#...i may have reached my original reading goal for this once already

[daughterofhecata]

Stupid alien virus hoax, here I come!

[themodernwitchsguide]

greek astragalomancy

guess who found out about another ancient form of divination yall. first off, I would like to direct you to this post by @hellenic-reconstructionism that basically said all of this already. I'm not sourcing from them, however they have basically all the same info I have so I don't want it to seem like I'm copying them. much love <3

BACKGROUND:

Traditionally, astragalomancy was done with bones called astragaloi, knucklebones or tali (most commonly from sheep or goats). To be clear, the use of astragaloi has been traced back all the way to the Neolithic period, and is not solely Greek. We are just only talking about the Greek divination type, but just know these aren't the only interpretations out there.

Also, this kind of divination is pretty similar to psephoi reading, to which my friend @apolloforetoldus made a post about!

For the game and divination technique, the four sides of the knucklebone would be marked as 1 (chion), 3 (hyption), 4 (pranes), or 6 (koon), with opposing sides adding up to 7.

The Ancient Greeks and Romans would also make replicas of astragaloi out of wood, glass, bronze, or ivory, and in a book I read they used a coin flip instead of a dice roll, so I'll include how to do that too

HOW TO:

Usually a full set of astragaloi would be five bones, but you can also use one bone and just roll it five times. In either case, hold your knucklebones in your hand and jiggle them (like you would with dice) while thinking of your question. Throw/drop them onto a soft surface like an altar cloth or mat and look at either all the downward or the upward facing numbers (depending on what you prefer, I use the upward facing). Make sure to keep track of all the individual numbers that you pulled, as each sum can have multiple different interpretations.

For another method, take a set of three coins of any shape, size, or origin. Flip these three all together at once, and see their correspondences below.

Chion: 3 Heads | Hyption: 1 Tail | 2 Heads | Pranes; 2 Tails, 1 Head | Koon: 3 Tails

Throw this set of three four more times. Each time you flip the three, correspond it to an astragalus value, so that you end up with five numbers.

Some deities that you may call upon that are mentioned in the interpretations are Athena, Hermes, Apollo, or Themis (among others that I could not be bothered to list in entirety).

INTERPRETATIONS:

there are, to my knowledge, two distinct interpretations for each number reading. one in "The Greek I Ching" by Kostas Dervenis (which he sources from somewhere else, I'm sure) and those from the inscriptions in Termessos, which are below. I did not include all of Dervenis' (I used a couple to fill in some blanks) because I would feel bad taking something I paid for and providing it for free on the internet.

Individual rolls | Sum | Title | Interpretation

11111 | 5 | Zeus Olympios | If you see only Chians: Zeus will give good thinking to your mind, stranger: he will grant happiness to your work, for which you will give thanks. But appease Aphrodite and the Son of Maia (Hermes).

11113 | 7 | Athena Areia | If four Chians and one three are cast, the god signals: By avoiding enmity and Animosity, you will reach your prize; you will arrive and the blue-eyed goddess Athena will save you. The activity that you have in mind will turn out as you wish it.

41111 | 8 | Moirai | If one four and four Chians in a row are cast: Don’t do the business that you are engaged in; it will not turn out well. It will be difficult and impossible around someone who tires himself out. But if you go abroad for some time, no harm will come from it.

33111 | 9 | Zeus’ Eagle | If two threes and three Chians are cast: A high flying eagle on the right-hand side of the traveler will be a good omen; with the help of Greatest Zeus (Zeus Megistos) you will achieve your goal; do not fear.

61111 | 10 | Daimôn Megistos | If one six and four Chians in a row; It will be better to fulfill whatever vow you made to the daimôn, if you intend to perform what you ponder in your mind. Demeter and Zeus will save you.

11143 | 10 | Caring Fortune | If three are Chians, one a four and the fifth a three, Do not do the business you are about to do; as for the very intention you have, the gods are restraining it, but they will free you from you toil and no harm will meet you.

33311 | 11 | Victory | If three threes are cast, and further two Chians; you will win; you will take what you wish, and you will achieve everything; the daimôn will make you honored, and you will overcome your enemies, the plan that you are about to realize will be according to your desire.

44111 | 11 | Joyful Victory | If two fours and three Chians in a row are cast; Do all your business because it will turn out well. The gods will save him who is ill from his bed; also the god announces that he who is in another country will return home.

41133 | 12 | Asklepios | If one four, two Chians and two threes are cast; A storm will come about your business, but it will turn out well; also the god announces that he will free the one who is ill from his suffering, and the gods will bring safely home the one who is abroad.

11163 | 12 | Steering Tyche | Three Chians, a six, and the fifth throw a three; Do not yet make haste to go; it is impossible to go, rather wait, if you set out to rush mindlessly, you will do great damage to yourself, but if you wait, blameless time will accomplish everything.

11164 | 13 | Aphrodite | Three Chians and a six and the fifth a four; Sail wherever you wish; you will return full of joy, for you have found and accomplished everything that you ponder in your mind; but pray to Aphrodite and the Son of Maia (Hermes).

13333 | 13 | Zeus and Athena | If one Chian and four threes are cast; You are fit for every business and ready for any undertaking. The gods will easily save him who is ill, and all will be well as to the other oracles.

11344 | 13 | The Melodious Muse | If one three falls, two ones, and two fours: You would do well to act. Good prospects, profits easily gained. It is better now to participate, rather than to try to create. Keep private, in order to succeed, the sweet verse of the Muse.

13334 | 14 | Triton | One Chion, three threes, and one four; The god announces: You kick against the goad, you struggle against the waves, you search for a fish in the sea: do not hasten to do business. It does not help you to force the gods at the wrong time.

61133 | 14 | Daimôn | One six, two Chians, and a pair of threes. Do not project terrible things, and do not pray for what is against the gods, thinking terrible thoughts. There will accrue no gain from it, and no reward will come from this path you are walking.

44411 | 14 | Agathos Daimôn | If three fours and two ones are cast: The daimôn will lead you on the way that you undertake, and the lover of smiling, Aphrodite, will lead you toward good things. You will return with rich fruit and an untroubled Fate.

13344 | 15 | Zeus Savior | One Chian, two threes, two fours being cast: Approach with courage the business that you set out to do; do it! You will win, since the gods have given you these favorable signs, and do not avoid them in your intention: nothing bad will come from it.

11166 | 15 | Zeus Ammon | If three ones and two sixes are cast: The god announces to you: Undertake with courage the way you set out in your mind, god will give you everything: you will accomplish whatever your mind tells you, and Zeus, thundering high, will be with you as your savior.

33333 | 15 | Tyche the Savior | If all the threes are cast together: The woman who has given birth to a child, had both breasts dry, but then she again flourished and has milk in abundance. Then you too will reap the fruits about which you ask me.

43611 | 15 | Zeus of Hosts and Guests (Xenios) | A four, a three, a six, and two Chians: Do not make haste with the business for which you set out, it is not yet time. The gods will easily save him who is ill, and the god announces that he will make an end to the travel of him who is in foreign land.

63331 | 16 | Herakles | One six, three threes, and a fifth a Chian: The moment has not yet arrived, you make too much hast. Do not act in vain, nor like the bitch that has borne a blind puppy. Deliberate calmly, and the god will lead you.

64411 | 16 | Ares | One six, two fours, and two Chians: Why do you hurry? Wait calmly, the moment has not yet come; if you hurry without sense and in vain, you pursue something that is not yet ready. I do not yet see the right moment, but you will have success when you wait a little while.

43333 | 16 | Kronos | One four is cast, the other four are threes: Scorpions stand in your way, do not hurry towards the business that you intend; wait, and what you wish will arrive later; neither to buy this nor to sell is better.

44413 | 16 | Delphic Apollo | Three fours, one Chian, and the fifth a three; Do not make haste, it will not be better to go; when you wish to rush mindlessly, you will damage yourself very much; but when you stay put, blameless time will perform everything.

66113 | 17 | Isis the Savior | A double six, two Chians and the fifth a three: Enter and receive the voice from the tripod! The time is also ripe for marriage; you will marry and return home. You will achieve whatever you want in your business, having found the thing about which you are anxious.

16634 | 17 | Hermes the Savior | A Chian, a six, two threes and the fifth a four: I do not see anything painful among the things about which you ask me; do not think small, go forward with courage; you will find everything you wish: your vow will be fulfilled, and there is a perfect occasion for you.

44333 | 17 | Sarapis | If two fours are cast and three threes: Take courage and fight, Zeus the Owner (Ktesios) is your helper. You will punish your opponent and have him under your fist, and he will give happiness to the works for which you thank him.

14444 | 17 | Revenge | When a single Chian is cast, and the others are four: Now the daimôn will fulfill everything for you and lead you the right way. You will perform everything according to your mind, do not wear yourself out anymore. You will achieve beautifully whatever you desire.

66114 | 18 | Adrasteia | If two sixes, two Chians, and the fifth a four: Do your business and undertake it; the time will be favorable. In the middle, difficulties and danger are waiting. As to the other oracles, things will turn out well for you.

16443 | 18 | Zeus of the Lightning | A Chian and a six, two fours and the fifth a three: What you plan will not turn out according to your liking, when you do it; it is not useful to travel to foreign lands. You will show no insight if you sell now, nor will it be useful.

44433 | 18 | The Greatest Daimôn | If there are three fours and two threes, he signifies this: I do not see this plan as safe for you; thus wait. You will do well, after this there will be luck; as for now remain calm, trust the gods and stay helpful.

63333 | 18 | Good Time | A six and four threes together; the oracle announces thus: Do not make haste, the daimôn is opposed to you, rather wait and do not act like a dog that gave birth to a blind litter. Take counsel calmly, and things will turn out happily for you.

66133 | 19 | Good Hope | Two sixes, a Chian and two threes; he signifies this: Everything about which you ask me is smooth riding for you and safe; do not be afraid, a daimôn will lead you toward everything; he will end the painful difficulties and you will disprove the suspicions.

44461 | 19 | Zeus of the Possessions | Three fours, one six, and the fifth a Chian: Proceed with courage, the oracle is about hope, stranger; it announces also that the sick person will be saved. If you need to consult an oracle, you will receive what you desire.

34444 | 19 | Hermes Who Brings Gain in Trade | If one three and four fours are cast: Zeus will give you a good plan to your mind, stranger; thus, all will be well, undertake what you desire; you will find whatever you ask the oracle for, and nothing will be bad for you.

33364 | 19 | Victory | Three threes, one six and the fifth a four: You pronounce a good oracle, stranger; one you have thought it through, you will do whatever you desire, and the god will be your helper; you will win, you will reap the fruits, and you will achieve everything.

44444 | 20 | The Inexorable Moirai | If all fours are cast together in the same way: the sun has gone down, and terrible night has come, everything has become dark. Interrupt the matter about which you ask me; it is neither better to buy nor to sell.

43661 | 20 | The Moon | A four and a three, two sixes, and the fifth a Chian: Do not undertake this business, stranger; it will not turn out well for you. The god announces that he will help the one who is ill; and if there is any fear, nothing bad will happen to you.

63344 | 20 | The Protecting Dioskouroi | Alone the six, two threes, the others fours: A man who makes haste does not achieve what opportunity offers. You have a profit, and there is fear everywhere because of evil; your business is ill-fated, and everything is painful; watch out!

66611 | 20 | Hephaistos | Three sixes and two Chians; he will tell the following: It is impossible to do business; do not toil in vain! And do not turn every stone, lest you chance upon a scorpion. Fussiness will not bring you luck, be on your guard for all sorts of misfortune!

66441 | 21 | Demeter | A pair of sixes, two fours, the fifth a Chian: Everything about which you ask me is on a smooth way for you and safe; do not be afraid, a daimôn will lead you toward everything; I see nothing that will bring you harm; take heart and go forward.

44463 | 21 | Helios, Bringer of Light | Three fours, one single six, and the fifth a three: You will achieve whatever you desire, and you will find whatever you worry about. Make an attempt, stranger, having taken heart; everything is ready; you will find what is invisible, you will come to the day of salvation.

33366 | 21 | Tyche Who Leads to Good Things | When three threes are cast and two sixes, he announces this: You matters are doing well; this oracle tells you to press forward; you will get away from difficult illness and master everything, and the god announces that he who is erring in a foreign land will return.

16663 | 22 | The Manifest Fates | One Chian, three sixes, the fifth being cast is a three: Do not put your hand into a wolf’s mouth, lest some harm happens to you; the matter about which you ask is difficult and delicate; but you stay quiet, avoiding travel and business transactions.

44446 | 22 | Poseidon | If all that are cast are fours, but the fifth is a six, he announces this: Throwing seeds and writing letters on the sea are both pointless and fruitless doing; since you are mortal, do not force a god to harm you.

43366 | 22 | Terrible Ares | Four and two threes, two sixes, and he announces this: Do not undertake the travel that you intend, stranger! Nobody will do it. A large fiery lion is about, against whom you have to be on your guard, a terrible one. The oracle is untractable, wait quietly.

16664 | 23 | Athena | One Chian, three sixes, and the fifth a four: Honor Pallas Athena, and you will get everything, whatever you wish, and everything which you are planning will turn out well; she will free from bonds and will save the sick person.

66443 | 23 | Happiness | If two sixes are cast and two fours, and the fifth is a three: Sail, wherever you want, you will return home again, having found and done everything according to your wish; you will achieve everything, and thus to buy and to trade is happiness.

66633 | 24 | Apollo Pythios | If three sixes and two threes are being cast, he signifies this: Stay put, do not act, obey Phoibos’ oracles. With time, you will find an occasion, but for now stay quiet. If you wait a short while you will achieve everything, whatever you desire.

44466 | 24 | Kronos the Child Eater | Three fours, two sixes; the god announces this to you: Stay at home with your possessions and do not go somewhere else, lest a terrible monster and a revengeful demon approach you. I do not see this business as reliable and safe.

46663 | 25 | Man Who Brings Light | One four being cast, three sixes and the fifth a three: Take courage; you have an opportunity; you will achieve what you desire, and you will come upon the right time to begin your travel; your toil will have its chance; is is good to engage in work, competitions and litigation.

66661 | 25 | Mother of the Gods | Four sixes, the fifth a Chian: he signifies this: As wolves overpower sheep and powerful lions overpower broad hoofed oxen, so you too will master all this, and everything about which you ask will be yours, with the help of Zeus’ son Hermes.

66644 | 26 | Subterranean Zeus | When three sixes and two fours, the oracle announces: The business has its obstacles, do not make hast, but wait; there is a road, painful, impossible and not to be approached; to buy is painful and to sell brings loss.

66663 | 27 | Heavenly Aphrodite | Four sixes, the three alone: he signifies this to you: The daughter of Uranus, Aphrodite, the mighty mistress of the Erotes, sends a good oracle, she will grant travel to you; you will escape from sickness and vainglorious thoughts.

66664 | 28 | Damage | Four sixes, a four: he signifies this: It is impossible to undertake something vain; do not in vain toil uselessly, lest you incur damage by pressing on. It is not good to begin traveling nor doing business.

66666 | 30 | Square Hermes | If all that are cast together are sixes: Do not go, wherever you intend to; it will be better for you to stay; I see something hostile to you, thus wait; afterwards, it will be possible, and (the god) will free you from fear and save you from toil.

[yandere-kokeshi]

Could i please request a Platonic Yandere Peter B. Parker with a reader from a different universe (maybe in their original universe, he's their biodad?)

Warnings: platonic-yandere behavior

A/N: we love Peter b. Parker. Ty for requesting! Hope you enjoy :]

He’s shocked, to say the least. He already has his daughter tangled around him as he works with Miguel and the other Spidermen. Plus, taking care of miles is another job. But when Miguel told him about a new Spider-Person, he was intrigued.

But, when he saw you appear at the quarters all sad and lit up when you saw him, though getting disappointed a second later when you saw him holding Mayday, it shattered his heart. Of course, having spider senses and the ability to be understanding, he approached you; feeling bad about your reaction. Furthermore researching and begging Miguel to see what happened in your universe, it made him sad to see you now-distant.

Regardless of what happened in your universe, he’s now always ‘bothering’ you; acting like the dad he once was in your universe. He’s taking you under his wing as he did with Miles. Whatever happened, he’s hoping he can fix it with you, wanting to get to know you better as you did with him in your universe.

You’re welcome into his home at any time, he always makes sure to make extra plates during breakfast and dinner, even if you said the day before you weren’t coming/or had plans.

Peter constantly asks if you have the designed bracelets to let you travel through universes; making you promise you’ll use them safely and appropriately.

And if you don’t? Well, he won’t be mad. Sure, he’s disappointed. But he’s proud that you did something you are also proud of. He’ll even state that he will take the blame if Miguel shows up at the front door.

The whole family adores you. Mayday loves you just as much as her dad. She loves clinging onto you, planting herself onto your head, and playing with your hair (if you’re fine with it!) and sometimes cries whenever she doesn’t see you. MJ always welcomes you with wide and loving arms whenever you come to visit; hugging you tightly when you come through the portal.

Seeing Peter and Mayday happy to see you warms her heart, which escalates to her opening up to you - treating you like one of her own.

Peter always goes out of his way to get things you enjoy, regardless of your whining of ‘I don’t need more things’. If he sees something in a shop, even in the window, he sprints out with more gifts he was supposed to buy and gives them to you the next time he sees you - making sure to add the Mayday participated in the wrapping paper!

He’s quite a chill parent considering he’s taking care of a baby and a teenager. While he’s gonna be watching out for you, making sure you don’t overdo your strength and aren’t damaging stuff; he would hate to get yelled at Miguel for things that are broken.

Peter always makes sure you feel loved, often giving you hugs and affection that you may feel uncertain about. He always reaches out, asking if he can do anything to help you and that you know he’s here to support you.

Though, Peter is quite a touchy person and if you prefer not to be touched and rather be shown affection through gifts, acts of service, or words, he’s happier to do that as his goal is to make sure you feel comfortable and safe in his presence.

