#Horror November 2024 Challenge

[sunshiline-writes]

Horror November 2024 #1: REST

Word Count: 277 

CW: Body horror ___

He can never rest. It always starts off slow. He wakes up with his eyes closed. Opens them toward the ceiling and he can feel himself breathing. Every inhale, every exhale. He can’t move, he can barely even blink. It’s like he’s frozen solid. Makes him feel cold too.

 A  shadow is at the foot of his bed. Its face is covered by a veil. Dressed in all black. It stays there for a minute even if it feels like hours. Then it places its hands on either side of his feet, leaning forward. There is a faint hissing sound before it starts to crawl. Limbs twisted wrong, head bent at an unnatural angle. It only gets more unnatural as it approaches him. Head turned upside down so the eyes are at the bottom. It crawls over him and he can feel the hands on either side of him, trapping him under it. Legs curled in, knees touching knees. 

It reaches up to touch his face and leans in real close. 

He can smell its breath. Like rot and shit and everything in between. One mangled hand goes under the veil and slowly lifts it. This is the worst part because he can feel every second it takes for the thing to lift the veil. Time swirls in his stomach as he waits. 

It lifts the veil finally and there is nothing. Just a black hole where a face should be. It leans forward even more, as if leaning in for a kiss. 

  The thing swallows him whole. 

He wakes up in the darkness.

He can still feel it’s breath on his cheek. 

He can never rest.

[kellysue]

Members of the cast of #FMLComix tell you how to pre-order #FMLComix.

FML #1 arrives in November 2024 with main cover art by David López and variant covers featuring artwork by Alvaro Martinez Bueno, David LaFuente, Nicola Scott (1:10 incentive variant), and Pepe Larraz (1:25 incentive variant). One additional variant cover will be revealed at a later date. Each issue will feature bonus material such as essays on music, true crime, interviews, and more that will be exclusive only to the single issues.

“David and I have been talking about doing something creator-owned together since Captain Marvel, but it took years for the stars and our schedules to properly align,” said DeConnick. “Now that we’re here though, it almost feels planned — like we needed exactly as long as it took us to grow and change, both as artists and as people, so that we could come back together for this big swing.

“FML is a challenging book — stylistically and in tone — and I’m not sure we could have pulled it off five years ago, honestly. But here we are—and I’m so proud of and impressed by the work put in by everyone involved. David is drawing like he’s got something to prove, Cris is pulling disparate styles together seamlessly, tying them together with her palette and Clayton of course, our ace and secret weapon, works his subtle magic on lettering to make sure you hear everything in your head exactly the way it was intended. McCubbin developed this terrific logo that evolves with each issue, and I don’t even know where to start with how supportive and inspiring Daniel Chabon’s editorial team has been. They’ve given us exactly what we needed at every step along the way.

“For my part, FML feels of a piece with Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet; it’s as personal as the former and as satirical and of-the-moment as the latter.”

"This is without a doubt one of the best and most important books I have had the honor to edit in my fifteen years in the comic book industry,” added Senior Editor Daniel Chabon. “I have been a tremendous fan of this creative team for a long, long time; and I cannot wait for everyone to pick up this series and to see what an amazing achievement it is."

Riley is a 16-year-old heavy metal kid who draws down his anxiety with a ballpoint pen. His mother is an aging punk cartoonist slam dancing with a true crime obsession. Bound by threads of magical realism, they navigate the absurdities and horrors of our modern lives.

Issue one introduces Riley’s daily life: terrorism diaries, school shooter drills, and social pressures under the constant shadow of encroaching wildfires that rain ash like a morbid snow. His refuge? The Forest Park Witch’s House, where tales of chaos magic and trickster gods promise some semblance of sense in a senseless world.

Echoing the comedy of “Bottoms,” the nostalgic pull of “Stranger Things,” and the coming-of-age journey in “Stand By Me,” DeConnick’s first return to creator-owned comics since Bitch Planet is an apocalyptic odyssey that speaks to the resilience of the misfit and the power of art.

FML #1 (of 8) arrives in comic shops on November 6, 2024. It is now available to pre-order at your your local comic shop for $4.99.

Be sure to follow DarkHorseComics on social media and check our website, www.darkhorse.com for more news, announcements, and updates.

Praise Kelly Sue DeConnick and David López: “DeConnick has always combed top-notch lyrical text with a knack for bringing out the best in the artists she works with.”—Polygon

“Kelly Sue DeConnick either writes with a King Midas pen, is one of the few remaining wizards in the world, or, most likely, is just that damn good because Bitch Planet is yet another amazing series with her name on the cover.”—Word on the Nerd

“Pretty Deadly pushes at the limits of medium, challenging our ideas of what comics can be.”—IGN

“Kelly Sue DeConnick’s Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons may just be the best thing to come out of the Black Label line to date.”—IGN

“Kelly Sue DeConnick is a force in comics.”—Book Riot

“Kelly Sue DeConnick—a powerhouse in the comics world.”—Salon

“A primal scream in exquisitely worked gold.”—Polygon on Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons

“López’s pencils are like a breath of fresh air. His style evokes a classic superhero aesthetic while still bringing subtle emotional vulnerability to these characters through strong storytelling and page design.”—Nerds Unchained on Captain Marvel (2014)

[ghostboneswrites2]

ђคɭɭ๏ฬєєภ ђ๏гг๏г

A Daryl Dixon Fanfic Challenge

Welcome back, fellow Dixon fiends, to yet another mediocre challenge from yours truly. 🩸

This challenge is (obviously) in honor of spooky season, so let’s jump right in! 👻

How to participate:

Simply select a prompt from below the cut and get to writing! 🔪 Be aware, each prompt has a unique set of challenges!

🩸Deadline is October 31!

🩸Winners will be announced in the second week of November!

Once you’ve completed your story, just post it, tag me, and tag the post #ddhh so I can find them all easily!

Rules:

Daryl Dixon x Reader only!

500 word minimum*

5k word maximum*

Must be able to stand alone!

Can be part of an ongoing series, but again, must be able to stand alone without outside context.

Writers may only enter one story from one prompt.

Please clarify which prompt you chose somewhere on your post.

* minimum & maximum word counts are approximate!

Prizes & Results:

Each prompt category will have one winner each.

