Been working on some additional profile layout designs. @wayfarer-kate has graciously offered up her wolf, Kósmos, as well as her prose for this starmap themed one! ◜▿◝

The countdown to the launch of Lorwolf is on! With just a few days left we’re bursting with excitement, and we hope you are too. Be sure to save the date and get ready to howl at the moon with us on May 6th!

Have questions about launch? Be sure to read our Launch FAQ, and join in the conversation on Discord! 

Moonsblessings,  The Lorwolf Team

Thank you Pancake, I appreciate you!! <3 <3 Kósmos sends his love for your beautiful depiction of him too! c:

For @wayfarer-kate!

Thank you so much for the positivity you bring to the Lorwolf community!

These are so adorable Nix!!

Lorch Day 31: Magic

I made a little two-tailed wolf adopt base and made my friends’ starters~ I’ve met so many new amazing friends since joining LW and I want to say thank you for making my life a little bit more magical.  Thank you so much. @wayfarer-kate @maggotjuicebox-lw @maya-lw @quichelewoof @outpost-lw @ruinous-robes @pancakelewoof @runes-creatures @witchyyweasel 

Lorch Day 31: magic

For the final prompt of Lorch, I decided to write a free verse poem; this is dedicated to the lorbuddies I've made in the Lorwolf community, ty for being so welcoming and kind, I appreciate all of you and your art and creativity inspire me <3 <3 magic thought to be found in hidden corners of the world, within liminal spaces, mysterious trinkets, or ancient, lonely tomes, perhaps requiring an adventure or three. the magic I have learned is of a humbler sort and can be found in all pockets of life. it takes time to kindle, to nurture and grow, and provides a place of warmth and safety. it can be fragile if not tended to, can dwindle and dim if not protected during the occasional storm. but if gifted love and understanding, it will stay a loyal companion beyond a single lifetime. look within your heart, for that tiny spark of light, and share it with those around you - and soon you will understand of what I speak.

Lorch Day 30: prism

A prism of pups! Thoughts and brainstorming for future progen pups of my pack, the Astra Wayfarers. I've already written several prompts from the perspective of Eunoia and Astéri, and a few from Réalta and Hoku. Except for Eunoia, all of my progens' pups who I end up keeping will have names that are astronomy, star, and sky-themed, from various real-world languages. All of these profiles are in-development, and might change as I continue to build lore! First Born: Eunoia, she/her, female pose; the word "eunoia" means "well mind" and "beautiful thinking" Personality: Thoughtful, introverted, quiet and intuitive. Struggles with self-doubt and her place in life, and has dreams of Chaos' corruption. Befriends a Grimalkin, who gifts her with an amulet that once belonged to one of Eunoia's distant Mistvale ancestors of Fernweh Kin. This Grimalkin becomes her closest non-wolf companion, and through their bond, she learns how to accept the darker parts of herself (including Chaos' touch). Pack Role: Wisdom Keeper Second Born: Astéri, they/them, male pose Personality: Intellectual, clever, friendly and genuine. Attempts to befriend everyone they meet and loves both light-hearted and in-depth conversations. Fascinated with plants and herbs, and enjoys learning and problem-solving in general. Astéri's greatest material treasure is a self-made encyclopedia on every plant they discover throughout their travels, a massive book that they've been compiling since they were a pup. Pack Role: Marrow Mender Third Born: Réalta, she/her, female pose Personality: Observant, assertive, stoic and calm. Possesses an ancient magic that was once common among her Mistvale ancestors of Fernweh Kin, and that has caused her eyesight to milken and dim. This power allows Réalta to discern the memories of objects when she comes into physical contact with them. She is learning how to control her magic under the guidance of an Astral Sage. This Astral Sage (name tbd) is an elder wolf who recently joined the Astra Wayfarers, and who was previously a lone wolf surviving in Mistvale. Pack Role: Flame Tender, but becomes an Astral Sage at an unusually young age.

