#‘animal cunning’ or something to that effect

[belovedblabber]

I want to make a post about how smart Gideon is but am bad at making posts rn. But I’ll get to it because I feel like defending my darling girl. She’s smart! She’s so smart she’s just thrown into a situation in GtN where she is not given the tools she needs to understand everything going on around her!

Gideon so often gets done so dirty by a lot of slices of the fandom in terms of painting her as like, dumb muscle etc. when there is SO much more to her character. And I can’t help but think that a lot of the time there’s  an element of people being weird about butch women in terms of that treatment. And even more so and intersecting with that, I feel like racism, conscious or otherwise, undeniably plays a role in this treatment of her in many instances. It’s not my place to speak further on that (and I’m sure people who are much more qualified to talk about this have been talking about it and probably getting largely ignored a lot of the time), but it’s a thought that’s popped up for me and has been knocking around my head a lot lately 

[carooosa]

Craving Temptation Part 1: First Bite

Word count: 2.8k Rating: Explicit Pairing: Astarion x AFAB!Tav/Reader Warnings: 18+, vampire bite, masturbation AO3 link: First Bite

Summary: Astarion awakes from a nightmare and needs to test out a theory of his. He never expected that you would wake up, nor did he expect the effect you would have on him.

You weren’t supposed to wake up, especially not right before he sunk his teeth into you. What were you going to do, now that you saw him for who he was: a slave, in more ways than one. Forever hungry for the blood of living creatures, always under the command of his wretched master. Perhaps he could quickly disappear into the night, never to be seen again. Or, better yet, he could manipulate you into thinking that you’ve simply imagined everything. 

It would be easy, surely, to gaslight you. You were always quick to see the best in everyone, and he despised it. It was honestly quite confusing; you kept going on and on about needing to get rid of the tadpoles as soon as possible, yet you never turned down the opportunity to help. Perhaps that’s why he decided that you would be the perfect thinking creature to drink from. You were bound to find out that he chose you as his prey sooner or later. If not by waking up now, in the morning you’d know without a doubt that something was wrong. You looked naive on the surface, but you were cunning. You gave everyone the benefit of the doubt but refused to be taken advantage of.

Maybe that was the real reason he chose you. You were strong. And if he needed anything right now, it was strength. Cazador was still out there, and if his nightmare had any bearing of truth to it, he was angry. He hated to admit it, but he needed protection, and you were his best bet. He thought for a second about telling you who Cazador really was, the years of torment and abuse the vile monster had inflicted on him, but he quickly pushed it away. No, he thought to himself, I should keep that information hidden until I need to use it.

A part of him longed to tell you. To confide in you. You would reassure and comfort him, but it wouldn’t be enough to answer the burning question in his mind. Did Cazador still have a hold on him, or was he free to make his own choices? The only way to know was to break one of the horrid rules placed on your kind.

Thou shalt not drink of the blood of thinking creatures. 

He looked down at you, at the fear in your eyes. You finally saw him as the monster he was. But there was something else. Was that curiosity? Concern? What were you thinking when you saw his bared fangs?

His question would stay unanswered as all you managed to ask was, “What’s going on?”

An ever so simple question that should be easy to answer, yet he was unsure what to say. A pang of guilt cuts through him.

“It’s not what it looks like, I swear!” He scolds himself at how desperate he sounds, how utterly pathetic. But in that split second that you’ve registered his plea, your features soften. This was his way in. He would use your need to help others against you.

“I wasn’t going to hurt you. I just needed-” reassurance “-well, blood.” He tried to search your face for a clue as to what your next step was.

“So you’re a vampire?” You asked, taking a step towards him. He was slightly annoyed with that question, as it was quite obvious at this point. And why were you taking a step towards him? You should be terrified at this revelation, yet you seem to only be concerned for his wellbeing. This caught him off guard and he ended up taking a step backwards in turn.

“I only feed on animals: boars, deer, kobolds-“ rats “-whatever I can get.” His voice falters at the end of the sentence and he grimaces. His performance of the victim was becoming a bit too real.

You take a step towards him yet again, and this time he feels the squirm of the tadpole behind his eye. He’s unable to stop you from peering into his mind as it never crossed his thoughts that you would use the tadpole willingly. By the time he’s pushed you out of his mind, he’s sure you’ve seen some of the torment he was forced to endure. He can almost taste the putrid rat blood as the memory lingers in his head.

He’s angry that you’d peer into his mind, that you would see him as something so weak and helpless. He waits for you to mention the vision but you never do.

Instead, you look up at him with your gentle gaze, and ask, almost sounding like you’re hurt, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Hells below, what was wrong with you? You should be angry. You could even kill him and he would understand. But no. You had to always see the good in people. And he wasn’t going to be any different.

“I needed you to trust me. And you can trust me,” he says while taking a slow step towards you. He needed to make sure that he was in control of this situation.

“I do. Of course, I’m upset, but I understand why you kept this from me. Is there anything I could do to help?”

You had fallen right into his trap. Your unending pursuit of heroism would get you killed one day, but Astarion didn’t mind if it meant he got to reap some of the benefits. 

“Why, yes, darling, I could use some blood.” He sees the uncertainty in your eyes and reassures you, unwilling to let go of this opportunity. “I only need a taste, I swear.”

He watches as you fidget where you stand, your eyes flicking between his eyes and fangs. “Just a taste — Nothing more.”

He smiles, the tips of his fangs glinting from the moonlight. “Of course. Not one drop more,” he says while closing the distance between the two of you. As he gets closer, panic starts to set in. He’s never actually drunk from a person before. “Why don’t we make ourselves comfortable?” He’s put the mask that he’s crafted over the past 200 years back on. If you’re going to allow him to drink from you, he may as well play into the sexy vampire trope.

He watches as you lay down on your bedroll, your body tense with nerves. He slowly lowers himself to be squatting next to you. He can hear your heart beating loudly, and his mouth waters at the sound. He gently brushes your hair away from your neck and runs a finger from your jaw to the base of your neck, causing your breath to catch.

With his mouth wide open, he places his fangs tentatively on your neck, licking the skin a couple of times before he sinks his teeth in.

He’s immediately overcome by the taste of your blood. It’s sickeningly sweet, just like you, but it’s wonderful. It’s unlike anything he’s ever tasted before. How he yearns to devour you, to taste you over and over again.

You’re fidgeting underneath him, the whimpers escaping from your mouth hypnotizing him. He imagines you making those whimpers from his fingers inside you, making you a mess. You were always put together, and oh, how Astarion would love to ruin you. He feels your blood travel from his throat, through his body, and eventually, to his cock. He’s taken aback by the feeling as he hasn’t gotten aroused by his own free will since turning into a vampire.

Before he can ponder on it any longer, one of your hands reaches up and grips onto his shirt. He instinctively moves to straddle you, his cock nestled up against the space between your legs. The taste of your blood has started to change, shifting into something intoxicating. His mind spins as he drinks your life essence, and he unknowingly starts to grind against you.

He lowers himself further into you, his chest brushing up against yours. He realizes that you’re only wearing a thin shirt by the hardness of your nipples. The feeling causes him to moan, some blood spilling down his chin. 

Your hand moves to be pulling on his hair. He imagines you tugging his hair as he eats you out. He wonders how you would taste; if it would be anything similar to your blood or entirely different. 

He holds your head to consume you even deeper, and the new position causes more blood to flow into his mouth. He starts to grind faster, feeling the dampness of your arousal through his trousers and smelling it as well. His cock aches from the confinement of his pants. He imagines how warm you would feel around him, how he would make you scream and go insane from his touch. If you moaned like this from just a bite, how many different sounds would you make for him?

He yearns to explore your body, to taste every inch of you. His thrusts have begun to get uneven, and he realizes just how close he is. He forces himself to stop grinding against you and tries to will himself to think of anything other than your perfect body in shambles beneath him, but it’s all in vain.

“Astarion-“ you say with a gasp. Your voice is the catalyst that sends him over the edge, careening into a pleasure he hasn’t felt in quite a while. He thrusts himself into you as he comes on himself, blood spilling from his mouth and onto your bedroll.

He quickly pulls away from your neck, hoping that by some miracle you hadn’t noticed his undoing.

You pant breathlessly on the ground, your skin paler than before. Blood trickles from the wound on your neck. Astarion resists the urge to drink your blood, lest he somehow lose more control of himself.

“That… was more… than a taste…” you say in between breaths.

He’s still not come down from the euphoria of your blood and his release when he answers. “Ah, yes, I was just — swept up in the moment.” You slowly sit up on your bedroll and look expectantly at him. “And it worked. I feel good. Strong-” Horny. “-Happy,” he finishes with a sigh.

You start to look through your backpack to find a rag to wipe at your neck. As you pull one out, something comes over Astarion and he quickly snatches it away before kneeling in front of you.

“Let me,” he says, and he carefully swipes away at your wound. It’s bigger than he meant it to be.

You both sit in silence as he cleans up your neck. He can feel your eyes piercing into him, but he refuses to look back at you. He’s not sure what exactly just happened, and he’s not going to let you get any hint of what he did to himself. Just as he’s finishing up, you gently grab his wrist and force him to look directly at you.

“Thank you,” you whisper.

His cock twitches from your look and praise. He abruptly stands up and comes up with an excuse to leave. He clears his throat before saying, “Of course. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll need something more filling.” He can see some sort of sadness in your eyes as he says this. “This is a gift, you know. I won’t forget it,” he finishes while turning on his heel.

His manhood aches and he yearns to run off somewhere to relieve himself. Doing so would raise concern from you, so instead, he slowly saunters off into the woods. He’s unsure if he’s gone far enough, but he refuses to look back to see. He continues on, his cock throbbing with each step. Once he’s sure he’s far enough, he collapses against a tree.

He groans as he nimbly unties the laces of his trousers and haphazardly yanks them down his thighs along with his underclothes. He’s made a complete and utter mess of himself.

This was not like him. He was not one to make a mess on himself. He has always been in control of any sexual encounter, dissociating from the experience to run through the plan of how he would take his current hookup back to Cazador’s mansion. He knew the plan and didn’t need to rehearse the steps, but he found it easier to get through the sleepless days if he could simply forget every passionless lovemaking he’d had.

He was honestly disgusted with himself. How could he get so carried away? It must’ve been your blood, and the fact that you were the first thinking creature he had ever drank from. Yes, that was surely the reason. Even still, he was left with a full erection covered in his spill. He gingerly touched the slit on his head and hissed from the feeling. It felt… good? This was surely another side effect that your blood had on him.

He looks at the mess he made of himself and curses your name out loud, his cock jumping at the sound. What was it that caused him to act this way? You were definitely... aesthetically pleasing. And although you made choices he didn't always agree with, there was a certain charm about you. Your voice was both soothing and grating, every time you said his name causing something to stir within him. He had convinced himself it was annoyance, but after tonight he wasn't so sure anymore.

