#2 intimidated to do a more accurate animation

[shalmonsdraws]

has any body seen my tam bou rine

[pianokantzart]

The Super Mario Bros. Redux (Pt. 6)

What would happen if, in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, after Mario and Luigi are separated, Mario was the one who ended up in the clutches of Luigi’s eventual arch nemesis, while Luigi teamed up with some of his own close allies to go rescue him? (This part of the story is in one shot format. Most other parts are written in bullet points.)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 7 ________

A short summary of the things Luigi had done in the past twenty four hours that he had never expected to do in his entire life:

Fall into an interdimensional wormhole. Fight a warrior princess in a crowded arena. Become a royally acclaimed ghost hunter. Enlist in an army assembled to ambush the territory ruled by The King of Ghosts in order to rescue hostages and bring balance to the afterlife. Adopt a dog.

... Though it was more accurate to say the dog adopted him. Normally Luigi had trouble with animals– he could never read their body language, and his clumsiness made for bad first impressions. The few animals he got along with in the past were old and quiet, wanting nothing more than a warm lap on which to lay their head. Polterpup was different; playful and energetic, mischievous yet patient. Luigi couldn’t help but wonder what was the reason behind the attachment– if he himself resembled an old master or friend from the dog’s past life before it became a ghost. It still wore a collar, though the little golden loop on the front had no tag. The collar was bright red, almost a perfect match to Mario’s favorite color. "Heh, you’re just as good at getting into trouble as Mario, too,” Luigi added with a somber smile, kneeling down to oblige the ghost dog’s less-than-subtle plea for belly rubs until it disappeared again, as was its habit. Polterpup tended to suddenly poof in and out of thin air with little warning, and though it seemed to be at random at first, Luigi began to realize the dog mostly came to him when he was feeling alone, which was more often than not as of late. Every new experience, every strange encounter, every unexpected victory made Luigi wish more and more that his brother was around to take part. Hardly a second passed without him wondering what he was doing at that moment, and if he was okay.

Unfortunately, his occupied mind made him a less-than-helpful assistant to E. Gadd. The professor had warned earlier that he had always preferred working alone. The result was a very low tolerance level for “tomfoolery,” as he described it, and it wasn’t long before Luigi’s shaky attempts to help attach upgrades to The Poltergust caused the scientist to lose his patience. One shoddy wire-soldering job later, Luigi found himself being forcibly pushed toward the exit by the surprisingly strong old man. “Go. Shoo. Distract yourself with something else.”

“Like what?” Luigi asked, digging his heels. “What do I do? Where do I go?”

“How about you see the princess?”

“Princess Daisy?”

Luigi lingered in the doorway. The professor adjusted his glasses, and pointed down one of the castle hallways. “Yep! She’s in the greenhouse. I’m sure she could use the company. You two seem to get along well enough.”

“We do?” Luigi placed his hand against his cheek, thinking over their last interactions. They had exchanged blows, but worked together in the end to defeat Boolossus. She had held his hand up as the victor, but she had also toyed with him in a way that made it clear that she knew how weak he truly was. He liked her, that much he knew, but that didn’t mean she wanted anything more to do with him, and furthermore she had a power and confidence to her that intimidated him beyond her status as the daughter of four kings. “I don’t know. I mean, we did make a pretty good team, but she’s royalty! I don’t know anything about how to approach royalty. Do I bow? Or–”

“You’ll be fine,” The Professor assured, only half paying attention as he returned to his work, burying himself back into the open hatch of a large machine.

In the end, Luigi did as he was told. The greenhouse was easy enough to find. As large as the Birabuto Palace was, its corridors were open and easy to navigate, and the guards were surprisingly helpful in giving directions despite their shaky first-encounters.

Finding the large doors to the greenhouse, marked by limestone imitations of crawling vines carved into the archway, Luigi gathered his determination and pushed them open. The first thing that struck him was a wall of glacial cold– a shocking surprise, and the opposite of what he expected from a greenhouse, but this discomfort was immediately undercut by the beauty of the surrounding foliage. The flowers, sparkling with a brilliant, incandescent blue, sprouted from planter boxes and large pots all around in blooms and buds. He thought for a moment that surely they were beautifully-crafted plastic or silicon, but pinching a large leaf between the fingers of his gloves he found they felt as real as any common dandelion. The second thing that struck him was the night sky, clearly visible through the glass walls and ceiling. He had never in his life seen so many stars, and for all his love of science and space he could not recognize a single constellation, which served as an unsettling, but ultimately breathtaking reminder of how far from home truly he was.

“Oh! Hey!”

Luigi jumped and let out a surprised squeak when Daisy emerged from behind a stack of pots to greet him. Her cheeks were tinted pink from the cold, and in her right arm she held a large sack of powdery-white fertilizer that she was distributing between the plants. She laughed at his reaction, but it carried no hint of condescension, just friendly amusement. “I was hoping I’d see you again before we invaded Evershade Valley!” she called, waving him over. “Luigi, was it?”

Luigi approached while holding his hat to his chest, shuddering a bit as the chill bit at the edges of his ears. “Yes, Your Highness.” Daisy once more laughed her friendly, good-natured laugh. “None of that. Just Daisy. No ‘Miss’ or ‘Ma’am’ either. If you’ve gotta be formal, call me Princess Daisy.” Luigi, feeling a little more at ease, put his hat back on his head. “Yes, Princess Daisy.” She gave a nod of approval, then went back to work fertilizing the long rows of plants. “So,” she asked, “What can I help you with, big guy?” “I, er…” Luigi suddenly realized he had failed to come up with a proper reason before arriving here. He couldn’t very well say the professor kicked him out of the lab for being inept, but before he could think of an excuse his attention was re-seized by the plants. Curiosity overcame him to the point that he forgot his worries, and he once more brushed his hand against the leaf of the nearest flower. “Are these where your ice powers came from? In The Battle Stadium?” “Of course! I’m pretty good with a powerup, huh?” Daisy said proudly, “Normally I favor the elephant fruit, but today I decided to switch things up.” “Elephant fruit? There’s other magical plants?” The princess stiffened. Luigi was worried for a moment that he had accidentally said something offensive, but she retained her genuine smile as she set the sack of fertilizer down and placed her hands on her hips. “Wow, you’re really not from around here, are you.” Before Luigi could answer, she walked up and wrapped a friendly arm around his shoulder. “Suppose I should’ve known. Humans aren’t native to this world. The professor is one of, like, two other humans I know. Do you know E. Gadd? Is he your uncle or something?” “I– uh, no. We just met yesterday.” “Let me guess: you're lost." "Well... yes..." "And he said he'd only get you home if you help him.” “What!?” “He’s the kind of guy to pull a stunt like that if he thinks it’s for the greater good.” Daisy explained, holding Luigi a bit closer in a show of sympathy. “You don’t have to do this, you know, you could go home anytime you like. I’ll vouch for you!” Despite the friendly intention behind these words, Luigi felt a lump form in his throat. He slipped out from under The Princess’ side-hug, and stared up at her with a troubled look. “Do you… want me to leave?” Daisy bristled. Her cheeks reddened as she shook her head and waved her hands in dismay. “No! No no no of course not! I think you’re great! It’s just…” She trailed off, rubbing the back of her neck.

Luigi, surprised by this rare show of nervousness, patiently waited with bated breath for her to gather her thoughts, and after a few seconds she continued, quieter than before. “It’s just that I keep thinking about what you said in the arena. You seemed like a guy who had a lot to lose. You weren’t in it for glory or the fun of the fight, you were just scared and… I don’t know… I felt bad for you. Still do.” At this, Luigi gained a slight smile, shyly burying his hands in his pockets and rocking on his heels. “Heh, don’t worry. I gotta learn how to not be scared all the time, y'know?” It didn’t take long before he realized what he said– whose words he was echoing. The gravity of the situation quickly crashed back down on him, robbing him of that small moment of comfort. It was evident by the look on Daisy’s face that she had seen the change in his expression, so Luigi went ahead and explained his predicament before she could ask: “It’s my brother, Mario. We both fell through a warp pipe. I ended up in your kingdom but he ended up in Evershade Valley.”

Daisy cocked her head, the gears turning behind her eyes as everything she had witnessed about the plumber's manner up until now came together in her mind. “Oh. I see.”

“It was my fault. I fell into the warp pipe, and he jumped in after me, and– I… I can’t just leave him.” Luigi heard his own voice crack and felt tears beginning to form in his eyes. Despite this he kept going, the pent up emotions of the past twenty four hours running rampant, unable to be reigned in. “It’s not that I don’t trust anyone else to save him, but I gotta make sure he’s okay! We’ve never been apart this long… and I-... I miss him.” Tears began streaming freely, the cold air burning them into long lines down Luigi’s cheeks. He turned away, struggling to wipe his eyes with the back of his glove. “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be.”

Luigi saw a glimmer of white fabric in the corner of his vision. Turning, he saw the princess holding a flower-embroidered handkerchief out to him. He accepted, and dried his eyes. He tried to hand it back, but she was already returning to the flowers, plucking up a set of pruning shears as she went. “I’ve never known a good fighter that didn’t have big emotions brewing under the surface,” she assured. “But don’t you worry, after the way we saved my dads, saving you brother should be no sweat!...” Luigi, hearing a light snip of closing shears, saw Princess Daisy remove one of the ice flowers at its base between where the leaves connected to the soil. Despite being cut off from its roots the plant remained as lively as ever. It almost looked to be dancing happily in her hands as she delivered it back to Luigi.

“...and when you do save him, give him this.” She said, holding out the offering. “If Mario’s anything like you, he’s not going to want to be defenseless, and ice magic is the one of the few things that can combat boos besides your Poltergust.” Luigi smiled. He reached out and took the flower into his hands. He was surprised to find it wasn’t particularly chilly to the touch– clearly the coldness of the room was for the sake of cultivating the plants, not the effect of the flowers themselves. “You seem to really know a lot.” He mused aloud, pressing the gift to his chest. “But… you said humans aren’t native to this world. Where did you come from, then?” He stopped suddenly, realizing the personal nature of what he asked. He searched Daisy’s face for some sign of disapproval, but was relieved to see her smiling just as brightly as before. “Ha! I wish I had an answer to your question!” She laughed, “Dragonzamasu says I hatched from an orange egg that appeared suddenly in a field of flowers. Biokinton says he found me curled up in a bassinet hitched to a shooting star. Hiyoihoi says he found me locked in a gemstone at the center of the oldest mountain in Sarasaland. But I’m more inclined to buy Totomesu’s story.”

“What’s Totomesu’s story?” Daisy’s smile wavered. Luigi wondered once again if he misstepped, but this time easily brushed the thought aside, trusting by now that the princess would let him know if he had done something wrong. She turned away, staring up at the stars through the glass wall of the greenhouse, and Luigi placed himself at the her side, watching the stars in tandem until Daisy finally broke the silence and answered his question: “He found me at the mouth of a warp pipe, barely old enough to crawl and completely terrified. Sometimes I think I still remember that day… as much as I prefer to believe that I hatched from an egg.”

There was such an odd sadness to her voice that Luigi felt an impulse to reach out and reassuringly take her hand, though he had enough common sense to refrain from such an intimate gesture. All the same, he wanted to say something comforting. “I don’t mind that you didn’t hatch from an egg.” He heard himself blurt out.

Daisy shot him a confused look, and Luigi nervously scrambled to explain himself. “What I mean is… hey, you were a baby, y’know? Ain’t nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re already so cool, you can’t be cool every moment of your life, and most babies aren’t cool! And… uh…” Daisy started to laugh. Luigi turned red, but felt a little better now that she was smiling again, even more so when he felt the princess affectionately nudging his shoulder. “Haha! I get it big guy, I get what you're saying!”

Luigi laughed too, in spite of himself.

“Speaking of ‘cool,’” Daisy went on, “I'm freezing!” She rubbed at her arms in a display of discomfort. Luigi, too, was suddenly reminded of just how cold he was. By now the low temperature had seeped all the way through his clothes and skin, triggering a powerful shiver that ran through his core, which was soon soothed as the princess wrapped an arm around him, and pressed him close. “Tell me, Luigi, do you have hot chocolate in your world?”

“I love hot chocolate!”

“Perfect!” With her arm still tightly wrapped around the plumber, Daisy eagerly led him to the egress of the greenhouse. “Let’s get us some good old-fashioned creature comforts before we fight some ghosts!”

