SUMMARIES FOR ARTIST CLAIMING
Below you will find the summaries available for artists to claim. Only artists who have officially signed up for After Camlann will be eligible to claim a summary.
THIS IS NOT THE CLAIMING POST:
Claims will open in a separate post on Friday, June 5.
If you aren't available to make a claim yourself, claiming by proxy is also be allowed.
Due to the limited number of summaries, we will ask that artists who are already pre-matched please wait 24 hours after claims have gone up before claiming another summary. This will give artists who are not already matched with an author opportunity to still do so. Once the first 24 hours has passed, we will allow our pre-matched artists to claim another if they would like to do so!
Claims will be on a first come-first served basis. Please pick a 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th choice. You may claim one summary in the first round. If there are any unclaimed prompts after everyone has picked, then I will open up another round of claims.
Please Note: You are not required to make 4 choices in order to make a claim. If you'd rather take your chances with just one or two choices, that's up to you. If you'd like to see how you claim, check out our previous artist claiming posts here. A similar post will go up on Friday, 5 June.
Summaries:
Number 1: CLAIMED
Title: Love is Brewing at the Lazy Daisy: The Canon-Era Coffee Shop AU
(Titles are the hardest part. This is a working title and will definitely change before the fic is finished!)
Rating: Currently T, may go to E at the very end
Current Word Count: 15k
Estimated Final Word Count: 25-30k
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: No Archive Warning Applies
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I have no preference and love all the things. Merlin fandom artists are so amazingly talented!
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to end this with a T or E rating, but either way, I’d like to keep the art rated T
Summary for Artists: Canon era, but deviates from canon. Arthur POV. Overall, lighthearted. I wanted to write a coffeeshop AU but I love writing canon era.
Merlin was never Arthur’s servant. He shows up in Camelot when Arthur is king (so no Uther). Merlin’s been at sea seven years as a healer on a merchant ship after Hunith told him to get out of Ealdor to avoid gossip about his magic. The ship doesn’t play a huge role in the story so no sailing scenes. It’s in the background and its primary purpose is to explain where Merlin found coffee and how he met Morgana, who Morgana also who ended up on the ship to escape Uther.
Merlin opens a coffee shop, after discovering coffee back on his journeys. Arthur and Merlin get off to a rough start because Arthur was rude, but Arthur is smitten and tries to make things right. Much of the fic involves them growing closer through things like Arthur sneaking out of the castle with breakfast for Merlin, Arthur saving Merlin from a threatening customer, and Arthur giving Merlin a daisy. In the background Arthur is grappling with how to repeal the magic ban, which will be announced at the Midsummer festival, culminating in Arthur being attacked, bamf!Merlin saving him with magic, and lots of kisses and love confessions after. Gwen plays a large role in this fic as Arthur’s closest friend and trusted advisor (who is brilliant and awesome).
Possible visuals include:
Arthur climbing out a castle window to escape from petitioners
Arthur waiting in line and admiring Merlin’s smile while he does
Arthur in Merlin’s greenhouse, marveling at the coffee plants and blue butterflies while Merlin stands beside him
A sleep-deprived Arthur holding a wilted daisy out to a bewildered but amused Merlin
Merlin tucking an exhausted Arthur into his bed, kissing Arthur’s temple
Morgana arriving at the Midsummer festival decked out in sailor’s attire
Arthur kissing Merlin hard at a Midsummer festival after Merlin reveals his magic to save Arthur from an attacker
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Number 2: CLAIMED
Title: War of Hearts
Rating: Either Teen Audiences and Up or Mature (unsure of rating at the moment)
Current Word Count: 67K
Estimated Final Word Count: Unsure, but under 100K - I have a clear ending path and know where I’m going in the fic.
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur - Morgana/Gwen - (minor) Balinor/Hunith
Warnings: Scenes with graphic depictions of violence and wounds (a specific section which focuses on the Witchfinder episode where Merlin is questioned instead of Gaius) Minor Character Deaths (OC Uther executes as a magic user etc.)
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): Would personally prefer traditional or digital art, eg. profiles, characters and drawn (whether that be traditionally or digitally) depictions of scenes in the fic. But I ultimately will be ecstatic with whatever I get 😊
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): Would prefer not to have podfic art or videos. Any ratings are fine and any scenes from the fic are fine too!
Summary for Artists: Season 2 rewrite/fix-it.
There were several long moments of tense silence as the gravity of the situation sunk in. Merlin had used magic, and Arthur had been awake. Arthur had seen.
When Arthur finds out Merlin has magic, at first he’s angry, then he feels betrayed, then torn-ultimately he doesn’t know what, exactly, to do with his manservant. Of course, he could never hurt Merlin, could he?
Set in the middle of season 2 just before The Nightmare Begins, Arthur learns about Merlins magic. This story shows several select episodes, as well as our own scenes following he canon narrative from the perspective of Arthur knowing about Merlin’s magic. Including, Merlin helping Morgana with her magic, Gwen, Arthur and Morgana trying to prove Merlin innocent to the Witchfinder, Arthur learning the truth about his birth and many more. When these two idiots realise their deeper feelings for each other, will they allow themselves to love, or try and resist temptation?
Imagery: The very first scene takes place in the middle of the forest, Arthur is angry and there’s a physical fight where Merlin refuses to fight back or use his magic. Other key scenes include Merlin being harmed and tortured in the dungeons by the Witchfinder, as well as including scenes in the rain on the castle grounds with Arthur pushing himself to train, and Merlin later helping him bathe (no NSFW.) Merlin and Arthur kissing, as well as Gwen and Morgana sharing intimate moments (Gwen helping Morgana dress in her chambers in candlelight) as well as flowers and flower-language is key to the story. The main vibe I want to get from the art is Merlin and Arthur’s internal struggle, their longing and yearning with their relationship-longing looks and almost kisses, the flowers in the story mean a lot to do with that. It’s a will-they-won’t-they story. Ultimately I don’t mind what an artist creates from the story so there is free reign!
I am not in any way suggesting an artist recreate ALL of these scenes, this is just to give an idea of the feel of the fic and what might be key to think about :)
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Number 3: CLAIMED
Title: On Butterfly Wings
Rating: PG13
Current Word Count: 15,029
Estimated Final Word Count: 30k - 35k depending
Pairing(s) or Gen: Arthur/Merlin
Warnings: none apply that I can think of (maybe some minor violence, but canon normal violence or possibly not even that, depending)
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): While I prefer art (as in pictures drawn in anyway, I don't care how, the median) that is more of because what I am use to. If this really ends up speaking to you or whatever and and have something else in mind, I am not going to reject you for it.
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): Sorry, but I'm truly not sure what I am for this. Er, PG13, but that's the rating of my story so it's not like there are any sex scenes in it anyways. Maybe something featuring both Dragoon the Great and Merlin (which makes since after you read the summary), but other than that? I guess we'll see.
Summary for Artists: In this AU where Nimueh dies instead of Ygraine, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Both Merlin and Arthur grow up with both of their parents, magic is never banned and things seem generally happier (aka no assassination attempts every five minutes). That doesn't stop destiny though. The Once & Future King and Emrys are two sides of the same coin. They will always complete each other. To this end, they meet for the first time as the newly named Crown Prince and Court Sorcerer respectively. Together they will bring the Golden Age to Camelot (eventually). Too bad everyone assumes that Emrys is an old man, not a nineteen year old boy (the exceptions are the Druids and his parents, obviously). Who is going to take him seriously when he can't even grow a bread yet? Merlin can really hate to that aging spell. (Visually think Dragoon the Great, only, you know, fancier. He is Court Sorcerer after all.)
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Number 4: CLAIMED
Title: Merlin’s Magical Maladies
Rating: R (probably)
Current Word Count: 15,000
Estimated Final Word Count: 40,000? (Very, very tentative)
Pairings: Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lance, Gwaine/Percy, Gwaine/A Pulse
Warning: Magic and the use of magic as an analogy for religious persecution, some parallels could be drawn to sexuality discrimination. There is mention of a historical genocide of certain mages. There will also be a non-graphic, off screen attack on a Druid ceremony. There are political parties that are analogous to UKIP and the English Defense League as aggressors in this story.
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic: I would love some traditional art, but fully welcome anything.
Art Specifics: I probably want to avoid anything too NC-17 rated?
Summary for Artists: AU Modern Era, hospital drama style. Merlin is a doctor at one of the few mageological (spell damage/curses etc) departments in Camelot, along with Gwen (clinical governance officer), Lance (nurse) and Gwaine (paramedic). Merlin hosts an advice podcast dealing with questions about magic. Merlin gets a message from “Theo” asking for advice about his sister. Merlin and “Theo” start a flirtatious correspondence. When they meet Merlin finds out that “Theo” is really Prince Arthur. The royal family is not liked amongst Mages for their ties to a small but vocal political party who stand on a platform of discrimination, run by Agravaine as well as holding other anti-mage sentiments. Despite this, they decide to try this thing out. Happy Merthur ending will ensue, however there will be attacks on mages in this story. The focus is more on Merlin and the hospital than the romance.
