#2 Plus 2 equals 4 Carry the 7

[dykeomania]

i just need this to be on my blog for when the ellie and riley episode comes out probably like 2nd to last episode of the season: ellie probably shot riley because riley didn't want to turn / had to shoot her because she turned and we're all gonna throw the fuck up

[silverwhittlingknife]

So you're a go to source for all things Dick&Tim bros and you tend to write primarily from Dick's POV. So, odd question, but if you were to summarize their relationship from his POV in FIVE panels which panels would you pick? Keeping in mind that one specific aspect of their relationship that you love needs to be clearly represented by each panel (loyalty, trust etc). I hope this is a fun challenge and not an annoying question so if you don't want to answer that's cool! Have a wonderful day!

No more talk. The same thoughts run through two minds... (SotB 29) / You're my equal. My closest ally. (RR 1) / I can't stop thinking how much I rely on him. (GoG 3)

25 Feelings Dick Has About Tim

This was such a kind ask & a cool challenge which I totally failed; here are TWENTY-five panels of Dick's POV on Tim sdfdsfds Look, I got carried away! Marcia and Cindy! The boys!!

OKAY SO BEFORE I GET TO THE PANELS A FEW NOTES:

WARNING THAT THERE ARE SOME NEGATIVE EMOTIONS IN HERE because I love conflict but but but you gotta remember those are not the final word!! They are complicated people and sometimes they get mad at each other BUT ultimately their relationship is so hugely important in both their lives & they love each other and rely on each other so much -!!! <3

Also I have CONCLUDING THOUGHTS at the end about what Dick's POV leaves out (mostly: a lot of Dick defending & protecting & supporting Tim, which Dick does instinctively but isn't very self-aware about most of the time)

I have loosely organized my list into 5^5 format (5 categories with 5 examples each!), so if you want to skip to a relevant one, here are the categories!!

Below the cut:

I hate him and find him infuriating (#1-5)

On second thought, he's endearing & fun (#6-10)

Grief is complicated & he's all tangled up in mine (#11-15)

I love him & think highly of him (#16-20)

I rely on him & though it's hard for me, I trust him (#21-25)

I hate him and find him infuriating (#1 - 5)

1) He thinks he’s so smart and can psychoanalyze me and Bruce, but he doesn’t know me at all, he should get lost (New Titans 61)

2) He thinks he’s so smart and can psychoanalyze Bruce but he doesn’t know Bruce at all, he should get lost (Gotham Knights 26)

3) He is so nosy about stuff that is MY business (Robin 0)

4) He sounds like an insincere suck-up half the time... but okay, fine, if you push him he's got a sense of humor about it (New Titans 65)

5) I'm sure he's a better vigilante than me. It's my fault for being a failure, but I resent him anyway. (Nightwing 9 - Dick's having a nightmare)

On second thought, he's kinda endearing (#6-10)

6) He worries too much and gets anxious so easily, but it makes him fun to tease (Robin 67)

7) I'm not that competitive - okay, so maybe I'm a little competitive, I gotta make sure he doesn't get a swelled head (Prodigal)

8) I'm supposed to be his favorite! It is not cool for him to be fanboying over my not-girlfriend's not-boyfriend!! (Birds of Prey 19)

9) We have fun together. I can kick back and relax when it's just the two of us. Plus I get to boss him around a bit. (Prodigal)

10) He’s always trying to reassure me, and I guess it's a little comforting, but also he doesn’t really get it. Or me. He makes excuses that he shouldn't, because he doesn't understand that I suck. (Nightwing 64)

Grief is complicated and he's all tangled up in mine (#11 - 15)

11) He reminds me of everything I try not to think about. Sometimes the memories are so strong it hurts to look at him. (Batman 441)

12) WHY IS HE BEING IMPOSSIBLE ALL OF A SUDDEN??? THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING (Nightwing 139)

13) We're the same. He says all the things I don't let myself think about. It's like arguing with myself. (Nightwing 139)

14) He thinks he gets to tell me what to do but he doesn’t, fuck him (Battle for the Cowl)

15) Life sucks, so what. I sucked it up so he should too (RR 1)

I love him and think highly of him (#16 - 20)

16) He’s the closest thing to a brother I’ll ever have.  If someone hurts him I will hurt them harder. (Nightwing 6)

17) I can't handle the idea of losing him. (Nightwing 97)

17) He’s so good and I’m not. I'm afraid I’m bad for him. (Nightwing 110)

18) He’s better than me, and it’s kind of a relief because I know no matter what he’ll be okay. (Gates of Gotham 3)

19) In my head he’s the responsible one.  (Gotham Knights 10)

I rely on him, and though it's hard for me, I trust him (#20-25)

20) I know I have to trust him but I'm afraid he'll make the wrong choices and get hurt (Nightwing 139)

21) I'm sure I know what he should do because I see myself in him - not that I can take my own advice, but he should (Blackest Night 3)

22) I trust him.  When I’m losing my grip on things, he pulls me back. (Gotham Knights 10)

23) I want him to trust me (Red Robin 12)

24) He can tell when I'm lying. Sometimes he sees my weaknesses better than I wish he did. (Detective Comics 874)

25) He’s always there when I need him. (Teen Titans / Outsiders Secret Files)

Final rambling thoughts:

TIM: Uhh, okay, so I'm just skimming this list - do you really trust me? you're not just saying that? - but anyway, I'm confused because you left some stuff out? Like some stuff that's kinda important? DICK: No? I think I got everything? TIM (starts counting on his fingers): The time I was having a bad day but then I called you. The time I got captured by Two-Face but then you saved me. The time I fell off a train but then you saved me. The time I fell off a building but then you saved me. The time I fell off a different building - DICK: I feel like you're trying to make some kind of point but I'm not sure what it could be.

SO THE THING IS, I put 25 panels in here and not a single one has Dick catching Tim when he’s falling!!! But I think that's a central motif of their relationship from Tim’s POV, not Dick’s. I love Dick, but in some ways I think he is spectacularly un-self-aware.

And I think he especially has a lot of blind spots about Tim. He kinda intermittently gets that Tim admires him, and he enjoys it in a playful I-get-to-boss-you-around way. But Dick tends to consistently underestimate all of his own good qualities & skills, and he meets Tim at a point in his life when he's especially down on himself & his abilities. And so he's unable to see his own influence on Tim, & therefore unable to fully understand a lot of Tim's priorities and loyalties and motivations, because you can't actually understand Tim without understanding Dick's impact on him. There's a fascinating moment in Bruce Wayne: Murderer when Dick's completely blindsided & upset to discover that Tim doesn't entirely trust Bruce, even though this has been a definitive fact of Tim's whole thing ever since he showed up with his Batman needs Robin theory, and Barbara has to actively remind Dick of the obvious-to-everyone-except-Dick fact that a lot of Tim's loyalty is to Dick, and Tim loves Bruce but feels free to be more wary of him. (And to give Bruce credit: this is not something he ever begrudges.) But anyway Babs points this out, and Dick manages to sorta process it for about five seconds, but he cannot actually accept it into his worldview so instead he discards it at the speed of light and goes off and has an argument with Tim instead sdfsfdsf

All of Dick's virtues - Dick's kindness at the circus and Dick's determination to fight through grief and Dick's rigid sense of morals and Dick's vigilante skills and every time Dick has ever backed Tim up or listened to him or protected him or saved him from something or just been casually kind to a stranger in Tim's presence etc etc etc - all these things loom really large in Tim's mental story of Who Dick Is, and What Dick And Tim's Relationship Is. Tim meets Dick before he meets Bruce, trusts Dick more than Bruce, aspires to be Robin instead of Batman. And so in Tim's default version of the story, Dick is the super-special and admirable hero and Tim is... nobody in particular, a tagalong outsider who's barely managing to be a hero, not part of Dick and Bruce's family and not part of their story, who, if he's VERY LUCKY and tries REALLY HARD, might be able to fight his way to proving himself and offering something to Dick that Dick will value, if Dick doesn't get fed up with him first.

But that's not Dick's version of the story!!!

Dick's version of the story is almost the exact opposite, a story where Dick's an outcast failure black sheep who's screwing up everything he tries, and meanwhile Tim is The Sudden New Perfect Robin Who's Better Than Me And Probably Bruce Loves Him More And Probably They Gossip About What A Loser I Am, mixed with a complicated edge of Tim Thinks He's So Smart But He Doesn't Know Me/Us At All. Dick gets much more attached to Tim over time, and Tim gets unnervingly better at the know-it-all psychoanalysis so then Dick gets to have complicated feelings about him being right instead of just annoyance at him for being wrong, plus Dick's relationship with Bruce improves a lot, so Tim stops feeling so threatening. But Dick never fundamentally changes his basic theory of their relationship in which Tim is highly impressive and capable, and Dick is not so much.