"Heh. Yeah. Let's-a-go!" Luigi said, forcing enthusiasm, thankful that he had the cold as an excuse for his uncontrollable shivering.

[nitw]

Do you have fursona designing advice

HMMMM WELL while i've gone through quite a few sonas throughout the years (mostly different animals including but not limited to: a bumblebee/bear hybrid, a cat, a tiger, a dragon, etc) my current sona is the one i put the most thought into. that being said, my guy is 1) pretty basic in terms of colors and patterns, 2) about as self-indulgent as it gets =w= some people go off the rails with their details and i think that's awesome, but i came to realize that i wouldn't identify as strongly with my sona if it looked too otherworldly if that makes sense

a few tips based on this:

think about whether you want your fursona to be a representation of your ideal/alternate self, or more just like a character of their own. this might make it easier to decide on the aesthetic!! because personally while i Love me a good pastel sparkledog, that wouldn't feel as accurate for myself

DON'T BE INTIMIDATED WHEN IT COMES TO PICKING A SPECIES. this can be difficult sometimes, but try not to stress over it too much. you don't even have to limit yourself to a real life animal! there are no rules, make up your own funky species if you want! combine elements of your favorite animals to get the best of both worlds! and who's to say you can't just change their species later if you get bored? they'll love you all the same!!

can't/don't want to draw them yourself? lots of furry artists out there (especially those that do reference sheet commissions) are willing to help you figure out a proper design as long as you can provide a few basic ideas (that's what i did!) tbh this goes for commissions in general but i can't stress this enough: don't feel embarrassed about sending in a 3-minute ms paint doodle, or a color palette, or an image collage, or ANYTHING else to the artist you're commissioning!!! in my experience people tend to be cool with it, and i know it's wayyy more helpful than text descriptions alone. seriously, compile whatever visual references you can find, i'm sure they'd be happy to help you figure out the design!

have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[tarvyunderscore]

Lastly (for now) this funky bastard /pos

More info about the thought process below:

I decided to make two designs as I couldn't choose which one I liked more. So you'll get both of them :DD

Also sorry if he looks a bit unfinished, he was made first and I didn't plan on making more of these. Or sharing them, but I'm happy he gets to see the light of day.

Design 1:

Ok so #1 I made it obvious he is mixed. It's really not that hard to do, I'm looking at you Vivzie. There isn't much more to this change other than that. You can't just slap a label on a character and call that representation.

I also wanted him to be more uncanny. He has very dilated pupils as well as a more elongated body. His teeth are also red now which I think comes across as cannibal more than his original yellow chompers.

I made the bullet wound into a scar as I think the way sinners died would be more impactful to their appearance than they are in the show. His deer imagery is more prominent as well. His legs are obviously more deer like as well as his antlers. I put the ears on the side of his head to make them not blend into his hair.

Design 2:

Not much is different aside from the first one, just his skull. This is the one where I went for a more intimidating approach, but I kept the uncanniness as well.

He has the skull of a deer now, with a bullet hole in the center. I gave him carnivorous teeth, showing how he was both the hunted and the hunter. The permanent grin is interpreted as the skull being wedged open, cracking into one.

It's also implied that he has a secondary face under it. Interpret that as you will, I think the mystery is fun. You can see his teeth and eyes.

Both:

Made the clothes more accurate to his time period, and less harsh on the eyes. I wanted to keep him red color scheme but I gave it more variety. The yellow is gone all together aside from his monocle.

He has skeletal gloves now and I changed the design of his radio, his voice actually projects out of it rather than him talking into it. I don't think his mouth moves when he talks in either design. He always has that eerie grin, eyes unblinking.

My biggest change was the gaping hole in his torso, honestly mainly just because it adds a pop of color and looks fucking cool. It's like a soul cage! One literally growing out of his body, the bars are made of ribs. I also like the idea of him eating people souls, good reason for sinners to be scared of him.

He was fun to redesign!! And I hope I did him some justice without making him not feel like the same character.

IMPORTANT: I'm not whaling on the of designs out of malice, these are PERSONAL critiques that aren't intended for animation. I like the series and am doing this out of a love for character design.

[youremyheaven]

hi! how are you? i wanted to know some things about yoni animal compatibility. i was wondering what nakshatras should i consider? i read only the moon nakshatra but i can't find a lot of info about that. i'm sorry if this is stupid lol, i was also curious about how accurate that method of compatibility calculation is, and i wanted to know if it is exclusive for sexual compatibility, because that's what i read too. again sorry if this is dumb or you don't feel like answering. thank you either way 🤍

i dont believe in yoni consorts being good for each other but thats a personal opinion (like 2 tiger yonis being good together or 2 rat yonis being besties or whatever)

it was largely intended for sexual compatibility tbh. in india when a hindu couple get married, their families get their birth charts read/compared to see if they're compatible. i am inclined to believe the origins of yoni animal compatibility is tied to the arranged marriage system. if you're marrying a stranger, you might as well know whatever you can about their sexual nature/behaviour before hand lol as there is no other way to find out.

my parents have snake yoni and mongoose yoni respectively and let me just say that it pretty accurately sums up their relationship lmfao

i think yoni animals are good for determining the overall nature/vibe of individuals. people who have larger yoni animals tend to be more assertive, dominating, they kind of have a strong✨presence✨if that makes sense, people with smaller yoni animals tend to be very prone to anxiety, self-doubt, or be introverted in general. i do think there are variables but from what ive seen someone with a small yoni animal almost always feels intimidated by/less than someone with a large one, like you feel uneasy around them?? even in friendships ive noticed that you tend to be friends with people who are in the same-ish category, like i had a friend who would bully me but she was super sweet to my other friend and they both had predator yoni animals so i feel like they had mutual respect bc they were in the same league but i was not lol, i think we subconsciously treat some people a certain way or like they're beneath us because we sense their yoni animal's inferiority with respect to ours but other people invoke awe or terror in us for seemingly no reason and i think it might be because we sense the superiority of their yoni animal with respect to ours

[sehnsuchts-trunken]

Hi, may I get a match-up for the hobbit please? I'm genderfluid they/them) and would like to shipped with a masc character please.

I'm an INFP-A, 9w1. My horoscope is gemini sun, leo moon, and libra rising. All of those are extremely accurate lol. I'm very whimsical and distant, but once you get to know me I'm even MORE whimsical and very emotionally intense lol. I'm a bit of a manic pixie dream girl lol. My intensity usually intimidates people, but otherwise I'm very open and friendly once you get to know me. I'm observant and introspective, which ironically makes it difficult for me to make friends and makes me a bit sensitive. I'm extremely compassionate, empathetic, patient, and understanding. It's one of my worst traits as well, since i struggle with forming boundaries and being angry at people who mightve wronged me. I'm also incredibly indecisive. I'm not a pushover though, and have no problem gently letting ppl know when I disagree with them or something.

The animals that my friends/family say remind them of me are bears and elephants. My favorite color is yellow, and my favorite flowers are honeysuckle and jasmine. My favorite season is a tie between summer and winter, even though I HATE the cold.

With my friends I'm very chaotic and they describe me as "a silly gnome/goblin". When with them i initiate most hangouts and have always been a sort of ring leader.

My giving love language is quality time and words of affirmation. Receiving they are physical touch and quality time.

I come from an abusive household and had to look out for my younger siblings (2 younger sisters and 3 cousins who are basically brothers).I've been through a lot and that's given me a unique perspective on the world and what it means to be alive.

For hobbies I really enjoy reading, crafting, writing poetry and am very good at it, and just spending time outside. I love listening to music and listen to absolutely everything and enjoy it lol. I'm very go-with-the-flow and am down for practically anything and everything at least once. I don't like mean-spirited things/people, the cold, and being man-handled lol.

My style is very hippie/70s with goth influence. I have very long dark straight mahogany hair and blue eyes, and a very small/petite frame (hence not liking being manhandled lol). I'm very pretty in a free-spirited way, and I'm quite graceful.

My ideal type is someone who can get me out of my shell a bit while still appreciating my soft/whimsical side. Someone who can have my back and we can be our inner children together, if that makes sense. I'd do well with someone who could understand me, and help me be the best version of myself. I believe love and empathy are the only things worthwhile in life, in all the various forms they take, despite what I've been through. It terrifies me though, so id need someone to convince me to take that leap with them. Its easy to scare me off as well so someone who could understand how to approach me without overwhelming me would be best. In relationships I'm very much drawn to a twin flame sort of dynamic lol.

((I'm sorry if I did this wrong, I couldn't find any rules through navigation on mobile or anything other than your post about opening match-ups, I'm so sorry if I did this wrong! Thank you so much💗))

you did everything right, no worries!! there actually should be a post on rules and stuff tho so um, i'll have to go check what's wrong with that soon. but you're all good!!

im a bit insecure about just how this turned out, cant really tell if you'll like it but we'll see!

I ship you with...

Fili!

You've known Fili your entire life. You were born at around the same time Kili was and you're pretty sure that's the reason why you're so close to them. It makes sense. Your parents had never been the best and you had a lot of family that you were happy to escape from now and then, plus Dis was lovely and more of a mother to you than yours ever was. So you spent the better part of your childhood with Kili - and with Kili meant with Fili as well, because they came in a package deal. Always.

While Kili grew to be your best friend, much like a brother, Fili... you'd always felt a few butterflies around. You could've written it off as some kind of childhood crush, of an infatuation in your teenage years, but honestly, you'd never quite got over it. You were older now, old enough that you should have long since been normal about the whole thing, old enough to have found work for yourself and left your parents behind. But you were still just as close to Kili and Fili and no, you were not over your crush in the slightest. Over the years, you'd just gotten better at pushing it down and suppressing it.

So you're there with them when Thorin calls on them for the quest of reclaiming Erebor. You're there because you're practically family, because Thorin knows and trusts you, and you're just as quick to agree as his nephews. And why wouldn't you go? You love them all dearly, you'd never been on an adventure before and Erebor was your home too, after all, or would have been at least, under different circumstances. So a few weeks later you start out on a life-changing journey with your two favourite dwarves in the whole world and you're honestly only a bit wistful because you'd had to leave your books and paper behind.

The three of you are a force to be reckoned with. Kili matches your chaotic energy exactly and Fili is - though certainly being the most responsible out of the three of you - still not nearly as responsible as his uncle, so your journey to Bilbo's little home all the way in Bag's End is some of the most fun you've had in your entire life. Daily life with them is obviously great as well, but what with your work and all, you haven't seen them this much in a long, long while.

It quiets down a bit when the rest of the company joins (most of them you know, some of them you can't remember), but you're still enough to get on Thorin's nerves quite a lot. You do make friends with Bilbo, though, who's drawn to just how whimsical and open you are. He may have been a bit put off by your joking about with Kili and Fili at the start, but you have him charmed a few days into your journey. You talk about books and plants and really, anything at all, and by day six you think you may have found a new life-long friend in Bilbo.

But even though you're now spending your time getting to know someone new, you're still as observant as ever, and you notice - of course you do - that the closer you get to Bilbo, the less you see of Fili. Kili is always close by and you certainly spend at least half of your time joking about with him, but whenever you ride or walk next to Bilbo, talking and laughing, Fili seems to disappear somewhere into the background, so much so that you actually have to search for him to spot him. It hurts, a bit, because you can't seem to pinpoint just what's wrong for a while. Wasn't everything just fine when you started out on this journey? Had you said something, done something wrong? You knew this kind of thing from your parents, but never from Fili, especially because he knew about... well, about everything, really, so he knew just how sensitive you could be about things like these. You did your best not to let it bother you too much.

Instead, you focused on Bilbo. He was funny and sweet, intelligent and understanding and for as much as you love the dwarves, for as much as you love your kin, you like that he's not as rough and intense. He's different. And maybe you're a bit different than the rest of the dwarves, too - you'd always been a bit slimmer and smaller and more petite than the rest and maybe that had shaped your personality in some way, too, you weren't sure. Maybe that's why the two of you grew so close in such short time.

You express your feelings for him quite the same way you do for everyone: loud and chaotic, just the way you are. You tell him that he's funny and sweet, intelligent and understanding because that's exactly how you show people that you like them, so, well, you do. But every time when, in the spur of the moment, you give Bilbo a friendly compliment, out of the corner of your eyes you see Fili scoff. You frown and try not to interpret too much into it, but it's hard - after all, you've been doing nothing but interpret and think and imagine because you've kept all of your feelings for Fili bottled up inside of you for your entire life, analysing and wondering if maybe, just maybe, there was a tiny little chance that he liked you that way, too. Not that you've ever really found anything. He was always just Fili.

