UNDERCOVER BEASTWORKS

S E T T I N G

The World exists in a state of relative peace: the great many sophont races in existence have developed over several millennia, establishing societies and cultures, exploring the known world, and exploiting the intricacies of their reality as they discovered it. While most live mundane lives fully expressed within the material world, magic does exist, but it is not an infinite resource and requires talent or extensive training to utilize in any significant way. Some parts of the World are almost devoid of magic entirely, and thus the people rely on strength, skill and intellect to make their way.

Such requirements are made easier by the serendipitous state of nature within the World, which seems to benefit all who live in it with ample healthy foods, challenging but survivable environments and biomes, and resources left behind by prior civilizations that enhance the development of greater societies. The World was written with consideration given to religious mythologies that exist today, and represents a place truly born from Creationism, and how an intentionally-shaped World would thrive given proper, benevolent nurturing.

The many stories that are told in this universe are often through the eyes of persons living in it who are not renowned heroes, but rather simple adventurers. An Orc named Brokul goes off in search of wrestling partners, learning more about races and cultures within distant lands. A Werewolf named Kàrr explores his feelings and his relationship with a non-human automaton magically granted sapience. During their—and others’—adventures, more characters meet and interact with them, sharing in their story and offering more of the World for them to learn from and experience.

I N S P I R A T I O N S

Wilderness and comfort, in equal measure, have always appealed to me. I have a passion for nature, cozy places, and subsistence living that may be very familiar to people who have a love of tiny homes and a desire to escape from modern drudgery: having not just the freedom, but the means and ability to choose your own path. The characters in my world live such a life, setting their own goals and responsibilities, while sharing experiences and relationships with others like them.

I have certainly been inspired through my time living overseas, exploring the nature of Europe, the history of old castles and ruins, museums showcasing the lifestyles of the past and gradual development of society and culture, understanding and technology. My time in Alaska has also motivated me to represent nature and the wilderness in all its vast glory.

The lead characters in these stories are individuals who are self-confident, but often unprepared: skilled persons who don’t know how to react when their desires are fulfilled, or are challenged by the world around them being different than what they thought. Subversion of expectations, learning about the world, and—most significantly—learning about themselves, are the biggest through-lines…aside from fairly frequent muscle idolization and wrestling worship.

These character-driven narratives are very much a reflection of my own life, as I’ve learned more about myself over the years, and had—or not had—my own experiences and discoveries about the world.

List of Influencing Works / Reading List / Viewing List:

This list is a compilation—in no particular order—of many published works I have read, watched, played, or otherwise been exposed to that have inspired me with this project in some way: be it characters, settings, and stories, or less tangible concepts such as atmosphere, artistic style, or themes. If you like my work, you may like any of these as well! The dates specified reflect the date of initial release or when I began a series, and may also include the point at which either a series ended, or when I concluded following it.