He had begun to mindlessly stroke his hardness, rubbing his cum all over in the process. You were always so put together, remaining calm in the most dire of situations even as people yelled and berated you; the only times you showed any negative emotion were when you were treating a wound inflicted in battle. But have you shown any *positive* emotions?

You smiled, but you never laughed. You praised others and were gracious to everyone, but you were always focused on finding a cure for these tadpoles. You were never fully present with anyone, and he longed to change that. 

The thought of himself being the reason for your undoing ignites a fire within Astarion, and he fervently pumps his hand as he grips tighter around himself. If the sounds you made while he drank from you were any clue as to how you would react from more intimate activities, he was sure you would be singing at the slightest touch.

He imagines your perfect mouth contorted in pleasure as he puts his years of experience to use. You, the composed leader who let nothing bother them, squirming and crying out his name as he fucked you throughout the night. Would you grasp onto him like you did when he drank from you? Would you yank his hair as you become overstimulated? Would you cry out with every thrust he would make?

And Hells below, would you say his name? At the thought of your voice, he moaned, quickly covering his mouth with his free hand to muffle the noise. Oh, how he would do anything to hear you say his name like that again – with untamed desperation. He would gladly follow you on your useless side quests if it meant he could ravage you each night.

He began to reach his climax for the second time this evening, his mind frantically trying to remember how you felt underneath him. He pictures how warm and inviting you would feel around his cock, how he would fuck you over and over again until you perfectly fit him and only him. His pleasure rapidly overcame him, his cum splattering onto the forest floor. 

As he calms down from the high, anxiety courses through his body. He pushes the feeling aside as he makes his way to the nearest lake to clean up. As he washes his body, he can't help but dread what whatever happened might mean. He acted like a feral animal in heat, needing to please himself as soon as possible. And you were the cause.

This wouldn't do. He would not allow you to have any power over him, especially not with something as conflicting as this. No, he would need to make you beg for him, to rely on him for your pleasure, because then you would never get rid of him.

He finishes cleaning himself up and returns back to camp, formulating the perfect plan to make you his. This was exactly what he was used to doing, the only difference being that now his endeavors would lead to his own gain. As he passes your bedroll, the smell of your arousal reaches his nose and his cock throbs from the scent. Whatever he ended up doing, one thing was for certain: he had to gain control over you.

Part 2: Psychic Ecstacy

[grey-sorcery]

[Title]: Taglocks: How to Target a Person or Place

Related to Taglocks

Threshold Theory Binding Basics Introduction to Gnosis Energy Work Fundamentals Anchors Energetic Constructs Spell Logs Path of Least Resistance Blood Magic Spellcasting Basics

Introduction

A taglock stands as a fundamental element of spellcasting, bridging the material world with the energies, places, and people practitioners seek to influence. A taglock is, at its core, a tangible object that establishes a direct link to a specific target. This object serves as a conduit through which energy can be directed, manipulated, or harnessed in various spellwork and ritualistic practices. 

The term "taglock" itself is derived from the concept of 'tagging' or marking something with a specific identifier, and 'lock,' which implies securing or anchoring a connection. Thus, a taglock effectively anchors the essence or energy of a person, place, or thing to the practitioner’s ritualistic focus. This tangible item could be something inherently connected to the target, such as a personal belonging or a biological sample, thereby ensuring that the magical workings are precise and targeted.

History

The use of objects to establish a connection with a person, place, or entity is a practice that can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The principles underlying taglocks are fundamentally tied to the broader concepts of sympathetic magic and animism, both of which have been integral to human spirituality and ritualistic practices for millennia.

Ancient Civilizations

Mesopotamia and Egypt: In ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures, magic was an integral part of daily life and religious practice. Objects such as amulets, talismans, and personal artifacts were often used to protect, heal, or curse individuals. These items were believed to carry the essence or influence of the person or deity they were associated with. For instance, in ancient Egypt, hair, nails, or pieces of clothing were sometimes used in magical rituals to exert influence over an individual, embodying the early concept of taglocks.

Greece and Rome: The Greco-Roman world also embraced the use of personal items in magic. The Greek Magical Papyri, a collection of ancient magical texts, includes numerous spells that call for the use of personal objects such as hair, nails, and garments. These items were believed to create a sympathetic link to the target, enabling the practitioner to influence them from a distance. This practice reflects the underlying principle of sympathetic magic, where "like affects like," a foundational concept for the use of taglocks.

Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Folk Magic and Witchcraft: In medieval Europe, the use of personal items in folk magic and witchcraft was widespread. Cunning folk, wise women, and witches often employed objects belonging to their clients or targets in their spells and rituals. These objects served as conduits for magical influence, much like modern taglocks. For example, poppets (dolls representing individuals) were frequently stuffed with hair, nails, or clothing scraps from the person they were intended to influence.

Grimoires and Magical Texts: The grimoires and magical texts of the Renaissance period also provide evidence of the use of personal items in magic. The "Key of Solomon," a well-known grimoire, includes instructions for using personal items in rituals to bind or influence others. The "Malleus Maleficarum," a notorious witch-hunting manual, documents the belief in and fear of witches using such items to cast spells.

Indigenous and Non-Western Cultures

African Diasporic Traditions: In various traditional religions and spiritual practices, the use of personal items for magical purposes is common. For example, in Vodou and Hoodoo, personal items such as hair, clothing, and personal effects are used in rituals and spellwork to create a link to the target. These items, often referred to as "personal concerns," function similarly to taglocks by establishing a direct connection between the practitioner and the individual they wish to influence.

Asian Traditions: In Asian cultures, particularly in traditional Chinese and Japanese practices, the use of personal items in magic and healing is also prevalent. In Chinese folk religion and Taoist magic, personal items are used in rituals to heal or protect individuals. Similarly, in Shinto practices in Japan, personal items can be used in purification and protective rituals.

Modern Revival and Adaptation

Contemporary Witchcraft: The modern revival of witchcraft, particularly since the mid-20th century, has seen a resurgence in the use of taglocks. Contemporary practitioners draw on historical and cross-cultural practices, adapting the use of personal items to fit modern magical frameworks. Books on witchcraft and magic frequently discuss the use of taglocks, emphasizing their importance in creating a tangible link to the target.

Neo-Pagan & Occultist Movements: Neo-Pagan movements, such as various forms of Wicca, have incorporated the concept of taglocks into their practices. These movements often emphasize the importance of personal connection and the use of physical objects to ground and direct magical energy. While these practices have evolved, they continue to reflect the ancient principles of sympathetic magic and the use of personal items to establish a magical connection.

How do Taglocks Work?

Energetic Connection and Sympathetic Magic

In the practice of traditional witchcraft, the efficacy of a taglock lies in its ability to establish a connection between the anchored spell and the target. This connection is primarily rooted in the principles of sympathetic magic, a foundational concept that posits that objects can influence one another through their inherent similarities or direct associations; as well as energetic entanglement, the process through which identical energetic compounds can interact without direct spatial contact. 

Sympathetic magic operates on the premise that a taglock, due to its intimate connection with the target, acts as a proxy or representative. The energy directed towards the taglock is believed to transfer seamlessly to the target, facilitating the intended transformation or influence. This is often articulated through the maxim "like effects like," underscoring the principle that items connected by similarity or direct contact can impact each other even when physically separated.

The energetic link established through a taglock is akin to an invisible thread that connects the practitioner’s will to the target. This thread is not a physical entity but an energetic conduit through which influence flows. The strength and clarity of this connection depend on the nature of the taglock and the amount of genetic material it carries. For instance, a strand of hair or a piece of clothing with trace amounts of skin cells creates a more potent connection than a mere photograph or written name. This is due to the energetic compounds that are unique to each person’s genetic sequence and their higher probability to be energetically entangled. While a sympathetic connection works well in most situations, having an energetic connection is significantly more reliable.

Incorporating Taglocks into Spellwork

Anchoring is a necessary step in the utilization of taglocks, involving the establishment of a lasting connection between the taglock and the target within a spell. This process entails affixing the taglock firmly to the desired magical outcome, thereby ensuring that the energy directed through the taglock manifests effectively in the target’s life. Anchoring is not merely about physical attachment but the energetic binding of the taglock to the spell's energetic design.

To anchor a taglock, the practitioner must first select a taglock that has a strong and clear connection to the target. The effectiveness of anchoring is directly proportional to the relevance and potency of the chosen taglock. The next step involves ritually preparing the taglock. This can include cleansing the taglock to remove any extraneous energies, thereby ensuring that it is a pure conduit for the spell’s purpose. Common methods of cleansing include using elements like water, fire, or salt, each method tailored to the nature of the taglock and the spell.

Once cleansed, the practitioner imbues the taglock with the desired energy through a ritual. This may involve chanting, the use of symbols, or the invocation of natural forces to charge the taglock. The ritual acts as a ceremonial binding, infusing the taglock with the energy necessary to enact the spell’s purpose. During this process, the practitioner focuses intensely on the connection between the taglock and the target, reinforcing the energetic link.

Finally, the taglock is integrated into the spell structure. This can be achieved by pulling an energetic conduit from the taglock and into the spell’s anchor. This way, a solid circuit can be established. The key is to position the taglock in a manner that aligns with the natural flow of energy, ensuring that the spell’s influence is directed towards the target with minimal resistance. Just placing a taglock into a jar with other elements has a chance of establishing its own energetic connection, however it is not very likely. 

Unbinding Taglocks

Energetic Dismantling

The most effective method of unbinding a taglock is energetic dismantling, which requires the careful and deliberate dismantling of the energetic connections that have been established during its use. Energetic dismantling is a method that involves consciously deconstructing the energic structures and pathways that link the taglock to its target. This process ensures that the influences exerted through the taglock are effectively neutralized, preventing any residual effects from lingering.

The practitioner utilizes their energetic awareness in order to visually and mentally map out the energetic connections emanating from the taglock. This step is crucial, as it allows for a clear understanding of how the energy has been structured and directed. Once these connections are identified, the practitioner then introduces energetic compounds that are of the opposite frequencies of the energetic connections. This will cause the energetic connections to cancel out and become inert.

After all the connections have been severed, the practitioner proceeds to cleanse the taglock to remove any residual energy. This can be done using elements such as water, salt, or incense, depending on the nature of the taglock and the preferences of the practitioner. The cleansing process ensures that the taglock is fully neutralized, rendering it inert and free from any remaining influence.

Anchor Destruction

Anchor destruction is a more direct and often physical approach to unbinding taglocks. This method involves the literal destruction of the taglock itself, effectively dismantling the anchor that connects it to the target. Anchor destruction is particularly effective when the taglock is a physical object that can be easily manipulated or disposed of.

