Meet Lysarik & The Underworld of Fawda
Crafting the world of Fawda in Midjourney 5.2
In this issue of The Brief, we will delve into the creative potential of Midjourney version 5.2. Harnessing its advanced features, we aim to craft vivid visual representations for the Fawda, its enigmatic leader Lysarik, the resilient people that form its core, and the emblematic landmarks that define their existence. From the artful intricacies of their Gates to the bewildering twists of their Labyrinths, and the hallowed depths of their Sanctum of Echos, join us as we embark on a visual odyssey to bring the heart of this narrative to life.
Meet Lysarik
Lysarik, derived from "Layl-Sariq" alluding to a "thief in the night," was once an esteemed Seraphim, the guardian of the Arts, driven by emotion in a cohort ruled by logic. Distraught by the Seraphim's deceptive control over the people, he channeled his dissent through art, using his poetry and music as subliminal calls to rebellion. When his clandestine efforts were unmasked, he faced charges of high treason. However, Lysarik evaded capture, escaping to the Underworld through a concealed passage. There, his initial aspirations of liberation twisted into a lust for power. The emotional torment of his fall, combined with the oppressive shadows of the Underworld, transformed him from a passionate artist to a jaded terrorist. As the Fawda's leader, he now opposes the Seraphim's reign, even as his former role was taken over by Halon, a mere puppet of Azrael, the Seraphim's leader.
Meet Phi’s Brother: Malik
Malik, deriving his name from the Arabic word meaning "king", is the firebrand younger brother of Phi, embodying every trait she isn't. Where Phi treads with caution, Malik charges ahead; while she respects boundaries, he's eager to challenge and break them. With a volatile temperament that veers towards anger, he's a magnet for chaos, often acting on impulse rather than reason. His rebellious streak is deeply rooted in his admiration for Lysarik, whom he idolizes and sees as a beacon of resistance against the Seraphim's oppressive rule. This has imbued in him a burning desire to join the ranks of the Fawda and play his part in the uprising. A lover of freedom and an opponent of constriction, Malik's dark, wavy hair and intense eyes reflect a restless spirit, yearning for a world unbound by shackles. But beneath this tempestuous exterior lies a heart that fiercely loves and protects, especially when it comes to Phi, presenting a dichotomy that defines his complex nature.
The Fawda Warriors
The warriors of the Fawda are both revered and feared, a formidable force that has carved its niche in the echoing depths of the Underworld. Paying homage to the Sanctum of Echos, they draw strength and inspiration from its mystical aura, reinforcing their commitment to the cause of upheaval and change. However, a defining aspect of these fierce fighters is their shared affliction - the Cerulean Flux, which manifests itself in varying degrees, but binds them in shared pain and purpose. Their weapons, crafted from the remnants of a world left behind, are makeshift yet deadly, bearing testament to their resourcefulness and undying spirit. Though they strike from the shadows, their goals are clear – sow chaos, destabilize the oppressors, and rekindle the flames of rebellion.
The Gates of the Underworld
Within every district, and shadowed by the towering Lunaris Spire, lie the hidden gateways to a perplexing maze, known solely to the members of the Fawda. These entrances are not just marked by esoteric symbols discreetly interwoven into the architecture, but they also boast mysterious and unexplained faces, each etched intricately onto the gates, holding the secrets of the ages and whispering tales of yore. These faces, with their enigmatic expressions, hold the key to unlocking the gates, but only a true member of the Fawda, one deeply versed in their secrets, can decipher the arcane method to open them. Further enhancing their mystery, each gate bears a cryptic reference to time – a phrase, a symbol, or an hourglass – serving as both a riddle and a reminder of the temporal dance between past, present, and future. These gates stand as a testament to the Fawda's profound connection to time's ebb and flow and their pursuit of a liberated future.
The Underworld Labyrinth
The Underworld is not merely a network of tunnels; it's a sprawling Labyrinth that mirrors the complexities of the surface world of Aegis. Venturing through it feels like navigating a vast, ancient cave, where stalactites hang precariously from the ceilings and stalagmites rise like silent sentinels from the ground, their pointed tips holding stories of ages past. Each entrance to this subterranean world, whether located in a distinct district or the shadow of the Lunaris Spire, is a work of art in its own right, reflecting the diverse heritage and vibrant culture of Aegis. For the Fawda, these portals serve as poignant reminders that their quest for truth within the Labyrinth's depths is inextricably linked to the histories and mysteries of the world above. To truly comprehend the secrets buried below, they must also cherish and understand the rich tapestry of life that thrives on the surface.
