#Unearthing Human Legacy

[marandsviet]

(via ""Bananas for Artifacts: Primate Excavators Unearth Human History" number 4" Essential T-Shirt for Sale by MarandSviet)

[xiibiibby]

Vampire: Prodigy – An Interactive Fiction Game

Betrayed. Buried. Forgotten. But not dead.

You sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears to get here. You were to become knighted for your service to the Ancient Council. Your master—your sire, the one who brought you into the world of the undead—promised you eternity. What you got was eternity in darkness.

Decades passed. The world moved on. But you refused to die.

Now, unearthed by mere chance, you rise into a world changed beyond recognition. The delicate balance between vampires and humans is unraveling, and the old laws that once governed your kind are crumbling. Feral vampires run rampant, hunters prowl the streets, and the name of your former master carries whispers of something far worse than betrayal.

You have only one certainty—revenge. But as you hunt the one who damned you, you uncover a deeper, more sinister plot. Something greater threatens you and all vampirekind.

The question is: What will you become?

Features:

🩸 Character Customization – Be whoever you want! Define your gender, appearance, and sexuality.

🩸 Forge Your Legacy – Will you be a ruthless predator or a vampire who clings to their last shreds of humanity? 

🩸 Powerful Vampiric Abilities – Choose from ten unique powers, unlocking new choices and interactions throughout the game.

❤️ Romance or Rivalry – Six potential romance options—vampires, hunters, and those caught in between. Will they be your allies, lovers, or enemies?

🩸 A World on the Brink – Navigate the murky politics of vampire society or side with those who seek to erase your kind forever.

🩸 Multiple Endings – Will you fight to save your kind or be the one who seals its fate?

Silly me, working on multiple projects at once 🤭 The good news is, I'm actually co-writing this one with a close friend, and it's much, much shorter than my other projects.

Ya like vampires? So do I! :D

Decided not to spoil any of the romance options beforehand, so you'll just have to meet 'em in game.

Anywho, I don't know which demo we'll wrap up first, so I'll keep you posted!

[phoenixrisingastro]

The Wounds That Transform: Chiron & Pluto’s Role in Your Journey

In the vast tapestry of astrology, there are two celestial forces that demand us to confront our pain, rise from the ashes, and transform into something far greater than we ever thought possible: Chiron, the Wounded Healer, and Pluto, the Lord of Transformation.

These cosmic players don’t just scratch the surface of your soul—they carve deep trenches, unearthing the buried parts of yourself you’d rather not face. But herein lies the paradox: the very pain they bring holds the key to your greatest strength.

Chiron: Where It Hurts, You Heal

Chiron represents the eternal wound, a place in your chart where life seems to cut the deepest. This wound isn’t superficial—it’s primal, visceral, and feels almost insurmountable. You’ll find yourself wondering:

Why does this area of life always feel broken?

Why does healing seem like a cruel, unattainable dream here?

But Chiron doesn’t just leave you wounded. It teaches you that healing isn’t linear—it’s messy, circular, and deeply human. Your Chiron placement is where life demands you to look within, not to erase the pain but to transform it into wisdom.

For example:

Chiron in Aries asks you to confront fears of self-worth and individuality, turning insecurity into courage.

Chiron in Virgo forces you to see the beauty in imperfection, transforming self-criticism into healing for others.

The magic of Chiron is that your deepest wound becomes your most sacred gift. The lessons you learn here aren’t just for yourself—they’re for others. Chiron asks: Will you share your pain to inspire healing in the world?

---

Pluto: Death, Rebirth, and the Phoenix Rising

Where Chiron’s pain lingers, Pluto burns. This is the planet of death, rebirth, and everything in between. Pluto doesn’t ask—it demands. It strips you of illusions, rips away false comfort, and drags you into the shadows kicking and screaming.

Pluto isn’t interested in healing your wounds gently—it annihilates what no longer serves you so you can rise anew. If you’ve ever experienced a Pluto transit, you know this:

The friendships that crumbled.

The relationships that imploded.

The identity you thought you’d never let go of.

But when Pluto destroys, it does so with a purpose: transformation. Just like the phoenix rising from its ashes, Pluto ensures that what dies in your life paves the way for something more resilient, powerful, and true.

Pluto’s placement in your natal chart tells you where you’re destined to undergo these soul-shaking transformations. For example:

Pluto in the 7th House will revolutionize how you experience partnerships, forcing you to confront power dynamics and vulnerabilities.

Pluto in the 10th House will reshape your career and public image, breaking down facades and asking you to build a legacy rooted in authenticity.

---

Chiron & Pluto: The Dance of Pain and Power

Here’s the truth: Chiron and Pluto are two sides of the same coin. Chiron invites you to tend to your wounds, to find wisdom in your pain, and to see healing as a lifelong journey. Pluto takes that healing further, asking you to burn down the old versions of yourself and rebuild with unshakable strength.

Together, they guide you through the most profound alchemy of the soul:

1. Acknowledge the wound (Chiron). Feel it. Name it. Understand its roots.

2. Release and transform (Pluto). Let the fire consume the parts of you that no longer serve your growth.

An Invitation to Reflect:

Take a moment to sit with your own Chiron and Pluto placements. Ask yourself:

Where do I feel the most pain, and how can I use it as a source of wisdom?

What in my life needs to be let go of, even if it’s painful?

This is the work of the soul. It’s not easy, and it’s not glamorous. But as Chiron and Pluto teach us, pain is not the enemy—it’s the catalyst for your transformation.

---

Your wounds are not your weakness. Your pain is not your prison. They are the stepping stones to the most powerful, radiant version of yourself. Chiron and Pluto ask you to trust in the process, even when it feels unbearable. Because on the other side of this journey is not just survival—it’s transcendence.