And so asking Dick about Tim is kinda like if you asked George Bailey to tell you about Harry Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life; like, you'll be there for five hours while he tells you how great Harry is, and how accomplished Harry is, and how he doesn't really get how or why Harry does the things he does, and maybe George does feel a little resentful or jealous sometimes, but that pales in comparison to all his admiration and trust for Harry who he loves so much, who's better than him in so many ways, and he's not gonna openly gripe but secretly he can't help but feel sometimes like he's such a failure in comparison to Harry, a perfect person who emerged fully formed from Zeus's head with all the virtues and also all the accomplishments, etc. etc. etc. --

-- and he will not actually remember the part where he changed and saved Harry's whole entire life unless you literally send him to an alternate timeline in order to force him to remember it. <3

[healix17]

MegOp fanfiction recommendation :D

1. "A Flowering Recognition" by unami_20.

App: Wattpad and AO3

Franchise: Transformers Prime

My review: It's angst, but it's so professionally written, like the talent is amazing. Plus Orion comes back to life.

Link:

Wattpad: "A Flowering Recognition"

AO3: "A Flowering Recognition"

2. "Tell Me What You want", "Love Me instead" and "Kiss Promise" by @Honey_Brewed_Rose.

App: Wattpad and AO3

Franchise: Transformers Prime

My review:

• "Tell Me What You Want" Is amazing! Oh my Primus, the storyline! The smut scenes just 😩👌. I've read it so many times I've practically memorised the entire thing.

• "Love Me instead" Is also amazing, jealous orion is just so adorable.

• "Kiss Promise" Is so...FLUFFY! I swear there's no better MegOp fanfiction writer than Honey.

Link(s):

"Tell Me What You Want"

"Love Me instead"

"Kiss Promise"

Her user because she's the QUEEN 👑

@honey-brewed-rose

3. "I'm still here" by Black_Paladin

App: Wattpad

Franchise: Transformers Prime

My review:

9.5/ 10 it's good not great, and that's me acting as if I could do better. But there's alot, like ALOT of potential.

Link:

"I'm Still Here."

4. "A Kingdom Apart (Tfa MegOp/ BlitzBee fic)" by Inky_Duvklings

App: Wattpad

Franchise: Transformers Animated

My review:

Although the grammar's not really good, the storylines UNIQUE!

Link:

"A Kingdom Apart"

5. "Addicted to you" by lord_squiggletits (megatrons_mouth_laser)

App: AO3 (FINALLY MOVING AWAY FROM WATTPAD!)

Franchise: IDW

My review:

Megatron and Optimus drinking aphrodisiac and being horny as hell is soo them 💅.

Link:

"Addicted To You"

6."Barepede And Carrying" by Sheila_Snow?

App: AO3

Franchise: Transformers Prime

My review:

It's an absolute 100/10 perfect, hilarious, fluffy and smut equally laid out and the definition of the perfect megop fanfiction.

Link:

"Barepede And Carrying"

7. "The Sword and the Pylon" by CosmicSparks and neveralarch.

App: Ao3

My review:

I'm speechless, it's perfect. I envy their writing skills like bro teach me 😭👌

Link:

The Sword and the Pylon.

That's all for now, if y'all know more to add to this list, please tell me.

[talonabraxas]

The Tree of Life Diagram Talon Abraxas

The Archetype referred to as the Tree of Life is most generally known in the form of the key diagram used in Cabala, a word that is spelt variously in Hebrew, from which it is derived, as Kabala, Kabbalah, Qabala, Qabalah, Qabbalah. The word means ‘the Received Wisdom’. It can also mean ‘the Great Knowledge’, a term used in other wisdom traditions.

The wisdom is said to have been taught first by God to a school of angels before the fall of man. After the fall God sent the archangel Raziel to teach it to Adam and Eve, so that mankind might find redemption. But it was Enoch, the great Atlantean king (otherwise known as Atlas), who became the first human soul to fully understand and successfully practice the teachings, thereby attaining the fullest state of illumination and godliness known as the Messiah (Christ), and who then became the great teacher and friend of mankind.

The Four Worlds

The geometric form of the Tree of Life is based on four intersecting circles of equal size, comprised of three circles descending (or unfolding) from the initial one, with the centre of one circle being on the circumference of the next.

The first circle represents the transcendent Absolute, the source of all. It is known as the World of Emanation. The other three circles are referred to, in descending order, as the World of Creation, the World of Formation and the World of Fact or Action. These four Worlds represent our divinity, spirit, soul and body respectively, and that of the universe, and relate to the four stages of the life-process as signified by the four quarters of the Wheel of Life.

The Ten Divine Attributes

The geometry of the Tree of Life is formed by joining the centres and intersecting points of the circles, as shown in the diagram. These centres and intersecting points signify the Ten Divine Attributes (Sephiroth, ‘Ciphers’), the fundamental principles of life which, like the ten Hindu Pragâpatis, are but One Supreme Unity. The connecting lines between them are known as pathways, numbering twenty-two in total. For a profound reason that forms part of the mystery of Cabala, or of life itself, the eleventh point, the centre of the second circle, is left unnumbered and with no pathways connecting with it.

In order to be manifest, the One appears as Three—a polarity plus the relationship between the two poles. This is the Holy Trinity, numbered 1-2-3, which is the basis of all manifestation. From the Three come the Seven, the latter signifying the seven fundamental ways that the Holy Trinity can be manifested and made known (e.g. as represented by the seven major colours of the spectrum of white light, or the seven major notes of the octave of sound).

Besides a number, each Sephira has a god-name and a word or set of words to describe what it is and means. The most common words for the first three Sephiroth (the Holy Trinity) are: (1) Crown (Power), (2) Wisdom (Word), and (3) Intelligence (Holy Breath, Spirit or Ghost).

However, since God is the All-Good, and the divine nature or expression of Good is Goodness or Love, therefore all the Sephiroth are attributes of Divine Love. The Intelligence is the receptive and formative aspect of that Love, whilst the Wisdom is the active and creative aspect. The former carries or bears the latter, just as our breath carries the words we speak. The Crown is at one and the same time the Source that is all Potential and the First Impulse or Cause.

The next set of six numbers signifies the Holy Trinity as it unfolds itself in further manifestation. It is sometimes called the Throne or Chariot (Merkabah). Whereas the first Trinity (nos. 1-2-3) represents the absolute realm or World of Emanation, the second Trinity (nos. 4-5-6) represents the spiritual realm or World of Creation, and the third Trinity (nos. 7-8-9) represents the soul or psychological realm, the World of Formation. The names given to the second Trinity are Mercy (4), Judgment (5) and Beauty (6), whilst the names given to the third Trinity are Victory (7), Glory ( 8 ) and Foundation (9).

Last, but not least, the tenth Sephira (10), called the Kingdom, represents the physical universe and all that is in it. One of its symbols is a pot or chalice (the Holy Grail) into which the other nine Sephiroth are poured (i.e. incarnated).

The names given to Sephiroth 7, 8 and 9 are not very explanatory. In effect, Victory refers to good emotion or desire—our goodwill and affection for each other. Glory, on the other hand, refers to the witty mind and good thought. Foundation refers to generation or procreation—the ability to procreate and put desire and thought into action in a good way. These three constitute the natural life-process of desire, thought and action which, when expressing the highest principles, are loving kindness, understanding and service—or, put another way, goodwill, good thought and good action; for God, Who is Love, is the All-Good, whose nature is goodness.

Victory, Glory and Foundation are the lower, psychological counterparts of the higher, spiritual principles of Mercy, Judgment and Beauty. The latter, in turn, are the spiritual counterparts or manifestations of Wisdom, Intelligence and Power.

Mercy is also known as Compassion and includes Generosity. It is associated with freedom. Judgment is the same as Perception but is also known as Severity, Strength, Rigour, Righteousness and Justice. It is associated with discipline. Both mercy and judgment, or freedom and discipline, are needed in balance with each other. The generosity of mercy can be indulgent, self-defeating, blind and powerless without the strength given it by clear judgment and right discipline. Judgment, on the other hand, can be cold, harsh and altogether too severe without the warmth and generosity of compassion. Heart and mind need to act together in harmony, and then beauty ensues. Beauty lies at the centre of the Tree of Life and signifies the manifest heart of God, the balance and harmony point of all things.

The Great Pillars

This balancing of the opposites is represented by what are known as the Great Pillars, signified by the three vertical lines of the Tree of Life. The right-hand pillar is headed by Wisdom, the creative Light, symbolised by the Sun as the giver of light and with Mercy being known as the right hand of God. The left-hand pillar is headed by Intelligence, the sensitive Mind, symbolised by the Moon as the receiver and reflector of light and with Judgment being known as the left hand of God. The middle pillar is crowned by the Crown, with Beauty at its centre, symbolised by the Star of David.

As the giver of light, symbolised by the Sun, the right-hand pillar is called the ‘pillar of fire’; whilst the left-hand pillar as the receiver of light, symbolised by the Moon, is known as the ‘pillar of water’. The former is represented by the upward- pointing equilateral triangle, the latter by the downward- pointing equilateral triangle. Their balance, harmony and union is signified by Solomon’s Seal, which produces the ‘fire- water’ or ‘ether’ of perfect, revealed Light, symbolised by the Star of David (the Christ Star).

