hold the overgrown baby
I feel like i stretch a lil too much the ideas for my comics, but I have fun like that
almost no dialogue cuz it hurts my hand to write
What other ideas did you also have for the Hollow Knight Modern AU?
I have… a lot. (For context: I originally posted about my Hollow Knight Modern AU here). I tried to type some things out and then tumblr erased it, so instead you get my unorganized ramblings that I have on my notes app. (Under the cut so not everyone has to read them). Essentially, Pale Royal (the Pale King) is the mayor of the oddball town of Hallownest and the somewhat negligent father of five chaotic children.
Character names:
Pale Royal (= The Pale King)
Blanca Royal (White Lady)
Hollis Royal (The Hollow Knight/Pure Vessel)
Kinsey Royal (Broken Vessel/Lost Kin)
Hornet Weaver (Hornet- her mom insisted she should have the Weaver name)
Herrah Weaver (Herrah the Beast)
Greene Royal (Greenpath vessel)
Knight "Ghost" Royal (The Knight/Ghost/player character)
Grimm Nightmare Sr. (Troupe Master/Nightmare King Grimm)
Grimm Nightmare Jr. (Grimmchild)
Dr. Sophia Monomon (Monomon the Teacher, I chose the name Sophia because it means wisdom or knowledge)
Quirrel Monomon (Quirrel, Monomon's adopted son)
Morningstar Claw (Mantis Lord)
Lance Claw (Mantis Lord)
Arrow Claw (Mantis Lord)
Mace Claw (Traitor Lord)
Bretta Scriber (Bretta)
Tiso Shieldsmith (Tiso)
Sybil Erebis (Seer)
Pale and Blanca have an open relationship - Blanca and Herrah get along fine and Pale having a child with Herrah wasn’t a problem for Blanca. Blanca is also bisexual and in a relationship with Dryya, the Hallownest Chief of Police.
Tween Hornet: What are you talking about I have no interest in girly things I like ninjas and swords! *hides princess book under the bed*
Ghost: second grade Force of Chaos
Grimmchild/Grimm Jr.: Second grade arsonist and Ghost's best friend/accomplice
Pale King and White Lady: parenting is easy! Just let the kids figure it out for themselves!
Teenage/Young adult Hollow Knight: the only responsible person in the household. Is slowly going insane taking care of four younger siblings.
Troupe Master Grimm/Grimm Sr.: Similar parenting philosophy to PK and WL. Is *fabulous* Actively encourages his son to be a ball of chaos.
Herrah: Like a crazy cat lady but with spiders. Her home is not a place for the faint of heart.
Teenage Mantis Lords: Sisters Morningstar, Lance, and Arrow. Leaders of the student-run Fencing Club which is really just a veneer for a bunch of kids who want to be TOUGH WARRIORS! Members include Hornet and Cloth.
Traitor Lord: Mantis sisters’ older brother Mace. A deadbeat high school dropout who makes a living as a drug dealer. The family doesn't talk about him.
Lance: "Yes I'm a girl and anyone else who'd like to comment gets STABBED!"
People know better than to mess with these kids.
When Grimm gets a call from the school: "Oh? My son set a fire in the boys' bathroom, you say? Did he tell you why? Because toilet paper is very flammable, he said? Oh well, kids will be kids, it sounds very much like something I would have done at his age... Suspended? Surely that's a little harsh? With all due respect, I think this behavior is teaching him important life skills! Surely that should be more acceptable in a school?"
I'm imagining Grimm Jr. asking Ghost to run away and join the circus with him 😆😆😆
"You'd be a great act, Ghost! I'm sure my dad wouldn't mind having another kid! You could be an acrobat or a clown or a mime... (at this point Ghost gives him a look).... okay, maybe not a mime."
The town of Hallownest is technically their "hometown," but the Nightmares travel. Grimm Sr. just drops his kid off at the local public school whenever he's too busy to take care of him, never mind whether or not he's actually enrolled. Cue a lot of teachers trying to figure out where the hell this kid came from. How much the kid is actually learning, missing school so often and being dropped in random classes is... questionable, but everything is fine! The Hallownest school system has already given up. Grimm Jr. really only goes to school because Dad is too busy to deal with him full time 😆
He's doing his best to just push his kid off on a stranger like in-game 😆
Ghost also often begs for Grimm to come sleep over, which of course causes more chaos than usual in the Royal household. Poor Hollis, trying to maintain some semblance of order.
