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aaronradney.bsky.social
Aaron Radney Commissions Closed (For Now)
@aaronradney.bsky.social
4.8K followers 490 following 9.4K posts
He/Him. Illustrator at www.aaronradney.com No AI or NFT. Patreon: http://patreon.com/aaronradney. Open for Commissions: https://forms.gle/hLYEyfpqsN5EbkPe6. #Ha-Nahn
Email: aradney20@yahoo.com
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aaronradney.bsky.social
Another bit of worldbuilding but being elected to the Emerald council in Esmeralda wasn't a thing most people tended to seek ardently. It usually got thrust upon them by their neighbors. Demonstrate good character, a mind for organization, leadership and a commitment to civic duty? Oh boy...
aaronradney.bsky.social Aaron Radney Commissions Closed (For Now) @aaronradney.bsky.social · 12h
So, fun fact, when I was working on Esmeralda, the world these images come from, I had a concept called the councilor's collar that would basically choke out a politician if they did something that violated their oath of office/didn't look out for the people's needs.
A drawing of a male figure seen from the shoulders up but from a low angle. The face is cut off because the important part is a glowing collar around their neck. Text reads: In Esmeralda members of the Emerald council are well known for their high collared clothing. Usually an undergarment with richly made and elegant robes worn atop, these garments are symbolically tied to the council’s role and duty. They also tend to force the councilor’s chins high. Far from metaphorically looking down on the people they serve, the garments represent restriction and while not difficult to wear or uncomfortable per se, they are a constant reminder requiring effort and deliberateness to work with. All of this is representative of the true mark the councilors take upon ascending to the role: the councilor’s collar. A physical manifestation of their oath to protect the city, the councilor’s collar binds a member of the Emerald council to ensure the needs of Esmeralda and its people are taken care of above their own desires. The magical ring has three points representing the three bindings of tradition, law and magic ensuring those selected to the task of leadership never forget their duty to the people. The collar’s punishment for violation of the oath is intense pain and can only be removed upon the completion of a councilor’s term or resignation. This focus on service rather than power is how the Esmeraldans restrain bad actors from taking on roles in government they shouldn’t have.
January 16, 2026 at 5:07 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
There was a while where where I kept mine on me as a precaution. Then I remembered what these mofos are actually like and I think my response should it be needful will be something like,

"No. Freedom papers were 3 centuries ago. We don't do that."
nbedera.bsky.social Nicole Bedera @nbedera.bsky.social · 14h
I’m seeing posts from people (outside of MN) about how US citizens should carry their passports.

And let me say that *inside* MN, we are calmly responding to requests with: “No, I don’t have to show you any documentation.”

Because that’s how you protect everyone, regardless of immigration status.
January 16, 2026 at 3:07 AM
Reposted by Aaron Radney Commissions Closed (For Now)
nbedera.bsky.social
I’m seeing posts from people (outside of MN) about how US citizens should carry their passports.

And let me say that *inside* MN, we are calmly responding to requests with: “No, I don’t have to show you any documentation.”

Because that’s how you protect everyone, regardless of immigration status.
January 16, 2026 at 12:17 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
One of the best compliments I was given by a writer friend is I paint worlds she wants to live in.
The Street A digital painting of a busy fantasy street with architecture that draws from both feudal era Japan and modern Venice. This is not a canal street however. It’s a long tiled street/plaza with multiple levels where people are not just at the ground level but walking on the roofs of buildings as if they too were streets. At ground level there are trees providing shade as well as places to sit and people hustling and bustling about. There are several ramps throughout for wheelchairs but they’re too steep to roll up. Instead there are clear lines that indicate magic that pulls wheelchair users up the ramps without them needing to use any effort. And you can see figures in wheelchairs on this street as well. The tiled ground is clean and polished to shine so slight reflections are visible and there’s a feeling of openness joy ad lightness in the space. A large golden fountain statue of a woman with a stylus and a bowl pouring water into a basin takes center stage in the space. Commeshigo District A digital painting of a small segment of a district of a city. An establishing shot of a city full of bridges, canals, ramps and buildings built on top of buildings. The roofs are done in blues and greens with a large red tower on the right hand side. The image is bathed in warm spring day light.
January 16, 2026 at 2:14 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
I went to an afrocentric elementary school and at an early age learned about the concept of freedom papers. These were legal documents that were supposed to confirm a Black person was free and couldn't be subject to the barbarities of enslavement.