The Divine Family

To help explain the Tree of Life and the meaning of the Holy Trinity, human models or stories have been employed down the ages. Thus, for instance, the Wisdom of the right-hand pillar is referred to as Ab (‘Father’), whilst the Intelligence of the left-hand pillar is referred to as Aima (‘Mother’). These two, Wisdom and Intelligence, are thus the Divine Father and Mother. They are the polarity of existence yet completely One in love, for they are Love. They and their love-relationship comprise the Holy Trinity—the ‘Three in One and One in Three’.

Knowledge

The unnumbered point, the centre of the World of Creation, is referred to as Daath (‘Knowledge’). This represents the conscious knowledge or realisation of the whole Tree of Life as it is acquired step by step, path by path, Sephira by Sephira. This knowledge is also known as illumination, which grows from dark ignorance to the light of full universal knowledge.

Sacred Planets

Besides the more universal use of the Sun and Moon to represent the Divine Parents or Polarity of life, the Sephiroth are individually symbolised by the octave of ‘sacred planets’, from which is derived the idea of each planet having its own divine intelligence or spirit or god/goddess.

The ascriptions are: (10) Earth; (9) Moon; ( 8 ) Mercury; (7) Venus; (6) Sun; (5) Mars; (4) Jupiter; (3) the Stars; (2) the Zodiac; (1) the Primum Mobile (First Movement).

Saturn is used to denote the unnumbered Sephira, Knowledge, referring to knowledge of the whole Tree of Life, which is Truth. Knowledge of Truth is also known as illumination, for our minds or souls are illumined by knowledge of truth, which knowledge is obtained only by practising truth. Such practice is called "living in truth". It is also referred to as "Truth Revealed".

Saturn is also used to represent the Holy Intelligence (3), in the sense that our own individual illumination shines as a star within the divine Mind or Intelligence, together with all the other stars of individual soul illuminations. Truth is essentially the divine Wisdom (2) that is held in the divine Intelligence (3), which, when known by the intelligence or mind, shines as a star. Such stars are represented as the six-pointed Hexalpha or Christ Star, also known as the Star of David ('David' means 'Dove', emblematic of the divine Intelligence or Holy Spirit).

All these ascriptions relate to and lie behind the science of astrology as well as the cosmology of various cultures.

[b-else-writes]

The Great CLAMP Re-Read Part 8: Legend of Chunhyang

Part 1 (RG Veda) | Part 2 (Man of Many Faces) | Part 3 (Tokyo Babylon) | Part 4 (Duklyon) | Part 5 (Clamp Detectives)| Part 6 (Shirahime)| Part 7 (X)| Part 9 (Miyuki-chan)| Part 10 (Rayearth)| Part 11 (The One I Love)

The RG Veda historical epic that never was, or better off cancelled? While X is widely cited as CLAMP's first unfinished work, there is actually another 1992 stillborn CLAMP work, before we can finally move onto 1993 in the CLAMP timeline. To be a broken record, I had no idea this existed! It’s unsurprising: only 3 chapters were ever published (plus 1 drama CD), before the magazine folded and CLAMP decided to cancel the project (yeah yeah they said they’d love to finish it. They’re liars).

Unlike many of their other discontinued early works, this one actually got a tankoban release, and Tokyopop did the now out-of-print English translation in a single volume with no extra art. Plus, I was hesitant about approaching a work of Korean folklore written by 4 Japanese women, given the history, and my fears were not unfounded. So I’m content that I put off getting the physical release for my collection. Spoilers (?) ahead.

Synopsis: In Ancient Korea, a brave young maiden called Chunhyang, opposes the injustices of the corrupt governing Yangbans. When her mother, a magic-wielding mudang, is kidnapped by their town's Yangban, Chunhyang is aided by the lecherous Mongryong, the Amhaeng’eosa, a secret government agent. Together, the two set off on adventure that will take them across Korea to liberate towns and discover the truth of Chunhyang's father.

The Story: I wrote all of that out, but the reality is what actually exists of Legend of Chunhyang is two chapters and a flashback. It's very hard to judge a story that hasn't settled in or moved further than the set up for the adventure. What we got is entertaining enough - chapter 1 is the inciting incident where Chunhyang’s mother dies and she teams up with Mongryong, 2 has them liberate a mystical flower village with the help of a rain god and twin mudang, and 3 is a flashback that reveals Chunhyang’s dead father was important and killed for defying the Yangban. It’s very Robin Hood, and moves at a good pace despite being pretty standard YA fantasy. Speaking of, I don’t think CLAMP realises most Korean towns back then would have been agricultural. Why does Chunhyang live in a huge villa doing nothing all day? I want my peasant hero, not a disgruntled pseudo noble.

The skeleton for the entire story is pretty obvious (bring revolution to Korea) and I’d definitely be curious to see more of it. But I’m also not sad we got nothing more. It’s a pleasant afternoon distraction.

The Themes: Don’t be a bully and tyrannical governments are bad and must be resisted - as long as they’re Korean (side-eyes that Rising Sun flag in CLAMP Campus Detectives. Ah, Japanese nationalism). It’s 3 chapters, that’s all I can glean.

The Characters: Chunhyang fits heavily into the CLAMP stock heroine: young, spunky, strong, pure-hearted, and athletic, shojo ingenue. Still, while she’s nothing new, I enjoyed Chunhyang. CLAMP has the formula for the fun, palatable heroine we love to see win, and I’m hardly immune. Mongryong was more bland to me, falling hard into that 90s era shojo hero who gets comically beaten up by his love interest, but always suavely swoops in to save her. It’s nostalgic, he’s hot, but that’s it. Maybe with time they would have defined themselves like RG Veda’s cast did (also archetypes), but there’s just so little!

The crumbs of minor characters are equally stock - one dimensional cackling villains, and pure beyond belief good guys. Mongryong’s tiger spirit was my favourite because I love all cats. It’s really the charm of Chunhyang that carries us above - she’s a good balance of fierce and endearing.

The Art: Legend of Chunhyang is interesting in that chapter 1 was brush inked due to their experience on Shirahime, but the remaining art was done with marker pen. The result is chapter 1 feels a bit unpolished, with backgrounds being mostly chunky blobs and quick lines in a way I found distracting. 2 and 3 work much better, with thick swirls of soft magic and flowers, giving Chunhyang a slight distinction from their other early 90s work. The panel work is quite conservative unlike RG Veda, very rarely having dynamic spreads, but satisfactory and readable. Chapter 2 is a standout of circling dragons and flowers. Everyone is gorgeously dressed and pretty. It’s not the best of CLAMP, but it’s nice and elevates the material.

Questionable Elements: While certain CLAMP podcasts have praised CLAMP for essentially rewriting the folktale to make Chunhyang more active - why would you even choose to adapt that Korean folklore then, if your intention is to make a generic Robin Hood sword and fantasy series that has zero to do with the original culture? You could just set it in feudal Japan! It feels very distasteful to deliberately choose Korea as a setting of barbaric unending tyranny that needs correcting. Especially given Japan’s history in “modernising” Korea.

On top of that, there’s a clear lack of research done - a lot of the outfits and hair accessories are inaccurate. Chunhyang’s mother’s decision to kill herself than risk dishonour is also incredibly Japanese (and notably doesn’t exist in the original). I have to cry foul because if you’re going to actually set this in a real ancient Korea, you should do your research. I’m not saying CLAMP are anti-Korean but they show a disappointing lack of care and bias.

Also. How old is Mongryong if Chunhyang is 14. Answer quickly, CLAMP.

Overall: Listen, RG Veda 2.0 this is not. Rather than an imaginative, fantastical, sweeping epic, Legend of Chunhyang is built on very familiar tropes and stock characters with a dose of cultural insensitivity and bias. It doesn’t even have a proper narrative arc, existing more as a “what if” than an almost masterpiece. It’s alleviated by the sheer charm of Chunhyang herself, its brisk, entertaining pace, and the enjoyable art. But it’s no great literary tragedy that it was never finished, and I’d really only recommend it to diehard CLAMP fans who want a quick, pleasant escape on a fantasy adventure.

[harlequinoccult]

DnD anon here, I am back again with the subclass for Overdose this time, this one felt the most mechanically interesting to make since I knew I wanted to have this subclass change the fighter's existing abilities to match with OD rather than just throw completely new stuff in, even if I did do some of that, anyways without further ado -----------

Reveler Martial Archetype Some people learn how to fight for honor, for revenge, for money or power…… Not these Fighters, they want Drugs, Alcohol, Partying and Violence, So throw back drinks until you're blind, get high as a kite and dance until you are the only one standing

3rd: Pain Tolerance You are durable, and violently resiliently, so party hard all day and night. while Unarmored you have an AC of 10 plus your Dexterity and Constitution modifier, you also gain resistance to poison and are have advantage on all rolls made in regards to resisting Drugs, Alcohol or Poison, finally you ignore the effects of the first three levels of exhaustion. at level 10 your unarmored AC becomes 13 plus Dexterity and Constitution modifiers

3rd: Overdrive Also at level three your Action Surge becomes Overdrive, when you use Action Surge your movement speed doubles, you gain two additional actions rather than one and all attacks made with the additional action granted by your action surge deal an additional 1d8 of your weapon damage type, however you take 3d6 piercing damage, this damage cannot be reduced in anyway

7th: Never Enough At level seven, your Second Wind ability becomes Never Enough, first of all you gain uses of your second wind equal to your half your proficiency bonus, regaining all uses on a long or short rest, secondly whenever you use second wind roll on the table below, gaining the effect you rolled for 5 minute: 1d10 1: Your movement speed is doubled and your jump distance is tripled 2: You gain Resistance to the Slashing, Piercing and Bludgeon damage types 3: All melee attacks you make deal an additional 1d4 damage of your weapon's damage type 4: You gain 5 + double your constitution modifier in temporary hitpoints 5: You gain advantage on all dexterity checks and saving throws and When you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you instead take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw, and only half damage if you fail. 6: You become immune to the frightened and charmed conditions 7: when you are reduced to 0 hp you are instead recovered back hp equal to your fighter level, this effect may only happen once for the duration of this effect 8:You gain advantage on all strength checks and saving throws and when you count as one size larger when determining the weight of things your carrying capacity 9: You gain resistance to cold and fire damage type as well as well as become unaffected by extreme cold and extreme heat 10: You gain a +5 to all attack rolls If you use Never Enough again, the previous effect ends early

10th: Dance-like Footwork At level ten, dealing damage with a melee attack to an enemy prevents them from making an attack of opportunity against you until the start of your next turn, additionally once per round you can swap places with a person who makes a melee attack against you as a reaction

15th: Party Favors At level fifteen, Whenever you use your Never Enough Ability, roll twice on the table and pick which effect you want from the two results

18th: Party's Over The only thing scarier is than a Reveler having too much fun is when they stop having any fun. Once either the 6th round of combat begins or you are brought to below half health, you may enter a state of anger that lasts until the end of combat as a free action, once this happens you cannot have disadvantage on attack rolls, you crit on a 17 or above and all attacks with melee weapons deal one additional dice of damage, (For example if a weapon deals 1d8 damage it now deals 2d8 damage), once this ability is used it cannot be used again until you finish a long rest --------- And that's the subclass, Again probably needs to be balanced in some areas but I think this one came out really cool in the mechanics and flavor, I'd love to hear what you think and what OD would think!

Party Favors is unbelievably big brained. love it. tastes like fighter mixed with wild magic and i fucking love stupid ass wild magic.

and OD would get mad serotonin from doing stupidly big damage and would take any dumb ass effects in stride. would also insist that their crit fail number be higher if they beef it because it would be funny.

[mothdotz]

Marinette Cheng

… is quite the busybody, jumping at any chance to experiment and make new things. Though his eagerness to create has gotten him recognized for their talents, it also leads to many unfinished (or destructive) products.

Normally you’d find him tinkering away at her latest invention, but as of a recent it seems that her creative spirit has died down. No one knows why.

( And at school, you’d typically find them in the laboratory, but just like her recent willingness to create, his visits have dwindled. )

Older versions:

Equally important additions:

1. Gifted Kid Burnout, Baby!! (That’s possibly triggered by seeing your mentor get snatched into the shadow realm. Who knows? Marinette sure doesn’t).

2. Methinks that most of the headcanons from my old art-dump still applies here (though I have to double-check to be sure).

3. Mar’s inventions tend to (ironically) end in disaster.. but it’s the ingenuity that counts, right?

4. Yes, the suit design was inspired by Spider-Man.

5. I could spew more about Mar’s character but yknow. Mar tends to be a lone wolf in situations, not that they do it consciously! But it’s more like they’ve gotten used to having to solve problems on their own due to the people (and adults) that are in her life. While this is a great(ish) thing because of her classmates dependency on him, it also leads to Chat Noir feeling very frustrated in the midst of battle when Spots run off to do their own plan without consulting the other hero on it.

6. Mar’s creative soul is the one thing that gets her in trouble most of the time! He learns to not be afraid to step over boundaries, but that unwillingness to back down when they should can be terrible in a lot of situations. (Though, beware because Marinette’s personality may be due to change. I’m still figuring out how I want it to be).

7. Spots’/Red’s backpack (which I now realize is hardly visible) has wings giving Red the ability to fly. Spots’ backpack can also be taken apart and turn into almost any invention they want, having its only disadvantage being that they no longer have a means of transportation. The Fanny pack? I just thought it was funny… plus I think they would store candy and water in there to give to any shaken kids (or to anyone who needs it).

8. Yeah, Marinette wears a compression shirt under their hoodie + Carries around headphones in their bag bc overstimulation. (ADHD/Autism as always).

[cagemasterfantasy]

Aasimar (5.5e)

Aasimar (pronounced AH-sih-mar) are mortals who carry a spark of the Upper Planes within their souls. Whether descended from an angelic being or infused with celestial power they can fan that spark to bring light healing and heavenly fury.

Aasimar can arise among any population of mortals. They resemble their parents but they live for up to 160 years and have features that hint at their celestial heritage such as metallic freckles luminous eyes a halo or the skin color of an angel (silver, opalescent green, or coppery red). These features start subtle and become obvious when the Aasimar learns to reveal their full celestial nature.

Traits:

Creature Type: Humanoid

Size: Medium (about 4–7 feet tall) or Small (about 2–4 feet tall), chosen when you select this species

Speed: 30 feet

As an Aasimar, you have the following special traits.

Celestial Resistance. You have Resistance to Necrotic damage and Radiant damage.

Darkvision. You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.

Healing Hands. As a Magic action, you touch a creature and roll a number of d4s equal to your Proficiency Bonus. The creature regains a number of Hit Points equal to the total rolled. Once you use this trait you can’t use it again until you finish a Long Rest.

Light Bearer. You know the Light Cantrip (Described at the end). Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it.

Celestial Revelation. When you reach character level 3 you can transform as a Bonus Action. The transformation lasts for 1 minute or until you end it (no action required). Once you transform, you can’t do so again until you finish a Long Rest. Additionally once on each of your turns before the transformation ends you can deal extra damage to a target when you deal damage to it with an attack or a spell. The extra damage equals your Proficiency Bonus and the extra damage’s type is either Necrotic for Necrotic Shroud or Radiant for Heavenly Wings and Inner Radiance. The transformation options are as follows:

Heavenly Wings. Two spectral wings sprout from your back temporarily. Until the transformation ends you have a Flying Speed equal to your Speed.

Inner Radiance. Searing light temporarily radiates from your eyes and mouth. For the duration you shed Bright Light in a 10-foot radius and Dim Light for an additional 10 feet and at the end of each of your turns each creature within 10 feet of you takes Radiant damage equal to your Proficiency Bonus.

Necrotic Shroud. Your eyes briefly become pools of darkness and flightless wings sprout from your back temporarily. Creatures other than your allies within 10 feet of you must succeed on a Charisma saving throw (DC 8 plus your Charisma modifier and Proficiency Bonus) or have the Frightened condition until the end of your next turn. (The Frightened condition is as such: A frightened creature has Disadvantage on ability checks and attack rolls while the source of fear is within line of sight and the Frightened creature can't willingly move closer to the source of fear.)

Light

Light is a Evocation Cantrip that can normally only be learned by Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer and Wizard. It is an action. Range is Touch. It does require a Verbal Component and the ingredient for it is a firefly or Phosphorescent Moss and the duration is 1 hour. (Though you don't need to worry about ingredients if you can innately cast it.)

You touch 1 large or smaller object that isn't being worn or carried by someone else. Until the spell ends the object sheds Bright Light in a 20 foot radius and Dim Light for an additional 20 feet. The light can be colored as you like. Covering the object with something opaque blocks the light. The spell ends if you cast it again.

[soylent-crocodile]

War Medic (Prestige Class)

(art by Rialll on deviantart)

(This is the first in what ended up being a trio of prestige classes for martial characters that fulfil the Healer-Tank-DPS roles of MMORPGs. It's old, but I'm quite proud of it!)

Healing is, generally, considered the role of clerics and similar faithful. These specialized healers are premier methods of keeping one's heart beating, but sometimes they are simply not available, or could simply use some backup. This is the job of the war medic, a soldier or warrior who is trained to patch up his allies in the thick of battle.

Role: War medics are invaluable both on and off the battlefield, wielding a deadly weapon in one hand and keeping their allies alive with the other. Alignment: War medics can be any alignment HD: d10

Prerequisites

Skills: Heal 5 Feats: Combat Medic Ability Scores: Wis 13 Other: Proficiency with all Martial Weapons, Possession of a Medical Kit

Skills A war medic gains 6+int mod skill ranks per level A war medic’s skill list is Bluff (Cha), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha,) Heal (Wis), Knowledge (local) (Int), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Linguistics (Int), Sleight of Hand (Dex), and Survival (Wis)

Weapon and Armor Proficiencies A war medic gains no weapon and armor proficiencies.

Surgical Precision (Ex)

A war medic’s doctoral training lets him heal as well as harm. As long as he is wielding a light or one handed melee weapon and has a free hand, he deals an extra 1d8 precision damage, as a rogue’s Sneak Attack ability. Unlike a rogue’s Sneak Attack, this damage does not increase as the War Medic levels up.

Med Kit (Ex)

A war medic’s greatest tool is his med kit- he carries within it supplies needed to heal ailments of all types, from mundane wounds to magical curses. His med kit contains a number of supply points equal to his wisdom modifier+his level in war medic. At the start of his day he may spend an hour cleaning and salvaging his supplies. If he does, he regains a number of supply points equal to his wisdom modifier. Additionally, at any settlement sized large town or larger he may fully refresh his supply points by shopping for one hour and spending 10g. These supply points can also be spent as uses of a healer’s kit.

As a standard action, a war medic with a free hand may spend 1 supply point to give any creature within touch range 2d6 temporary hit points plus his wisdom modifier. These hit points wear off after 2 hours. At levels 4, 7, and 10, he adds 1d6 to his temporary hit points. This does not trigger an attack of opportunity.

Trained Healer (Ex)

A war medic is as much a healer as he is a warrior; he adds his level in war medic to his heal skill. Additionally, he halves the required time taken to perform any heal action that takes longer than a full round.

First Responder (Ex)

At level 2 a war medic adds his wisdom modifier to his initiative.

Medic’s Trick

At level 2, then at level 3 and every two levels thereafter, a war medic gains access to a medic’s trick chosen from a list. A war medic can only apply one trick to his surgical precision damage at a time, and these abilities do not stack with themself unless stated otherwise. The DC of a medic’s trick is equal to 10+his level in war medic+his wisdom modifier. All penalties applied with medic’s trick can be ended early with a successful Heal check with the same DC as a standard action.

Heal Thyself (Ex) A war medic with this trick may spend a swift action and a supply point to give himself temporary hit points as with his med kit. 

Immediate Care (Ex) A war medic with this trick may choose to use one of his attacks in a full attack action to grant temporary hit points with his med kit, rather than a standard action.

Hobble (Ex) A war medic may apply this trick to his surgical precision. If he successfully lands a hit that deals surgical precision damage, that creature must make a fortitude save or have its movement speeds reduced by 10, to a minimum of 5, for 1 minute.

Worsening Condition (Ex) A war medic may apply this trick to his surgical precision. If he successfully lands a hit that deals surgical precision damage, that creature must make a fortitude save. If they fail, they take a -2 penalty to saves for 1 minute.

Myopia (Ex) A war medic may apply this trick to surgical precision. If he successfully lands a hit that deals surgical precision damage, that creature must make a fortitude save. If they fail, they treat all creatures including willing targets as though they had partial concealment for 1 minute. Blind creatures and creatures with blindsight are immune to this effect, but creatures that can see through fog or similar concealment are not.

Break Fantasies (Ex) A war medic may apply this trick to surgical precision. If he successfully lands a hit that deals surgical precision damage, that creature must make a fortitude save. If they fail, they must make a concentration check with DC equal to 10+the war medic’s level in war medic+his wisdom modifier in order to cast a spell during the next 1 minute.

Strike the Vein (Ex) A war medic may apply this trick to surgical precision. If he successfully lands a hit that deals surgical precision damage, it inflicts bleed 1. This ability stacks with itself.

Blue Shield (Ex) A war medic with this trick gains proficiency with light and medium shields if he does not already have them, and may apply his surgical precision damage if he is wielding a shield in his free hand.

Bedside Manners (Ex) A war medic with this trick may use his wisdom in place of charisma for Bluff and Diplomacy and gets a +2 bonus to those skills.

Alternative Medicine (Ex) A war medic with this trick treats Use Magic Device as a class skill and may use his wisdom in place of charisma for Use Magic Device. He may apply his surgical precision damage if he is wielding a wand or scroll in his free hand.

Supernatural Healing (Su) A war medic with this trick may choose to heal damage with his med kit rather than give temporary hit points.

Extra Mercy (Ex) A war medic with this trick gains an additional Mercy from those available to him.

Combat Feat (Ex) A war medic with this trick gains a feat chosen from the combat feat list.

Mercy (Ex)

At level 2 and every two thereafter until level 8, a war medic chooses a mercy from the paladin’s mercy list, although he gains it at a heightened pace. At level 2, he gains access to the paladin’s level 3 mercies, at level 4, he gains access to the paladin’s level 6 mercies, at level 6, he gains access to the paladin’s level 9 mercies, and at level 8, he gains access to the paladin’s level 12 mercies. Saves related to mercies instead have a DC equal to 10+the war medic’s Wisdom modifier+his level in War Medic. This ability functions like the paladin ability of the same name, except it applies to temporary hit points granted by his med kit, rather than his lay on hands, and as noted above.

Floating Mercy (Ex)

At level 10, a war medic gains a floating mercy. At the start of each day, while refreshing his med kit, a war medic may choose one mercy from among those available to him. That mercy applies to his med kit for the rest of the day.

[paperanddice]

The result of a swarm of rats devouring a wizard's clone, doppelrats have gained the magical ability to create short lived clones that they use for self defense. When faced with a threat, even a single doppelrat can quickly cause a fight to spiral out of control, as it creates more and more duplicates to overwhelm its adversaries. The original can be lost among the swarm of duplicates, often escaping while the predator chews through the clones, and many predators are satisfied with their catch, if they get a clone or two. Of course, many smaller predators, such as cats, snakes, and birds of prey, can be quickly killed by a swarm of clones, and a doppelrat infestation can eliminate most natural predators quickly, allowing their population to grow.

Perhaps more concerning for survivors of a doppelrat attack is the doppeling disease they spread. Those who are bitten may be infected, and the effect of it is deeply disturbing to many. Victims may attempt to avoid resting, as doing so causes their body to produce an entire clone of them, the copy splitting off in a painful, draining hour long experience. For good or ill, the clone is stillborn, no life carried in it, but splitting off your own corpse each day is not a pleasant experience. Family members finding a corpse of a loved one next to a living version may mistake the victim for a doppelganger or other shapeshifting monster, thinking the original is dead, and more than one doppeling disease patient has been tragically killed by a family member while trying to recover from birthing off a clone.

Inspired by the Tome of Beasts 1. 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!

Pathfinder 2e

Doppelrat Creature 2 Rare, Tiny, Beast Perception +8; low-light vision, scent (imprecise) 30 feet Skills Acrobatics +7, Stealth +9 Str -4, Dex +3, Con +2, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha -4 AC 17; Fort +6, Ref +9, Will +7 HP 20 Speed 15 feet, climb 15 feet, swim 15 feet Melee jaws +7 (agile, finesse), Damage 1d4 piercing plus Doppling Disease Arcane Doubling [3 actions] (arcane); Frequency once per day; Effect For the next 4 rounds, the doppelrat and each of its clones create 3 clones of itself that appear adjacent to it, to a maximum of 19 clones. Each clone has the doppelrat's stats, except it only has 2 hp. Any surviving clones die 1 minute after the doppelrat uses this action. If the original doppelrat dies, the clones stop duplicating but remain until their time expires. Use the doppelrat's Stealth DC against attempts to Seek or Recall Knowledge to identify the original. Doppling Disease (disease); Saving Throw DC 15 Fortitude; Onset 1 day; Stage 1 After the creature's next rest, it is incapacitated for 1 hour as it grows and releases a stillborn clone; it is drained 1 from the experience.

13th Age

Doppelrat 2nd level spoiler [beast] Initiative: +7 Doppeling Bite +7 vs. AC – 2 damage. Natural 16+: The target gets afflicted by doppeling disease. Each time it takes a full heal-up, it must roll a normal save. On a failure, it sheds off a stillborn clone during the full heal up, and regains 1 less recovery. After 3 successes (they don’t have to be consecutive), the character recovers from the disease. Arcane Doubling: 1/battle as a standard action, the doppelrat can start duplicating itself. At the start of each of its turns, the rat produces a number of duplicates of itself equal to the escalation die, to a maximum of 8. Each duplicate has the same stats as the doppelrat, except it only has 2 hp. Whenever an enemy tries to target the original doppelrat, it must succeed on a DC 15 skill check to identify it from the duplicates; on a failure, it attacks at random. Wall-Crawler. AC 20 PD 17 MD 11 HP 26

[pathfinderunlocked]

Mad Mallard - CR4 Monstrous Humanoid

Also known as Duck GI and Captain Duck.

Artwork is official art from Children of Mana, copyright Square Enix.

This is a recurring enemy from the Series of Mana video games. That's a flail in the artwork, not a ball and chain fettered to the duck's leg.

Mad mallards are angry, not insane. They're demihumans, and tend to live in small settlements on the shores of rivers and lakes, where they build only simple fragile wooden structures to live in, but spend far more time and effort building defensive siege weaponry and other military defenses. Their extremely militaristic and xenophobic nature makes them dangerous, but their appearance makes them hard for many people to take seriously. Mad mallards instinctively coordinate with each other very well, quacking orders and working in tandem like organized military units without requiring any actual training.

