#The Cone Creature Family Grows!!!

[shirleykarasuma]

A new Cone creature was discovered!

Faceless Cone

A cute and silly Cone, just like his normal counterpart, except he has no face. Unfortunately, he has no idea how he looks. Due to missing eyes, he can't see and, therefore, has never seen himself. For recognizability, he still wears his glasses.

[lifenconcepts]

So I remember you saying that you're a fir tree branch (correct me if I'm wrong on the tree species, my memory isn't the best). Would you mind telling me how that feels like? Do you retain some individuality as part of a larger tree? Would you consider the other branches to be family, close friends, you/a part of you or something else? I am also really fascinated by the panpsychistic implications of you being a tree branch: Not only is everything sentient, but every single part of everything is sentient, a neverending fractal of consciousness. I really like fractals

I am always grateful for people with genuine interest and open for dissection and ofcourse I’ll tell you about my experience!! Thank you for the questions!! Although I do understand how strange it may seem to some haha.

there’s a very familiar sense of home from the entire tree, similar to how a child may have a pull towards older people both in a paternal sense of like an older brother - that overwhelming sense of it being beyond your understanding but also a knowledgable responsibility of being beside them, that although they may not give you their attention, their presence is overly comforting and strangely intimate even if it may not much of a choice - either you’re all lost or have a belonging, and wherever that is, then it’ll be home. There isn’t a “tree vs me” it’s more so that everyone acts as apart of a whole, without one, the place will ofcourse remain empty, but there won’t be much suffering. For some to bloom is no different than a person putting on jewlery or decorating their house. Just like some needles overlap with others, it’s like a gentle reminder of comfort. the main point of awareness must be the way the breeze affects you differently, that the rain and snow are the primary causes of any difference in the peaceful life of sun, wind, and the everything of nothing. The environment is the most beautiful of embrace and a branch is so sensitive to that life with its little size in relation to all else around, but even then, holding such a beautiful importance! So important, so deep, and beloved.. but the biggest delight is to lovingly cherish, grow and spend energy and time into cultivating some berry or pine cone, and to share the gifts with the critters of the forest is beyond what any reasonable human explanation can transfer. To possibly have all your focus turn into a little treat for some creature also on a journey of their own is so much a pleasure!

Plus life doesn’t end with being broken off a tree or drying up/burning, although it mostly is gone there, but for some time after that source is shattered, there’s still a slow process of healing within the destruction, and to have someone or something carry you a little while longer, see the world beyond where life has been in so far, is well alright, and a good way to say goodbye to life. The bark and leaves turn to rot and decompose to fuel the other organisms around, from grass to shrubs and bushes to fellow trees. How beautiful!

other branches are more so distant family, some more friends and distant relatives, and some more work together but more or so it’s all from the main trunk, where all nutrients stem from, and it’s apart of one bigger thing.

Beautiful beautiful !!

[the-heart-of-a-monster]

Ok, yes, I know it’s been… A WHILE. BUT I HAVE RETURNED!!! AND WITH INPUT!!!!

I first wanna start off with Chip and Knuckles’s dynamic in the recent pages, because there’s obviously something there that others may miss.

Knuckles is the Guardian of the Master Emerald, we all know it, been there done that. And Chip is a LITERAL GOD. And yes, Light Gaia is separate from Chaos and the Master Emerald, but the two are still connected. Light Gaia seems to feed off of the energy from the Chaos Emeralds like plant feed, treating it like a form of much needed sustenance. Dark Gaia is the same, but it feeds off the anti energy instead, or I suppose the lack of natural Chaos energy. And while Light Gaia is a calm, childish, optimistic being with a form of his own, Dark Gaia is brash, angry, and wild. This means the two have different reactions to their food source being taken away.

See, when Eggman zapped all the energy from the Chaos Emeralds at the beginning of the game/comic, it reverted Sonic’s Super form to his Werehog form because of the lack of energy. And since there was suddenly more food for Dark Gaia to snack on, he was awakened prematurely. Think of a child sneaking into the kitchen to steal a few cookies. In contrast, when Chip’s Chaos energy was zapped away and when he was awakened, all he did was find temporary replacements like fair foods and giant ice cream cones. But when Sonic and co. started bringing the Emeralds back to normal, Dark Gaia got angrier and angrier, causing the issue with Omega right now, while Chip got more and more answers to who he is and what he truly wants in life.

Knuckles is the only one who understand’s Chip’s dilemma here. He is a young Guardian whose only goal in life is to, like I said, guard the Master Emerald. And while he knows what he has to do in life and what his purpose is, he’s not satisfied. He longs for something more, a family, a home, a life. Him and Chip are kind of similar in this sense, as they both desire more than just vague visions of their past or where they came from.

So, since the two aren’t directly connected, they are still connected. So when the temple begins doing whatever temples do, they both feel the same thing. Knuckles feels Dark Gaia’s anger, and Chip feels Dark Gaia’s influence grow stronger. It’s also why poor little Tails is left out of the loop haha~

To summarize: My take on the relationship between Chaos Energy and Gaia Energy is as follows: Dark Gaia and Light Gaia feed on the different energies from the Chaos Emeralds, (Dark feeds on anti/negative energy and Light feeds on the positive energy when the Emeralds glow) so when Eggman disrupted their eternal snacks they were awakened and started causing problems. Due to this indirect connection, Knuckles and Chip understand each other much more than they realize.

Next I wanna talk about Omega’s situation here because it’s actually really interesting!

So as we all know, Omega is a robot, an artificial intelligence, created by Eggman. And also as we all know, Omega hates Eggman’s guts! And I mean he H A T E S Eggman! So much so that it’s the default emotion for him. Naturally, when interacting with any Dark Gaia creature, this hate gets amplified so much that it corrupts him. But that doesn’t make sense, does it? Omega is a robot, not a living being! His emotions are all fake, he doesn’t know what real hatred is!

…

If that’s the case then how did he even escape Eggman’s control in the first place?

Well to be fair, he is still a robot and it is true that robots typically don’t feel any “Real” emotions. However, in fiction it is possible to program a conscience or a simulation within the core programming that imitates emotion. This allows Omega to feel just like any other person, also allowing him to escape Eggman’s grasp due to feeling inferior and under appreciated. And if my theory on Dark Gaia is correct, then this all makes perfect sense!

I theorized that Dark Gaia’s just throwing a tantrum because Sonic and his friends are taking away his midnight snack, and I used a kid taking a cookie as an analogy. Well, just like that little kid, Gaia is desperate for any little crumb, nugget, or particle of food, no matter what it is, because he’s angy. Dark Gaia is desperate for literally anything at this point, so he’s ramping up the amount of monsters and negativity in the world just to get what he wants. Simulated or faked emotions are no real difference to him in this enraged state, so to him, Omega is just another random idiot for him to suck dry. After all, if Omega’s able to fool even Rouge and Shadow with his simulated emotions, then Dark Gaia doesn’t really care.

Another summary: Dark Gaia is pissy and hungry, so he doesn’t really care if one’s anger is simulated or not. He still likes the taste of Omega’s fury, so he is able to corrupt the robot despite the guy being, well, a robot!

AND NOW FOR GUN YES I CAN FINALLY HATE ON THE GOVERNMENT LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO-

Wait-

Oh shoot this is already reaaaaaaallllyyyyyyyy really long! Uh. You know what? I’ll make a separate ask at some point later on talking about G.U.N. and what their whole deal is in this situation. This whole ask was mostly about gods and emotions anyway, so it would be quite the whiplash to go from that to government stuff. So with that said, thank you so much for reading this very… V E R Y long ask! I hope it was enjoyable despite its length. Great way to come back from a 5-month disappearance…! Haha… We have fun here.

Thanks for making this comic at all btw, it really shows your talent and growth as an artist and it’s in general just fun to read. There are so many little details and plot points that I could go on and on about but again, I’ll save it for later. Byeeeeeeee!!

very good points regarding knux n chip! I rly wanted to give them this connection that only they could have, which is one of those big missed opportunities from the game by cutting knuc from the story.

