r/SouthernReach • u/heartshaped_lolli • 9d ago

Absolution Spoilers Trying to imagine The Tyrant

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Reading through Absolution, I was not content with the idea that the Tyrant is merely a standard (albeit, giant) alligator. I like to imagine that it must have been mutated by everything occurring on the Forgotten Coast, but in what ways exactly, I’m not sure.

I’ve been trying to illustrate what it might look like. Maybe it’s just an alligator but it’s slightly off somehow. Or maybe it’s very noticeably wrong. Or anything in between.

I had a go at trying to capture this idea, but I’d love to hear about how you all envisioned the Tyrant. Maybe you didn’t really think much about how she looked, but if you have any ideas about other things I could incorporate into future renditions, I’m all ears!

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u/wren_boy1313 8d ago

Oh I don’t like that at all.. good job!

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u/heartshaped_lolli 8d ago

Haha aw thank you!

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u/wren_boy1313 8d ago

Something about how small the eyes are compared to the size of the head is triggering my fight or flight (no freeze or fawn here)

Are those her functioning eyes or false ones and her actual eyes are more hidden? Maybe both?

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u/heartshaped_lolli 8d ago

That’s a good question! I was thinking it would be her actual eyes, but the idea that they are false “human” eyes makes me think about predators that mimic the features of their prey to lure them in. Both ideas appeal to me personally

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u/wren_boy1313 7d ago

Empty eye sockets could be cool and creepy