Bretta is already writing fanfic. Ghost once saves her from a bully by dropping onto him from a tree, at which point Bretta decides she’s in love. Then Bretta mentions this to Greene. Bretta: “Oh, is he your brother? He’s so hot! 😍😍” Greene: “… sibling. And they’re seven.” Bretta: “Oh… so that’s why he’s… they’re… so short….” *is mortified*
Bretta later develops a crush on Hollis and writes fan fiction about them.
Grimm just drops off his kid at the Royal house with no notice and no indication of how long he'll be gone 😆
The whole Royal family is autistic in some fashion, because look at them. Pale is an inventor in his spare time and is always thinking about how to optimize infrastructure in the town of Hallownest. He also works late and forgets to eat or sleep when he's hyperfocused. Blanca (White Lady) spends more time with her garden and her large variety of houseplants than with her children, and everything has to be clean and Just So or she'll make a fuss. She always adjusts her children's and stepdaughter's clothing before they leave the house, much to Ghost's and Hornet's chagrin.
Hollis couldn't break a rule to save their life and comes off as stiff and robotic when trying to interact with people. Their parents are proud of the former and entirely oblivious to the latter.
Kinsey is sensory-sensitive and awkward. Loud noises, bright lights, and busy rooms drive them crazy. This does not stop them from being kind of an extrovert or from getting into trouble with Hornet.
Hornet, for her part, has some sensory issues with clothing (and hates the fancy things her stepmother tries to shove her into with a passion) and speaks in a very blunt but also overly archaic/wordy manner (if you've seen her dialogue in game you'll know what I'm talking about). She has little interest in socializing with people unless a) they're her mom or siblings, b) she's causing trouble, and/ or c) it's something violence-related.
Greene takes after their mom with their love of plants. They also love animals and are better with animals than people. They're super shy and awkward lol
Ghost is well, Ghost. They often struggle to speak/experience speech loss and have a raging case of ADHD in addition to the autism, making them constantly chasing after new and interesting things, unwilling and unable to pay attention unless they're interested, and entirely oblivious to social norms. In other words, they're hell to deal with 😆
Quirrel is Miss Monomon's adopted son and a giant nerd. He's 14 and a sophomore in high school because he skipped a grade as a kid. He has an I ❤️ isopods (group including pill bugs) pin on his backpack and is really into "bugs" and other invertebrates.
Hollis, nicknamed "Holly" by their siblings, is Very Tall (like 6 foot 5 or something), rather gangly and skinny, and AMAB (in part to make their height more plausible lol). At first they look kinda intimidating but they wouldn't hurt a fly, and are just about the quietest, shyest person ever, with one exception: if you hurt their siblings, you incur their wrath. Other than that they will take anything that's thrown at them - bullying, name-calling, way too many home responsibilities for a teenager, etc. - with a stoic front. They have just about no self-esteem and have a bad case of "awkward tall person syndrome," always hunching over and trying not to stand out despite the fact that they are literally head and shoulders above their classmates. Like all their siblings they have white hair (which they keep long), pale skin and very dark eyes.
Blanca (the White Lady) is an albino, thus the white skin, white hair, and very light blue eyes. She's also something of a Karen and acts like being an albino makes her an oppressed minority or something.
She also never leaves the house without makeup.
Tiso Shieldsmith is Hollis's classmate and maybe-friend who moved to Hallownest last year. He's kind of an idiot teenage boy and he calls Hollis "Stick Bug" thanks to their stick-bug-esque physique. He's, obviously, in the martial arts and fencing club, and he's kind of trying to be a tough jock but not always succeeding. I love the way he interacts with Hollis:
"Yo, Stick Bug, my man! I mean, my non-binary guy... I mean, uh...whatever. How are you doing, pal?"
*Hollis stares at him in an expressionless way as Tiso rambles.*
Hollis always refers to their parents as Mother and Father instead of just saying "Mom" or "Dad." It's out of respect mainly, and also because Blanca tends to like everything fancy. The outfit I drew Hollis in is what they normally wear to school, at their mother's request XD
Radiance is a local celebrity with a cult-like fan base. Miss Sybil (Seer) is the school's history teacher and the students are shocked when they discover she's an intense Radiance fan. “Radiance” is a stage name and she's Grimm's cousin (a relationship neither of them particularly care to mention most of the time). Pale hates her for reasons unknown, to the point where Pale has tried to pass all kinds of town restrictions on shows and circuses specifically because of Grimm and Radiance. Grimm either ignores the anti-circus ordinances or finds loopholes, and protesters stormed the town hall at the restrictions affecting the Radiance, enough that Pale had to undo them.
Grimm has some level of ability to break the law in Hallownest in part because the police in Hallownest don't want to deal with him either (lol) and in part because Blanca has used her influence and her relationship with the Chief of Police, Dryya, to discourage the Hallownest Police Department from prosecuting him. “Oh, Mr. Nightmare can’t be in jail, his son is my youngest’s best friend, and the poor man is a single father. I can’t imagine what that would do to poor Grimm Junior. Not to mention I’ve heard that Radiance is actually a relative of his… do you want her fans storming the police department?” (This is, of course, behind her husband’s back.)
Grimm is also very good at finding loopholes, twisting people's words, and generally being a pain in the arse to anyone who has issues with him.
Herrah has dark skin and a fat but very muscular figure. Usually around Hornet and the Royal kids she's all motherly and sweet, but when dealing with people she doesn't like she's intimidating AF.
Obviously the Royal family is white af because... a) they're entitled jerks, at least to a degree and b) look at them.
Hornet has brown/light brown skin but still has the white-blond hair and almost-black irises that run in Dad's side of the family. She gets strangers trying not to stare occasionally, but at least she isn't so pale she could be mistaken for a corpse XD
In fact I imagine that several of the characters often get strangers trying not to stare- Hollis and Grimm Jr. come to mind.
Grimm has dressed his son in red and black since he was a baby; it’s not every day you see an 8-year old dressed in a fancy black and red suit with a cape and makeup that looks like a cross between "vampire," "emo," and "circus."
Tiso: Yo, Stick Bug! What's with the dress? You look like you're going to prom or something!
[Hollis is wearing a white frilly dress that's too long to be anything other than one their mom ordered specially made, along with a fancy necklace and earrings]
Hollis: Mother has tea with her gardeners' club this afternoon and would like to show me off to all her gardening friends (said in a completely calm tone, even with a slight smile)
Tiso: "Show you off?!?” You say it like you're her favorite doll instead of her kid! Are you expected to do anything at her event? That sure doesn't look like gardening clothes. Your mom is definitely being weird, you sure you're okay with this?
Hollis: Of course. It means Mother is proud of me.
Hollis has issues.
They're shy and desperate for approval and their parents are (somewhat unintentionally) walking all over them. They need love and support that's not tying their value to being "perfect." Luckily, their siblings don't want Perfect Obedient Hollis, they want the real, happy them.
This describes the Hollow Knight.
it's always so fascinating and heartbreaking when a character in a story is simultaneously idolized and abused. a chosen prophet destined for martyrdom. a child prodigy forced to grow up too fast. a powerful warrior raised as nothing but a weapon. there's just something so uniquely messed up about singing someone's praises whilst destroying them.
Training against Pure Vessel in Godhome and the buggo has figured out a way to consistently defeat me.
Sit on me.
As in Slam-Dunk on top of me. Or jump across the area so far that PV gets me after I dash away.
Just as bad as Hornet choosing to run or walk into me. Thanks PV.
Imagine THIS playing out in game:
Random idea: IF the Dreamers are still alive in the real world, then you should SEE them in Godhome. AND get bonuses for keeping them alive.
Team Cherry could totally pull this off as it's still the Dream Realm AND the Godseekers are calling just about everyone there.
Now, I am not saying that we should get Dreamer Boss fights (though that would be cool even if impossible to pull off if you know the original concept of the Dreamers), but what about finding a secret room and BOOM! The Dreamers are there.
Now, finding the Dreamers would be cool and all, as you get extra dialogue with all three and get to see everyone's character (especially you Lurien). But what if they would give you boosts and insights into the Boss Fights you are about to do?
What if Lurien could analyze the Boss fight weaknesses, specifically the glitches and loopholes in them such as False Knight's/Failed Champion's cheat or White Defender's cheat? What if Monomon ran tests in the background to help you figure out how to get the Lifeblood seeds, not to mention help you get them? What if Herrah would randomly help you in battle? Though I would not be opposed to her taking care of Godseeker for me due to all the times Godseeker calls Little Knight a worm as in the earthworm.
And finally, when you reach the final bosses in Pantheon of Hallownest, the Dreamers actively help you during the final bosses fights, each one taking turns (depending on lore or character) until all three help you take on Absolute Radiance. Say goodby to Fall Damage! Also, the idea of Monomon launching an explosive at the Radiance's face looks so lovely.
And of course, the ending cutscene where all three Dreamers wake up and the Hollow Knight is freed to a world without an Infection...please?????? Canonically, the Godhome ending and cutscene STILL play if the Dreamers are alive, but we don't SEE the Dreamers waking up. So please can we see them? Can we see all the hugs?
Anyway-what do you all think?
Do you think Team Cherry or any community modders could pull this idea off? If so, would you play it?
Random idea: IF the Dreamers are still alive in the real world, then you should SEE them in Godhome. AND get bonuses for keeping them alive.
Team Cherry could totally pull this off as it's still the Dream Realm AND the Godseekers are calling just about everyone there.
Now, I am not saying that we should get Dreamer Boss fights (though that would be cool even if impossible to pull off if you know the original concept of the Dreamers), but what about finding a secret room and BOOM! The Dreamers are there.
Now, finding the Dreamers would be cool and all, as you get extra dialogue with all three and get to see everyone's character (especially you Lurien). But what if they would give you boosts and insights into the Boss Fights you are about to do?
What if Lurien could analyze the Boss fight weaknesses, specifically the glitches and loopholes in them such as False Knight's/Failed Champion's cheat or White Defender's cheat? What if Monomon ran tests in the background to help you figure out how to get the Lifeblood seeds, not to mention help you get them? What if Herrah would randomly help you in battle? Though I would not be opposed to her taking care of Godseeker for me due to all the times Godseeker calls Little Knight a worm as in the earthworm.
And finally, when you reach the final bosses in Pantheon of Hallownest, the Dreamers actively help you during the final bosses fights, each one taking turns (depending on lore or character) until all three help you take on Absolute Radiance. Say goodby to Fall Damage! Also, the idea of Monomon launching an explosive at the Radiance's face looks so lovely.
And of course, the ending cutscene where all three Dreamers wake up and the Hollow Knight is freed to a world without an Infection...please?????? Canonically, the Godhome ending and cutscene STILL play if the Dreamers are alive, but we don't SEE the Dreamers waking up. So please can we see them? Can we see all the hugs?
Anyway-what do you all think?
Do you think Team Cherry or any community modders could pull this idea off? If so, would you play it?
Thank you so much OP for doing all this work. It makes attempting to draw Hollow Knight a lot easier.
you've probably seen this before, or made the connection yourself (ignore bottom right corner)
but there's also this:
The flowers of the Queen, the crown of the King, and the Hollow Knight
[ID: Hollow Knight and Ghost asleep on the floor. /End ID]
Hollow Knight is the silliest looking animal I have ever seen I love them so much
Horse,,, .
I never draw these two have nice wholesome sibling bonding moments, it's always only agony.
I cannot listen to the Sealed Vessel theme without feeling depressed, this Poor innocent Vessel and all the suffering it had to endure all because of a selfish king...
Mossy was originally a Moss Moth, I just like drawing my Sona in different forms who are all somehow both Fanon and Canon to my stuff. Anyway look at these totally Platonic Friends
Oh finally, Runt with both of their Parents in the same Pic.
They won the poll so here ya go, the 2nd Oldest Child of the Radiance and Peakay. Also imma just use a tag for the AU stuff, btw feel free to make Fanarts if you want just plz lemme see em
Hollow trying to calm down their little Runt, the young Vessel Hybrid is not that quiet and calm compared to a Pure Void Vessel.
Hollow feeding their little runt some delicious Regurgitated Bug Guts as their little one cannot handle solid food completely yet. Due to being sealed and kept away from civilized bugs for so long I like to think Vessels slowly revert back to their more Feral Nature but keeping their sentience hence Hollow raising them more like an Animal would
Scav meets unusual Huge Scav. Hollow's weirdly small head aside, I thought I should let this site see them and their little runt as well, the Pearls (or Porls) Hollow wears are supposed to be refs to some of their Family Members.
Bad ending where you kill poor Radiant Hollow's Moth Mother in the Pantheon and so they just grief while clutching a lone feather, all while refusing to leave the statue
Please read from right to left, first attempt making a lineless comic. It's from a small alt Timeline and sorry for my bad hand writing I use text for a reason normally