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Number 5: CLAIMED
Title: Only a Dream of the Grass Blowing
Rating: Mature
Current Word Count: 15,622
Estimated Final Word Count: Possibly around 30,000
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: Major Character Death (though the character does come back), Violence, Reference to execution, Angst
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I have no preference! Anything would be fantastic!
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): I would love for the artist to focus on Arthur's dream meadow as a primary setting for their work, as most of the story revolves around this area. It would also be fascinating to see a portrayal of Merlin's arrest/execution, as this is the main theme that's causing conflict in Arthur's life. While these are my preferences, anything would honestly be amazing.
Summary for Artists: Canon Era. The story begins after Merlin's execution. He was caught using magic to save Arthur's life after another assassination attempt and, this time, he wasn't lucky enough to get away. Now, Arthur is trying to ignore the guilt he feels for letting Merlin die. It's hard, though, to ignore such feelings when Merlin starts appearing in his dreams. While Arthur tries to explain this away as guilt or a curse, it soon becomes clear that Merlin is real-- he cast a spell to let his soul and magic move into Arthur's head as soon as his physical body was killed. Merlin's plan is to protect Arthur from the inside; Arthur wants to ignore the entire situation. Meanwhile, druids are moving closer to Camelot after a young Mordred senses the death of Emrys. Uther sees this as a threat that must be wiped out. But, as Arthur begins to learn more about magic and Merlin's role in his life, he begins to wonder whether or not his father is as right in this situation as he's been led to believe. A lot of angst and a lot of focus on Merlin/Arthur overcoming their mutual feelings of hurt and betrayal. This fic also includes Morgana's realization of her own magic, Arthur learning about his destiny as the Once and Future King, and a few moments where Arthur is able to use Merlin's magic in order to save the day. Also, Merlin is dead for most of the fic but we do see a lot of him and he does come back. This fic does have a happy ending (at least, that's what I aimed for).
***
Number 6: CLAIMED
Title: A Marriage of True Minds
Rating: Explicit (NB: the majority of this fic is rated Teen/Mature, with the exception of one chapter which features a sex scene).
Current Word Count: My original rough draft is complete at 50,650 words. I am now working on the first round of edits, and should have the first 5 chapters of the revised version ready to share by the end of May.
Estimated Final Word Count: Around the same (50,000 words).
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur, background Morgana/Gwen, with general OT4 friendship vibes.
Warnings: Canon-level violence (some threats/sword fighting and resultant injuries, an execution, an attempted poisoning-you know, the usual), glancing encounters with bigotry (a couple of villains make some snide remarks, and it is occasionally hinted that m/m couples face discrimination, but this is not a focus of the fic).
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): Traditional art (including digital drawing/painting).
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): The general tone of this fic is light-hearted romantic comedy with occasional moments of angst (think Sweet Dreams, or Servant of Two Masters if it had taken place in season 1). It’s totally fine if you’re not comfortable drawing anything explicit, but ideally I’d love to have an artist who is happy to match that vibe, and/or someone who enjoys creating soft shippy art of the slow burn/mutual pining variety (think longing gazes, lingering touches, small gestures with big meanings-basically canon, Y/Y?).
Summary for Artists: Canon Era fake relationship AU. When Arthur asks for his help to thwart an unwanted betrothal, the last thing Merlin expects is to wind up playing the role of consort himself. In theory, it’s a ruse, designed to postpone Arthur’s upcoming nuptials until the two of them can prove that Lady Mathilde is up to no good, but it’s not long before Merlin finds himself wishing he were sharing Arthur’s bed for real. Too bad the prince is actually in love with Gwen (or so Merlin believes). Meanwhile, Arthur would do anything for Merlin, up to and including hide his magic from Uther, but he’s pretty sure Merlin and Gwen are a thing (why else would Merlin keep bringing her up at every opportunity?). Mutual pining ensues as the two of them try to keep their feelings under wraps while saving the kingdom and unmasking the bad guys-and remaining completely oblivious to the Gwen/Morgana romance going on behind the scenes.
Potential visuals include: an ill-fated autumn picnic; Merlin trying on Arthur’s crown; Arthur ‘helping’ with Merlin’s chores; Merthur tending to one another’s injuries; a midnight rendezvous amidst the snowy ruins; Merlin falling asleep on Arthur’s shoulder after showing off his magic; Gwen discovering Morgana’s secret; Merlin and Morgana practicing spells together; Merlin and Arthur’s handfasting ceremony.
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Number 7: CLAIMED
Title:I Will Live or Die (You Choose)
Rating:NC-17
Current Word Count:~29k
Estimated Final Word Count:~50k
Pairing(s) or Gen:Merlin/Arthur
Warnings:Violence, Minor Character Death
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!):I like most kinds of art, but my preferences would be traditional art/digital painting & drawing. I also like manips and collages.
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): No preferred ratings. There's an antique bookstore. A snake tattoo comes to life.
Summary for Artists: Modern Magic AU. Soulmates. Some people might call it a meet cute, but Arthur would think those people would need to have their heads examined. Arthur meets Merlin while he's in jail for killing his mother. Things take a turn for the even more complicated when they find out they might be soulmates. Now, Arthur has to see if he can clear Merlin's name while Merlin tries to survive his time in prison. Arthur also has to contend with his magic-hating father Uther who has made it his mission to see all sorcerers banished from Camelot. Merlin/Arthur romance. The story is told from both Merlin and Arthur's POV. Also features Morgana, Agravaine, Cenred, Aeredian, Gwaine, Gaius, and Edwin.
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Number 8: CLAIMED
Title: WT: The Problem With Good Intentions
Rating: T (to be safe)
Current Word Count: Just slightly over 15k
Estimated Final Word Count: Probably looking at right around 25k.
Pairing(s) or Gen: Gen, slight implied Arthur/Gwen, but not a big focus.
Warnings: Some blood, lots of miscommunication and assumptions
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I'd prefer Traditional Art, because I feel like that is the medium that would best fit, but if anyone is feeling really inspired with a different medium, then I'll gladly accept any. (;
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.):
No specific requests really. Some visuals that you may be interested in include (but aren't at all limited to): Merlin crying with a bleeding Gwaine in his lap, Arthur seeing Merlin's eyes glow as he heals him, Morgana enchanting a book, Merlin being forced to wear a gown-like robe with a jeweled amulet and overly bejeweled belt, Merlin fainting with illness (in the same robe) at a banquet with Gwen and Arthur worried over him, Arthur helping Merlin walk and later carrying him in same robe, Arthur setting free a fury (lady creature with wings and fangs) right as Merlin arrives to stop him, Arthur trying (and failing to use magic), Merlin doing magic in front of the knights for the first time. I know that list is long and not all inclusive, but those are just some scenes that I find interesting visually. You'd obviously be welcome to pick any scene, but these are just some I thought way cause inspiration. (;
Summary for Artists: Canon Era, earlyish season 4 (post Uther's death and with Arthur as King). After being ambushed by bandits on a hunting trip, Arthur catches Merlin using magic to save a severely wounded Gwaine. Arthur concludes that Merlin must have just started using magic recently since magic turns people evil and saving someone isn't evil. Assuming that Merlin had learned it in order to be able to better protect him, Arthur then goes behind Merlin's back to try to find something that will "save" or "cure" him from the taint of magic, including a magic suppressing amulet that makes Merlin super deathly ill and eventually releasing a fury set on vengeance against the Pendragons and Camelot. As they hurry back to the kingdom, Arthur realises that basically everything he thought he knew about Merlin and magic is wrong and that the only way to save his kingdom is to actively assist Merlin in performing a spell.
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Number 9: CLAIMED
Title: Crave the Brush of Spring
Rating: M
Current Word Count: 112,582
Estimated Final Word Count: ~115k
Pairing(s) or Gen: Gwen/Morgana, Ygraine/Nimueh, Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: Sexual Content, Canon-Typical Violence, Secondary Character Death
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I have no preference and would absolutely love anything!
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): The fic is very image-heavy, with a lot of canon-era scenery and character description, so hopefully there's something that'll catch your eye. Some central visual motifs involve conjuring fire, confrontations at swordpoint, the forest as a place of refuge and a memorial, coronations, and seasonal change from summer to fall and winter to spring. I would prefer art that isn't too NSFW, but my only specific request is for the art to focus on Gwen, because the fic is focused on her character and perspective.
Summary for Artists: When Arthur is crowned after Uther's death, he inherits a kingdom in turmoil. Gwen stands at his side in court even as their romantic relationship crumbles and she begins to realize her feelings for Morgana, who is now besieging Camelot in the name of justice. This fic diverges entirely from canon at 4x09, when Gwen realizes that it is Morgana possessing Lancelot's body upon his return. In the confrontation that follows, Morgana tells Gwen that she has magic. Most of the fic follows the growth of their relationship in a shared dream setting, Gwen's development of her own magic, Morgana's gradual redemption, and the slow resolution of the war as Arthur is confronted with the full horror of what Camelot has done to sorcerers. The central romance of the story is Morgana/Gwen, with Nimueh/Ygraine flashbacks through diary entries and some Merlin/Arthur, but a lot of the piece is focused on the friendships between Gwen, Merlin, and Arthur as they evolve.