—

Masterlist || Please consider reblogging and commenting instead of liking, it helps me as a creator!! Stay well!!

© yandere-kokeshi 2023 — Do not copy, modify, edit, repost, or use my works for ASMR readings, tiktoks, or other content.

[todomitoukei]

Bnha Season 7 Interview: Shimono Hiro (Dabi) and Uchiyama Koki (Shigaraki)

Animate Times released an interview with the Japanese voice actors for Dabi (Shimono Hiro) and Shigaraki (Uchiyama Koki) to talk about season 7, which will begin to release in May.

Below is a quick translation of the interview, where they reflect on their characters' developments, season 6 and talk a bit about the upcoming season.

Q = Question UK = Uchiyama Koki (Shigarki’s VA) SH = Shimono Hiro (Dabi’s VA)

Q: Looking back to season 6, what are some of the most memorable scenes?

UK: Season 6…

SH: There were too many. For me, it’s definitely "Dabi’s Dance" (ep. 124). It was really painful that I couldn't say anything until then! It was the moment when I could finally let it out. Just as Touya was training at Sekoto Peak over and over again, I read the original story many times. Various things happened in season 6, but I think "Dabi’s Dance" is the best.

Q: What was the recording process like at that time?

SH: I recorded it together with Inada Tetsu (Endeavor) and Kaji Yuki (Shouto). More than anything, I was looking forward to the fight scene with Endeavor and Shouto in “Dabi’s Dance”, so I approached the recording with the feeling that regardless of the order or how many times I had to perform the sequence of events, I would do it. So when the recording was over I thought “It’s already over? Are we only recording this 2-3 times?” I always felt restricted when playing Dabi and wasn’t sure how to play him. He’s not the loud type and even though I don’t know what he’s thinking, but he says things that seem to make sense (laughs).

Q: You were exploding with feelings in “Dabi’s Dance”, right?

SH: I enjoyed that confession. And I think he had to block those complex feelings inside of him, so now he can only think of throwing everything inside of him against his father.

UK: Yeah.

SH: To me, because Dabi has died once before, he doesn’t think about continuing to live or what happens after he reaches his goal. That is why he goes by “Dabi”. That is why he can do nothing but think about throwing his entire strength, body, and soul at this.

Q: So there are no changes in performances in season 7?

SH: No. I’m glad we’re able to produce various things.

Q: Aside from “Dabi’s Dance”, “The Wrong Way to Put Out a Fire” (ep. 130) is also quite memorable.

SH: When I read the manga, I came to understand “so this was the reason”. Aside from Dabi, the LOV members each have their personal story. To me, a feeling of “Aren’t we (the villains) right? Aren't they righteous?” developed when I saw that.

Q: Surely, when I watched the villains’ stories, that much conviction was conveyed.

SH: It holds a different weight, doesn’t it? That is to say, I wonder with what kind of feeling towards us the heroes will arrive at the final battle. At the current stage, the villain’s feelings are stronger and they are fairly strong, too. We are sure to win (laughs).

Q: Uchiyama, do you also think you will defeat the heroes?

UK: Of course, that has been my intention since my first appearance. I think some of the viewers and readers don’t think well of me because of my position as villain, but I play my characters with the thought that the characters act based on their beliefs.

Q: Uchiyama, how do you feel looking back on season 6?

UK: When I read the manga, I was impressed by the development of Shigaraki being taken over by All For One. At the same time, I wondered how it would be portrayed in the anime. There was one scene where I had to put my voice on top of Otsuka Akio (All For One). That was a difficult part to perform, so that left a big impression on me.

Q: What was the recording like?

UK: Otsuka recorded it first, so I listened and traced the recording at home. When I heard his recording, I felt the strength of the material and the way of his inflection was unique. I remember hearing his voice over and over again.

Q: Once again, what is your impression of each other’s character?

UK: When he first appeared, I wondered whether Dabi would become our friend [TL note: the word he used is nakama, which can be translated as companion, friend, partner, etc.] from now on, he was a constant mystery. While I had a feeling that many things would be revealed after that, I still had a feeling that he was mysterious.

Q: When he first appeared (in the anime) his true identity still hadn’t been revealed in the manga yet.

SH: As the performer, I would’ve liked to be told, because I also kept thinking he is such a mystery (laughs).

UK: That’s right. He was also allowed to move fairly freely within the LOV, so he would suddenly disappear and whatnot. I also found that to be very mysterious.

Q: Being allowed to move freely might mean that Shigaraki trusts him to a certain degree, right?

UK: I wonder. The members of the LOV, especially during the early days, didn’t match friendship or bonding at all. So it’s hard to tell whether there was a feeling of trust.

SH: Rather than a relationship of trust, it’s more a correspondence of interests. While there are people that try to accomplish something with everyone, there are also people like Dabi. I think that freedom is the good thing about the LOV.

Q: Shimono, what is Shigaraki like from your point of view?

SH: It might just be my own personal impression, but I think that before fusing with All For One, Shigaraki was a little cuter [TL note: the word here is used kawairashisa, which is slightly different from kawaii in that it’s a bit more objective. A cuteness that everyone can see rather than being based on one’s feelings].

UK: Well, certainly in the early stages he seemed more juvenile.

SH: That’s right. While there was a time when he was childish and cute when talking to Dabi, he isn’t cute [TL note: here he just uses the negative form of kawaii lol] at all anymore (laughs).

Q: laughs

UK: He has ended up becoming a properly adult man.

SH: Adult man (laughs). But he has someone transcended, hasn’t he? Dabi has for the most part too, but……….

UK: It’s because Shigaraki lived despite being met with Prominence Burn.

SH: Right, right. That’s how strong his attachment to what he himself wants to accomplish must be.

Q: Has there been any change in your performance during the series?

UK: Because the series has been continuing for a long time, while continuing with the impression of the characters up until now, changes get added alongside the story. As Shimono mentioned before, the inside of the characters changed and during important parts so did their appearance, so I changed my acting accordingly. I am now quite aware of his strength due to his strong physique. In the early days, I was also very aware of his juvenility, so the way I voice him and all is different now.

SH: I have been accumulating things until season 6 and thought about how to get them out. When that time finally came, I had a lot of fun. I thought: “I can finally talk a lot!” All the more because as a voice actor, I had to continue not to talk or raise the excitement. I think there will be more suffering and pain now. I myself try not to fall behind on taking care of my throat.

Q: What are some things to look out for in season 7?

UK: I think the battle with Star and Stripe in the early parts is a highlight. Shigaraki is struggling against his opponent Star and Stripe, so his ego is still being shaken. It was a challenge for me to portray the new character from the fusion of Shigaraki and All For One, but it was tough since the battle began at full throttle.

Q: The battle with Star and Stripes looks even more animated than before, doesn’t it.

UK: The battle was very interesting in the manga, so I was very surprised by how they animated it. I want you to look forward to watching it, because from the animation to the character of Star and Stripe herself, there are many strong highlights.

Q: What about you, Shimono?

SH: After “Dabi’s Dance” we learn that Dabi = the oldest son of the Todoroki family, and now he has to fight his dad and little brother again. We’re about to reach the final battle, and when I read the manga I was overcome with many feelings. But I thought that if I’m concerned about that, I might not be able to play Dabi. Even if I had to break my throat, in any case I was ready to give it my all.

Q: I am looking forward to what kind of feelings Shouto will hold during this.

SH: When everyone, including Dabi, felt hopeless, only Shouto hadn’t lost his hope. Now, Shouto is trying to defeat Dabi with his own determination and honest feelings, so I want you to pay attention to the relationship between Dabi and Shouto. 

Q: I think there will be changed on the villain side during season 7?

SH: There are again characters whose backgrounds are being shown.

UK: I think I can show even more strength as Shigaraki.

SH: The villains have the upper hand to begin with, so I wonder what kind of resolution will be drawn from here on.

UK: They are superior, aren’t they?

SH: What will the story of each of their battles be, like the one between Dabi, Endeavor and Shouto? I want you to pay attention to things like the clash of feelings.

Q: How do you feel about seeing the heroes outnumbered?

UK: The hero side is crumbling, isn’t it?

Everyone: (laughs)

UK: It’s a situation where you can’t see the light. Since it’s also shown that each country is reluctant to send their heroes to Japan, because protecting their own countries is important, I think that aspect also conveys that Japan is in a very difficult situation. Rather, the hero side has no more cards to play.

SH: It sure is falling apart, isn’t it?

UK: It’s already a certain victory (laughs).

[raycatz]

a bunch of words trying to sort out the lore of my LU Outer Wilds EOTE AU. THERE'S MAJOR SPOILERS for the game under the read more. If you have any interest in playing Outer Wilds, please don't look. There's only like three people I know who overlap with being in the LU fandom and having played Outer Wilds so only those three people can proceed lol.

The AU is based on the EOTE DLC. My first idea was that the inhabitants of the AU's The Stranger equivalent were going to be another offshoot of the botw Sheikah, much like the Yiga. The group would have been made up of those who refused to give up their technological pursuits and fled below the surface from where they could continue their research. (Not the depths, though. More like caverns in between)

You know the 5th divine beast structure from the BOTW DLC? - how the final chamber in which you meet Monk Maz Koshia, it's illuminated by beams of light like daylight. Through the windows you can see what appears to be very naturally shaped rock faces. I want to say there's lichen growing but it may just be the lighting. Anyways- like- what if there was just a whole underground city or town built to its best to share the aesthetics of the 5th divine beast? However, the people now living there have limited access to resources from the surface. They have their best scientists here, now, though. Is there a way to allow them to continue to pursue advancement without needing resources, and without the march of time? The Sheikah already have the technology to suspend someone in a healing stasis. However, currently doing so removes memories and the mind is asleep. They would need a way to tether memories and have an active role in the dream. GUYS THE WINDFISH. THEY CAPTURE A WINDFISH.

The windfish is put into a stasis itself, locked into the dream, and the dream is constructed around it into what's needed. A reality is fabricated that can be edited from within itself, offering a home as well as place to continue technological pursuits without the constraints of time or physical needs and resources.

If I'm remembering correctly, the Yiga formed because they had thousands of years for a grudge to fester, resulting in their desire for the revival of Calamity Ganon. This other hypothetical group of Sheikah, however, would be much closer to the events of the first calamity which was driven back by the divine beasts. They're upset with the royals but I don't know if they'd wish for the return of the Calamity. Probably not. More than being focused on survival, I think they'd just want to be left to do science forever. Is there an ends to it, though? Would there be any reason for them to end the stasis? Maybe once they'd reached whatever goals they had... but what would those goals be?

So what of the windfish? For the Sheikah, they get to move about the dream world freely. To keep the windfish asleep, I'm going to go with that they enshrine it in the waking world and then again within the dream world- trapping it asleep within the dream. I don't know if there will be a character like the prisoner who lets the windfish free for any time. The windfish gets to take the roles of the Prisoner and The Eye. The Sheikah might be paranoid of outsiders, however. So, like EOTE has three seals on the vault, there are three seals on the tank holding the fishy.

The seals are locked the same way as in EOTE. There are three passcodes and three puzzles otherwise unsolvable by outsiders. The seals can only be undone from within the dream.

WHAT ABOUT THE TIME LOOP THOUGH??!!

So this group of Sheikah finding shelter underground and using a windfish to build a dreamspace was the original idea. And then Tears of the Kingdom came out, and having a people whose ruins are beneath the surface of Hyrule is Really Convenient. I was thinking for a while to have the Zonai replace the Sheikah and built lore for that too. (I also think it would be cool to combine both ideas, since I don't want to just get rid of the Sheikah like totk did asdsjgdfs but we're getting there!)

Zonai lore for the Echoes of The Eye AU: The Zonai came to Hyrule from the sky. Did all the Zonai travel to the surface? Rauru and Mineru are the last Zonai by the time shown in TOTK so what happened to the rest? (I really like what critbit is doing with their totk linktober au rn where the gloom infected the Zonai living in the depths. I think that's so cool! This is an EOTE AU though soooo let's make the Zonai more like the inhabitants of The Stranger.) They came to Hyrule hoping to learn and teach about the golden power, spent time on the surface seeking it, got too close, saw a vision of terrible bloodshed in the history it's connected to, and just decided to wash their hands of it (maybe it's somehow connected to the three goddess dragons). A significant number of Zonai left. They returned to the Sky and reestablished the cloud barrier. Those dedicated to the new land and its people stayed behind to help them face the trials before them. However, the longing for home became too great to bear. With the path to return blocked, or without the proper energy and powers to return, they sought another way to return home- to find a windfish and live in its dream. I think it's much more believable for the Zonai to have access to a windfish than it is for the Sheikah, so it works out. Maybe the Zonai came to an agreement with the windfish, or maybe they overpowered and coerced it. The Zonai would have gone to whatever methods were necessary, regardless. A chamber is built underground for the resting place of the remaining Zonai. At its center in an ornate tank with the small windfish within. (itty bitty whale. Like, maybe a little over a foot long whale. It's tinyyyyy. This is magic, maybe?)

Rauru fell in love with Sonia and committed himself to her and her people, and Mineru wouldn't leave her brother, so they were the only two to stay behind. The issue with the Zonai's desire to live in the dream of their home however, is that if anything happens to their tethers (the artifacts (swords and/or lanterns)), or the windfish, they'll be removed from the dream.

So that the remaining Zonai can pass peacefully, Sonia puts a safeguard in place over the windfish which she watches over: should anything happen to the windfish that would cause it harm, that space will loop back in time, say 22 minutes, and alerts Sonia, allowing time so that the dreamers and fish can be moved or for any complication to be dealt with. With narrative magic- let's say that the funny thing about time distortions is that they tend to stick around even if the person who set them in motion isn't any longer. HUH I WONDER IF THIS'LL HAVE CONCIQUENCES? >:)

A ridiculous amount of time passes, the Sheikah while excavating happen across the Zonai ruins and find the windfish. They know what it is and understand that it's already maintaining a dream. They're able to hijack the dream and build around and into it, shaping pieces of it to fit their needs.

In Echoes of The Eye, the Strangers are tethered to the dream through their lanterns. If the lantern goes out, their consciousness is ejected from the dream world. I think creating the lanterns is what might allow them to force the windfish to host them. They also might be able to do so with magic. I'm not sure if the Zonai wished to live forever in the dream or if they'd wanted their tethers to be broken after a certain amount of time. Either way, they don't really have a choice anymore. Some of the lanterns (I'm also thinking glowy swords for the Zonai's artifacts would be really cool) would have broken naturally over time. The Sheikah probably accidentally (and/or purposefully) destroyed a few. There are some that cannot be found. I'd like the Zonai to still have a presence in the dream world. They and the Sheikah learned to live with or around each other in the space.

The Sheikah are in the dream world expanding their knowledge until they reach a satisfactory stopping point, and the Zonai are in the dream world forever living a dream of home.

Unbeknownst to the Sheikah however, the windfish has a timeloop built into it!

More time passes. Much like the endings where the Hatchling loses themselves in forever, the Sheikah lose track of the days, of time, of themselves, of a goal- whatever it may have been is lost to them, now. The return of the Calamity and the activation of the towers, and the shifting earth with the passage of time, has left their town to decay. Walls have caved in. The stasis chambers built to last forever don't. There are no bodies left to return to. To keep it simple I'm going to say it happens all at once, or enough so that there's no incentive for those still in the simulation to leave. Those inside know it's happened and that there's nothing to return to, so they live inside the dream and protect it fiercely. The destruction of the tethers or the waking of the windfish would mean, as far as they know, true death, so they cannot allow it.

Now we're finally in present time with the chain WOOO YIPPEE!!!!!!! They're traveling in Wild's Hyrule. There have been some precursors to what eventually leads to the events of TOTK. Earthquakes here and there. Cave entrances opening up where there weren't before. It's all very worth exploring so that's what they're doing! They find a ruined city underground with architecture familiar and foreign to Wild. Lighting and greenery that give the impression of day. An underground river. Strange, half-built contraptions. Familiar beds of stone Wild hoped to never see anywhere else. And then there is an earthquake. And they happen to be in the right place at the right time for time to warp around crushed bodies and distorted yells, and they fall, and then time snaps back. And they're at their camp in the pine forest.

I think that's the background figured out! There's so many fun dilemmas for Time and Wild and Legend. Like, this time there are undeniably people in that dream! Legend gets to deal with that!!! But there's also a time loop! At the end of the loop the windfish dies (or the loop ends just before. Either way!) and if the windfish dies then the people die. They don't have bodies to return to. If you wake the windfish, the dream ends, but if you don't, the windfish dies and the dream ends anyways. Are the chain able to leave the loop? What would it mean to leave those in the dream looping, forever unaware they're playing out the same 22 minutes endlessly? The windfish has been trapped for so long. How is it that the chain are able to remember the loops?

I want to set Wind loose on the dream puzzles. I'm thinking the artifacts for the Zonai would be swords or the like, jewelry stuff on the arm. The teal fires would burn in a space in the hilt. The Sheikah would have lanterns. Either artifact would be a way into the dream world. Shadow of the Colossus style glowy swords >:D Like the lanterns, the swords are needed to access certain puzzles. And then with two items it opens up possibilities to make puzzles where the chain would have to trade the items off to each other. I reaaaally like the idea of Wild and Wind running from an inhabitant of the dream world. Wind's already figured out the lantern trick and has dropped it and Wild comes careening into him from another path with a glowy sword lighting up the whole area. Just- Wind trying to convince Wild to drop a sword while they're frantically running! Yeah yeah yeah you have to drop the thing that's been keeping you safe c'mon!

Also with some of the artifacts being swords- I think swords derivative of the white sword would work (as it came from the sky. so both the master swords and the four sword are okay) Wind's sword has magic but it isn't the right kind. Wind placing his sword into one of the pedestals to access the dream world would cause an explosion 0v0 there's an achievement for that

and Legend tackling ideas of life and death and Koholint and a windfish and dealing with it all, and choices!!!!!!!!! and then being faced with the third puzzle, the one with the sentry and the light and the bell. JUST AAAAAA. Timeloop angst >:D

[3hks]

Hi! do you have any advice for new writers who want to start posting on tumblr?

