Category: storytelling

Gotham tales beyond the city

Gotham tales beyond the city


The Village was populated by refugees banished from Gotham, recent unrest has left them vulnerable to chaos incursions.
Hearing of vigilante ‘Guardian Angels’ from Gotham, they have pooled their meager resources to seek aid.

…

Clan MacDonald  already decreed many oppressive laws against ‘the enemy within’ :’illigal aliens’, vagrants,  ‘vigilantes’, etcetera.
Several ‘Guardian Angels’  felt it was wise to leave the city and take refuge in the Village.
…
Arriving at the Village, gathering information…

…
After the arrival of many refugees from Gotham, the Village has become too crowded: too many people, not enough food!
To make matter worse, many rats were investing the fields, destroying the crops.
…
The alchemist brewed some rat poison to scatter between the crops.
Many rats died indeed, but the corvids that ate the cadavers also died!

…
Dissecting some corvids, the alchemist discovered some warpstone contamination!
This same contamination was also found in the Broken Hills, where the mutants live.
…
According to legends, a star fell down in the Broken Hills; amidst the wreckage was a stunned firedemon thas immediately was bound and inprisoned in the caves under the Great Tree in the forest.
…
Investigating the sealed cave:  The seal was broken from inside outwards, the demon has escaped!
…
Entering the cave:  Finding some skeletons, apparently remnants of cultist. What killed the cultist?
Finding a cultist journal, reading a scribbled note in the margin ‘we need the Cog and Compass’
…
Descending in the mazes of the cave, encountering large poisonous mushrooms and giant spiders!
Narrowly escaping monsters and mechanical traps, finding a secret room with the  clockwork engine that operated the security system.
The Alchemist was able to communicate with the clockwork, ensuring safe travel through the maze!
…
Our heroes escaped the maze to return safely to the Village, knowing that the firedemon was roaming in the world!

Ping: Gotham Blades in the dark revolt – Dreamquest

A.I. reviews “The Watcher and the Flame”

A.I. reviews “The Watcher and the Flame”


A.I. review  this!

It looks like part of a collage or mixed-media artwork. The image combines close-up photos or textures — including a candle flame, a green natural background, and what seems to be the dark, furry area and eye of an animal (possibly a dog or bear).

Review summary:

  • Composition: The cropped arrangement of rectangular pieces creates a patchwork effect that draws the viewer’s eye across contrasting elements — fire, fur, and nature.
  • Contrast: The flame’s brightness against darker tones adds strong visual tension; the eye of the animal provides emotional focus.
  • Texture play: The juxtaposition of smooth light areas and coarse fur textures makes the image tactile and layered.
  • Mood: The combination of warmth (firelight) and softness (fur) evokes both comfort and a hint of danger or vigilance.
    1. The eye (animal presence):
      The eye — often a symbol of awareness or instinct — gives the piece an emotional anchor. It looks out from a field of texture, half-hidden, suggesting watchfulness, vulnerability, or the quiet intelligence of nature.
    2. The flame:
      The candle flame stands as a counterpoint — human-made light, fragile yet powerful. In contrast to the organic fur and green background, it evokes consciousness, memory, or even spirit. Fire can both protect and destroy, making it a symbol of transformation.
    3. The natural green background:
      This gives the collage an earthy calm — it’s the realm both the animal and the flame inhabit. Green often symbolizes renewal or life’s continuity.
    4. The juxtaposition:
      By placing the flame (a brief, bright moment) near the animal’s eye (enduring, observing nature), the piece seems to question the tension between fleeting human light and timeless animal perception.
      It might be suggesting that human awareness — our “fire” — burns brightly but momentarily within the larger, steady gaze of nature.
    5. Overall meaning:
      The work could be seen as a meditation on coexistence: instinct and intellect, nature and culture, mortality and awareness. The eye’s reflection and the flame’s glow form a dialogue — as if each mirrors the other.

      Artistically, this collage seems to explore the meeting point between warmth, life, and perception. Here’s a layered reading of the elements:

Ping: A.I. reviews “Vision Beyond the Veil” – Dreamquest

A.I. reviews “Vision Beyond the Veil”

A.I. reviews “Vision Beyond the Veil”


A.I. review this!