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Number 10 CLAIMED
Title: The Prince and The Servant
Rating: Gen/Teen and up
Current Word Count: 15k
Estimated Final Word Count: 25k -30k
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur, Morgana/Gwen
Warnings: Canon-typical classism, canon-typical violence (one fight scene)
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I pictured it with traditional art, but I am pretty open to any type of art as long as it fits the general fairytale style/feel of the story. Something bright, colorful and with a lot of emotion would fit best but I believe that can be achieved in any media!
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): As long as it does what I described before, anything works!
Summary for Artists: Once a year, King Uther Pendragon organizes a great feast to maintain good spirits between the lower classes known as the Commoner's Banquet. Merlin, a poor village boy always dreamed of going, and this year he'd finally have the chance. There he meets Prince Arthur and it's love at first sight. After a night of dancing and laughing, they wake up and realize something is terribly wrong. Due to a magical mishap, they've switched places, leaving them in a world completely unlike their own. They have one month before they can meet again, but until then, they'll have to learn how to live each other's lives. But with Merlin's impulsiveness and disregard for rank and Arthur's cluelessness about any type of farm labour, out might prove harder than they thought.
Includes: Arthur causing a lot of problems for people in Ealdor (like destroying crops or making holes in people's holes for not being careful while cutting down a tree), him and Hunith having a very cute mother-son relationship, Will being a good friend, a fight against Kanen, Merlin causing problems with nobility by not caring about calling them out, a lady that really wants to marry him even though he's clearly not interested, Morgana having too much fun with the whole situation, Gwen and Leon being the only two functioning humans in Camelot and a Cinderella-style ball that ends in a magical disaster.
Canon Era, endgame Merthur with Morgwen as a side-pairing, very loosely based on The Prince and The Pauper by Mark Twain, very fairytale-like.
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Number 11 CLAIMED
Title: Beneath his feet
Rating: NC-17
Current Word Count: 102500
Estimated Final Word Count: 102500 (it's at the beta now)
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur, Lancelot/Gwen
Warnings: typical Merlin violence, sexual situations, suicidal thoughts, explicit, magic sex
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): would like traditional or graphic art
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): nothing too explicit (they can be naked but not showing the naughty bits, please)
Summary for Artists: Merlin has been protecting Camelot for centuries in the only way he knows how, by keeping everyone out. But will an archaeologist who looks and sounds and acts like Arthur break down those barriers and get Merlin to live again?
Modern AU - Merlin hasn't interacted with the Druids or anyone with magic in years. He collects magical artifacts, though, thinking that Arthur would need them if he ever came back, and hoards them beneath the ruined castle. Never mind that the Druids and magical folk object strenuously to it - because Merlin has been ignoring the fact that the objects are like magical catalysts, encouraging people with potential to come into their power. And now magic is dying.
And Arthur, of course, the archaeologist, knows nothing of that. He thinks that anyone who believes in magic is ridiculous. He's only there to fulfill a life-long dream of discovering Camelot and spending years digging it up, one trowel-full at a time.
But when the Druids take the objects back, magic starts to flourish again. And Arthur discovers who he really is.
Long, slow burn. Happy ending.
Visuals: ruined Camelot, Excalibur floating above Arthur's hand as both the sword and the stones at Stonehenge glow with power, magic fight between Merlin and Druids, a museum of artifacts below the castle in Sigan's tomb, Arthur in archaeologist gear, young Merlin in his manor-house garden, old Merlin scowling at Arthur at the door, magical butterflies or dandelion fluff above them as they have sex, Merlin's hands tied with red silk ropes as they have sex, a fireplace filled with fire-bright magical beasts like unicorns and mermaids or knights chasing dragons.
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Number 12: CLAIMED
Title: Figurehead Queen
Rating: Mature
Current Word Count: 43,487
Estimated Final Word Count: 46,500
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: Explicit sex, Character injury of both Merlin and Arthur. Merlin's is more severe. (No one actually dies though)
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): Honestly, I'd absolutely adore whatever was made.
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): Any rating is fine and any type of art is fine, that includes the type. (whether it's pencil, charcoal, chibi, digital collage, gifsets, painting, your favourite music if it's a fanmix etc. It's all good.)
Summary for Artists: Canon era. Alternate season 5. At Yuletide a group of druids come to warn Arthur that if he does not remarry by Beltane he will die. Arthur struggles to find a new wife, despite many many (mostly disastrous) dates. The council try to gain influence wherever they can. There are lots of political schemes- Not all the ladies Arthur is courting are as innocent as they look and Arthur is shocked at the amount of betrayal and plotting that goes on within his own council. Two assasination attempts are made, one of them is on Arthur. Merlin suggests a marriage of convinience, with him as the spouse, so that Arthur can continue as before with little change [Queue the pining.] Some angst but a happy ending. There are quite a few original characters. Endgame Merlin/Arthur. .
Visuals include: Skating on a frozen lake. So. many. banquets. A wedding with lots of (for the time) exotic things like kaftans and different foods. Snow, snow ball fight. Battle imagery with BAMF magic Merlin, really soft moments with flower crowns and magic displays, one death by pyre and one magical/druid coronation
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Number 13: CLAIMED
Title: Rosemary for Remembrance
Rating: Teen and up
Current Word Count: 15,000
Estimated Final Word Count: 35-40,000
Pairing(s) or Gen: Gen
Warnings: Graphic-ish depictions of violence, mentions of suicidal thought, character death
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I'd be happy with anything, but I generally lean towards traditional or digital art
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): There isn't really something I wouldn't want to receive as long as it's gen or teen/up :)
Summary for Artists: AU after Diamond of the Day. Could be considered a Merlin Season 6. After the Battle of Camlann and Arthur's death, Morgana escapes with her life while Merlin returns to a changed Camelot. Working alongside Gwen, the ban on magic is officially lifted and Merlin is made court sorcerer. However, not everyone is happy. Merlin is haunted by his failure to kill Morgana. After the citizens of Camelot turn on Merlin and refuse to accept his magic, he decides it's time to stop Morgana once and for all. Along the way, however, Merlin realizes there may be more to Morgana than there seems. Captured by witch hunters, they are forced to rely on each other for survival, and only together can they unlock the secrets of Arthur's death, and better yet, how to bring him back.
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Number 14: CLAIMED
Title: The Crownless King
Rating: T or M (depending on how certain parts go; patently not smutty)
Current Word Count: 15k+ (dialogue only sections are not included, for the sake of coherency)
Estimated Final Word Count: 100 - 150k or less, as a guess.
Pairing(s) or Gen: ...Yes. (Both.)
Warnings: Canon-era Typical Violence, Slavery, Suggestions of Abuse, Suggestions of Torture
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I'm genuinely open to any kind of art. I've had felt and embroidery work done for my works before, if that tells you how broad I am with my tastes haha. Anything that captures the feel of the story best, I am on board with. That's what matters most to me. :3
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): Definitely look at the 'Visual' section below under the Summary for ideas I'm excited to see represented. I otherwise have no preference on ratings of the image, nor things I wouldn't want to see. Only ideas for what I DO want. :)
Summary for Artists: (This is an AU from Season 4 onwards because I want Lancelot to live and Morgana redeemed, damn the harpoons)
A delegation from Brocéliande travels to Camelot; they're sort of like a cousin culture of the druids. They're visiting even with risk of execution, to let Arthur know that the Perilous Lands are currently going a bit nutty without a proper hand to guide it and that they expect him to deal with it, since he inherited them.
Which he didn't, he distinctly remembers not inheriting anything of the sort. Which more or less reveals that Merlin handled that nonsense and is technically a bit of a king (and he doesn't want to be, no thank you). Abruptly after this news is uncovered, Essetir gets more or less taken by King Lot and Arthur has to travel there to make new treaties. In doing so, he ropes Merlin into practicing at the whole Ruling thing by pretending to be with Brocéliande's entourage as a starting point, leading him to go with him to Essetir in disguise as a minor lord - which would allow him to learn about not only courtly responsibilities but also how this new magical tether to the Perilous Lands actually functions.
Morgana loses Morgause before they can open the veil; she is torn by the need for vengeance and her own sorrow and is waylaid by Sarrum of Amata (who partners with Lot in keeping 'control' over magic users in their conjoined territories), and is taken to Essetir to try and keep under lock and key (she ends up being the secret weapon that was used to move Lot into power).
