Dispatches from Tikor

Field notes from the writer's desk.

Lore essays, behind-the-scenes craft notes, editorials, and announcements from the Swordsfall team.

6 articles

Featured

Editorial 1 min

Swordsfall centers Blackness and still welcomes every reader who comes to Tikor in good faith.

Jun 11, 2026

Editorial 1 min

A primer on Afropunk, Swordsfall, and what it means to build sci fantasy from a Black center.

Jan 1, 2024

Lore 1 min

Swordsfall is an afropunk sci fantasy universe set on Tikor, a world of gods, future tech, spirits, books, and old wounds.

Dec 31, 2023

Behind the Keyboard 1 min

How the West African striking art Dambe helped shape the Damenga profession in Swordsfall.

Feb 24, 2020

Lore 1 min

Jalens use the Power of Word to speak for the stories Tikor would rather bury.

Feb 15, 2020

Lore 1 min

The Sacred Trees of Garuda are living landmarks, revered by the Karu and watched by Soulcarvers.

Jul 2, 2019