The first step in anchor destruction is to identify the nature of the taglock and choose an appropriate method of destruction. For physical objects, this could involve burning, breaking, or burying the taglock. Each method carries its own symbolic significance and energetic impact. For instance, burning a taglock in a fire ritual symbolizes purification and transformation, reducing the object to ashes and dispersing its energy into the air. Breaking the taglock into pieces represents a forceful severing of the connection, while burying it in the earth signifies grounding and neutralization.

During the destruction, the practitioner may recite incantations or prayers to reinforce the unbinding process, so long as they do not cause the practitioner to break their state of gnosis. This could serve to solidify the practitioner's will and direct the energy towards severing the connection. As before, cleansing is also recommended afterwards.

Cord Cutting (Not candle divination)

Cord cutting is a technique used to sever the energetic cords or ties that bind the taglock to its target. These cords represent the strings of fate, or channels through which energy flows, maintaining the connection established by the taglock. Cord cutting is a powerful method for releasing these ties, allowing both the practitioner and the target to move forward unencumbered.

To perform a cord-cutting ritual, the practitioner begins by grounding and centering themselves, creating a stable foundation for the work ahead. The taglock is then placed before the practitioner, and a clear intention to sever the energetic cords is set. This intention is crucial, as it directs the focus and power of the ritual.

A common tool for cord cutting is a ritual knife or athame, though other tools such as scissors or even one’s hands can be used depending on the practitioner’s preference. The practitioner then uses their awareness to feel for the energetic cords extending from the taglock and uses the tool to cut through these cords. Each cut is made with deliberate precision.

During the process, the practitioner may also employ visualization techniques to enhance the effectiveness of the ritual. This could involve imagining the cords dissolving into light, evaporating like mist, or being absorbed back into the earth. These visualizations help to solidify the disconnection on both an energetic and psychological level so long as one is aware that visualization in and of itself is not a spell nor energy work.

After the cords have been cut, the practitioner performs a cleansing ritual to purify the space and themselves. This ensures that any residual energy from the cords is fully cleared away, preventing any unintended consequences or lingering attachments. The taglock, now devoid of its energetic ties, can be safely disposed of or repurposed as desired.

Cord cutting not only releases the target from the influence of the taglock but also frees the practitioner from the energetic investment in the spell. This liberation allows for a fresh start, unburdened by the previous connections, and opens the way for new magical endeavors.

Taglock Alternatives

Taglock alternatives are useful in situations where obtaining a physical item linked to the target is impractical or impossible, such as when working at a distance or in covert operations. Methods like visualizations, sigils, memories, elemental representations, and astrological correspondences may still establish a sympathetic link to the target. However, these alternatives often lack the direct energetic connection that taglocks provide, making them less efficient. The inherent uncertainty and reduced potency of these methods can lead to weaker or less reliable spell outcomes, requiring greater effort and near flawless spell design from the practitioner to achieve the desired effects.

Sigils and Symbols: Creating a unique symbol or sigil that represents the target can be a powerful tool. This symbol can be charged with energy and intent to direct the spell's effect.

Visualization Techniques: Instead of using a physical object, practitioners can employ detailed mental images of the target. This involves deeply focusing on the target’s attributes and characteristics during the spellcasting process.

Memories of an individual or location: Using specific memories that encapsulate the essence or identity of the target can serve as a focal point. Repeatedly recalling or chanting the target’s name or a descriptive phrase can help direct the spell.

Elemental Representations: Associating the target with a particular element (earth, air, fire, water) and using that element in the spell can establish a connection. For example, water could be used to represent a person with a flowing, adaptable nature.

Astrological Correspondences: Using the astrological sign, planetary influence, or birth chart of the target can provide a non-physical link. Aligning the spell with specific astrological times or planetary hours that correspond to the target can enhance the connection.

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This post was reviewed and edited for easier reading by ChatGPT.

[queerlyvictorian]

Because the question didn’t end up being finished, I want to do my best to explain the rest of the Coven of Elders’s familiars. We all know about Ame’s fox being mischief and selfishness (or impulsivity, depending on how you want to word it) that can interferes with forming and maintaining community. I totally agree with Indri’s polar bear being the predatory viciousness she doesn’t present in polite company.

Mirara’s crow? Crows are known for being sociable, loud, and aggressive. They also have tight knit families and mourn the dead. They’re a lot. That’s not necessarily something a witch of entropy and nothingness would want to internalize.

Gramore’s hawk? Hawks are loyal, quick to anger, and hold grudges. While very forward and intimidating, Gramore doesn’t strike me as necessarily having too short a temper. I would think that strong emotions could infere with the effectiveness of a hunt. The Witch of the Wild Hunt would also have to interact with a lot of predators, and the politics of that could make always holding grudges inconvenient.

Hakea’s boa constrictor? Boas are often docile, slow-moving, curious, and apparently easy to tame. For a witch who is responsible for tending to Orima’s domain, who has to answer to many of the literal forces of nature, I would imagine a certain backbone is required that means that while curiosity and a certain gentleness might sometimes be called for, it would only be in select circumstances.

Anyone who knows more about the temperament of these animals, feel free to chime in with your thoughts? I kept with scientific animal behavior rather than allegorical associations, because these NPCs were created by Brennan “Animals Facts Guy” Lee Mulligan, but one could point out that Hakea having a snake familiar means she’s secretly cunning. Only time will tell if any of this is true, as I don’t have great read on Hakea other than, as @quiddie called her in the Fireside Chat, “Sleepy Time Grandma” lol. We don’t really know many of the witches’ real personality other than Indri, who I think we know pretty well now, despite her having possibly the thickest mask (lol and she’s not the one who wears a literal mask).

[thecutestlittlebunbunfairy]

TBOSAS was not a bad movie, but I do not feel like it accurately represented the book and I'm disappointed

SPOILERS

There were several things I noticed that were missing or changed that I think glaringly miss the point of the book

1) OMITTING THE FACT THAT REAPING DAY IS JULY 4TH............... SUZANNE. "FUCK CAPITALISM" COLLINS. WENT OUT OF HER WAY TO IDENTIFY REAPING DAY AS INDEPENDENCE DAY AND THEY GOT RID OF IT

2) Clemensia. Her story line and Dr. Gall's lab of horrors are all but erased. Not to mention the changing of how Snow was trying to help her out by covering FOR HER... (I know some of this was probably cut because of a) animal rights/didn't want to try to fake bad cgi effects and b) this is probably one of the things that they had to cut to keep it PG-13)

3) I'm not sure if it was Tom Blyth, the director choices, or something else. But Snow's changes in behavior felt too....erratic, random. Not like a man who is trying to be cunning and conniving, like a snake. And they REALLY downgraded Tigris and his grandmother)

4) The Covey. Giving them hardly any screen time, I know Lucy Gray says her name but I never think we're actually "introduced" to Maude Ivory. But their role was downgraded so much.

There were a couple other changes like removing Arachne Crane's funeral, Snow gettiny the guitar for Lucy Gray, and changing around the timeline in Sejanus' death that are noticeable but not distractingly so. I do think not including the meeting between Snow and Sejanus' parents was a real loss though and might've helped my second issue.

There were some things that I really liked; Sejanus was incredible. He got a little more focus, I feel, and it was great. A lot of good expression work/realization moments (Tigris at the end realizing how Coriolanus has changed is immaculate). And I really liked the portrayal of Reaper, how he yelled at the audience and his acceptance of his death. It made me really think about Rue and District 11 and how so much of the rebellion began with her inspiring Katnis.

Overall, it was a decent movie but not the best adaptation and I am a bit disappointed

[likeabxrdinflight]

Naturally I have a lot of thoughts about Azula's role in the live action adaptation. I'd say about 95% of them are positive thoughts.

First of all, I love that she is this baby-faced, squishy-cheeked kid (I know her actress is a little older than the character but that's okay.) At Elizabeth Yu's age, I also easily passed for 14-15, she just has a young-looking face and clearly hasn't lost all her baby fat. And that is perfect, actually. I've criticized the sharpness and angularity of the animated Azula many times over, she has always looked far too old for her canonical age. I've said it before and I'll say it again- it's a problem that so many people watched the original cartoon and thought Azula was older than Zuko. I can't even blame them for it, she's drawn to look 20 or older. So it is wonderful to see a version of Azula who looks closer to her canonical age. I think it really drives home the point.

That said, this Azula is definitely different than her animated counterpart in other ways. The animated Azula was (almost) always perfectly in control. She could become angry and snap at people- but it was fairly rare, Azula always seemed the image of perfect calm, control, and precision. She was deadly precisely because she was so cool and collected and did not get easily rankled. This was also part of what made her breakdown so shocking.

The thing is, the breakdown is not especially foreshadowed prior to season three. There are a few moments that show the chinks in Azula's armor, but most of them don't come until "The Beach," and then after Mai and Ty Lee's betrayal. I've always believed that betrayal was the real inciting incident for her eventual psychotic break- I've argued before that it sent Azula into what's called a prodromal state, which is like a sort of "pre-psychosis."

More on the animated version's mental state here

Point being, there's really only one instance in season two that suggests any flaws to Azula's cool exterior, and it's one of her very first scenes. You know the one: "almost isn't good enough." It makes for a very subtle build-up to the breakdown and her eventual fall. But it comes at the cost of depicting her predominantly as a capital-V Villain prior to it. You're not really supposed to sympathize with Azula until "The Beach," arguably not until "Into the Inferno." For most of the animated show's run, you're supposed to find her scary and threatening.

And this is done effectively- almost too effectively. She's an obvious foil to Zuko, and serves as such a good primary antagonist that they had to neutralize her in the finale by giving her the breakdown. It's like they knew there was no way a healthy Azula was going to be beatable during Sozin's Comet. She appeared to be an effortlessly talented fire bender, a brilliant strategist, and a more dangerous opponent than even Ozai.

Live action Azula does not have this same feeling to her. There is still something "scary" about her- we see her watching people being burned alive with little to no reaction, and her face is quite blank at Zuko's Agni Kai. She's still cunning and still willing to manipulate things to her advantage- we see this in how she plays Zhao. So if this version gets a season two I have no doubt that this Azula will still serve as a dangerous antagonist to the Gaang and I don't doubt this is still an Azula capable of bringing down Ba Sing Se.

But she's not quite the calm, collected character she first seemed in the animated version. This Azula is a little less hinged. She has more moments of snapping and losing some of that perfect control. She's more frustrated and feels more at the mercy of her father. She reads far more like the Azula we saw in "The Phoenix King," the one who talked back and protested that her father couldn't treat her like Zuko. That Azula, however, was about one bad night's sleep away from a psychotic break. This Azula, presumably, isn't there yet.