Things escalate for the worse when Lot starts to show his true hand (commit murder, get Camelot, ???, profit), and Essetir's culture with magic begins to show itself as somewhat poisoned (slavery). And all the while, Merlin begins to understand what his new responsibility means for him - and his magic. But not before the Perilous Lands demands his presence by force and steals him away from Arthur's side right when he needs him most.
Visuals include:
- Merlin in fancy teal, purple, and dark blue robes with silver filigree. (His main disguise makes him look like Colin Morgan in The Happy Prince. lol)
- The symbol of an encircled Crann Bethadh, interwoven on a six spoked wheel
- Shapeshifting plays into things near the end of the story; giant dark elk with glowing gold eyes, surrounded by other creatures of the forest, arriving to a battle in the nick of time (night time scene)
- Merlin in his disguise using subtle magics is also a fine option (with the blonde hair or not, up to you)
- Morgana in Essetir-inspired finery but under a veil; her hands bound in fine chains; she would look empty or defeated
- Original character design: a high priestess of Brocéliande - a woman with auburn hair, freckled pale skin, and hazel eyes. She would be wearing purple, teal, and dark blue as well
- Fisher King-related imagery is also not a bad idea; it's not something that directly shows up in the story, but it is definitely something to consider as it plays a huge role
- Lancelot trying to teach Merlin how to use a staff (or daggers), and failing or succeeding
- Merlin scrying; seeing a bloody battle between Arthur (Gwaine and Lancelot and Leon present) and an unfair number of Essetir soldiers, Morgana being forced to fight them (but is she?), and the Brocéliande delegation helping to defend Camelot's party
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Number 15: CLAIMED
Title: A flower that was in bud only yesterday has suddenly blossomed
Rating: Explicit
Current Word Count: 28k
Estimated Final Word Count: 28k
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: brief mention of a minor character’s off-page death
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I love me some traditional/digital art to accompany a fic, but I’m open to work with anyone on anything!
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): Some things from the fic that I thought might work well as art/that I’d be excited to see: shirtless (or naked if you fancy) Merlin with his tattoos, Merlin and Arthur wearing flower crowns, Aithusa visiting Arthur at the castle, Merlin showing Arthur his magic (making a dragon in the flames of a fire, or making a butterfly), and/or Merlin combing Arthur’s hair. I’m open to other ideas, whatever inspires you, and am very excited!
Summary for Artists: Canon-era AU. Uther banned magic in Camelot for a period of 25 years. Now that time is up, and Arthur, as the new king, must go live with the druids for a week and decide if he wants to renew the magic ban. During his visit, he stays with Merlin, the druid leader.
As he is deciding the fate of magic, Arthur gets to know the druids and their way of life, meets Kilgharrah and Aithusa, and grows closer with Merlin. Eventually, Merlin shows Arthur his magic, his nearly full-body tattoos (things like flowers, runes, suns, moons, feathers, etc), and his love of nature, especially flowers.
When Arthur returns to the castle to make his final decision, Aithusa follows him and spends a few nights cuddling in Arthur’s bed. Merlin comes to visit Arthur at the castle, and Arthur, along with not continuing the ban on magic, offers Merlin a position as Court Sorcerer.
***
Number 16: CLAIMED
Title: The Skies Were Never So Blue
Rating: Teen and Up
Current Word Count: 21,856
Estimated Final Word Count: ~35,000
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: Not a lot, but plenty of swearing. Rating is for language.
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): Looking for traditional art/graphic art, but won't say no to anything else,
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.):
I'd like the rating to be consistent with the rating of the fic, but beyond that I am not a super artistic person myself so I'm open to what those who are come up with. Would be interested in something similar to cowboy art, but definitely open to other ideas!
Summary for Artists: Arthur is worn out and in desperate need of a break from his job. Working under Uther is more stressful that he’s willing to admit. Morgana drags him out to a ranch in Wyoming for a much needed vacation, only for Arthur to immediately get off on the wrong foot with one of the very hot, very annoying ranch hands. Through a lot of shenanigans, runaway horses, and a trip to Yellowstone, Merlin and Arthur fall for each other. Then Uther turns Arthur’s vacation/romance back into a work trip by deciding he wants to buy the ranch and turn it into a fancy resort. One more thing for Arthur to overcome on his quest to win over Merlin. Modern day cowboy au set in Wyoming. Lots of stunning vistas and mountain scenes with fall foliage, geysers and everything else that comes with visiting Yellowstone (a pissed off bison, to be specific). Merlin/Arthur are the central focus, background Morgana/Gwen, along with ranch hand versions of Leon and Gwaine, among others. POV is third person limited, switching between Merlin and Arthur. Shenanigans, chaos as these two figure out their feelings, the Rocky Mountains in the fall. What more could you want?
***
Number 17: CLAIMED
Title:Clear All the Cobwebs
Rating: T
Current Word Count: 15,008
Estimated Final Word Count: 25k
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: Canon Typical Racism Against Sorcerers
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic: While my preference is always traditional art, I wouldn't mind getting any of this.
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): In the fic, Arthur and Merlin had windows in their bedrooms that face each other. I'd love some kind of artwork featuring that.
Summary for Artists: Modern AU. Merlin and Arthur were best friends and neighbors when they were kids. Their bedrooms face each other and they would 'talk' across the distance. Then, in the week before Arthur's 13th birthday, Arthur realized two things - 1, he was in love with Merlin and 2, Merlin was a sorcerer. With his father obsessed with capturing and riding the world of sorcerers, Arthur decides that the only way to truly protect Merlin is to stop being around him. Ten years later, Arthur is put in charge of Camelot University's centennial celebration. Merlin, along with leaders of other clubs and organizations, has to work with Arthur on the project. Arthur struggles with hiding his feelings for Merlin, which haven't changed despite avoiding Merlin, and hiding Merlin from his father after Uther gives him a magic detecting bracelet. Morgana, realizing there's more to Arthur's surly treatment of Merlin than he lets on, convinces Arthur that he can bridge the gap with Merlin without Uther finding out the truth. Arthur watches Merlin through his bedroom window as Merlin does mundane magic and decides to give it a try. They begin 'talking' like they did as kids, by putting signs up in their windows. But Arthur is still nervous about what will happen if his father finds out, especially when another magic user goes missing on the eve of the centennial. It becomes clear that Arthur must stop his father, with the help of his sorcerer friends, or his relationship with Merlin will have no future.
***
Number 18: CLAIMED
Title: Nobody moves, nobody gets hurt
Rating: NC-17
Current Word Count: 45k+
Estimated Final Word Count: 70-80k estimated
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: If a non-biological sibling romantic relationship is not your thing, don’t touch this.
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic: I’d love to receive traditional art and I guess it would work best with the visuals in this fic. I plan to offer my writing playlist as a fanmix (I will share with the artist for inspiration if they want) Some songs are already written into the rough draft.
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): no specifics
Notes: Unbetaed and unrefined.
Summary for Artists: Arthur’s life revolves around rugby, Saturday nights with his friends at the bowling alley, attempting to cater to Uther’s expectations and firmly staying in the closet.
Everything is turned upside down when Uther announces his marriage to a woman his children barely know. Enter Hunith and her son, Merlin, who is everything Arthur is not: unapologetically loud-mouthed, rebellious, cocksure and unabashedly queer. He’s also every bloke Arthur ever had a crush on rolled into one, despite wearing a hideous combination of Oxfam bargain bin and Pride parade and playing obnoxious new rave music in a band called “i am magic”.
His unfortunate attraction to Merlin isn’t the only thing Arthur has to deal with: His last year of sixth form college lies ahead and satisfying his father’s expectations of following in his footsteps as an attorney suddenly seem impossible to reconcile with Arthur’s dreams of becoming an architect.
Meanwhile Arthur and Merlin’s relationship runs through a quick succession from reluctant strangers to trading hostile insults to burgeoning friendship to somewhat fuck-buddies in the span of a couple of confusing weeks.
Life is all kinds of complicated and Arthur finally has no choice but to stand up for what he wants …
Notes for Artists regarding visuals:
Arthur finds joy in drawing architectural designs, both of real and imagined places. It plays a rather prominent role in the fic.
Merlin’s outfits are largely inspired by musicians like Patrick Wolf and Declan McKenna - think pansexual britboys with sometimes glittery make-up
***
Number 19: CLAIMED
Title: i found you amidst the waves
Rating: M
Current Word Count: 15008
Estimated Final Word Count: 25000
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Warnings: occasional violence
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic: i prefer traditional or graphic art
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): mostly i just want to see Merlin as a merman and also maybe possibly Arthur in a 1700s English captain's uniform?
Summary for Artists: 1700s Historical AU. Captain Arthur Pendragon has been at sea for months. His goal? To find merpeople and prove to the world once and for all that they exist. Enter Merlin-a merman who, against his better judgement, has been spending a lot of time close to the surface. He inevitably ends up getting captured by Arthur's crew. Over the course of the journey back to England, they learn more about each other's species and, to Merlin's dismay, become friends.
THIS IS NOT THE CLAIMING POST:
Claims will open in a separate post on Friday, June 5.