Nd super interesting take on the gaia/chaos energy duality 👀 cant wait to shine my own light on that in the future!

[thecreaturecodex]

Anaxim

Image © Wizards of the Coast, by Wayne Reynolds

[Commissioned by @justicegundam82​​. The anaxim was one of the abominations in the D&D 3.0 Epic Level Handbook, and even in its initial appearance seemed like a strange fit. It doesn’t have an epic level CR, at CR 20, and it is the only non-evil abomination. 4e tried to reinvent them by moving them to the Forgotten Realms, and conflating them with a 2e monster family from Dragon Magazine, the sheen. Like most decisions involving the Realms in the 4e era, I hate this and am ignoring it.

My inspiration for the flavor text is as much from conversations with my followers as from any official source. Their first canon backstory is that they are the abandoned creations of a forge god who tried and failed to make an ultimate weapon. The commissioner suggested, in light of this and to give the anaxim something to do other than fight, that they be interested in “fixing” themselves. A conversation with @strawberry-crocodile​​ about one of her upcoming commissions got me thinking about how Pathfinder RPG treats Law vs. Chaos as the big reality-defining conflict as opposed to Good vs. Evil (more traditional fantasy settings) or Evil vs. Evil (the Blood War). And, because of where I am in my life, there’s definitely an element of queer symbolism in this entry as well. Feel free to play that up, or play that down, depending on how you want to use the anaxim in your game.]

Anaxim CR 17 N Outsider (extraplanar) This mechanical thing is approximately human shaped, but nearly twice as broad. Its body seems to be made entirely of weapons—it has spinning blades mounted on its back, multiple hooks and cleavers growing along its arms, and a face like a knight’s helmet.

In the war between the inevitables and proteans, there are casualties. Most of these are outright fatalities, but in some cases, an inevitable becomes irreversibly changed by the forces of chaos. When this happens, the inevitable transforms into an anaxim. No two anaxim look identical, but all resemble loosely humanoid metal figures covered in weapons. The primary goal of most anaxim is perfection: making themselves whole and complete in a way that is unique to each individual. Many anaxim would also like to figure out a way to reliably replicate, one that didn’t rely on freak chance and outside intervention. A few anaxim are instead filled with self-loathing and seek to lash out at the forces that made them—these are the most dangerous.

A single anaxim is the equivalent of an entire mortal army, and they are able to go toe-to-toe with all but the most powerful proteans or inevitables alike. As anaxims value their own lives very highly, they usually start a combat cautiously, from a distance or with hit and run attacks. The spinning blades that grow between their shoulders are, when spun fast enough, able to act as a wing, granting the creature remarkable maneuverability for its weight. In addition to their impressive physical weaponry, an anaxim can use a number of spells for defense, and a powerful blast of sonic energy for offense.

Anaxims are insane by the standards of the inevitables, which means that they are capable of respecting and understanding multiple viewpoints. Some maintain a balanced approach to achieving their goals, while others veer wildly between chaotic and lawful behavior. On some occasions anaxim will gather together into groups if their views of perfection overlap. If they do not, such groups rapidly fall apart due to infighting, with anaxim attempting to take control of their peers or simply blast them to pieces with their sonic cones.

Anaxim       CR 17 XP 104,200 N Medium outsider (chaotic, extraplanar, lawful) Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., Perception +26, true seeing Defense AC 33, touch 18, flat-footed 25 (+7 Dex, +1 dodge, +15 natural) hp 270 (20d10+140 plus 20); fast healing 10 Fort +13, Ref +19, Will +17 DR 15/(adamantine and lawful) or (adamantine and chaotic); Immune construct traits; Resist cold 20, electricity 20, fire 20; SR 28 (35 vs. divinations) Defensive Abilities constructed Offense Speed 30 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect) Melee 2 blade arms +31 (2d6+11/19-20), spinning blades +31 (4d6+11/19-20x3) Ranged 6 spikes +27 (1d8+11) Special Attacks control construct, rend (2 blade arms, 2d6+16), sonic cone Spell-like Abilities CL 20th, concentration +25 Constant—nondetection (self only), true seeing At will— chain lightning (DC 21), displacement, greater dispel magic 3/day—ethereal jaunt, quickened greater dispel magic, improved invisibility 1/day—summon (1 iron golem, 100%, 9th level) Statistics Str 33, Dex 25, Con 25, Int 20, Wis 20, Cha 20 Base Atk +20; CMB +31 (+35 sunder); CMD 49 (51 vs. sunder) Feats Cleave, Craft Construct (B), Deadly Aim, Dodge, Flyby Attack, Great Cleave, Greater Sunder, Improved Critical (spinning blades), Improved Sunder, Power Attack, Quicken SLA (greater dispel magic) Skills Acrobatics +28, Craft (clockwork) +24, Fly +24, Knowledge (arcana, dungeoneering) +21, Knowledge (engineering, planes) +24, Perception +26, Sense Motive +26, Stealth +28, Spellcraft +21 (+25 crafting constructs), Survival +26, Use Magic Device +26; Racial Modifiers +4 Spellcraft when crafting constructs Languages Celestial, Common, Modron, Protean, Utopian SQ armament, construct maker Ecology Environment any land or underground (Axis) Organization solitary, binary pair or squad (3-6 plus 0-12 miscellaneous constructs) Treasure standard Special Abilities Armament (Ex) An anaxim’s natural weapons overcome damage reduction as lawful, chaotic and magic weapons. Its blade arms are primary natural weapons that deal slashing and piercing damage, and threaten a critical hit on a roll of 19-20. Its spinning blades are a primary natural weapon that deals slashing damage, and deals x3 damage on a successful critical hit. Control Construct (Su) Three times per day as a standard action, an anaxim can attempt to take over a construct within 60 feet. The construct can attempt a DC 25 Will save; if it fails, it is totally under the control of the anaxim for 24 hours. Creatures with the constructed defensive ability, such as inevitables, modrons and other anaxim, are susceptible to this effect as well. The save DC is Charisma based. Constructed (Ex) Although anaxim are living outsiders, their bodies are constructed of physical components, and in many ways they function as constructs. For the purposes of effects targeting creatures by type (such as a ranger's favored enemy and bane weapons), anaxim count as both outsiders and constructs. They are immune to death effects, disease, mind-affecting effects, necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep, stun, and any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects, or is harmless). Anaxim are not subject to nonlethal damage, ability damage, ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, or energy drain. They are not at risk of death from massive damage. They have bonus hit points as constructs of their size. Anaxim do not need to breathe. Construct Maker (Ex) An anaxim has Craft Construct as a bonus feat. It gains a +4 racial bonus on all Spellcraft checks used in the manufacture of a construct. Sonic Cone (Su) Once every 1d4 rounds as a standard action, an anaxim can create a 60 foot cone of deadly sonic energy. All creatures in the area take 20d6 points of sonic damage and are staggered for 1 round. A successful DC 25 Reflex save halves the damage and negates the staggered condition. The save DC is Charisma based. Spikes (Ex) As a standard action, an anaxim can fire up to six spikes. Each spike is treated as a ranged weapon with a range increment of 100 feet. Each spike deals 1d8 damage plus the anaxim’s Strength modifier. An anaxim never runs out of spikes.

[warriors-rewritten-chaos]

Warrior Cats Suffixes- F

I had a WC Name Generator on Perchance that I made but I don't seem to have access anymore, so I'm remaking it here as just a simple list. The definitions used are the ones that Clan cats have for those things, and thus are the origins of the names. Definitions used are whatever I found when I googled it.