Results will be decided via polls beginning in the first week of November.

🩸Each poll will be up for voting for 7 days.

🩸Winners will be announced in the second week of November.

The winner from each prompt will:

🩸Be tagged in an honorary winner post!

🩸Have one story of their choosing linked to every fic I post + my masterlist until December 31, 2024.

Prompts:

Choose wisely! Each prompt has its own unique set of kill counts, quotes, advantages, and challenges.

Here is a key for reference:

Kill Count: Mandatory number of deaths.

Setting/Era: Mandatory setting/era.

Quote: A line that must be included in your dialogue.

Challenge: Something that may make a prompt harder than the others.

Advantage: Something that may make the prompt easier than the others.

Slasher

summary: A classic, gory horror trope! Someone in the group has gone insane! The horrors of the post-apocalyptic world has driven them mad! They’re killing everyone! Who are they? Why have they done this? Who will survive?

setting/era: must be set either in Alexandria or the Prison

kill count: 4 to 8 kills

quote: “How could you?”

challenge: The killer must be a canon character from your chosen era, and your kills must also be canon characters from your chosen era. Killer cannot be Daryl or Reader. Killer also cannot be a canonical villain (like the Governor, Termites, Negan, Alpha, etc.)

advantage: Kills can be done with any weapon of choice, to any character of choice.

Supernatural

summary: A (supernatural creature of your choice) is terrorizing and killing off members of the group. What is it? What does it look like? How does it kill? More importantly, how will the survivors kill it?

setting/era: The Greene Farm

kill count: 3 to 5 kills

quote: “What the fuck is it?!” / “Dead, as soon as o figure out how.”

challenge: Supernatural creature cannot be a ghost, demon, or other spirit of any kind.

advantage: Your supernatural creature can be a classic (werewolf, vampire, wendigo, etc) or it can be something completely original and unexplainable. This gives freedom to describe your monster with as much/little detail as you please.

Paranormal

summary: A paranormal force has made its presence known and brought pain and terror upon its victims. Maybe it’s a demonic possession taking over one of the survivors, maybe it’s an angry spirit taking its home back. You decide!

setting/era: —

kill count: —

quote: “Kill it!” / It’s already dead!” / “So are the walkers!”

challenge: Your paranormal entity must not be visible to the human eye, creating an extra layer of difficulty for the survivors.

advantage: Kills are optional. No mandatory setting/era.

FAQ

Do major characters have to die (like Rick, Carol, etc) or do minor characters (like Olivia, Axel, etc) count towards the kill count as well?

Anyone can die!

Can my supernatural creature be anything that isn’t a ghost or spirit?

Yes! Could even be an alien!

Can I write a story for multiple prompts and only use one for the challenge?

Sure! You can even post them! Just be sure to specify which one you’d like to enter in the challenge, even if you do so by just sending me a message.

For the Slasher prompt, who qualifies as a villain?

Good question. Lots of morally gray characters on TWD, so it can be hard to decide who’s a villain and who’s just an asshole. For our purposes, let’s say Negan, Alpha, the Termites, and the Governor are the villains that are off limits.

Credits:

dividers from: @sister-lucifer

I do not own TWD and its characters, blah blah blah.

tags: @kissmeunicornbaobei @thesadcatt0 @clairealeehelsing @duckybird101 @tmntfixationxreader @ryoujoking @blackvelveteen1339 @yondus-girl @ladylincoln @sunshinebug9 @saylum559 @yoowhatthefuck @duffmckagansbandana @celtic-crossbow @virginsexgod69 @dazzling-roaring-20s @l0kilaufeys0n7 @uhnanix @superbowlisgay @liizzygrant @eddiemunsonsupremecy @raeraegoaway @ophelialaufey @theskinniestjackson-denny @dilfsalltheway @negansbestie @mfnqueen1 @raynelbabe

[stervrucht]

● AO3 ● My fics ● My art ● Rambling ● Asks ● Previews & Snippets ● Kofi ● Fic Recs ●

Hi, I'm Ster. My creativity only sees the light of moon. Noob writer (8 months and counting), coming out of my 10-year art hiatus. ADHD-fueled madness.

🔞MDNI🔞

Links to pairing I write for:

Steddie (Stranger Things) | Harringrove (Stranger Things)

The Graveyard Shift Steddie | Rated E | 20.6K words | Ongoing | Tags: Vampire!Eddie, Hotel clerck!Steve, Horror | AO3 Local rockstar Eddie Munson — enigmatic, mysterious, never photographed in daylight — stays at the Indianapolis Sweetwater Hotel during a gig. Steve Harrington is just a simple guy trying to earn a living working the graveyard shift at a hotel desk.  ● Tag ● Sneak Preview ● Part 1 ●

There's a gap where we meet Harringrove| Rated E | 29.1K words | Ongoing | Tags: Fighting, Violence, Fuckbuddies. Enemies to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort | AO3 Billy and Steve start a fight club that turns into something more. ● Tag ●

Ask me about my WIPs and I'll post snippets!

📗Eddie Munson Big Bang - TBA [16K]

🩸The Graveyard Shift - Chapter 5 [ 1.1k]

❓Secret project with @sleepy-steve - Canon divergence Steddie [8.2k]

👊There's a gap where we meet - ch5 [complete-editing]

If you're gonna mess me up, don't do it slow | Steddie | Rated M | 3.3K words | Completed Steve POV - Fake dating - Friends to lovers - Sharing a bed - Fluff and humor Eddie and Robin are 'Bearding' and Steve has no idea what that means. The result: a jealous Steve and a healthy dose of kissing your gay friend. ● AO3 ●

Proximity | Steddie | Rated E | 52K words | Completed Eddie POV - Slow burn - Mutual Pining - Sharing a bed - Fluff and angst Eddie enjoys invading people’s personal space, just to mess with them. Steve's complete disregard for boundaries makes him the ultimate challenge. ● Part 1 ● AO3 ●

Drumstick | Steddie | Rated E | 2.8k words | Complete Steve POV - Fluff & smut & humor Eddie is bad at dirty talk and gets a little offended when Steve points it out.. ● Tumblr ● AO3 ●