I can agree that something of her original character gets lost when you essentially start foreshadowing the breakdown from the jump. It's not gonna be a surprise to any new audiences. She's not gonna be quite the same. But it does humanize her much sooner than the original show did, and it asks the audience to consider her circumstances from the jump- is this a sympathetic character or not? I obviously think she is in the original, and I do think in the end she was meant to be. But it's much more of a debate. The live action show unequivocally says "yes" and does not make it a debate at all.

I'd be tempted to say it's not trusting the audience to read between the lines, but given all the Azula discourse...they might be right to take this more direct approach.

Anyways. Live action Azula also feels more like a real teenager. She's petty, she's irritable, she's desperate to remain in her father's favor and beat her brother in the artificial competition her father has set up between them and will go to any lengths to do so- lengths she probably wouldn't have in the cartoon. She has a strong drive to prove herself and to protect the image she constructs about herself as the "perfect daughter." But that image also feels far more fragile than it did in the animated version.

This Azula doesn't say that "almost [perfect] isn't good enough." She says that "it [perfect] isn't good enough." It's a subtle but meaningful difference.

(Side note- I think the reason this Azula is fine shooting lightning in the direction of her father, seemingly in defiance of his orders, is a direct result of the change to the Agni Kai- she watched as Ozai berated and burned Zuko for not giving him his all, versus in the original where Zuko's sin was in not fighting back period. So here she's showing Ozai her "all", she's giving him everything she has to prove she's capable of doing more than Zuko running drills and smoking out resistance rings.)

I like this change. I like this more desperate, more grounded take on Azula. She feels like a real girl in a horrendous home environment. This Azula was raised in a family where it's expected you be cool with setting people on fire in the throne room and where there's a tangible symbol of Daddy's love sitting beneath him at all times. This Azula was forged in the fires of competition and manipulation that's more subtle than the animated Ozai ever seemed capable of. (More on Ozai later, but he's a much more subtle character than his animated counterpart despite still being...pretty blatantly Evil). So I think it makes sense that she's not quite as calm and controlled and perfect as the animated version.

I don't know yet which version I'll prefer when all is said and done- she was ultimately a minor role in this season. Animated Azula is iconic and always will be, but there's a lot I've always been critical of about how she was depicted in the original show. I think a lot of us that love and empathize with Azula do so despite the way she was written, not because of it. This version might change things a little.

But it also might make it seem infinitely more cruel if she isn't given some kind of redemptive ending (or at least one that implies some hope for her.) The bleak ending of the original show might feel really bad for this more sympathetic version of Azula. So if they stick with that...I dunno. It could hit or miss.

For now, I like what I'm seeing. And Elizabeth Yu understood the assignment.

[whoishotteranimepolls]

Defend Your Blurbo Submission (this is LONG—1105 words, sorry!)

Dorsal Fin Appreciation or Lack Thereof

Hear me out y’all, but Arlong the Saw seriously needs more love in this fandom than he is getting. This is not a plea to the folks who don’t go feral at all for anyone in One Piece, this plea is for my fellow One Piece fans. Why so angry?

Out of all the villains in the entire franchise, and I am 100% ignoring the Live Action by Netflix—this is about OG canon Arlong from the anime (haven’t really read the manga yet), he seems to be the most hated. I have seen more genuine love and affection for Kleenex Boi Trebol than I have for He Carries Two Fish Sticks Everywhere He Goes Arlong.

Yes, he did conquer an island in the East Blue. Yes, he did extort money from the citizens monthly (effectively making him a loan shark). Yes, he took a young Nami and had her work for him, originally under horrible circumstances. And yes, he did kill Nami’s adoptive mother Bell-Mere. I feel like y’all shut him out of fandom love simply for killing Bell-Mere.

Out of all the villains that regularly see love, he killed a whopping one person. One.

He let Bell-Mere give parting words to her girls, he let her say goodbye, and he actually killed her rather quickly. He didn’t torture her, didn’t rape her, didn’t drag anything out. He stated that if you can’t pay, you die. He didn’t lie. She couldn’t pay so she died. Arlong is very cut-and-dry, you know exactly what you’re going to get with him.

Compare him to someone like Eustass Kid, who has killed way more innocent people than Arlong ever will. Kid got his bounty based on his egregiously high civilian casualty count. His big bad bounty came from innocent blood being spilled, that’s what makes Kid so damn dangerous to the government. Because let’s face it, he fails as much as Buggy does in the whole pirating thing. He took on Kaido at least once and lost and he took on Shanks twice and lost. He doesn’t win his pirate battles; he just wins at killing people who can’t defend themselves against him. And y’all eat him up like candy.

Arlong kills one backstory character and he’s the most hated man in One Piece. He’s better looking than Hody Jones and many other characters, he’s more humane than even he wants to admit, and he had great character development too.

He started off treating Nami like a slave or a pet and in ten years’ time grew to consider her a valued officer and crew mate. He wasn’t just fighting to keep his cartographer; he was fighting to keep the only female member of his pirate family from leaving.

Doflamingo killed his own father when he was a child, murdered his own brother, murdered countless other people, and overthrew a fucking country. And y’all drool over him like a stuck pig at a luau.

Arlong was a pretty solid pirate all things considered. He plundered consistently over the course of 10 years and built himself an empire on land rather than a fleet. He had a cunning plan. He had minions within the Marines (just as Doffy did with Vergo, but Arlong’s were actual marines), so he infiltrated through human frailty. He only committed one act of murder.

He had all the maps, a creature from the Grand Line and let’s not forget he and all but one of his crew were also from the Grand Line. He kicked ass. He even had convictions; he wasn’t all about himself. He cared about his own species, every single member of his crew, and he never turned on any of them. He did exploit a loophole with Nami but regarding his own people, he treasured all of them.

When they did something wrong or disagreed with him, he never harmed them. He didn’t treat them like shit. Their lives were precious to him. Hody Jones not only abused other fishmen/fishwomen, but he also flat out killed them. He murdered his own monarch and any fishman who didn’t agree with him 100% was killed. Arlong would fall on his own sword before even letting so much as the idea of killing any of his own kind cross his mind.

When Arlong did have disagreements with other fishmen, he just separated from them and went his own way. He never killed his own kind, wouldn’t dream of it. Arlong has lines in the sand that he will not cross, he has boundaries and respects them. Arlong actually has morals that he adheres to. Hody Jones is amoral, and Doffy isn’t far behind. Hell, Arlong has more solidified convictions and morals than Sakazuki, who like Hody, kills his own subordinates if they disagree with him.

Arlong really isn’t that villainous of a villain. In my opinion, he is a deeply traumatized person who never dealt with his trauma. He bottled it all up and is slowly consuming him. He’s damaging himself by doing that and he is able to be mislead by thinking he’s doing right and following solid ideals. He truly believes his species is superior and he truly believes that they need to rise up and take their freedom.

Now, he isn’t wrong. Fishmen are treated horribly and they do need to take their freedom, but treating humans the exact way they have been treated is also wrong. Arlong is so deeply wounded that he hasn’t figured that part out yet. He was starting to with Nami evolving in his crew. He even admitted to her intelligence and skill a few times, he was slowly starting to mend his ways when she left.

Arlong is deeply traumatized, misguided, but redeemable. And yet, no one gives him a chance. How can you all heap the love on civilian slaughterer Kid, pirate failure Buggy, snotastic Trebol, familicide Doffy, royal traitor Crocodile, domestic terrorist Sakazuki (because like me, some of y’all out there love him too), fish gutter Hody Jones, delulu “deity” Enel, lard ass Blackbeard, or giant psycho Kaido with the scrawny legs that shouldn’t be able to support him but y’all can’t find three nice things to say about Arlong the Saw and his glorious dorsal fin?

I mean come on! Have you seen that sexy dorsal fin of his? He’s tall, has luscious locks, teeth that regenerate, two fresh fish sticks in his pants, a cool ass sword, decent fashion sense, and he can breathe underwater which is just so cool.

Why must you hate him so? He’s not that bad all things considered.

Defend Your Blurbo #7

Please remember this post is about curiosity and genuine fandom discourse. Be kind with your answers because this is not a debate essay, this is a discussion between fans.

Well, in case anyone doesn't know who Arlong is, he's an early One Piece villain.

Now, this anon took a much different approach to the series than the others, so have fun with this and One Piece fandom. Defend your Blorbo

[battlekidx2]

Blue Eye Samurai Thoughts

These thoughts are sort of scattered and don’t cover everything I think makes this show great but I wanted to get something out about this amazing show.

Every once in a while an animated project comes around that makes me sit back in awe that something this phenomenal was allowed to be made. That something this rife with creativity, care, and emotion was given the freedom necessary for the people behind the scenes to make an authentic experience that really pushes the boundaries of what animation can do. And Blue Eye Samurai did just that. 

The last time I felt that way about an animated show was Arcane.

Blue Eye Samurai follows Mizu, a child of mixed race that was deemed a monster due to her parentage, and her journey to kill the man who sired her. It’s a dark, tragic tale that blends 2D and 3D animation to create a story that centers themes of prejudice, class, identity, found family, revenge, and loss.

It’s one of the most gorgeous shows to come out in the last few years. With pretty much the entire show having the ability to leave you breathless. The action scenes in particular are standouts (shocking I know).

In these action scenes the show really embraces the freedom its rating gives it without falling into the usual trappings shows with a mature rating tend to. Blue Eye Samurai has an abundance of bloody gore filled violence that never becomes gratuitous. It all feels purposeful and poignant within the story itself and how it explores its themes. It gives the consequences of Mizu’s revenge depth. Not just in how it effects the people around her and the collateral, but also in how the violence Mizu perpetrates effects her.

This is best explored in episode 5 (The Tale of the Ronin and the Bride), which is probably the best episode in the season, where we get to see a glimpse into Mizu’s past and how her path towards revenge is solidified.

The hopefulness of the past is directly juxtaposed with the bloody carnage of the present, while the story of the bride and the ronin is told over the course of the episode. There’s a foreboding that is layered over top of every scene in the past, the knowledge that in some way this goes wrong and leads Mizu to this point. To become this force of nature capable of cutting down men without hesitation.

It shows those parts of Mizu she’s lost through the hardships her life threw at her and those parts she’s been forced to discard herself to accomplish her goals.

The loss brought on by the hardships her life threw at her is shown in the past with her mother and husband and their betrayal and death. And the parts of herself she’s had to discard is shown in the present when she initially spares the boy that turns her in and almost gets the women in the brothel and herself killed that she ultimately kills in the end when faced with the same choice.

This is all just scratching the surface of this exploration, but I think it gets across the point that this show does a good job of exploring the nuances of revenge and what led Mizu to this point.

It’s the show’s meticulous exploration of aspects of Mizu’s character that makes her such a complicated character and an amazing protagonist. I don’t know if anything I write would really do her justice, but the complexity and nuance of her character alone make this show worth watching.