Fourth (or fifth or sixth) Born: Hoku, he/him, male pose Personality: Adventurous, energetic, youthful and trusting. As a pup, witnessed a "falling star" transform into a lorwolf, and along with Réalta, discovers how sentient beings from other timelines and dimensions (including humans from Earth) sometimes arrive in Loria as falling stars. Pack Role: Guardian

Some other name ideas for future Astra Wayfarer pups: Citlali, Étoile, Esther, Estrela, Hoshi, Irawo, Itri, Izarra, Kintana, Kokebi, Najma, Naledi, Nthanda, Nyota, Seren, Setareh, Sidra, Sitora, Stjärna, Tähti, Tara, Ulduz, Whetū, Yildun; Aphelion, Cepheid, Ephemeris, Quasar, Saros, Zenith, Nadir, Azimuth.

Note: See my previous post on pack roles here for information on what each role entails.

Lorch Day 29: pastel

Navi's ancestral pack once inhabited Mistvale. In times long past, before Chaos' presence in Loria, the Fernweh Kin were immersed within the natural magic of the land and spirits, including the fae. The wolves' appearances were bright and floral, mirroring the wildflowers of Mistvale's lush forests and meadows.

When they migrated to the southern coast of Goldsea, their appearances paled over the generations due to the loss of their primal magics of Mistvale. Their coats turned to pastel hues, a muted memory of the vibrant jewel-toned colors that they once possessed.

Navi was the first Fernweh Kin to be born of pure white. Her birth was otherwise ordinary.

Lorch Day 28: voyage (instead of gratitude)

Navi's ancestral pack originates long ago from Mistvale, before its lands were shrouded in corruption. This was a time when magic was born into every wolf that intrinsically connected them to the spirits and energy of the natural world.

Upon the arrival of Chaos, their magic was violently severed, and a collective, bitter grief began to consume them. The elders of the pack knew that if they remained in Mistvale, they would lose themselves to the darkness and rot of Chaos' forests; so with hearts full of sorrow, they followed one of Mistvale's rivers to the southern coast of Goldsea, where they established a new home within a peaceful seaside cove. At first it was difficult to survive in this strange new land so different from their birth home. But overtime, the sunshine and warmth of Elius' presence along with the abundant gifts of the ocean allowed them to prosper. Fishing became their main source of sustenance, and they learned to craft intricate jewelry, tools, and trinkets of colored glass and prismatic shells. They established a traveling caravan to trade their unique wares throughout Loria during the mild Spring and early Summer seasons, and became sought-after craftsmen for their beautiful sea-inspired creations and amiable manner.

Their original pack name was not spoken of and forgotten over the decades, in an effort to heal from Chaos; they had changed their name to Fernweh when they left Mistvale. Memories of their ancient magic dimmed as well, until it only lived in fairytales and lullabies sung to pups. This was not the end of magic's touch however - it would re-kindle in Navi's own pack, the Astra Wayfarers.

Lorch Day 27: promise

My emotions are a swirl of curiosity and subtle dread. Perhaps... it wouldn't hurt to indulge this creature. I can ask for another moonstone from one of the astral sages when I return home. The peculiar jewel fascinates me - I have never seen anything like it, not in all of my pack's travels or scrolls of knowledge. Nor have I heard of this creature. But is there danger in this exchange? "I will accept if you give me your name, and if you promise on the stars that you mean what you say," I respond, trying not to expose how I'm feeling. The creature tilts its head, as if something I said was unusual. "The stars? I knew of one other of your kind who asked me the same, a long time ago." Its expression grows wistful, almost loving, as it is lost in a memory. My worry lessens, and I wonder who it is referring to. "My true name does not exist in your language, but wolves in these forests call me Grimalkin. When we meet again, if my inkling is correct, I will tell you the name I was given when I received this jewel that so intrigues you." The Grimalkin flicks its bushy tail against its front paws before continuing. "I will promise on your stars, although with the caveat that the magic I follow is of a different sort." Its eyes gleam, and my curiosity piques at the mention of magic. With its promise, I bow my head and let the leather cord that my moonstone hangs from slip to the ground. I nudge it towards the Grimalkin with my nose, then carefully pick up its necklace. I admire the jewel in awe as its brilliant color returns in a single breath, as if it was waiting to be touched. It hums pleasantly as I put it on. A sense of familiarity arises where it rests against my chest - another mystery the jewel brings. Satisfied, the Grimalkin skillfully picks up both the moonstone pendant and the egg in its mouth, and with a final swish of its tail, disappears into the forest's thick undergrowth.