It didn't always work out. I hate we're seeing...
reichlinmelnick.bsky.social Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 14h
Some of the stories in here are absolutely chilling. One US citizen of Somali descent was just riding an elevator with ICE agents and then they detained him for almost half an hour in the freezing cold despite him showing agents his passport card. They only let him go once protestors showed up.
January 16, 2026 at 12:59 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
Correct! All aboard to liberation. For if that is not the case then none of us shall be.
All Aboard A trio of characters seen on the deck of an airship. A woman in white with a black belt and reddish black undergarments stands with a boat oar over her shoulder, a compass in hand and looking to the left, her black/blue/purple hair blowing in the breeze. A buff man in a gray shirt and dark pants sits crouched on a clearly unsafe back part of the ship with a rake as a weapon. A woman stands on the back part of the ship under the mast and magical sail in a patchwork outfit with broken chains dangling from her wrist. Blue glowing crystals can be seen keeping the ship aloft.
January 16, 2026 at 12:10 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
The Democratic party is not above critique. However, it's essential to remember that this is how the national news tends to handle all Democrats! They don't want people to know when they're doing good things... because that makes it easier to elect republicans.
tvmojoe.bsky.social Joe Adalian @tvmojoe.bsky.social · 1d
It's truly stunning (though unsurprising) how little attention national media give Gov. Walz's speeches and news conferences. He's out there declaring his state under siege, and it's not in headlines outside of MN. They'll cover Trump's lies about him endlessly-- but not his actions.
January 15, 2026 at 4:47 AM
Reposted by Aaron Radney Commissions Closed (For Now)
joeymcallister.com
4yo and I just did finished reading Redwall. This bit jumped out at me a couple of nights ago.

"I will never bend my knee on my own behalf. However, if I thought I could save the life of one of my friends I would gladly fall down on both knees … I will not kneel to one who is consumed by evil.”
"Ha! So this is your leader. A little fat mouse in his nightshirt! What a fearsome warrior he looks! Well, what now, mouse? Are you going to go down on your knees and beg for your life, old one?" Abbot Mortimer stared calmly into Cluny's savage eye. "I will never bend my knee on my own behalf. However, if I thought I could save the life of one of my friends I would gladly fall down on both knees. But I know you, Cluny, better than you know yourself. There is not a scrap of pity or mercy in your heart, only a burning desire for vengeance. Therefore, I will not kneel to one who is consumed by evil." Cluny sprang to his feet trembling with rage. "Kneel to me, mouse! Kneel or I will kill you," he stormed.
January 15, 2026 at 4:10 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
I came up with an element of life in #Ha-Nahn today that has me really excited to get to it and I can't wait to share it with patrons!
January 15, 2026 at 1:56 AM
Reposted by Aaron Radney Commissions Closed (For Now)
aaronradney.bsky.social
It's #PortfolioDay, I'm Aaron, a fantasy illustrator focused on non-eurocentric stories and art. Looking for new clients this year! You can find my work at:
www.aaronradney.com
email: aradney20@yahoo.com
Mwindaji, Remnant Leader Image of Mwindaji, a named Remnant (a type of living weapon in Ha-Nahn that is formed when a weapon absorbs so much hatred and malice from its owner that it tries to keep on fighting even after that person dies) stalking forward through an eerie yellow orange night with a full moon. She wears a purple torn and tattered garment with great blades for her arms and a masked, eyeless face. She leads a small troop of others behind her as though prepared to destroy an unsuspecting village. Her body is full of indications of damage from previous battles and yet she still exists. Ayrmael, God of Creation A digital illustration of a massive divine dragon with purple and gold coloration. The massive beast flies over a mountain city with floating islands all around. As it turns in the sky its wings trail through clouds. The creature has a thick almost gorilla like body and stripes like a tiger but made of something like gold that seems to flow beneath its skin. High Priestess Tarot Card An image of a woman in a blue dress seated upon a throne with moon symbols on it looking down imperiously. She is surrounded by stones, gnarled trees and a stone circle behind her head. Her hair moves as though it's being blown by a strong wind or moved by ocean currents. Her dress flows into a waterfall that turns into a pool that flows into the foreground. All Aboard A trio of characters seen on the deck of an airship. A woman in white with a black belt and reddish black undergarments stands with a boat oar over her shoulder, a compass in hand and looking to the left, her black/blue/purple hair blowing in the breeze. A buff man in a gray shirt and dark pants sits crouched on a clearly unsafe back part of the ship with a rake as a weapon. A woman stands on the back part of the ship under the mast and magical sail in a patchwork outfit with broken chains dangling from her wrist. Blue glowing crystals can be seen keeping the ship aloft.
January 13, 2026 at 4:03 PM
aaronradney.bsky.social
But I also need to do some updating for other characters in #Ha-Nahn.