The second most interesting character to me was Akemi. 

Akemi’s arc is incredibly compelling. She goes from feeling trapped and trying desperately to escape to learning how to use her cunning to try and become great. But because this arc is occurring in Blue Eye Samurai it isn’t as straightforward as that description makes it seem on the surface. That arc is flipped on its head and to show what I mean I want to look at the scene on the bridge.

That scene on the bridge after Seki dies was one of the most intriguing of the final episode. That moment you can see the shift in Akemi’s desires from that of freedom to that of greatness. In many ways this isn’t the victory that it should be.

The wording seems like that of someone taking control of their own destiny and deciding to pull themselves up to a position higher than anyone thought possible, but the framing with the city in flames behind her, the shogunate’s enemies burning alive, and Seki dead on the ground put it in a more tragic/sinister light.

And those words she speaks that are on the surface sound triumphant echo sentiments that her father has said to her (telling him he’s only alive because of her and the belief that she can control the shogun, etc). Her desire for greatness even reflects his own. 

This isn’t really freedom and considering the almost naive quest for that freedom she went through during the season and was even hopeful she could obtain just moments before, living out her days with Seki on his family farm, make this feel less a victory and more like she’s becoming what she has to. That she’s hardened. That she’s starting down a path that mirrors Mizu’s in some ways.

And this mirror between Mizu and Akemi is clearly intentional. The show itself visually mirrors the two within this same episode in the exact scene I was just talking about.

And throughout the season she is the most direct foil to Mizu. Both found different ways to try and work around the inherent restrictions being a woman in 1600s Japan would entail, to gain any semblance of freedom from those restrictions, but were ultimately hurt by those expectations/restrictions in a way that forced them to change.

They took how they handled it in two completely opposite directions (Mizu presenting as a man and Akemi using her sexuality and forced marriage to her advantage. In broad, over-simplified terms: rejecting femininity vs embracing it to achieve their goals) which is what makes them such interesting foils for one another.

This parallel/contrast to Mizu makes her the most interesting of the supporting cast and her end point puts her into what might be the most compelling spot out of all the main characters heading into next season.

(Plus she’s voiced by Brenda Song aka Anne Boonchuy and London Tipton)

Honestly all of the characters are given nuance that makes them at the very least entertaining.

The show even manages to make a character that could have just been comedic relief an interesting character and an avenue to expand on its exploration of themes with (season MVP) Ringo.

This is best shown through Ringo’s views of greatness. They at first seem shallow and naive. Not really looking deeper than the surface at what this idea entails and he floats from one thing to the next so easily that it can initially seem unfocused, but I think that’s the point. Ringo doesn’t really know what greatness is so his view of it is constantly changing and what he believes he can be great at is constantly changing too. 

Just like the audience he is awed by Mizu’s strength and ability in battle, but as the brutality and reality of what that skill brings comes to light the idea that this skill and determination is greatness slowly dims. It never entirely dies out because this isn’t meant to destroy his idea of greatness, but instead change it from a black and white binary to something that is more blurred. He still sees greatness/potential for greatness within Mizu, but he doesn’t see her as the pinnacle anymore. The end all be all.

And what he can do to be great constantly changes because he’s suddenly had so many opportunities he never could have dreamed about, due to his disability and being stuck at his father’s noodle shop, opened to him that he needs the time to explore what he wants. He’s still trying to find his calling and by the end of the series he might have found the start of it in the same place that Mizu did– With Swordfather. 

The one thing about Blue Eye Samurai that didn’t quite work for me is the use of music. The show’s score is beautiful and used to great effect, but the music it chose to put over scenes would pull me out of the moment almost every time because it used highly recognizable songs that I’d heard in so many pieces of media it felt inauthentic and jarring.

This is a small complaint because there are only 2 scenes where the music choice did this, but I felt I should mention it because of how important these scenes were supposed to be. The rest of the show easily makes up for this small gripe.

I could probably ramble about this show all day but I’ll cut this off here and say this: Blue Eye Samurai easily lives up to the hype that everyone has been giving it. It’s a visually stunning show with compelling characters that explores its themes in such depth that I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. 

Random thoughts

I love the shot of Mizu in The Great Fire of 1657 where she’s staring Fowler down, flames behind her and eyes a piercing blue, because of the perspective of this shot. This is shown through the eyes of Fowler, the man who just brought an army to the shogunate’s doorstep with the plan to take over Japan, and yet he’s afraid of Mizu and the lengths she will go to achieve her goals. It’s such a chilling shot that absolutely shook me to my core. (Man Blue Eye Samurai is amazing at these types of shots)

Taigen is a character that I had a lot of fun with, but didn’t make as much of an impression on me as the rest of the characters. He isn’t as complicated and compelling as Mizu and Akemi or as thematically interesting as (season MVP) Ringo. I wish I had more to say about him, but I don’t. I do think his dynamic with Mizu is interesting though.

Fowler is a really fun villain and I can’t wait to see how he plays off of Mizu now that he is going to be her guide in London. I can’t wait to explore those bombshells he dropped in the finale about Mizu’s origins.

The fights in episode 6 were the most visually stunning to me in the season. The way it played around with lighting and perspective was incredible. 

I didn’t talk about it much above but I thought the way Blue Eye Samurai explored Mizu’s relationship to her gender to be very compelling and nuanced. The way it’s handled lends itself to a fascinating exploration of identity and gender that I think is important.

Swordfather has such a great relationship with Mizu. He knew she didn't leave his house the night before and just decides to adopt her and teach her everything he knows, giving her a stable relationship that doesn't reinforce her shame. He doesn't recognize her mixed heritage as a point of shame instead embracing her for who she is and letting her know that her mixed heritage doesn't make her impure, standing up for her when the bandit threatens to hit her and insults her origins. This genuine care is something Mizu desperately needed as a child and it was amazing to watch.

I think I want to go into greater depth at some point on my points on Mizu and Akemi being mirrors to one another and how The Ronin and the Bride explores violence and loss and how they're intertwined in Mizu's life at some point.

It’s shows like this that make me even more frustrated at Netflix. They were on such a role in animation and were (and sort of still are) a driving factor in changing the landscape of adult animation that they were frequently the platform that I was most excited to see new animated projects on, but then they absolutely gutted their animation division and showed little to no respect to the work of those that made the animated properties and I lost a lot of respect for them as a result. I really hope projects like Blue Eye Samurai keep being made and that platforms start respecting animation like it deserves.

I kind of feel like adding a few adult animated recommendations on netflix to this so here goes: Arcane (duh. It’s a masterpiece), Pluto, Cyberpunk Edgerunners, Castlevania, Carol and the End of the World, Skull Island, Inside Job, and Tear Along the Dotted Line.

[bigsoftmarshmallow]

Hi!

Okay, I just watched a “There Are Many Ways” Epic animation & now I can't get the idea of Nanema singing Circe’s first part to seduce the Dorfs/Mise to her perspective.

With it being much more effective on them than it was on Odysseus. XD

Like, just outright saying that she's manipulating him &, somewhere in his head, he's aware of it, but he's too busy trying to valiantly resist her temptress methods & failing at it to fully register that fact. Maybe he gets to a point where he doesn't even care about resisting.

Just, her showcasing that there are other forms of power to be found than the direct.

So, because of the ask with the thrones, dais, and the in the same room, Chat came up with a very unique response that I think you may like to this. So Imma share it!

I did correct it afterwards to the usual "In their Own Timeline" situation afterwards, just I enjoyed how it came out. :D

************************************************************************

Nanema stands at the center of a grand, shadowy hall, her voice rising in a sultry melody as she sings Circe’s seductive song. Each note weaves around the gathered Ganondorfs and Demise like invisible tendrils, drawing their attention, their guard slipping with each word she utters.

"No puppet here," her voice echoes, dripping with allure, "this is the price we pay for love…"

The Ganondorfs, each powerful and fiercely dominant in their own right, find themselves faltering under her spell. Noctis, seated on his Gothic throne, shifts uncomfortably, his mind clouded as her voice laces through his senses. His grip tightens on the armrests, yet even as his mind tells him to resist, there’s a flicker of curiosity in his dark gaze. He wants to know the power she speaks of.

Hedony, who thrives on direct combat and bloodshed, clenches his jaw, instinctively sensing the manipulation. But his eyes betray him, flickering with a hunger to learn the deeper arts of persuasion Nanema speaks of. The part of him that craves domination by any means feels pulled toward her words, even as he mentally fights against them.

Vendettas, ever the cunning manipulator, is caught between admiration and indignation. He feels her attempts at control and knows her game, but there’s something enthralling about the way she wields this more subtle form of power. His eyes follow her movements, a calculating smile forming as he wonders what he could gain from falling into her trap—perhaps there’s knowledge here he could use.

Wake, on his folding curule seat, is less subtle about his struggle. His usual laid-back demeanor falters as his mind churns, trying to grasp the allure that pulls at him. He feels vulnerable, exposed in a way that the sea never made him feel, yet he’s intrigued by this different form of mastery.

Bandit, less refined in resistance, feels the tug of her song strongly. He glares at Nanema with a mixture of frustration and desire, wanting to lash out and break free but finding his will sapped. Her words dance in his mind, igniting an unexpected yearning for something deeper than brute strength.

Demise, the most stubborn of them all, is visibly tense. His iron resolve begins to crack as the heat of her voice sinks into him like a slow-burning flame. He grips the bone-decorated arms of his throne, jaw set as if trying to ignore her. But even he, the primal embodiment of destruction, feels the pull of her subtle power. His golden eyes narrow, struggling to understand how he—a being of pure strength—could be so tempted by someone wielding no direct force.

By the time she reaches the final, haunting note, the air around her feels thick with tension. Nanema’s eyes gleam knowingly as she takes in their reactions, knowing they’re all, to some degree, at her mercy.

"You have so much left to learn," she whispers, and they know, in that moment, she’s right.

************************************************************************

Nanema's mastery over the subtle and the indirect makes her a powerful seductress, especially when combined with the hauntingly effective song of Circe. In each timeline, the Ganondorf or Demise in question would respond differently to her manipulations, but the common thread is that, deep down, they know they’re being ensnared. Despite their awareness, they find themselves helplessly captivated by her voice, her presence, and the power she wields.

Wake (Wind Waker Ganondorf)

Wake is seated in his shell-inlaid curule chair, relaxed but alert as Nanema steps closer, her song beginning with a soft, seductive tone. His sharp eyes narrow, recognizing the manipulation instantly. Still, as her voice echoes around the room, the words wrapping around him like a silken net, he feels his iron will weakening.