But not this time. No, not this time. This time he's scoffing and turning away and staring gloomily at you when he thinks you don't notice because you're too deep in conversation with Bilbo. You do, though, definitely, because he's not being as secretive as he thinks he is. You watch him argue with Kili one evening, which you're sure hasn't happened this severely in years. Simply put, he's being weird.

He stomps off and Kili plops down next to you right after - you ask, of course, what's wrong with his brother, but you've asked Kili multiple times already and he simply won't tell you. And as much as Fili's behaviour is upsetting you, you won't go up to him either, because you're not that kind of person that pushes others - you're not even really angry, you rarely are, because whatever the reason is why Fili is behaving this way, there surely is a reason and you know him well enough to be aware that it's a good one too.

It all comes to an end in Rivendell. Most of the dwarves are in a bad mood, Bilbo hasn't been as ecstatic the entire journey and Gandalf seems to be much happier here than travelling, so the company is a bit split when it comes to their opinions on this place. You don't mind it much. You like being clean for once. Bathing had become a luxury. So while the dwarves keep complaining and brooding moodily, you're talking happily with Bilbo and Gandalf.

The elves seem a bit put off by you, but you're used to that, and after a night in Rivendell, when the dwarves have started brooding less and - well, no, they're still complaining just as much - some of the elves are conversing more and more with you. Maybe it's because you're spending most of your time with Bilbo and Gandalf (and Elrond in tow) or maybe it's because you're open and friendly, but either way you're meeting new people left and right. And that's when Fili's behaviour changes yet again.

Instead of staying out of your space and scoffing, suddenly he's by your side everywhere you go, every step you take. You're happy at first, excited that he so surprisingly comes back to you (now you're glad that you weren't all that angry in the first place), but it becomes clear after a few minutes already that he's not there to talk to you very much. It seems that he's made it his mission to stand gloomily beside you, glare at everybody who comes close to you and generally answer everything you say to him with an unmotivated "hmpf". It irritates you.

But when you get woken up by an annoyingly loud knock in the middle of the night, that's it for you. You open the door to see Fili and you're not even angry, you're really just... tired. In every sense. He's standing there in his night clothes and he seems to have had an epiphany of some sort, he looks starstruck and you're so done. You're so done you just pull him in, close the door, get back in bed, pat the empty space next to you and tell him that if he wants to talk, he should do it quickly, before you fall asleep again.

He stands in the middle of your room for so long you've actually almost fallen asleep again when he speaks up. Stuttering, which isn't what you're used to at all when it comes to him, and stumbling over his words, admitting that he's been acting stupid, that he's been acting dumb, admitting that the reason, that reason that you were sure was there, is that he's in love with you. Deeply, desperately, for so long he can't remember a time when he wasn't.

You don't really think you've heard him right but you also don't care. It's too late, you're too tired, he's looking too warm and broad and comfortable and before you can think about much anything, you've reached for him and guided him to your bed and cuddled up to him - he smells familiar, he feels safe, and he's reaching his arms around you and placing a kiss on your hair and telling you good night and somewhere in your hazy mind, you recognise the weird feeling in your stomach as butterflies.

The next morning, you wake up warm and cozy and when you open your eyes, you're facing Fili. You're actually, honestly, truly facing Fili. It takes two seconds to register. Then you feel his breath on your lips and his forehead against yours and your eyes fall closed all by themselves as you listen to him ask if he can kiss you now. You let him. Of course you let him.

You actually do talk it out that morning, though. Between a lot of kisses and a lot of cuddling, there's also a lot of talking. You're a bit nervous (even though that feeling settles after about the third or fourth kiss) but Fili has always been good at convincing you that you were brave and strong enough to do anything, and with the rhythmic stroke of his hand on your arm, the way he beams at you when he makes you giggle, how happily he listens to you talk, all of that convinces you in just a few hours how very right you were to pine for him your entire life.

When you don't show up for breakfast, you guess the others were worried some elf had killed you in your sleep, so Kili comes knocking on your door some time before noon. In full Kili fashion, he doesn't really knock at all, he more like just comes barging into your room, so you have barely enough time to look up before he stands at the foot of your bed with a dumb grin on his face that tells you he was very much aware of what was going on with his brother the past few weeks.

You don't mind. You don't really mind anything anymore. Because you spend your days in Fili's arms now, with his hand in yours and courting braids in your hair, and you're happier than you've ever been before. Now the people you'd always considered family more than your real family did become your real family, a few years after you'd recovered Erebor, on the day that you marry Fili. The happiest day of your life, because Fili made you feel exactly the way you'd always wished he would, because he was exactly what you'd always wanted, because you loved him. And because he loved you.

[calpalsworld]

Reading through the OREGON ULTIMATUM tags is quite interesting especially the characters the way some of the art looks reminds me of David feiss (the guy who made cow and chicken) and i could see it animated in that style. Do you have any voice claims for any of the characters? idk why but i hear dr. window having a midwest accent.

I've never watched Cow and Chicken but thank you *takes notes*

Dr. Windows lives in Ultimatum, Oregon, and attended PCS (Portland College of Science). (These are not real locations and are not meant to parody any real locations.) BUT... Where she lived beforehand is ambiguous... so she could've grown up in the midwest!!!

(and im midwestern so tbh they probably all have midwestern accents when in my head)

MORE BELOW

If I was actually to cast them, it may be difficult to find the right voice actors, because Dr. Windows and Dr. Treetop both have speech disorders/impediments. Dr. Windows has mildly slurred speech and a prominent lisp, and Dr. Treetop has disorganized/stuttery speech.

I usually put Windows' dialogue in italics. Its meant to indicate her speech disorder. Their speech is consistently slurred and they struggle most with "s" sounds.

As for Treetop, I've been thinking a lot about how I should type out his struggles with continuity. I want it to be in a way that is accessible for readers and seems accurate to real life. Unlike Windows, his speech disorder isn't consistent, and it affects the things he says, so it is something that has to be typed out. If anyone has any good examples on how to handle stutters in writing/comics I'd eat the suggestion up.

ANYWAY, for voice claims....

Hellmann - I'm unsure... They are emotional so definitely a voice that can sound neurotic and get mad.

The Hivemind - Limbic system from disco elysium but with a layering effect. Perceiving its "voice" physically feels warm.

Windows - Ummm gay and androgynous, metaphorically warm, soft but not quiet. (In my head, I sometimes imagine something similar to Raine Whispers from the Owl House ngl)

Treetop - Hissed, intense, particular with his words, usually monotone. Since he's supposed to come off as intimidating, I originally imagined him with a deep, rumbly voice, but ehhh I'm not a fan of that anymore. His voice definitely wouldn't be intimidating, he would sound like a pathetic edgelord. (In my head I imagine him sounding similar to Razer from GLTAS...??? but i can also picture something less aggressive, like patho 2 bachelor).

Sutthi - nasally and deep (Honest to god I think I've been imagining Squidward Spongebob in my head.)

Cuautle - I have this distinct voice in my head for some reason. Normal and old but very androgynous for no particular reason. Over the phone people probably think they are a woman.

Anthill - Sounds Scared. Been watching dungeon meshi and yeah, she would probably sound like english dub Marcille.

But yeah I dont mind if people imagine them differently and have their own headcanons :)

[the-secondborn-of-seven]

Witch of Penchant

Prologue: Part 2/4

Shingen x MC (Mai)

Previous

Logline - A women in nuns clothes, with an unsettling resemblance to a fox, the witch of Honno-ji, has traveled back in time to an era she has already lived through. She accidentally saved the life of Nobunaga Oda, but now she wonders how else the past has changed.

2330 words

A tall (Big, Giant, full head Taller than the one she held hands with) man in a brown haori and dull red kimono, with a massive sword bound in red, looked to them, “What’s this Yuki? We’ve been here ten minutes and you’ve already found yourself a woman?” He grinned as he approached ‘Yuki’ at the edge of the unforested path.

“Don’t tease me, Shingen-sama. She was about to dive off the cliff.” ‘Yuki’ responded, pushing Mai into the clearing.

Mai stumbled, “I knew where I was going much better than you bumbling fool.“

“Yeah? At night in the woods, you mean? What for?” ‘Yuki’ asked.

Mai sighed, “I was looking for a shortcut to my happy place…” (my cave, I just want to be in my cave!)

‘Shingen’ looked at her, “Hmm… Smoke from Honno-ji and a woman all alone at night. Perhaps you’re a ghost? Though you’re the most beautiful ghost I’ve ever seen.”

“Thanks,” Mai pulled a vine from her leg, ”A ghost would be an accurate description for me.”

A flash of white appeared then quickly vanished from view. The shrubbery rustled as animals made their way to safety from the smoke muddying the air. If one listened closely, some creature wasn’t fleeing, but circling the clearing, the sound then suddenly plummeted into the forest. Mai Scanned the edge of the clearing where the sound disappeared.

There! A path! Darting out from between the tents, she rushed to the footpath.

“Mizusaki-san! Mizusa—–-” Toyotomi-san and Akechi-san called after her. Walking along the path until the camp fell from view, and the noise of bustling soldiers faded, Mai searched for the white flash of fur (Searched—searched is the wrong word;) once certain of her solitude, Mai stood in the path, waiting. A fox appeared. White, with a striking grey mask, and a black cowl. The fox stood on its hind legs, it was unusually large, coming up to Mai’s chest.

It held out a torch to the witch, “You and the rift are safe, I assume?”

“Yes? Why do you have a torch?” Mai grabbed the torch.

“Have you seen the fire?”

“I was in the fire.” Mai held the 

“How unfortunate for you.”

“Bearsace, What did you do?” Mai gestured back at the temple to her fox familiar.

Bearsace sneered at the witch, “There was an army surrounding the temple, they were coming for people in the temple. What's more urgent, a fire or a girl with her fox?”

“Fine, fine. Head to the cave.” Mai said, continuing to walk along the path. “I will catch up to you later, I am going to search the area.”

“So brave of you. When you get to the cave, we will have to hide until the army departs.” Bearsace said before once again fading into the wood.

Just then, the soft chiming of bells and dry leaves being crushed under someone’s foot could be heard.

“Ojou-san, what are you doing in the woods this late at night?” said a weathered looking man with a chiseled looking face, smiling as he walked towards the woman—a fact made more intimidating by the scar slashing across his face. Was he a Buddhist monk from Honno-ji? The man in yellow and purple robes did not bring to mind any monks Mai knew from Honno-ji the first time it burned. His shakujo, a prayer staff with rings, shook with every step.

The Monk said, “I am called Kennyo and I am a traveling monk. Perhaps I can be of assistance to you?”

Mai’s attention flitted to him, "A kind offer, but I know these woods quite well.” Rings, RINGS! He fits the silhouette of the man I saw attack Oda-sama. Mai’s eyes narrowed as he took a long stride towards her only to put a hand softly on my shoulder.

Kennyo, squeezing her shoulder, said, “You should return home quickly; demons lurk in the woods at night.” His eyes - they were so strange and I chilled, his smile seemed friendly but cruel.

Mai responded, “No worries, I am going that way,” He smelled of soot. She wrinkled her nose before melting into the brush like she was made for the shadows.

Mai raced through the woods. Her path was as familiar as a fondly remembered dream, but she was as sure footed as she was fast. Quickly the sound of the windy cliff face reached her ears. So close to her second home. So close to the fox, she so recently could only speak in alleyways under the cover of dark. Then…

SLAM! “Watch it!”

Out of nowhere, a man grabbed her by the arm, yanking her backward. “Whoa!” She fell backwards onto the man, sending them both to the ground.

“Ouch!”

“Sorry!” A well built man with a handsome face was lying below like an unhappy cushion. Mai scooted off, kneeling at his side.

The man, dressed in red, looked startled, “Whoa, are you crazy? Don’t move!”

As she stood up, he did too, grabbing her from behind and pulling her against him. Wind came from a great depth and tugged at her hair. The cliff stretched downward as the endless sky overhead sparkled with the stars.

The man in red smiled in relief, “That was close.”

Mai stared into the vast night, stars were so much brighter here and now, she sighed out a “Gratefully, and what are you doing so close to a cliff?” She turned in his arms, the question was blunt as her gaze mere inches from his face.

