01
I named this character after learning the importance that rivers had for any civilization that has existed. And there are very specific reasons for this. Curious? Let me list some pros and cons of:
Rivers
Pros:
- Water Supply – Rivers provide fresh water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, which is essential for sustaining populations.
- Agriculture and Fertile Land – Flooding rivers deposit nutrient-rich silt onto nearby lands, creating fertile soil ideal for farming. This allowed early civilizations to cultivate crops and sustain larger populations.
- Transportation and Trade – Before roads and railways, rivers were the main highways for trade and movement. Civilizations used boats to transport goods and connect with distant regions.
- Food Source – Rivers provide fish and other aquatic resources, supplementing diets and supporting economies based on fishing.
- Defense and Natural Borders – Many ancient cities were built near rivers for protection, using the water as a natural barrier against invaders.
- Economic Growth – Rivers support industries like fishing, irrigation, and hydroelectric power, helping civilizations grow economically.
- Cultural and Religious Significance – Many cultures view rivers as sacred and integrate them into religious practices, myths, and daily life.
- Urban Development – As civilizations grew, rivers became central to city planning, providing essential water for industries, households, and public services.
(I don't care about the cons, but I am pretty sure we can summarize saying... if you don't know how to handle a fucking river... do not expect to survive. Floods, etc. )
And I asked to myself... why only rivers? what is up with rivers, why are they so useful? why not oceans? or lakes?
Oceans are salty, seas... man, I thought oceans and seas were the same... so no, and, they are salty too, so , what is the next more common water body on Earth? Rivers. And they are commonly not salty, enough, let us build a civilization by it!
Alright so we can agree that rivers are not only necessary so we can drink. bath, grow food, even getting rid of things never was easier!
I learned the beauty of giving life to a river and believe there is a god that inhabits their waters, what if the spirit in the river was a dragon? A raising dragon that has fallen in love with the moon. It stretches to get closer to her as she timidly leans forward to see him. We hope she won't want to marry him, as river would rise so high that our tallest buildings would vanish under his waters.
02
The character is associated with different stories, spin-offs, surreal stories, automatic writing. Is a very special character for me, represents warmth, serenity, strength, family, lawfulness, duty.
Although, the range of stories related to him are not all light and might, sometimes River will become corrupted, in one way or another, there is always a story where River becomes a creature of the dark, bloodthirst and depravate. Once a good soldier of Tikal that fought to protect his people, centuries later, the ruler of a nation of monsters.
The most important tale about Roaring River , is that which portrais him as an orphan that despite the horrors he witnessed as a child, became a great man that gave everything to protect his people from the destruction of their values. The way these stories develop and the context in which they happen vary greatly but remain rooted in the Mayan culture specifically.
BEHAVIOR
The character might vary with each story but commonly, River is a quiet character, either female or male, smart, patient, structured, intelligent, diligent, responsible, shy, genuine, loner, methodical, wise, powerful, simple, practical, respectful, honest.
BRAINSTORMING
All the following paragraphs describe ideas that at some point I liked for River. Regardless if they are from different stories or simply playing with a part of the concept of the character.
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River as vampire who works as a salesman in a Guatemala of the 1990’s era. Memories of a Guatemala of a different era, bipers, Startacs, bell bottom pants but in the specific scenario and spice of this particular country.
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River as a Mayan warrior who was born in Tikal, (the original name of the city in mayan language is different, but either the original name or Tikal, will refer to the same geographical area. Later I might write stories playing with the names for different purposes. Referring to Tikal by its original name, might be too obscure for those who does not know this archaeological park, and even more to those who did not even know that Tikal is not the name of the temple portrayed in the pictures. And I have to mention also those who think the Maya and the Aztec were like Greece and Rome. For reasons of ease, let us keep calling it Tikal.) and later becomes a vampire, ultimately gaining access to an ancient nahual that will give him the power necessary to save his people from the attack of the soulless. Not exempt of consequences.
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River as a rich man who lives a highly occupied and wealthy life. The dedication he has for his work has lead him to carefully tailor his home for his beloved pet. A chulajachi (or three) with his own aquarium and all the commodities they could ever want.
River as a character that is aware that he is because I think of him. Used to help me see a situation from different points, or support me when I did not know what to do, when I needed comfort, to feel safe or strong. I liked thinking on detail about every movement, expression, gesture, that would belong to River. It became a tool that I would use to learn how to socialize, learn how to give myself confidence when I lacked it the most. Thinking of him is still the most comforting activity I can do in this life. Feels like one of the very few things that keeps me going over everything and everyone else. Never thought on it this deeply, but it feels surprising and accurate.
03
Different stories with no order or classification in particular.
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River as the spirit of the river that mates with a sphynx. emphasis in size difference, soft fur, exotic, different creatures anatomy and biology.
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A story of River that focuses on his childhood experiences and how they changed who he became as a man. Exploring the topics of trauma, neurodivergency, neurology, contrasting how River's own narrative resembles what his parents unintentionally got him to believe. He grew unsecure because if he took initiative onto something, more likely he would end up yelled at, or shut up without even having the opportunity to be heard.
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