-fade: "[verb] gradually grow faint and disappear; [noun] the process of becoming less bright"

-fall: "[verb] move downward, typically rapidly and freely without control, from a higher to a lower level; [noun] an act of falling or collapsing; a sudden uncontrollable descent"

-fang: "[noun] a large sharp tooth, especially a canine tooth of a dog or wolf; [noun] the tooth of a venomous snake, by which poison is injected; [noun] the biting mouthpart of a spider"

-feather: "[noun] any of the flat appendages growing from a bird's skin and forming its plumage"

-fern: "[noun] a flowerless plant which has feathery or leafy fronds"

-field: "[noun] an area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture, typically bounded by hedges or fences"

-fin: "[noun] a flattened appendage on various parts of the body of many aquatic vertebrates and some invertebrates, including fish and cetaceans, used for propelling, steering, and balancing"

-fir: "[noun] an evergreen coniferous tree with upright cones and flat needle-shaped leaves, typically arranged in two rows"

-fire: "[noun] combustion or burning, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke"

-fish: "[noun] a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins and living wholly in water"

-flake: "[noun] a small, flat, thin piece of something, typically one that has broken away or been peeled off from a larger piece"

-flame: "[noun] a hot glowing body of ignited gas that is generated by something on fire"

-flash: "[verb] move or pass very quickly; [noun] a sudden brief burst of bright light or a sudden glint from a reflective surface"

-flax: "[noun] a blue-flowered herbaceous plant that is cultivated for its seed and for textile fiber made from its stalks"

-fleck: "[noun] a very small patch of color or light; [verb] mark or dot with small patches of color or particles of something"

-flick: "[noun] a sudden sharp movement"

-flicker: "[verb] make small, quick movements; flutter rapidly; [noun] an unsteady movement of a flame or light that causes rapid variations in brightness"

-flight: "[noun] the action or process of flying through the air; [noun] a flock or large body of birds or insects in the air, especially when migrating"

-flood: "[noun] an overflowing of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines, especially over what is normally dry land"

-flower: "[noun] the seed-bearing part of a plant, consisting of reproductive organs (stamens and carpels) that are typically surrounded by a brightly colored corolla (petals) and a green calyx"

-fluff: "[noun] soft fibers from things such as wool or cotton which accumulate in small light clumps"

-flurry: "[noun] a small swirling mass of something, especially snow or leaves, moved by sudden gusts of wind"

-flutter: "[verb] (of a bird or other winged creature) fly unsteadily or hover by flapping the wings quickly and lightly"

-foam: "[noun] a mass of small bubbles formed on or in liquid, typically by agitation or fermentation"

-fog: "[noun] a thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth's surface which obscures or restricts visibility"

-foot: "[noun] the lower extremity of the leg below the ankle, on which a person stands or walks"

-fox: "[noun] a carnivorous mammal of the dog family with a pointed muzzle and bushy tail, proverbial for its cunning"

-freckle: "[noun] a small patch of light brown color on the skin, often becoming more pronounced through exposure to the sun"

-frond: "[noun] the leaf or leaflike part of a palm, fern, or similar plant"

-frost: "[noun] a deposit of small white ice crystals formed on the ground or other surfaces when the temperature falls below freezing"

-fur: "[noun] the short, fine, soft hair of certain animals"

-fuzz: "[noun] a fluffy or frizzy mass of hair or fiber"

[labyrinth-magic]

"A Tribute to Trees"

Trees are welcoming, caring folk.

The folds of their rough outer bark

Host a diverse community of creatures:

Squirrel families rest in them;

Chipmunks run in circles up and down their trunks;

Birds build nests in their branches;

Frogs find bugs to eat and a place to sing their songs.

Trees provide shade, shelter, and oxygen;

They enhance the nutrients in the earth around them,

And so the ferns and flowers grow.

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

Trees are generous beings.

They provide seeds and nuts

For the critters who visit them.

Pine cones fall and scatter around my feet,

On the soft carpet of needles

That tickle my soles and toes.

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

The folds of tree bark

Bear an array of earthy colors,

As do the leaves that grow on them.

The moss and lichen add to the depth

Of their folds, add shades of green

To their browns and blacks.

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

Trees stand tall, reaching to hug the sun and moon,

Drawing down their energy

To share with all who spend time with them.

Their canopies shelter us

From the rain

And cool the air around us

On hot summer days.

They delight us with the playful shadows of their tree branches,

Dancing in the breezes with the golden sunlight

Splashed across the paths we walk.

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

Trees are patient,

They know how to wait;

Their wisdom is ancient;

They are resilient and strong.

Trees have stories to give us

When we take a moment to listen to them speak.

~ by Karen Szklany

[mycartoonmonster]

Other stuff Ford has done:

-Made a kissing machine that ended in disaster in his teens

-Summoned a demon despite the warnings

-Stole a brain from the morgue

-Avoided showering to keep Bill out of him regardless if he lacked proof this would work

-Keeps an extremely dangerous dice in a plastic box

-Aimed a gun to a wizard

-Jumped off the Mystery Shack's attic breaking the window while he could have used the door

-Sets his face on fire to shave faster

-When the apocalypse started he quickly drew what was happening in the journal before heading to try and kill Bill

-In Lost Legends, after accidently harming the Sinling Brothers he agreed to steal their clothes and impersonate them

Stanley:

-Kept a doomsday device secret for 3 decades

-Tried to burn Gideon with his watch

-Was aware of Dipper's plan to see his tattoo and waited an unknown amount of time to catch him and try to steal his camera all while his clothes were getting wet and chased Dipper throughout the Shack in that state

-Got married to Eda the Owl Lady whom stole his car

-Tried teaching a bear to drive

-Fought a pterodactyl to get his niece's pig back

-Stripped for flour on Tijuana

-Fought zombies with his bare hands

-Almost punches a child for insulting his family and himself in front of her parents and broad daylight

-Stole radioactive waste to reactivate a portal which could create the apocalypse.

-Suggested eating the gnomes in the apocalypse

-First thing he does when Bill enters his head and gets stuck was telling him he was gonna die with the chillest attitude ever.

And honestly same with the twins; theyre somewhat chaotic and do chaotic/insane things;

Mabel:

-Practicing kissing with the leaf blower

-Kept gnome's beard hair for no reason

-Was totally chill about possibly dating a vampire

-Glued jewels to her entire face and eyelashes

-Taped a traffic cone to a horse's head to make an unicorn

-Tricked her grunkle to face his fear of heights

-Almost blinds her grunkle with a rainbow

-Attacked someone with glitter in the eyes

-Has a weird scary stuffed bear that gives children nightmares

-Eats raw sugar on the daily

-Got wasted with Smile Dip

-Went to the hospital once for eating stickers

-Got her grunkle some golden teeth for him to finally stop lying which almost gets him into legal trouble

-Dived her head into a bucket and didn't got scared by having bugs crawling on her face

-Has clothes that could be a fire hazard

-Punched an unicorn in the face

-Beated a demon possessing her brother's body via tickles

-Stole stuff from the God of Love

-Caused a car crash by insulting a lumberjack's favorite boy band

-Sprayed graffiti in a demon's eye on top of insulting him and blowing a raspberry at him.

Dipper:

-Captured a monster to serve as an attraction in the Shack

-Snuck in the shower to get a look at his grunkle's tattoo counting with the possiblity of him being naked

-Made a super complicated mirror disguise to capture a Always Behind on camera

-Made a device to grow taller cause he didn't like Mabel bragging about being taller than him

-Raised the dead

-Was okay with cheating at mini golf by using the help of tiny golf ball creatures

-Cloned himself to make extra complicated plans

-Messed with time itself to prevent a guy asking his crush out

-Summoned a Game character to fight in his place against a teenager

-Fought an alien spaceship to protect Ford

-Tried to punch Bill in the eye

-First ting he does in Mabel's tower was kicking innocent looking creatures thatwere playing or having a tea party.