Nanema: “There are other ways of persuasion… There are other modes of control…”

He knows she’s trying to seize control of him, to sway his mind, yet the melody is intoxicating. His hand tightens around the hilt of his sword, but instead of raising it, he finds himself entranced, the sword slipping from his grip as his mind drifts into the siren’s call. The weight of her presence tugs at his thoughts, pulling him away from the clarity he normally possesses.

By the time she croons, “There is so much power, so much power…” his once-proud resolve wavers, his eyes clouding with something between frustration and desire. He rises from his chair, struggling to stand tall, but the temptation, the pull toward her, is too strong. He leans forward, chest heaving as he admits quietly, “What… are you doing to me?”

Bandit (Ocarina of Time Ganondorf)

Bandit is pacing the room, restless, his brow furrowed as Nanema’s voice starts to fill the space. He’s accustomed to direct confrontation, and the subtlety of her power feels foreign, yet… enticing. Her words twist through his mind, the promise of another kind of control than the brute force he’s used to.

Nanema: “There are other means of deceit… There are other roads to the soul…”

He glares at her, knowing what’s happening, knowing that this is a game. But as her voice rises, promising power and control in ways he’s never fully considered, the fire within him cools. His fists unclench. The thought of losing himself to her manipulation nags at the back of his mind, but every fiber of him is drawn to her.

The line “There’s so much power, but there’s no puppet here,” sends a shiver down his spine. Bandit, the conqueror, feels small, caught in her web. He should fight, he knows he should. But he just watches her, lips parting as he mutters, “I should have seen this coming…”

Noctis (Twilight Princess Ganondorf)

Noctis sits in his grand Gothic throne, perfectly still, his piercing gaze fixed on Nanema as she sings. Her manipulation is blatant to him—he is no fool—but that doesn’t stop the weight of her words from seeping into his mind. He’s always valued control, but as she serenades him with “There are other ways of persuasion,” the control begins to slip.

Nanema: “Want to save your men from the fire? Show me that you’re willing to burn…”

His hands grip the armrests of his throne tightly, the cold iron grounding him for now. But as her voice climbs, filled with power, temptation, and subtle promises, he feels the dark tendrils of his own desires curling around his resolve. Noctis is used to being the one in control, yet her power, her dominance, feels like a mirror of his own.

When she whispers, “There is so much power,” he feels a cold shudder of anticipation. A slow smile curls on his lips, half in admiration, half in resignation. “If I’m to burn, I’ll take you with me,” he murmurs, but even he can hear the surrender in his voice.

Hedony (Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf)

Hedony stands tall and imposing, his throne of bone reflecting his triumphs over enemies. Yet as Nanema’s voice sweeps through the air, his posture shifts. She’s different from any opponent he’s ever faced—this battle is not one of strength, but of subtlety, and it’s disarming.

Nanema: “There are other options of passion… You have so much left to learn…”

His hand hovers near the pommel of his weapon, instinct telling him to fight, but the spell she’s weaving through her song keeps him rooted in place. He clenches his jaw, fully aware of the seduction, yet unable to look away. Her voice washes over him, turning his fierce will to smoke, his mind trapped between resisting and wanting more.

By the time she sings, “This is the price we pay for love,” he feels it—his resistance breaking. His heartbeat quickens, and he steps closer to her, almost daring her to finish what she’s started. “You play a dangerous game, woman,” he says, voice thick with desire and frustration, but he knows he’s already lost.

Vendettas (Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf)

Vendettas is seated in his elegant vintage armchair, watching Nanema with a calm, calculating gaze. He doesn’t trust her—he knows what’s happening, but her power, her confidence, draws him in all the same. As she begins to sing, he feels the familiar weight of temptation.

Nanema: “There are other means of deceit… There are other roads to the soul…”

He tilts his head, intrigued by her method. He’s always prided himself on his ability to see through deception, but her song speaks to something deeper. The part of him that’s tired of fighting, that longs for something else—something she’s offering, even if he knows it’s a trap.

Her words, “So much power, but there’s no puppet here,” resonate with him, striking a chord in his deepest desires. He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, but as her voice winds through the room, a flicker of doubt crosses his mind. Maybe this is the power he’s been searching for. His lips twitch into a faint smirk. “You think you can control me?” he asks, his voice smooth, but beneath the surface, he’s already beginning to falter.

Demise (The Original Demon King)

Demise towers above her, unflinching, as her voice rises in the cavernous space. Her power is not physical, and yet it’s more dangerous than any weapon he’s ever faced. Her words, sharp and deliberate, begin to weave a spell around him, something more insidious than any blade.

Nanema: “There is so much power, so much power… But there’s no puppet here…”

He snarls, knowing what she’s doing, hating that he can feel it working. But for all his strength, for all his fury, her subtle, delicate words slip past his defenses. His fists clench, but not in anger—in a futile attempt to regain control. Demise, the embodiment of raw, destructive power, finds himself frozen under her sway.

She steps closer, and he remains rooted to the spot. His heart pounds with both rage and desire. “I won’t be your pawn,” he growls, but even he knows the fight is slipping from his grasp. In the end, he is a god brought low by a simple song.

Nanema’s manipulation, combined with her powerful singing, strikes each version of Ganondorf and Demise at their core, making them question their own power, forcing them to confront the idea that even they—masters of strength and will—can be undone by a woman who wields the subtle art of control. They may try to resist, but ultimately, none of them can escape the seductive spell she weaves.

[percyaugod]

@reesespiecesofart @hauntedtale-au

Raph finds out because the hidden city police have a connection to the galactic federation. Raph still trying to find out where Donnie came from actually finds out where Donnie came from.

He sees the articles about the mad scientist and that describes the dangerous abomination. How it pretended to be just a dumb animal before breaking out of a high-security transport vehicle and is now on the loose. The federation preparing to send in its creator to capture it since he is the only one who could possibly capture such a cunning and destructive creature.

It even shows a picture of the security footage of his escape. Donnie laughed maniacally as the guard cowered before him, gun in each of his four arms, quills raised up his spine, and mask tails raised like antennas.

A living weapon that was created to destroy, and Raph let it into his house with his younger brothers. Raph remembers all the instances of Leo saying something was off with Donnie and all the things Donnie supposedly did. And Raph didn't believe him. All of his time facing villains and criminals Raph has never known such dread.

Raph practically races home to make sure Mikey and Leo are still… okay. He calls the house several times but no one picks up. Raph goes even faster.

The entire time Raph can't help but think this isn't fair. How could someone make something like this? To knowingly make it look like a kid so people let it into their homes. The fact it was all fake is painful enough. Like he's already lost a member of his family.

When Raph gets home he sneaks in, not wanting to alert Donnie. It's so quiet. Where's the usual sound of his brothers laughing and playing? The fighting as a prank or joke gone too far that he needs to break up? He hears a movie playing in the living room. He peeks in and sees… a turtle pile?

a large pile of pillows and covers on the floor as the movie plays unwatched. Mikey is using Leo's legs as a footrest while his back and arms are flailed out. Leo is lying chest down on a large lump of covers, practically hugging it. Raph is about to panic at the lack of "softshell" when he notices a familiar snout poking out of the covers.

Raph doesn't know if he wants to laugh or cry. The whole way here he was worried about Donnie possibly hurting his brothers, and here he is letting Leo practically drool all over him. Leo, who has been suspicious of Donnie since the very beginning, let his guard down enough to fall asleep.

One thing is clear to Raph looking at Donnie right now. He may have been made for destruction, but that's not all he's capable of. Not anymore at least.

Raph looks tiredly at the sleeping Donnie. "It was Mikey that got to you, wasn't it? He has that effect on people." As expected, there was no answer besides quiet snores.

Raph can feel a headache forming. Why do these kids have to make everything so complicated? There's no way he can just capture Donnie and turn him over, but he's not going to let this continue without telling Leo and Mikey. Tomorrow they'll have a family meeting, tell each other everything, and figure things out from there.

But first, Raph is way too exhausted to be awake right now and that turtle pile looks awfully inviting. He flops onto the covers and pillows and drifts off himself.

When Raph first mentions finding where Donnie comes from Donnie doubts he actually found out about him. Meanwhile, Leo and Mikey think he found Donnie's real family, and Donnie's going to have to leave. They're crying and hanging on to an annoyed Donnie while telling him to call them and visit. Raph just trying to get them to listen for a few seconds because guys that's not what he's trying to say.

Mikey gives Donnie an album full of pictures of their time together so he doesn't forget them. The cover is a hand-drawn portrait of their family with Donnie in it. Mikey knows there's no chance of getting Donnie to sit still for a family photo.

Leo's favorite is a picture of Donnie's face scrunched up as he's sprayed in the face with a water bottle like a misbehaving cat.

The constant camera in his face is how Donnie learns to record everything. They find out and try to explain this is different, but Donnie just doesn't get it.

Once Raph gets them calmed down enough to explain Leo is mostly baffled at how Donnie can hide two extra arms "like a morbid jack in the box."

Mikey's just relieved that since he's an alien and doesn't have any family on Earth that means they get to keep him.

Donnie: I suppose my creator could technically be seen as a parental unit.

Leo: Yeah, but we said on Earth.

Donnie: Again, my creator.

Raph remembers reading about the creator being sent to hunt the creation: Oh no.

[italeean]

Ello it's me for the event hehehehe so here I go.

Description: I'm a serious person, but (tho I hate to admit it T-T) I'm pretty soft and fluffy when you get to know me more. I'm particularly excitable when it comes to my special interests like anime/games. I do karate, and I'm into martial arts in general. I dislike really obnoxious and loud people, but if they're too quiet it just becomes awkward. So someone in the middle would be nice. Name is Robin. Nickname is Robbi.

I'm a lee leaning switch :)

Fandom: Genshin Impact cause why not

Relationship: hmmm romantic cause why not >:)

With a boi pleaseeee :D

Hello hello, my dear cutie, thanks for participating in my event ^_^✨️ I'm super happy to do someone for you so I really hope you enjoy!! 🍡 *some dango for you, too*

🔮 So... for the match-up, your pair is... HEIZOU 🩵💚

🔮 Why did I choose him for you?