I included descriptions here of its teamwork feats, for ease of running the monster. Because there are so many of them, I separated them out into their own section in the stat block.

Mad Mallard - CR 4

This oversized duck-like creature walks on land and stands about waist-high to a human. It carries a heavy ball and chain that it swings menacingly with its wings, and it wears a metal helmet that covers most of its head, though its large duck bill sticks out from underneath.

XP 1,200 LN Small monstrous humanoid Init +2 Senses darkvision 60 ft; Perception +5

DEFENSE

AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+3 armor, +2 Dex, +1 size) hp 37 (5d10+10) Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +4 Defensive Abilities evasion, mallard helmet

OFFENSE

Speed 15 ft., swim 30 ft., fly 10 ft. (clumsy) Melee heavy flail +9 (1d8+4/19-20) Ranged pumpkin bomb +8 ranged touch (3d6+1 (+1d6+1 on crit) plus 4 splash fire damage, DC 13) (20 ft. range increment) Special Attacks pumpkin bomb (6/day)

STATISTICS

Str 16, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 8 Base Atk +5; CMB +7; CMD 19 Feats Broken Wing Gambit, Coordinated Defense, Coordinated Distraction, Duck and Cover, Improved Duck and Cover, Splash Volley Skills Acrobatics +5, Diplomacy -1 (+1 vs. mad mallards), Fly -4, Intimidate +5 (+7 vs. mad mallards, +1 vs. humanoids), Perception +5, Swim +15, Stealth +13; Racial Modifiers -4 Intimidate vs. humanoids Languages Aquatic SQ tandem tactics Gear Small-sized heavy flail, mallard helmet

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Mallard Helmet (Ex) A mad mallard's helmet functions as metal parade armor that is specially designed to fit a mad mallard, granting it a +3 armor bonus. Like most parade armor, it grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Diplomacy and Intimidate checks against members of the group that the armor is the uniform of; in this case, against mad mallards. This armor only fits Small humanoid-shaped creatures with avian heads.

Pumpkin Bomb (Su) A mad mallard has a stash of 6 pumpkin bombs per day which it can hurl at enemies, similar to an alchemist's bombs. Drawing the components of, creating, and throwing a pumpkin bomb requires a standard action that provokes an attack of opportunity. Thrown pumpkin bombs have a range of 20 feet and use the Throw Splash Weapon special attack. On a direct hit, a pumpkin bomb inflicts 3d6+1 points of fire damage (although only 1d6+1 of this damage is multiplied on a critical hit or by using feats such as Vital Strike). Splash damage from a pumpkin bomb is always equal to the bomb's minimum damage (typically 4 damage). Those caught in the splash damage can attempt a DC 13 Reflex save for half damage. The number of bombs per day, damage, and save DC are Intelligence-based, and each include a +2 racial bonus.

Tandem Tactics (Ex) A mad mallard gains Broken Wing Gambit, Duck and Cover, and Improved Duck and Cover as bonus teamwork feats. Additionally, a mad mallard is treated as if it possesses the teamwork feats of its allies, even if it doesn't meet the prerequisites of those teamwork feats, as long as an ally who actually possesses the feat is taking part in the teamwork. (For example, if an ally has the Back to Back feat, a mad mallard and that ally gain the benefits of Back to Back as long as they are adjacent to each other, but two mad mallards adjacent to each other do not benefit from Back to Back while that ally is not adjacent to them.)

TEAMWORK FEATS

Broken Wing Gambit Whenever you make a melee attack and hit your opponent, you can use a free action to grant that opponent a +2 bonus on attack and damage rolls against you until the end of your next turn or until your opponent attacks you, whichever happens first. If that opponent attacks you with this bonus, it provokes attacks of opportunity from your allies who have this feat.

Coordinated Defense Whenever you are adjacent to an ally who also has this feat, you receive a +2 competence bonus to your Combat Maneuver Defense. This bonus increases to +4 if the creature attempting the maneuver is larger than both you and your ally.

Coordinated Distraction When you and at least one ally with this feat threaten the same enemy, the enemy treats the DC to cast spells defensively as 2 higher for each threatening character with this feat. If you or your allies are incapable of taking an attack of opportunity against the target for any reason, the effects of this feat do not apply.

Duck and Cover Whenever you are adjacent to an ally who also has this feat, and both of you are required to make a reflex saving throw against a spell or effect, you may take the result of your die roll or that of your ally (your modifiers still apply to the roll, regardless of which result you take). If you take your ally’s result, you are knocked prone (or staggered on your next turn, if you are already prone or cannot be knocked prone). In addition, you receive a +2 cover bonus to your AC against ranged attacks as long as your ally is wielding a shield.

Improved Duck and Cover Whenever you use Duck and Cover, your ally has evasion or improved evasion, and your ally’s saving throw roll succeeds, half of the damage you would have taken is transferred to your ally. (This damage is not reduced by the ally’s evasion or improved evasion.)

Splash Volley You initiate this feat whenever you throw a splash weapon into a square within the reach of an ally who also has this feat and miss your target. Rather than you rolling to see where the weapon lands, the abettor can try to redirect it as an immediate action by making a melee touch attack against any adjacent foe. If the abettor’s attack hits that foe, the splash weapon impacts in the nearest square the targeted foe occupies.

[awildofnothing]

Hades 2 continued thoughts (spoilers under cut)

Okay I got real carried away describing my first winning run below. It was ridiculous luck with boons though.

Anyone else finding themselves humming “I am gonna claw out your eyes and drown you to death” at work or out at bars? Lol. I feel little crazy whenever I catch myself.

I predicted in my earlier post after like 10 hours of play that Hades / Zag / other OG characters would become playable each time you defeated Chronos (as in, you’d get to free one member of the house of Hades for each defeat, and they’d then be playable for surface runs). This was obviously far fetched because it would multiply the work needed when developing the game, but I’m taking the brief moment where you pilot Hades in the flashback to Chronos’ takeover as confirmation and claiming I was right 🤷

I still think it would be cool if you did get to free one trapped family member at a time once you got to a certain number of defeats against Chronos- it would be a cool narrative way to justify repeated runs.

I’m still in love with Nemesis but I think I might be equally enamored with Moros. What a beautiful antlered man. I feel like him and Melinoe would relate so much with the constraints and expectations of their fated upbringings and distance from any actual closeness with family.

I was feeling super dejected after losing run #24 to Chronos when I had a frankly amazing setup. I imagined Melinoe would also feel dejected. Moros was so sweet and immediately lifted my spirits. Nemesis stomped on them extra and then continued to insult me even after winning. Perfect duo ❤️

Okay winning run thoughts:

1. Finally beat Chronos on run 27. Was pretty surprised it took me that long because around run 15 (with sprint and death defiance arcana unlocked and a good amount of grasp) it really felt like it should happen any run. There were a good number of surface runs mixed in there too so that made it take a little longer.

2. I think the biggest factor in me finally winning the Chronos fight, outside of getting the exact boons I wanted (more below), was realizing I do not actually want to be distant from him all the time in phase 1. Same as Hades, there are some attacks that are really only dodgeable if you dart through him.

2a. Also for phase 2, I made a rule for myself that I mostly shouldn’t be sprinting and it helped. Phase 2 is just about not panicking and planning your dashes to safety. Chronos himself does not do crazy damage in Phase 2, so if you stay safe from the moving terrain you are basically good.

3. I had only two boons at the end of second biome on this run (Hephaestus blast on attack and Apollo sprint- these alone carried my run). By the time I got to Chronos I had 7 poms on the attack blast and it was triggering for 200 damage in a small aoe every 3 seconds 🤯. Plus, using Melinoe staff, omega attack would trigger the blast and aoe on each mob that was hit.

4. This was mostly accidental lol. I had an epic cast boon in Erebus but Nemesis offered me a deal to trade it for 3 poms. I only had attack and cast so this seemed like a bad deal at the time; however I want her to destroy me romantically and physically so I was never going to say no to her. Then I realized my attack, which I’d aimed for with Heph’s trinket, was triggering more often instead of just for more damage and was like hold on… I can work with this.

5. Avoided all other boons except Zeus after that because I wanted blitz on special (the first chaos trial I’d just unlocked the run prior to this helped solidify this strategy in my mind because of the basically unlimited magic - blitz and blast on special and attack, 1-2 punch where special sets blitz and then omega attack blast triggers it) and just aimed for poms otherwise to see how quick I could make the attack cooldown for giggles mostly. Ended up being rewarded with a rare special blitz in the Mourning Fields after choosing a Zeus boss room over a normal Selene and hammer room, which felt amazing.

6. Idk why I’m typing all this out really, I don’t expect anyone to actually read through it. I don’t have anyone in real life to discuss it with so I’m shouting at the void I guess. It was very satisfying to struggle for a good 10 runs with Chronos and then have a few aha moments and basically beat him with full health and all death defiances the next run.

7. I understand better how to build high damage builds in hades 2 now. I feel like I had to actively avoid gods I wasn’t aiming for, sometimes choosing bones or grasp over boons. I used two god trinkets that run in the first two biomes and was intentional about what I wanted.