Tips on Creating a Writing Blog!

Thank you so much for asking! I'm incredibly honored that you decided I was worthy of this question LOL, it means a lot to me. I've been growing this blog and managing it for about a year now, so let's see what I've got to offer!

1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO POST

Are you looking for a place to post advice, promote your work, or something else? If you've already decided to upload content, you probably already have a good idea of what you want to post!

Before officially publishing anything, I suggest having a simple list of topics to write about beforehand. Believe me, it's really easy to suddenly run out of creativity and thus, there's nothing to write about! Just keep some spare ideas at hand!

BUT, besides just being aware of what material you wish to share and having ideas of possible subjects to write about, you need to consider your uploading schedule, which brings me to my next point!

2. UPLOADING SCHEDULE V.S LIFE SCHEDULE

One of my biggest mistakes I made when starting a blog was uploading a bit too often in the beginning. Yes, I'm sure you're super excited to begin posting, but if you want to maintain a consistent uploading schedule, come up with your schedule first, then start!

I posted around twice a week when I was still new to Tumblr, which honestly drained my ideas out REALLY fast; not to mention the fact that I'm so much busier now, I don't exactly have the time to write two posts to upload in one week.

Choose a reasonable schedule that balances out both lives!

3. ALWAYS BE THINKING OF IDEAS

If you're not looking to write a more informative or advice content, this may not directly apply to you. It's so, so, so easy to run out of ideas, which means that you should always be open to fresh content ideas!

To be honest, I don't have all-around advice for this, unfortunately, but if you find yourself reading and noticing a common mistake--that could turn into a good post! Maybe you don't like how certain things are written--that could also become a good post!

At the end of the day, a blog is often based around opinion anyway!

4. REMEMBER YOUR ORIGINAL GOAL

It's incredibly easy to get obsessed with follows, comments, and likes once you start publishing content online. This can quickly delve into a poor mentality that will hurt you and your blog!

It doesn't hurt to celebrate reaching a milestone or getting a lot of followers, but if you find yourself competing for more and it's not helping you, then take a step back and remind yourself of the results you wanted.

Did you want to help people?

Did you want to make a change?

Did you want to bring awareness to something?

Were you looking to promote something?

Did you want a lot of followers? (You have every right to be as obsessed as you want regarding your follows if this is the goal lol)

But the point is, posting on social media isn't supposed to be something negative!

5. KEEP THINGS ORGANIZED

Use catchy titles to attract people, use headings to organize your ideas, keep your blog organized! There's quite a bit of features when it comes to Tumblr (in my opinion), so there's some stuff to explore!

A clean-looking post (and blog) seriously helps attract readers; no one wants to read a big block of text, but bullet points, headings, even images help ease the eyes and engage the reader!

Frankly, I know that this sounds like pretty general advice, but it really does depend on what kind of content you wish to upload! I had a fun time figuring out how to manage this blog--it's super simple and there's really no wrong moves! If something doesn't go the way you wanted it to, make some changes and work from there! Thank you, once again, for reaching out! (I might consider writing a full-blown post later on)

You got this! (Happy Halloween!)

3hks <3

[destinationtoast]

"Entertainment" and modern AI-fandom interactions

There's a 1985* sci-fi short story I once read by M.A. Foster called “Entertainment” that predicts what will happen in an increasingly AI-generated art world.  I can't find any excerpts or summaries of it online, but what I recall is:

In the future, humans can prompt machines to create any art -- e.g., "What would a collaboration between early-era Peter Gabriel and late-era Beethoven look like, with a music video directed by Werner Herzog?"  (That's a made up example, but someone originally gave me the story because Peter Gabriel and early Genesis are actually referred to in the text, and I was at the height of my fandom. XD )  An AI then comes up with a bunch of different examples, and the human who gave the prompt chooses the one(s) they like best.  They then release the creation to the broader world, and people make micropayments to stream it.  Everyone competes for attention, hoping to go viral or at least make a decent living.

(There's a dystopian aspect, where if you don't make enough money and your balance drops below zero, you disappear back into the human factory to get remade.  Also, people don't have sex in person -- they pay each other for the rights to their likeness, and they have sex with simulated versions of one another.  All of which is rather interesting, but not as directly relevant to the point I'm making here.)

M.A. Foster did an impressive job foreseeing a bunch of aspects of modern AI and online culture (especially keeping in mind that there was no Web or social media or digital streaming or online micropayments at the time this was written).   And it’s becoming easy to imagine that we may reach a point where many of the story’s predictions about art come true, as well.  

Currently, you can give increasingly complex prompts and get AIs to respond with something that makes sense and seems like a valid reply. Newer AIs often create text and images that are both exciting and terrifying due to what feels like a sudden potential to blend in with or replace human output.  Fandom, along with everyone else, is unnerved.  After all, will we still need fan creators in a world where we can prompt AIs to do this?

(source)

Or this?

(source)

Or when AI can even take the prompt “Professor Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr kissing next to a conflagration” and output this?

(source)

Okay, there’s definitely still some funkiness going on there with some body parts; cherik fanartists can still obviously do better, for the moment.  And more generally, AI output is still frequently goofy, full of embellishments and fabrications, literally tasteless, and/or flat-out wrong – but we can see so many promises of how good it will get.  And we can imagine how AI output will increasingly be incorporated into transformative fandom and shipping culture.  

But all of the above examples illustrate another thing that M.A. Foster got right: If you want AI to produce something really interesting and compelling, it's important to have a human come up with a good prompt and then select the best output. 

This isn’t new; for years, we have been living in an increasingly curatorial world.  For instance, with stock photos of nearly everything, and digitized versions available of much of the world's art and photography, and endless hours of new YouTube & TikTok videos uploaded to the web every passing minute, it's much easier these days to create new images or videos or other visual works without being an artist.  But building a compelling visual work based on others' images -- a mood board, edit, collage, fanvid, etc. -- still benefits enormously from being driven by a human with a particular sense of style and particular goals in mind.  And the more that any human wants to see something that is different from the most common or most popular images that already exist, the more likely they are either going to have to create it themselves – or at least push the AI really hard in that direction via increasingly specific prompts and feedback.  (None of these roles are unique to online culture, either – art commissioners have historically prompted things, and art collectors and museums have curated them -- but these days we all have access to a much wider world of online works, and we all curate our own tumblrs and pinterest boards and so forth, even if we don't explicitly create curatorial works for fandom.)

The thing I found most unrealistic about "Entertainment" was that people weren’t tempted to try their own hand at creating art; it was a purely remix + curation culture.  In reality, even if AIs get really excellent at creation, so good that their fic and art are as good as your favorite fan creators’ work, I don't think they're ever going to suppress our own creative urges.  We live in a world where there are already 313 Dean/Castiel high school AU hurt/comfort fics – and yet people were still inspired to write/update two more this week.  People are not going to stop creating new fanworks just because the AIs are increasingly able to join in and create more.  And, for some time yet, humans are still going to lead the way in creating new canons with compelling stories and characters, which machines will then learn from and remix.  (That is another thing that human artists have also always done -- drawing inspiration from and remixing one another's art -- and something that fandom in particular is pretty great at.)

TL;DR human contributions to fandom will still be very important for fandom for the foreseeable future.  Even if the internet -- and now AI -- have helped us shift from spending more time as solo creators to also having increasingly active roles as prompters and curators.  

---

This post was partly inspired by @fansplaining 's latest discussion of AI & recent fandom panic, "Artificial Fandom Intelligence", as well as @cfiesler 's post, "Elon Musk did not create an AI trained on your fanfiction." They also addressed other issues that fans are worried about, like the idea of AIs and their creators getting credit and/or monetary reward for new fanworks trained on existing human-generated fanworks. If you've read other good meta about any aspect of fandom & AI, I'd love pointers -- please feel free to share in the notes!

*At least, it was collected in a 1985 anthology called Owl Time; I’m not sure when/where it was originally published.

[lemonbalmgirl]

Yay! I finished a queer book during Pride month! 🏳️‍🌈

This sapphic manga is so cute. It was originally an online comic on Pixiv, so I'm hoping there may be more chapters there since this was published?

Also, I've reached my reading goal for the year already (15 books). I'm now doubling that, though, since it's only June and I want to push myself.

I've been keeping my yearly goal pretty low, since a few years ago, I only read 12 books all year. Which was really disheartening to realize. Back in college, probably partially because I already had to do so much reading for school, I would easily hit 50 books a year (I have read more in high school, but I wasn't tracking back then).

Once I was done with school and my ADHD became more prominent, it became more and more difficult to focus on and finish books.

Since last year, I've been trying to be more intentional about reading and make it part of my daily routine, although I get some extra reading done when I'm donating plasma.

My daily routine for reading goes like this:

get up

take meds

set tea to brew

make sure the reading chair is clear

bring tea to reading chair

invite Toby to join me

wait 5 minutes while he finds a comfortable spot on my chest

set phone timer

and read!

[matchadobo]

have a oc that a part of the kid pirates rignt, tell me more a about her.

YES

first of all hi anon!

i haven't had the chance to actually elaborate more on her storyline, visuals, and characterizations bc of the shithole called school 🙁 i will try to get back on doing stuff for them but i doubt i'll be able to commit since we still have some work even on break 😩

but ANYWAYS

so margaret mulhall 🔫

PRE-MEMBER

i assumed you've already read her first post and their first meeting.

to provide more info, i based her character off of lucille mulhall. to put it simply, she's the first cowgirl originated from missouri. in this case, i made margaret's mother to be lucille. margaret made it her life goal to look for her mother, it is an irl canon event that lucille lives in st. louis so i made that margaret's destination.

margaret lives off as a ship hopper (is that a word) ever since she was of legal age. she's a mercenary who takes on jobs under a certain handler, it is an informal employment. i would cook some bullshit and say this employment is aided by someone who raised her. her father is... well... i haven't cooked up something for that yet 😩

she is scared of dogs LMAO that's why i made an art for it. i just find ppl scared of dogs really cute. most dogs are scared of new ppl too so they're just scared of each other it's the CUTEST thing 🥺.

in terms of personality, margaret is somewhat similar to robin hood. does crime for good? helps people but also breaks the law? a kindhearted criminal? she steals, knows her way around danger, very daring, may or may not have k1lled someone 🫣, slept around some places for certain conditions, and have SEEN some shit. her ideals are way too similar to a pirate tho, fuck the govt and celestial dragons kinda shit. she doesn't have a stigma against pirates, she have worked (mostly betrayed) with them side by side. she just hasn't really sat herself down to assess if she'll join one. she doesn't see the need for it (until she met kidd 🤧), she has a one track mind that is only set on reaching st. louis.

NOW-MEMBER

it'll be narrated in the comic that i'm hopefully planning to release, but here is the rough sketch of the next page that does not probably make sense

but i'm planning to have her join bc she saved kidd from the marines so there's some you-owe-me kinda stuff between them, she only saved kidd to let him have her on the ship and take her to st. louis. she'll only plan to stay on the ship until the victoria reaches the island and in the span of her stay, stuff will build up between margaret and kidd 🥰. once she leaves tho, kid'll begrudgingly ask her to be become part of the crew, chemistry is just too strong in this one😌. let's just say he'll miss her 😞. i'll do better explaining in the comic i'll make I SWEAR 🥺

you guys are free to send asks abt your thoughts on margaret's characterization or anything else that could help my oc! if it's some deets abt the story with her, it'd really help 🥺 i welcome your thoughts 🥰

[paperanddice]

You may have noticed from the posts on Caira and Gorguth that stopping them is effectively mutually exclusive. You can spend the time to hunt Caira down and deal with her immediate allies to prevent her apocalypse from the sky from slaughtering tens of thousands, or you can rally your forces to confront the bodak general and splinter his army of undead and demons so they don't destroy a city. Pulling off both would be an incredible feat, but one most likely beyond any single group. And so, most likely, Atropus will be called to, and the World Born Dead will arrive to devour all life energy from your planet. Now what?

Well, now it's time for a desperate bid. Send a team of incredibly powerful adventurers to the moon's surface, and try to find a way to defeat it. Killing Atropus itself permanently is not a possibility, but by causing problems for it you can force it to concentrate itself into a representative form, conjuring up an aspect to fight you. The exact method of getting Atropus' attention in this way depends on you. Maybe the players begin consecrating the surface of the moon with hallow spells. Maybe they destroy key spots on the moon with powerful radiant rituals. Maybe a 9th level planar binding spell can force the aspect to appear, and remain until you or it are destroyed. But no matter what, the end of an Atropus campaign involves confronting a manifestation of the Elder Evil and destroying it to force Atropus to retreat.

The aspect takes the form of an immense, headless humanoid form, its skin fosilized and constantly dripping necrotic ichor.

Originally from Elder Evils. This stat block is immense, and one that a lot of parties likely couldn't face off against. It is meant to be the conclusion of a campaign spent dealing with undead and creatures associated with them, and a party confronting Atropus should have a lot of equipment dedicated to helping them with this goal, including potentially some artifacts. In my current experience, with my level 15 party, I expect that once they reach level 20 I'd have to give the aspect double or even triple the hp to survive for a real fight, they've already brought down major enemies with 300 hp, but I'm not going to boost that on my own for this release. At minimum, if you think the aspect will need the help, consider giving it max hp for its hit dice. For all high level games, some degree of understanding will be needed. How much damage can the party output, and would the aspect survive a single round of that? If not, give it a bunch more before the fight starts and let it deal some damage in return. Atropus also comes with Lair actions, as befits a creature that is literally a world. These are listed after the plain text stat block below the read more below.

This post came out a week ago on my Patreon. If you want to get access to all my monster conversions early, as well as access to my premade adventures and other material I’m working on, consider backing me there!

Aspect of Atropus Gargantuan undead, lawful evil Armor Class 22 (natural armor) Hit Points 367 (21d20 + 147) Speed 50 ft. Str 30 (+10) Dex 13 (+1) Con 25 (+7) Int 25 (+7) Wis 24 (+7) Cha 30 (+10) Skills Perception +14, Stealth +8 Damage Immunities cold, necrotic, poison, bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks Damage Resistances acid, fire, radiant Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, exhaustion, frightened, petrified, poisoned, stunned Senses blindsight 500 ft. (blind beyond this radius), truesight 120 ft. passive Perception 17 Languages all, telepathy 1,000 ft. Challenge 23 (50000 XP) Create Spawn. A creature killed by the aspect of Atropus rises 1d4 rounds later as a wraith under the aspect's control. Divine Scourge (1/Day). As a bonus action, the aspect of Atropus can lay a curse upon all divine spellcasters, celestials, and fiends within a 1,000 mile radius. Each such creature is poisoned for 4 hours, and must succeed on a DC 25 Constitution saving throw or take 65 (10d12) necrotic damage. The target's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. The reduction lasts until the target receives a greater restoration spell within hallowed ground, and cannot be removed by any other means. Immutable Form. The aspect of Atropus is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form. Its hit point maximum cannot be reduced. Negative Energy Aura. The aspect of Atropus is surrounded by a powerful aura of negative energy out to a distance of 30 feet. Undead that start their turn within that area regain 15 hit points and gain resistance to radiant damage until the start of their next turn, while living creatures that start their turn in that area have their hit point maximum reduced by 27 (8d6) until the start of their next turn. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0, and it rises 1d4 rounds later as a specter under the aspect's control. Regeneration. The aspect of Atropus regains 20 hit points at the start of its turn if it has at least 1 hit point. Actions Multiattack. The aspect of Atropus makes two Slam attacks. Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 24 (4d6+10) bludgeoning damage plus 21 (6d6) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone or pushed 10 feet directly away from the aspect (aspect's choice). The target must succeed on a DC 22 Constitution saving throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. Stomp. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 10 ft., all targets in a 10 foot cube completely within reach. Hit: 32 (4d10+10) bludgeoning damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 22 Constitution saving throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. Trample (Recharge 6). The aspect of Atropus moves up to its speed, ignoring difficult terrain from other creature's spaces. The first time it enters a creature's space during this movement, it can make a Stomp attack, targeting just that creature. Spellcasting. The aspect of Atropus casts one of the following spells, requiring no material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 25): Constant: nondetection, tongues At will: blight, create undead (as a 9th level spell) 1/day each: circle of death, finger of death, power word kill, symbol (death only), weird

Legendary Actions The aspect of atropus can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The aspect of atropus regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn. Step. The aspect of Atropus moves up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks. Pin. The aspect of Atropus grapples one prone creature within 10 feet of it (escape DC 25). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained and takes 14 (4d6) necrotic damage at the end of each of its turns. The target must succeed on a DC 22 Constitution saving throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. The grapple ends if the aspect moves. Cast Spell (Costs 2 Actions). The aspect of Atropus casts one spell using its Spellcasting.

Atropus' Lair

Atropus is its lair. The literal moon is the creature, and as such truly killing it is beyond even a maximum level party. At best it can be weakened and driven away by destroying its manifested aspect, which can only be confronted on the surface of the moon itself. As such, the environment inherently benefits Atropus in ways that cannot be avoided. Atropus doesn’t have “regional effects” so much as it has environmental traits, which were discussed in the previous update. Confronting Atropus’ aspect without dealing with this extremely hostile environment is near impossible, and would require exceptional strategy and cunning to somehow draw the aspect away from Atropus itself. Without that, the aspect is even more challenging to face, as it gains all the benefits of the Overwhelming sign, the difficulties of the environment, and its lair actions. In such a situation, the aspect has a challenge rating of 25.