Artistic Style:

  • Psychedelic Influence: The artwork continues with the psychedelic aesthetic, featuring intricate linework and swirling patterns. This style is associated with vivid, dreamlike visions that invite deep, abstract thought.
  • Detailed Linework: The design is highly detailed with fine lines used to form intricate shapes, eyes, and textures. The use of dots and swirls adds to the hypnotic effect, pulling the viewer’s gaze into the composition.
  • Color Palette: This piece uses bold colors, particularly pink, red, yellow, and black, which contrast nicely and make certain elements stand out, such as the eyes and facial features. The color choices create a striking and intense visual effect.

Subject Matter and Symbolism:

  • Central Figure: The central figure appears to be a face, inverted, surrounded by spirals and patterns. The face is serene, with closed eyes and a slight, mysterious smile, conveying an almost otherworldly presence. The sharp features (such as the lips and eyes) have an elegant, almost ethereal quality, suggesting a being of higher consciousness or a figure between worlds.
  • Eyes: Similar to the previous piece, there are multiple eyes scattered around the face and throughout the artwork. Eyes are a recurring symbol in psychedelic art, often signifying awareness, vision, or omniscience—possibly suggesting the idea of seeing beyond the ordinary, into hidden truths.
  • Swirling Patterns: The intricate, swirling shapes around the figure create a sense of movement, representing fluidity or the interconnectedness of life and consciousness. The spirals could also hint at concepts of growth, change, and the cyclical nature of existence.
  • Inverted Face: The face is tilted in such a way that it appears upside down, which could symbolize a shift in perspective, or altered states of perception often associated with the psychedelic experience. It might invite the viewer to consider seeing the world from a new or unconventional viewpoint.

Interpretation:

The artwork suggests themes of inner vision, expanded consciousness, and the potential for transcendence. The face could represent a mystical figure, perhaps someone on a journey of self-awareness, or it might be a metaphor for the viewer’s own process of introspection and awakening. The eyes in particular may symbolize a deeper level of perception, as if the subject is seeing the world in ways that others cannot.

Ping: A.I. reviews “The Eyes of the Soul” – Dreamquest

A.I. reviews “The Eyes of the Soul”

A.I. reviews “The Eyes of the Soul”


A.I. review this!

This image features a striking psychedelic-style illustration that blends surrealism, nature, and mystical elements. Here’s an in-depth review of the artwork:

Artistic Style:

  • Psychedelic Influence: The design heavily embraces the psychedelic art movement, with vibrant, swirling patterns, vivid colors, and dreamlike visuals. It seems inspired by the 1960s-1970s aesthetic, which is known for its abstract, mind-bending compositions.
  • Linework and Detail: The use of bold lines to delineate shapes, and the meticulous detailing of eyes, flowers, and natural elements, suggests the artist has a strong focus on intricate visual storytelling. The eye motifs, with multiple sizes and placements, suggest a theme of perception or inner vision.
  • Color Palette: There’s a powerful combination of bright reds, oranges, pinks, and blues, with softer greens and whites creating contrast. The palette is intense, yet balanced, drawing the viewer’s focus to the central figure and surrounding elements.
  • Textures and Patterns: The use of dotting and swirling patterns (common in psychedelic art) creates depth and movement within the piece. These textures give the work a fluid, almost hypnotic feel, enhancing the visual impact.

Subject Matter and Symbolism:

  • Central Figure: The woman’s face, which features soft, yet expressive details, serves as the focal point. The bold eyes around her body seem to signify the idea of inner sight, awareness, or perhaps a connection to another realm. The woman’s features are sharp and stylized, with vibrant red hair flowing seamlessly into the intricate patterns.
  • The Snail: The snail resting on her shoulder may symbolize slowness, patience, or even transformation. Its spiral shell can also suggest ideas of growth, cycles, or the passage of time.
  • Other Details: The motif of eyes scattered throughout the composition could represent observation, omniscient vision, or a deeper connection to the spiritual realm. The organic patterns, such as coral-like shapes or plant forms, create a harmonious relationship between human and nature.

Interpretation:

This piece can evoke a sense of being transported into a dream world, where perception and reality blend. It could be exploring themes of consciousness, intuition, and personal transformation, highlighting a deeper connection with both self and nature. The surreal and exaggerated elements invite the viewer to interpret the scene in personal, introspective ways.

