It isn't quite a sport as it's not really recreational, but ParDafi Blade Dances DO tend to happen in arenas.

It's rare for an off-worlder to master the highly choreographed movements (known as a Turi), but Gielle managed at 15. (MujaRi takes all the credit)

#OctoberWorldbuilders #MindWalkers #YA

Granite mountains zig-zag throughout the deserts, some growing higher from shifting plates, others crumbling (choose your cave location wisely).

No real ruins as 1) ParDafi build temporary outdoor structures, and 2) sandstorms strip everything to nothing.

#OctoberWorldbuilders #MindWalkers #YA

The caves are the best means of survival for the ParDafi. Especially the larger systems that have tapped into the springs.

They also avoid (as much as possible) activity during the day. Markets don't open until dusk, and they shutter at dawn.

#OctoberWorldbuilders #MindWalkers #YA

Among the ParDafi, a kitling cannot become a mature adult until they undertake a solo hunt for an auroch. (The only time males and females have full equality)

Failure to complete the hunt results in exile from the Clan.

#OctoberWorldbuilders #MindWalkers #YA

The desert is moderately stocked with life that's learned to cope with the heat (i.e., nocturnal lifestyle/blooming cycle).

Aurochs are armored rhino-like beasts the ParDafi hunt. Multan are armored camelids, also hunted. (Okay, so most things ate hunted) 🧵

#OctoberWorldbuilders #MindWalkers #YA

Living out in the sands is for exiles and the stupid.

ParDafi carve out structures within the bordering granite caves. The stone prevents the worst of the heat during the day and holds enough to keep comfortable at night. 🧵

#OctoberWorldbuilders #MindWalkers #YA

The ParDafi are the dominant sentients on YelNi. (Anthropomorphic big cats)

They wear loose silk robes to cope with the heat, always in the colors of their Clan. The same goes for their glass jewelry.

#OctoberWorldbuilders #MindWalkers #YA

🧵

KiTan (all deserts have male names on YelNi) surrounds the lands of the LyTasken Clan. As it's located closer to the equator than others, it has a reputation as the deadliest on the planet.

#OctoberWorldbuilders #MindWalkers #YA

I actually (accidentally) did this in my first draft of SUCCESSION (book 2), which will be cut in revisions.

But Gielle had an entire day to relax on the beach and snorkeling a microreef. Irif learner to build "sandcastles."

Quiet. Peaceful.

Has to go. 😋

#AwesomeCharacters #MindWalkers #YA

Sorry you had Bsky troubles, @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social. Glad to see you back.

Gielle has patience, but only in certain situations. Such as when she's under the eye of her father.

Any other time, that's a very short fuse.

#AwesomeCharacters #MindWalkers #YA

For someone raised in the tropical climes and beaches, Gielle's favorite place is the royal cabin in the tundra region. It's complete with a natural hot spring and a glass dome for watching the aurora and falling snow.

(Winter can be cozy, too!)

#MindWalkers #YA

I missed sad love song day, so let's go with that.

There is an insane amount of imagery and truth behind the lyrics of "If You Could Read My Mind" by Gordon Lightfoot: youtu.be/jiU2lrGnT7U?....

I just can't get too deep into the love part as it's a huge spoiler.

#SongsOfSeptember #MindWalkers #YA

MujaRi is Death by Chocolate: sweet, dark, and incredibly bad for you.

Jarian is definitely a cronut: crunchy and layered on the outside but sweet (deep) on the inside.

And Gielle would be passionfruit sorbet: cool and tart but still delightful.

#AwesomeCharacters #MindWalkers #YA

Gielle is, unfortunately, swamped by crushes due to her title. It makes her uncomfortable 1) because she's ace, and 2) because she's positive they're all false and simply after power.

Jarian has almost no crushes. Between his face and reputation, people avoid him.

#QueerPrompts #MindWalkers #YA

I don't want to give too much away, but everyone already knows #MindWalkers is a series. So should already be some anticipation that not everything goes as planned.

And the bittersweetness of "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" by Cher is perfect: youtu.be/YlIv9S1iB7g?....

#SongsOfSeptember

I mean, it was inevitable that I'd throw a Nightwish song on here. 😋

"Planet Hell" is perfect for their final confrontation: youtu.be/Ce71ToVVxts?....

#SongsOfSeptember #MindWalkers #YA

Due to the extreme heat of YelNi's deserts, ParDafi have adapted to living in deep granite caves to survive.

Rather than hassling with electric lights, they prefer to rely on bioluminescent algae and fungi to brighten up the dark, cool retreats.

#SeptemberWorldbuilders #MindWalkers #YA

The more I think about it, I could see a potential spin-off of the #MindWalkers series with Keeper-Walker pairs being summoned to investigate strange phenomena.

Based on a short I wrote ages ago, everything would have a rational explanation.

#QueerPrompts #YA

For the representation of Gielle and Irif Bonding, there's no better song than "The Voice" by Celtic Woman: youtu.be/qQIM50nk07Y?....

Might not be a super positive, hype song, but I think it works.

#SongsOfSeptember #MindWalkers #YA

Afraid it's regular old electricity. Though the sources are frequently solar, wind, or water-powered, so it's eco-friendly.

Although Walkers, being nocturnal, have excellent night vision.

#SeptemberWorldbuilders #MindWalkers #YA