8. Forgot to even mention my girl Selene and the healing hex, which let me bank 11 charges of +35 healing going into the Chronos fight 😇. Also got Demeter’s freeze cast at the very end, and I could be wrong, but it seems to me like that one CCs even armored enemies??? Not just reduces movement speed to approaching zero like the cast, but stopping attack and other actions as well??? Seems OP and like either a big or something I misinterpreted in the frenzy of play, but I’ll test more later in a surface run.

[krowbby]

Hogfather footnotes poll, Part 2!

Since it's Hogswatch season, I'm back with another footnote poll! Hogfather has a ton of footnotes, so this has to be split into 2 parts :P Part 1 linked here!

Full text of each footnote plus a little context for each is below the readmore so this post isn't a mile long. Enjoy!

There had been people dressed up as pixies, and a picket outside the shop by the Campaign for Equal Heights.* *The CEH was always ready to fight for the rights of the differently tall, and was not put off by the fact that most pixies and gnomes weren’t the least interested in dressing up in little pointy hats with bells on when there were other far more interesting things to do. All that tinklywee stuff was for the old folks back home in the forest—when a tiny man hit Ankh-Morpork he preferred to get drunk, kick some serious ankle and search for tiny women. In fact the CEH now had to spend so much time explaining to people that they hadn’t got enough rights that they barely had any time left to fight for them.

Wizards didn’t go to bed early in any case,* *Often they lived to a time scale to suit themselves. Many of the senior ones, of course, lived entirely in the past, but several were like the Professor of Anthropics, who had invented an entire temporal system based on the belief that all the other ones were a mere illusion. Many people are aware of the Weak and Strong Anthropic Principles. The Weak One says, basically, that it was jolly amazing of the universe to be constructed in such a way that humans could evolve to a point where they make a living in, for example, universities, while the Strong One says that, on the contrary, the whole point of the universe was that humans should not only work in universities but also write for huge sums books with words like “Cosmic” and “Chaos” in the titles. †The UU Professor of Anthropics had developed the Special and Inevitable Anthropic Principle, which was that the entire reason for the existence of the universe was the eventual evolution of the UU Professor of Anthropics. But this was only a formal statement of the theory which absolutely everyone, with only some minor details of a “Fill in name here” nature, secretly believes to be true. †And they are correct. The universe clearly operates for the benefit of humanity. This can be readily seen from the convenient way the sun comes up in the morning, when people are ready to start the day.

[...] although no one now knows why, or why an extant bequest pays for one small currant bun and one copper penny to be places on a high stone shield on one wall every second Wednesday.* * The ceremony still carries on, of course. If you left off traditions because you didn’t know why they started you’d be no better than a foreigner. 

What Ponder was worried about was the fear that he was simply engaged in a cargo cult. He’d read about them. Ignorant* and credulous† people, whose island might once have been visited by some itinerant merchant vessel that traded pearls and coconuts for such fruits of civilization as glass beads, mirrors, exes, and sexual diseases, would later make big model ships out of bamboo in the hope of once again attracting this magical cargo. *Ignorant: a state of not knowing what a pronoun is, or how to find the square root of 27.4, and merely knowing childish and useless things like which of the seventy almost identical-looking species of the purple sea snake are the deadly ones, how to treat the poisonous pith of the Sagosago tree to make a nourishing gruel, how to foretell the weather by the movements of the tree-climbing Burglar Crab, how to navigate across a thousand miles of featureless ocean by means of a piece of string and a small clay model of your grandfather, how to get essential vitamins from the liver of the ferocious Ice Bear, and other such trivial matters. It’s a strange thing that when everyone becomes educated, everyone knows about the pronoun but no one knows about the Sago-sago. †Credulous: having views about the world, the universe and humanity’s place in it that are shared only by very unsophisticated people and the most intelligent and advanced mathematicians and physicists.

[...] and there’s this museum I read about where they found a pocket calculator under the altar of this ancient temple, you know what I’m saying? but the government hushed it up…* *It’s amazing how good governments are, given their track record in almost every other field, at hushing up things like alien encounters. One reason may be that the aliens themselves are too embarrassed to talk about it. It’s not known why most of the space-going races of the universe want to undertake rummaging in Earthling underwear as a prelude to formal contact. But representatives of several hundred races have taken to hanging out, unsuspected by one another, in rural corners of the planet and, as a result of this, keep on abducting other would-be abductees. Some have been in fact abducted while waiting to carry out an abduction on a couple of other aliens trying to abduct the aliens who were, as a result of misunderstood instructions, trying to form cattle into circles and mutilate crops. The planet Earth is now banned to all alien races until they can compare notes and find out how many, if any, real humans they have actually got. It is gloomily suspected that there is only one—who is big, hairy and has very large feet. The truth may be out there, but lies are inside your head.

The singers were halfway down Park Lane now, and halfway through “The Red Rosy Hen” in marvelous harmony.* *“The red rosy hen greets the dawn of the day.” In fact the hen is not the bird traditionally associated with heralding a new sunrise, but Mrs. Huggs, while collecting many old folk songs for posterity, has taken care to rewrite them where necessary to avoid, as she put it, “offending those of a refined disposition with unwarranted coarseness.” Much to her surprise, people often couldn’t spot the unwarranted coarseness until it had been pointed out to them. Sometimes a chicken is nothing but a bird.

I’m waiting for the Hogfather, thought Ponder Stibbons. I’m in the dark waiting for the Hogfather. Me. A believer in Natural Philosophy. I can find the square root of 27.4 in my head.* *He’d have to admit that the answer would be “five and a bit,” but at least he could come up with it. 

He’d always promised their mother that he’d look after Banjo,* *It had been Ma Lilywhite’s dying wish, although she hadn’t known it at the time. Her last words to her son were “You try and get to the horses, I’ll try to hold ‘em off on the stairs, and if anything happens to me, take care of the dummy!”

Wizards know when they are going to die.* *They generally know in time to have their best robe cleaned, do some serious damage to the wine cellar and have a really good last mea. It’s a nicer version of Death Row, with the bonus of no lawyers.

The Senior Wrangler hummed cheerfully to himself as he ran a comb through his beard for the second time and liberally sprinkled it with what would turn out to be a preparation of weasel extract for demon removal rather than, as he had assumed, a pleasant masculine scent.* *It was, in fact, a pleasant masculine scent. But only to female weasels.

“A whole sheep!”* *Which had died in its sleep. Of natural causes. At a great age. After a long and happy life, insofar as sheep can be happy. And would probably be quite pleased to know that it could help somebody as it passed away. 

The man went to shut the door but Arnold Sideways was ready for him and had wedged his boot in the crack.* *Arnold had no legs but, since there were many occasions when a boot was handy on the streets, Coffin Henry had affixed one to the end of a pole for him. He was deadly with it, and any muggers hard-pressed enough to try to rob the beggars often found themselves kicked on the top of the head by a man three feet high. 

[udaberriwrites]

Alright, let's do the headcanon asks for Meg in Hades!

Megaera

1: sexuality headcanon

Zansexual / Thansexual, erm, like all Greek deities in the game, she's above sexual attraction as humans understand it.

2: otp

Megaera/Thanatos/Zagreus, of course! I have zero complains about the way the game handles the relationship. They are equal partners who have learned to compartmentalize their jobs and personal lives; and even if they were to walk away at some point, they know that they'll always be welcomed back.

3: brotp

Megaera & Dusa. Which has nothing to do on Dusa being my fave. No, but seriously, I like this one a lot. We see them talking in the lounge sometimes and I feel like, as different as they are, it does make sense. Dusa has more than proven her loyalty to the House, plus she's very dedicated to her duty, both of which Meg would appreciate; and after some initial confusion, Meg's direct approach and self-confidence would likely register as safe for Dusa. So yep, I really love these two :D

4: notp

Probably Alecto or Tisiphone. Even though it's based on Greek myth, I love the estranged sisters narrative too much to really see this trio or any combination as a viable romantic option.

5: first headcanon that pops into my head

After the end of the game, Zagreus convinces her to go to the Gate once -- not to fight Hades, but just to show her the snow and a glimpse of the Living world as he sees it. Meg of course has gone to the surface before, but only to carry out justice, never just because. She has a pretty good time, even if she'll never admit it to Zag and Than.

6: favorite line from this character

"We may be immortals, but we're older now"

That's what tells me this time their relationship will be different :)

7: one way in which I relate to this character

Maybe how she keeps getting back up and returning to Tartarus to guard the entrance, no matter how many times Zagrwus makes it past. It's her job, so she'll do it to the best of her ability.

8: thing that gives me second hand embarrassment about this character

After having a good enough build with the Mirror of Darkness, finishing the boss battle super fast, and the game still implying that it was an even battle 😅

9: cinnamon roll or problematic fave?

Are those my only options? She's very much not a problematic fave, but she's also too badass to be a proper cinammon roll. Uuuum, somewhere in the middle? xD

[aaryan-mwa-blogs]

What Are the Benefits of Active Speakers for DJs and Event Planners?