Day 26: energy (instead of summit)

"Hello pup." "...Hello." My voice sounds unsure, mirroring my apprehension. The feline creature runs its gaze across my face and then back to my moonstone amulet. Mischief glitters in its striking amber eyes, but it doesn't approach me, and instead sits and curls its tail around its paws. Hiding its sharp claws. "You're different from the usual ones who roam this area. Are you lost?" Before I have a chance to answer, my attention is caught by the creature's own pendant, an aquamarine jewel ringed in gold. Its colors swirl and shift in the sunlight like water. "Would you like to trade?" It purrs. It seems unbothered that I have yet to answer its first question. I meet the creature's eyes again. "A temporary exchange. Perhaps my treasure can assist you. And yours can assist me." "Assist me how?" This conversation is strange. Although moonstones are viewed as sacred to the Astra Wayfarers, symbolizing our ancestors' and the stars' guidance, my amulet has never helped me. It has never stopped my nightmares or soothed my fears. Over time, my faith in the stars' and Elius' magic has dimmed, and I'm no longer sure I believe in anything anymore. Nothing has been able to heal the emptiness I feel. My amulet's only purpose has been to remind me of my family's love. "Seek me here, along this same path, after seven days have passed. I will bring a gift in exchange for this trade, and we will trade once more. You will understand at that time, and so will I." The creature flashes its canines in a small smile - they are as sharp as its claws. Then, as if it has already been decided, the feline removes its necklace with its teeth and drops it next to the unbroken egg. The blue-green hue of the jewel pales to an unmoving gray, as if drained of energy now that it no longer has a wearer. "Hurry little one, before I change my mind."

Day 25: hope (instead of ambition)

There is an emptiness inside of me that my mother and father don't seem to understand. When I've spoken of this feeling of absence, this depression in my mind, their faces fill with concern and love. But they do not relate; they have not experienced the yawning darkness that creeps in when I try to sleep, that worsens when I finally dream. It is a constant companion and I wish I knew who planted it, when it started to grow.

I wake from my most recent nightmare of endless ocean depths and bizarre, shimmering creatures. Sweat coats my fur and I shake myself in an attempt to free myself from the lingering sensations of drowning. I breathe in deeply, bringing my attention to the floral, earthy scent of Spring blooming across Darkspine forests. The sun has yet to emerge but my body knows it will soon. I am normally the first to rise in my pack, the peace of the early mornings a welcoming contrast to my chaotic nights.

Réalta must have found her way to my side while I was asleep; my younger sister is curled against my back. She is not easily awoken, but I still take care not to disturb her as I leave the protective warmth of her presence. She struggles with her own shadows, and although they're different from mine, she is who I am closest to in my family. It was her who first noticed my nightmares, and she often sleeps pressed against me to let me know I'm not alone.

Today there is a small bud of hope in my heart. I instinctively move my paw to touch the moonstone pendant at my neck, before I remember I gave it away a week ago, to the curious creature I had met on my morning walk. Instead of my moonstone, a glittering aquamarine jewel hangs in its place, one that seems to pulse with an ancient magic. Or maybe I only imagine the unusual way it swirls in the sunlight, and how it seems to glow at night.

The creature had made a promise, had told me to seek them again in one week's time. That time is now, and I intend to see if they are true to their word. I find the old animal trail and enter into the morning darkness of the trees.