Lair Actions When fighting upon Atropus, the aspect can influence the landscape to take lair actions. On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the aspect can take one lair action to cause one of the following effects:

• The ground splits open in a chasm up to 100 feet long and 40 feet wide anywhere on the surface of Atropus. Each creature in that area must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw. The aspect automatically succeeds on this saving throw. Success means the target moves to the nearest unoccupied space at the edge of the chasm. Failure means the target falls 1d6x10 feet into the chasm, taking falling damage as appropriate. Failure by 5 or more means the creature falls 150 feet into the chasm, taking falling damage as appropriate. • Bubbling ichor rises up in a line 150 feet long and 10 feet wide anywhere on the surface of Atropus. Each creature in this area must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw. Success means the target moves to the nearest unoccupied space outside this area. A creature that fails the save or chooses not to make it must make a DC 22 Strength saving throw. On a failure, the target takes 21 (6d6) bludgeoning damage, plus 21 (6d6) necrotic damage, and it is pushed to the end of the line. On a success, the target takes half as much bludgeoning damage and doesn’t move. The aspect of Atropus automatically succeeds on any saves it chooses to against this effect, and takes no damage on a successful save. • The aspect takes 50 damage and calls a meteor shower down onto the surface of Atropus. All creatures within a 100-foot radius, 600-foot tall cylinder centered on the aspect must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw, taking 35 (10d6) bludgeoning and 35 (10d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The area becomes difficult terrain. The aspect automatically succeeds on this saving throw.

[ozma914]

Haunted by a Haunted Book Project

 Well, I finally finished the first draft of Haunted Noble County, Indiana, which is all well and good, but would be better if the whole thing was done.

Especially after a year. A whole year.

I love researching, and I love history. I'm not a big fan of doing interviews, being what they used to call shy, and then antisocial, and now call introverted. (I'm sure there are differences between the three, but I don't like asking people.) Still, the interviewing hasn't taken as long as I thought, and the researching has taken way longer, so I can't complain.

What I can complain about are the numerous delays in the project that had nothing to do with the project. Don't get me started on Covid.

This is the face of Covid. It's pretty much the same as my tired face, except with a fever.

Anyway, my goal was to be finished by April, and it's now June. I still haven't added photos, or even captioned the photos. I don't have the project finished enough for Emily to go through and show me all the mistakes I've made. I haven't heard back from some of the people I reached out to, which is understandable because they probably haven't heard back from me since August of last year.

As a result, sadly, once again, I have no one to blame but myself. And Covid. Hey, the Chinese planned this whole pandemic to delay my writing career!

No? No, I guess not.

History! Photographed by John A. Harkless, who was responsible for many now-historical Albion photos.

This is the part where I apologize to everyone--and yes, I mean you--who I may have forgotten to get back in touch with in the past year. If anyone reads this who had a story, photograph or other information for me and may have gotten lost along the way, please contact me here, or on the book of faces, or wherever discerning patrons of history may haunt. Yes, I am trying to wrap it up, but there's still time to throw in more information.

On a related note, for anyone I have talked to, please let me know if it's okay to use your name in the book (if you haven't already said). If I made contact with someone but didn't get consent to use their name, they'll go down in Noble County history as "anonymous". After that, if you sign anything you have to remember how to spell anonymous, and no one wants that.

Finally, yes, the project has been pushed back, almost certainly until next year. The traditional publishing industry is a lot of things, some good and some bad, but above all else the wheels grind slowly.

The original Ligonier City Jail. Very cool, especially if you got stuck there during winter.

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Remember: Ghost are always looking for new books to read over your shoulder.

[simpingland]

Into the Dragonpit. // Ser Harwin Strong x Targaryen!oc

Part 2 of The Queen's horse with no name. But you can read this first too.

Harwin and Ela reunite and go on a mission. Ser Breakbones may be tough but when dragons appear, his princess will be there to save him.

Plus: Harwin holds a baby in this... and I realised way too late that Elaena and Helaena are sisters...I tried to be original, soz.

The Tournament can be part 3????

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ser Harwin arrived at the Red Keep along with his father, he'd been called a few days back and the King welcomed the rest of the family too, an interesting week was ahead with the big chances of a new born in the castle and the possible feasts organaiced in honor of that. He smiled when he identified Laps, resting in the yard, eating. Her owner was nowhere near. Harwin had yet to tell Lord Lyonel about his feeling for the princess. It was a serious proposal and he didn't want it to be rejected nor accepted without a good thought or meditation. Of course, he had thought about it ever since the hunt. He even dreamed about it, but feelings have a weird way to work. As the time passed, the lord had problems to remember Elaena's face. He was eager to see her. But he understood his position, the low chances he had, so he would be happy enough if all he had permission for was to protect her.

As if the Seven heard his secret wishes, the doors were opened and not only appeared the King himself to welcome them. Elaena walked by his side. As pretty as he remembered her, she had a conformable dress on, nothing like the beautiful gowns she wore on the camp, and also different from her riding suit. She smiled at Ser Lyonel, buy when she looked at him, she smiled differently, wider, sweeter. Greetings done, the parents entered the castle but Harwin was left univited to the council.

"I hope you don't have plans for today, Ser Harwin" smirked Elaena.

"I haven't got the time to arrange anything, my princess" he followed the Princess, who started her mission at the moment.

"Good, cuz were are going to see the little loves of my life" she softly dragged him by his arm. "The dragons".

Harwin Breakbones hid the panic on his eyes as well as he could, but something in the smirk on Ela told him that she was kind of enjoying it. She had explained the main goal of this. No dragon riding would be done, but molesting dragons' sleeps may be even more dangerous.

"My egg was picked by my father, he had so much trouble...you see, the shells usually reflect the color of the dragon inside" she explained.

"But Nyrax is black" he pointed.

"Exactly" she smiled. "My father thought that there would be no egg for me, and every true Targaryen must sleep on the crib with one. The hatching is another story. But when his men told him to give up the searching, Dreamfyre appeared. She is now a dragon without a rider, buy she was once rode by princess Rhaena, the "Queen of the West". Father said that she woke and lighted up the pit, letting him see the egg she just laid. No many times are the dragons the ones willing to let you warm their eggs for them".

"She knew you to were destined to fly together" Harwin felt soft for the princess little story. "You, Targaryens...you are all out of this world, I swear"

"Dragon's are not so terrifying, one just need to reach with confidence".

"Well, I like to stay closer to the ground, my princess". He stopped when they reached the gates. Elaena asked the servants and keepers to open it, and Harwin took a torch already lighten.

"What are you doing?" She asked when she saw him take it.

"I'm going with you, my princess".

She didn't stopped him, she loved his company and how willing he was to face the dragons, maybe he did it to look mainly, maybe because he was bored as hell, or maybe, just maybe, he was worried about her. The last one was the one she wished for. Poor Harwin, everyone was aware of the fact that she was the one protecting him inside there. It was incredibly dark, the steps were carefully walked, Harwin moved the torch following Elaena's directions. It smelled like shit, no one could deny it, but the animals skulls and enormous dragons were much more impressive. They didn't had to travel long before finding a pair.

"There's two, look!"

A silver one and a blue one. Which one would hatch? No one could know. But Elaena remembered Alicent and she packed the silver. She was taking it in her hands when Syrax woke up. It was Rhaenyra's dragon, so that complicated things. Syrax looked at the thieves and expressed her anger through a roar that almost made the torch's fire light off. Harwin was ready to run, buy never without the princess.

"I think you should leave it where it was, princess"

"No, she will understand". Elaena putted her hand slowly in front of the dragon. "Kostilus, syrax, ivestragī īlva mandia share zȳhon crib rūsīr aōha drōmon. īlon jāhor daor gaomagon ziry mirre ōdrikagon (Please, Syrax,let our sister share her crib with your egg. We will not do it any harm)."

The dragon hesitated, she roared again and Harwin truly feared for their lifes. Elaena did too but she holded the egg in one hand and pushed Ser Harwin aside. Syrax spitted a ball of fire in the man's direction, if it wasn't for the princess, he would had been caught. She protected herself by crouching down. When Syrax stopped, the dragon went back to sleep, as if nothing happened. When they opened their eyes, Harwin saw Elaena looking at him. She put her hands one the sides of his face.

"Are you okay, Ser Harwin?" She was trully worried.

"I am, my princess. Lets get out of here, please" he stood up with her help. One of the stones on the floor made a cut on Harwin's leg. She noticed the little limp so she putted his big arm over her shoulders, hurrying to get out. Once in the daylight again, she sat him down on a big rock.

"I'm so sorry, my Lord. I shouldn't had drag you. Does it hurt?" Regretted the girl, kneeling before him.

"Do not worry about it, Princess Elaena...this is nothing. A few cleans and all done...I should have stopped you on the first place"

"Well, you wouldn't be able to stopped me neither way...can I see the wound?"

By the time Harwin put his boot out to show his hurted knee, a maester appeared with the proper aid. It was a small but deep cut and the cares where more painful than what Harwin expected. He groaned, Elaena stopped looking and put herself beside him, holding his face, trying his best to reassure him, he did in fact calmed down. The princess felt guilt building on her entire chest. When the maester was done, he stood up and smiled at her.

"I swear to the Seven, you don't know how terribly sorry I am..." ser Harwin moved his head, not wanting to hear more apologise.

"There's nothing to feel sorry about, my princess. I'll survive" assured the lord.

The walk back to the Red Keep was a much silent one, Elaena couldn't be as cheerful after the scare they just had, but Harwin did try to keep it fun. It was now his turn to tell his own stories. He remembered all the fail adventures he had as a child.

"I once stole the sword of a boy, i just had my 8th name day. And this boy...he was a Tully. He was so tall, older but not wiser... he kept on mocking Harrenhal. He said it was the ugliest place on Westeros. "Shited instead of builded by the gods" he said".

" Oh, I think I know how this men is...second heir of Riverrun?" Asked Ela, invested in the tale.

"Yes, that one...he only spoke fairly about his sword...it wasn't even pretty, but it was useful, able to blind a men only with a quick move...I stole it. And I was determinated to melt it. But I decided to enjoy it before doing it. I was planning on let him know I found it, let him see the sword but throw it in the fire right before he could take it"

"That's harsh for a little kid..."

"I know, and I knew it too back then. But my mother stopped me. She saw me playing with it. And she could easily tell that it wasnt mine".

"She convinced you not to melt it?"

"No, but yes...she tricked me. I confessed my idea, she had that power over me. She just stared and I spilled everything. And she then told me to go ahead" Harwin saw the princess smile, clearly not believing it. "She said that it was a good revenge, but a lesson could be learn. "People put such a soul in objects, they glorify them instead of it's builders. If you put such an efford on a single piece of metal, the boy would still think that what we have or we don't have makes ourselfs valuable. But its not really about swords and castles, son, is about the person who owns it. So, if you want to make that boy cry, melt the sword, he will get another one soon enough, but your cruelty will be remembered. If you give it back to him, maybe you'll have a chance to impress him, to make him respect you"

"And you gave it back?"

"Of course, I asked if he would let me use it for a bit, and his father forced the boy to let me. I was a much better swordsman than him, a much dedicated one. So he kept the rest of his stay quiet. Harrenhal might have been ugly, but offending the future lord couldn't be beneficial. I hope it doesn't makes me sound pretentious, my princess".

"Speaking the truth doesn't make you pretentious, Ser Harwin. Its well known you have a reputation...my father calls you "the strongest men in the Seven Kingdoms ", although I hope it doesn't go to your head too much" she joked.

"My mother made sure of that already, my princess".

Ser Harwin also lost her mother long ago, but she didn't feel close enough to him to ask him about her mother. She wasn't trying to make him suffer so she may as well stop to give him such a harsh time in a single morning. They separated ways when Rhaenyra asked to inform her of something. She kissed him on the cheek, apologising one more time and Harwin got stock right there, feeling the lips on his cheek until she no longer was on sight. He walked to his father's chamber. He found him there, Larys too.

"Father, I must speak with you"

"Why are you covered in ashes, Harwin?" Asked Larys.

He didn't even notice, of course he had ashes, he had spend the morning on the Dragonspit, he had been thrown against the floor, but he had forgotten.

"I went with Princess Elaena to search for an egg...for her new sister...Father, we have to talk..."

"Indeed, we need. Son, the King just offered me something, and I hope it doesn't upset you" Ser Lyonel then handed him something, his son took it, it was the Hand of King's pin. "We'll be moving to the Red Keep, at least Larys and I"

As the future heir of Harrenhal, Ser Harwin was conflicted. It wasn't only about leaving his dear Harrenhal, it was more about losing his father's presence in the castle. He loved his father, always the wisest men in the room, he felt disorientated when he wasn't there, and Harwin still felt insecure about ruling alone, but leaving Harrenhal for such a long time wasn't a good option neither. But his father interrupted his thoughts, he hurry him for the dinner they were about to have with the royal family. A special one in honor of the new Hand.

Elaena bathed before his father could see her. If it wasn't for Rhaenyra pointing it out, she might have never seen the mess she made of herself. They had a quick argument about Syrax' actitude when they prepared the egg. She wanted to surprise Alicent. She learned about the new Hand of the King also by her sister.

"So...Ser Harwin is staying?" asked, and also wished, Ela.

"Well, I think one of them is staying in King's Landing. I hope it's the one you long for..." teased Nyra.

"Oh, shut up, I was just asking" she was blushing as well. When she ended the bath she put on the best dress for the occasion. Something a bit more special than casual, but she wanted to keep it simple. Gods...she felt stupid the moment she asked that to her maidens... But to have Harwin around would certainly be great. She felt treated as an equal, never mocked, with a true friend around. And she found odd the sweetness of such a manly man. She remembered him every time she rode Laps, and she wished for a parter who wasn't a personal guard for once. Not even Rhaenyra wanted to ride with her, not on a horse. He was also the most attractive men she had encountered, but she won't say that because she just expended too much time with older and boring men. But with Harwin, talks were easy, fluids and interestings.

Music sounded on the dinning room, the King already seated, Rhaenyra on his side, Alicent on the other, and the family Strong entered the room. They were about to eat when they realiced that the oldest princess was missing. Viserys was growing impatient and Rhaenyra, who didn't want to ruing the surprise, didn't come up with an argument to defend her and she didn't wanted too, she was hungry and the chicken was getting cold. Finally, the doors opened and they rised from the table to see Elaena. She looked beautiful and Harwin felt his heart beating fast, she carried a grin so big it barely fitted on her face.

"My apologise, my Lords" she talked to Ser Lyonel, and eyed his two sons before talking to Viserys, "but father, I have a surprise for the Queen".

Poor Alicent just had her second baby, and she looked tired but she thought that welcoming the new Hand would be seen as a nice gesture by the daughter of the last Hand. But she was upset, she was angry at Rhaenyra, and she could not talk about it. The baby also tired her. So when the surprise was announced, she was more confused than excited. The servants brought a hot pot, they opened to show the egg. Viserys smiled at the loving gesture her oldest made for her youngest.

"Look, Alicent, an egg for our little girl" said the King.

"We picked it up grey, in honor of your house color, Alicent" spoke the princess. The Queen then smiled, a Targaryen that thought of her as the mother of one, a true part of the family.

"Thank you, princess. Thank you too Rhaenyra...it's a lovely gesture" said Alicent.

"I wasn't involved, I'm afraid" admited Rhaenyra. She realized late, when Elaena's face dropped.

"Who picked up the egg with you then, Elaena?" Visarys became serious. The room when silent.

"It was me, Your Grace" confessed Harwin, looking at the King. "It was no bother".

"It's not about being bothering anyone, dear boy" he was still looking at his daughter. "It's about putting lives at risk. Elaena, did you ask for Harwin to enter the Dragonpit?".

Harwin wanted to speak but his father stopped him with a look, the King didn't want to hear him.

"Well,no...but I did not stopped him..." and he got hurt, that was on the tip of her tongue, but that could only make things worst.

"The maester was called during the meeting. Was it both of you he was aiding?" This time he did look at Harwin.

"It was just a cut, my King" he spoke.

"And the called the maester himself...Eleana, who in the Seven Kingdoms told you to drag him there? I can trust you with the dragons but they are dangerous creatures. Ser Harwin could be hurted or killed just by giving a wrong step. Did you think of that?".

"I know, father, and I do regret. I did apologise to him immediately. Lord Lyonel, I ask for your pardon too" she was stressed.

"You have it, princess. My king, this will not happen again. My son can promise you that" anwered the man, eyeing his oldest son.

They sitted and eated when the King started to eat. Poor Ela sat across from Harwin and she was to embarrassed to look at him. Before his father could talk, the boy spoke firmly.

"Your grace, the princess Elaena has shown me what truly makes Targaryens the powerful house it is...it's not only about the dragons...it's about your unique bond to them. Your daughter had a courage unlike most men have. And, if the now princess is willing to face a legendary dragon to honor a baby sister...one can only wonder what the future queen is willing to do to protect her people.

They went silent again, all staring at Harwin, the princess dared to rise her eyes at him, with a red face and a shy smile. She felt emotional for his hope in her and not many praised her for her actual achievements. The usual praises were dedicated to her dresses, sewings and looks. Viserys was moved too, a genuine show of loyalty to the future queen, who already had enemies around.

"I'm glad someone finally sees what I saw the day I named her my heir...a men your kind are the best to keep close while on the throne. You were raised by a great men and one can tell" the King toasted for the Strong and the dinner gain the celebrating vibe it deserved. Every once in a while, the princess and lord exchanged looks and neither Rhaenyra or Alicent missed one.

"I was thanking, Ser Lyonel, that a tournament would be a great way of celebrating the new princess" proposed Viserys.

"Well, my king, I see no harm in it. It's been long since you celebrated one. And it's cheaper than a hunt, and equally fun" agreed the hand. "So, is the princess as beautiful as the other princesses, your grace?"

"You haven't seen her? Maybe she would enjoy some music...I'll have her brought here" proposed Alicent, wishing to see her new baby once again. Aegon would be sleeping by now, no need to wake him.

One of the queen's ladies brought her in her arms. She was very small and the three blondes melted when she entered. She was just like them and something about her transmited calm and sweetness. She went from arms to arms. The eating was done but they keep on chatting. When Elaena was holding her, she saw Harwin sitting on her side, looking at the two sisters.

"There's something about this one that makes me love her so much..."she confessed in a whisper. "When Aegon was born, everyone was holding a breath, as if my biggest thread just gained a body. And that body in question was just a wet and crying blonde bundle. But this one...this one is special". The princess pushed his sister into Harwin's arm. He took it carefully. "I haven't told you, but your mother must have been an incredible woman...so smart".

"She was, my princess. Unfortunate it was Larys the one who inherited that part". He joked.

"Don't say that, Harwin". Did she just called him by his name? No "ser" around it? She did, but it was late to back out now. "You are smart...but in the best way, not in a cunning one... you are the loveliest man I've ever met. And the most valiant too, even when it becomes more of a dangerous factor" she was blushing, no doubt about it.

"I think you were too impressed with my controll of horses, my princess" he said, making the princess laugh.

The King was quite drunk, and he interrupted the conversation when he asked Alicent for the baby's name way too laudly.

"I haven't decided yet, husband. I will let you choose" Alice was just not having it.

"What about Elaena?" He said.

"You already have a daughter named Elaena" pointed the Hand. The princess was so puzzle she just stared at his father. Her sister also had too many cups of wine, she didn't noticed until she started to talk.

"Maybeee...she can be name after her older sister who brought her that beautiful egg...but to make it stand apart could be an "H" after the man who risked his life for the cause...". Yeah, she was drunk and Alicent too tired.

"Helaena...I like it..." decided the King. Everyone cheered at the name except the mother, the princess and Harwin, who looked at the princess hidding a grin.

She looked at him. "I wish I could say that tomorrow she'll have a different name but I'm pretty sure that we are going to be stuck with the same name for the rest of out lifes"

"At least I do feel flattered, not going to lie"

"You know, Ser Harwin?" She stared at him. He looked adorable with the baby in his arms, even more attractive than before, sweeter and soft. "Everything would be easier if you stayed in King's Landing...".

He smiled at her. If his queen requested it, he will do it, not second thoughts. "Of course I will, Elaena".

[fangirlings-things]

Rescheduled Lesson

❦ PART. II

Fandom: Enola Holmes

Pairing: Sherlock Holmes x female reader

Word count: 3K

anon said: Can I request a Sherlock x reader where she visited Enola often when Sherlock left on long cases, so they became good friends? And when Enola runs away to find her mom, she goes to stay with the reader, which Sherlock deduces and tries to get her to let him find Enola and talk to her? -&

A/N: this request was amazing and I loved every bit of it!!! I put all my inspiration in this, tried to make the personality of the character good, so I hope you like this piece, love, I did my best!! (also I’m thinking about a part 2? if you guys like it let me know, I would be delighted to write it) (had to repost guys, I'm sorry!!)

also, the tag list for this fandom is open!!!

gif credit: @henrycavilledits

❧ You knew the Holmes family was nothing like the other families that lived in the countryside. The father had died many years before. The two oldest sons had already left home, to live their lives and follow the careers they desired. On that incredibly big house, where once lived a family, there was only a mother and her youngest child left. Perhaps the fact that you yourself was considered a little off by other people, was the fact that made you become friends with them.

You lived completely alone, surrounded by books in a small house. Your life was made of studying, researching and writing texts about science. You loved it, great authors of the matter being your inspiration. You tried to learn their teachings and with luck, wanted others to learn as well. You almost couldn’t believe when one day in the middle of a sunny afternoon, Eudoria Holmes had showed up at your door and invited you to her house, where she asked you to be Enola’s science teacher. She educated her daughter not for society, but for herself, so that she could find her own path when she came to grow up. That instantly made you respect that woman and accept her offer.

Twice a week you would go to the Holmes’s house and spend hours and more hours teaching the girl. Darwin, Copernicus, Newton, Galilei. She was eager to know and you were eager to teach her. She was the first student you had that actually wanted to learn and that was amazing. Made you proud and happy, more than you could say. At the evening, Eudoria would ask you to stay for dinner. You would put lessons aside and talk and laugh together. They were like your family, the one you didn’t had.

You were always excited for the days of teaching Enola to come soon. They were your absolute favorites of the week. In the beginning of the afternoon of one of those days, you had been incredibly surprised by a knock on your front door while you gathered the books you would make the girl read and study. Frowning, because you never had visitors or received letters, you went to attend the door.

And when you opened it, you saw that your visitor was Enola herself.

“Hi, Miss (Y/L/N)” the girl smiled at you, a little forced smile that instantly made your frown grow deeper. She was wearing boy’s clothes, even a hat, and her long brown hair had been hidden inside of it. “I’m afraid today’s lesson will have to be rescheduled”

“Enola, what…” you began, confused. You had seen her dressed in boy’s clothes before around her house, that wasn’t a big deal. She did find them more comfortable, she had told you before. But the fact that she concealed her hair as if she wanted to hide it and the expression on her face, something that you couldn’t quite identify but resembled urgency, was enough for you to get anxious.

“Please, Miss (Y/L/N), can I come in? I promise I’ll explain everything you want to know” she pleaded, eyes locked on yours as she did so. The tone on her voice made you nod and take a step to the side, locking the door once she was already inside. “I had never been here. Your house is really amazing” the girl seemed overwhelmed by all the books and unfinished texts you had around, laying on tables and shelves.

“Thank you” you said, mind still running fast as you tried to understand what was happening. You walked after the girl, that had advanced until she reached the next room of your house, one who only had two couches and a table. “Enola, what is going on?” her face instantly lost the admiration she was having for your belongings. Her eyes went to the floor, and she went silent. That made you sight. “Enola, you promise you would explain. And you know you can trust me”

That seemed to make her come around, because she sighted as you had just did and sat at one of your couches. Or better, she laid down on it, placing her head over a pillow and focusing her eyes on the roof. Her hands were joined over her chest. “I came here because I wanted to hide, Miss (Y/L/N). I’m running away”

Your eyes went wide at that declaration and you sat on the other couch, realizing that would probably be a long conversation. “Enola! Think about your mother! She loves you. Your disappearance will hurt her deeply”

“No, no, I’m not running away from my mother. I’m running away to find her” the girl sat straight on the couch, eyes meeting yours again like they had before at the door. She could see the confusion in your eyes grow by each word she spoke. “My mother went missing a few days ago, Miss (Y/L/N). She didn’t say goodbye or said where she was going. She only left me clues, here and there that I’ll have to use to find her”

Worry got a hold of you, the same worry you had recognized on Enola’s eyes. Eudoria. Where would she have gone? Was she fine? Not knowing you realized, was terrible. As you thought about what Enola had just said, another question got to your mind. “If your mother is missing, who are you running away from, Enola?”

“My brothers. Sherlock and Mycroft. Well, especially Mycroft, because he wants to send me to a finishing school, that prepares young women for society” the clear disgust in her voice would have made you laugh if you weren’t so worried.

“Where will you go to find your mother, Enola? What plans do you have? Do you want me to go with you?” all questions left your mouth in such a rush, that it seemed like you had just spit out the words one after the other.

The young girl smiled kindly and got up, going to sit right next to you on the couch you were on. She grabbed your hands in hers gently and squeezed them tightly. “Thank you for offering to go with me, to support me, Miss (Y/L/N). Is more than my own brothers have done. But this is something I have to do alone, I have to be the one to find her and know why she left. And I think that the less you know, the better it will be”

Oh, that girl. You smiled while you looked at her. Eudoria had raised her to be a force of nature and had achieved that goal, brilliantly. You squeezed her hands back in affection. “When will you leave?”

“At sundown today” she said, so quickly that you realized she had already thought about everything. At least, on that phase of that 'plan' to find her dear mother. “Will walk to the train station, not the closest one but the next, and get on the first train in the morning tomorrow. In this way, I’m quite sure my brothers won’t be able to understand my intentions soon enough as to catch me”

“Very well” you passed your arms around her and hugged her tight, sighting. “Let’s get you some food for your journey, then. If you find Eudoria and she finds out I let you almost starve I’ll get in trouble”

Enola laughed as she hugged you back.

════ •⊰❂⊱• ═══════ •⊰❂⊱• ════

Enola had left at sundown of the previous day, just like she had said she would. Carrying nothing more than money her mother had left her, a bag of food you had given her and her favorite book of yours, Origin of Species, you had watched her walk away into the night alone, as her name backwards spelled.

You had spent the whole night incapable of sleeping, wondering if she was fine and if she hadn’t encountered any dangers as she travelled on foot. You worried so much but all you could do, was hope that she would stay safe and find her mother. Soon.

On the next day, you had spent the morning and the beginning of the afternoon distracted. Tried to complete some of your works, but couldn’t. Your mind would always go back to the gone girl and her well being.

You had frustratedly been trying to read the same page of one of your books for fifteen minutes, without being capable of keeping any attention on it, when for the second time in a long time, you heard knocks at the front door.

You got up instantly, leaving the book forgotten upon the closest table as you rushed to the door, already smiling at the thought at Enola had came around on her idea of going alone and was back to ask you to go with her.

When you opened the door though, you realized that it wasn’t Enola who had knocked. It had been a man. A man you had never seen before.

He was tall, it was the first thing you noticed. The fact that he had no beard, was the second. And then, details of him came rushing into your mind through your eyes. He had short, curly hair, bright eyes and memorable features. He wore a white shirt, a brown vest with small white details in it and a brown suit as well as trousers of the same color. No tie which was insula for men that well dressed.

“May I help you?” you frowned at him, holding the wooden door firmly with one of your hands. To receive the visit of men, had always made you nervous. You lived alone, after all, and the world was becoming a more violent place day by day.

“I hope so” he said, which such confidence on his voice that it actually made you raise your eyebrows at him. His eyes were fixed in you, analyzing your face with much intensity. Far more than you thought it would be appropriate. “I’m Sherlock Holmes. And I suppose you are Miss (Y/L/N), my sister’s science teacher”

You took a moment to watch him again, trying to put into your mind that the man in front of you was the Sherlock Holmes, the detective who was making a name on England, solving the most incredible and difficult cases on his own. After long seconds of silence where you only stared at each other, you cleaned your throat. “I am in fact Enola’s teacher, Mr. Holmes. How did you know?”

“I found her works, studies on great science authors. They all had writings on the borders where she constantly mentioned a desire to please and make a 'Miss (Y/L/N)' proud. It only took me a visit to one of the closest houses to ask who it was and get pointed in your house’s direction” he explained, in an impersonal tone quite fitting to a detective. He saw the incisive tone look you were giving him, filled with suspicion, and smiled slightly as he looked at his feet, before focusing his eyes back on yours. “I came here because Enola ran away from home, Miss (Y/L/N). And I think she would come here to see you if she needed help”

You sighted, looking into his eyes. You remembered Enola’s words, where she had told you Mycroft was the one who wanted to send her to a finishing school, the one who had made her run away. If that had been Mycroft Holmes at your door, you would have denied being her teacher or even knowing the girl, wanting to cut the conversation short. But that was Sherlock Holmes. Enola hadn’t expressed much anger towards him and honestly, he would for sure find out the truth on his own. He was the best detective there was in the nowadays. You tell him, would just spin faster the process and you would be able to send him away sooner.

“Come in, Mr. Holmes” you took a step aside, motioning for him to come in. He did, in slow calculated steps and once he was inside you closed the door, sighting. You expected him to say something, but he didn’t. Not at first. Instead he walked around just like Enola had done, eyes floating through the uncountable books you had, all in a complete mess over the tables, piles and more piles of them . “She was indeed here, your sister”

He turned his head to look at you, a genuine smile on his lips. “I was already certain of that” then he walked towards one of the tables, fingers running through one of works. The paper was a bit kneaded, but he didn’t seem to care. “The works you did with Enola, the amount of things she learned… they were quite impressive”

You crossed your arms over your chest, trying to contain your surprise to know you had impressed the most impressive man of all, Sherlock Holmes. You waited for him to speak again, but he didn’t, just kept on walking through the room and inspecting your things with his perceptive eyes. “I don’t know where she is, Mr. Holmes. She left many hours ago”

He placed his hands on the pockets of his trousers, turning completely to you the resemblance of his previous smile on his lips. “And I believe she didn’t tell you what were her plans?”

“No and if she had, I wouldn’t tell you” you said and went to sit on a chair, at the table he had been studying with his eyes previously.

“Mind if I take off my suit?” he asked simply. You just nodded for him to go on, not giving it much thought. He took off his brown suit in gracious movements, then placed it in one of the other empty chairs close by. “May I ask why you wouldn’t tell me my sister’s plans, Miss (Y/L/N), if you knew them?”

“Enola said your brother wants to send her to a finishing school” you replied, watching as one after the other, he folded the sleeves of his white shirt until they got close to his elbow. Unconsciously, you noticed how his muscles could be seen from under his shirt. “To try to turn such a brilliant, incredibly smart young girl into a 'lady society' would be a terrible mistake. She shouldn’t be forced to do it” at the end of that sentence, Sherlock Holmes had grabbed two books in his hands and after reading the tiles, he went to the shelves and started placing them there. “Excuse me, what do you think you’re doing?”

“I am organizing your books, Miss (Y/L/N). In alphabetical order, of course. Like I’ve noticed you do after a quick inspection” he smiled at you again, placing those two in place. Then, he went to the table and grabbed a few more. “I personally agree with you. I don’t think Enola should be sent to such a place, but she is my brother’s ward. It is out of my hands” he read the titles, then turned around to return to the shelves. “I suppose you weren’t raised as a lady of society also, for you live by yourself apparently and your academic interests”

“You’re wrong” you said with a little smile taking a hold of your lips, and that made him stop organizing the books and look at you with a frown. She shouldn’t be wrong often. “I was raised to be a lady, until the point where my parents died. After that, I started to live on my own, for I had no more relatives. It gave me a chance to become who I wanted to be, instead of whom I was being carved into”

“You chose your own path” he said with a bigger smile this time and when you nodded in agreement, he returned his look at the shelves. “How did your parents die?”

“They were murdered” you tried to swallow the knot on your throat. Even though they had been controlling parents to the most when regarding your future, they were still your parents, and you loved and missed them. “The police never found out by whom”

“The police can be quite… inefficient” he turned back around with his hands already empty. “I’m really sorry”

“Thank you” you said, squeezing your lips in a thin line as old memories came to surface. Things you hadn’t you thought about in a long, long time. “If there isn’t anything else, may I escort you to the door?”

Your polite way of sending him away made him smile.

He placed the books he had just gathered back on the table, grabbed his suit and accompanied you towards the door, not bothering to dress the piece again. You opened the door and he stepped out, turning to look at you once more. His eyes were curious, interesting. Full of something you couldn’t quite identify, so mysterious as his sister’s.

“If you find Enola, don’t stop her from trying to find your mother” you told him, trying to repress the emotion in your voice. “Not knowing what happened… can be quite disturbing”

“I promise, stop her, is not my intention” he looked down at his feet once again, as if he was thinking for a brief moment, before his eyes went back to yours. “I could try to find out what happened to your parents. Who was their murderer”

“I don’t have much money, Mr. Holmes” you told him, your turn now to look down at your feet.

“I never said you would have to pay” he replied and with that your gaze snapped back up to meet his, and that made him chuckle. You couldn’t deny he looked quite beautiful when doing that. “You were there for my sister through much time and when she needed help, when I wasn’t. That is enough paying for me. Think about it, Miss (Y/L/N). After I find my sister and discover where is my mother, I am willing to take over your case. If you want me to” he nodded his head in your direction in a silent appreciation for your reception in your house and began to turn to walk away, but stopped himself in the middle of such movement. “May I know your first name?”

You smiled softly at that. “It’s (Y/N), Mr. Holmes”

“Please, call me Sherlock”

And after that, he walked away.

[linksthoughtbrambles]

Not thinking about apples.

Part 3 of Adventure Log+ (Sequel to Link’s Thought Brambles. There’s a lot of context that you’ll lose if you read Adventure Log+ without having read Link’s Thought Brambles. I highly recommend reading in order!) - Edited 1/29/23 to improve voice and tighten up language.

Plan.

We need a smart, solid, fool-proof-certified plan that actually makes sense.

Planning… is not my strength.  I come UP with plenty.  I execute few.  I complete even fewer.  I did pretty good on the festival, but Zelda had a huge part in that, too.  The two of us together and a lot of manpower made that work.  AND coffee!  That stuff was good. Could use some right now.

It’s true the end of the festival wasn’t great… but that wasn’t down to our planning.  Not really.  Some stubbornness- NOPE, not thinking about that!  Not here.

Zelda has that look on her face again.  The one that wrinkles her entire forehead.  She might’ve had it when Rionee galloped up to her at the shrine in Tabantha, but it changed so fast I’m not sure.  I’ve seen her concentrate on problems, but usually sciencey ones she enjoys.  Not something that could be life and death for us, so long-term we’re stuck with it for months if we get it wrong.

…I’d looooove to eat one of those leftover caramel apples.  No one else has reached for one.  Resist, Link.  Resist.  Don’t look and don’t drool.  This meeting’s important.  Someone’ll go for them once their dinner’s digested.  There’s a reason they brought us those, right?  They saved some tasty things for the fancy people so they didn’t have to slobber messy food while otherwise busy in public.  They can slobber them behind closed doors in peace instead. This is their chance to eat one as much as it's mine!

I want one with the pink peppercorns even though I just ate a whole plate of spectacular goose-potato-onion hash and wow those itty-bitty orange thingies were so good.  I’ll ask Zelda what they are later.  Too weird to ask in this room.

…Am I one of the fancy people now?  I’m sitting at the king’s receiving room table with him, Zelda, and Jeralt.  Kind of surprised Ahadis isn’t here.

Well… maybe this isn’t the “fancy” table.  I never thought of Jeralt as fancy.  He’s captain of the royal guard now but as down-to-earth as you can get. Aurexler, now HE's fancy.

I guess I never thought of father as fancy.  Huh.

“I’d already spent a good deal of time on this itinerary.”

Aaaaand I’d stopped thinking about the plan.  Again.

“Considering recent events, I must alter it considerably.  What I thought I must accomplish a week ago seems, now, less immediate and more suited to Purah and her teams.  Please, father, Link, Jeralt—I shall enumerate my goals, but interject your own thoughts.

“The overarching goal is to ensure Hyrule is as prepared as possible for the oncoming Calamity.”

Same goal for the last twelve years.

“We still must accomplish previously existent goals in relation to that.  Difficulties the champions are experiencing with their Divine Beasts must be resolved.  I’d originally intended to visit the domain first to address Ruta’s gait.  That’s still of high priority.”

No arguments there.

“I’d visited Daruk and Revali relatively recently and addressed some issues- ah, that is to say I’d addressed a mechanical issue on Medoh.  I’ve no idea what assisted Daruk, but by the time we left he seemed an expert at controlling Rudania.”

Don’t blush, Link.  Not important right now.

“We ought to check on Urbosa, though she hasn’t complained of anything specific.”

“Phhhh.  Agreed, daughter, though I find my own mind drawn to the problem of this field around our castle.”

“Yes.  That may be the most urgent issue.  Fi said the field is strengthening.  Who knows what it will be capable of in future?”

“So Fi needs energy so she can do something about it.”

Indeed, master.  I require either you or the Princess—preferably you—to provide it.

“So how do we get enough? Do I just eat?”

“Eat?”

“Sorry, sire, it’s Fi, she- thanks, Princess.”

“Of course—here-“

“It’s fine. I can see, daughter.”

...We need to access a significant energy source, master. You would need to eat an extremely large amount of food.

“How large?”

Large enough as to make it impractical.  You do have physical limitations, and your body can only digest so much food at once.  If we waited a long time, it would work.

“Okay… I’m… not willing to do that, anyway.  This is already a winter we think some kinds of food’ll be scarce.”  I mean… I LOVE food, and I know I eat more than it seems like I should have to.  I’m hungry, so it must be doing something, but you know what, Link?  You’re going to have some goddess-damned self-control this winter and NOT eat whole pumpkin pies all by yourself because you can definitely survive on a lot less than you can eat… aaaaaand everyone can read this anyway even though I’m not talking, including the king, and won’t my mind just shut up??????

Uuuugh, they’re smiling at me.

“Heheh.  Goodness, Link.”

Yeeeaaaah, I know. "So, not food.  What are the other options?  You said I could convert things, but like what?”

There are a myriad of options, master, but you are still contained in a physical body and limited by its ability to survive exposure to certain energies.  For example, you are able to convert solar energy, but just as any Hylian you are subject to sunburn.

“Um.  Is that why I like sunshine so much?”

That, I do not know.

“Okay, so… can I hang around outside all day and soak up Sun?”

The rate of energy transfer is too slow. To build up the quantity of energy required would take years.

“...I'm out of ideas. It's not like I can stick myself in a bonfire.”

Forgive me, master.  My intent is not to frustrate you.  There are few energy sources I know of in this era which either of us would be capable of absorbing in great quantity.  I am curious how the Divine Beasts are faring.

“Though we don’t understand the energy sources, the Divine Beasts appear to have plentiful energy for operation, if that’s what you mean.”

In part, yes.  I have little knowledge of the beasts' design.  I am uncertain how they draw power.  I had boarded the beasts in the past as well as with my current master during his visit to Vah Rudania, but that is all. 

Ooooh, Zelda didn’t know about that.  Hehe, hi.  Yeah, I see you looking at me, can we talk about it later?  It’s really not that important.

“If you say so, Link.”

“Kmph- I think so!”

“Indeed!”

“Skies above, it is most disorienting to see your thoughts appear on this screen, Sir Link.  In your place, I doubt I’d be able to put up with it.”

“It’s not so bad, sire, not now that I’m used to it.”

“Mmmph.  Most wouldn’t get used to it, I think.”

I’m just glad I’m not thinking about apples.  Caramel.  Peppercorns!  Table. Table table table table table THINK, Link, think think think window!  Uuuuuuh CROWN!  Crown frown down town clown NOO not clowns, they’re fricking terrifying, uuuuh surround around astound found wound bound crowned ooooh look at that, that’s crown used twice, nice, rice lice mice thrice slice-

“What in blue blazes are you doing?”

“S-sorry, sire.  Just trying to be normal.”

“…This is not normal.”

“Yeah, that’s true, you’re right sire, I just, well, I like rhymes.”

.

“That explains nothing.”

No, it doesn’t, does it?  I can’t explain though because if I explain I am in SO much trouble, not that he doesn’t know about it, not really, but I mean who wants to find out exactly what stone thrown clone blown throne bone alone moan NONO lone-

“Sir Link, would it help you to leave the room?”

“It would make no difference, father.  The slate records his thoughts regardless.”

“Auph.”

Yeah, that’s pretty much how I feel about it, too.

“What of the ancient furnaces?”

Huh?  “What about them, Princess?”

“The blue flames are a highly concentrated form of energy.”

Blue flames?

“Yes.  They burn ceaselessly in two locations, one in northeastern Akkala and one near Hateno in Necluda.  The facilities from which they spring appear nearly identical to the main control units within the Divine Beasts.”

Fascinating.  With a few exceptions, location names in this era have altered since my previous awakening.  Where is Akkala in relation to this castle?

“Akkala is the northeastern-most province of Hyrule, to the east of Death Mountain.”

Thank you, Princess.  I would extrapolate that these ancient furnaces tap into the energies of the sacred flames.  The remains of the far more ancient Fire Sanctuary may be beneath this furnace you speak of.

“These furnaces did not exist before?”

I cannot confirm that.  My previous master was not always privy to the Sheikah’s plans.

“Did they not trust him?!”

To say that would be untrue, but he was not involved in that civilization’s infrastructure.  It’s possible the flames were already in use and therefore went unremarked.  They also may have been created or accessed during his time or afterward.  It is unknown.

“Yet the locations are significant to you.”

Thus far, Princess.  One sacred flame burned in the Fire Sanctuary far to the northeast past Death Mountain, and another burned in the southeast—south of a heavily forested area yet west of a large expanse of water, within a mechanized cistern.  The third burned far to the west in a free-moving vessel.

“Three flames, yet only two ancient furnaces.  The location you describe in the southeast would indeed fit the location of Hateno Village.  But there is nothing we know of in the west.”

It may be belowground.

“I suppose.”

If the energy sources are in fact the sacred flames, I am capable of absorbing them directly.  Each may still harbor distinctive properties which would leave me unbalanced were I to absorb a great deal without also absorbing an equal amount of the other two.  Since one is as yet undiscovered, this presents a problem.  I could, of course, expend the energy of only one flame shortly after absorbing it.

Oh, of course!

…Consider reigning in your sarcasm, master.

...They’re all looking at me.  “… Sorry.”  It’s not like I trained myself to control the snark in my head.  Only out my mouth.

Another option would be to collect these energies in other vessels, return them here, and apply all three at once, were the third available.

“It is possible to transfer the blue flames with a torch.  A series of lanterns leads from each to a nearby location.  They allow the flame’s relatively easy transfer and utilization at facilities at the end of each path.”

Fascinating.  How long do these lanterns burn once lit?

“Typically not more than a day.”

How were they constructed?

“We don’t know.  They pre-date our own efforts.”

Have any attempts been made to re-create them?

“The team in Akkala has attempted exactly that without success.  Purah and Robbie may know more than I do.  Or Impa, now I think of it.  Regardless, we could deliver some of this energy to the castle for you, or you could absorb it yourself?”

Either is possible.  You and my master can also absorb and store a large amount of this energy, if it is indeed that of the sacred flames.

“…May I ask what the sacred flames are?”

They are, in essence, a type of potential energy remaining from the Goddesses’ presence in this realm, in a time so ancient even I did not yet exist.

“I thought potential energy was more of a mathematical model than an existent energy form.”

Mathematical models which make accurate predictions tend to represent reality, Princess, even if the reality seems too strange to be true.  The chemical energy you gain by eating can be considered a form of potential energy, for it is simply energy in storage: not currently in use.

I do not know whether these blue flames behave as the sacred flames did; energy may change form.  You have already provided evidence the flames have done so.

“What evidence is that?”

They are blue.  Yet the ones you’ve discovered would match the flame of power and the flame of courage, which appeared red and green respectively when I last encountered them.  Only the flame of wisdom—in the west—was blue.

“These flames were left by the Goddess?”

No, master.  The Goddess Hylia did not create these flames.  The Goddesses did.

.

“Goddess…es?”

Yes.

“H-how many Goddesses are we talking?”

Three, master.

“So there’s two more?!”

No.

“Wh- three minus one is two.”

Apologies, master.  Hylia is not one of the three Goddesses who originated before the creation of Hyrule.

“What?!”  “Holy Hylia-“ “Merciful Goddess!” “Hhhh!”

Yes, your forebears ten-thousand years ago had also appeared unaware of them.

.

It’s not just me, this time.  The entire room is flabbergasted.  Four Goddesses.  FOUR.  And we didn’t know about three of them?

“Fi... is Link correct?  Are there four Goddesses in total?”

…

?!!?!?!  Holy S@#$- “there’s more, aren’t there?!”

…

“That is SO a yes!”

Not necessarily, master.

“No, no, I’m calling definite bulls@$# this time, Fi.  No way.  You clam up when there’s something I’m not supposed to know.  If there were four, you’d have said so.  Right?  Am I right?”

“…I’m afraid I quite agree with my appointed knight.”

I may need to alter my protocols.

“OH!  Oh ho, so there are at least five!  Who’s the fifth one, then?  You said there were three Goddesses who came before Hyrule, and for some reason you’re okay with letting us know that, but not that there’s a fifth one out there?”

If I reveal too much, all it will do is hurt you, master.

…The king, maybe she’ll listen to the king?  “Sire?”

“…I must admit the difficulty of taking it in.  Fi.”

Yes?

Wow.  No title?  I wonder if that’s why he’s taking so long to answer her…

“Hphhhhhhhh.  There is no delicate way to phrase this.  Was Zelda praying to the wrong Goddess?”

…Holy sh-

No.

OH thank you for that.

Prayer was inconsequential.

And now his head's in his hands.

What was he hoping for?  Either way, he was wrong.  I guess if prayer mattered, but to someone else, at least he wouldn’t’ve led her too far astray.

Still… if I was a Goddess, and someone was praying but just didn’t know my name, I’d answer anyway. Seems petty not to.

He’s still holding his head.

Zelda keeps switching between him and the slate, like she’s not sure where to look.  Maybe I’d better say something?

“Fi, can you tell us what they’re called?  The other three Goddesses you mentioned?”

Farore, Nayru, and Din.

“Wow.  Wow-“

“Those names are in the song of the Goddess.”

Yes, Princess.

“…It’s not gibberish.”

No, Princess.

“Would you please translate the words?  I assume you know the song.”

I do, and I can honor this request.  The translation is:

Youth, guided by the Goddess’ servant Unite the earth and sky and bring light to the land Youth, show the two whirling sails the way to the light tower-

“The two what?”

You have interrupted my flow, master.

…Er.  Sorry?

Thank you.  The rest follows:

And before you a path shall open, and a heavenly song you shall hear.

Spirit Maiden, guided by blood and memory Nayru, Farore, and Din Trust you with life and the gift of the Moon And skyward a song you and your youth shall sing.

…Is it sacrilege if I think some of it is still gibberish?

Yes, master.

!!!!

…

…You’re joking.

Why would you think so?

I can tell!

How, master?

Your tone went all funny.

What tone?

THAT one you just did!

With all due respect master, you are not the most adept person in this room when it comes to interpreting tones of voice.

Your voice is in my head.  I have advantage.

“Fi.”

Ooh.  Okay—Princess privilege.

Yes, Princess?

“Spirit Maiden is one of the titles you listed as mine.  One you could apply to me in lieu of Your Grace.”

That snapped the king’s head up.

It’s a highly exalted title.  The kind of thing usually reserved for the king and queen and only under extremely formal circumstances, like royalty from across the chasm or sea.  Not that it’s happened at all in my lifetime—everyone’s too afraid of the Calamity.  The highest of high priests/priestesses at the temple of time sometimes get called that, but again only in very formal circumstances.

That is, if my father’s descriptions can be trusted.  Sometimes he’s… a little off.

And Fi hasn’t answered her.

“Fi, why didn’t you answer the Princess?”

The Princess did not ask me a question.

“The question was kind of implied.”

Was it, master?

“Yeah.”

…And she’s still not answering- “Fi, is Spirit Maiden a title you could use for Zelda instead of Princess?”

Yes.

“So… the song’s talking about Zelda?”

You are jumping to conclusions, master.  Calling the Princess ‘Princess’ does not mean every Princess referred to in a story is her personally.

“Fair enough, so what’s a Spirit Maiden?”

A spirit maiden is a living person able to wield the magics of the Goddess Hylia.

 “Okay… so the song’s about the person from an earlier time who was wielding that magic.  There’s also a youth and a servant of the Goddess.  Blood and… memory?... guide the spirit maiden, and the three Goddesses we just found out about trust her with life and whatever the gift from the Moon is.  And she’s gonna sing a song with the youth, ohh and then there was all that weird stuff about showing two whirling sails to the light tower?  What’s that about?”

…

“Fi?”

…

“Seriously, why translate it if we’re not allowed to know?”

…Are you certain you wish to know this, master?

“Sure, why not?”

…Very well… the whirling sails refer to a pair of windmill-like sail structures atop two stone pillars.

“…And?”

…The youth needed to turn the pillars.

“…Okay…how about you don’t make me ask for every part of the explanation, and just tell us the whole thing?”

You are unaware of the nature of the knowledge you seek, master.

“Fine, I’m unaware!  Enlighten me.”

…

A pair of mock-windmill sails built into the pillars controlled mechanisms to turn them.  The youth needed to spin the wheels a sufficient amount to point the large sails toward a nearby navigational light-tower.  He did so with a device intended to expel air. The-

“Goodness, that sounds complicated.  Why not simply turn them by hand?”

Why indeed, Princess?

Wh-? What’d I do to deserve that hit of irritation-?

Regardless, the youth turned the pillars to face a nearby tower-

I can FEEL it when you get huffy like that!

I do not get huffy, master.

...Okay. Sorry. Please continue?

I appreciate your cordiality, master. The tower then activated and allowed the youth entry to an internal ladder.  He was then able to reach the top of the tower-

“Seriously?  How tall was this tower?”

…Approximately forty feet, master.

“Wow.  Not a strong climber, I guess.  I’d’ve just slogged my way up there by hand, no spinning pillars required!”

“It does seem inefficient.”

…Quite.

Do you wish to hear the remainder, or may we move on?

“Oh, for sure, let’s hear it!”

“I concur.”

As you wish… the youth activated the light tower which focused a beam of light upon a thunderhead, opening a path to fly through it.

.

“That’s it?  What about the second verse?”

We discussed that.

“Not all of it.  We covered what a Spirit Maiden is and that the three names are Goddesses.  The rest of it, about blood and memory, and trusting with life, and the gift of the Moon, and the song-singing—well, I guess the song-singing is pretty self-explanatory, but not the rest.”

Master, do you not agree that the first verse’s true meaning was, in fact, quite mundane?

“Silly.”

Then why force me to recount the meaning of the second verse?

“…You have a point.”

I do.

“…This tangent sprang from our discussion of the flames—that they could serve as an energy source for Fi.  Let’s return to that, please.”

Sorry.

Oh.  I get a smile?

“You’ve nothing to be sorry for, Link.  It is… tempting, is it not?  To delve deep into the unknown territories of knowledge.”

Oh. Ohhhh.  “I’m not as smart as you, though.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, but let’s return to the subject of greater urgency .  The rest can wait.”

Yep.  Control yourself, Link.

“As I understand it, Fi, Link and I are each able to collect energy from these flames.  Correct?”

Yes, Princess.

“Link’s pouch is able to store energy extra-dimensionally.  Could we store blue flames within it?”

It is possible, Princess.  If time essentially does not move within it, a lit torch should not go out.

“Excellent.  Link, how much can your pouch hold?”

“I have no idea.  It’s never NOT let me put something in, not unless it was really huge.”

“How huge?”

“Well.  I, ah.  You know, like, a… a moblin.”

“A moblin?!”

“Yeah.”

“What possessed you to attempt that?!”

“They start disintegrating when they die.  I figured if I could put it in the pouch it wouldn’t happen, and they could study it at the lab.  But… you know.  It didn’t work.  The opening didn’t expand to let it in.”

“Ah.  That makes sense, now you explain it.  Alright.  Let’s attempt a test with an ordinary torch.”

Okay.  Hopefully the pouch won’t catch fire.

…Not a pleasant thought.  I do NOT want to lose it.  Guess we could go back to the woods and ask for a new one, but—oh s$#%, what would happen to all the stuff I have in there if the outside burns?!

“Due to the travel time necessary to collect energy from the flames, I propose we also attempt a shorter-term solution of some kind.”

No one else is thinking about this.

Any solution involving me will dissolve as soon as I leave this place, Princess.

“Yes.  I thought we might try to disperse the field temporarily and note any effects.”

Do I let Zelda potentially destroy my awesome pouch?!

“I also wonder if Purah and Robbie might be able to manufacture an object which would serve a similar purpose.”

Maybe I empty the whole thing out first.

“We’d intended to visit the royal lab soon, regardless, and I intend to propose this to them then.”

Prudent, Princess.

…Maybe we don’t test it until we have a duplicate, I bet the Koroks would-

“Sir Link, forgive me, but please attempt to curtail your mind’s wanderings for the moment.  It is difficult to follow Fi on the screen.”

“Sorry, sire.”  Stupid stupid stupid stop thinking so stupid, stare at the tasty apples or something.

“…Let’s consolidate.”

Yes, please, Zelda!

“Divine Beast Ruta in the Domain.  Divine Beast Naboris in the Gerudo Desert.  As it happens, I also received word from Urbosa regarding several shrines unearthed there.  It makes sense to survey them.  More urgent points of interest—the ancient furnaces at Hateno and Tumlea Heights in Akkala.  There ought to be a third energy source westward.  Fi, if you absorb all three, will that heighten the effects of your magic?”