Encore | Steddie | Rated M | 8.3k words | Complete Steve POV - Bisexual Awakening - Fluff Steve runs an errand for Dustin and has a bisexual awakening at the hands of Eddie Munson. ● Tumblr ● AO3 ●

Grass | Steddie | Rated E | 3K words | Complete Steve POV - Drugs made them do it - Shotgunning When Steve doesn’t go to college, he can stay at his parents’ house under one condition: every week he has to mow the lawn. Eddie has some tips when it comes to grass. And by grass, he means weed, of course. [AO3]

(Un)broken | Harringrove | Rated E | 7.0K words | Complete Billy POV - canon-compliant - Hurt no comfort A canon-compliant study of Billy's obsession with Steve (and some smut). ● AO3 ●

Gravitational | Steddie | Rated M | 1.5K words | Complete Eddie POV - Vampire!Eddie - Bloodsucking - Horror Eddie arrives at Steve's doorstep, drenched in blood, after having been presumed dead for a considerable time. ● Tumblr ● AO3 ●

Ficlets

Steddie Angsty August [2024]

Eddie Munson Big Bang [2024-2025]

--

Last updated: 28th of November, 2024

[neetozma]

The First Month of NEET Ozma

Here's what we published during our first month online.

NEET Ozma began on November 1st. If you don't know what NEET Ozma is, it's a media criticism / analysis site where the contributors are exclusively transfeminine people, created to try and solve a problem of transfem people being underrepresented in the media crit landscape.

Here's a list of everything published on NEET Ozma during its first month; enjoy!

NEET Ozma is Live - Nov 1st A piece explaining what NEET Ozma is.

Thoughts on The Craft - Nov 4th SabrinaTVBand talks about the misunderstood second half of The Craft.

Stardew Valley's Utopian Capitalist Grindset - Nov 6 Oblivion Aesthetic dissects how Stardew Valley can't imagine a utopia that doesn't fit within the confines of capitalism.

Orcs Must Die 1 and 2: Good Games! - Nov 7 SabrinaTVBand reviews the first two installments of the Orcs Must Die series.

The Queer Horror Aesthetic - Nov 8 Eldritch Hat talks about motifs in queer horror and challenges some conventional wisdom.

Fifteen Movies You May Have Missed - Nov 11 SabrinaTVBand talks about fifteen solid movies that, according to Letterboxd, are unpopular. Coincidentally, all of them are also under two hours long.

Reflections on a Mirror's Edge - Nov 13 Oblivion Aesthetic talks about how reviewers brought faulty expectations with them to the original Mirror's Edge, and how its sequel that aimed to respond to those criticisms was worse because of it.

Destroy All Humans: The Remake and the Original - Nov 14 SabrinaTVBand talks about how the remake of Destroy All Humans stacks up to the original, and the history of Pandemic Studios.

A Message to Trans Readers in Light of the 2024 Election - Nov 15 SabrinaTVBand talks about what might be coming ahead in America, and what trans people can do to prepare for 2025.

Orcs Must Die 3: More Orcs, Dead. - Nov 18 SabrinaTVBand reviews the third entry in the Orcs Must Die series.

DOOMer Pilled - Nov 20 Oblivion Aesthetic talks about what makes DOOM hold up and endure over 30 years later.

Destroy All Humans 2: Disappointing - Nov 21 SabrinaTVBand reviews the remade sequel to Destroy All Humans 2, which is a surprising step-down from its predecessor.

The Gender Minefield of Ranma ½'s Greatest Filler Episode - Nov 25 SabrinaTVBand walks through Ranma's Declaration of Womanhood, the best filler episode of the series, and analyzes its unique focus on actual gender stuff.

If you'd like to write for NEET Ozma, submissions are open!

[thedescatoires]

November DWC 2024 Day 6 - Crack tw: death, blood

~Years ago~

Ellarielle stared down at the dead body of her husband as a variety of emotions welled up within, but the one that prevailed was horror. There was no doubt in her mind that he was dead, and she wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about it. She swallowed and looked up to her twin sister, Vienyos, both bloodied, battered, and in shock. 

Arlior Esh’ul was one of those men that was perfectly charming at first: Intelligent, well spoken, confident, and quite wealthy given his noble standing. The Descatoire twins had come from the noble class themselves, although not quite as prominent nor as established as the Esh’uls.  Both Ella and Vie studied vinification and worked at the Twilight Vineyards, although Vie’s real passion was in singing and could often be found doing so in various clubs all over Suramar. It had earned her the nickname ‘The Suramar Siren’ and she had become a sought after addition to any grand soiree. Ellarielle was content with a simpler life. She and Arlior had been a good match, set to carry on the lineage for both families and were, for a very long time, seemingly happy.  Vienyos knew better, and as time passed the signs became more and more apparent, especially after Arlior proclaimed himself a loyalist to Grand Magistrix Elisande when she allied with the Burning Legion. It wasn’t a surprise, the majority of the nobility had done so given they were already awarded and cared little for Suramar’s lower classes. But that was not how the Descatoires were raised, and they had found that their purpose in life was to aid those less fortunate than themselves. They happened to be just in the right place at the right time to do so.

“Wh…why did….what…” What do you even say after watching your sister murder your husband of thousands of years?

“Ella, he was going to -kill- you.” So maybe cracking a meat tenderizer against the back of the skull multiple times was overkill and made things messier than they could have been, but it was the most readily available weapon in reach of Vie. Plus, he was abusing her sister, and likely had been for a while, and she was no longer going to stand for it. Ellarielle was too much of a pacifist to take it into her own hands. “He was hurting you, I couldn’t just–”

“No, no…” Ella rushed over to her side and cupped Vie’s cheeks before pulling her into a tight hug, “You did the right thing. You …you saved me…thank you. There was no other choice.” She wasn’t going to make her sister feel any worse for doing what had to be done despite the currently mixed emotions. This was the man she loved, or had loved, for so long. They had built a comfortable life together, even if she had been sneaking around behind his back as a part of the rebellion. It wasn’t right to let anyone wither when she had access to the very source that would allow that not to happen. Unfortunately, he was too smart and had too many spies to not find out, but she was not prepared for this. She released Vie and wiped the mix of tears and blood from her cheeks, straightening her gown as she looked back down at the dead body, “What do we do?”

