#gothicillustration

Art by William Stout, 1994.

After sunset, by Lucas Garcete {via Instagram}

i thought the angel would speak. instead, he watched me bleed....🖤🩸

Welcome to the enchanting world of the Fungarians, where Mushroom Cleric's are not just plants but a vibrant community with their own culture and magic. Today, we're going to follow the journey of Fungus, a young and curious mushroom who becomes a revered cleric, and his companion, Mycelia, a fierce barbarian. Their story is one of adventure, bravery, and the power of healing. As we start drawing Fungus's head, let's imagine his early life. Fungus was born to a family of farmer mushrooms in the heart of the Elderwood, a forest teeming with life and magic. His parents, Cap and Stem, were simple folk who tended to the mushroom patches, ensuring the village had a steady supply of food and materials. From a tender age, Fungus was drawn to the forest, captivated by the myriad of mushrooms and herbs that grew there. His parents encouraged his curiosity, often accompanying him on walks and teaching him the names and uses of different plants, like the glowing Nightcap and the healing Dewdrop Shroom. One day, while exploring alone, Fungus found a wounded bird. Its wing was broken, and it lay whimpering in the underbrush. Feeling a pang of sympathy, Fungus remembered a story about the Morning Coffee Shroom (Morning Coffee Shroom: A Brew of Tranquility and Secrets), a legendary figure who could heal with a single sip of its magical brew. Though he had never seen such a mushroom, he was determined to help the bird. He gathered some common healing herbs and crushed them into a poultice, applying it to the bird's wing. To his delight, the bird's wing mended, and it flew away, chirping its thanks. This experience ignited a passion in Fungus to learn more about healing and to become a cleric of the Mushroom God. Training and the Plague Now, as we sketch Fungus's body, let's delve into his training. Fungus sought out Elder Spore, the village's wise and ancient cleric, to learn the ways of healing and divine magic. Elder Spore, impressed by Fungus's natural talent and compassion, took him under his wing. Under Elder Spore's guidance, Fungus learned to channel the energy of the forest, to understand the language of the mushrooms, and to create potions and salves that could cure various maladies. He also learned about the history of the Fungarians and the legends of their world, including the tale of the Golden Oyster, a mystical mushroom said to cure any disease. They practiced spells like the Healing Spore, which could mend wounds, and the Growth Chant, which could accelerate mushroom growth. Years passed, and Fungus grew into a skilled cleric. However, one fateful day, a mysterious plague struck the village. The mushrooms began to wither and decay, their once vibrant colors fading to a sickly green. The village was in panic, and Elder Spore, despite his great knowledge, could not find a cure. The plague seemed to resist all known treatments, and many feared for their lives, with the air filled with the scent of decay and the sound of coughing mushrooms. It was then that Fungus remembered the legend of the Golden Oyster. He believed that this magical mushroom could save his people. With determination in his heart, he decided to embark on a quest to find it. The Quest and Challenges With his friend Mycelia, a skilled warrior, by his side, Fungus set out on the quest. Their journey took them through the dense forests of Elderwood, across rushing rivers, and through dark caves. They faced many dangers, from ferocious goblins to tricky puzzles set by the forest's guardians. One of the most challenging obstacles was the Forest Sentinel, a massive creature with glowing eyes and a voice that echoed through the trees. The Sentinel presented them with a riddle: "Seek what you need, but beware the greed. The treasure you find may not be as it seems. What has roots as tall as a mountain, And leaves as vast as the sea, But dies with the smallest breeze?" Fungus and Mycelia pondered the riddle. After some thought, Fungus answered, "A mushroom." The Sentinel, impressed by their wit, allowed them to pass. As they continued their journey, as the Mushroom Cleric, they encountered a group of goblins raiding a small settlement. Without hesitation, Mycelia charged into battle, her sword flashing, while Fungus used his clerical magic to heal the wounded and repel the goblins with spells. Together, they drove the goblins away and helped the grateful villagers, who offered them shelter and tales of the Evil Wizard Mushroom's growing power. After this encounter, they pressed on, eventually reaching the Hollow Marsh, the rumored location of the Golden Oyster. Confrontation and Loss The Hollow Marsh was a foreboding place, shrouded in mist and filled with the scent of decay. It was said to be the lair of the Evil Wizard Mushroom, a powerful sorcerer who commanded an army of sporelings, as detailed in The Shadowcap Sentinel and the Rise of the Wizard Fungus. Upon entering the marsh, they were met by the Wizard, who demanded to know their purpose. Fungus explained their quest for the Golden Oyster to save their village from the plague. The Wizard, whose own heart was corrupted by power, laughed mockingly and refused to let them pass. A fierce battle ensues, with Mycelia engaging the Wizard's sporelings while Fungus uses his clerical magic to weaken the Wizard. Despite their efforts, the Wizard was too powerful, and they were forced to retreat. However, in the chaos, Fungus managed to grab the Golden Oyster and make a hasty escape. As they fled the marsh, the Wizard sent his sporelings after them. In the ensuing chase, the sporelings caught up and destroyed