This is an old piece but Bushra, the woman on the throne and her husband, Yavon, the guy who looks like someone said some wild nonsense, both need a visual redesign this year.
An illustration of a throne room with a very dark skinned woman in black and tan colored robes leaning forward in her chair. Advisors, all with similar deep brown skin stand behind her some in shadow others not looking at the viewer with various expressions of concern, surprise or displeasure. The warrior in the foreground looks out with a look of confusion, a single eybrow raised. The women all wear black and or dark blue in their clothing in some way. The man doesn’t.
January 15, 2026 at 1:45 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
Been thinking about a number of things for #Ha-Nahn and I'm excited to explore more of the characters there. I'll need to do a profile on Hu (they/them) at some point because I really like their vibe.

Though I find it funny my two gender nonconforming characters so far are both from Khem.
Nature’s Aegis An image of a Black non-binary person in a rainforest environment. They are a mage and the painting is done primarily in a green pallet. They’re channeling nature magic into a protective cloak that trails away from her shoulders and arcs gracefully across the page. They look over their shoulder at it serenely and is seen from a slightly raised angle. Small calligraphic symbols can be seen throughout the image.
January 15, 2026 at 1:42 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
I am so excited that I get to be a part of this! Watch this space. :D
fantasticalgeographic.com
a screenshot of fantastical geographic's website with it's logo and the large text "Hello Explorers!" on the front page.
January 15, 2026 at 1:07 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
While I am a Black GM and I think this is really cool I don't think I'd be able to participate (I'm reserving room for a few things that need to be done on the art side) I thought I'd share this. But I also thought I'd share this art as it ties to the theme!
Trusted Allies Two men, one a noble, the other his consort/boyfriend and bodyguard stand together in an alcove in a palace as a party moves around them. They look at each other lovingly even as the bodyguard is clearly tense and keeping his hand on his weapons. The noble rests his hand on the other man's shoulder lovingly as if telling him it's okay to relax.
January 14, 2026 at 4:14 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
Composition and worldbuilding full stop! Even when I was much weaker than I am now professionals would tell me "you know how to put a picture together." And more than once person has looked at my illustrations and gone "I can see how somebody would wear the clothes you drew."
Ayrmael, God of Creation A digital illustration of a massive divine dragon with purple and gold coloration. The massive beast flies over a mountain city with floating islands all around. As it turns in the sky its wings trail through clouds. The creature has a thick almost gorilla like body and stripes like a tiger but made of something like gold that seems to flow beneath its skin. All Aboard A trio of characters seen on the deck of an airship. A woman in white with a black belt and reddish black undergarments stands with a boat oar over her shoulder, a compass in hand and looking to the left, her black/blue/purple hair blowing in the breeze. A buff man in a gray shirt and dark pants sits crouched on a clearly unsafe back part of the ship with a rake as a weapon. A woman stands on the back part of the ship under the mast and magical sail in a patchwork outfit with broken chains dangling from her wrist. Blue glowing crystals can be seen keeping the ship aloft.
January 14, 2026 at 2:58 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
Never forget McConnell is a demon who helped put us in this mess and enabled Trump.

I made this ages ago and it's as true now as it was then.
an image of Mitch McConnell as a demon with a blood spattered to do list behind him with Kill Roe v Wade checked off. Other to do's include steal elections, kill gay marriage, outlaw and eliminate birth control implement birthing quotas and repeal the 19th amendment.
January 13, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Reposted by Aaron Radney Commissions Closed (For Now)
gaudipern.bsky.social
For me, the worst part of hearing someone died of natural causes will always be that it's never Mitch McConnell.
January 13, 2026 at 5:31 PM
aaronradney.bsky.social
It's #PortfolioDay, I'm Aaron, a fantasy illustrator focused on non-eurocentric stories and art. Looking for new clients this year! You can find my work at:
www.aaronradney.com
email: aradney20@yahoo.com
Mwindaji, Remnant Leader Image of Mwindaji, a named Remnant (a type of living weapon in Ha-Nahn that is formed when a weapon absorbs so much hatred and malice from its owner that it tries to keep on fighting even after that person dies) stalking forward through an eerie yellow orange night with a full moon. She wears a purple torn and tattered garment with great blades for her arms and a masked, eyeless face. She leads a small troop of others behind her as though prepared to destroy an unsuspecting village. Her body is full of indications of damage from previous battles and yet she still exists. Ayrmael, God of Creation A digital illustration of a massive divine dragon with purple and gold coloration. The massive beast flies over a mountain city with floating islands all around. As it turns in the sky its wings trail through clouds. The creature has a thick almost gorilla like body and stripes like a tiger but made of something like gold that seems to flow beneath its skin. High Priestess Tarot Card An image of a woman in a blue dress seated upon a throne with moon symbols on it looking down imperiously. She is surrounded by stones, gnarled trees and a stone circle behind her head. Her hair moves as though it's being blown by a strong wind or moved by ocean currents. Her dress flows into a waterfall that turns into a pool that flows into the foreground. All Aboard A trio of characters seen on the deck of an airship. A woman in white with a black belt and reddish black undergarments stands with a boat oar over her shoulder, a compass in hand and looking to the left, her black/blue/purple hair blowing in the breeze. A buff man in a gray shirt and dark pants sits crouched on a clearly unsafe back part of the ship with a rake as a weapon. A woman stands on the back part of the ship under the mast and magical sail in a patchwork outfit with broken chains dangling from her wrist. Blue glowing crystals can be seen keeping the ship aloft.
January 13, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Reposted by Aaron Radney Commissions Closed (For Now)
catoliveirastudio.bsky.social
If you are a writer/author, you are probably aware of the issues with AI in the book industry, and maybe you don't know about the issues with illustration. ALL generative ai is bad (stolen copyright, etc), so don't use generated images in your blog or posts here. It's an immediate Unfollow for me.
January 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Reposted by Aaron Radney Commissions Closed (For Now)
matthewcort.land
Incredibly important: they're most likely to put anti-trans bullshit in the HHS approps bill, we don't yet have that leg text yet.

Keep the pressure up.
ericmgarcia.bsky.social Eric Michael Garcia @ericmgarcia.bsky.social · 4d
BREAKING and HUGE news for transgender people: The bipartisan final negotiated text for these spending bills REMOVED language to restrict gender-affirming care as part of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
January 12, 2026 at 1:05 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
Because I think folks could use some good news. I checked and as a brief find word search can't find any of the watch words from previous versions of this.
ericmgarcia.bsky.social Eric Michael Garcia @ericmgarcia.bsky.social · 4d
BREAKING and HUGE news for transgender people: The bipartisan final negotiated text for these spending bills REMOVED language to restrict gender-affirming care as part of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
January 12, 2026 at 1:21 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
Facts. Quick story: there's writing and a story that goes with this image. In it, Hu, a teacher is instructing their class including a fearful student about protecting the forest and being protected by it in return.

They use a tale to summon their story magic to aide in the lesson. 1/3
Nature’s Aegis An image of a Black non-binary person in a rainforest environment. They are a mage and the painting is done primarily in a green pallet. They’re channeling nature magic into a protective cloak that trails away from her shoulders and arcs gracefully across the page. They look over their shoulder at it serenely and is seen from a slightly raised angle. Small calligraphic symbols can be seen throughout the image.
January 12, 2026 at 12:12 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
One of the reasons I made this piece all those years ago was because I didn't see enough Black spellcasters who weren't witch doctor stereotypes or scholarly in my fiction. So I made this guy and #Ha-Nahn followed.
#DrawingWhileBlack
The Next Mage Chief A picture of Amudan, a medium dark skinned Black male mage standing in front of a circular window with a gentle smile on his face, his arm leaning on a stack of books as 3 others magically float around him. Green energy eminates from a pendant around his neck. His head is shaved bald and he wears green robes in the style of the Ashanti from West Africa.
January 12, 2026 at 12:03 AM
aaronradney.bsky.social
The Fantastical Geographic crew has been *cooking* you aren't ready!
fangeo.bsky.social Fantastical Geographic @fangeo.bsky.social · 4d
Our Archivists are busy putting together our inaugural issue releasing on the 15th of January (Earth Time). We're visiting the mountain town of Liora and have an array of points of interests, interesting characters, fascinating history, and more. 1/2
A cropped image of a magazine cover with a filigree border in red, green, and blue centered around a map and the title Fantastical Geographic: The Journey Starts Here Liora.
January 11, 2026 at 9:30 PM
aaronradney.bsky.social
There is too much going on and too much to process for me to do a #politicallessonpost today. Just know that with everything going on it is important to keep a clear head and carefully assess the moves you'll make. Fear and early capitulation is what fascists count on. Lean on each other, be smart!
All Aboard A trio of characters seen on the deck of an airship. A woman in white with a black belt and reddish black undergarments stands with a boat oar over her shoulder, a compass in hand and looking to the left, her black/blue/purple hair blowing in the breeze. A buff man in a gray shirt and dark pants sits crouched on a clearly unsafe back part of the ship with a rake as a weapon. A woman stands on the back part of the ship under the mast and magical sail in a patchwork outfit with broken chains dangling from her wrist. Blue glowing crystals can be seen keeping the ship aloft.
January 11, 2026 at 4:29 PM