The man’s face turned almost as red as his haori, “Uh…”

“Um?” Mai said.

The man in red began to reel back, away from the cliff “I don’t need thanks. Just give me some space, would you!”

“Right!,” Mai said, she would have continued to the cliff, but the man caught her arm once more.

“Not that way.” He pleaded with her.

“I’m just giving you some space.”

The man pulled closer to her, stabilizing on a young tree, “Well watch it. that rock is loose. Can’t you see that for yourself?”

Down the cliff is the quickest way to bearsace, Mai scoffed, knowing the route well, even if the path wasn’t clear to mortal eyes. “Look I understand your concern, alright? But I’m perfectly sure footed here.” She kicked the rock, it pinged off the rocks and tumbled down below. She took his hand before pushing through the brush to walk a narrow path between the drop and trees.

“Hey!,” the man let himself be pulled along, “I’m not mad at you, okay?“ He was smiling now, their hands interlocked.

"Good” Mai smirked at the awkward man. He was quite boyish in attitude as they walked together. They came upon a wider stretch of clearing with several people gathered.

A tall (Big, Giant, full head Taller than the one she held hands with) man in a brown haori and dull red kimono, with a massive sword bound in red, looked to them, “What’s this Yuki? We’ve been here ten minutes and you’ve already found yourself a woman?” He grinned as he approached ‘Yuki’ at the edge of the unforested path.

“Don’t tease me, Shingen-sama. She was about to dive off the cliff.” ‘Yuki’ responded, pushing Mai into the clearing.

Mai stumbled, “I knew where I was going much better than you bumbling fool.“

“Yeah? At night in the woods, you mean? What for?” ‘Yuki’ asked.

Mai sighed, “I was looking for a shortcut to my happy place…” (my cave, I just want to be in my cave!)

‘Shingen’ looked at her, “Hmm… Smoke from Honno-ji and a woman all alone at night. Perhaps you’re a ghost? Though you’re the most beautiful ghost I’ve ever seen.”

“Thanks,” Mai pulled a vine from her leg, ”A ghost would be an accurate description for me.”

The second person in the clearing made themself known, “Your ability to spew cheap pick up lines never ceases to amaze me.”

Shingen laughed, “I just call it like I see it, Uesugi.”

(Shingen and Uesugi. Weren’t they rivals?)

A masked man appeared beside Uesugi, “My lords, I have returned. Oda’s forces have extinguished the fires at Honno-ji.”

He seemed to have come through the surrounding thickets. Strangely his footsteps didn’t make a sound. (Dressed for camouflage and ease of movement with a close fitting layer that won’t rustle. It's been so long since I've been in a world with shinobi.)

“Thank you for your investigation, Sasuke. So, I presume Oda is still alive then?” Uesugi asked. 

Sasuke answered solemnly, “Yes.”

(They are not exactly celebrating that fact are they?)

Shingen responded grimly, “He’s got the devil’s luck.”

“Or he’s the devil.” Yuki added. 

The group gathered closer, their tones were hush and serious. It was clear that they don’t like Nobunaga, but they do take him seriously. Suddenly, the shinobi looked at Mai.

“You - ”

"Me?“

Uesugi looked over, “Yuki brought her. Do you know this woman?”

Sasuke blinked, no other emotions were readable on his face, “No. I was mistaken. Though I spotted a village on the way here. She must be from there. I’ll escort her home.”

“Moving quick aren’t you, Sasuke-kun?” Shingen moved towards Mai, ”Give the rest of us a chance, will you?”

Sasuke had already started encouraging her towards a break in the thicket, “Takeda-sama, please. You and the others should return to the city.“ Excusing himself, the shinobi took her hand as the two disappeared into the woods.

"Hold on, you’ve got it wrong. I’m not from a village or anywhere near here, I was going to hide in my cave for the time being- ”

Sasuke stopped to lean against a fallen tree, “I know. I’ve been expecting you. Wait, Cave?”

(What does he mean by that?)(What does she mean by that?)

(He’s been expecting me?) “Wait, wait,” He turned, ensuring they were deep enough in the dark woods. The shinobi then lowered his mask, “Do you recognize me now?”

“Uh, oh hey! You’re the med-school student at the Honno-ji monument!” Mai saw the resemblance to the med school student in green with the watch! The cloud burst, the lightning bolt, the shattering stone…  His watch, lab coat, and green shirt were gone, replaced by his shinobi attire.

Sasuke pulled a microfiber cloth from his person, cleaning his glasses absentmindedly, “Post graduate in physics not medicine. But I’m glad you remember me. That makes things easier. “

“I’m so glad I found you” Mai sat beside him, relieved,”…Why are you a shinobi?” Relief–gone.

“It’s easiest if I start from the beginning.” Sasuke put his glasses on, “I go by Sasuke Sarutobi and just like you I come from the present, or the future, rather.”

Sasuke slowly began to explain what had happened since the encounter at the stone monument.

“So your explanation,” Mai stumbled through the complicated physics, “is that lightning strikes cause spacetime to warp around us and sent us into the past?” It was… close to the rifts reality.

Sasuke responded, “Yes, that is a very simplified and condensed version of my theory. We entered the wormhole at the same time. However, I arrived four years prior to you. In that time I’ve learned that this Sengoku period, Japan’s civil war is different than the one we’re familiar with.”

Mai carefully listened to Sarutobi-san’s explanation. According to him—just like what had happened to Nobunaga and Mai, Sarutobi-san had arrived at the date of Uesugi Kenshin’s historical death. But Sarutobi-san’s quick thinking and knowledge of modern medicine had ensured Uesugi-sama’s survival.

Now he—like Oda-sama—was alive but they weren’t the only ones. Takeda Shingen (the tall flirt) on the cliffs was supposed to have died by this time too. In this strange place and time, he too was alive when he shouldn’t be.

What would Mai tell Bearsace, that she hadn’t protected the rift? That she might not be the witch he knew a day ago? Where was her present (past self)? “I can’t believe it. What am I going to do? What’s happening next?”

Sasuke didn’t seem to react to Mai panicking other than stroking her back, “To a degree. We’re in an alternate Sengoku period, not the one we know from school. Because of fluctuations in spacetime we’re in a divergent time - one in which history will take a different course.”

Mai slumped further. (He knows about the rifts, he knows about the rifts, he knows about the rifts, he knows far too much about the rifts!!!!!)

Sasuke continued, “I major in theoretical astrophysics at Kyoto University, specializing in wormholes and their potential for time travel. I’d conceived of a method for predicting the conditions for and patterns by which traversable wormholes manifested. That’s why I was at the stone monument that day. To verify my method.”

Sasuke had a smile in his voice, “I’ve been looking for you here, expecting you must have traveled back in time as I did. I hadn’t conceived of the possibility that you would arrive four years later.”

“Has it been hard?” It was surprising to Mai how emotionless he sounded. She remembered how Japan used to be, war-hardened, next to the kawaii scenic tourist location foreigners so romanticized in the twenty-first century. Mai quietly said, ”This is a war hell compared to the Japan you grew up in.”

Sasuke finally smiled, “I suppose you could say it’s a dream for me.  I get to see famous men and women of the Sengoku Period with my own eyes.”

“You’re strangely chipper about this.” Mai needs to get him home, probably now, and this was taking priority over discussing the properties of the rift with Bearsace after hearing how much history has changed.

Sasuke was happily talking now, “My parents were huge history buffs. I got my name from Sarutobi Sasuke-”

“Sarutobi Sasuke doesn’t exist. And I know that because I—hmm—Because I’m an actual historian.” He already knows about the rift—time travel—Mai considered just telling him about her being a witch.

Sasuke's face twitched, or lit up, “The legendary shinobi who served Sanada Yukimura. Because that Sasuke is fictional, I’ve taken his 'place’ in this time. That will let me keep my historical impact low.“

Mai fake laughed, ”Saving a dead man’s life isn’t low. And since when were you a shinobi, boy?” I was half joking. “Or is that something you picked up while you were here, Sarutobi-san?”

"I studied that here. It seemed useful to pick up a marketable vocation. Oh, please call me Sasuke.”

"Oh! I’m Mizusaki Mai. Mai is fine.” (We were each other’s only connection to home after all.From astrophysicist to shinobi. He’s frighteningly quick at adapting. I shook off my shock.)

Sasuke put out his hand. “Right now I’m employed with the men you saw earlier. Come with me. I promise I’ll find a way to return us both to the present.”

(Now would be the time to tell him I’m a witch.)

Mai was ready to take his hand when the sound of horses' hooves interrupted the silence.

[grailfinders]

Fate and Phantasms #299: Ibuki Douji

Today on Fate and Phantasms we are creating the great god of Mt. Ooe, Ibuki-Douji! In this build, she is a Rune Knight Fighter to properly appreciate her stature, as well as a Storm Sorcerer to make her a living force of nature. Ibuki almost hits as hard as the Orochi she can summon.

You can examine her character sheet here, or her build breakdown below the cut!

Next up: If I had a nickel for every snake-based goddess that made Rex feel funny I would have three nickels. That is not a lot, but it’s weird how it’s happened twice in a row.

Race and Background

We had quite a bit of trouble deciding on Ibuki-Douji’s race, which is an interesting experience for us. We decided against Tiefling because her skillset is more water-based than fire, and Aasimar was also in the running due to her godly origins. In the end, we went with Yuan-Ti Pureblood, specifically the version from Volo’s Guide to Monsters. She is famously friendly with the Orochi, and if you are going to build a god it pays to be a little overpowered. If the issue is forced, the more modern take on the race is also acceptable.

As a Yuan-Ti Pureblood, she gains +2 Charisma and +1 Strength thanks to Tasha’s customizable races. She also gains 60 feet of Darkvision, and her Innate Spellcasting lets her cast Poison Spray and Animal Friendship an unlimited amount per day, though the latter can only affect snakes. At third level you can also cast Suggestion once per day, and all these spells use your Charisma to cast. Speaking of spells, you have advantage on all saves against magic, and are immune to poison, both the damage type and the condition.

I admit we have not gotten far enough into Heian-Kyo to understand Ibuki’s exact point of origin, but our general understanding is Shuten is hiding out on her mountain and gained otherworldly power, and that would make her a Hermit, giving her proficiency in Medicine and Religion.

Ability Scores

Ibuki’s strongest point is, appropriately, her Strength. at a certain point she just throws away her sword entirely and starts beating people to death with a snake skeleton larger than most people. Definitely a “girlboss” moment. Very empowering. Second is her Charisma. She gains power from divinity, but specifically her own divinity. But not in the same way Divine Soul Sorcerers do, where their only mechanical identity is “Sorcerer with Healing”. Anyways, we’re getting off topic. Third is her Dexterity. She does not fight in a lot of armor. In fact, it would be more accurate to say she fights in no armor whatsoever. She barely fights in clothes. Her Constitution is also above average, as gods typically aren’t known for dying easily. This does mean her Wisdom is rather low, but she is easily influenced and can even become a berserker, so it is appropriate. Finally, we’re dumping Intelligence. From what I gather Shuten doesn’t like letting you out that often.

Class Levels

1. Fighter 1: at level one you get your Great Weapon Fighting Style, which means you can re-roll 1s and 2s on damage dice for two-handed weapons. we’ll be adding quite a few damage dice to your two-handed weapons by the time this build is done, so that’ll be super helpful. you also gain a Second Wind for a little bit of healing, as a treat.

you also get proficiency with Strength and Constitution saves for better concentration, Athletics to make you even stronger, and Intimidation because you’re literally a demon god. even if your charisma was dogwater you’d still be intimidating.

2. Fighter 2: second level fighters can use an Action Surge once per short rest for an extra action in a turn, no strings attached. this action can be used for multiple attacks, another levelled spell, literally anything you could fit in a normal action. it’s like Quickened Spell, but significantly better.