Chaos and bad choices run in the Pines family gene pool it seems

favorite stan twins characterization is that they're both equally insane. stanley just gets more air time to show it off. loosely inspired by a post i read earlier but here's some absolutely insane things both of them have done

stanley:

drugged a person and turned them into an exhibit in the mystery shack

had a vegas wedding to a prospector-themed novelty dispenser

gave mabel a grappling hook

failed to steal an animatronic badger

chewed his way out of the trunk of a car

punched at least three bald eagles

is multiply divorced, possibly even with the novelty dispenser

committed premeditated murder on a llama

faked a heart attack to get on Wheel of Fortune

took his clothes off in front of a live studio audience on Wheel of Fortune

has a rivalry with a fifth grader, a grandmother, and a man who exclusively dresses like a corn cob

stanford:

pulled a gun on a bus driver when he wouldn't let a pig on board

directly assisted in mind-controlling ronald reagan during his election in 1980

gave mabel a crossbow

got bitten by a vampire bat and subsequently began sampling human blood

owns contraband outlawed in 9000 dimensions; keeps it in an extremely flimsy plastic case

"accidentally" set a hawk on fire

has exes ranging from as normal as his old college buddy to as weird as a triangle and an alien with 7 eyes who put a metal plate in his head

wears turtlenecks because he's hiding multiple tattoos he regrets, including one themed around "all star" by smash mouth

is an Extremely wanted criminal across hundreds of dimensions; was completely kicked out of one for card counting

is, bizarrely, super into the band Eurythmics

can see shrimp colors

[dragonmasterhiccup]

Both he and Fizban nodded intently as they listened to him talk. Gruemar then smiled. "Sounds like a very interesting dragon it's a wonder you ever ran into one and escaped to tell the tale. A testament to your knowledge and skill, young master."

He then nodded in response to his question. "Silver dragons, you say? Sure, I don't mind speaking about them. Let's see. At first glance, a silver dragon appears very similar to a white dragon. Their wings, however, are more curved than a white's silver dragons also have two talons on their wings rather than the single talon of most dragons. Silver dragons also have a beautiful frill that begins at the top of their head and flows all the way down their neck and body to the tip of their tail. The frill is silver towards the body, fading to a purple hue at the edge. They also have two long, smooth silver horns with black tips, pointing up and back from the head. They also have a pronounced sharp frill under their chin, which has the rough appearance of a goatee. They also smelled like rain."

Gruemar then yawned for a moment before he continued. "They are very intelligent, more so than most humans, are extremely powerful, breathtakingly beautiful, and have lifespans that can reach up to 4,200 years. Unlike us gold and bronze dragons, silver dragons do not usually go out of their way to bring justice to the world. Instead, they tend to waited for others to ask them for help; They will however attempt to right an injustice if they see one, but they have no inclination to intentionally seek evil out and destroy it. Silver dragons are normally more interested in protecting any humans or elves that came into its care. One unusual trait they tend to have is the love of human dining; moreover, they would use their ability to take alternate forms to take part in large feasts."

Gruemar gave a short chuckle thinking about it. "While I have met my fair share of silver dragons, I've never stopped to think about how silly they are enjoying such things. Let's see what else is there." He continued on with a smile on his face. "Silver dragons are known for enjoying the company of humans and elves so much that they often will take the form of a human or elf and live among them for the majority of their life. However, it should be noted that silvers, like most dragons, believed themselves the most superior creatures in the world. However, apart from the ability to fly, which they enjoyed greatly, they tended to prefer the physical forms of humanoids for their everyday life. When it comes to living with other races, silver dragons would grow attached to them and maintain a long-term relationship. As they died, the silver dragon, grieved by the loss, would normally continue to associate with their descendants, remaining a friend through many generations. If the dragon felt they could trust these non-dragons enough, it might even decide to reveal its true self."

"Let's see what's next. Oh yes, the breath weapon. I am sure you wish to know each dragons individual breath weapon. You see, like most metallic dragons, silvers do not enjoy combat and are rather averse to killing. If forced to fight, however, they are as deadly as any other dragon. Silver dragons have two separate breath weapons. The first being a cone of freezing cold, similar to that of a white dragon. The second was a cone of paralyzing gas."

He then paused for a moment as he began to stretch his wings lightly, flapping them as he continued speaking. " Most silver dragons grouped together in "clans," they were mostly a loose organization of dragons who chose to live together as a family. Clans took communal responsibility for protecting and raising their wyrmlings. A senior member of the clan might act as a leader, but no true leader normally exists as silver dragons do not feel the need for a strict social structure since they are normally content to live as honestly as possible."

His jaw dropped. "Over four thousand years?? And another shape changer...I can't believe it...Well, I can, because you're telling it to me, but...it's just hard to wrap my head around..."

He stepped forward, putting away his notebook. "You have told me so much tonight, and I am grateful, but...and please, don't misunderstand, but you look like you could use some rest. I have some stories and dragon knowledge you might enjoy as well."

"One of the most unique dragons I've come across is the Flightmare. They eat glowing algae, which in turn causes them to glow bright blue. They have a toxic mist that they spray, which paralyzes their victims in fear, and they have acid blasts as well. Two breath weapons, like yourself."

"There's also the Armorwing. They meld metal to their torso, because they don't have any scales there to protect themselves. Now, their breath weapon is what they use to fuse this metal together. It can also temporarily damage the eyesight of their enemies as well."

A story...he did have many to choose from. He decided on telling of when he and Toothless learned to fly using the new tail fin he had made. He was quite animated in his telling, using large arm gestures, and Toothless even chimed in here and there. Though Hiccup could only guess what Toothless what saying from his expression and movement, he knew Gruemar understood it fully. "...and so, that's how I was able to help Toothless take to the sky once more."

[runbugzcompany]

How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes Inside The House

The season of mosquitoes is here and these wrathful creatures spare no one, neither toddlers nor adults. With mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue and chikungunya are on the rise, it’s time to trade the harmful effects of coils and liquid vaporizers with things that are not harmful.

If you are scared of mosquitoes crowding at your home and you have been swatting them with your hands then we bring to you these effective remedies that you can use and stop mosquitoes from invading your houses.

Lemon and Cloves

Cut a lemon in half and insert coves in it. The presence of eugenol and strong aroma is quite effective in repelling insects and mosquitoes. Place this in your room and wake up to a bite-free morning.

Camphor Oil/Camphor Cones

Camphor has been found to have a long-lasting effect as a repellent due to the strong smell. All you need to do is light camphor in a room or place a Camphor cone with everything closed and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Voila! Your room will be mosquito-free in no time.

Garlic and Lemon Juice Spray

The strong aroma of garlic protects you from mosquitoes and it is also widely used as a natural insect repellent. Also, lemon juice has a high acid content that helps repel mosquitoes naturally. Spray it on your indoor plants to fight against these pesky creatures.

Mosquito Repellent Patch

Use mosquito repellent patches by Runbugz to protect yourself from the unwanted guests at your home. They are 100% safe, easy to use and highly efficient. Paste two quirky patches on your clothes and it will keep mosquitoes at bay. These patches provide up to 24 hours of protection!

Grow Pest-Repelling Plants

Growing certain plants like Lavender, Lemongrass, Ageratum, Lemon Balm, Lantana, Citronella, Basil, Geranium, Rosemary and other mint-family plants can help repel mosquitoes. These plants give off strong aromas that make mosquitoes want to steer clear.

There are so many choices including DIY options and natural remedies that work just as well 

as herbal mosquito repellents available in the market. However, even with these remedies- some other healthy practices should not be ignored like always sleep under a mosquito net or do not keep stagnant water. Whatever you choose, it will help keep mosquitoes away from you.

Original Source: herbal mosquito killer

[el-isa-bel-thoth]

Africa how I'd. The ozone above you

Oh it's the thinnest of the planet

Wonder why

Do not winder to far dear çhild

Look at Africa phobia yet constant baraddment of abominations against the holy family mary

Isa and Jesus's word made flesh

This nation claimed to be of the gods yet would kill an alien in a heartbeat

Kill or genitally mutilate gods creatures from his creation to man's creation

Notice how

80% OF majority of nations are spiritual not religious this will grow due to harms created by the people Allah God jesus isa mary do not know

And do not wish to

So sad you did not know that God new you hated his children so when heavenly fires cone from heaven who has the least ozone to be saved

Africa Africa mother Africa

Pray for our dear brothers and sisters there is no return

Except in their redemption

[octoagentmiles]

@poisonedbasil

Gladly <3

First of all, Captain Barnacles:

He was born, and raised through the Polar Scout program with his twin sister Bianca. Through this program, he met Professor Natquik and Tracker (and possibly Boris the Narwhal).