They weren’t exactly schooled in how to dispose of a dead body, but surely someone within the rebellion would know and be able to help out. Both women looked at each other and spoke in unison, “Margaux.”

@daily-writing-challenge

[musee-de-muse]

The Sightless Eye

DWC November 2024

Day 3: Morose/Strength

OC: Cassiopia Dawnbrook, Quel'dorei

((Cassie has lived in my head a long time, doing mage stuff in Dalaran - the 'forever student', hungry for ever-more knowledge. TWW has changed that, and I've put off writing about her anger and confusion in the days after the fall of Dalaran for long enough!))

@daily-writing-challenge

Was this what the fall of Quel'thalas had been like?

Cassiopia had been in Dalaran even then – spared the horrors of that fateful day, the sight of her people's blood running red in the streets, the shambling corpses ravaging the delicate beauty of her beloved homeland - and there had always been a part of her that had felt... guilty. Less than. She should have been there to help with whatever spells she'd have had at the time.

She should have been there - if only to suffer alongside everyone else.

But she knew, now, with Dalaran crumbled into little more than inert dust lost to the tides... it wouldn't have mattered. She wouldn't have been able to help. Nothing would be different, now, if she'd been there when it had all came tumbling down.

Cassie knew, because it hadn't mattered in Dalaran, either. The memories dogged her every footstep.

She'd known the instant that Dalaran's inherent arcane flow was disrupted... every enchanted item in the room falling dead, her light blue eyes going wide with the instantaneous knowledge that nothing that could alter Dalaran's inherent arcane flow like this could be easily dealt with. Dalaran's arcane flow – it's... what, lifeblood? Life force, in a sense – that which held the city together, and floating... the very essence of Dalaran was... leaking? No... being hungrily siphoned. It was a different sensation than the magic spent to move the city; there is a difference between a blood-letting, and a gushing wound, after all.

She had burst forth, staff in hand, robe swirling around her legs – blonde hair piled atop her head bouncing with the rush of movement - confident that it was a threat that Dalaran could handle, as the people of this grand city had so many times before – and had been faced with spiders bigger than the buildings around her.

The thing was... for all the power within her, for all her years and years of study? Knowing how to cast a fireball, or an ice lance? Those things were different than the visceral reality of combat – she enjoyed her scholarly pursuits – the unending journey for ever more knowledge. Being up to her eyeballs in tomes, the scratching of quills, the unearthing of knowledge that tested both her mind and the magic her little body had always buzzed with too much of.

And now that was an issue as well – not only had she lost her home of many years, many friends, a way of life, and so on... she'd always had an issue with her own flow of magic. It meant she was powerful, but it was a deadly sort of boon; it was more of a curse than a blessing, to be constantly on the edge of... overloading with magic, to put it simply. The arcane power building within her painfully, practically leaking out of her, she'd had help in Dalaran... and ways in which to constantly bleed that magic off. Whether it was in aid of another in the city, or simply dumping power into a myriad of enchanted objects to animate them, or crafting magic items, or her work in inscription... channeling magic into the written word – there had never been a shortage of ways to burn off her magic, and there had always been a scholar, or master of the magical around to ask for assistance or advice about the situation.

It still clung to her - that sorrow and anger and helplessness - all these weeks later, and Cassiopia kept finding herself at the shore, staring up at the one, broken tower left of her once-grandiose-home, the tightness in her chest threatening to choke her... and the magic within her close to the boiling point.

So she let it out – the arcane explosion loosed on a cry both mournful, and furious – the energy erupting in a wide, violet circle around her. Seagulls dropped dead, crabs lay still in the sand, and even the flora seemed too cowed to stand back up – the very waves, themselves, pushed back for an instant with the magnitude of the power released... but it was impotent, all the same. The Elf could not change what happened. She could not turn back time – at least not to that degree – nor could she wrap her pale, manicured little fingers around the throat of the vile creature that had done this to her beloved home.

She would never see the Violet Citadel ever again.

All that knowledge. All Dalaran had stood for. All the ancient, powerful artifacts. Even the dangerous criminals of the Violet Hold could be wandering these isles, or causing havoc elsewhere on Azeroth, now. There was no going home – not to Dalaran, anyways – and perhaps there would be those who scoffed, and pointed her back to Quel'thalas, and she did love her homeland. But Dalaran had been as much home – and at times more like home – than Quel'thalas. She'd loved the variety of the city's denizens, and how they'd all come together... who cared if you were a Gnome, Elf, Human, or Orc? Knowledge was a great uniter of peoples – and all the city had held, all it had stood for, all it meant to every person who had lived there?

Gone in an instant.

But the Sin'dorei had risen from the ashes, when all hope had seemed lost; even now, they still swept away the signs of Arthas' devastation – grimly determined to reclaim hearth and home - and peace of mind - in their own homes. The Kirin Tor could, too. The peoples of Dalaran – be they scholar, baker, or belly-dwelling rogue – would not be scattered to the winds, cowed by the unknown.

They were seekers of knowledge, after all – and they might mourn the history and homes lost, but they would uncover the truth, and make that creature pay for what it had taken from the world... or they would gladly die trying.

It was time, perhaps, for the practical application of all those years of study – and a special, concerted effort in an altogether new study: that of the most effective way to crush a spider as big as an elekk.

[jacelandon]

November DWC 2024 Day 4 - Tranquil

He had assumed her to be a spirit at first. She wasn’t the first nor would she be the last unfamiliar soul that Jace encountered in these parts; it was common knowledge among the carnies that should you perish on Darkmoon Island, it was difficult, if not impossible, to leave. It wasn’t a frightening sight, nor unusual for the ghosts to gain enough energy and show themselves every now and then, especially during the witching hours. 

She didn’t notice him watching her, nor did she seem to have any qualms about stepping into that dark forest, hand extended in front of herself as if she were being led. Curiosity got the better of Jace and he quietly followed; he was one of the few that had nothing to fear here, and if she were just a spirit, neither should she. He wrapped his arms around his core to aid in keeping the warmth in, the forests could get chilly during the night and despite the thick canopy of trees and foliage, it had always felt colder here than anywhere else on the island. 

Her movements were graceful, almost like those of a trained ballerina, and her opalescent, sheer gown did nothing to shield her against the frigid temperature; not that she seemed to care. When she reached the clearing at the center of the forest, she paused, unblinking. There she stood and stared for what felt like hours at something unseen; light, wavy hair billowing in the breezeless space. It was completely devoid of sound here, almost as if one were inside of an anechoic chamber. The fauna knew to avoid this cursed place, making it all the more unsettling. Jace could hear the sound of his own heart beating and blood circulating through his veins, even with shallow breaths, he could hear his lungs and diaphragm expanding and contracting with each gentle rise and fall.

It was always uncomfortable, but he was mesmerized. 

Eventually she stepped closer to the center of the clearing, arm extending and reaching for something he couldn’t see. With a slight shift of his weight, a branch creaked beneath his boot and the spectral woman startled and stumbled backwards, an expression of horror replacing the previously tranquil one. But she wasn’t looking at him, she was still staring at something unseen to him and suddenly vanished.

Jace stood up straighter and briskly made his way towards the space she had previously occupied, looking around for something, anything. He wasn’t even sure what. 

She was gone.

He made his way back towards his camp with a melody in his head that demanded to be written down: Her theme. Everyone had their own theme, and sometimes it took a while for him to determine what would fit a specific person. However, once he had his empty staff paper in hand, the entire song flowed freely.

~ 1 ½ Years Later ~

Jace sat on the ledge at Fancy Cakes, sipping quietly on his coffee as he watched the other patrons. Indulging in some sweet treats was an excellent way to begin a night of busking, and he tried to make it a habit to come here at least once a month. 

The evening was relatively quieter than usual, but he never minded just chilling and being with others. Deep blue eyes watched as the blonde-haired woman wandered up the steps to give her order to Braedyn, and when she turned around he nearly choked on his coffee. He didn’t give himself away, his poker face had grown too strong throughout the years of working for Silas Darkmoon. It had been well over a year now, but he knew. The theme came back into his mind the moment he saw her face.

This was her. The ‘spirit’ he had seen in the Darkmoon Forest. Alive and in the flesh. How could this be possible?

This references a story you can read ---> HERE

@daily-writing-challenge @karaamberlight

[desperatelyseekingcannibals]

10 Horror TV Shows Where The First Season Isn't The Best

0_0

via Screenrant - 10 November 2024

Considered to be one of the best horror TV shows of all time, Hannibal is an incredible series that starts with a unique premise. The show takes the legendary fictional serial killer Hannibal Lecter and depicts him through the eyes of profiler Will Graham, showing him at a time in his life before anyone knew about the horrific crimes he was committing under the FBI's noses. The show is poetic and filled with beautifully rich cinematography and writing that sometimes feels like it belongs to a philosophical indie piece as opposed to a network TV show. The first season slowly unfolds as Will's psyche begins to deteriorate, almost entirely as a result of Hannibal's manipulations. While it is a haunting season in its own right, the second season is perfectly written and acted, showing just how manipulative Hannibal can be. The creeping rush to the climactic season finale is apparent from the start, luring viewers into the horror by challenging both Will's and the viewer's recollection of events.

[sirdolraan]

Skill Difference

(( DWC November 2024 Day 5, Captive/Skill, CW: None; @daily-writing-challenge ))

The Templar towered over the flame worshipping cowards that huddled together before him. The fools, refusing to accept the inevitability of Renilash, much less the inevitable victory of the Shadow. Refusing the truths that had been revealed to them by Beledar, an example had to be made. All he had to do was sweep away their tiny defender.

Such a peculiar, small person, one of the travelers from the old world. Her hair was the color of the mushrooms that infested the eastern caverns, and she wasn't even armed, but still she stood against him. The groaning form of his minion lay next to her, proof of her capability. Still, she was small, and he was empowered by the shadow of Beledar. This would be easy.

"Embrace Renilash!" he roared, driving his shadowy blade at her, intent on piercing her heart where the chattel could see her. But she was fast, leaping up into the air... and landing on his blade? Her expression was unchanged as she stood there, mocking him. He roared and moved to fling her away, but she was again faster, running up the flat of the blade before back-flipping, driving her feet into his throat. He staggered back, choking, nearly dropping his sword as she hit the ground in front of him, then rocketed forward, striking his knees, his armpits, his ankles, all the places the armor couldn't fully protect. As she did, he felt himself growing numb. He called the shadows to him, but could only mumble the incantations, and his fingers refused to form the shapes, as she appeared once more before his vision, standing on his chest. When had he fallen? He didn't get an answer, as his helmet's visor was lifted, and the base of her palm was driven into the bridge of his nose, knocking him out cold.

Spiru stood, eyeing the cultist. He'd live. At least long enough for his fellow Arathi to shackle him and have him face their justice. An olive branch of sorts, and justice for those he'd slain. Turning to the huddled farmers, a young family, mother and father likely fresh recruits when they joined the expedition, unready for the horrors that awaited them, found each other, but never found their edge, Spiru smiled, the first time she had since finding the cultist's trail. "My name is Spiru. Would you like me to escort you home, or to the Lamplighter base?"

[gravekeeper-anna]

Daily Writing Challenge 2024 November, Day 3 Words: Morose/Strength @daily-writing-challenge

For the rest of the world, the Day of the Dead jubilations lasted over the course of a few days, La Catrina’s rattling maracas fading into obscurity from Tirasfal’s dreary glades. Yet in the Gravekeeper’s haunted thicket, that deathly celebration was carried on for those ghostly wards that had earned a form.

Bone had been sculpted cleanly into magnificence, a fortified skeletal construct that was a bone-shaped horror to the living, but a macabre sculpture to her. And atop its armored spinal column the shape was graced with the centerpiece: an intricately carved skull to crown achievement, as she presented to all her skeletal companions.

“Here we are,” the Gravekeeper gestured for her phantom ward, funerary lace flowing with her own movements as she extended her arm for him. “You’ve done quite well to move the physical, as I taught you. Focusing your will, your thoughts, giving yourself over to the memory of force. But now, you’ll have to merge with the entire skeleton here without knocking it over, or plainly shattering it. It’s more than the burst of focus, now you’ll have to maintain it. Possessions’ just the first step, I think we can begin there…I won’t expect movement just yet, but…let’s just give it a try.”

“Remember: it’s an extension of you, not just a thing to move about.”

A wispy form. Pushing things. Pulling on itself. [Coming together.] Coming undone.

The Doctor had yet to master corporeal manipulation, but his eagerness to try propelled him steadily onward. [Never give up.]

Hollow pools where eyes would have been narrowed into slits and he studied the skeleton. He buzzed and zoomed around the skull manipulating his own shape until he appeared as a hat on top of its head. [It needs a hat.]

The Gravekeeper chuckled at the focused addition. "A gentleman through and through. Now, how about the rest?"

With his suggestion taken under advisement, the Doctor looked at the skeleton. Then himself. [Too small.] He felt he needed to be bigger to overtake the bones, so he stretched himself. [Stand up straight.]

For the briefest moment, the aspect of a man took shape. He looked the skeleton in the eye before stepping through and into the bones. [Backwards.]

He stepped out. Then he backed in. [Forward.]

The skeleton wore a triumphant grin and clacked its jaw victoriously. [Hahahaha!] He wiggled his metacarpals and tarsals. Bent hinges and twisted pivots. Then rolled balls and sockets. [Sloppy. Unrefined. Inadequate.]

The Gravekeeper’s delight at the clacking jaw of victory seemed to drain fully as the Doctor’s words seemed to criticize her work. “Why, I suppose it isn’t perfect by any means, but I did craft it bone by bone. Each whole, and cleanly bound.” The judgment had been internalized, cut to the bone of her own being. The grounds began to rumble with raging necromantic power as her words continued to fly with increasing indignation. “And the skull alone I’ve spent days on, chipping away with the chisel! If this is not adequate for you, Doctor, maybe you ought to–”

With a sudden step forward all of his own, the newly constructed arm of the skeleton moved toward the incensed Gravekeeper to hush her with a single, upright bony finger, pressed with gentle control at her lips. [No, no no. Hush now, Dove. It is perfect.]

A calm once more settled over the thicket as the Gravekeeper’s rage was quelled, soon bubbling back up to prideful excitement in the consideration of his willful movement. “Oh, you moved an entire arm! A hand! Marvelous! Already you’re getting so strong!”

The lantern eyes flowed down the entire frame of the possessed skeleton once more, in thought. “Come,” the Gravekeeper commanded, touching the raised bony fingers with her alabaster digits. The touch seemed to propel him forward to follow, half-floating, assuring that he would not have to struggle along on his new feet.

As she swept to the entrance of her mausoleum, her arm flowed down to snatch from a rosebush nearby, snapping one of its full blossoms from the leaf. White, Gilnean roses, the edge of each petal aglow with a strange, amber luminescence.

Into the bowels of her mausoleum she lead the newly formed Doctor, her black train of funerary cloth and chain scraping the stone floor, drifting past perfectly stored bones and skulls fit like miniature ossuaries. Relinquishing her skeletal ward, she focused now on lifting several fabrics and discarded clothing with the necromantic focus of her haunt, slinging them away with a sigh of disappointment until she found what she had meant. Tugging it free from a pile of bones and ignoring the rattling collapse of its organization, she turned to present a top hat. Scuffed up minutely, but whole in presentation.

“A fine hat for a gentleman?” she offered in tone, but proceeded in stepping near to place it atop his bare skull. “And a final touch?” The odd rose bloom was tucked into the band of the hat. The smallest spider seemed to dislike this new arrangement, and fled where it had made a home, skittering from its fabric, and scurrying across the entire skull for an escape. In the end, the tiny glassweb scurried into the skull’s left eye hole for sanctum.

“Ohhhhh.” The Gravekeeper chuckled. “You have a new friend, I do think.”

{ Written in collaboration with @the-plagued-d0ctor . Highly recommended follow! }

[sunshiline-writes]

Sunny's Personal Horror November 2024 Challenge

Hello everyone. I am doing a personal Drabble challenge with mostly horror concepts. It's 300 words a day and was suggested to me by my dear lovely friend @/crash-bump-bring-the-whump . The list will be posted here and the links will be updated as I write them.

Feel free to join if you feel particularly inspired and @ me if you do! I would love to see everyone's little takes in my silly little challenge. Enjoy my little drabbles! _____________

1.) Rest

2.) Whipped

3.) buzzard

4.) Soft  

5. )Blood 

6.) Burrow 

7.) Pinned 

8.) Freeze 

9.) Lightheaded 

10.) Sleep Deprivation 

11.) Delicious 

12.) Small Town 

13.) Silence 

14.) Bone 

15.) anticipation 

16.) Crucifix 

17.) Sweet 

18.) Absence 

19.) Objectify 

20.) Watching 

21.) Howl 

22.) Shatter

23.) photograph 

24.) Kettle 

25.) In the Woods 

26.) Jaw 

27.) Piercing 

28.) Parasite 

29.) Drained 

30.) Throat 

31.) Alone

[howtowhumpyourhiccup]

July Break Bingo, 6.

Let's Make A Horror Movie!

Summary: July Break Bingo 2024.

Set in a Modern AU. One lazy day, the twins approach their friends with a suggestion.

Warnings: /

Rating: Teen and Up

Dead Dove: No

Words: 782

Prompt: Hardcore

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon

Characters: Hiccup, Astrid, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Heather, Dagur

Pairing: Hiccstrid

Author’s Notes: This was a fun little thing to write. Once thought of turning this into a short fic with multiple chapters, but I ran out of time with the JBB challenge.

Enjoy!

-XOXOX-

“We’re going to make a hardcore horror movie!” Hiccup and his friends all gathered at Hiccstrid’s house and that’s what Tuffnut blurts out just as the previous conversation died down. What was it about? Well, no one can remember, not after that news.

“Ah, you what?” Hiccup asks, perplexed.

“No, notus, we!” Ruffnut emphasizes, her arms wide to gesture at the entire group she sees before her. It’s not just the twins who will be making this horror movie, but all of them.

Everyone sits outside by the pool. One would think that owning a home with three bedrooms and a pool would be super expensive, especially in this economy. But on the island of Berk, housing prices are still reasonable. Not that Hiccup coming from probably the richest family here doesn’t help.

“And why would we help you out?” Snotlout asks, dressed in speedos. He lifts his sunglasses to take a look at the twins with his signature judgmental look.