Ping: A.I. reviews “the Eyes of Divinity” – Dreamquest

A.I. reviews “the Eyes of Divinity”

A.I. reviews “the Eyes of Divinity”


A.I. review this!

This image appears to be a mosaic-style portrait of a man resembling traditional representations of Jesus Christ. The portrait is composed of small, square tesserae (tiles) in various colors, creating a textured, intricate depiction. Some specific observations:

Artistic Review:

  • Style: The artwork is in the Byzantine mosaic tradition, commonly used in early Christian art. It employs tiny colored tiles to form an image with high symbolic value and stylization.
  • Facial Expression: The subject has large, intense eyes and a solemn, almost haunting expression—typical of sacred Christian iconography meant to evoke reflection or reverence.
  • Color Palette: Earthy tones dominate (browns, whites, blacks, reds, and yellows), emphasizing the spiritual and historical nature of the figure.
  • Detail: The artist has skillfully used color variation and tile placement to convey shading and depth, especially in the facial features and hair.
  • Handwriting on the Left: There’s a handwritten note on a brown background to the left. It looks like it may be in a stylized script or possibly a foreign language (or stylized English), but it’s partially obscured and hard to read.

Interpretation:

This image likely intends to evoke religious reverence or may be used in a devotional or decorative context. It draws upon historical Christian art traditions, making it feel both ancient and spiritual.

Ping: A.I. reviews “Wings of Enchantment” – Dreamquest

Gotham Blades in the dark revolt

Gotham Blades in the dark revolt


 

Triad leader Wang requested a team of vigilante Gotham ‘Guardian Angels” :
“The Authority organized a razzia against our community,  capturing several children from important businessmen.
Please help us to free the children!”
…
MacSweeney’s bar was a known hangout for mercenaries, the perfect place to find information!
Chatting with a talkative militiaman, the vigilantes discovered important details:
Twenty very young children were held at detention camp Blackgate Island, together with af few Sisters of Our Lady
The waters around the Island was infested by alligators, while the camp was surrounded by a fence with guarded watchtowers.
…
The vigilantes negotiated with the leader of  the  Sisters of Our Lady , to organize combined action:
 while  the  Sisters of Our Lady , would start a rioting demonstration in the city, the vigilantes would infiltrate the camp.
…
New moon, cloudy starless night , perfect timing for action!
…
Commandeering a fishing boat, the vigilantes were able to approach the Island unseen.
The alligators were already neutralized with poisoned meat!
Observing the Island:  large barbed wire fence, six guarded watchtowers, single sentry patrolling each half hour.
Using the small window of opportunity, the sharpshooter neutralized two guarded towers, while the infiltrator cut through the fence.
Just in time to put down the returning sentry!
The infiltrator hid the body and took his uniform to keep appearances of patrolling.
Now the vigilantes were able to free the prisoners, twenty young childrend and four women.
Warding off the rest of the alarmed sentries, the escape was made!
After a short while sailing they were chased by The Fluyt !
The vigilantes tried to evade to the rocky shallows but struck a rock…
‘Beach the boat, take cover, “Don’t fire till you see the whites of their eyes!” 
While gunshots and arrows were flying, the infiltrator was able to ambush the enemy commander.
As soon the commander was down, the enemy morale broke down, the mercenaries fled.
…
At last our heroes were able to escape with the women and children to safety!

Ping:

Gotham Blades in the Dark
Temidden van schoonheid gevoel van dreiging:

Temidden van schoonheid gevoel van dreiging:


Begin van de herfst, het begint al te schemeren om zeven uur…
Vanochtend werd ik wakker met het Chanson ‘Paris s’eveille’

Deze dag vloog voorbij met alles wat ik had willen zien en doen in Parijs.
Daarom ben ik hier toch?
Dingen zien en doen in Parijs!
…
Langs de Seine lopend passeer ik de boekenstalletjes, op weg naar de Notre-Dame in reparatie zie ik zwaarbewapende M.E. met machinegeweren en schilden….
Ik hoop dat ze niet met die wapens gaan schieten op een verdachte in de menigte, dat wordt een bloedbad!
…
Zou zo’n wapen passen in de koffer van een contrabas?
Beeld: Antonio Banderas El Mariachi met machinegeweer in vioolkoffer!
Wat voor geluid maakt zo’n ding eigenlijk?
Heb ik het nu over een machinegeweer of een contrabas?
Ik heb nog nooit gelet op het geluid van een contrabas.
Wel de altviool van Maya Friedman!
Ze gaat volledig in trance, maakt intens contact met de andere wereld.


