The science-fictional series Arcas’ Bones was inspired by a cocktail of ideas, in particular the work of Napoleon A. Chagnon who conducted fieldwork with various cultural groups around the world. Especially in the first half of the series, I borrowed themes and events described in Chagnon’s field reports. The latter part of the series is a blending of ideas from more esoteric sources in psychedelic lore. I'm particularly enamored with the idea that altered states give you insight into the nature of things that is not commonly available to "normal" consciousness. I don't think that as a society we have come to terms with some of these revelations, so I explore those themes, albeit in a more fictional manner.
I learned quite a bit about crafting (and illustrating) a series, but I realize that the nature of the Hive medium influenced several aspects of my story telling. I had to keep in mind, for example, that the reader might have trouble following the plot threads if they haven’t read previous chapters or forgotten what they read before. So, each chapter needed to stand on its own, sort of speak. Whether I succeeded or not is another matter. I may yet take on a new project and revisit this tale to make it fit for a different publication medium.
Below, I link to all the chapters of the series, so if you haven’t done so yet, come and dive into the world of Arcas’ Bones.
1. Unexpected Visitors
2. Objectives and Objections
3. Approach
3.5 Incoming Missive
4. Arrival
4.5. For Your Eyes Only
5. Survival
5.5. A Day in the Life
6. Zoobernetic
6.5. Cryptomnesia
7. A Muddle
7.5. Dances with Poles
8. Flickering Desires
9. The Riddle of the First Woman
10. A Wicked Sense of Humour
11. East of Sin
11.5. Restless in the Clouds
12. Upon Hera's Altar
Thank you for dropping by. If you have any comments or questions, then drop me a line in the comments.