At some point during his scout days, he met Professor Inkling, who had found himself trapped in the Arctic somehow, and had to be rescued by the cubs (including Barnacles).

Natquik was Barnacles’ mentor and father figure who was forced to leave the Arctic so he could do research in Antarctica. Tracker joined the Polar Scouts soon after he left, and he never made it back home. He was stuck in the Antarctic for at least 20 years, maybe longer.

When Barnacles was a cub, some ice cracked from underneath him and he got stuck in a very deep hole for a very long time, and he now has PTSD from the event.

Sometime after he graduated Scouts, he got a position on a ship called the MV Manitoba. It’s very likely (but not canon...... yet-) that he met Tweak on this ship.

The ship crashed, he returned home to the Arctic, reunited with Tracker, and trained him to run the Polar Emergency Post Station.

After that, he was asked by Professor Inkling to be Captain of the Octonauts.

Kwazii. This cat has so much story potential but I will say right now that a LOT of it is speculation/theory. MOST of what I'm about to say is canon though:

Kwazii is different from other pirates, and has been since he was little. Pirates are scary and mean, just like the legends, but Kwazii is kind and good.

Kwazii was born to a huge family of pirates. His grandfather, Calico Jack (aptly named after real life pirate “Calico Jack”), is one of the most famous pirates who ever lived, and they look a lot alike.

Calico Jack left his family/crew behind “in search of the Hidden City of Gold” (so he said), when Kwazii was just a little kitten.

Kwazii was abandoned by his family for being weak (kind, soft, etc.).

He chose to NOT be a pirate at one point in his life...

(This might be what caused his family to abandon him; ie. he made a big show one night about not wanting to be like them, and they were like “ok walk the plank then.” and he did.)

...but then RECHOSE to be a pirate again after learning about his grandfather.

He was a pirate of his own making for a while, with no crew,

Before getting found by Barnacles/The Octonauts and joining them.

All cats in this universe seem to be pirates, plus Kwazii wears an eyepatch and speaks generally very piratey, so despite being an Octonaut creatures are always afraid of him because they recognize him as a pirate--

and it’s very sad because all he wants to do is help but he keeps getting attacked-- [*sobs*]

Peso:

Lil guy was SO insecure in seasons 1-2+½.

He was very dependent on others, and always compared himself to his friends (mainly Barnacles and Kwazii).

He has a HUGE family, including a little brother, big brother (his name is Pogo but we haven’t met him yet, he’s mentioned in the blobfish episode), and one million cousins.

It’s possible that growing up around so many other penguins, that he did get compared to them quite a bit, and/or never fully got to shine. Which is why he’d get so flustered being in the spotlight in s1-2.

His dependency issues are interesting, because Peso gets his best character growth moments when he’s forced to be by himself. (Vampire Squid, Aggregate Anemones, Spookfish, CONE SNAIL, and more.)

He’s also the youngest and newest recruit on the Octopod, so that’s fun. He hasn’t been around for very long; we see him going through training in season 1, so he probably joined off-screen sometime right before the first episode.

Shellington:

We don’t know too much about Shellington, but we DO know that he is a sea otter who is allergic to urchins: meaning he literally cannot do the one thing sea otters are expected to do (eat urchins so they don’t destroy kelp forests) and y’know that’s gotta be pretty stressful.

He discovered the Vegimals himself, and named all of them. He incubated and hatched their eggs in his lab, and has been studying them ever since, and that’s how he picked up their language.

Dashi doesn’t have much going for her, not gonna lie. The most she’s ever gotten is in The Caves of Sac Actun, where they revealed she did cave diving with Ryla.

#SilvergategiveDashisomeloreplease2022

aaaaaaaand I can’t go too deep into Inkling or Tweak without significantly spoiling Season 5, but there is a little bit I can say about Tweak:

She grew up the in the Florida Everglades with her father, as a creature tracker and outdoorsy kid.

Somewhere along the line she started building gadgets and gizmos.

She then [REDACTED SPOILERS], and eventually (again, not canon yet-) joined the Manitoba crew where she met Barnacles.

She was the first ever official Octonaut, as she was there before they were even called "The Octonauts".

She built the first Octopod. It crashed; she built the second Octopod. She built all the gups.

and the rest that I could say about her is just theory and speculation 😅

AND I really wanna ramble about Calico Jack real quick: He has a VERY mysterious past—he is kind and good like Kwazii, but it's implied he wasn't always like that. He was hiding out in the Amazon River for almost 20 years, claiming he was "stuck", but was able to leave with ease the second he had a reason to. He's terrified of disappointing Kwazii, and Captain Barnacles too now that he's an Octo-Agent, and I just think that's really interesting. 👀👀

also not sure if it counts but in the books there were cities, towns, and kingdoms, so a lot of people like to imagine that there are still cities full of animal-people out there somewhere in the showverse. especially since there's multiple instances of the Octonauts picking up trash, including tires, grocery bags, etc., that's polluting the ocean that they say "was thrown away", Tweak mentioning "ordering parts" from somewhere, plus Dashi's side gig with "National Seaographic".

There's ALSO like,,, a whole Thing regarding the difference between animals and animal-people that's been sparked by Above and Beyond, because there's been a lot of non-anthro cats, bears, there was a picture of a bunny at one point, plus the entire Red Fox episode directly addressing the topic of animal instinct and the differences between arctic foxes (Natquik) and red foxes (new non-anthro character); but we don't know how far they're going to go with this.

and that's pretty much it???? i think???? if I think of more I'll let ya know lol <3

[astoundingbeyondbelief]

Mom wrote an essay about Godzilla and Japan a few years ago in which the late Akira Takarada featured prominently. She’s not on social media, so I asked if I could share it here.

Enlightened by a Japanese Monster

By Barbara Murphy

Akira Takarada entered the ballroom at the 19th annual Godzilla Festival in Chicago in 2010. Here was the Japanese actor whose character Ogata helped to save humanity in the original 1954 Godzilla movie. Erect and fit in his seventies, he wore a tailored, striped summer suit, a contrast to his ardent American fans, wildly clapping in their wrinkled cargo shorts and “Got Zilla?” t-shirts.

What in the world was I doing here? Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, I hated monster movies. Too much fighting. Not enough dialogue.

But then I became a mother in 1993 to a son who by age four had checked out every dinosaur book in our county library system. His fascination with prehistoric creatures led to a passion for fictional monsters, mostly Japanese—colorful Pokemon and no-nonsense kaiju. Library visits now included a full sweep of videos with titles like Godzilla’s Revenge; Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster; and Gamera vs. Zigra.

I found Ghidorah creepy with all those swinging heads, and Gamera, the flying turtle, almost comical. But I was taken by the rainbow-colored Mothra and her twin fairies in Mothra vs. Godzilla, another kaiju movie in which Takarada had a role. In the fairies’ song, they call Mothra a guardian angel who will come whenever the people need kindness and protection. Who doesn’t want someone like that in their lives?

No slouch when it comes to fighting, Mothra’s devotion to her people and her strength and beauty encouraged me to discover more about Godzilla’s world. By the time my son was 10, there we were, my husband, son, and I, driving 800 miles to an event that still turns human heads when we say it: The Godzilla Festival, or G-Fest. We have attended every year since, even in 2018 when my husband and I returned from an overseas trip at 10 PM the evening before we needed to depart.

While participating in the Godzilla Festival and learning about kaiju, I have seen my son grow from a shy youngster to a leader there of panel discussions in 2018 and 2019 (the most recent to have been held thanks to COVID-19), surrounded by “Big G” friends who live in Scotland, Kentucky, and California.