If you aren't available to make a claim yourself, claiming by proxy is also be allowed.
Due to the limited number of summaries, we will ask that artists who are already pre-matched please wait 24 hours after claims have gone up before claiming another summary. This will give artists who are not already matched with an author opportunity to still do so. Once the first 24 hours has passed, we will allow our pre-matched artists to claim another if they would like to do so!
Claims will be on a first come-first served basis. Please pick a 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th choice. You may claim one summary in the first round. If there are any unclaimed prompts after everyone has picked, then I will open up another round of claims.
Please Note: You are not required to make 4 choices in order to make a claim. If you'd rather take your chances with just one or two choices, that's up to you. If you'd like to see how you claim, check out our previous artist claiming posts here. A similar post will go up on Friday, 5 June.
Summaries:
Number 1: CLAIMED
Title: Love is Brewing at the Lazy Daisy: The Canon-Era Coffee Shop AU
(Titles are the hardest part. This is a working title and will definitely change before the fic is finished!)
Rating: Currently T, may go to E at the very end
Current Word Count: 15k
Estimated Final Word Count: 25-30k
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: No Archive Warning Applies
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I have no preference and love all the things. Merlin fandom artists are so amazingly talented!
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to end this with a T or E rating, but either way, I’d like to keep the art rated T
Summary for Artists: Canon era, but deviates from canon. Arthur POV. Overall, lighthearted. I wanted to write a coffeeshop AU but I love writing canon era.
Merlin was never Arthur’s servant. He shows up in Camelot when Arthur is king (so no Uther). Merlin’s been at sea seven years as a healer on a merchant ship after Hunith told him to get out of Ealdor to avoid gossip about his magic. The ship doesn’t play a huge role in the story so no sailing scenes. It’s in the background and its primary purpose is to explain where Merlin found coffee and how he met Morgana, who Morgana also who ended up on the ship to escape Uther.
Merlin opens a coffee shop, after discovering coffee back on his journeys. Arthur and Merlin get off to a rough start because Arthur was rude, but Arthur is smitten and tries to make things right. Much of the fic involves them growing closer through things like Arthur sneaking out of the castle with breakfast for Merlin, Arthur saving Merlin from a threatening customer, and Arthur giving Merlin a daisy. In the background Arthur is grappling with how to repeal the magic ban, which will be announced at the Midsummer festival, culminating in Arthur being attacked, bamf!Merlin saving him with magic, and lots of kisses and love confessions after. Gwen plays a large role in this fic as Arthur’s closest friend and trusted advisor (who is brilliant and awesome).
Possible visuals include:
Arthur climbing out a castle window to escape from petitioners
Arthur waiting in line and admiring Merlin’s smile while he does
Arthur in Merlin’s greenhouse, marveling at the coffee plants and blue butterflies while Merlin stands beside him
A sleep-deprived Arthur holding a wilted daisy out to a bewildered but amused Merlin
Merlin tucking an exhausted Arthur into his bed, kissing Arthur’s temple
Morgana arriving at the Midsummer festival decked out in sailor’s attire
Arthur kissing Merlin hard at a Midsummer festival after Merlin reveals his magic to save Arthur from an attacker
***
Number 2: CLAIMED
Title: War of Hearts
Rating: Either Teen Audiences and Up or Mature (unsure of rating at the moment)
Current Word Count: 67K
Estimated Final Word Count: Unsure, but under 100K - I have a clear ending path and know where I’m going in the fic.
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur - Morgana/Gwen - (minor) Balinor/Hunith
Warnings: Scenes with graphic depictions of violence and wounds (a specific section which focuses on the Witchfinder episode where Merlin is questioned instead of Gaius) Minor Character Deaths (OC Uther executes as a magic user etc.)
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): Would personally prefer traditional or digital art, eg. profiles, characters and drawn (whether that be traditionally or digitally) depictions of scenes in the fic. But I ultimately will be ecstatic with whatever I get 😊
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): Would prefer not to have podfic art or videos. Any ratings are fine and any scenes from the fic are fine too!
Summary for Artists: Season 2 rewrite/fix-it.
There were several long moments of tense silence as the gravity of the situation sunk in. Merlin had used magic, and Arthur had been awake. Arthur had seen.
When Arthur finds out Merlin has magic, at first he’s angry, then he feels betrayed, then torn-ultimately he doesn’t know what, exactly, to do with his manservant. Of course, he could never hurt Merlin, could he?
Set in the middle of season 2 just before The Nightmare Begins, Arthur learns about Merlins magic. This story shows several select episodes, as well as our own scenes following he canon narrative from the perspective of Arthur knowing about Merlin’s magic. Including, Merlin helping Morgana with her magic, Gwen, Arthur and Morgana trying to prove Merlin innocent to the Witchfinder, Arthur learning the truth about his birth and many more. When these two idiots realise their deeper feelings for each other, will they allow themselves to love, or try and resist temptation?
Imagery: The very first scene takes place in the middle of the forest, Arthur is angry and there’s a physical fight where Merlin refuses to fight back or use his magic. Other key scenes include Merlin being harmed and tortured in the dungeons by the Witchfinder, as well as including scenes in the rain on the castle grounds with Arthur pushing himself to train, and Merlin later helping him bathe (no NSFW.) Merlin and Arthur kissing, as well as Gwen and Morgana sharing intimate moments (Gwen helping Morgana dress in her chambers in candlelight) as well as flowers and flower-language is key to the story. The main vibe I want to get from the art is Merlin and Arthur’s internal struggle, their longing and yearning with their relationship-longing looks and almost kisses, the flowers in the story mean a lot to do with that. It’s a will-they-won’t-they story. Ultimately I don’t mind what an artist creates from the story so there is free reign!
I am not in any way suggesting an artist recreate ALL of these scenes, this is just to give an idea of the feel of the fic and what might be key to think about :)
***
Number 3: CLAIMED
Title: On Butterfly Wings
Rating: PG13
Current Word Count: 15,029
Estimated Final Word Count: 30k - 35k depending
Pairing(s) or Gen: Arthur/Merlin
Warnings: none apply that I can think of (maybe some minor violence, but canon normal violence or possibly not even that, depending)
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): While I prefer art (as in pictures drawn in anyway, I don't care how, the median) that is more of because what I am use to. If this really ends up speaking to you or whatever and and have something else in mind, I am not going to reject you for it.
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): Sorry, but I'm truly not sure what I am for this. Er, PG13, but that's the rating of my story so it's not like there are any sex scenes in it anyways. Maybe something featuring both Dragoon the Great and Merlin (which makes since after you read the summary), but other than that? I guess we'll see.
Summary for Artists: In this AU where Nimueh dies instead of Ygraine, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Both Merlin and Arthur grow up with both of their parents, magic is never banned and things seem generally happier (aka no assassination attempts every five minutes). That doesn't stop destiny though. The Once & Future King and Emrys are two sides of the same coin. They will always complete each other. To this end, they meet for the first time as the newly named Crown Prince and Court Sorcerer respectively. Together they will bring the Golden Age to Camelot (eventually). Too bad everyone assumes that Emrys is an old man, not a nineteen year old boy (the exceptions are the Druids and his parents, obviously). Who is going to take him seriously when he can't even grow a bread yet? Merlin can really hate to that aging spell. (Visually think Dragoon the Great, only, you know, fancier. He is Court Sorcerer after all.)
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Number 4: CLAIMED
Title: Merlin’s Magical Maladies
Rating: R (probably)
Current Word Count: 15,000
Estimated Final Word Count: 40,000? (Very, very tentative)
Pairings: Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lance, Gwaine/Percy, Gwaine/A Pulse
Warning: Magic and the use of magic as an analogy for religious persecution, some parallels could be drawn to sexuality discrimination. There is mention of a historical genocide of certain mages. There will also be a non-graphic, off screen attack on a Druid ceremony. There are political parties that are analogous to UKIP and the English Defense League as aggressors in this story.
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic: I would love some traditional art, but fully welcome anything.
Art Specifics: I probably want to avoid anything too NC-17 rated?
Summary for Artists: AU Modern Era, hospital drama style. Merlin is a doctor at one of the few mageological (spell damage/curses etc) departments in Camelot, along with Gwen (clinical governance officer), Lance (nurse) and Gwaine (paramedic). Merlin hosts an advice podcast dealing with questions about magic. Merlin gets a message from “Theo” asking for advice about his sister. Merlin and “Theo” start a flirtatious correspondence. When they meet Merlin finds out that “Theo” is really Prince Arthur. The royal family is not liked amongst Mages for their ties to a small but vocal political party who stand on a platform of discrimination, run by Agravaine as well as holding other anti-mage sentiments. Despite this, they decide to try this thing out. Happy Merthur ending will ensue, however there will be attacks on mages in this story. The focus is more on Merlin and the hospital than the romance.