Day 23: adventure

They travel in comfortable silence through the cool twilight, the desert dunes catching the light of the moon. Navi thinks fondly of her mother, who once told her that the sparkling sands are remnants of the stars from the time of Loria's creation. She admires its silvery appearance sift beneath her paws as she walks. It still holds some warmth from the day's sun. She glances over at her new companion. They had met as dusk was falling, when her hope was slipping away that she would ever find what she was looking for. His kind eyes and gentle mannerisms had drawn her in and her thoughts felt lighter in his presence. Kósmos is his name. The coloration of his coat reminds her of the sea near her ancestral pack lands, aqua blues and greens with speckles of white, like the reflection of stars on water. She wonders how he doesn't overheat during the desert days with his thick fur. He had told her that he hailed from Icerun, a northern land of perpetual cold and snow. They had decided to journey together, for they shared the same destination - the Hidden Oasis. His eyes meet hers and her heart skips a beat. She quickly shifts her gaze away, trying to calm her sudden rush of nerves. She's never felt this way around someone before. After her heart has settled, she peeks back over at the wolf. He is focused on something in the distance, his expression intent and excited like a pup's. "We're almost there, that copse of trees means we're close!!" Her strange feelings vanish at his words, replaced with eagerness and a mutual excitement. She quickens her pace and beams at Kósmos - she was raised on stories of the ethereal, wonderous beauty and magic of the Hidden Oasis, and she was finally about to experience it for herself. As if sensing her renewed energy, her companion bounds ahead of her, his tail held high and encouraging. Without a word, Navi joins him and they sprint ahead together, their joy tangible and bright. And so a new adventure begins.

Lorch Day 24: discover

Prismatic stars wink and glimmer along your voyage through space and time. You are an ethereal presence in the vastness of the universe, yet to have a molded form, your sense of self amorphous and new.

A wolf pup observes your descent in awe, his young eyes alight with the golden glow you leave in your wake. A shooting star, he recalls your name, having learned of your existence earlier that day from an astral sage of his pack. He does not know that you are more. He traces your path to where you disappear amongst the ocean cliffs of southern Goldsea, then continues to stare off into the distance, wondering where you fell. He wishes he could discover what happened to you, whether you left an imprint upon the earth, or if you had sunk into the sea.

Réalta steps beside the pup and follows his gaze. This wolf is older by several years, her eyes a milky white; although her sight has dimmed, she holds a secret, an ability to discern the memories of objects with the touch of her paw. Under the guidance of an astral sage, she has begun to grow into this strange power, and has learned subtle ways to control it. No longer do the visions consume her.

An invisible energy is calling her towards where you have landed - a twinge in her heart, a soft thrumming in her mind. Perhaps, she thinks, if you are found, she can understand your origins and purpose in these lands. Perhaps you are more than a fallen star, and hold the answers that she seeks.

Lorch Day 22: banish

The wolf pup appraises the scroll that is filled with his writing. He spent all morning practicing his letters and script. It is messy but bold, and he knows it will improve with time. What matters to him is that his voice gets across.

He carefully reads through his prose once more:

Chaos is a part of life, a part of the universe. It is not inherently evil. It is a part of the balance with Order and Energy, and is a force of movement and change. It can be a catalyst for growth. Of learning and improvement. Of enlightenment.

Trying to banish Chaos, labeling it as unnatural or as needing to be vanquished, causes it to twist and deform. Hatred feeds hatred, wrath leads to wrath. These are not the ways to fight Chaos. It is a part of all of us, a part of the cycle of life. By accepting its presence, its impact on us and the world around us, it becomes gentler. It loses its rage. When it is allowed to live with the rest of our parts, Chaos does not feel the need to consume or corrupt, because it is given enough space to just be.

These are truths that have been lost to time. But perhaps they may be discovered again, by those who are not quick to judge, who are led by curiosity and wonder, who seek to understand even when afraid.

I seek to further understand Chaos. I believe this is how we will restore Mistvale, how we will free Korvo from Chaos' grasp. When I grow old enough, I will begin my journey towards this goal. This is my current dream.

With a nod to himself, the pup ties the scroll with string before picking it up with his mouth, careful not to crumple the paper. He feels a hint of pride with what he has written, and hopes his teacher will understand him.

Lorch Day 18: awaken

Gentle sunlight awakens the pups cuddled together in one of the grove's hollows. They had spent most of the night whispering excitedly about the day to come, having fallen asleep only moments before dawn. Soon their first pack roles will be decided - this is a momentous day for the young Astra Wayfarers.

These pups have lived and played together since their birth, based on the year and season that they were born. The bonds that they have formed with one another will continue to strengthen throughout their lives. They will go through the role ceremony together, and although they may apprentice within different fields, they will continue to learn and grow as a cohort into adulthood.