Beyond that, my knowledge and love of Japanese culture and its people have deepened, making the past two years of increased hate crimes and prejudice in our country against Asians even more troubling.

A soft spot for Japan was already alive in my heart when I was young, in spite of my being born 11 years after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It’s hard to recall what I learned where, in school or the culture, but I do recall some paradoxical sentiments.

I was taught that the Japanese were evil. Their aggressiveness in WWII was proof, and kamikaze pilots in movies underlined the point. I also ascertained that a lot of their post-war products, including toys, were an attempt to conquer the world in a new way, manufacturing and exporting the cheapest products they could. Everything was suddenly “Made in Japan” and, similar to some of today’s Chinese goods, everybody complained but bought them anyway. The Japanese continued to be our enemy.

Here came the tough part. I loved the cute toys.

I still have some of them: a glass tea cup decorated with pink flowers; a seven-inch stuffed mouse wearing a pinafore and striped beret.

That talent for creating cuteness became more visible when regular attendance at the Godzilla Festival led our family to a tour of Japan with other Godzilla fans in 2015, where we saw parking space cones decorated with smiling faces and cream-filled biscuits stamped with pandas. We also witnessed firsthand the generosity and star power of Mr. Takarada as he arranged for us a private tour of Toho Studios and signed autographs for waiting fans after dining with us on a boat on Tokyo Bay.

Preparing for that once in a lifetime journey also increased my awareness of the Japanese language. I had heard its rhythms often enough in those early videos and more recently during my favorite G-Fest tradition, interview sessions with a translator and Japanese guests such as Mr. Takarada. However, when one is trying to learn to speak a few phrases like “Thank you” and “Can you help me find my hotel?”, one’s appreciation grows.

As Takarada that day in 2010 said hello in English, we smiled, appreciating the gesture, but as everyone sat, and he spoke into the microphone in Japanese, we began to get what we had come for: the native language of our hero who never talked. Godzilla did not have to speak, his rage-filled roar plenty, fueled from being created out of American-made nuclear debris.

In that first black and white film, Mr. Takarada plays a sailor who accompanies Dr. Serizawa, a scientist with a conscience, into the depths of Tokyo Bay after Godzilla has nearly destroyed Tokyo. Both safely secured to a boat, it is Dr. Serizawa who carries his creation, the Oxygen Destroyer, a narrow tank that literally holds a solution. Once released, that chemical will deplete all living things nearby of oxygen. Knowing the enormous power of his invention beyond the current crisis, as Takarada’s Ogata rises to the surface and safety, Dr. Serizawa remains underwater, severing his own tie to the boat.

The first time I saw this sacrifice for the common good, I was in the darkened TV room of my son’s Japanese teacher. I did not know it then, but she was born in Hiroshima. When our tour group visited the Hiroshima Museum, it felt odd but affirming to stand next to Japanese museumgoers. My son and I got so caught up in the relics that the tour guide had to come find us to get us back on the bus.

Once I’d climbed one stage of Mount Fuji, tried to keep up with Kyoto morning commuters, and seen the decorated boats and shrine of Itsukushima, any remnants of my childhood stereotypes of the Japanese had dissolved.

During Mr. Takarada’s next visit to G-Fest in 2012, he sat in the front row of the annual costume parade. The ballroom was packed as adults and children stomped and swayed up the aisle to the table of judges across from Mr. Takarada. A wide variety of characters drew praise, among them a gray and silver fabric Anguirus, a long necked Rokurokubi who frightened onlookers like a good yokai should, and a crawling Mothra larva with eyes that lit up red and blue.

And then a young man dressed in a yellow costume, a replica of the diving suit and helmet Mr. Takarada himself had worn in Godzilla, carrying an Oxygen Destroyer, approached Mr. Takarada amidst camera flashes and cheers. Overcome with emotion, the young man removed his helmet and bowed to Mr. Takarada. As they hugged, I felt lucky to be present as a Japanese actor and an American viewer met in real time and to witness the convergence of history and art where one act inspires another. And the next day, at the closing luncheon, I was the beneficiary of Mr. Takarada’s attention.

Mr. Takarada, wearing the traditional yukata, entered the room from the back where we sat. The whole room stood up and applauded; he bowed and began to walk toward the front where a place had been reserved for him. As he moved forward, I too bowed, my hands together in a prayer-like position in front of my heart. Then, as I separated my hands to begin clapping again, he gently took my right hand and kissed it. No swagger. Just pure star decorum.

It’s impossible to predict what motherhood and monsters can bring.

[vivi-the-goblin]

Sandshrew are small shrew-like omnivores that dot the deserts of the world. They're non-hostile solitary creatures that are commonly seen due to being one of the few things that willingly braves the desert day. Their backs and tails are covered in a brickwork pattern of armored scales, which allows them to curl into balls for total defense. When travelling through familiar territory they tend to curl like this to travel at high speeds and hunt down termite mounds. At night they return to their burrow to dig or rest. If it's too far they will dig a new nest. Their armor is very porous and allows them to gather moisture from the air, so they hide at night to prevent overhydration from dew.

At age 7 a sandshrew's armor will begin to grow out into spines and their claws will begin to grow at a much more rapid rate, entering a stage known as sandslash. The goblin sized creature no longer stays in burrows, instead widening its territory towards the edges of the desert and staying in trees at night. They still curl into balls for offense and defense, but now prefer to run. Sandslash are considerable more aggressive, and are just as likely to leap and a threat and start slashing as they are to run. They continue their solitary life style, meeting only to mate. The single resulting sandshrew will stay with their mother for the first 6 months before setting off on its own. They live up to 40 years, but in the wild will typically live to 25 Draconic rampages, eruptions, cataclysmic flood. It takes a lot to drive a moisture-hating burrower with SAND in its name out of the desert, especially to a high snowy mountain. In some regions however, this is what happened. Somehow, the cold unlocked an innate magical spark within them. As they burrowed through the snow, young sandshrew found their armored brickwork hardening as snow grafted to their plates. While the armor was like metal, it became inflexible, stopping them from curling into balls. Instead they burrow at sight of a predator, clinging to the ground with their claws and leaving nothing exposed. If hunting or defending themselves, these "Alolan sandshrew" will instead hurl themselves at high speed, using their armor as a blunt weapon.

Alolan sandshew (why is it not snowshrew?) mature into Snowslash (I'm calling it that now and you can't stop me). Snowslash find thier packed snow armor hardening into massive spikes of ice that rise eye level with your average elf. They sprint across the icy mountain tops, curved foot long claws finding traction anywhere. While they will scurry up trees for fruits and pine cones when able, they are still omnivores and those steely claws are used for offense just as easily. Unlike their sandy ancestors snowslash have small litters of 3-6. The female will typically drive off the male to ensure the territory has the food to support her new family. While the litter will wander off at around 7 months, they will stay together until they are fully grown themselves.

[inky-duchess]

Fantasy Guide to Feasts, Food and Drink

Picture yourself at a banquet held at the local Lord's castle. The music is playing, the people are chatting and rustling about in their best clothes. You sit at a table and what sits before you? Not chicken nuggets, my friend.

Food is always one of the staples of any world you build. You can get a feel of class, society and morality just by looking at the spread before you on the table.

Food for lower classes (Peasants)

Most peasants lived off the land, rearing flocks, tilling fields and tending orchards. If they lived near the sea, lakes, rivers or streams, they would fish. But since they lived on land owned by churches or lords, they would only be allowed a portion of what they grew. In cities, the peasants would buy food from one another at the market.

Peasants would make bread out of rye grain, that would make the bread very dark. In some communities they would make sourdough, which involves using a piece of dough you made the day before to make that day's bread.

Eggs were a source of food that was easy to come by as farmers kept chickens on hand.

Cheese and butter would be sold and used in the farm.

Jam would also be made as it was easy to preserve and sell.