3. Fighter 3: at third level you get your martial archetype, Rune Knight. this lets you activate your Giant Might as a bonus action proficiency times per day, turning you into a Large creature for up to a minute if you have space. during that time you have advantage on strength checks and saves, and once a turn your weapon attacks deal an extra d6 of damage, like diet rage. this is how you go from your little babby form up to that Raita-drawn-twice-as-large-as-Guda form.

you also get the Rune Carver feat, letting you carve designs into a weapon or armor or piece of jewelry, y’know the kind of stuff you’d think would have runes on ‘em. you can put one of each kind you know on an item at the end of a long rest, and they stay magical until your next long rest, giving you passive buffs while carrying them around. you can also invoke runes- usually as a bonus action- once per short rest for an extra bonus. for example, the Fire Rune gives you double proficiency with tool checks, but the reason we’re taking it is its invocation. as part of the same action you hit someone with a weapon attack, you can invoke the fire rune to summon some burning snake heads to restrain them if they fail a strength save. this lasts a minute, and they take damage and can retake the save at the end of each of their turns.

our second rune right now is the Frost Rune, giving you advantage on Animal Handling and Intimidation checks. you were already good with snakes and good at scaring people, but now you’re better. you can invoke the rune for a +2 bonus on all strength and constitution checks. sadly, we can’t really invest too much into constitution as a gish, but we’ll do what we can.

4. Fighter 4: use your first Ability Score Improvement to bump up your Strength. you hit hard, it’s kind of your thing.

5. Fighter 5: speaking of hitting hard, now you do it twice as often with your Extra Attack each action.

6. Sorcerer 1: now that we’re set on physicality for a hot second, let’s pop over to Storm sorcerer. yeah yeah you’re a Wind Speaker, you know Primordial, but the real fun is Tempestuous Magic. if you plan on casting a levelled spell with your action, you can use your bonus action before or after it to fly up to ten feet away without provoking attacks. it’s a discount version of the little cloud thing she does.

and of course, if you’re gonna use Tempestuous Magic you’re gonna need some Spells to cast using your Charisma. for cantrips, pick up Booming Blade and Sword Burst to hit even harder than before, and grab Gust for even more windiness. Message is just always pretty useful, it’s your standard Chaldea communicator. for levelled spells, Mage Armor will help your low AC even when you’re not wearing much, and Fog Cloud completes the aesthetic of your magic. it gives you a big enough cloud to hide in that even your giant self can fit!

7. Sorcerer 2: at second level you become a Font of Magic, giving you sorcery points equal to your level at the end of each long rest. you can convert points to slots or slots to point, but you can’t have more points than you started with. they’ll get more interesting next level, I swear.

for your spell, grab Burning Hands for a little Orochi action right away. well, not right away, we’re at level 7. still, faster than the main spell we’re grabbing for Orochi.

8. Sorcerer 3: at third level of sorcerer you can use those sorcery points from earlier on Metamagic options, customizing your spells as you cast them. with Subtle spells, you can cast them without vocal or somatic components, so you can now cast spells while holding your big fuckoff swords. meanwhile an Extended spell has double the duration so you don’t burn through spell slots as fast.

if you’re still not strong, tough, or fast enough, grab Enhance Ability for advantage on one kind of ability check for up to a minute.

9. Sorcerer 4: use this next ASI to grab the Slasher feat to spice up your swords even more. that rounds up your Dexterity for a better AC. the feat also lets you reduce the speed of whatever you hit by 10 feet for a round, and your critical slashing hits force disadvantage on all their attacks that round.

for spells, grab blade ward to turn that diet rage into… zero sugar rage? i think? its still not 100% ragealicious, but it’s a lil closer with the damage resistances. also, dragon’s breath. when we summon orochi later it’ll already have fire breath, but now you can turn any snake into orochi!

10. sorcerer 5: fifth level sorcs can spend their points on magical guidance to re-roll a failed skill check. you can also cast third level spells like fly! now we’ve got a full-length flight for ya!

11. fighter 6: with the basics of magic covered, lets head back to fighter to make more heads roll! at level six you get another asi which we’re using to grab the great weapon master feat! now whenever you score a crit or kill a creature with a melee weapon, you can make a bonus action attack, and that’s not all! whenever you attack with a heavy weapon you can take a -5 hit to the attack roll for a +10 to the damage! dont wanna put too fine a point on this, but ibuki’s rlly good with a sword. or a snake corpse. that’s a heavy weapon, right?

12. fighter 7: at seventh level you get a runic shield, letting you protect your buddies as a reaction proficiency times a day! you can force whoever is attacking to re-roll the d20 and use the new roll.

speaking of runes, now that you’re level 7 u can use the hill rune! the normal stuff is just poison resistance, which doesn’t really help you, but you can invoke the rune for resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage for 1 minute! so now it’s a… low-cal rage? i think.

13. fighter 8: use this asi to bump up your constitution for more health and more concentration! the one downside of multiclassing with casters is their terrible hit dice.

14. fighter 9: ninth level fighters are indomitable, so now you can re-roll a failed saving throw once a day! use it wisely!

15. fighter 10: at tenth level, your great stature gives you up to a foot in extra height (ibuki be biiiig) and your deal an extra d8 of damage each turn instead of a d6! you also get another rune, and you might as well grab a storm rune. you get advantage on arcana checks and you can’t be surprised normally, and you can invoke it to get all godly for a minute- whenever you or another creature makes a check, save, or attack roll, you can react to give that roll advantage or disadvantage. things just go right for gods. mostly. sometimes. okay honestly being a god kinda sucks unless you’re monotheistic.

16. fighter 11: eleventh level fighters get another extra attack! now you got three attacks in an action, and up to 7 per turn! most people would kill for that kind of action economy, and you have!

17. sorcerer 6: a sixth level storm sorcerer knows the heart of the storm, giving you resistance to thunder and lightning damage. on top of that, any spells you cast that deal that damage makes you explode, dealing damage to creatures you wanna hurt nearby. we don’t use that a lot, but your dragony spells are pretty flexible, so we won’t tell if you won’t!

you’re also a storm guide, so you can stop the rain nearby or control the direction the wind is blowing. it’s mostly flavor, but it can be useful!

oh right, we don’t need much til level 20, so let’s grab thunder step for extra mobility and explosions. you teleport, you explode wherever you left and you can even explode where you’re going!

18. sorcerer 7: seventh level sorcerers get fourth level spells like storm sphere! i know your np probably isn’t totally literal, but now you can make a storm anyway, woo.

19. sorcerer 8: use your last asi to be a tough guy for 38 extra hp now and 2 more next level. like i said, sorcerers suck at not dying, so try to suck less.

annoyingly sorcerers can’t bestow curses, so we’re gonna grab vampiric touch for those unclean fingers of yours. you can make a melee attack against a creature, dealing necrotic damage if you hit and regaining half that in hp, then for a minute afterwards you can keep making attacks as an action.

20. sorcerer 9: our last level is for fifth level spells! with summon draconic spirit, you can make a dragon show up for up to an hour. orochi’s probably chromatic, but you can pick gem or metallic if you really want. it takes its turn right after yours, and you can command it without spending a bonus action or anything.

it’s only got 50 hp which is bad for level 20, but it’s flashy and it gives you resistance to whatever its breath weapon is.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

giant lady! well yeah, but more specifically giant lady with giant fucking sword. Great Weapon Master is a good feat, and while you don’t have a way to ensure you get advantage to take full. well, advantage. of it, good shit is still good shit. with seven attacks you can dish out 133 damage before we even account for any dice in your attacks. dice that you can re-roll for better damage thanks to Great Weapon Fighting.

you’ve also got a pretty solid defense. your AC’s nothing to write home about, but you’ve got resistances and immunities up the wazoo. you are either immune or resistant to poison, thunder, and lightning permanently, can get resistance to physical damage types for a decent amount of time per short rest, and if you know you’re going up against an element you’re not resisting yet, you can summon a dragon and just leave him out of the fight to get an element of your choice too.

you’re also great at being consistent in just about everything. you can give yourself advantage on an important attack, re-roll a failed skill check or save, can’t be surprised, and have advantage on most of the skills you focus on.

Cons:

your even if you’ve got defenses to get around it, having a bad AC is still rough. though you’re plenty strong enough to just grab platemail or something if you really want.

your spells aren’t strong since we didn’t touch on charisma that much, so sword burst, burning hands, and dragon’s breath aren’t the greatest options. a lot of your spells don’t care about charisma though, so it’s not a huge issue. and even when it is you can give them disadvantage on their saves…

…you’re too tall? yeah look this is a pretty good build, the only real downside is not packing your own hea- wait no you’ve got vampiric touch. yeah this sheer heart attack has no weaknesses.

[magic-hcs]

Alrighty I am here for a matchup if that's alright! (⁠｡⁠ŏ⁠﹏⁠ŏ⁠)

Appearance: adult cis woman, she/her, 178 cm tall (5'10"), slight hourglass shape. I'm white, freckled, and I have medium-ish dark brown hair. I have blue/green/gray eyes depending on who you ask and I wear glasses ✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

My style is very colorful, pastel femme, I wear a lot of jewellery, and I have a few piercings in my ears (4 in one ear, 2 in the other).

Likes: all animals, colors, musicals, romance (I love love), cuddles and hugs, baking (don't do it enough to be considered a hobby), math! Also emojis, they help me show what I'm feeling so I don't sound rude over text, though that might just be my anxiety thinking that, haha!

Dislikes: spiders, loud noises, crowds (I get overwhelmed •́⁠ ‿⁠ ⁠,⁠•̀ )

Hobbies: sewing, drawing, reading, fitness, crochet, DIYing in general.

Personality: I'm generally optimistic and light-hearted, though I tend to speak before I think.

I'm not very self confident, the only thing about me that I'm truly confident about is my ability to sew. My only flex in life is that my eye measurements are accurate to the milimeter ᕦ⁠༼; ل͜ ;༽⁠ᕤ

I'm a bit awkward and apologetic, as I get very anxious about being too much or being annoying, and I don't wanna be in the way, so I apologize and say thank you a lot.

I'm pretty sensitive, and I can't read people or situations very well, and I get very overwhelmed by crowds and a lot of impressions at once. I'm also honest, sometimes a bit too honest, but I do try to phrase it kindly! If someone were to ask me the cliché "do I look bad in this?", and I think they could look better, I tell them just that. It's gotten me into trouble before haha,,,

When I'm focused, or excited/happy, I tend to make little noises and flap my arms OR hum songs I'm listening to atm, but I try not to in public for obvious reasons lol (⁠＾⁠∇⁠＾⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠♪

I get very flustered and a bit stuttery when talking to people I like (at first, that is), but I swear to god I'm trying my best in life, I'm only a very slight trainwreck!

Also, my love language is physical touch and quality time if that helps! (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠❤

Oh! And I don't mind multiple matches or poly at all, it's all good, though I do see the Tale, Fell and Horror Papyruses as friends or brother figures, so I'd love it if I didn't get matched with any of those babbis romantically.

Sorry it got so long, and thank you so so much! (⁠*⁠＾⁠3⁠＾⁠)⁠/⁠～⁠♡

Of course it’s alright! Thank you for being patient. I hope you’ll like it and are comfortable with this boy you can also see it as platonic.

Matchups are closed!

~~matching…~~matching~….~matching~~…~DING~

You match with Thatch!

✨✨

(HF Papyrus) Thatch:

First off, you have to crane your neck to look up to him. Thatch is a whopping 250 cm tall boy.

We're gonna assume you guys meet when Thatch has been on the surface for over a decade so he’ll have gotten some help and is on a semi steady road of healing and recovery because this boy went through worse than hell.

Thatch likes your bright colors, it’s a subtle reminder that it is safe enough to afford being able to make yourself more colorful. He’ll end up donning some brighter colors like yellows and soft reds.

Thatch isn’t used to touch (touch starved boy alert) but hugs and the like aren’t unwelcome in the least, he just tenses up and flinches slightly when it happens before relaxing into them. He finds your use of emojis in texts to show what you’re feeling very endearing. Thatch finds himself smiling softly often at the emojis you send.

Thatch needs some positivity in his life so your optimism is very appreciated. He doesn’t mind your talk before thinking thing.

Thatch doesn’t like crowds either and it’s good that you’re honest. He has a dislike for people who sugarcoat stuff and hide behind a mask of politeness.

He thinks you excited flaps and noises are absolutely darling. At first he thought you were so stuttery because you were intimidated by him. But when he found out it was because you liked him it was his turn to be shy.

✨✨

I hope you enjoyed!