If you’re a DJ or event planner, you’ve probably been in situations where the sound system made all the difference. Whether it’s hyping up a dance floor or ensuring clear announcements during a conference, having the right audio setup is critical. One of the most versatile solutions for audio professionals is active speakers. But what exactly makes them so beneficial? Let’s break it down in simple, relatable terms.

What Are Active Speakers?

Before we dive into the benefits, let’s clarify what active speakers are. Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, come with built-in amplifiers. This means they don’t need an external amplifier to function—everything you need for sound amplification is integrated into the speaker itself. For DJs and event planners, this built-in convenience can be a game-changer.

1. Simplified Setup

One of the biggest perks of active speakers is their plug-and-play design. Since the amplifier is built into the speaker, you eliminate the need for additional equipment like external amps. This not only reduces the amount of gear you have to carry but also makes the setup process much quicker. If you’ve ever scrambled to connect multiple components minutes before an event, you’ll appreciate the simplicity active speakers bring.

2. Portability and Space Efficiency

Active speakers are a dream for those who value portability. DJs and event planners often work in different locations, and lugging around heavy, bulky equipment can be exhausting. Active speakers are designed to be compact and lightweight without compromising on power. Plus, because you don’t need extra amplifiers, you save valuable space in your car, van, or storage area.

3. Consistent Sound Quality

One of the standout benefits of active speakers is their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality sound. Because the amplifier is specifically designed to work with the speaker, the two components are perfectly matched. This ensures optimal performance, whether you’re playing bass-heavy tracks at a wedding or delivering speeches at a corporate event. You can count on clear, balanced sound without the hassle of manual tuning.

4. Versatility Across Events

Active speakers are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for a wide range of events. Whether you’re DJing at a high-energy party, setting up audio for an outdoor festival, or managing sound at a formal event, these speakers adapt to your needs. Many active speakers come with built-in equalizers and adjustable settings, allowing you to tweak the sound to suit the venue and audience.

5. Built-In Protection Features

If you’ve ever dealt with blown speakers or overheated equipment, you know how frustrating it can be. Many active speakers come with built-in protection features like thermal overload protection and limiters. These features prevent damage to the speaker and ensure longevity, which is especially important for professionals who use their gear frequently.

6. Less Cable Clutter

Nobody likes a tangled mess of cables. With active speakers, you can significantly reduce the number of wires needed for your setup. Since the amplifier is already inside the speaker, you only need to connect your audio source and power cable. This not only makes your setup look cleaner but also minimizes the risk of tripping hazards—something every event planner worries about.

7. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

While active speakers may have a higher upfront cost compared to passive systems, they can save you money in the long run. With fewer components to purchase and maintain, you’ll spend less on additional gear and repairs. Plus, the durability and built-in protection features of active speakers mean they’re a reliable investment.

8. Ideal for Solo Operators

If you’re a one-person operation, active speakers are your best friend. DJs and event planners often work solo, handling everything from setup to performance. Active speakers simplify the process, allowing you to focus on your craft rather than technical troubleshooting. This ease of use can be a lifesaver when time and energy are limited.

9. Scalability for Larger Events

Active speakers are not just for small gigs—they’re scalable for larger events too. Many systems allow you to daisy-chain multiple speakers, creating a more powerful sound setup without the need for complex wiring or additional amplifiers. This makes them a flexible choice for professionals who handle events of varying sizes.

When investing in active speakers, purchasing from professional audio shops like VIP PRO AUDIO  can make a significant difference. These shops provide expert guidance to help you choose the right speakers for your needs and often include warranties and customer support. This ensures you get the best value for your investment and peace of mind knowing your equipment is reliable.

Active speakers offer a host of benefits that make them a top choice for DJs and event planners. From their simplified setup and portability to consistent sound quality and built-in protection features, these speakers are designed to meet the demands of professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your gear, active speakers are a smart investment that can elevate your events and performances. So, the next time you’re planning your audio setup, consider the advantages of active speakers—they just might be the perfect fit for your needs.

[imperialvanities]

How to Choose Granite for Your Space in 2025: A Guide to Making the Right Choice

Granite has been a timeless favorite for homeowners and designers alike. It adds elegance, durability, and natural beauty to any space, whether it's your kitchen, bathroom, or even outdoor areas. But with so many options available in 2025, choosing the right granite stone for your space can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry we'll walk you through the process step by step, keeping it simple and stress-free.

How to Pick the Best Granite For 2025

Granite has been around for centuries, used in everything from ancient monuments to modern homes. What makes it so special? 

It's a natural stone that offers a unique combination of beauty and strength. No two granite stone slabs are the same, so you get a one-of-a-kind piece for your space. Whether you want a luxurious look or a practical surface that can handle daily wear, granite delivers on all fronts.

Now that you know why granite is a great option, let's learn how to pick the perfect one for your home.

1. Why Choose Granite for Your Home

Granite is popular because it looks beautiful and lasts for decades. It's a natural stone, so each slab is unique, with different patterns, colors, and textures. Plus, it's scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and easy to maintain if sealed properly. Whether you’re revamping your home or designing a new space, granite offers a mix of practicality and style.

2. Think About Where You'll Use It

Before you start picking colors or patterns, decide where the granite stone slab will be used.

Kitchen countertops: Here, you need a strong and durable slab since the surface will face daily wear and tear.

Bathroom vanities: Lighter colors can make bathrooms look more spacious.

Flooring: Choose non-slip finishes if it's for high-traffic areas.

Outdoor spaces: Go for darker granite that can withstand weather changes.

Knowing the purpose will narrow down your choices.

3. Decide on a Budget

Granite stone slabs come in various price ranges, depending on their origin, rarity, and quality. Set a budget before heading to the store so you don’t get carried away. Remember, exotic granite types will cost more. However, there are plenty of affordable options that look stunning.

4. Pick the Right Color

Granite is available in a wide range of colors black, white, gray, blue, green, red, and even golden tones. Here's how to decide:

Light colors: These create an airy, open feel. Perfect for small spaces.

Dark colors: These add drama and sophistication but may make small spaces feel cramped.

Neutral tones: Whites, beiges, and grays blend well with most design styles.

Bring samples of your cabinetry or wall paint to see how the colors work together.

5. Look at Patterns and Veining

Granite stone slabs have natural patterns like speckles, swirls, and veins. Some are bold, while others are subtle. Choose the granite design trends based on your style:

Bold patterns: Great for making a statement in minimalist spaces.

Subtle patterns: Ideal if you want the granite to complement the room without dominating it.

Tip: Always view the whole slab instead of a small sample. This will give you a better idea of how the pattern looks across a larger surface.

6. Consider the Finish

Granite comes in different finishes, and each one gives a unique look and feel:

Polished: Shiny and reflective, best for countertops and vanities.

Honed: Matte and smooth, great for a softer, more modern look.

Leathered: Slightly textured, adding depth and a rustic touch.

Choose a finish that matches your space and its purpose. For instance, a polished finish works well for kitchens because it's easier to clean.

7. Check the Quality

Not all granite is created equal, so don' hesitate to ask for detailed information about the granite. Here's how to ensure you're getting a good-quality slab:

Look for cracks or pits on the surface.

Check for consistent thickness.

Tap the slab lightly; a high-quality piece will produce a ringing sound.

8. Think About Maintenance

Granite is relatively low maintenance, but it does need some care. Sealing is crucial to protect it from stains and water damage. Some types of granite require annual sealing, while others are more resistant. Choose a granite type that fits your maintenance routine.

9. Check the Lighting

Granite's appearance can change under different lighting conditions. A slab might look amazing under showroom lights but dull in your home. Test a sample in your space to see how it looks under natural and artificial light.

10. Plan the Installation

Installing granite is not a DIY project. Hire professional installers who have experience with granite. They'll ensure precise measurements, proper sealing, and a smooth finish. Discuss the timeline and any specific requirements with your installer beforehand.

11. Don't Forget About Edges

The edge profile of your granite slab can affect its overall look. Discuss the options to pick the best edge for your space. Some popular edge styles are:

Straight: Simple and modern.

Bullnose: Rounded and soft.

Beveled: Angled for a sleek look.

12. Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, trust your instincts and the Granite selection tips. If a particular slab catches your eye and feels perfect for your space, go for it. Granite is a personal choice, and your preferences matter most.

Granite shopping doesn't have to be complicated. By breaking it down into these simple steps, you can confidently choose a slab that matches your style, budget, and needs. With the right granite, your space will look stunning and serve you well for years to come.

Your Perfect Granite Awaits

Granite isn't just a functional addition it's a statement piece that adds timeless elegance to your home. Whether it's for your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor space, the right granite will enhance your home's beauty and stand the test of time. Take it one step at a time, trust your instincts, and soon, your dream space will come to life!Transform your interiors with the elegance and durability of Imperial Vanities, a manufacturer of natural stone. Whether it's stunning kitchen countertops, sleek bathroom vanity tops, or stylish backsplashes, our premium quartz products bring beauty and functionality to every corner of your space. Get in touch today to explore our stunning collection, and let us help you create spaces that inspire!