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Number 5: CLAIMED
Title: Only a Dream of the Grass Blowing
Rating: Mature
Current Word Count: 15,622
Estimated Final Word Count: Possibly around 30,000
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: Major Character Death (though the character does come back), Violence, Reference to execution, Angst
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I have no preference! Anything would be fantastic!
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): I would love for the artist to focus on Arthur's dream meadow as a primary setting for their work, as most of the story revolves around this area. It would also be fascinating to see a portrayal of Merlin's arrest/execution, as this is the main theme that's causing conflict in Arthur's life. While these are my preferences, anything would honestly be amazing.
Summary for Artists: Canon Era. The story begins after Merlin's execution. He was caught using magic to save Arthur's life after another assassination attempt and, this time, he wasn't lucky enough to get away. Now, Arthur is trying to ignore the guilt he feels for letting Merlin die. It's hard, though, to ignore such feelings when Merlin starts appearing in his dreams. While Arthur tries to explain this away as guilt or a curse, it soon becomes clear that Merlin is real-- he cast a spell to let his soul and magic move into Arthur's head as soon as his physical body was killed. Merlin's plan is to protect Arthur from the inside; Arthur wants to ignore the entire situation. Meanwhile, druids are moving closer to Camelot after a young Mordred senses the death of Emrys. Uther sees this as a threat that must be wiped out. But, as Arthur begins to learn more about magic and Merlin's role in his life, he begins to wonder whether or not his father is as right in this situation as he's been led to believe. A lot of angst and a lot of focus on Merlin/Arthur overcoming their mutual feelings of hurt and betrayal. This fic also includes Morgana's realization of her own magic, Arthur learning about his destiny as the Once and Future King, and a few moments where Arthur is able to use Merlin's magic in order to save the day. Also, Merlin is dead for most of the fic but we do see a lot of him and he does come back. This fic does have a happy ending (at least, that's what I aimed for).
***
Number 6: CLAIMED
Title: A Marriage of True Minds
Rating: Explicit (NB: the majority of this fic is rated Teen/Mature, with the exception of one chapter which features a sex scene).
Current Word Count: My original rough draft is complete at 50,650 words. I am now working on the first round of edits, and should have the first 5 chapters of the revised version ready to share by the end of May.
Estimated Final Word Count: Around the same (50,000 words).
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur, background Morgana/Gwen, with general OT4 friendship vibes.
Warnings: Canon-level violence (some threats/sword fighting and resultant injuries, an execution, an attempted poisoning-you know, the usual), glancing encounters with bigotry (a couple of villains make some snide remarks, and it is occasionally hinted that m/m couples face discrimination, but this is not a focus of the fic).
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): Traditional art (including digital drawing/painting).
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): The general tone of this fic is light-hearted romantic comedy with occasional moments of angst (think Sweet Dreams, or Servant of Two Masters if it had taken place in season 1). It’s totally fine if you’re not comfortable drawing anything explicit, but ideally I’d love to have an artist who is happy to match that vibe, and/or someone who enjoys creating soft shippy art of the slow burn/mutual pining variety (think longing gazes, lingering touches, small gestures with big meanings-basically canon, Y/Y?).
Summary for Artists: Canon Era fake relationship AU. When Arthur asks for his help to thwart an unwanted betrothal, the last thing Merlin expects is to wind up playing the role of consort himself. In theory, it’s a ruse, designed to postpone Arthur’s upcoming nuptials until the two of them can prove that Lady Mathilde is up to no good, but it’s not long before Merlin finds himself wishing he were sharing Arthur’s bed for real. Too bad the prince is actually in love with Gwen (or so Merlin believes). Meanwhile, Arthur would do anything for Merlin, up to and including hide his magic from Uther, but he’s pretty sure Merlin and Gwen are a thing (why else would Merlin keep bringing her up at every opportunity?). Mutual pining ensues as the two of them try to keep their feelings under wraps while saving the kingdom and unmasking the bad guys-and remaining completely oblivious to the Gwen/Morgana romance going on behind the scenes.
Potential visuals include: an ill-fated autumn picnic; Merlin trying on Arthur’s crown; Arthur ‘helping’ with Merlin’s chores; Merthur tending to one another’s injuries; a midnight rendezvous amidst the snowy ruins; Merlin falling asleep on Arthur’s shoulder after showing off his magic; Gwen discovering Morgana’s secret; Merlin and Morgana practicing spells together; Merlin and Arthur’s handfasting ceremony.
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Number 7: CLAIMED
Title:I Will Live or Die (You Choose)
Rating:NC-17
Current Word Count:~29k
Estimated Final Word Count:~50k
Pairing(s) or Gen:Merlin/Arthur
Warnings:Violence, Minor Character Death
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!):I like most kinds of art, but my preferences would be traditional art/digital painting & drawing. I also like manips and collages.
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): No preferred ratings. There's an antique bookstore. A snake tattoo comes to life.
Summary for Artists: Modern Magic AU. Soulmates. Some people might call it a meet cute, but Arthur would think those people would need to have their heads examined. Arthur meets Merlin while he's in jail for killing his mother. Things take a turn for the even more complicated when they find out they might be soulmates. Now, Arthur has to see if he can clear Merlin's name while Merlin tries to survive his time in prison. Arthur also has to contend with his magic-hating father Uther who has made it his mission to see all sorcerers banished from Camelot. Merlin/Arthur romance. The story is told from both Merlin and Arthur's POV. Also features Morgana, Agravaine, Cenred, Aeredian, Gwaine, Gaius, and Edwin.
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Number 8: CLAIMED
Title: WT: The Problem With Good Intentions
Rating: T (to be safe)
Current Word Count: Just slightly over 15k
Estimated Final Word Count: Probably looking at right around 25k.
Pairing(s) or Gen: Gen, slight implied Arthur/Gwen, but not a big focus.
Warnings: Some blood, lots of miscommunication and assumptions
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I'd prefer Traditional Art, because I feel like that is the medium that would best fit, but if anyone is feeling really inspired with a different medium, then I'll gladly accept any. (;
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.):
No specific requests really. Some visuals that you may be interested in include (but aren't at all limited to): Merlin crying with a bleeding Gwaine in his lap, Arthur seeing Merlin's eyes glow as he heals him, Morgana enchanting a book, Merlin being forced to wear a gown-like robe with a jeweled amulet and overly bejeweled belt, Merlin fainting with illness (in the same robe) at a banquet with Gwen and Arthur worried over him, Arthur helping Merlin walk and later carrying him in same robe, Arthur setting free a fury (lady creature with wings and fangs) right as Merlin arrives to stop him, Arthur trying (and failing to use magic), Merlin doing magic in front of the knights for the first time. I know that list is long and not all inclusive, but those are just some scenes that I find interesting visually. You'd obviously be welcome to pick any scene, but these are just some I thought way cause inspiration. (;
Summary for Artists: Canon Era, earlyish season 4 (post Uther's death and with Arthur as King). After being ambushed by bandits on a hunting trip, Arthur catches Merlin using magic to save a severely wounded Gwaine. Arthur concludes that Merlin must have just started using magic recently since magic turns people evil and saving someone isn't evil. Assuming that Merlin had learned it in order to be able to better protect him, Arthur then goes behind Merlin's back to try to find something that will "save" or "cure" him from the taint of magic, including a magic suppressing amulet that makes Merlin super deathly ill and eventually releasing a fury set on vengeance against the Pendragons and Camelot. As they hurry back to the kingdom, Arthur realises that basically everything he thought he knew about Merlin and magic is wrong and that the only way to save his kingdom is to actively assist Merlin in performing a spell.
***
Number 9: CLAIMED
Title: Crave the Brush of Spring
Rating: M
Current Word Count: 112,582
Estimated Final Word Count: ~115k
Pairing(s) or Gen: Gwen/Morgana, Ygraine/Nimueh, Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: Sexual Content, Canon-Typical Violence, Secondary Character Death
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I have no preference and would absolutely love anything!
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): The fic is very image-heavy, with a lot of canon-era scenery and character description, so hopefully there's something that'll catch your eye. Some central visual motifs involve conjuring fire, confrontations at swordpoint, the forest as a place of refuge and a memorial, coronations, and seasonal change from summer to fall and winter to spring. I would prefer art that isn't too NSFW, but my only specific request is for the art to focus on Gwen, because the fic is focused on her character and perspective.
Summary for Artists: When Arthur is crowned after Uther's death, he inherits a kingdom in turmoil. Gwen stands at his side in court even as their romantic relationship crumbles and she begins to realize her feelings for Morgana, who is now besieging Camelot in the name of justice. This fic diverges entirely from canon at 4x09, when Gwen realizes that it is Morgana possessing Lancelot's body upon his return. In the confrontation that follows, Morgana tells Gwen that she has magic. Most of the fic follows the growth of their relationship in a shared dream setting, Gwen's development of her own magic, Morgana's gradual redemption, and the slow resolution of the war as Arthur is confronted with the full horror of what Camelot has done to sorcerers. The central romance of the story is Morgana/Gwen, with Nimueh/Ygraine flashbacks through diary entries and some Merlin/Arthur, but a lot of the piece is focused on the friendships between Gwen, Merlin, and Arthur as they evolve.