the Golden Oyster, leaving only a small fragment in Fungus's hand. Defeated but not broken, Fungus and Mycelia returned to the village, carrying only the fragment of the Golden Oyster. Fungus was devastated but refused to give up. He spent days and nights in his laboratory, trying to extract the healing properties from the fragment, mixing it with various herbs and testing different incantations. Finally, after many attempts, he succeeded in creating a potion that glowed with a soft golden light. He tested it on a small group of afflicted mushrooms, and to his joy, they began to recover. Word spread quickly, and soon, the entire village was being treated with the potion. The plague was eradicated, and the village was saved. Resolution and New Role The villagers celebrated with a grand feast, honoring Fungus and Mycelia for their bravery and sacrifice. Elder Spore, beaming with pride, stepped forward and declared, "Fungus, you have shown great courage and wisdom. It is time for you to take my place as the high priest of our village." Fungus accepted the mantle, humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve his people. As our drawing is complete, so is our story. Fungus, once a curious young mushroom, has become a revered cleric and leader of his people. His journey from a healer to a hero is a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic that lies within us all. But wait, there's more to this story. As the celebration was in full swing, a shadow fell over the village. The Evil Wizard Mushroom, seeking revenge for the loss of the Golden Oyster, appeared at the edge of the village, flanked by his army of sporelings. "Fungus!" he roared. "You have stolen what is mine, and now you will pay!" The villagers scattered in fear as the sporelings descended upon them. Fungus, with Mycelia by his side, stood firm, ready to defend his home. Fungus raised his hands, summoning a protective barrier around the village. Mycelia charged forward, her sword gleaming, cutting through the sporelings with ferocious speed. The battle was intense, with the villagers joining in, armed with whatever they could find. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the forest: the Morning Coffee Shroom, holding its cup of steaming coffee, as described in Morning Coffee Shroom: The Brew of Harmony and Discord. "Peace, my friends," it said, its voice calm and soothing. "There is no need for violence." The Evil Wizard turned to face the Morning Coffee Shroom. "You! You have always been a thorn in my side. Stand aside, or suffer the consequences." The Morning Coffee Shroom offered its cup to the Wizard. "Take a sip, and let the brew of tranquility wash away your hatred." The Wizard scoffed and swatted the cup away, sending it flying. The Morning Coffee Shroom remained unperturbed, picking up the cup and turning to Fungus. "Fungus, you have the power to defeat this darkness. Use the fragment of the Golden Oyster; its magic is stronger than you know." Fungus nodded, pulling out the fragment and holding it aloft. He channeled his clerical magic through it, sending a burst of golden light towards the Wizard. The light enveloped the Wizard, causing him to scream in agony as his power was drained. The sporelings dissipated, and the Wizard fell to the ground, weakened and defeated. The villagers cheered as Fungus and Mycelia approached the Wizard. "Leave this place and never return," Fungus commanded. The Wizard, humbled, crawled away, disappearing into the forest. The Morning Coffee Shroom spoke to Fungus, "You have shown great strength and compassion. Remember, the Golden Oyster's power is not just for healing but for bringing balance to the world. There are more challenges ahead, and you must be ready." With that, the Morning Coffee Shroom vanished into the forest, leaving Fungus and Mycelia to bask in the glory of their victory. After the battle, as the villagers tended to the wounded and began to rebuild, Fungus and Mycelia stood together, looking out over the village. "Fungus," Mycelia said, "you have done the impossible. You've saved our village not once, but twice." Fungus smiled. "I couldn't have done it without you, Mycelia. Your bravery and loyalty are unmatched." As they spoke, the Morning Coffee Shroom approached them again. "Fungus, I have a message for you. The Golden Oyster is part of a larger prophecy, one that foretells of a great threat to Elderwood. You, as the high priest, must prepare your people for what is to come." Fungus nodded, his face serious. "I will do whatever it takes to protect our home." The Morning Coffee Shroom handed him a small, glowing mushroom spore. "Keep this safe. When the time comes, it will guide you." With that, the Morning Coffee Shroom faded into the mist, leaving Fungus with a sense of both pride and foreboding. As the sun set over Elderwood, casting a golden light over the village, Fungus knew that his journey was far from over with the Mushroom Cleric. But for now, he would celebrate his victory and the resilience of his people. And so, our story ends, but the adventures of Fungus, the mushroom cleric, are just beginning. Read the full article

The drawing is done on thin black paper with gold metallic marker and has glitter and glitter stars collaged to it. The figure has been drawn with black ink that has a shine to it, making it stand out at almost any angle. Finally, patterned film has been used to depict the robes of the figure. "Swear to Return", ink, collage, and marker on paper, 40×58cm. Sold unframed. 170€ via Etsy, including shipping: https://www.etsy.com/de-en/listing/1315159497/mystic-ink-drawing-of-a-witch-with

The second painting in my series on Carmilla, the 1872 novella by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu.