't constructed as a ritual even in the loosest of definitions. Some are signified by astrological events, such as Marazians which wait until the next full moon. Others require a celebration and deliberations from family members, so naming becomes a community effort that isn't as parent centric, like the Shattered Holdings. One of the more involved rituals is the Doran ritual that involves many people of the village and the local clergy of Helx. This ritual starts with the birth and lasts 3 days. The first is a day of thanks to Helx, rituals here are performed to check the baby's health after birth, as well as the birthing adult's health. This is a calm day of rest, quiet thanks, and congratulations. The second day is a day for the parents of the family. Full of feasting, drinking, and partying. This day honors the parents of the child but also the grandparents and further ancestors. Included in this is family caretakers and household-keepers. The final day is for the child, a day of remembering one's youth and the lessons you learned then and how it got you to where you are now. Passing knowledge through hushed voices and providing monetary gifts to the parents for the child's care and future. This end of this final day is where the child is bestowed a name. Typically by the birthing parent but if one could not be thought of, the head priestess of Helx may give one. All others are excluded from provided a name; though as stated previously, this tradition can mutate depending on the region of Doran, or if there are physical barriers separating similar cultures. This is in large contrast to the Duernine of Neyit that, due to their own history, spend the smallest of time. Every home of the Neyit Duernine has a history of the family and their names carved into a stone. When a baby is born, their name is simply added to this stone when convenient. The name itself is chosen by the parents in private and announced when convenient to their family / community. Duernine early childhood is not reclusive, but it is less community involved as other places on Argemi are. The child is involved with the community as their parents are around their third birthday, but they are by no means kept hidden before that. They are simply kept at home for most of the day with one of the parents. The spectrum of naming ritual complexity for every Argemian culture lies between these two, and as said before, even within cultures the specifics can vary per region. Each one of these deserves their own spotlight in truth but I hope this overview was informative.
June 22, 2026 at 4:32 AM