BriarProse: March 2014

PROFANE TALES: The Magnificent Q&A

· What exactly is the “Profane” world? What the hell is going on?

This world is one where fables/fairytales/mythology are a reality, though not always as humans have made them out to be. Thousands of years after the creator gods and old pantheons have died, fallen asleep and/or abandoned the world they created, Fae and Demons remain to live alongside mortals. The world is vast and still mysterious as ever, however a loose but efficient order has been established under the rule of the King and Queen of Fae and the expanding wisdom of mortal men.

In short, these tales/comics is the author’s good-humored ode to old folklore, like that around unicorns, fairies and the pagan world that still existed during early Christiandom.

This will not be a grimdark “retelling” of anything. This is an ode for modern readers who enjoy the fables of their childhood and of our Dark Age ancestors. The difference is that these are my own original characters and stories, inspired by those tales.

· Do I have to read the stories in order? Do I have to read them all to understand them?

Not at all. I provide here a list of the order the stories go in. Click for the link.

But it is not necessary to read them all to understand the stand-alone short stories or comics. There will be comics that are several pages long that I would suggest reading in their entirety to get the jokes and storyline and some stories have two or three parts. But most of the short comics and stories can stand alone. There will also be a synopsis page coming soon if you prefer to have a refresher of what is going on than read all the stories. That will probably be on a special Spoilers Page.

· Why is Gelding called “Gelding” and why is he pissy?

This is a bit sad. “Gelding” is actually nicknamed this by Amy’s guards and her father because of a cruel mutilation done to him upon capture years ago. (You can do the math if you know what the word Gelding means).

He is actually “pissy” (aloof, grumpy) because of his great age. It is still unknown how old he is, but it is ancient. He is older than the Fairlands themselves, which suggests he predates Christianity by a long time.

· Is the Profane World related to your other stories?

None that are on this blog. The Dearest Artists (Starving Artists and shorts with Mona, Claudia, Sully and Aubrey), as well as Ode to Joy and the other Orion and Bri stories are in their own world. Profane Tales takes place in its own unique world.

· What is the Fairlands?

The "Fairy World," the "Other World," whatever you may call it. The Fairlands are the King and Queen of Fae’s own world, a kind of safe haven for Fae. What is it a safe haven from, you may ask. Well, it is a safe haven from the more barbaric spirits of nature: demons. It is also a safehaven from mortal men because they are known to be quite barbaric too. That is not to say Fae are free from cruelty, too. They can be just as horrific as demons and man combined. But they have the protection of the King and Queen while they are in the Fairlands.

The Fairlands is spiritually connected to the mortal, demon-haunted world. The protective shield lifts at night so that the Fae may venture back into our world when they please. But Demons must be granted permission to enter. Sometimes Beasts (creatures too animal to be human or Demon) wander in by mistake. Humans, too, can be led astray into the Fairlands, a thing which almost always ends badly.

In any case, once you enter the Fairlands, you are in their world and their rules apply. You may be eaten, imprisoned, transformed or any other manner of things and there will rarely be legal action taken against a Fae who chooses to toy with you there.

If you know anything about fairy tales and fables, you will already know that wandering into the Fairlands is extremely dangerous for a mortal, and not a walk through Candy Cane Lane.

· What creatures are considered Fae and dwelling in the Fairlands?

This list is far too exhaustive to include here but a few examples are: fairies (winged fae), pixies, sprites, elves, brownies, blue-caps, gremlins, goblins, mermaids, etc.

Really the list goes on and on. See the question below about the difference between Fae vs. Demon.

· Who are the Fairy Royals?

First, you have the ultimate ruler. The Fairy King. He goes by many names and he has nearly god-like abilities to create and destroy as well as a presence that would put any prima donna opera singer to shame. He claims to have "built" the Fairlands, quite literally. Is this true? Read to find out! But he is not all business and terror-striking ferocity. Watch your back, he is also a shape-shifter and a notorious trickster.

Second, you have the mighty and intoxicating Queen. She is the more diplomatic of the two and the creator of the protective shield around the Fairlands. She is not what she first seems, an image of sultry seduction and serpentine power. She has a right-hook that could send you flying through three walls and perhaps the decorative fountain in your back wall. One of her names, “Titania,” was not given to her just for fun. Like a mini-titan, she is a force of nature. On top of that, she has the power to intoxicate the masses of the Fairlands and any mortal who drinks from her goblet will become so enamored with her that he or she will be good as a puppet to her means. Didn't you always wonder who the "Green Fairy" of the romantic poets really was?

Last but not least, there is the Princess Rue. The public relations for her less-than-sociable parents. She keeps love and camaraderie alive among the Fairlands and visits the mortal world to enlist new members of the Kingdom and make sure humans and beasts like unicorns and dragons are not too bad off and too angry with Fae. She is an adorable beam of light in the darkness and a partier like none other. But there is one downside to all this optimism and love. There is a reason she is given the woeful name of "Rue" by her loving parents? What is it? Could it be she is a danger? She is not the most mentally stable Fae you will meet either. She has been known to dance human men to death by mistake and she has eaten her fair share of lovers who spurned her.

· Why is the mortal world (our world) referred to as “demon-haunted?”

Because, when the gods retreated and died, titans, primordial, diabolicals and all manner of horrors remained with no one to clean them up. Around the time of Christiandoms’ rise, the King and Queen joined forces to return order to the world. Though, there is relatively more order now (the time of the stories) such creatures, called “Demons” still exist to make a mess of things.