Peasants would not eat much meat. Chickens made money by laying eggs, pigs could be fattened and sold for profit and cows and goats would be used for milk. By killing any of these animals for food they would loose a portion of money. Poaching (hunting on private land owned by the lord) would come with severe penalties.

Pottage and stew were a favourite of peasants as they could throw any vegetables or bit of meat or fish in a pot to cook for a few hours. It wasn't a difficult dish to make and often inexpensive.

Pies, pasties and pastries would be a favourite at inns and taverns in towns and cities most containing gravy, meat and vegetables.

With most villages and farms set close to forests, many peasants could find berries at the edge of fields. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries would have all grown wild.

Food for Nobility & Royalty

Nobility and Royalty could always afford better food than the poor. However it might be a patch more unhealthy than the poor's fare. Nobility and Royalty weren't fans of vegetables.

The rich would eat a lot of meat, much of which they would hunt down themselves on their own land. Deer, wild boar, rabbits, turkey and other wild creatures would all be on the table.

Nobility and Royalty would be fond of fish as well. Lamprey eels was a delicacy only preserved for special occasions.

They could afford salt which was important for preserving meat and fish. This would allow the castle/manor/palace to be stocked in times of winter or famine.

They could also afford pepper and other spices, all of which could cost a fortune, to flavour their food.

During a feast, they would eat off of platters made of precious metals but only if you were seated at the high table. Other less important guests would eat off a trencher, a piece of hollowed out stale bread.

Sugar would be the height of dessert. The sugar would be shaped into fantastical formations to impress the noble guests. Tudor chefs would create edible sugar plates for Henry VIII to eat off of.

Swans and peacocks would be served in their plumage. Swans would be more royal diners as in England the monarch owns all the swans. In Ireland, it is illegal to kill a swan mainly because they could be children trapped in swan-bodies. Long story.

Feasts

At certain events, the noble/monarch might throw a party. Most parties would begin with a dinner.

The high table would seat the family throwing the party and the honoured guests. All the food would come to them first to be distributed to their favourites. They would drink the best wine and have the finest bread.

The rest of the hall would be seated together at trestle tables, eating off trenchers. They would be sent food by the thrower of the feast on account of their personal importance or social standing. The closer you were to the salt cellar, placed at the head of the table the more important you were. The further away you were, the lower your status.

Servants called cupbearers would serve wine and drink and move about the hall to carry jugs of wine to water the guests.

Dogs would often be found in the hall, to be fed scraps by the diners.

Drink

No world or party is complete without the booze. Since much of the water in Mediaeval times was putrid or dirty, the classes would avoid it.

Beer: was both a favourite of peasants and the nobility. It would be brewed in castles or in taverns and inns, each site having a different recipe and taste. It would be stored in barrels. Beer was widely available across the world and could be brewed at home. So therefore it was inexpensive.

The two main types of beer would be:

Ale: Ale in the middle ages referred to beer brewed without hops (a kind of flowering plant that gives beer its bitter taste). It is sweeter and would typically have a fruity aftertaste.

Stout: is a darker beer sometimes brewed from roasted malt, coming in a sweet version and dry version, the most famous stout being Guinness.

Wine: Wine would be made on site of vineyards and stored in cellars of large houses or castles. They would be expensive as they would have to be imported from regions capable of growing vines.

Port: Port wine or fortified wine would be made with distilled grape spirits. It is a sweet red wine, and also would be expensive to import from the counties able to grow the correct vines.

Whiskey: is a spirit made from distilled fermented grain mash in a device called a still (which would always be made of copper). The age of whiskey is determined by the length of time it has been sitting in a cask from the time it is made to the time its put in bottles. Whiskey was a favourite drink in colder climates and could be made any where in the world.

Rum: Rum is made by fermenting and distilling sugarcane molasses/juice. It is aged in oak barrels and would have to be imported as it could only be made in lands able to grow sugarcane.

Poitín: (pronounced as pot-cheen) is made from cereals, grain, whey, sugar beet, molasses and potatoes. It is a Dangerous Drink (honestly i still don't know how I ended up in that field with a traffic cone and a Shetland pony) and technically illegal. Country folk in Ireland used to brew it in secrets in stills hidden on their land.

[vaindumbass]

ice ice baby

Regulus looked at the air, and despaired. You should go to an amusement park, Sirius said. It’ll be fun, Sirius said.

Regulus didn’t think it was fun. They had protested that they were too old to go to amusement parks alone, but Sirius had said that actually, you are at the perfect age to go alone, because minors aren’t allowed to go unsupervised. Then Sirius had stuck out his tongue.

So here they were, in this way too busy, way too loud and way too hot amusement park. To top it all of, the only attraction that Regulus was really interested in had the longest queue they had ever seen.

No wonder, of course, since it was one of the most famous spots in the entire Hogwarts park, the Forbidden Forest. It was a rollercoaster where all sorts of targets, in the form of strange creatures, would pop up, which you then had to shoot or spare.

Regulus had always wanted to try it, but unfortunately many others thought the same thing. They looked at the queue one last time before deciding to at least get something that they could eat during the wait.

It was still way too hot, so they bought some ice cream in the futile hope that it might cool them off. They dragged their feet a little while walking back, but came to an abrupt stop when the attraction came into their line of view.

It was deserted. The initial line was reduced to not even a quarter of its original size. Regulus quickly looked over their shoulders to make sure nobody else had seen it, and then speed-walked forward.

As opposed to what they thought, the attraction was still open. Luck had to be on their side today. That was the last thing that went through their head before all thought became impossible. The most beautiful person they had ever seen was behind the counter.

The beautiful person in question had dark eyes deeper than Regulus had ever thought possible, warm brown skin, and hair that was an absolute mess, but the kind of mess that practically begged for someone to rake their hands through it.

This person also opened their mouth and started talking to a still-dazed Regulus. “I’m sorry, but food isn’t allowed in the Forbidden Forest.

Regulus, who would always blame the fact that their brain wasn’t properly functioning at the moment, decided that the best plan of action was to wolf the entire ice cream, cone and all, down in two bites.

The beautiful person (James, he/him, according to his badge) not only had a beautiful face and voice, but of course his laugh had to be perfect too. 

“Well,” James, said, still smiling in a gorgeous way, “that’s one way to solve that.”

Regulus, who was at the moment unable to talk due to the fact that they had just stuffed an entire ice cream cone into their mouth, nodded in the most dignified way they could.

~~~

Regulus went to visit the Forbidden Forest again. Not only because it was an amazing attraction, and because he had accidentally shot a unicorn last time and wanted to make up for it, but also a little, tiny bit because of James. 

They didn’t want to bother someone just doing their work, so this time they endured the re-formed queue without any food. Stupidly enough, Regulus was distracted and weirdly nervous enough that time flew by, even though James probably wouldn’t even remember them.

“Hi,” James said when he caught sight of them, a teasing smirk around his lips, “No ice-cream this time?”

The rollercoaster couldn’t compare to the thrill Regulus felt now.

James remembered them? After a while they managed to gather enough of their wits to form a second thought: That sounded like a challenge.

~~~

“Lily, love of my life, best girlfriend ever, most amazing flower in any garden–”

Lily rolled her eyes (lovingly). “As much as I love you singing my praises, you can cut to the chase. What is it?”

James kneeled down before where she was sitting, leaning his head on her lap and making his best doe-eyes at her. “Give me your next Forest shift?”

One of Lily’s hands came to rest in his hair. “Sure. Wanna tell me why?”

James’ eyes lit up. “I met the love of my live and they’re so–”

“You called me the love of your life only a minute ago.” Lily said, amused, one eyebrow raised.

“You are! But they are so cute and nice and funny and their smile– so I think they might just be the love of my life too, you know?”

Lily nodded. “They?”

“Oh. Yeah, they had a–” James, momentarily forgetting the word, waved a hand around before his chest.

“A badge?”

“Yeah! And they were so cute and I think I might have a chance.”