***
Number 10 CLAIMED
Title: The Prince and The Servant
Rating: Gen/Teen and up
Current Word Count: 15k
Estimated Final Word Count: 25k -30k
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur, Morgana/Gwen
Warnings: Canon-typical classism, canon-typical violence (one fight scene)
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I pictured it with traditional art, but I am pretty open to any type of art as long as it fits the general fairytale style/feel of the story. Something bright, colorful and with a lot of emotion would fit best but I believe that can be achieved in any media!
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): As long as it does what I described before, anything works!
Summary for Artists: Once a year, King Uther Pendragon organizes a great feast to maintain good spirits between the lower classes known as the Commoner's Banquet. Merlin, a poor village boy always dreamed of going, and this year he'd finally have the chance. There he meets Prince Arthur and it's love at first sight. After a night of dancing and laughing, they wake up and realize something is terribly wrong. Due to a magical mishap, they've switched places, leaving them in a world completely unlike their own. They have one month before they can meet again, but until then, they'll have to learn how to live each other's lives. But with Merlin's impulsiveness and disregard for rank and Arthur's cluelessness about any type of farm labour, out might prove harder than they thought.
Includes: Arthur causing a lot of problems for people in Ealdor (like destroying crops or making holes in people's holes for not being careful while cutting down a tree), him and Hunith having a very cute mother-son relationship, Will being a good friend, a fight against Kanen, Merlin causing problems with nobility by not caring about calling them out, a lady that really wants to marry him even though he's clearly not interested, Morgana having too much fun with the whole situation, Gwen and Leon being the only two functioning humans in Camelot and a Cinderella-style ball that ends in a magical disaster.
Canon Era, endgame Merthur with Morgwen as a side-pairing, very loosely based on The Prince and The Pauper by Mark Twain, very fairytale-like.
***
Number 11 CLAIMED
Title: Beneath his feet
Rating: NC-17
Current Word Count: 102500
Estimated Final Word Count: 102500 (it's at the beta now)
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur, Lancelot/Gwen
Warnings: typical Merlin violence, sexual situations, suicidal thoughts, explicit, magic sex
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): would like traditional or graphic art
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): nothing too explicit (they can be naked but not showing the naughty bits, please)
Summary for Artists: Merlin has been protecting Camelot for centuries in the only way he knows how, by keeping everyone out. But will an archaeologist who looks and sounds and acts like Arthur break down those barriers and get Merlin to live again?
Modern AU - Merlin hasn't interacted with the Druids or anyone with magic in years. He collects magical artifacts, though, thinking that Arthur would need them if he ever came back, and hoards them beneath the ruined castle. Never mind that the Druids and magical folk object strenuously to it - because Merlin has been ignoring the fact that the objects are like magical catalysts, encouraging people with potential to come into their power. And now magic is dying.
And Arthur, of course, the archaeologist, knows nothing of that. He thinks that anyone who believes in magic is ridiculous. He's only there to fulfill a life-long dream of discovering Camelot and spending years digging it up, one trowel-full at a time.
But when the Druids take the objects back, magic starts to flourish again. And Arthur discovers who he really is.
Long, slow burn. Happy ending.
Visuals: ruined Camelot, Excalibur floating above Arthur's hand as both the sword and the stones at Stonehenge glow with power, magic fight between Merlin and Druids, a museum of artifacts below the castle in Sigan's tomb, Arthur in archaeologist gear, young Merlin in his manor-house garden, old Merlin scowling at Arthur at the door, magical butterflies or dandelion fluff above them as they have sex, Merlin's hands tied with red silk ropes as they have sex, a fireplace filled with fire-bright magical beasts like unicorns and mermaids or knights chasing dragons.
***
Number 12: CLAIMED
Title: Figurehead Queen
Rating: Mature
Current Word Count: 43,487
Estimated Final Word Count: 46,500
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: Explicit sex, Character injury of both Merlin and Arthur. Merlin's is more severe. (No one actually dies though)
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): Honestly, I'd absolutely adore whatever was made.
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): Any rating is fine and any type of art is fine, that includes the type. (whether it's pencil, charcoal, chibi, digital collage, gifsets, painting, your favourite music if it's a fanmix etc. It's all good.)
Summary for Artists: Canon era. Alternate season 5. At Yuletide a group of druids come to warn Arthur that if he does not remarry by Beltane he will die. Arthur struggles to find a new wife, despite many many (mostly disastrous) dates. The council try to gain influence wherever they can. There are lots of political schemes- Not all the ladies Arthur is courting are as innocent as they look and Arthur is shocked at the amount of betrayal and plotting that goes on within his own council. Two assasination attempts are made, one of them is on Arthur. Merlin suggests a marriage of convinience, with him as the spouse, so that Arthur can continue as before with little change [Queue the pining.] Some angst but a happy ending. There are quite a few original characters. Endgame Merlin/Arthur. .
Visuals include: Skating on a frozen lake. So. many. banquets. A wedding with lots of (for the time) exotic things like kaftans and different foods. Snow, snow ball fight. Battle imagery with BAMF magic Merlin, really soft moments with flower crowns and magic displays, one death by pyre and one magical/druid coronation
***
Number 13: CLAIMED
Title: Rosemary for Remembrance
Rating: Teen and up
Current Word Count: 15,000
Estimated Final Word Count: 35-40,000
Pairing(s) or Gen: Gen
Warnings: Graphic-ish depictions of violence, mentions of suicidal thought, character death
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I'd be happy with anything, but I generally lean towards traditional or digital art
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): There isn't really something I wouldn't want to receive as long as it's gen or teen/up :)
Summary for Artists: AU after Diamond of the Day. Could be considered a Merlin Season 6. After the Battle of Camlann and Arthur's death, Morgana escapes with her life while Merlin returns to a changed Camelot. Working alongside Gwen, the ban on magic is officially lifted and Merlin is made court sorcerer. However, not everyone is happy. Merlin is haunted by his failure to kill Morgana. After the citizens of Camelot turn on Merlin and refuse to accept his magic, he decides it's time to stop Morgana once and for all. Along the way, however, Merlin realizes there may be more to Morgana than there seems. Captured by witch hunters, they are forced to rely on each other for survival, and only together can they unlock the secrets of Arthur's death, and better yet, how to bring him back.
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Number 14: CLAIMED
Title: The Crownless King
Rating: T or M (depending on how certain parts go; patently not smutty)
Current Word Count: 15k+ (dialogue only sections are not included, for the sake of coherency)
Estimated Final Word Count: 100 - 150k or less, as a guess.
Pairing(s) or Gen: ...Yes. (Both.)
Warnings: Canon-era Typical Violence, Slavery, Suggestions of Abuse, Suggestions of Torture
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I'm genuinely open to any kind of art. I've had felt and embroidery work done for my works before, if that tells you how broad I am with my tastes haha. Anything that captures the feel of the story best, I am on board with. That's what matters most to me. :3
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): Definitely look at the 'Visual' section below under the Summary for ideas I'm excited to see represented. I otherwise have no preference on ratings of the image, nor things I wouldn't want to see. Only ideas for what I DO want. :)
Summary for Artists: (This is an AU from Season 4 onwards because I want Lancelot to live and Morgana redeemed, damn the harpoons)
A delegation from Brocéliande travels to Camelot; they're sort of like a cousin culture of the druids. They're visiting even with risk of execution, to let Arthur know that the Perilous Lands are currently going a bit nutty without a proper hand to guide it and that they expect him to deal with it, since he inherited them.
Which he didn't, he distinctly remembers not inheriting anything of the sort. Which more or less reveals that Merlin handled that nonsense and is technically a bit of a king (and he doesn't want to be, no thank you). Abruptly after this news is uncovered, Essetir gets more or less taken by King Lot and Arthur has to travel there to make new treaties. In doing so, he ropes Merlin into practicing at the whole Ruling thing by pretending to be with Brocéliande's entourage as a starting point, leading him to go with him to Essetir in disguise as a minor lord - which would allow him to learn about not only courtly responsibilities but also how this new magical tether to the Perilous Lands actually functions.
Morgana loses Morgause before they can open the veil; she is torn by the need for vengeance and her own sorrow and is waylaid by Sarrum of Amata (who partners with Lot in keeping 'control' over magic users in their conjoined territories), and is taken to Essetir to try and keep under lock and key (she ends up being the secret weapon that was used to move Lot into power).
Things escalate for the worse when Lot starts to show his true hand (commit murder, get Camelot, ???, profit), and Essetir's culture with magic begins to show itself as somewhat poisoned (slavery). And all the while, Merlin begins to understand what his new responsibility means for him - and his magic. But not before the Perilous Lands demands his presence by force and steals him away from Arthur's side right when he needs him most.