· What is the difference between a Demon and a Fae in these stories?

Fae and Demon in these stories are more of a title than a species.

A Fae is a magical creature allied with the King and Queen who are allowed to dwell in the Fairlands as their home. The actual species vary greatly and they do not all need to look like our ideas of “fairies” today. “Fairy” seems to be more a slang word for Fae that are winged. Some, like the royal family, do not seem to mind being called fairies, while other creatures do. But, for example, elves are Fae in these stories.

Demons are magical creatures, usually destructive nature spirits as well as diabolical, who are not allied with the Fae. They usually have no allegiance. Satyr, for example, in these stories are vicious, lustful nature spirits who the Royals protect their people from. Humans need to deal with satyrs and centaurs, for example, and it is highly unpleasant.

· Is Puck a satyr? A fuan? A phooka?

Puck refers to himself as a “first generation faun.” He is a Fae. He fits the description of the folkloric/fable phooka (for which the name “Puck” even derives), though. He claims his father was a satyr and his mother was a Fae, so he is a mutt.

· Who are Puck’s parents?

Puck’s father is a satyr who has yet to appear in the stories. He is called Wido the Ancient. As for his mother, he does not know who she is, sadly. But more may be discovered some day.

· Is the Fairy King evil or what?

To call the Fairy King “evil” is short-sighted. He is often antagonistic and downright cruel in the stories but one must look at the bigger picture before considering him a full-fledged “villain.” He protects an entire world of creatures who were on the verge of extinction from stronger and more vicious creatures. Often when he sees ways he can aid others, he takes the opportunity. (See the story “Melancholy & Magic”). There are two sides to every story. (And his devious nature is delicious watch.)

· Why does Gelding protect Princess Amy?

The answer to this is simple and complicated. He loves Amy. It is true that she was used as bait to capture him. But in actuality, he could run away if he chose to. The capture is that he cares about her and wishes to protect her, and does consider her a good friend.

· Who is Amy anyway? Why does she understand beasts?

Amy is a simple medieval princess. She has yet to marry because of her quirk; she can speak to animals. This is considered the “work of the devil” so she hides it as best she can. But she has always been able to hear them. This is probably just a blessing she has and appeared for no specific reason.

· Who is everyone in the comics/stories posted so far?

You can read more about each character on the INDEX/INFO page. Click for link!

· What time period is this all taking place?

This is an unspecified fable world based in the Dark Ages/Middle Ages. There are some references to the early Renaissance (hence, Shakespearean jokes) but the technology seems a tad behind for that). Much like Shakespeare’s play “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the ambiguity of a time period is important to maintain. But this is certainly before the Age of Sail and after the Bubonic Plague. But the period is kept ambiguous.

· What order do the stories/comics take place?

You can read the chronological order HERE at the INDEX/INFO page.

· And now a question for you.

I have considered getting a Patreon account. Of course, I do not want my readers to feel they must have an account to read the work I share online. But for special projects it would be nice to get 1 or 2 dollars here or there to encourage me as a writer who seeks publication on the printed/electronic page.

What do you think? Do you think the comics would enjoy success on the humble Patreon site?

Thank you for reading!

Support the author by Liking/Sharing/Commenting. Or if you did not enjoy yourself, I am open to constructive critique. Each reader means the worlds to me.!

<3,

PS- this does not mean questions are closed. You can always ask them. I like questions.

All original characters, setting and artwork are Copyright Luz Briar. 2010- 2014 (c) Luz Briar.

Hello, Fantastical Creatures!

I hope you have been enjoying the new series of stories and comics starring Gelding, Puck and company!

Due to technical difficulties the comic will have to wait until I receive repairs on my digital art equiptment (expect around March 4th). I thought I'd take a minute to answer any questions or concerns you might have concerning anything at all in the story/characters/design/whatever.

There are no dumb questions here, so ask away. If there's anything that is making the comic or stories difficult to read, I would rather it be addressed than let it ruin someone's entertainment. Shoot!

1. The first question I received so far concerns the short comic "Soliloquy."

When asking me a question, I will usually leave you anonymous when answering. Let me know if you would like me to reference you when I answer.

"Who is the skull-bearer?" Snowy-Angel, mind-blowingly talented artist and an inspiration to me, asked.

That, my dear, is the King of Fae. He has many names but prefers to be referred to only as the King, because he is a egomaniac. But among many of his names are Pestis, Victorinus and Oberon (a nickname given to him by mortals for his ferocious nature, which they compare to that of a bear's).

Once I get enough questions I will make another post with answers to them and eventually include them on the Profane Index Page. (About that, if you click on that link above on the site's links, many of your questions may be answered).

BriarProse

Monday, March 31, 2014

Gelding in the Fairlands: page 8

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Gelding in the Fairlands: pg 7

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Gelding in the Fairlands: page 6

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Updates!

Monday, March 24, 2014

O! Oddities of the Natural World: a digital ode to it

Friday, March 21, 2014

Gelding in the Fairlands: page 5

Monday, March 17, 2014

Gelding in the Fairlands: page 4 (click to Enlarge)

Monday, March 10, 2014

Profane Tales: Q & A Tymes!

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Profane Tales: Olde Q & A Times!

Followers


Gelding in the Fair Lands. Page 8. Holy climax, Gelding!


CLICK TO ENLARGE! "Gelding in the Fairlands" pg 7.


Click to ENLARGE!