Lily scoffed, “Of course you have a chance.”

“Really?” James said, grinning up at her. “How do you know?”

“I’m your girlfriend, I know the perks of dating you the best.”

James kissed her on the nose. “I suppose that’s fair. I know all the perks of dating you too! There are seriously so many, like how amazing you are, and-”

“Thanks, love, but could you tell me why you need the Forest shift, specifically?”

James blinked. “Right. That was where I met them. They had ice-cream for the line (they’re so smart!) but it was just around the weird moment where all the queues mysteriously disappear.”

“I have a new theory about that, actually.”

“Please tell me.”

Lily bent down to press a kiss to his head, smiling softly. “Sure. After you’ve finished your tale.”

“Yes, of course. So they still had their ice-cream just before entering, so they stuffed it all in their mouth in one go.”

“So attractive.”

James sighed dreamily. “Yeah. They looked a bit like a hamster. It was cute.”

“If you say so.”

“Then, they came back a second time! I really wanted to talk to them, so I said, no ice-cream this time?”

“Smooth”

James swatted her lightly on the arm. “I wanted to start a conversation, okay? I panicked a little.”

Lily looked at him adoringly. “Well, as long as you smiled at them while doing that, you probably won them over.” Her hand left his hair and traced along his face. “You’ve got a nice smile.”

James kissed the palm of her hand. “Thank you. But you know what they said then? They said: not this time, no, but just you wait.”

“You must have smiled at them. They sound absolutely smitten.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah,” Lily bowed a bit closer to him. “But when it works out–”

“Don’t you mean, if it works out?”

“When it works out, don’t forget to tell them about me, okay?”

“Sure!” James said, eyes sparkling, “I love to talk about you.”

~~~

Regulus was really stupid. Regulus was in line for the Forbidden Forest. Regulus was also holding two ice cream cones. These three facts might be related.

They were going to ask James out. With ice cream. It seemed a good idea three minutes ago, when they were still on the phone with Sirius, before they hung up because Sirius simply couldn’t stop chanting “do it, do it do it do it do-”

The ice cream was melting, and a little of it was on their hands, but they knew it was all worth it the moment they were in front of James.

James showed a dazzling smile and said: “A classic. What’s better than one ice cream? Two ice creams! You still aren’t allowed to eat it in the rollercoaster, though.”

A man was glaring at them behind their shoulder, but they ignored them. “I was actually not planning on it? I came here to ask if you would- If you’d like to eat it with me.”

“I’d love to! I’m not allowed to eat on the clock, though.”

Regulus tried to hide their disappointment. They hadn’t known. One of the many downsides of growing up in the wealthy Black family was that one did not know anything about working in retail. It probably hadn’t helped that he went to Sirius, another former part of the Black family, for advice. 

“But wait!” James suddenly exclaimed, taking out his phone and starting to type, “I can ask my girlfriend to take over here!”

Regulus felt as if they were punched in the gut. Was this James’ way of telling them that he wasn’t interested? He had seemed so genuine, though.

“Did something happen?” James asked, when Regulus still hadn’t said anything in response.

Regulus looked at those beautiful brown eyes, and found themselves incapable of lying. “I just- I wanted to ask you on a date, is all.”

James scrunched his face up adorably. “Yes? And I agreed?”

“You just said you have a girlfriend?”

“I do, but that wasn’t a no.”

“Oh”, Regulus said, feeling a little stupid.

“Yeah, Lily, my amazing girlfriend, will be here soon, so maybe you can wait for a bit in front of the Room of Requirement?”

Regulus, who finally started to realize that James had said yes!!! smiled brightly, and said. “See you there!”

Then they went to stand over by the lost and found section of the reception, a smile still on their face, ice cream dripping over their hands.

The smile didn’t leave their face until after their date was after, and only got bigger when they exchanged numbers, and talked about a second date.

[nezushi]

for the summer ask meme: ALL OF THEM

WHEW OK posting them under the cut

Afterglow: any big regrets? probably! but i try not to dwell on them

Aphrodite: have you ever been in love? are you currently in love? yes! right now for the first time. absolutely wild

Alcove: do you like going to the beach or do you prefer the pool? i like the beach part of beaches but i prefer pools over the ocean

BBQ: do you have big get togethers over summer? no, unless we visit family for a holiday

Bubble Tea: do you like bubble tea? what’s your go-to order? ive had it once....and didnt like it......but id be willing to try it again

Camping: have you ever been camping? do you like going? yep. its not bad, i havent gone in a while though

Collegiate: are you going to school right now? what are you studying? nope! im 2cool4skool 😎

Cottage: what’s your ideal weekend escape? hmm...dont know! never really thought about it.....

Date Night: do you like anyone right now? do they know? yes and they do

Desert: do you like desert terrain? i dont hate it but its not really in my top favorite terrains

Dream: what’s your summer goal? find a new job that i actually want to do

Drive: do you like going on late night drives? yeah. minimal cars really sells it for me

Earth: do you ever like to unplug and disconnect for a while? i think its nice but i havent done it much....

Feather: what’s your favorite animal? turtles have always been my go-to answer, but it might've changed....

Fish: do you like fish and sea life? any favorites? YES i loved learning about fucked up little guys in the ocean. oarfish are one of my favorites

Garden: do you like gardening? what’s your favorite thing to grow? i dont like gardening

Habitual: any summer hobbies? no?

Hades: do you like the hot temperatures? i absolutely despise hot weather

Heat: ideal summer weather? when it doesnt feel like summer

Hoist the Colors: do you like being on the open ocean? no. the ocean is scawwy ��

Horizon: anyting in the upcoming future you’re looking forward to? going to germany!

Hydrated: have you drank enough water today? no. i havent had a single sip 😏

Iconic: do you have any summer traditions or something you do every summer? i dont think so?

Jam: what’s your favorite type of ice cream or sweet treat? i dont like ice cream its too sweet for me. snow cones are good though

Keeper: do you have a significant other? huwuhwuwhwuhhhh 😳😳😳

Lemon: where would you rather go - the Italian countryside or Greek sea? bruh idk?? countryside i guess?

Love Letter: quiet night in or night out? in

Menu: what’s one summer type dish you like? uhhh whats a summer type dish........watermelon sure

Nada: this is not a question, just something to remind you that you are loved! 🖤🖤

Nooner: do you like to sleep in during summer break? summer break is when i have to wake up at 5 am everyday lol. it would be nice to sleep in.......

Opportunist: what do you like to do to take advantage of the nice weather? open my window...

Pirate: do you like pirates? sure 

Pool: do you like swimming? not really

Pottery: do you like crafting? sometimes...its not something i do a lot

Pride: are you part of the lgbtq+ community? yeas..

Quiet: how you relax after a long day? lay in my bed with my cats

Rhapsody: do you like going to concerts? what’s the last concert you went to? yes! i went to see bts in la with my beloved 😳

S’mores: do you like campfires and making s’mores? i like campfires but not smores

Series: anything you’re planning on binge-watching this summer? not that i can think of

Strawberries: favorite fruit? red raspberries! especially fresh ones from my oma's garden

Swimsuit: what’s your go to style of swimsuit? shorts and a shirt....

Tea: you like gossip? or to keep to yourself? i could less about gossip. im not interested in it in the slightest

Unicorn: what’s your favorite mythical creature? phoenix ig!

Unreal: what’s something you’d never thought you would accomplish but you did? getting a job 😏

Vacation: do you have any vacation plans this summer? going to germany, again

Volunteer: do you like to volunteer or do charity work? i dont hate it but its not something i really do

Weekend: describe your ideal weekend. i dont know! spending time with people i like mayhaps....😳

Wonder: what’s something you love about summer? uhm hmmm cant think of anything.....

Younger: do you listen to your inner child? maybe sometimes? i honestly dont know

Zoo: do you collect anything? yes! little turtle figurines 🐢

ZZZ: what’s your go-to sleeping position? on my side hugging my body pillow