• You're serious and a good listener, which means that Heizou could tell you about his cases or ask you for an opinion • I totally see him getting overwhelmed by a case and you distracting him! Then when he's calmer, you'd go through the materials and clues to make him see the situation from your own perspective • Probably a tickle fight would be a great distraction (maybe even your favorite, for both you and him) • Heizou's combat style is based on martial arts, which is another thing you have in common!!! I can imagine you two training together or even trading techniques!!! • I'm sure he'd be delighted to tickle a certain technique out of you if you don't wanna tell him hehe~ • Heizou isn't particularly loud, but he's extroverted (and super teasy 😳🫣) so he can be a great match for you because he isn't overwhelming but not too quiet either • He's a detective, so he'd be perceptive of your mood even without you telling me (and trust me, it can be useful when you're an INTJ) • I'm 100% sure that Heizou would be able to bring out your fluffy and soft side... I can already see you snuggling together when you get in bed after a long day • I'm quite sure that he'd be able to sneak some cuddly tickles while enjoying the little moment of affection before going to bed... and it would be his pleasure to tire you out with a good tickle attack if you don't wanna go to bed • This detective is so nice... I'm sure he'd be delighted and honored to spend time with you playing games or watching anime!!! • His favorites would be Detective Conan and Yuukoku no Moriarty hehe • He has a very teasy personality, as I've already said, but he's also super goofy... which is why I see him as a ler-leaning switch and a perfect match for you 🩵

🔮 Tickle scenario

"Ummm... are you sure this is what Madame Kujou Sara told you to do..?" You looked at your lover quizzically, "Of course it is! It's a very effective training passed on by the Shuumatsuban itself" Heizou was quick to reply. "Would you really deny me your precious help, RobbiBabe..?" He used the nickname he invented just for you and gave you those puppy eyes you could never say no to.

"No, no..! It just sounds a little weird, that's all..." you were still perplexed, but you were too weak to Heizou's pleading eyes to say no to him. It was unfair how such a mischievous and cunning person could be so cute... He really had you wrapped around his pinky finger.

"Great! So, I'll explain you again what you gotta do." The detective started, every trace of sadness or plead gone from his face. "You have to pretend to be a criminal who has stolen something precious, and I'll try to get the location of the stolen goods out of you through an interrogation. This will help me to be quicker and more efficient when I'll actually interrogate someone!"

"Umm... fine, let me think about a place where I'd hide something..." you said while your brain gears were working to create a realistic scenario.

After a couple of minutes, you tell Heizou you're ready and give him permission to start this 'interrogation training'. He was taking this scenario very seriously, and it almost scared you how ominous he seemed when he looked at you as if you were a criminal, but after a while, you got more confident and even dared to give him sassy answers and witty remark. Even Heizou was somewhat impressed by how much you seemed to enjoy yourself.

However, you couldn't imagine what your lover was planning...

"Fine," he said at some point, "I guess I'll have to use drastic measures if you don't wanna talk to me. And I even asked nicely..." The look he gave you was threatening and almost disappointed, even if it was an act.

Before you knew it, a pair of mischievous hands were latched on your sides and squeezing firmly but softly. "Gh- aaaaeeeeehh..! W-what are you-" You started squirming in your seat, shivering when you heard a low chuckle coming from 'your interrogator'.

"I think you know what I'm doing, Robin..." The way the detective pronounced your full name made your eyes widen, "the Shuumatsuban is usually rougher when it comes to getting the truth out of someone... but torture is technically legal and I'm not part of the Shuumatsuban, so I gotta find an alternative way to make you talk. Tell me, criminal, are you ticklish?"

You tried your best, but you gave in way more easily than you wanted to admit to yourself. "Aaaahehehehehehe nohohoho!!!" You started squirming in your seat, but you did your best to remain still. "No? You aren't? Then this interrogation should be a piece of cake for you~" He said casually, as if his hands weren't slowly walking towards your most ticklish spot.

Your eyes widened in terror when you realized where they were going. "NO!!! Wahahahahait pleheheaha- NAHAHAHAHAT THEHEHERE NOHOHOHOOOO" You didn't even try to hold back your laughter when your feet were targeted mercilessly.

"IHIHIHI GIHIHIVEEE!!! IHIHI'LL TALK!!!" You pleaded, but you didn't expect your boyfriend to stop tickling you and start laughing boisterously. "Pfft- hahahahahaha I can't believe you really bought the interrogation training excuse!" He saw your perplexed face and explained better.

"I noticed you've been awfully serious this week, so I decided to find a way to make you unwind and have you cooperate with me~" You pouted, but you couldn't deny he was right... and you had enjoyed yourself a lot to be honest...

That evening finished with you two snuggling and kissing sweetly on the couch, and Heizou was unaware of the pair of hands that was making his way towards his bare, exposed ribs...

[illarian-rambling]

Thanks for the tag @mk-writes-stuff!

OC Fighting Game Tag

Rules: Create some OC profiles for a fighting game

I've already done my main two casts, so you know what that means! It's ghost time 😱

Faalgun Falani

Health: n/a

Strength: 3

Armor: 7

Speed: 10

Cunning: 8

Special Attack: Captain's Orders - Faalgun can command an ally to take an extra attack on his turn with advantage to hit.

Weaknesses: Tall shelves and games of chance

Idle Animation: He stands at parade rest, draconic whiskers twitching every so often. At some point, something startles him and when he turns to look, it's clear his neck is very broken.

Nyda Burningrock

Health: n/a

Strength: 5

Armor: 1

Speed: 6

Cunning: 10

Special Attack: Hell of a Bluff - Nyda talks mad shit, giving all of her allies advantage on hitting her opponent, but also giving her opponent advantage to hit her.

Weaknesses: Melee attacks and fear effects

Idle Animation: Nyda bounces on her toes, cracking her knuckles and looking for all the world like a scrappy fighter who's about to tear you a new one. Look closer, though, and notice she carries no weapons. See her duelists belt and the dismal record marked upon it.

Kaulakri Ondohuroata

Health: n/a

Strength: 7

Armor: 4

Speed: 3

Cunning: 10

Special Attack: Wait, this Nerd's Got Moves? - Kaulakri's rigorous workout routine takes her opponent by surprise. For one round, every melee attack deals double damage.

Weaknesses: Long-distance running and rats

Idle Animation: Kaulakri sits quietly and reorganizes one of her journals. She looks very at peace as she does this. When she offers you a nervous smile, you are alarmed by how sharp her teeth are.

Pashananath

Health: n/a

Strength: 4

Armor: 3

Speed: 9

Cunning: 9

Special Attack: It's My Pleasure - When Pash deals a knockout blow, no death saving throws are made. He goes for the kill every time.

Weaknesses: Surprise attacks and deescalating conflict

Idle Animation: There's a strange harp-like instrument he tunes before playing a quick ditty, tufted tail flicking in time with the beats. When he finishes, he winks a solid red eye.

Anarac Fifth-Blood

Health: n/a

Strength: 7

Armor: 10

Speed: 6

Cunning: 3

Special Attack: Starlight, Starbright - Anarac's attacks are at disadvantage until his party collectively drops below half health. After that threshold, he recalls another time, when he tore through armies with four taloned arms of purest night. He now does double damage and can attack immediately after an enemy takes their turn for the rest of the combat.

Weaknesses: Psychic damage and bright lights

Idle Animation: He's huddled up on the ground, knees to his chest, hands over his head, probably dissociating. He does not want to be here.

I'll tag @jev-urisk @the-golden-comet @tragedycoded @trippingpossum @wyked-ao3 and anyone else who wants to play :)

[cienie-isengardu]

Du you have any headcannon about bi-han and sub zero

Oh, I have plenty of them! Like, an endless list 🤣

I’m not sure to whom the “Sub-Zero” part should refer (Bi-Han or his younger brother or their father/grandfather?) so I'm gonna focus on Bi-Han, allright?

My top favorite one: Bi-Han is aromantic and asexual.

Prodigy when it comes to cryomancy. Earned his name earlier than most adepts because his ice skills developed much faster but also because he is hard working by nature. Even his Lin Kuei masters were concerned with his dedication to training. He also is a very quick learner, most of the time he doesn’t need anyone to explain how certain skills or moves work, he will figure it out all by himself and then in a few days perfect something that usually takes people years to master. This is something that more often than not freaks out people.

The side effect of Bi-Han’s growing skills is how cryomancy is affecting his behavior. He has never been very talkative or open around people, but the older he is, the less social he becomes. Also stubborn and strong-minded. And dangerously cunning.

Absolutely favorite assassin of Shang Tsung. When he was a kid, the Grandmaster allowed him to train with Shang Tsung. As in, Lin Kuei got a promising adept with additional experiences of operating in Outworld, while Bi-Han was doing small jobs for the sorcerer. Like spying on his enemies and stealing. Bi-Han and Shang Tsung got so well together that adult Bi-Han was constantly doing some side-jobs for Shang Tsung. They kept meeting in Earthrealm from time to time, with or without Grandmaster’s knowledge.

Bi-Han was helping Shang Tsung with distracting Reptile from sorcerer’s own little side project, so Syzoth couldn’t report on him to Shao Kahn. 

The first person he killed was one of Lin Kuei masters and he was twelve. He did it in front of the crowd. Since that day everyone knew Bi-Han is not someone to mess with. It also proved to the Grandmaster that yes, this kid will be one of the best of Lin Kuei but also someone to keep an eye on.

Bi-Han has a soft spot for animals, he doesn’t care much for people with a few exceptions. 

He looked after Kuai Liang before Lin Kuei kidnapped them and kept doing so to the last of his day. But despite their brotherly bond, there are plenty of things Kuai Liang doesn’t know about his older brother, because Bi-Han’s the closest friend/trustee was Hydro, his partner in crime.

Doesn't care for technology but likes fast motorbikes

Had some interesting relationship with previous grandmaster (Sektor's grandfather). They made some deals that allowed Bi-Han to officially claim Kuai Liang as his brother and clan after killing father and taking Sub-Zero mantle for himself.

[achy-boo]

Nyx 'Keket'

1.Neka

Jeanne's unofficial sister and night side

A girl with an injured eye and psychotic mindset

Never Triggered Her Inner Mirror Demon

Name: Nyx 'Keket'

Romaji: 'Keket' Nyx

Quote: "Why my eye is injured? You really do not want to know~"

V/A: Kafka from HSR(English), Female Rover from Wuthering Waves(Japanese)

Gender: female

Sexuality: polyamorous biromantic

Age:17(Same as Jeanne. Age like a normal human being but never grow old)

Birthday: Feb 10th

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Eye color: It is a mixture of lilac, dark purple and dark crimson red(Just an the open one)

Hair Color: dark purple with dark plums ends

Height: 5'6(Just few inches taller than Jeanne)

Weight:109lbs

Race: Mirror Demon/Curse

Homeland: South Korea

Family:July Keket(Mother/Victim of the Keket Curse), [redacted] (Bio dad, murdered by Zephyr) Zephyr Keket(Step Father), Kenichi Keket(First older brother), Hyun Lamya Keket(2nd older brother), Jeanne(Her day half and 'sister')

School Status and Fun Facts

Dorm: Sapphire Lake Dorm

School Year: 2nd year

Class: 2-B

Student Number: No.21

Occupation: A waitress and a information booker

Club: Gossip Club

Best Subject: Flying

Favorite Color: dark, mute colors

Favorite Food: Mainly homemade meals by the girls

Least Favorite Food: It’s the same with Jeanne but for some reason...certain food from China makes her mouth feel weird

Likes: minding her business, mirrors, learning new things and meeting new people, Yuuken(She teased them a lot), animals, Sapphire Lake Dorm, girls' coffee and tea, alone time

Dislikes: People asking her about her closed eye, being called fake Jeanne(She kills a lot of people for that), Sapphire Lake Dorm being insulted or mocked, loud noises, her alone time being interrupted

Hobbies: watching from the sidelines, reading, sipping tea during the rainy days

Talents: Breaking free from her 'cage' with/out Jeanne's help, causing Derealization when her closed eye is open, sensing a lie, mirror traveling

Nicknames: Nyx, Nxie

Other Nicknames: None at the moment

Appearance and Personality

Appearance:

- Nyx looks like Jeanne but with a few differences. Her hair is light purple with dark purple ends, her eyes is a mixture of lilac, dark purple and red and one of them scars on it(it’s the closed on), she is the same height as Jeanne tho a bit taller in few inches. She wears the gothic dark academia style outfit due to the Sapphire Lake Dorm’s No same outfit rule.