Yes.  I will also be able to absorb extra energy from the final one if tempered by the other two.

“I believe it unwise for us personally to search for this third flame, but we have quite a few parties out on surveys and digs.  Father?”

“Yes, let’s send word to them—direct them to begin searching.  The teams at Tanagar Canyon and eastern Hebra already are, essentially, but we’ll notify them nonetheless.”

“Alright.  Fi, is there any need for me to visit the springs of power and courage?”

Not specifically, Princess.  The waters of the springs served their primary purpose before written memory.  There may be reasons for you to return at a later date—but traveling there now would net little.

“…As you say.  We skip the springs.  I did want to visit the survey team on the Great Plateau owing to your declaration of its importance, Fi—of an ancient medical facility.”

It may or may not exist.

“Indeed.  The Temple of Time is also near there, and—correct me if I’m wrong—one of our goals is to spread hope throughout Hyrule.”

“Yes, daughter, though readiness is of greater import.”                                                                                         

“Agreed.  I… would at some point like to attend a service at the Temple of Time as myself.  Not in disguise.”

The heart of Hyrule’s faith.  “The Yiga clan might expect that.”

“Perhaps.”

“… Can we think on that one a little more?  And if we do it, can we save it for the last leg of the journey?  It feels… like it’s the same level of risk as the bailey.  That didn’t turn out great.”

“We don’t need to decide immediately.”

…I really want one of those stupid apples.

“I also propose we assist the populace in dispatching monsters as we travel: hope for our people, and incentive for us—yes, Link?”

“Yeah.  We should try not to give our identities away, though.”  And it means Zelda being near monsters.  I’ll be pulling my hair out in tufts.  Biting my woah!  Table-smack!

“We have all failed to consider something else of concern.”

…Training Zelda?

“Father?”

“Link, your mother and sister need an escort home, and I’ll be damned if I don’t assign at least three men to stay there and keep watch.”

…S%@#.  S@#%, he’s right.  “Yes, sire.”

“…We’re already undermanned, sire.  Ahadis and I have begun restructuring the guard schedule for threes instead of pairs.  It’s hell.  We need more people here, not less, and after what happened we know even re-assigning soldiers from other posts is risky.”

“Sir Jeralt, I flatly refuse to leave Link’s family unprotected.  That assassin did not hesitate to send an arrow toward a young girl’s heart.  I doubt his compatriots will be kinder.  We let them go home unprotected, and next we’ll find a ransom note demanding Sir Link’s head in exchange for their safety.”

“We could ask them to remain here at the castle.”

“You’d ask them to give up their home to avoid hiring a few more people?”

“I- eh.  No, sire.”

“Mmph.  Good.”

“Might I make a suggestion, father?”

“Of course.”

“Anyone we send with them must be trustworthy.  I’d… hesitate to choose those we know less well.  It ought to be people who have been here many years and demonstrated unwavering loyalty and strength of character.”

“…You’re going to suggest members of the royal guard, aren’t you?”

“They are loyal to Link’s father and to you.”

“…Sir Kertiss was a problem.”

“Sir Kertiss is prejudiced, but even that is steeped in loyalty to Sir Lyle.  I am tempted to suggest him specifically, since he presumably will be up for hire and certainly will not impact castle rotations.”

…She… is she serious?  “Zelda… he hates me.”

“I'm not so sure. He is loyal to your father.  His treatment of you stems at least in part from that.”

“He’s an asshole!”

“Yes.  A prideful misogynist to say the least.  I have little doubt that misogyny extends to chivalry.  He would not have intentionally harmed me at the tournament.  He will not harm your mother or sister.  Perhaps your sister may inundate him with criticism and put him in his place.”

“Or maybe she’ll annoy the s@#$ out of him and he’ll hit her.”

“Link… do you honestly think he’d do that?”

“I have no idea.  He was wiling to break my ribs.”

“He was also in the field at the time.”

“He- oh.”  Zelda has a point!  He was acting like such a nasty f@#$er, but what’s he like if he’s not on this island with a creepy-crawly signal to hate me and Zelda poking at him?  “…Okay.  Alright, I’m willing to give this a shot, but I want to talk to him AND my mom and Chee about it personally.  We’re sending people in threes, right?  So he’d only be one of three.  If we’re choosing from the guard, I nominate Turro right this second, but do we really want to do that?  Jeralt?”

“Hphhh.  Some of the men on the guard have been there a long time.  Some not.  Turro’s been here about six years and got promoted real fast.  Damn skilled.  Would be useful to have someone who can hit long range reliably.  He’d be useful for hunting while they’re all waiting it out at your parents’ home.  Cahz and Kertiss were pretty new.  Eberoy woudn’t want to go, most likely.  Either he’d have to leave his wife until this was over or she’d have to leave her home here. Virn’s good, but he’s less independent than Turro.  If we’re choosing from the royal guard specifically, I think I’d have to say Merendith.”

“We could also take someone from my guard.  If we’re gone, we don’t have to be extreme about that.”

“Oh yes we do.”

“Link?“

“We can't travel openly after what happened.”

“W-well-“

“No way.  Either we travel incognito, or your entire guard joins us.”

…That’s some quiet right there.  I wonder if she’s feeling at all like I am.  I’d looked forward to traveling alone with her-

“If I travel with a large party, my movements will be obvious.  There shall be ample opportunities to attack us, and even if I take the entire guard they would be quite easily outnumbered.  It makes far more sense to leave them here--the castle is already short-staffed for the new procedures to be put in place, and their presence will help.  We... could still spare someone from that group to go with Link’s family, if we don't want to take too many from the Royal Guard.”

Ohhh, Link.   Ideas.  Sometimes, you have them.  “If we’re not in the castle, the Yiga clan could easily find out we’ve left.  We have to still seem like we’re here, at least at first.  Your guard rotation still has to happen, and it needs to stay strict, and we need doubles.  People who look like you and I, at least from far away.  We can… pretend we’re being really careful after what happened at the festival, like we’re not mixing with people much, or maybe that we’re taking a break, staying in our chambers more.”  Which isn’t far from the truth anyway.  “Farniha’s about your height, and Wenn’s small like me.  It could work.”

“…You’re suggesting we disguise them to look like us?”

“Yep.  We dye their hair.  Wenn might take some convincing, but I think Farniha’ll do it no problem.”

“Wenn will do as he’s ordered.”

“…Yes, sire.”

“Hmph.  You’d give him the option, wouldn’t you?”

“…Yes, sire.”

“It’s good to respect those under your command, but autonomy should only go so far.  If it jeopardizes you, it isn’t acceptable.”

…Okay.

.

“Well.  With all this in mind… I believe my new itinerary by default should take us toward Hateno first.”

“Wh- woah, Princess, I don’t want to be near my family.  That’ll make them more of a target, not less, just like in the bailey!”

“We won’t be us, Link.  We’ll be Farniha and Wenn.  We shall dye our hair and wear their uniforms.”

Oh man.  Rub your forehead, Link.  It’s late.  You’re tired.  Of course, it makes sense!  It’s Zelda.  Oh- “The people in Hateno’ll recognize me.”

“Not if you keep the helmet on.”

“… Okay.  Yeah, okay, I can do that around everyone else.  So, we deliver them, we visit the first ancient furnace, we collect energy-“

“And I inspect the shrine.”

“Yep, shrine inspection.  That makes the next stop the domain.”

“Indeed.  I imagine Mipha would like to travel with us, though she may break off beyond the Dueling Peaks.”

“Maybe.  And if we’re headed to the domain next, it makes sense to continue north into Akkala from there.  I… think we should avoid the citadel, Princess.  Guessing there’d be people there who would recognize you, and while I’m not sure that’d be much of a problem in the domain, it might be in Akkala.”  And there's also that general’s wife I’ve heard about, and how she likes to invade everyone’s privacy.  I’d rather not be in disguise around someone like that.

“I agree with you, Link.  Vayden and the soldier from Carok Bridge infiltrated Hylian ranks easily.  It seems unlikely that would occur in the Domain, but we still ought to be wary of any travelers.”

Extremely wary.  So wary we don’t even talk to them.  Or… no, because then you seem suspicious.  Something in between is the right way to go.

I’ll be bad at this, won’t I?  I’m not exactly good at saying the right thing at the right time.  And I’m terrible at lying.

“It would seem prudent to then return to the castle for respite unless we receive news which diverts us to Daruk.”

Yeah.  “Makes sense to come back here, anyway.  We’ll need to see if there’s news about a third flame.  If not, I figure the desert is the next stop.”

“Yes.”

…Well.  That’s it, isn’t it?  The Plan. We set up decoys to seem legitimate as long as possible.  Some people’ll have to be in on it.  Damn, the whole fricking castle might have to be if it goes on long enough, and that’s just not realistic if there’s even a single Yiga clan member still here.  But I figure it’ll buy us a few days if our decoys hide out up here, mostly.

…Is anyone going to eat an apple, or am I going to have to leave the room without one?

“Oh- haha, Link.  With all that sorted, I believe I shall try one of these caramel apples with ginger.”

“I haven’t eaten a caramel apple since I was a kid.”

“Now’s your chance, Sir Jeralt!”

“...Maybe the one with the salt.  Unless either of you would like it, Sire, Link?”

Nnnnnope.  “I’m eyeing one of the pink peppercorn ones.”

“Ha.  As am I, lad.  Shall we?”

You can see they’re not quiiite in their prime because they’re not as fresh anymore but wow is that still good.  Don’t let your eyes roll back in your head, Link.  You’ll seem possessed by a poe or something.  They got the caramel right where it’s still gooey but not so much so that it all ran right off the apple and the pink peppercorns are a little different tasting than black ones and they’re almost pepperminty when mixed with the caramel and then the apple just mellows the whole thing out and it’s almost as good as sehhhhhhhhhhhhlebrations.  Celebrations.  They’re great!  Except when you get shot during one, then they suck ass.

Zelda’s the only one looking, at least.  For now.

____

Read Next: How our [k]nights should be.

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[faneposting-my-beloved]

D:OS2 Kickstarter lore, initial ideas and more

Doing my usual lore research I reached into the wellspring that is/was the original Kickstarter and pulled out several interesting tidbits we never got to see fully. Though you might find it interesting.

[UPDATE #4 Meet the Lizards]

Lizards are proud: proud to form the world's eldest empire, the world's grandest culture. An imperial dwarf might scoff when reading such grandiose descriptions, but deep down he'd know there is something undeniable about them.

Legend has it that the Lizards were once even mightier still: descendants of dragons, with dragon blood running through their veins. Most don't buy these stories though, saying that the Lizards are simply trying to increase their already sensational reputation for political and military reasons.

Be that as it may, the Lizards and their empire are a force to be reckoned with, even by the rapidly expanding Divine Order, to the latter’s great frustration…

Lizards are a playable race and these are some of the armour-sets you'll be able to equip

Racial Skills: a call to action!

Thanks to your unlocking of the Racial Skills stretch goals, all playable species will now get unique skills. Today we're talking about the Lizards, so what unique skills could they have? If you have a good idea, do share it with us in the comments section! Nothing is set in stone yet on the Racial Skills and we'd love to hear from you.

Here's a couple of ideas to get you going. But don't hold back on us now!

Health Regeneration (Passive)

Bask in the sun and recharge those battle-damaged batteries.

Resist Poison (Passive)

Not only a lizard's speech is riddled with acid, its blood is too. Good luck trying to knock one out with something as crude as cyanide.

10% chance to fall asleep when chilled (Passive)

Cold-bloods get sleepy in low temperatures. We see it happen at Larian all the time…

Automatically hastened when warm/hot (Passive)

Hand them a cup of coffee on the other hand…

+1 Intelligence Bonus (Passive)

No Larian tie-in here, but them lizards though! They're real smart!

Poor Dark Vision (Passive)

Lizards are children of the sun. Take them into subterranean locales and they'll walk from stalagmite into stalactite. Don't laugh out loud though, or the cave dwellers will hear you coming!

Produce Poison (Active)

As in: the ability to fill an empty flask with poison.

Tip for the rest of the party: look away. It's only courteous.

Dragon Breath (Source Power)

It's not only a popular lizard dish, it's a skill too. The result? Instant barbecue! So still a dish.

Dragon Wings (Source Power)

Gives you ethereal dragon wings for 5 turns. With these wings you can levitate above surfaces, you're resistant to fire, you receive a massive speed boost, and you can move over small obstacles.

The only downside? We have to write smitten bird romances.

I Am Dragon (Source Power)

Grow in size and take on a dragon-like appearance for 3 turns. You are massively more powerful. As for the rest, they had better just run.

Carrion Eater (Er… Body Power?)

Because why should maggots always get dibs?

Lizard Lore

As a further source of inspiration, here is a bit of lizard lore.

Machiavellian and cold-blooded in every sense, the lizards are one of the oldest races in Rivellon, and believe themselves to be superior in all regards. They remember the times when humans swung from trees and, as far as they can see, not much has changed since then.

It is a widely-held belief among lizards that they were once a species of dragons, who became tainted after mingling with the ‘lesser’ species of Rivellon. Because of this, the lizards now place a great deal of emphasis on maintaining the purity of their bodies and bloodlines. The decline of the lizard race from their original form has passed into legend, but many still cling to the belief that they are descended from dragons, and that perhaps they can be restored one day.

The lizards’ obsession with bodily purity has led them to structure their entire society around the attainment of perfection -- individuals have been observed to ascend into power not because of their ability, but because they exhibit good breeding. Meanwhile, deviations from accepted physical and aesthetic standards are seen as degenerate, and treated as acts of treason.

The ruling system of the lizards has become tyrannical in its efforts to purify the species; poorer and less influential lizards dread that their offspring will fail to meet the standard, and cause the ruination of their entire clan. This system has kept a relatively small enclave of the purest lizards in power for generations, but there is a growing voice of dissent from some corners of the population that say they are charging headlong towards extinction.

These fears are brushed aside by the lizard elite -- their empire has stood for millennia, and they have witnessed other powers rise and fall, forgotten by history. However, even the most dogmatic of lizards privately concede that the resurgent Divine Order under Alexandar the Innocent is the most formidable rival they have encountered for as long they can remember.

Many are convinced that a confrontation with Alexandar is inevitable, and that they should act now, before the Divine Order moves against them…

[Update #5: Life after death, unlocked! Devline!]

What's that? Three types of Undead?

The spiked mace crashes through your skull, and suddenly, everything is gone. Gone the muddy, blood-stained battlefield. Gone the burning eyes of the warrior who felled you. Gone the acid rush of terror that seized your body as he swung.

Now, there's only silence.

Now, a thick emptiness swells around you.

Now, you are light. Light as mist and light as morning.

You open your eyes, and a gentle fog caresses you. It shifts as something approaches from its swirling depths. A small figure, slight and careful. Can it be? Harlan, your son, taken too soon… can it be?

The Hall of Echoes. You've made it at last. He holds out his hand, and a wave of relief softens your very being. You reach for his hand, and--

Mud. Blood. Terror.

The black eyes of a bedraggled necromancer glower over you. He commands you to stand. You stand. He commands you to follow. You follow. Your body -- your corpse -- bends to his will, but your mind… your mind is still your own.

While none of the races of Rivellon are particularly accustomed to peace, few know the anguish of the Undead.

In order for an Undead to come into being at all, the dying must ferociously refuse the call of the Hall of Echoes. This afterlife, welcomed by most, is a resting place and eternal home for the Source within all conscious beings.

But why would anyone refuse the gentle, insistent pull of the Hall?

Some distrust the myths and fear it as a punishing place for their lives ill-lived. Others might be so tormented by regret or grief that they cannot bear to disembark from the mortal plane. Others yet-- woeful ones indeed-- are ripped from the Hall by necromancers most foul and become Raised Ones.

The Undead on Rivellon must constantly resist the eternal tug of the Hall of Echoes. In doing so, however, they lose the thing most precious to them: their memories. Kept out of Eternity long enough, these wanderers become little more than automatons, confused as to their purpose, desperate for reprieve. They are called the Faint Ones.

There are rumors, though, of a race of civilized Undead far to the north who call themselves Chosen Ones. The legends say they dress in finery, discuss philosophy, and seek no Source from the souls around them. While no explorer has ever documented its location (or more specifically: lived to mark it on a map), there are some who insist the rumors are true.

Undead Skills: Tell us what you think!

Now that you’ve unlocked the Undead as a playable race, as well as Racial Skills, we’ll be hard at work determining which fantastic skills will come naturally to this curious race of Rivellonians.

Inspired? Share your insights in the comments! Our Skills Wizard Nick has had a little inspiration of his own. What do you think?

Regenerate while Frozen, can’t heal while Burning.Cold preserves the dead, after all.

Immune to Fear. Immune to Bleed.

There are some advantages to living in the hollow, fleshless margins of the living.

Hand\Foot Grenade.

Cause you’ve got a bone to pick with those goblins…

Bleed Poison.

There’s nothing life is more allergic to than death.

Source Addiction. (Passive)

Undead start out with +20% max hp due to ignoring pain and some wounds, but (very) slowly deteriorate to -20% max hp due to decomposition. The bonus can be reset via Source Revivification (Source, Active).

Grave Chill (Active)

Drastically reduce the surrounding temperature, downgrading each status: Burning -> Warm, None->Chill, etc.

Necromantic Command (Source)

Take control of target skeleton or zombie for 3 turns (goes into summon slot, replacing existing summons). It is destroyed at the end of the duration.

Soul Devourer (Source) Suck the soul right from the living body of a character. Without a soul, the target devolves to animalistic instincts, attacking nearest characters until death. Doesn’t leave a body, doesn’t spawn a Faint.

[Update 7: Stretch goal unlocked… and new stretch goals announced!]