The Sanctum of Echoes
In the heart of the Underworld stands the Sanctum of Echoes, dominated by a relic named the "Obelisk of Time" by Lysarik. This towering artifact, hailing from a time before the Great War, has its once magnificent facade marred by the scars of time, yet retains an aura of undiminished grandeur - it gives a clue to the true history of Aegis. The obelisk's base is adorned with carvings representing the Fawda's rendition of Lunarsim. The Underworld's inhabitants gather around it, their voices lifting in impassioned prayers and bodies moving in ritualistic dances, their shadows playing upon the walls in the torchlight. To them, the obelisk symbolizes hope, unity, and defiance against the Seraphim's reign. Upon discovering this relic, Lysarik, leveraging his rich historical and artistic knowledge from his Seraphim days, proclaimed it not just a timekeeper, but a beacon measuring the destinies of worlds. By intertwining its legacy with his unique take on Lunarsim, Lysarik solidified the obelisk's status as a rallying point against the Seraphim, further cementing his authority over the Underworld's populace.
An Army on the Move
The Fawda's simmering discontent with the Seraphim and the Ostinatum is now reaching its boiling point, as plans are being meticulously laid out for an open rebellion. At the core of their grievances is a deep-seated belief that the Cerulean Flux, which afflicts many including their own warriors, is a deliberate act by the Seraphim. The Fawda argue that this debilitating condition was inflicted upon the populace not as an unfortunate happenstance but as a calculated maneuver, a chain meant to bind and subdue the masses, ensuring the continued dominance of the Seraphim and their allies in the Ostinatum. The very fabric of society has been woven by these rulers in such a way that the majority remains oppressed, their voices stifled, their ambitions quashed. But the Fawda, with the fire of rebellion in their hearts, are determined to unravel this web of control and deceit, rallying the masses to rise, challenge, and ultimately overthrow the oppressive reign of the Seraphim and the Ostinatum.
Thoughts so far…
This post required an additional day of effort, and while the imagery has come a long way, there's still room for improvement. The color consistency across the visuals needs refining, and achieving a harmonious look and feel remains a priority. Nevertheless, progress is evident, and I remain optimistic about reaching the desired outcome. I'm driven by a goal to genuinely connect with the characters, to be engrossed in their narratives, and to truly resonate with the themes embedded in this storyline.
Next up, the Aegis and the Seven Districts
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Who am I?
I'm Steve Newcomb. Functionally, I’m a recovering Silicon Valley founder that is finally old enough to have a bit of care. I’m perhaps most recognized for founding Powerset— it was the largest AI and machine learning project in the world when I founded it. It was later acquired by Microsoft and transformed into something you might recognize today - Microsoft Bing. Beyond Bing, I had the privilege of being on the pioneering team that witnessed the inaugural email sent via a mobile device. My journey also led me to SRI (Stanford Research Institute), where we laid the groundwork for contemporary speech recognition technology. Additionally, I was a co-founder of the debut company to introduce a 3D physics engine in Javascript. I've held positions on the board of directors and contributed funding to massive open source initiatives like NodeJS and even the largest such project, jQuery. My experience extends to academia, having been a senior fellow at the University of California, Berkeley's engineering and business faculties. Recently, I ventured into Layer 2 internet protocols and assisted a company named Matter Labs in securing $440 million in funding to bolster their endeavors.
What am I doing besides writing these posts?
Typically, I allocate a year between groundbreaking ventures. My exploration for the upcoming project commenced in May 2023, and the sole certainty is its nexus with the film, television, SMURF, and AI domains. Sharing insights on my research endeavors helps me discern between feasible prospects and mere illusions. My hope is that for this venture, I appropriately consider the ethical and sociological repercussions.
If you are interested in contacting me, being interviewed, being helped, or yelling at me, my email is steve.e.newcomb@gmail.com.