Personality:

- Nyx is what everyone would called her the danger side of the mirrors. She is more cunning and manipulative than Jeanne when it came to anyone outside of NRC, RSA or Mystery Haunt. She is more cautious due to her history and experience with toxic people or people with hidden intentions. Towards strangers: Nyx is more wary a bit blunt and dismissive but towards everyone she cares about: she is a doll, playful and honest gal even if the truth and honesty is harsh.

𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒂

Her UM is Derealiaztion Madness World

She become The Keket Family's unoffical daughter due to her look, act and behave very differently than Jeanne(despite of her being Jeanne's mirror persona)

One of her eyes is closed and scarred but she stills sees well

Her mirror/cage is a large dancing mirror with purple roses as the designs

She is Crewel's favorite along with Kianisha

She had beef with Subaru Sakamaki and Yuma Mukami

She watches anime and read manhwa with the girls

Her main aesthetic themes are gothic and dark academia

She teases Yuuken since she found theme more interesting than the other boys

Her theme songs is Revolver by Luz in Royal Scandal and Monster by KIRA

She never open her closed eye(There is a reason why)

Derealzation Madness World

This Unique Magic of Nyx’s involves someone or a group trapped into her world. The world is peaceful and calm until it’s get disoriented, unreal and distant. The longer the person is in that world, the more mental damaging the effect can get. You have to found someone or something that is not disoriented but you have 20 minutes to find it or you are forever a part of her world...her unreal, distant, disorder world

What it involves: For Nyx; it’s her closed eye(her eye is a totally different color) and the person’s mental health and will to be mentally better

Songs: If I had to pick two songs that might fits Nyx's UM are Lavender Town Syndrome and Bad End Night both are vocaloid songs

@yukii0nna @writing-heiress @yoghurtsan @fair-night-starry-tears @yumeko2sevilla @queen-of-twisted @txemptress @httpghostface @lxdymoon0357

[gornackeaterofworlds]

💔🎈❗️🥀🍓💋🐞 for my beloved caiji pretty please 🙏

Reblogging ask games when I know I barely developed the characters or plot yet is gonna end me..

💔 (broken heart) - Who has your character hurt most? Physically or emotionally? How did it feel? Do they regret it?

Initially I wanted to say her sister, but I actually think that's untrue depending on your scale of how bad something is. So, my true answer? Her parents. It...well it's hard to place how it felt. Y'know the song from Epic, Monster? Does she regret it? Not in the tiniest little bit. She BRAGS about it. Eventually..

🎈 (balloon) - What does your character do at parties? Are they a wallflower or a party animal? Do they go with friends or alone?

Parties are never to have fun, not for Caiji. They're networking, plotting, scheming events. You find out information and make your next move, you gather things to hang over others. She does drink, though due to her... incredible size a few glasses of wine is the same as water to her. Though she does drag her sister everywhere

❗️(exclamation point) - What was the scariest moment of your character’s life? Does it still affect them?

This is so far in the plot I can't even hint at it. But it's me, ofc I'll hint at it. So I'll take this moment to remind people, for completely unrelated reasons, to glance at the worst content warnings..

🥀 (wilted flower) - How does your character deal with stressful situations? Is their fear response fight, flight, freeze or fawn?

None? Where's the "throw all your values to the wind and strategize the easiest possible way for you to live" response? Taps the Monster from Epic sign

🍓 (strawberry) - Does your oc believe in anything? Are they superstitious? Religious? Atheistic? Has anything in their past made them this way?

Hmm. I actually never thought of this in depth. Yokai understand that magic is its own science, it operates outside of reality and changes it as it pleases. There's no gods, if that's what's implied. But they do worship strong historical figures. Caiji, specifically, has a very complicated relationship with this kind of ideology. She's the daughter of two of the physically strongest and most resourceful and cunning, but has an incredibly strained relationship with the most mystic-inclined individuals. So her views are definitely warped in terms of who she looks up to. And it will be explored, but she also has very little mystic abilities. Her lack of communication with that side of society is part of what got her in this position in the first place.

💋 (kiss) - Is your oc a good kisser? Have they kissed anyone before? Do they even enjoy kissing? What was their first kiss like in comparison to their most recent?

At first, for the longest time, I had the urge to make Caiji very sexually experienced. She's rich, she's hot, she's powerful. But...she's also alone. She doesn't have the time nor vulnerability for that kind of thing, and she's only like 21? She's likely not kissed anyone, no, and her anxiety to do things perfectly and be knowledgeable ahead of time probably makes her a very nervous and awkward kisser. She would enjoy kissing. I won't be showing explicit sex in Butterfly Effect, I'll barely be showing kissing, but multiple characters do smash. And she's one of them

🐞 (ladybug) - What does a perfect day look like for your oc? What do they do? Who do they see?

This is the hardest question. Because it depends on where she's at in her development. Where the comic is now? Being able to sleep and have her family take care of everything for her, as they mostly do now. Having her..rivals dead or obedient. Being given a prophecy of prosperity and peace instead of what's to come

[soylent-crocodile]

Shifter Aspects

Shifters are an interesting class! A late addition to the setting, they're something between werewolves, animorphs, and that girl in Ripley's Believe it or Not who has really sharp fingernails. The aspect options presented are definitely a good core, but a part of me wishes they had had more time to get new aspects. These are designed around mechanical effects- teamwork feats, combat maneuvers, crits, posion- with animals chosen to fit them.

Of note, the Giant Shrew was originally flavored as Euchambersia, a real animal which was probably not venomous, despite theories. I figured it was too obscure an animal and inaccurate anyway, but feel free to use either.

(Animal Unleashed by jocarra on deviantart)

Painted Dog (Shifter Aspect)

You gain the aspect of the painted dog, one of the most cunning and coordinated of all nature’s creatures. Minor Form: When you are flanking a creature, you and creatures flanking it with you gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls against that creature in addition to the +2 bonus granted by flanking. At level 8, also apply this additional bonus to the bonus granted when you use the Aid Another action and to checks made to Aid Another. At level 15, this bonus increases to +2. Major Form: Your shape changes into that of a painted dog (as a riding dog). In this form you gain a base speed of 50ft, low-light vision, scent (30ft), a bite attack (1d8 damage), and two claw attacks (1d4 damage). Additionally, when you take this form, you may grant an ally within 30ft of you access to a teamwork feat you possess for the duration of the transformation. At level 8, your bite attack gains the trip and grab special abilities. At level 15, gain the Improved Natural Attack feat for your bite. Alternate Attacks: Bite (B, P, S)

Giant Shrew (Shifter Aspect)

You gain the aspect of a giant shrew, a venomous animal native to distant islands that hunts at night. Minor Form: Gain a +2 bonus to stealth and perception checks made in the dark. These bonuses increase to +4 at 8th level and +6 at 15th level. Major Form: Your shape changes to that of a giant shrew. While in this form your size becomes small, you gain Darkvision 60ft, low-light vision, and scent (30ft). You gain a bite attack (1d6 damage). When a creature is dealt damage by your bite attack, they must make a fortitude save with DC equal to 10+½ your shifter level+your Constitution modifier or be sickened for 1 round. This is a poison effect. At level 8, creatures that fail your save instead are sickened for 1d6 rounds and your bite deals 1d8 damage. At level 15, creatures that fail your save are instead poisoned with the poison shown below. Poison (Ex)- Bite-Injury, Save Fort DC 12+½ your level in Shifter+your Con modifier, Frequency 1/round for 6 rounds, Effect 1d2 Con damage, victim is sickened, Cure 2 consecutive saves Alternate Attacks: Bite (B, P, S), Claw (S)

Gorgonopsid (Shifter Aspect)

You gain the powerful jaws of the deadly gorgonopsid, an ancient predator that used long saber teeth to kill its prey. Minor Form: You gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls made to confirm critical hits and a +2 insight bonus to AC against rolls made to confirm critical hits. Major Form: Your shape changes to that of a gorgonopsid. While in this form you gain a 40ft move speed, the low-light vision and scent (30ft) abilities, a bite attack that deals 1d10 damage and has a critical threat range of 19-20, and a slam attack (1d6 damage). At level 8, your bite gains the grab ability and its damage becomes 2d6. At level 15, increase the critical threat range of your bite attack to 18-20. Alternate Attacks: Bite (B, P, S), Claw (S)

Anaconda (Shifter Aspect)

You gain the aspect of the boa, able to grapple and constrict your enemies. Minor Form: Gain a +4 bonus to grapple checks. At level 8, this bonus increases to +6, and at level 15 it increases to +8. Major Form: Your shape changes to that of a large anaconda with a 5ft reach. In this form you have a land speed of 40ft, a swim speed of 40ft, scent (50ft), a bite attack (1d8 damage) with the grab ability, and constrict, dealing damage equal to your shifter claw ability +1½ times your strength modifier. At level 8, each round you grapple a creature, reduce that creature’s rounds of breath holding by 1. At level 15, gain the Swallow Whole ability. Your stomach deals damage equal to two times your shifter claws that is half acid and half bludgeoning.  Alternate Attacks: Bite (B, P, S), Slam (B)

Stegosaurus (Shifter Aspect)

You gain the aspect of the stegosaurus, a dinosaur armed with a deadly spiked tail. Minor Form: You gain a +2 bonus to trip and disarm combat maneuver checks. At 8th level, this bonus increases to +4, and at 15th level it increases to +6.  Major Form: Your shape changes to that of a medium Stegosaurus. While in this form you gain a 40ft move speed, scent (30ft), and a tail attack (1d8 damage) with the trip ability. At 8th level, your tail attack gains a 10ft reach. At 15th level, your tail’s damage becomes 2d6 and you gain a +2 natural armor bonus. Alternate Attacks: Tail (P)