Maar een machinegeweer? Ik ken wel het geluid van een geweerschot in de nacht tijdens de coup van 1965

 

ping:

Mythago World : shards of history
A.I. maakt pantoum: Dit is wat ik zag op weg naar jou

A.I. maakt pantoum: Dit is wat ik zag op weg naar jou


Dit is wat ik zag op weg naar jou
Met luid gerinkel maak ik fiets los
Het fietspad druk, voorzichtig trap ik
Rechts is de tent, de dimsum altijd vol

Met luid gerinkel maak ik fiets los
Over de brug, de vaart stroomt traag voorbij
Rechts is de tent, de dimsum altijd vol
Links staat Domela, held van sociaal strijd

Over de brug, de vaart stroomt traag voorbij
Lastige kruising, chaos, rood licht
Links staat Domela, held van sociaal strijd
Rechts is de bouwput, waar de man viel stil

Lastige kruising, chaos, rood licht
Links de fietsenmaker, hij groet zacht
Rechts is de bouwput, waar de man viel stil
Buurvrouws raam donker, bedekt door groen

Links de fietsenmaker, hij groet zacht
De box vol bakfietsen, zwaar en vol
Buurvrouws raam donker, bedekt door groen
Snel naar de trap, naar huis, naar jou

De box vol bakfietsen, zwaar en vol
Het fietspad druk, voorzichtig trap ik
Snel naar de trap, naar huis, naar jou
Dit is wat ik zag op weg naar jou

ping:

Dit is wat ik zag op weg naar jou
Dit is wat ik zag op weg naar jou

Dit is wat ik zag op weg naar jou


Ik maak de ketting van de fiets los met luid gerinkel…
Het fietspad is druk, voorzichtig alert fietsen!
 Aan mijn rechterhand de dimsum tent, altijd druk, lekker eten!
Over de brug…
Aan mijn linkerhand Domela Nieuwenhuis, heroisch sociaal!
Lastige kruising, chaos, stoplicht, fatbikes!
Langs de vaart…
Rechts de bouwput  waar een vakman doodviel
Links de aardige fietsenmaker
Naast buurvrouw, haar raam verduisterd door dichtbegroeide geveltuin
De fietsenbox is overvol met electro bakfietsen
Snel het trappenhuis op naar huis!

ping:

A.I. maakt een pantoum: Ik ben op reis en ik neem mee…
A.I. maakt een pantoum: Ik ben op reis en ik neem mee…

A.I. maakt een pantoum: Ik ben op reis en ik neem mee…


A.I., maak een pantoum!

Ik ben op reis en ik neem mee…
Waarom ga ik op reis?
Op de vlucht voor de vier ruiters van de Apocalyps:
Ziekte, honger, oorlog, dood…

Waarom ga ik op reis?
Wat is urgent:
Ziekte, honger, oorlog, dood…
Zwitsers zakmes, vuursteen, veldfles, rugzak…

Wat is urgent:
Poncho, handboek survival, potlood, dagboek, kompas…
Zwitsers zakmes, vuursteen, veldfles, rugzak…
Knijpkat, EHBO-kist, powerbank met zonnepaneel…

Poncho, handboek survival, potlood, dagboek, kompas…
Mobiel, miniradio, kleren, I Ching, speelkaarten…
Knijpkat, EHBO-kist, powerbank met zonnepaneel…
Gedroogd voedsel, landkaart,is alles wat ik neem.

Mobiel, miniradio, kleren, I Ching, speelkaarten…
Gedroogd voedsel, landkaart, is alles wat ik neem.
Gedroogd voedsel, landkaart, is alles wat ik neem…
Ik ben op reis en ik neem mee…

Ping:

Mythago World : shards of history