[pathos-logical]

[ID: an animated GIF that reads "Tumblr 2022 My Year In Review", and shows a variety of moving stickers including the anon profile picture, grabs, stars, hearts, the plinko horse, the reblog symbol, and the tumblr symbol. It looks like a page out of highschool sketchbook. End ID.] (ID by @thetragicallynerdy <3)

I posted 7,770 times in 2022

118 posts created (2%)

7,652 posts reblogged (98%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@tmoblrina

@pathos-logical

@carfuckerlynch

@generic-internet-name

@three-magpies-in-a-trenchcoat

I tagged 6,482 of my posts in 2022

Only 17% of my posts had no tags

#described - 2,771 posts

#that's my queue - 1,032 posts

#described by me - 809 posts

#storytime - 675 posts

#unreality - 273 posts

#tumblr - 263 posts

#to watch later - 242 posts

#mutualsposting - 226 posts

#lovecore - 213 posts

#tropes - 184 posts

Longest Tag: 135 characters

#i didn't see a post like this earlier and didn't have time to say it myself but happy diwali to all who celebrate i love you 💜🪔🌟🕯💛

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

who needs IDs, how do they help and why are they used? i've always been curious, i mean no harm by asking, so sorry if this is rude

Not rude at all anon, I'm so glad you asked!! Image descriptions are accessibility aids for vision-impaired folks and anyone who may have issues parsing an image (ex: an autistic person unable to comprehend a visually busy art piece). For people who can't see an image for any reason, IDs provide a way to understand what's on screen, whether it's a meme or tweet or art. For example, a blind person using a screen reader (a device that reads text out loud) wouldn't know what an undescribed all-image post was talking about, but with an ID they could know it's a tweet and then a meme mocking it

IDs can look abstruse and intimidating when you're unfamiliar with them, but I promise they're not! The simplest step to making your blog more accessible is scanning the notes of a post to find a comment with an ID and reblogging that version of the post instead! If you're interested in learning how to write your own IDs, I really love this post as a resource, plus the amazing People's Accessibility Server if you have questions or want to request descriptions! I'd also like to plug my pinned post, which has a link to a doc with templates for a ton of memes so you can describe posts yourself!

I hope this wasn't too much text and that your question was answered clearly, anon! Please feel free to go through my "image descriptions" and "accessibility" tags for more info!

115 notes - Posted October 13, 2022

#4

Copying tags in accessible ways on mobile

(Large text: Copying tags in accessible ways on mobile)

People screenshot tags all the time, whether to share a funny joke or add important commentary, but they often don't realize that this is inaccessible to vision-impaired people and many others. This is a problem because a lot of people primarily use Tumblr on the mobile app, which doesn't let you interact with tags at all unless you screenshot them. However, accessibility is always worth the extra time and effort you can spare, so here are some ways for you to easily copy tags without spending too much of either!

Image-to-text softwares

(Large text: Image-to-text softwares)

If you simply must screenshot those tags, you can still convert them back into usable text! There are plenty of easy-to-use websites that allow you to take any downloaded image and extract the text from them. I prefer onlineocr.net, but the Google Translate app has the same feature! All you need to do is input the image and hit the button, and it'll spit out the text for you to copy. This method is fantastic for images with lots of text, not to mention it's easy to do and generally accurate, and I use it all the time to great effect!

Going to browser

(Large text: Going to browser)

If you're on mobile, it's probably a safe bet to say that your phone also has a browser app. If so, all you need to do to copy the tags from a post is copy the link of said post into a browser and then copy the tags from there. This method can mean extra formatting, since hashtags and links won't copy over, but it's relatively low-effort to do and doesn't take long at all!

Going on PC

(Large text: Going on PC)

If you're on mobile, you can also consider saving the post with desired tags to your drafts. This means you can easily access it on another device, aka a computer, and copy the tags there! Copying tags on desktop is possibly the easiest way to do it, since all you need to do is highlight the text and paste it later- it'll even save the link formatting when you do! The only extra step you might have to do is add spaces between the tags, since they'll automatically come smushed together and only separated by hashtags. This method might mean you take a little longer to reblog the tags, but it is very much worth it to make the post accessible to all!

Going forth

(Large text: Going forth)

These methods are a smidgen more effort than just screenshotting or prev tagging, but I don't think it's a bad tradeoff at all! I hope this can provide quick and easy ways for everyone to get more used to thinking more conscientiously about accessibility. And these aren't your only options- alt text helps people who use screenreaders, and you should always add an image description below screenshots if you're going to add them. Hope this helps!

TL;DR: Instead of screenshotting tags, which makes them inaccessible, other options are: using image-to-text software, copying the tags on a mobile browser, or copying them on desktop Tumblr.

290 notes - Posted January 5, 2022

#3

Gif makers will be like "how can I fit as many inaccessible font options as exist on planet earth into one three-word movie title"

413 notes - Posted June 28, 2022

#2

How to Keep Doing Descriptions (from someone who does a fuckton)

Plain text: How to Keep Doing Descriptions (from someone who does a fuckton)

This is a list aimed mostly at helping people who already write IDs; for guides at learning how to do them yourself, check my accessibility and image description tags! I write this with close to two years of experience with IDs and chronic pain :)

Get used to writing some IDs by using both your phone and your computer, if you can! I find it easier to type long-form on my laptop, so I set up videos and long comics on my phone, which I then prop up against my laptop screen so I can easily reference the post without constantly scrolling or turning my head

I will never stop plugging onlineocr.net. I use it to ID six-word tags, screenshots of posts, and even comic dialogue! On that last note, convertcase.net can convert text between all-caps, lowercase, sentence case, and title case, which is super helpful

Limit the number of drafts/posts-to-be-described you save. No, seriously. I never go above 10 undescribed drafts on any of my four blogs. It doesn’t have to be that low, but this has done wonders (italics: wonders) for my productivity and willingness to write IDs. If I ever get above that limit, even if it’s two or three more, I immediately either describe the lowest-effort post or purge some, and if I can't do that then I stop saving things to drafts no matter what. No exceptions! Sticking to this will make your life so much easier and less stressful

My pinned post has a link to a community doc of meme description templates!

Ask! For! Help! Please welcome to the stage the People’s Accessibility Server! It’s full of lovely people and organized into channels where you can request/volunteer descriptions and ask/answer questions

I make great use of voice-to-text and glide typing on my phone to save my hands some effort!

Something is always better than nothing!!! A short two-sentence or one-sentence ID is better than no ID at all. Take it easy :)

If you feel guilty about being unable to reblog amazing but undescribed art, try getting into the habit of replying to OP’s post to let them know you liked it! This makes me feel less pressured to ID absolutely everything I see

I frequently find myself looking at pieces of art which feel like they need to be considered for a bit before I can write an ID for them, and those usually get thrown into drafts, where the dread for writing a comprehensive ID just builds. Don’t do that! Instead, try just staying in the reblog field for a bit and focus on the most relevant aspects of the piece. Marinate on them for a little; don’t rush, but don’t spend more than a handful of seconds either. I find after that the art becomes way easier to describe than it initially seemed!

On that note, look for shortcuts that make IDs less taxing for you to do! For example, I only ever describe clothes in art if they're relevant to the piece; not doing that every time saves a lot of time and energy for me personally

Building off of that, consider excusing yourself from a particular kind of ID if you want to. Give yourself a free pass for 4chan posts, or fanart by an artist who does really good but really complex comics, whatever. Let it be someone else's responsibility and feel twice as proud about the work that you can now allot more energy to!

As always, make an effort to find and follow fellow describers! It’s always encouraging to get described posts on your dash, and I find that sometimes I'm happier to ID an undescribed post when the person who put it on my dash is a friend who tagged it with "no ID"

TL;DR: To make ID-writing less stressful and more low-effort, use different devices and software like onlineocr.net and voice-to-text, limit the amount of work you expect yourself to do, and reach out to artists and other describers!

442 notes - Posted November 8, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

[ID: A cropped screenshot of two crabs on the tumblr dashboard. They are right next to each other and both say “love <3.” End ID]

PEACE AND LOVE ON PLANET EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Plain text: Peace and love on planet earth!!!!)

821 notes - Posted April 1, 2022

Get your Tumblr Year in Review 2022 ->

[238ent]

Best Camera For Filming

Are you an aspiring videographer or filmmaker looking to start your video production career with a low-cost, user-friendly camera? With so many specifications and features, selecting the correct camera might be overwhelming. As an independent filmmaker, I am aware of the difficulties. Thus, we've got you covered with our top 10 beginner video camera list.

This article will streamline the process, assisting those just starting or looking to boost their game with the best beginner camera for photography and videography.

Part 1: How Do I Choose a Video Camera?

Anyone who wants to get into filmmaking must first make a beginner camera for videography selection. The selection process might be intimidating, given the number of options on the market. Take into account the following significant criteria to make an informed choice:

1. Identify Your Need

Before anything else, decide your primary use for the camera. Are you preparing to record interviews, trip videos, sports footage, or other types of videography? The kind of camera you should think about will be greatly influenced by the use you have in mind.

2. Camera Types

There are several distinct types of video cameras, each of which caters to varied demands and levels of expertise:

Camcorders: These are easy to use and small, making them great for beginners. They are great for filming events, interviews, and family films and have built-in lenses and simple controls.

DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras: These adaptable models are preferred by filmmakers and videographers. They enable interchangeable lenses, giving you more artistic control over your photographs. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have great image quality and work well with many different types of filming.

Action Cameras: If you enjoy documenting sports or adventure, action cameras like the GoPro are small, tough, and built to resist harsh environments. They are ideal for capturing fast-paced events.

Cinema cameras: These are more expensive and sophisticated options frequently utilized in professional filmmaking. They offer superb image quality, exact controls, and many customizing options. Consider them if you're serious about making films.

3. Resolution

The quality of the video is essential. Aim for at least 1080p (Full HD) resolution for high-quality videos. Many current cameras provide 4K (Ultra HD) or even 8K possibilities for more clarity and detail. Your budget and the planned usage of your footage will influence your decision. Note that greater resolutions could necessitate more processing power and storage space.

4. Budget

Set up a feasible budget before hitting the market. Knowing your budgetary limitations can help you narrow down your alternatives because video cameras come in a wide range of prices. There are affordable cameras with good video quality suited for amateurs and high-end devices that offer unique features.

So, for selecting the best beginner camera for photography and videography, you must carefully evaluate your requirements, financial constraints, and desired features. You'll be well on your way to producing stunning videos that reflect your creativity once you have a good starter camera for video.

Part 2: What is the Best Video Camera for Beginners?

Here is a list of the best video cameras for beginners. We advise you to look into our list in detail and research their reviews before purchasing any.

2. OBSBOT Tail Air - Best Video Camera for Live Shows and Live Streaming

With advanced features such as 4K resolution, AI-powered tracking, and seamless connectivity, the Tail Air elevates the live streaming experience, ensuring each frame is a masterpiece. Whether it's concerts, events, or live broadcasts, this camera redefines visual storytelling, making every live moment unforgettable

Key Features:

Amazing recording via 2μm pixel size, 4K UHD resolution, and iconic low-light shooting.

Track humans, animals, and objects accurately at high speed, encounter obstacles, long-range, and steady in low light with AI tracking.

OBSBOT Tail Air supports NDI|HX3, enabling superior quality, and low-latency live streaming, even in bandwidth-limited environments. This feature ensures high-quality, low-latency streaming, optimizing performance even under constrained network bandwidth.

The OBSBOT Tail Air provides exclusive software support during real-time video streaming and recording, with multiple connection options like NDI, WiFi, Micro-HDMI, and USB-C.

The Gesture Control 2.0 helps lock/unlock the target, zoom in/out, start/stop recording, and dynamic zoom in/out.

The accessories of Tail Air, like a smart remote controller, 360-degree rotation base, USB-C adapter, and ND filters provide additional support during recording.

Price: $499

2. OBSBOT Me+Smartphone - Cheapest and Efficient Choice

OBSBOT Me ensures you never miss a beat with 120 minutes of continuous operation on a full battery. Whether you're vlogging, filming, or holding conference calls, its endurance will not fail you. OBSBOT Me, specializing in tracking, allows you to free up your hands and concentrate on your creativity in contrast to hand-held gimbals. You may use it with a powerful device like the iPhone 14 Pro or the newly launched iPhone 15 to create material that will soar to new heights. Every video created with OBSBOT Me is a work of creativity, every phone call is a business discussion, and every opportunity is a chance to shine.

Key Features:

It works seamlessly with top-tier smartphones like the iPhone 14 Pro and others.

Pocket-friendly and efficient.

It operates seamlessly with its built-in wide-angle camera and AI image processor.

No complicated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections are required; simply clip your phone in, and you're ready.

Its outstanding human tracking capabilities are one of its most distinctive characteristics.

It effortlessly keeps you in the spotlight and simplifies creating content.