Visuals include:
- Merlin in fancy teal, purple, and dark blue robes with silver filigree. (His main disguise makes him look like Colin Morgan in The Happy Prince. lol)
- The symbol of an encircled Crann Bethadh, interwoven on a six spoked wheel
- Shapeshifting plays into things near the end of the story; giant dark elk with glowing gold eyes, surrounded by other creatures of the forest, arriving to a battle in the nick of time (night time scene)
- Merlin in his disguise using subtle magics is also a fine option (with the blonde hair or not, up to you)
- Morgana in Essetir-inspired finery but under a veil; her hands bound in fine chains; she would look empty or defeated
- Original character design: a high priestess of Brocéliande - a woman with auburn hair, freckled pale skin, and hazel eyes. She would be wearing purple, teal, and dark blue as well
- Fisher King-related imagery is also not a bad idea; it's not something that directly shows up in the story, but it is definitely something to consider as it plays a huge role
- Lancelot trying to teach Merlin how to use a staff (or daggers), and failing or succeeding
- Merlin scrying; seeing a bloody battle between Arthur (Gwaine and Lancelot and Leon present) and an unfair number of Essetir soldiers, Morgana being forced to fight them (but is she?), and the Brocéliande delegation helping to defend Camelot's party
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Number 15: CLAIMED
Title: A flower that was in bud only yesterday has suddenly blossomed
Rating: Explicit
Current Word Count: 28k
Estimated Final Word Count: 28k
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: brief mention of a minor character’s off-page death
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): I love me some traditional/digital art to accompany a fic, but I’m open to work with anyone on anything!
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): Some things from the fic that I thought might work well as art/that I’d be excited to see: shirtless (or naked if you fancy) Merlin with his tattoos, Merlin and Arthur wearing flower crowns, Aithusa visiting Arthur at the castle, Merlin showing Arthur his magic (making a dragon in the flames of a fire, or making a butterfly), and/or Merlin combing Arthur’s hair. I’m open to other ideas, whatever inspires you, and am very excited!
Summary for Artists: Canon-era AU. Uther banned magic in Camelot for a period of 25 years. Now that time is up, and Arthur, as the new king, must go live with the druids for a week and decide if he wants to renew the magic ban. During his visit, he stays with Merlin, the druid leader.
As he is deciding the fate of magic, Arthur gets to know the druids and their way of life, meets Kilgharrah and Aithusa, and grows closer with Merlin. Eventually, Merlin shows Arthur his magic, his nearly full-body tattoos (things like flowers, runes, suns, moons, feathers, etc), and his love of nature, especially flowers.
When Arthur returns to the castle to make his final decision, Aithusa follows him and spends a few nights cuddling in Arthur’s bed. Merlin comes to visit Arthur at the castle, and Arthur, along with not continuing the ban on magic, offers Merlin a position as Court Sorcerer.
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Number 16: CLAIMED
Title: The Skies Were Never So Blue
Rating: Teen and Up
Current Word Count: 21,856
Estimated Final Word Count: ~35,000
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: Not a lot, but plenty of swearing. Rating is for language.
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic (Please specify which of these medium/media of art that you wish to receive. If you have no preference and love everything, say so here!): Looking for traditional art/graphic art, but won't say no to anything else,
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.):
I'd like the rating to be consistent with the rating of the fic, but beyond that I am not a super artistic person myself so I'm open to what those who are come up with. Would be interested in something similar to cowboy art, but definitely open to other ideas!
Summary for Artists: Arthur is worn out and in desperate need of a break from his job. Working under Uther is more stressful that he’s willing to admit. Morgana drags him out to a ranch in Wyoming for a much needed vacation, only for Arthur to immediately get off on the wrong foot with one of the very hot, very annoying ranch hands. Through a lot of shenanigans, runaway horses, and a trip to Yellowstone, Merlin and Arthur fall for each other. Then Uther turns Arthur’s vacation/romance back into a work trip by deciding he wants to buy the ranch and turn it into a fancy resort. One more thing for Arthur to overcome on his quest to win over Merlin. Modern day cowboy au set in Wyoming. Lots of stunning vistas and mountain scenes with fall foliage, geysers and everything else that comes with visiting Yellowstone (a pissed off bison, to be specific). Merlin/Arthur are the central focus, background Morgana/Gwen, along with ranch hand versions of Leon and Gwaine, among others. POV is third person limited, switching between Merlin and Arthur. Shenanigans, chaos as these two figure out their feelings, the Rocky Mountains in the fall. What more could you want?
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Number 17: CLAIMED
Title:Clear All the Cobwebs
Rating: T
Current Word Count: 15,008
Estimated Final Word Count: 25k
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: Canon Typical Racism Against Sorcerers
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic: While my preference is always traditional art, I wouldn't mind getting any of this.
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): In the fic, Arthur and Merlin had windows in their bedrooms that face each other. I'd love some kind of artwork featuring that.
Summary for Artists: Modern AU. Merlin and Arthur were best friends and neighbors when they were kids. Their bedrooms face each other and they would 'talk' across the distance. Then, in the week before Arthur's 13th birthday, Arthur realized two things - 1, he was in love with Merlin and 2, Merlin was a sorcerer. With his father obsessed with capturing and riding the world of sorcerers, Arthur decides that the only way to truly protect Merlin is to stop being around him. Ten years later, Arthur is put in charge of Camelot University's centennial celebration. Merlin, along with leaders of other clubs and organizations, has to work with Arthur on the project. Arthur struggles with hiding his feelings for Merlin, which haven't changed despite avoiding Merlin, and hiding Merlin from his father after Uther gives him a magic detecting bracelet. Morgana, realizing there's more to Arthur's surly treatment of Merlin than he lets on, convinces Arthur that he can bridge the gap with Merlin without Uther finding out the truth. Arthur watches Merlin through his bedroom window as Merlin does mundane magic and decides to give it a try. They begin 'talking' like they did as kids, by putting signs up in their windows. But Arthur is still nervous about what will happen if his father finds out, especially when another magic user goes missing on the eve of the centennial. It becomes clear that Arthur must stop his father, with the help of his sorcerer friends, or his relationship with Merlin will have no future.
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Number 18: CLAIMED
Title: Nobody moves, nobody gets hurt
Rating: NC-17
Current Word Count: 45k+
Estimated Final Word Count: 70-80k estimated
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur
Warnings: If a non-biological sibling romantic relationship is not your thing, don’t touch this.
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic: I’d love to receive traditional art and I guess it would work best with the visuals in this fic. I plan to offer my writing playlist as a fanmix (I will share with the artist for inspiration if they want) Some songs are already written into the rough draft.
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): no specifics
Notes: Unbetaed and unrefined.
Summary for Artists: Arthur’s life revolves around rugby, Saturday nights with his friends at the bowling alley, attempting to cater to Uther’s expectations and firmly staying in the closet.
Everything is turned upside down when Uther announces his marriage to a woman his children barely know. Enter Hunith and her son, Merlin, who is everything Arthur is not: unapologetically loud-mouthed, rebellious, cocksure and unabashedly queer. He’s also every bloke Arthur ever had a crush on rolled into one, despite wearing a hideous combination of Oxfam bargain bin and Pride parade and playing obnoxious new rave music in a band called “i am magic”.
His unfortunate attraction to Merlin isn’t the only thing Arthur has to deal with: His last year of sixth form college lies ahead and satisfying his father’s expectations of following in his footsteps as an attorney suddenly seem impossible to reconcile with Arthur’s dreams of becoming an architect.
Meanwhile Arthur and Merlin’s relationship runs through a quick succession from reluctant strangers to trading hostile insults to burgeoning friendship to somewhat fuck-buddies in the span of a couple of confusing weeks.
Life is all kinds of complicated and Arthur finally has no choice but to stand up for what he wants …
Notes for Artists regarding visuals:
Arthur finds joy in drawing architectural designs, both of real and imagined places. It plays a rather prominent role in the fic.
Merlin’s outfits are largely inspired by musicians like Patrick Wolf and Declan McKenna - think pansexual britboys with sometimes glittery make-up
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Number 19: CLAIMED
Title: i found you amidst the waves
Rating: M
Current Word Count: 15008
Estimated Final Word Count: 25000
Pairing(s) or Gen: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Warnings: occasional violence
Traditional Art/Graphic Art/Video/Fanmix/Podfic: i prefer traditional or graphic art
Art specifics (List any specifics of the art that you want or don't want to receive, including the preferred ratings.): mostly i just want to see Merlin as a merman and also maybe possibly Arthur in a 1700s English captain's uniform?
Summary for Artists: 1700s Historical AU. Captain Arthur Pendragon has been at sea for months. His goal? To find merpeople and prove to the world once and for all that they exist. Enter Merlin-a merman who, against his better judgement, has been spending a lot of time close to the surface. He inevitably ends up getting captured by Arthur's crew. Over the course of the journey back to England, they learn more about each other's species and, to Merlin's dismay, become friends.