Heaven's Path

I have only recently gotten back into the habit of reading books again, so I cannot say that my catalog of literary references is very long, especially as it pertains specifically to D&D. I like to believe that a fragment of every piece of media I've ever consumed is a part of who I am, and who I am is integral in the creation of Heaven's Path. So I could say that everything I've ever read has had some indirect impact on the inspiration behind this world, but that would simply be too easy.   So I'm going to list a few off the top of my head. This section won't be long at all.   Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin   This book is essentially the whole reason why the Divine Harem/Twelve Lovers/Destiny of the Twelve exists. I wanted to pull inspiration for this world from traditional Chinese literature, whilst adding a modern queer twist. And no shade to "Journey to the West" - love you - but the other great books of China need more love.     Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall-Kimmerer   When it comes to crafting new renditions of classic Western fantasy species, I wanted to incorporate a lot more nature into their cultures. This book illuminates a multitude of ways in which people, specifically indigenous people, have interfaced and coexisted with nature. I challenge myself to create complex, three-dimensional cultures that have one foot in reality and one foot in fantasy. I would say that gnomes, orcs, and yetifolk are the races most directly inspired by this book.   From Here to Eternity by Caitlin Doughty   In the same vein as the above book, this book detailing death customs from around the world, also informs what aspects of culture I choose to highlight. I also just love Caitlin, she's one of my favorite people in the world. Halflings in Heaven's Path would not be who they are if not for the mother deathling herself.     To expand on this section just a teensy bit more, I want to make a list of people who inspire me as well:   Matt Colville - DM on Youtube who gives amazing advice and has fabulous hair.   Natalie Wynn (Contrapoints) - Creator of such leftist commentary masterpieces as 'Envy' and 'Cringe.'   Khadija Mbowe - A person whose vibes and politicks resonate closely to mine.   Rina Sawayama - My pansexual Asian queen, and the only celebrity I actually stan.   Lucah (Lucahjin) - The one Youtuber who most directly affected my taste in video games.