Price: $129

3. Panasonic Lumix G100 - Beginner Video Camera for Photos and Videos

Its intelligent auto mode is for perfect shots and the manual modes are for honing your skills. The Micro Four Thirds system is compatible with all LUMIX lenses, making it ideal for any adventure. You can unleash your creative potential with the Panasonic LUMIX G100, an advanced and the best entry-level video camera with more features than your smartphone. The LUMIX G100 is your adaptable companion whether you're documenting memories, producing content, or participating in online communication. The LUMIX G100 was created for one-handed Recording, ensuring that your photography and videography endeavors are high-quality, simple, and practical.

Key Features:

Captures 4K 24p/30p video with advanced audio quality.

Seamlessly connect the G100 for crisp, bright, professional web calls, live streams, interviews, and media presentations.

Features frame markers for social media aspect ratios, facial recognition, blur-free dual image stabilization, and V-Log

Easily upload content to your smartphone.

Advanced 360-degree sound with tracking audio auto-adjusts to record crystal-clear sound.

The Lumix G100 is lightweight and thus user-friendly for quick videos and shots anywhere.

Price: $497.99

4. Nikon D3500 - Best DSLR Video Camera for Beginners

Nikon D3500 is a good beginner camera for video that goes beyond capturing moments; it preserves the emotions and stories that make them unforgettable. The D3500 doesn't let you miss a beat. It's fast, responsive, and incredibly user-friendly. No more fumbling with controls—just point, shoot, and share your fantastic photos effortlessly. Whether you're a photography novice or a seasoned pro, the D3500 welcomes all with open arms.

Key Features:

Its Auto Mode ensures remarkable results in various conditions.

It's fast, responsive, and incredibly user-friendly. No more fumbling with controls—just point, shoot, and share your fantastic photos effortlessly.

It fits perfectly in your hands. It's lightweight and balanced, even with telephoto lenses.

Nikon's SnapBridge app bridges the gap between your camera and your smartphone or tablet.

Larger image sensor, providing sharper, richer photos with intricate details.

Although expensive, the D3500 from Nikon makes an excellent buy for new videographers.

Price: $649.95

5. Insta360 X3 - Best Video Camera for Travel

The Insta360 X3 is not just an action camera; it's a creative powerhouse that empowers you to capture moments like never before. With features like Me Mode and Invisible Selfie Stick, it's your ticket to redefining action cam excellence. The X3's advanced stabilization technology smooths your videos even on bumpy trails and turbulent waters. With many cutting-edge features, this beginner videography camera empowers your creativity and delivers unmatched performance.

Key Features:

Experience epic slow-motion videos in Me Mode at 60fp.

Capture impossible third-person perspectives and aerial angles, creating stunning visuals that rival a 360-action cam without requiring a drone.

360° Horizon Lock: Take action cam stabilization to the next level; no matter how extreme your adventures, your videos stay level with this innovative feature.

Create breath-taking 360° timelapse videos in stunning 8K quality.

Price: $516.99

6. GoPro Hero 11 - Best Video Camera for Sports

With the innovative action camera GoPro HERO11 Black, you can unleash your inner explorer and up your content creation game. You can produce cinematic masterpieces that will wow your audience using the GoPro HERO11 Black. This best starter camera for videography goes beyond simply recording memories.

Key Features:

It offers stunningly immersive footage and photographs.

Shoot in impressive 5.3K60 and 2.7K240 video resolutions.

Its built-in Horizon Lock feature guarantees level footage at all times.

Night Effects allows you to explore creative possibilities after dark.

Easy cloud upload and highlight videos

Built tough and waterproof up to 33ft, the HERO11 Black is ready to accompany you on any adventure, from underwater excursions to extreme sports.

Price: $349.99

7. Fujifilm X-T30 II - Best Mirrorless Starter Video Camera

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is the best beginner camera for photography and videography, offering a rich array of features to elevate your creative pursuits. Its blend of advanced technology and user-friendly design empowers you to capture stunning visuals and high-quality videos effortlessly. The Fujifilm X-T30 II combines exceptional imaging capabilities with user-centric features, making it the perfect choice for photographers and videographers seeking versatility and top-notch performance.

Key Features:

Live adjustments on the EVF and LCD touchscreen make it easy to create and save presets.

Advanced autofocus with densely arranged phase detection pixels and lightning-fast algorithm.

High-resolution 4K footage oversampled shot from a 6K signal.

Supports DCI format for a cinematic look.

18 Film Simulations, including ETERNA/CINEMA, to infuse your footage with distinct looks.

Seamlessly connect your smartphone or tablet with the FUJIFILM Camera Remote App.

Price: $899

8. Sony ZV-1 -Best Entry Level Video Camera for Vlog

The Sony ZV-1 is your ultimate companion for crafting exceptional selfies and vlog content. Every aspect of its design focuses on empowering you to create inspirational videos effortlessly. The Sony ZV-1 is more than just a camera; it's a content creation tool that caters to your every need, ensuring that you can focus on what matters most—producing outstanding videos and captivating your audience.

Key Features:

The vari-angle LCD touchscreen is an excellent add-on to this best entry-level video camera.

Optimized grip for conventional shooting and stability for vlogging or selfies, reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions.

Compatible with the Sony Bluetooth wireless shooting grip GP-VPT2BT, the ZV-1.

It allows cable-free control over Zoom, Recording, and more. It can also transform into a mini-tripod for hands-free stability.

Capture pro-quality images and videos, even in challenging conditions like night views from high-rise buildings.

Streamline your content-sharing process, making it quick and hassle-free.

Price: $648

9. Sony ZV-E10 – Best Budget Video Camera for YouTube

The Sony ZV-E10 is the ultimate companion for creative vloggers seeking an artistic edge. This interchangeable lens camera covers the technicalities, allowing you to focus on your content. The Sony ZV-E10 is your ticket to a vlogging experience that's hassle-free and elevates your content to a professional level. Whether you're a seasoned vlogger or just starting, this camera has everything you need to make your vlogs stand out.

Key Features:

Interchangeable lenses enable you to capture the perfect shot for every moment.

It has a high-resolution sensor.

Directional 3-capsule mic: delivering clear and directional sound.

With a large APS-C sensor, it's your ticket to professional-quality vlogs without the hassle.

A wide ISO range option for both photos and videos.

Capture more with approximately 440 shots on a single charge.

Price: $698

10. Canon Vixia HF G50 - Beginner Camcorder for Videography

The Canon Vixia HF G50 is your best bet in capturing cinematic-quality videos effortlessly. Whether you are a seasoned pro or an aspiring filmmaker, this camcorder delivers the tools you need to bring your creative vision to life. Packed with cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features, this best camera for beginner videography helps capture stunning moments with unparalleled clarity.

Key Features:

4K UHD 30p Recording

Full HD image quality, ensuring your videos stand out.

Intelligent 5-axis image stabilization mode keeps your shots steady, even at long focal lengths.

8-bladed circular aperture for creating stunning background blur with circularly blurred points of light.

Price: $1599.99

Part 3: FAQs about Video Cameras for Beginners

Q1. What cameras are best for recording videos?

The best cameras for recording videos depend on your specific needs. For beginners, options like the Tail Air, Canon Vixia HF G50, Sony ZV-1, or Panasonic Lumix G100 offer excellent video quality and user-friendly features. Advanced users might prefer DSLRs or mirrorless cameras like the Fujifilm X-T30 II.

Conclusion

Q2. Should I buy an expensive camera as a beginner?

It's not necessary to buy an expensive camera as a beginner. There are affordable options with impressive video quality that cater to newcomers. Start with a camera that suits your budget and gradually upgrade as you gain experience and specific needs.

Q3. How much should you spend on a beginner camera?

The amount you should spend on a beginner camera depends on your budget and goals. The best entry-level video camera can cost anywhere from $200 to $800, offering good value for beginners. Consider factors like resolution, features, and the type of videography you plan to pursue when determining your budget.

Thus, if you are on your path to becoming a filmmaker, choosing the best starter video camera is an essential first step. Finding the ideal balance between your needs and desired qualities is key. There is a camera on our list for everyone, whether you enjoy vlogging, sports videos, trip documentaries, or working as a professional filmmaker. If you are looking for the best video camera for beginners on a budget, we suggest you use the Tail Air or the OBSBOT Me and use it with your existing smartphone.

[thewisemankey]

Let's Talk about Netflix's One Piece.

So I, as a One Piece fanatic, wanted to take the time to put out all my thoughts onto Netflix and their live adaptation of One Piece. There's OBVIOUSLY spoilers for the show as well as the original manga/anime so it's all going under a cut. So spoilers for those who haven't watched this first season at LEAST. Now that formalities are out of the way...

I'll admit, I had my share of doubts and fears about there being a live-action adaptation of a series that I've followed for nearly 20 years and are so passionate about because of how it's helped me grow as a person. Especially when Netflix failed SO VERY HARD on other attempts with Cowboy Bebop and Death Note.

Over time though, with all the announcements, reveals, trailers as they came...I actually became optimistic and hopeful. Not JUST because of how involved Oda was, but I can tell this wasn't just another live-action adaptation for the flippin' SAKE of doing it. The more I heard from the cast and crew, the more I could tell this was a real passion project. So buying into the hype, I had to put past grievances behind and give this a chance to support it in hopes that it would be worth the time.

And by golly, even with high expectations, they managed to succeed in ways I didn't even imagine.

Going into it, I knew this wouldn't be a completely 100% accurate telling of the East Blue saga. Fitting 100 Chapters worth of story into 8 episodes would be difficult for ANYONE. But they managed to pull it off in their own unique way that would satisfy OP vets like me and newcomers alike.

There definitely were some surprises, of course. Like the fact some characters who someone like me KNOWS are still alive ended up dead. Nobody who's especially IMPORTANT but still an odd call here and there. Then there was the fact Usopp and Kaya actually KISS here! Like WHOA, that's not happened in the manga/anime! (Maybe not yet, but it could! At the end of the series...? Perhaps it was a confirmation that it would once we get to that point. Who knows.)

Casting was definitely on point. For pretty much everyone, really. Even with guys like Lucky Roux and Patty having a different skin color for this, they played the parts well enough for little changes like that to not matter.

If there's one thing that I would call into question however is letting loose the bomb about Garp being Luffy's grandfather so soon. Something that doesn't get revealed until nearly halfway into the series. That was pretty much a damn big deal when that secret blew the roof off of several houses. We sure people new to all things One Piece who may potentially start digging into the original manga/anime wanna know this so soon? Then again, that wasn't THE bomb that dropped when Garp's identity was revealed at the time. Hopefully we don't go TOO fast with secrets in future seasons.

Maybe there were a few lines spoken here or there that were cringe, but not like I was watching the god damn 4Kids dub all over again. Just had to remember that if there was anything odd or different about anything at all, Oda himself oversaw this and if he approved it, we all gotta approve it, too. And I can live with that.

All in all really, it warms me up knowing this adaptation has been so successful the world over and could potentially what leads to more people giving the manga/anime a chance when they're intimidated by the 1000 chapter/episode length. They can see what they've been missing, if they can't wait for Season 2.

And hopefully there WILL be a Season 2. Gonna need the most important character in my life to show herself. If you know me, you know who it is, especially if it ends up going into Baroque Works territory.

That said, let's set sail and get ready for the next adventure, for ALL things One Piece.

[hungrydolphin91]

Thank you SO much for this response, it honestly made me smile and laugh so much when I really needed it--- like 2 hours after I answered yours, my dog got really, really sick, and I basically spent the rest of the day in an anxious depressed fugue. Terrible timing, right after posting an ask game 😓

But like I said your response was such a delight to read, so I want to break it down with the truth--- not correcting, I just wanna tell you all about it really because you know we both love infodumping 😁

So first up is Piers, the dark type gym leader from Pokemon Sword and Shield (the very first dark type gym leader actually, it took them 8 generations). He is most certainly emo and sleep-deprived, and almost a poor little meow meow, except he's not really misunderstood--- everyone in his town knows and loves him, because he's a super nice guy. He's the embodiment of the actual definition of punk, the kind of person that looks out for the little guy because he came from humble origins himself. It's been a while since I played Shield but I remember this guy being so geniunely outspoken yet respectful. He's such a chill dude, I think he has a lot of fans irl too.