Your new home in the Great Beyond…

When a being dies, depending on the life they've led, the Source within them will go to one of two destinations; the Architect's Forge (where they'll be reincarnated) or the Void (where they'll cease to exist). Before reaching these two final destinations however, the soul will arrive at the Hall of Echoes, the domain of the dead. And if the next stretch goal is unlocked, then you will be able to visit the Hall of Echoes at will, for it will become your homestead!

We have many ambitions for the Hall of Echoes and have been discussing ideas of what players might be able to find there. Nothing is set in stone and we'd love to hear your ideas so please do let us know what you think would be cool additions.

Here's a few of the ideas we came up with:

An arena in which you can test your mettle against your companions (or a variety of creatures)

A campfire for waiting companions

Powerful figures - attracted by your presence, who make you all kinds of offers

Characters you killed in the world may appear here, haunting you or begging you for deliverance - those who follow the path of the Void will even be able to coerce these poor souls into doing their bidding

A spectral anvil on which you can craft unique equipment

A magical artefact that allows you to craft special skills

A bridge to the Void - an eerie, surreal and VERY dangerous place where special loot/spells/dark Source secrets can be found

A bridge to the Gods, where you can visit avatars of the Seven

The doorway to the Forge- what could happen if you step through the door?

Spirits with special requests, and special rewards…

Black mirrors that show you visions of other planes

Undead creatures that can be convinced to do dark deeds for you

[Update #8- Day of the Dwarves]

Meet the Dwarves: The Birth of an Empire

The dwarves are natural born empire-builders. They are organised, cunning, pragmatic, and if need be, brutal. Indeed, it's not unheard of for them to wipe out an entire city to set an example for others. Next time, they won't be late paying their taxes…

The dwarves are religious, but very practical about it. They tend to favour personal house gods over the pantheon of the Seven, and these house gods are often revered ancestors that have become family tales of legend.

They highly favour 'decorum' in public to the point of prudishness, but what goes on behind closed (bedroom) doors is another matter entirely. Public and private expectations often differ wildly, which makes it hard for outsiders to gauge dwarven motivations, let alone become part of their society through friendship or courtship.

The dwarven empire being what it is, it's hard to imagine the loosely affiliated group of clans that once was. These clans suffered the humiliation of being conquered and forced to serve their overlords. Subjugation united the dwarves, however, and under the leadership of the tenacious and tactically astute Tenax, they managed to overcome their enemies and emerge from their thraldom a veritable empire. Never, so Tenax vowed, would the dwarves be humiliated again. And never again would they be disunited.

Tenax has long since become the most revered of all dwarves: the father of their nation, and the first of many just and noble emperors of his line.

The Dwarven Empire takes its strength by assimilating the cultures it conquers into its own-- and learning from their unique magic, weapons, and fighting-styles.

The Dwarven Empire takes its strength by assimilating the cultures it conquers into its own-- and learning from their unique magic, weapons, and fighting-styles.

In Recent Times

As generations passed, the empire grew strong. Yet, as even more generations passed, it grew complacent also. The line of Tenax was replaced by the ruthless House of Haudrauf, a family of wealthy, power-hungry rulers eager to get the empire firmly under its thumb.

The last emperor was a weak-willed dwarf who mismanaged the economy greatly, preferring grand scale personal projects over essential structures such as roads, aqueducts and harbours. Strategically, he dropped the ball by alienating allies, leaving the empire's enemies snapping at its heels for the first time in centuries.

Most noble households kept supporting him as a matter of course, but the people grumbled and urged the emperor's popular sister to remedy the situation. Backed by the Divine Order, this is precisely what she did: a coup was staged and her brother ousted.

This move had the nobles in an uproar, but in a shrewd political move, the new empress declared a pact with the popular Divine Order, ensuring support of the Order’s vast military. Many nobles were quickly accused of Sourcery and purged.

Tenax's throne was once more occupied by a powerful and ruthless ruler, but the recent troubles left deep scars within the dwarven civilisation. Economic woes coupled with bloody bouts of purging led many dwarves to leave their homeland behind in search of brighter prospects.

Though the empress remains a popular leader, her alliance with the Divine Order proved to be divisive, especially the enforcing of the strict religious doctrine the Order is synonymous with.

Resettling often proved to be tough for the dwarven expats, though. Hard workers, but headstrong and imperious, they often clash with local populations. If there's one thing a dwarf doesn't like, it's to be told what he has to do.

As it stands, some dwarves take a very dim view of the empire's current situation and many fear that Tenax's vows will be broken. Humiliation: nevermore. Disunion: nevermore. How long will these tenets remain?

[Update #9- Meet the Writers! Meet the mystery patron! Reddit Ask Us Anything! Twitch stream today!]

He steps carefully into the room, raising his staff to illuminate the shadows. His eyes fall on the broken chair, the torn picture, the tailor's mannequin: remnants of a life abandoned.

He has been chasing the Sourceress for days. His prey was cunning, but the Divine Order's dogs could smell Source, and escape was impossible.

Outside, his soldiers shift as their master explores a crumbling cottage. Their minds, alive with thoughts of fireballs and the clashing of swords, are keen to return to the hunt.

It's easy to find those who want to fight. If they think they can best you, they'll attack without a thought. If they know you will destroy them, they will run. And when they can run no more, they will hide, cower, and pray that your judgement will pass them by.

Hope is key. A hopeful enemy will never stop fighting. An enemy with hope is a dangerous thing.

He lays down his staff and leans against the shattered window frame. His back to the empty room, he uncorks his flask. Yes, an enemy with hope is a dangerous thing. Dangerous, but predictable…

He feels the shift in the room almost immediately as the illusion of the tailor’s mannequin disappears and the Sourceress reveals herself, desperate to seize her advantage. He twirls, hurling the flask and drenching his target. With a flick of his wrist, the water freezes, locking the her firmly in place.

"Demon! Wretch! You can't control the Source!" the Sourceress shouts. "It fills every living thing; nothing will remain if you drain it from the world!" A rare smile cracks his lips as he picks up his staff.

"I will remain…"

His staff sparks to life, filling the room with a green glow; the power of a thousand other purged Sourcerers surges inside him.

Moments later, it’s over. The soldiers stir as the door creaks open and Bishop Alexandar the Innocent emerges, his face glowing with vigour. Behind him, a figure slowly drags itself forward. Its shoulders are slumped, its face drawn, and its eyes dead, but it is still recognisable as the Sourceress.

"A good hunt, Your Grace?""Invigorating."

Alexander nods towards a wagon-cage, filled with other dead-eyed unfortunates. "Store it with the others. Burn the cottage. It reeks of Source."

"Of course, Your Grace. Should we take these wretches to Fort Joy?"

"I'll take them myself. I have other business there."

"Of course, your Grace. Do you hope to return to the Cathedral soon?"

"I do not deal in hope."

The Bishop mounts his horse with ease. "If you are to survive in this world, you must only be certain. Hope will kill you. Even if you don't know it yet."

Sourcerers live in fear of Divine Order magisters, for under the rule of Bishop Alexandar the Innocent, a terrifying new practice has taken shape: purging. Caught Sourcerers are, by magical means, purged of the Source within them, leaving their spirits ripped in half. Half remains within its rightful owner; the other half is imprisoned within a special relic-- one only the Bishop himself can provide.

This relic, infused with Source, is then used to dominate and control the Purged One. Some praise the work of the Divine Order as a brutal but thoroughly necessary countermeasure against the Source threat. Others look upon such a harrowing practice with disgust. But the opinions of a few common folk can do little to stop the Order’s war machine from churning. The Bishop is on a mission to purge all Sourcerers within Rivellon, and he will not stop until his work is done.

[Update #10- Into the Hall of Echoes; PayPal launched; reddit AMA next week!]

What is the Hall of Echoes?

A mysterious realm between reality and the Void, the Hall of Echoes is called a heaven by some, a hell by others. Upon their deaths, all souls all drawn toward the Hall; those who resist remain on Rivellon as undead. Souls successfully pulled into the Hall naturally drift toward the Forge, where they will be reborn, or the Void, where they will be consumed. Those who remain in the Hall face a pleasant reality, perhaps indescribable to mortal sensibilities. They must decide, or drift, of their own accord toward the Forge or the Void.

Nearly all souls in Rivellon-- save those who remain as undead-- travel through the Hall of Echoes.

One of its most unique features is its ability to shift, chameleon-like, to suit the needs and desires of its visitors. When your party is eventually invited to the Hall, you’ll find that it may morph to suit your deepest desires, be they for a skill trader, a home for your companions, or perhaps a lost soul from your past…

The Hall shifts and changes to suit the needs of its visitors.

What’s more, rumors hold that the Hall holds not only a portal to the Void, but also the gateway to the Gods themselves. Long have the Seven reigned over Rivellon, but eons have passed since they allowed a mortal into their realm… ---

We already knew D:OS2 was meant to be huge originally but that shows the full scope of the project I think. It's interesting to see that companions were meant to be swappable originally, and that the HoE was meant to be much more prominent. And three Undead origins? My oh my.

[crossposted from Reddit because me is a lazy bum]

[robininthelabyrinth]

Associates - Part 5 - ao3, pt 1, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4

“So,” Jiang Cheng said, rolling the jar of wine between his hands. “Who wants to put money on all our reconciliations being part of one of Nie Huaisang’s schemes?”

“Me,” Wei Wuxian said at once.

“Hey,” Nie Huaisang protested. “Jiang-xiong! Wei-xiong! How mean! Not everything I do is a scheme!”

“I will bet as well,” Lan Wangji said.

Nie Huaisang turned to him at once. “Lan Zhan. You traitor!”

“Be careful,” Lan Xichen said mildly. “He might bite you.”

Now it was Lan Wangji’s turn to turn to glare.

“No, no, unfair!” Wei Wuxian laughed. “He’s not allowed to bite anyone but me anymore!”

“Ugh, must you always –”

“I really didn’t scheme!” Nie Huaisang interrupted Jiang Cheng, waving his hands around. “I didn’t! Lan Zhan was the one who approached me, remember? I didn’t even know that he was acting as both Sect Leader and Chief Cultivator until he told me, and I certainly wouldn’t have counted on him coming to me for help – no one ever comes to me for help!”

“Clearly an oversight on all our parts, Nie-xiong,” Wei Wuxian said. “Anyway, who would’ve thought you’d take one little offhand remark from me so personally? Me, of all people! I never mean anything I say!”

Nie Huaisang huffed and reached for his fan, only for Lan Wangji to catch his hand mid-gesture and return it to his wine jar.

“I’m not a child in need of pacification, you know,” he informed Lan Wangji, but picked up the jar instead.

Lan Wangji looked satisfied.

“What was your plan, then?” Jiang Cheng asked, drinking from his own jar. “I mean, for after you were done – Jin Guangyao gone, your brother avenged…”

“Well, assuming I survived –”

“Weren’t you?”

“I was going up against san-ge; I wasn’t taking anything for granted! He might have been a terrible person, but he was ridiculously efficient.”

Nods all around. Even Lan Xichen mostly looked nostalgic rather than heartbroken.  

“Anyway, I didn’t have one,” Nie Huaisang said, then looked at all of their disbelieving looks. “I didn’t! I already told you that I didn’t do it for power or anything…maybe I’d get married and have some kids to pass on the family line, I don’t know.”

“I don’t know,” Wei Wuxian said solemnly to Jiang Cheng, who nodded back just as solemnly. “I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know –”

“Wei-xiong, I am going to throw this jar in your face.”

“Lan Zhan will catch it,” Wei Wuxian cackled.

“He probably will, too,” Nie Huaisang said, flopping down dramatically on the table. “Er-ge, Jiang-xiong, they’re teaming up on me!”

“Oh no,” Lan Xichen said dryly. “Whatever shall we do.”

Jiang Cheng muffled a snort.

“I never really had life goals,” Nie Huaisang said, drawing sad circles on the table with a finger. “I just want to have a good time. I want to paint, and read books, and spend time with friends…trust me, this whole –” He waved a hand at them. “– reconstituted friendship thing took me as much by surprise as everyone else. I fully expected to die alone if anyone ever found out that I was involved, which of course Wei-xiong did almost at once –”

“Well, I am a genius,” Wei Wuxian bragged.

“He also wasn’t very subtle towards the end there.”

“In short,” Nie Huaisang concluded, ignoring them all and sitting back up. “Blame Lan Zhan if you want to blame anyone.”

“I took the first step,” Lan Wangji said placidly. “You took the next five.”

“I did not – hmm. Okay, maybe I did.”

“I knew you were scheming!” Jiang Cheng exclaimed. “Just how much of it did you plan?”

“Sometimes things just happen, Jiang-xiong!”

“Not when it’s you, they don’t!”

“They do!” Nie Huaisang pouted. “I know you all think of me as a planner, but really, most of the time, I just try to see what���s the best way to use whatever circumstances I end up in. Or do you think it would’ve taken me as long as it did?”

“Didn’t Chifeng-zun used to say the same thing?” Wei Wuxian said nostalgically. “I feel like I remember him saying something like that.”

“He did,” Lan Xichen said. “‘All you can be is prepared: a plan will only last until execution, and after that it’s just a question of who can better react to the circumstances at hand.’”

“Nie-xiong would be a good general,” Lan Wangji opined.

“Lan Zhan, you take that back.”

“Mm. No.”

“You brat. You think you’re the only one who bites? I’ll bite you.”

“No biting my future husband,” Wei Wuxian said. “No one else gets to bite him, just me. It’s going to be in our vows.”

“It had better not be,” Jiang Cheng said. “I will break out Zidian if I have to.”

“Oh, like that’s a real threat. You break out Zidian every time the wind changes.”

“Wei Wuxian! You -!”

“I’m pretty sure that’s a Lan Zhan original, actually,” Nie Huaisang said thoughtfully.

Jiang Cheng looked at Lan Wangji.

Lan Wangji looked back, not denying it.

“…I hate you. Personally.”

“Mm. Mutual.”

“Can we get back to the subject of Nie-xiong and his marvelous military prowess?” Wei Wuxian interjected, possibly having learned the benefit of stemming explosions rather than causing them during the period of time he spent dead.

“Can we not?” Nie Huaisang whined.

“I don’t know,” Lan Xichen said thoughtfully. “Getting me out of seclusion was an organized charge worth of any military campaign.”

“Well, someone had to do it!”

“I’m pretty sure you set me up deliberately so that I’d talk to Wei Wuxian,” Jiang Cheng said.

“…you were going to do that anyway! I just gave you an excuse!”

“You convinced me to go after Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji said. “And presented me with the most effective way to do that.”

“I…!” Nie Huaisang opened and closed his mouth, then groaned and put his forehead down on the table a second time. “I didn’t mean to scheme! Really!”

Everyone laughed at him.

“Well, you don’t need to worry. I’m all schemed out now,” he said pitifully. “No more schemes for me.”

“That may be a problem,” Lan Wangji said. “Scheming will be helpful when you become Chief Cultivator.”

Nie Huaisang shot up from the table. “When I what now?!”

“I have decided that the role should be rotated between the Great Sects,” Lan Wangji said. “To encourage inter-sect unity and to avoid power accruing into any single sect’s hands in the future.”

“You just want to have more free time to roll in the sheets with your husband!”

Lan Wangji nodded.

“Is shamelessness infectious?” Jiang Cheng asked Lan Xichen. “Wei Wuxian hasn’t been back all that long, and Hanguang-jun’s face is now as thick as a wall.”

“I’m sure it isn’t,” Lan Xichen replied. “Otherwise, wouldn’t you have been the first victim?”

“I don’t want to be Chief Cultivator!” Nie Huaisang shouted. “I don’t! I’m all full up! I’m running my own sect now, too – you can’t do this to me!”

“Get help,” Lan Wangji said. “As I did.”

“Merciless! Lan Zhan, you’re just absolutely merciless!”

Jiang Cheng snickered. “It’s no more than you deserve,” he told Nie Huaisang, picking up his wine and taking another sip.

Nie Huaisang turned and glared back at him. “Brave talk from the person who’s going to be helping me.”

Jiang Cheng choked.

“Did you miss the part where Lan Zhan said he was going to rotate the assignment?” Nie Huaisang asked maliciously. “Clearly it’s better to start getting you up to speed right away…”

“You did rather walk into that,” Lan Xiche remarked to Jiang Cheng, who glared at him.

“I didn’t agree to that!” he snapped.

“Who else am I going to ask?” Nie Huaisang asked, leaning back. “Lan Zhan and Wei-xiong are going to be in bed, er-ge’s already helping me run my sect –”

“Wait,” Lan Xichen said. “I’m what? When did I agree to that?”

“About the same time Jiang-xiong agreed to become the next Chief Cultivator,” Nie Huaisang said cheerfully. “Besides, I’m your favorite younger brother besides Lan Zhan, don’t deny it!”

“I don’t have -”

“Anyway, it’s good practice! It’ll take both of you to help Jin Ling manage when it’s his turn, won’t it?”

“All three of you,” Wei Wuxian put in. “That brat’s a trouble magnet. Do you know what happened at his last night hunt?”

“Oh we all know what happened at his last night-hunt,” Jiang Cheng grumbled. “How did something that simple get that out of hand?”

“Well, Jiang-xiong,” Nie Huaisang said, smirking at Wei Wuxian. “According to the Lan sect rules, it’s undoubtedly something to do with the people he associates with.”

“It is,” Lan Wangji said before Jiang Cheng could respond. “His uncles.”

Jiang Cheng opened his mouth to retort, then frowned and looked at Wei Wuxian, who also frowned.

“Wait,” he said, clearly thinking about it. “Jiang Cheng and I are his uncles from jiejie’s side, and Mo Xuanyu was also from his father’s side, and Lan-da-ge was sworn brothers with Jin Guangyao, which by some token makes him also an uncle…”

“And since Lan Zhan is er-ge’s brother, that makes him an uncle, too,” Nie Huaisang said. “Plus theoretically the same is true for me, through my da-ge.”

“…that’s a lot of uncles.”

“It is,” Nie Huaisang said, starting to grin wildly. “Clearly we should start an...association!”