The pups eagerly emerge from the hollow, clambering over each other in their excitement, playfully nipping at ears and tails as they make their way to the ceremony.

-

An astral sage awaits the pups in a nearby clearing of spring wildflowers. They thoughtfully consider the various objects that have been placed on the blanket spread out before them. Its threads are the color of a vivid sunrise, signaling the dawn of a new chapter in the pups' lives.

In the upper corner of the blanket, an open map of Loria rests by ink vials spanning the hues of the rainbow, and a compass sits atop a book of constellations. To the right of this collection, there is an intricate moonstone necklace that catches the sunlight, a polished bovius horn filled with moss, and a burning candle lit by the Eternal Starfire. The next set of objects consists of a bundle of dried herbs, a tincture of prepared healing salve, a mortar and pestle made of stone, and a ceramic tea bowl. Near the middle of the blanket are two books - one on the history of Loria, the other of Lorian fairytales - three blank scrolls tied with a ribbon, and a vial of black ink. Next to these items, there is a comprehensive tome detailing the creatures, packs and cultures found across Loria, a manual teaching the most common languages spoken in the four packlands, and a pouch of pebbles. At the bottom of the blanket sits a grass-woven basket filled with satchels of vegetable and fruit seeds, several polished, colorful geodes, and rough bits of copper ore. A string of decorative fish scales, bait and tackle, a leather armor set, and a sheathed hunting knife made of bone comprise the final group of objects.

The astral sage smiles as the pups appear at the edge of the clearing; the choosing ceremony is ready to begin.

Lorch Day 15: tune

Navi sits solemnly before the lone desert willow. This tree was planted here many moons ago by one of Navi’s great ancestors, shortly before they passed on to the astral plane. It is a symbol of perseverance and strength, and reminds Navi’s pack that wherever they may travel, no matter how harsh the climate, there is still beauty and life to be found if one takes the time to see it. Currently, the willow is adorned in pink blooms of spring, each flower a gem of color in the otherwise desert sea of sandy beige. As night falls, these flowers emit a gentle glow, a remnant of Elius’ aura within these lands. His spirit still protects the wolves who call Goldsea home, and Navi believes that her ancestors’ spirits join his light as well. When she looks to the night sky, she imagines all of the stars above are her Kin, their spirits sparkling in greeting from their astral home. They watch over her and her family from afar and guide the Astra Wayfarers throughout their travels.

In howling song, Navi sends her gratitude up and away, a bitter-sweet tune for the ones whom she has lost to time. In the distance, her pack answers her song. Their voices join into a chorus of remembrance and love, and the blooms of the willow tree gleam in the night.

Lorch Day 12: breathe (instead of meadow)

She is smaller than her siblings. Of a quiet nature, though her mind is busy, thoughts flitting about like fireflies, bright and distracting. It takes effort to focus on the blanket laid out in front of her, until she notices its vivid sunrise hues. Golden pinks and oranges woven together like a tapestry of sunshine and warmth. She barely acknowledges the various objects scattered across it. Instead, she places a tiny paw on a striking spot of crimson, admiring the feel of the thread along her pads and claws. She suddenly can taste the tang of fresh summer raspberries, their scent ripe and full, ready to be plucked and prepared for jams and dye. The heat of summer past flushes her skin as she embodies this memory that is not her own.

In the distance, someone is calling her name, but she cannot seem to pull her paw away from the blanket, from the crimson stain and its origins.

"...alta."

She wills her body to move, but it will not. The beat of her heart is slowing, the thud growing louder in her chest, in her head, like the drumbeat of death. The heat, at first pleasant, has begun to burn her throat and lungs, and her breath quickens, in out in out in out in -

"...alta, Réalta!"

A firm paw touches her shoulder and her mind is flung back into the present. Her ears instinctually flatten against the sound of terrified whining before she realizes those sounds are her own. Mortified, she curls up against the wolf who is now carrying her to the privacy of the pups' hollow. She tries to return to her breath like her mother has taught her, to breathe slowly and deeply and let the panic pass.

In...out...in...out...in -

The intensity of these visions is new. Why did they have to occur now, on the day of the ceremony that would decide part of her pack identity? What do they even mean?