Also, I am delighted to tell you that he not only listens to rock, he is in fact the lead singer of a rock band (love that you named him Bowie it fits 😂). And he loves and supports his younger sister, who is an idol so popular that her fans literally are the 'evil' team for that region, Team Yell 😂 They mostly just make a lot of noise and cause problems by accident.

Lastly I appreciate your stabs at making pokemon names, they're as valid as the official ones 😁 That fluffy friend is Obstagoon, evolving from Galarian Linoone--- I used one of these when I played Shield! It definitely has aspects of skunk and hyena in its design, but I think it's primarily based on European badgers (do you have those in Australia? The North American ones look different.)

Next gym leader is Whitney from Johto, originating in Gen II. She does look like Misty doesn't she, they both have tomboyish vibes (Misty has sisters in the anime, and I think they even take over her gym duties while shes off traveling so you're guess isnt far off the mark). You guessed right that Whitney is a normal type leader, and that she likes cute pokemon! Also I need to point out the delightful coincidence that you used the word 'scrappy' to describe her--- it's entirely accurate, but Scrappy also just so happens to be the name of an uncommon pokemon ability that--- you guessed it--- her cow has. What are the odds???

I mostly included her in this list so I could share one fun fandom misery about her: this girl and her cow are TOUGH! If you know what you're up against it's not so bad, but for new players and kids not expecting a difficulty spike so early in the game, Whitney and her Miltank (I like Milkmin better btw) will stomp and rollout your team so fast. But since she's so powerful she's also a bit of a sore loser, she cries if you beat her. I think she does call you baka in the Japanese games 😂

And our last mysterious man is the dragon tamer Lance, the Champion(ish) of Kanto, the very first gen! (technically your rival is the champion, but Lance was the Champion before he lost to the rival). He comes across as more stern and intimidating in those early games before the remakes, which you kinda need to be if you're going to command a full team of dragons (though literally only 3 of his mons are dragon type, but it's not really his fault since there was only one dragon type evolution line in gen I).

I loved seeing you call Dragonite Not-Charizard 😂 especially since Lance also has a Charizard, it's just not his signature mon. Dragonite is so cute and friendly, the official art always has it waving like that it's adorable 🧡

Fortunately for Dragonite, Lance is not an evil guy (but he is in the Pokemon Adventures manga, which is not affiliated with the games but still official. Evil!Lance has healing powers and can talk to pokemon, which is not a thing in canon except for N but that's another story). Lance is actually a pretty good guy in Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal (Johto, where Whitney's from) where he helps the protagonist infiltrate a criminal hideout. I always thought that was a cool part of those games, first time in the series having a powerful NPC battle alongside you, and then you get to challenge him later as the Champion again. I have no idea if Piers and Lance ever interacted in some spinoff like Pokemon Masters, I hope so. I can't imagine Lance would care much for Pier's taste in music 😂

Aaaaaand that about wraps it up! Sorry it's so long, there's so much context to explain to a newcomer to the franchise and I find it very very fun to go off on tangents as you know 😅 feel free to leave me an essay on each of the persona characters as payback, I'll read it happily 😄 and thanks again for the ask!! Really made my day 💜

ok, as promised here's some pokemon gym leaders (and one Champion) for you to tell me about, plus their signature pokemon! if you recognize one or more of them that's fine, mixing the truth in makes for a better story 😁

(I may send another batch later with characters from another franchise huhuhu)

The ask games begin :3. I might not match your levels of hilarity BUT i will try my best~ (god bless our drunk-on-serotonin, 2am ideas) 1. On first impressions god this is the biggest emo, sleep-deprived edgelord I've had the pleasure of witnessing ^^ he probably must listen to prog rock in his free time too. He's either going to be horrible to the protagonist or terribly misunderstood; personally I want to root for this poor little meow meow and go terribly misunderstood. He lost too many pokemon battles as a kid and was bullied and now he is jaded </3. Which is why he has the big fluffy guy next to him! For emotional support cuddles! They are besties for life :D I think Mr. Trainer here should be called Bowie. As for his pokemon, it looks like either a hyena or a skunk to me. It's probably called a grimyena or something (sorry Dolphin ily) 2. She looks like Misty! But distinctly not </3. So, I propose this is Misty's sister, Stacey, who moved abroad on her own quest to become a pokemon champion :D. Judging by her friend, she likes all the cute pokemon, but probably also the normal types by the looks of it. A basic teenage girl, for the most part, scrappy and positive and probably all to eager to yell baka at any male teenage boys that challenge her. Her pokemon is distinctly a cow, I think Milkmin is fitting :) 3. He doesn't look very nice :(. Very stern and strict and probably scoffs at those with a very undeveloped team. It's clear he takes a lot of pride in what he does. However that is NOT a real charizard that I spot. It soft and round and actually cute, with a happy smile (he does all the smiling for the trainer, like a personal butler). But I was so frustrated with not being able to name what the not-charizard was that I just had to find out. It's a dragonite! I hope you are treated well and not abused by your (possibly evil) master, who I am deeming Mr. Rockfort. I hope Rockfort and Bowie get to go at it one day, I think that would be funny :3 Anyways here you go friend! I completed your challenge :D (with a guaranteed 16% accuracy I know it) Hope you enjoyed reading <3

[jmdbjk]

Artemis and Apollo

I was working on a post about my thoughts on the relationships between Jimin, Jungkook and Tae before the Tailor of Chaos made his appearance and wrecked my brain. I had a lot written and was trying to edit it down so it wouldn’t be a several-chapter-long study about each of those three’s personalities and why I think they do what they do. I’ll get back to it later maybe.

So I am putting that aside in order to delve into these concepts of Jimin’s. I have to admit, it is intimidating how he comes up with these ideas. I have a lot of thoughts about all this and I am trying to put some order to it but the key word in all of it truly is chaos. The more I see, the more I am in awe and the more confused I am trying to reconcile all the various versions of Jimin.

I am thinking about all the years we had cutie sexy lovely Jimin and Mochi and Chimmie. I am wondering in his WeLive last week when he mentioned that he did some self-reflecting on why he cut his hair short in April (if that translation is indeed accurate and that IS what he meant) if he cut his hair because it was a way to hang on to “youth” one last time? 

And then he drops these heavy ideas on us about id and ego... the inner tug of war between primitive impulses and morality and the rational and controlling mediator that supposedly prevents either from overpowering the other. A inner turmoil of push and pull...

His choice of white: purity, morality .... and black: pleasure, sensuality

And the images of the cracked statues put back together and sealed with gold. Imperfections that have now turned into something beautiful and precious holding it all together. 

Posing with mannequins... living breathing Jimin and some plastic representation... the comparison between real Jimin and idol Jimin?

I mentioned in a post or two ago that I wondered if the Tailor of Chaos concept is what summoned the Black Swan stage outfits with the lack of shirts and the body chains and yes, it was all being created in about the same timeframe. These photos were planned at the end of last year. The teaser video opens with Jimin wearing the same LV hoodie he was wearing for this VLive back on October 20, 2021. ABOUT A YEAR AGO! 

The temporary tattoos: the words tailor of chaos and Artemis and when I flipped the image I see the word Filter. We are seeing Jimin revisiting Filter. Who is Artemis? In Greek mythology, Artemis is goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, nature, vegetation, childbirth, care of children, and chastity. Artemis is also associated with the moon. In the myth of Actaeon, when this young hunter sees her bathing naked, he is transformed into a deer by the angered goddess, and is then devoured by his own hunting dogs who do not recognize their own master. THAT is truly conceptual...and is then devoured by his own dogs that don’t recognize their own master.... all kinds of imagery there that can be compared to life as an idol and especially as a member of BTS. Their own industry (dogs) devour them because they don’t recognize them as the one (master) who is bringing them more success than ever... 

Artemis has a twin brother named Apollo. Apollo is the god of music and dance, truth and prophecy, healing and diseases, and is associated with the Sun and light, poetry, and more!!!!!!!

Other aspects of Artemis: In spite of her status as a virgin who avoided potential lovers, there are multiple references to Artemis' beauty and eroticism. 

The stag imagery:

Artemis with her hunting bow drawn and birds and stars:

Jimin says “the original” Jimin... Is he speaking about the evolution of his idol persona? or the real Jimin? because idol Jimin began as manly man Jimin and then idol Jimin became softer and softer and then androgyny (Artemis is female) really entered the chat at some point and has been intermingling with cute bread cheeks Jimin, roundy boba head Jimin, chapter 2 Jimin, etc. Pick your damn Filter. 

Has Jimin been toying with this Artemis concept for a long time now? Maybe we will find out when we see more about his photo folio. 

I am more or less rambling and I really am not well versed on Greek mythology except for what I have researched to talk about this. But I do understand the concepts of psychology that he’s tossing around in these images and I do love how he exposes some of his own personal psyche in his presentation of himself. I flipped these photos around that he was looking at on the table:

Jungkook remarked that he thought out of all the members’ photo folio concepts, his vampire concept was really way out there, but my baby, Jimin’s concept is so out there, it will soar over the intelligence and maturity level of so many and just be pretty pictures to them. Jimin is CHALLENGING OUR INTELLECT with these images and that is a very very unique and sexy concept coming from him. 

[beartoebeans]

Why should I vote 128 GRAZER in Fat Bear Week 2022?

So glad you asked!

She's a giant, firstly. An absolute balloon of a bear. Gaze upon her hibernation bod:

Truly worthy of the title. Compare to June of this year:

Grazer is second from the left; her cubs are to the right of her. They all look like different bears when looked at next to their fall selves. They've worked their giant butts off to get to where they are. Incidentally, that's a screenshot from a clip titled "128 Catches Two Fish at Once". She is a phenomenally skilled fisherbear who's taught those skills to her cubs, so that they too can be successful adults someday.

Consider also that Grazer is the only mother bear in the bracket. While every other contestant has only had to fatten themselves up, Grazer has been nursing her giant 2.5-year-old cubs (transfer of fat from her to her cubs; it would be for any animal, but bear milk is especially high in fat), allowing her cubs to share her fish (again losing out on fat in order to fatten her cubs), and defending her family in true Grazer style (burning calories, and thus fat). Her cubs have begun to catch their own fish after watching such a skilled mother, which has lessened her burden, but the fact remains that Grazer has been fattening up two other bears in addition to herself this year. And oh, boy, are they fat:

Family naptime, with one of her cubs standing up on the left. They both look like Grazer if you put her through a low-powered shrinkray.

To sum up, Grazer has achieved peak fall bear bod, as good as anyone else's on the bracket (look at her, y'all. what a round bear), while giving away a lot of fat to her family. She has therefore gathered more fat than anyone.

If that's not enough for you, maybe her personality will win you over. She is the fiercest and most defensive mother bear on the entire river. Check out this video: here. Mike Fitz, a former ranger still involved with bearcam (a livestream where the FBW bears can be seen during the summer), chose memorable moments to highlight for the 10th anniversary of bearcam. He seems to have thought, "Really, Grazer's entire personality is a memorable moment." And, honestly? Accurate.

Personally I will never forget that time 747, most dominant bear at the time, snuck up on another male bear in her vicinity and she charged in to shut the whole thing down. After yelling at the other bear, all she had to do was glare at 747 and take a few pointed steps in his direction, and he slunk off, intimidated. (She got involved because bears fighting in the area is dangerous for cubs, since they can get caught in the crossfire and killed. If other bears have to be around cubs, the safest environment for them is a peaceful one.) Video link!

Or the time she went for 856, an absolute giant, also the dominant bear that year and known to bears and humans alike for his bad temper:

Look at her, she's like half his size. She doesn't give a shit. All to make sure her nearby cubs were safe.

She has a similar attitude when it comes to gaining access to fishing spots for herself and her cubs. She doesn't go straight to charging in and roaring, but she will approach anyone in her spot and make it known that she wants it, and whoever is there had better make way so her cubs can eat. She's made her reputation this way, and other bears often just go ahead and leave whenever she shows up to fish. She and her cubs grow into giant blimps every year off this tactic.

The top of the dominance hierarchy is typically full of male bears, but there are a few female bears that can achieve situational dominance. When Grazer has cubs, she and her family are right at the top. (Although she is smart, too, and knows when it's probably not worth it, which is what makes her dominance only situational.)

When there's no danger and no competition, however, she and her family can be very sweet. Here are some videos: 1, 2

Also, if this matters, 151 Walker, her competition in her first round, is scared to death of her.

So remember: Vote 128 Grazer for Fat Bear Week champion 2022! The queen deserves her crown.