They’re all dressed in some type of swimwear. Two pieces, one pieces, speedoes or trunks. All but Hiccup and Fishlegs, who are both wearing a shirt because of different flavors of insecurities.

“Uh, because it’s an awesome idea and we should all totally join in! We already got a storyline!” Tuffnut states, feeling around for the notebook he and his sister have been writing in for the past couple of days. Briefly, he forgot he doesn’t have it on him because he left it in his jeans.

“Look at us and tell me we aren’t the perfect people to make one,” Ruffnut crosses her arms in a brief moment of smugness as she bathes in the genius of their idea.

Then she turns her attention to the rest. “Snotlout? Total jock!”

“Psh, Snotlout? Really?” Dagur asks incredulously. He feels like he would make a much better fit for that role.

“Heather? Look at her hair!” Immediately, there’s a storm brewing in Heather’s eyes. “Give her some ghostly makeup, make her peek around a corner, pull her hair in front of her face and you have the perfect ghost woman. Drenched catlady if we throw a bucket of water on her!”

Heather crosses her arms, not sure if she’s more offended or more flattered. She has a good singing voice and she can play a couple of instruments, why can’t she just slap some music together for their movie idea instead?

“Fishlegs has the perfect build to be a knife or chainsaw wielding maniac from the 80s!”

“Hey, that’s not true!” Fishlegs protests. He could never be a maniac who wields weapons of any kind.

“Ruffnut and I are obviously the producers and the writers and… You know,” Tuffnut takes over from his sister.

“And what about me?” Hiccup asks, perhaps feeling a little bit left out. He likes horror on occasion, mostly in the months from September to November, dubbed the “spooky months” by their group. One of his favorites include “The Thing,” even though he’s quite squeamish. He’s a fan of practical effects.

“Our creative team, duh!” Ah yes, the creative team composed of only one person. “We’re going to need practical effects and you always nail your Dreadfall costumes!”

That he does indeed! Last year, he decided to go with a classic; the zombie. Together with his artistry and after raiding the local art store, he put together something that looked life-like. The year before that, it was the legendary Lycanwing and it was a group costume then.

“Besides, you’re tall, skinny and freakishly flexible, you would be amazing as the monster!” It’s Ruffnut’s turn to continue. Provided he get some acting lessons, of course.

“You’re not seriously considering this, are you?” Astrid asks, recognizing that glint in his eyes. They’re both sitting on the same plastic lounge chair. Hiccup looks back at her, taking a sip from his soda can with a straw. He just likes the challenge, that’s all.

Oh, and dressing up, of course.

“Can I ask Toothless to join us?” Hiccup asks, wondering in his dragon’s stead.

“Hiccup!”

“Astrid? Total final girl!” And as suddenly as those words roll off Ruffnut’s tongue, she’s not so opposed to the idea anymore.

“I think you would make a great monster, Babe,” she tells her fiancé who laughs at her change of heart.

“So do you guys actually have an idea already?” Snotlout asks, splayed out on the floor next to the floor. It’s warmed by the sun. “Cause you’re just kinda throwing several different ideas into the group.”

“That’s because we have several different ideas, Snotman!”

“Several different great ideas!”

Several different great ideas indeed! And their friends will hear each and every one of them.

[be-compromised]

Halloween 2024 Trick or Treat Prompt Challenge

Welcome to this year's Halloween Trick or Treat Prompt Challenge! PLEASE READ HOW TO PLAY BEFORE LOOKING BEHIND THE CUT OR SCROLLING DOWN

How To Play:

Behind the cut is a list of 10 'Trick' prompts and 10 'Treat' prompts. These are mostly simple one or two word prompts. Tricks are darker (eg Blood, Graveyard) and Treats are lighter (eg Harvest, Cosy) but you can interpret them however you like. 

You can: - Choose a Trick or Treat and pick a number from 1 to 10 BEFORE you look at the prompts for a suprise prompt.  - Look at the prompts and then choose one that you'd like to create for or feel inspired by. - Choose multiple prompts before or after you look at them. - Or any other way you can think of playing that ends up with you having at least one prompt from the list below. (Ask a friend to pick for you. Roll a dice. Have fun with it!)

Once you have your prompt(s), your challenge is to create a fill. This can be fanfic, art, moodboards, fanvids, podfic... absolutely anything you like.

You can post your fill in a comment to this post on dreamwidth or absolutely anywhere you like. You must comment to this post on dreamwidth with at least: a title, author name, rating, any warnings or 'choose not to warn', and a LINK to your fill or your complete fill. (This is so people can find your fills, know what they're clicking on, and so we can create a masterlist at the end!)

You can post your fills any time from now until 18:00 GMT Sunday 3 November. (Which means you can post before Halloween, on Halloween, and up to the weekend after.) If you've not filled your prompt by then, Halloween has gone, whoosh, don't worry about it because Secret Santa is around the corner...

Also, if you post any fills, links to fills, or halloween recs you think would relevant to our interests please use the 'clintasha' tag and/or tag be_compromised so we can reblog on the comm tumblr, where we have been busy queuing autumn and halloween themed fun for you for the next few weeks - along with any whumptober and other event things we spot!

Rules:

- The rules of the Comm apply. As a reminder, this includes providing a rating and either 'no warnings apply' / 'choose not to warn' / provide warnings (ie as on AO3) so no one gets an unwanted scare.

- We're a community for fans of Clint Barton aka Hawkeye and Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, individually as well as paired together as friends, partners, lovers, spouses, or any combination. For this challenge we welcome all things Marvel, including other characters and pairings (and threesomes or moresomes), although we'd ask for Clint or Natasha to feature in there somewhere.

- You can choose and fill as many tricks and treats as you like, or just stick with one. Multiple people can choose the same prompt/s. You can pick a Trick AND a Treat and combine them in one prompt if you like, or write one for each. You can combine multiple prompts. You can write just one prompt, or you can complete one and then come back for more. Whatever you choose! 

- There's no minimum word count or the art equivalent for creations. For example, fics can be flash fics or three setences. There's also no maxium - if you feel inspired to write a longer fic or rec multiple things, please feel free. However, this is a no pressure, short challenge!

- You don't need to be a member of the community to take part. You don't need a dreamwidth account to take part, but if you comment anonymously to this post please do include some kind of online handle so we can credit you for your fill.

- There is a comment thread at the top of this post for any questions, comments, and any halloween type recs that you would like to share.

- Have fun!

Text Description: be_compromised Halloween 2024 Trick or Treat Prompts

Tricks: 1. Bats 2. Mystery 3. Ghost Story 4. Last One 5. Vampire 6. In The Dark 7. Body 8. Werewolf 9. Non-Halloween October Holiday or Tradition 10. Horror

Treats: 1. Orange 2. Magic 3. Pumpkin Carving 4. Bonfire 5. Daylight Savings 6. Piles of Leaves 7. Movie Night 8. Trick-or-Treating 9. Choose One of Your Favourite Tropes 10. Delight

[queenmomo1210]

The Lingering Scars of “Beloved”

by Monica Benros-DeBarros

Copyright © The Fan Carpet

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Revisiting the film “Beloved” struck me deeply on a personal level. The film transcends the typical Black horror genre, offering a profound and personal exploration on how generational trauma impacts the Black community. Extrapolation and discussions on the troubling legacy of slavery in contemporary society is complex and an unsettling reflection.

Copyright © Amazon

The film provides an illustration of a concept into freedom as an illusion, which resonated deeply with me. Indeed, while it may have appeared the characters possessed a semblance of physical freedom, they remained ensnared by their memories and the deep psychological scars left by slavery. The true horror lies in how the past haunts us as individuals and as a community. For instance, it can persistently attach itself to you, refusing to release its grip. An example is how Beloved's ghost transcends the typical notion of a frightening apparition; she embodies the deep, unresolved pain and sorrow that persistently shadows the characters. Prompting one to consider the invisible burden we each bear and carry.

The film’s stunning sets, especially the lively carnival scene, establish a striking juxtaposition between instances of joy and the underlying shadows of trauma. This encapsulates the intricate nature of the Black experience. While enduring the pain that has often been present in our communities, through strength and resilience it emphasizes that healing is an uncertain process.

While some may doubt the necessity of such an extravagant production, I find that those artistic decisions significantly enhanced the film's emotional resonance.

While I appreciate the effort, I found the opening scene to be a little excessive. The abrupt shift to horror imagery seemed somewhat incongruous, almost conflicting with the film's more profound examination of psychological trauma. A more gradual approach to the horror might have been more effective.

Copyright© IMDB and Copyright© The Film Experience

“Beloved” compelled me to acknowledge the significance of confronting our history, both on an individual level and within the broader context of society. Everyone carries their own burdens; recognizing them is an initial step toward recovery. This film serves as a poignant reminder that the repercussions of historical injustices can persist across generations, highlighting the necessity of ongoing dialogue to comprehend and address these issues genuinely.

While I have not experienced anything precisely akin to the events in “Beloved,” the depiction of generational trauma resonated deeply within me. It prompted reflection on how the experiences of my ancestors contribute to influencing my identity today.

Ultimately, “Beloved” presents a challenging experience, yet it is a film that holds significant importance for us. It illustrates how Black horror compels us to face unsettling realities and initiate significant dialogues that must be passed on throughout generations.

[luna-loveboop]

Linktober masterpost

Well. That was a wild ride. Fun fact- I never planned on doing Linktober this year! Because I am not the best with 2d art, I just kind of assumed I couldn't. But on the literal first. Day. Of October, my adhd brain realised that I could do an October challenge in another medium- mainly eggs. I've been doing egg carvings for years, so I figured I could just. Carve eggs.... for Linktober... and then I did it??

From there it quickly evolved into a random personal challenge to see how many different art mediums I could stuff into these prompts. I carved rocks, glass, bottles, etc... about halfway through the month I ran out of eggs and had to wait for my chickens to lay more. And then on a random whim I actually finished all thirty one days, falling behind twice. Go figure.

Links below (hehe). I crack myself up sometimes (that's an egg pun).

{Day- prompt: subject, medium/material}

Day one- mirror: sksw link, egg

Day two- friend/companion: midna and wolf link, egg

Day three- zelda: sksw zelda + harp music and loftwing, egg

Day four- night/dark: remlit, egg

Day five- sacred: totk secret stone, x smoll egg

Day six- horror: ww redead, blue glass pane

Day seven- royalty: mipha, egg

Day eight- tunic: bunny lu legend, egg easter bunny reblog

Day nine- mystery: math meme + timeline lu wind, egg

Day ten- species: ww fishmen, opaque blue glass pane

Day eleven- dance: totk riju, brown glass bottle

Day twelve- favourite game: skyward sword + fi link duet music, blue glass pane

Day thirteen- link: the master sword, a fucking rock

Day fourteen- fairy: lu fairy hyrule, glass bottle

Day fifteen- sword: the master sword and triforce, duck egg

Day sixteen- time: totk zelink, poem and ink art

Day seventeen- dragons: farosh, doodle

Day eighteen- shopkeeper: beedle, doodle w/ words

Day nineteen- reward: purple rupee, carved and painted inside duck egg

Day twenty- mask: lbl puppeteer, egg

Day twenty one- spirit: tp skull kid and sarias song, green glass bottle

Day twenty two- favorite character: marin, a rock

Day twenty three- element: the wind waker, egg CONT. on egg day twenty nine

Day twenty four- deity: demise, egg

Day twenty five- ganon: ooa trident, egg

Day twenty six- echo: twilight princess music, egg

Day twenty seven- rest: lu wind yeeting onto sky, egg Meme reblog

Day twenty eight- bones: botw bokoblin's campfire, egg

Day twenty nine- deku: ww link deku leaf, egg CONT. on egg from day twenty three

Day thirty- mount: sksw zelda and loftwing, egg

Day thirty one- free for all: cucco with eggs and lu chain with words happy linktober 2024, egg

I did finish them all in October! The last couple posts' timestamps might say November first, but I posted them right after midnight. Anyways. I'm proud :D

Everyone has been so very kind and encouraging- thank you guys. Truly. I love you, my friends.

Thank you to everyone but mainly my trusty pink sweater, that somehow made the perfect background for pictures of eggs.

Link to my favourite post I've ever made. Please remember you are loved

Happy Linktober guys!!

:)