And you, dear reader, are destined to rise.

[blueiscoool]

Archaeologists Discover 5 Stunning Roman Statues In Ancient City of Perge

Archaeologists unearthed five Roman statues in Perge (Greek: Πέργη), a well-preserved ancient city in today’s Turkey, highlighting the rich artistic legacy of Greek and Roman cultures.

A city rooted in Greek heritage

While its early history remains debated, Perge likely saw Greek settlement by the 7th century BC, possibly as a colony of Rhodes. After Alexander the Great’s conquests the city flourished. By the 2nd century BC, it began minting its own coins, often depicting the Greek goddess Artemis and her temple.

The city quickly became an important hub for trade, culture, and art under Greek influence. The city’s urban design reflects classical Greek architectural principles, including its grand colonnaded streets, theaters, and temples.

Perge’s significance grew when it became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century B.C., blending Greek artistic traditions with Roman innovation.

Perge has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2009 for its historical and cultural importance.

Remarkable discoveries of ancient statues

The latest excavation efforts have revealed five statues, each offering a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the era.

Among them is a 2-meter-tall statue of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, depicted seated on a dolphin beside Eros, the god of love. Archaeologists believe this statue, dating to the 2nd century A.D., exemplifies Roman adaptations of Greek mythology, merging divine symbolism with lifelike artistry.

Nearby, researchers uncovered a 1.87-meter statue of a clothed woman, attributed to the Severan Period, known for its refined sculptural techniques.

Another similar statue of a clothed female figure, found in two pieces, further underscores the city’s commitment to detailed and realistic art.

On the Eastern Street of Perge, excavations revealed two additional statues – a clothed man and woman standing side by side.

These discoveries provide valuable insights into the social structures and sculptural traditions of the ancient Greek city of Perge, highlighting the city’s role as a center of artistic production.

A blend of Greek and Roman artistic traditions

Perge’s art and architecture illustrate a seamless blend of Greek and Roman influences. While the city’s early structures reflect Greek designs, Roman rule introduced grand monuments, lifelike sculptures, and detailed frescoes.

Roman Imperial art, flourishing from the 1st century B.C. to the 5th century A.D., drew heavily from Greek and Etruscan traditions. It emphasized realism, human expression, and monumental scale.

The newly discovered artifacts highlight Perge’s importance as an artistic hub where Greek mythology and Roman craftsmanship converged, enriching the region’s cultural tapestry.

Preserving Perge’s legacy

The excavations are part of the “Heritage to the Future Project,” an initiative to preserve and promote Perge’s cultural legacy for future generations. As archaeological efforts continue, Perge remains a testament to the artistic and cultural brilliance of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.

By Nisha Zahid.

[lostinhistory]

Heritage News of the Week

Discoveries!

A runic inscription on one of the Galloway hoard’s elaborately decorated arm rings has been deciphered

Carbon dating puts Saskatchewan Indigenous archaeological site at almost 11,000 years old

A piece of charcoal unearthed at a Saskatchewan archaeological site and tested in a lab suggests the site is 11,000 years old and was likely used as a long-term settlement by Indigenous people.

World's largest-ever bead stash found in 5,000-year-old 'Ivory Lady' tomb in Spain

More than a quarter million beads found in a tomb with female skeletons were used to decorate the women's ceremonial dresses, suggesting they were powerful leaders five millennia ago.

Painted tomb uncovered in Etruscan necropolis

Inside the tomb are frescoes depicting scenes of dancing and ancient workshops, which archaeologists have dated to the mid-5th century BC.

Fragments of the world’s oldest known rune stone discovered in Norway

Archaeologists have found fragments of the world’s oldest known rune stone at the Svingerud burial field in Norway and fitted them together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

Researchers get a peek inside another Herculaneum scroll that survived Vesuvius’s eruption

Researchers have been able to generate an image of text from inside a scroll that was buried in ash with the ancient city of Herculaneum by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that also destroyed Pompeii—a major breakthrough in deciphering its contents. The first word found on the scroll is "disgust."

Carbonized scroll from Herculaneum really capturing the mood

Fresco reveals Islamic tent in medieval Christian worship

A 13th-century fresco in Ferrara, Italy, provides a rare example of medieval churches using Islamic tents to veil high altars.

7,000-year-old bone holds 3 arrowheads with mixed poisons — the oldest of their kind on record

This is the oldest confirmed use of a mixture comprising two or more plant toxins specifically applied to arrowheads.

Excavations planned in the ancient city of Sebastopolis

The latest excavations are currently focused on two main structures: a Roman Bath and a Byzantine Church, however previously unearthed inscriptions indicate other significant public buildings yet to be discovered.

1,500-year-old stained glass and mosaics discovered at Harran Cathedral excavation in Türkiye

Recent excavations at the historic Harran archaeological site have yielded rare mosaic tiles and stained glass fragments that are conjecturally dated to the fifth century, positioning them among the oldest known examples in the region.

Evidence of ancient cultural cannibalism practices uncovered in Poland

In a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports, a taphonomic analysis of 63 human bone fragments from Maszycka Cave has identified cut marks and intentional fractures linked to the extraction of muscle tissue, brain matter, and bone marrow – all indicative of human consumption.

Ancient Tamil Nadu’s metalworking legacy traced back to 3300 BCE

Recent archaeological research has uncovered compelling evidence that Tamil Nadu’s metalworking traditions date back to at least 3300 BCE, highlighting the region’s early advancements in metallurgy.

Dog sacrifices found near ancient royal palace

The Korea Heritage Service announced the discovery of a circular structure with dog bones and various artefacts on the outskirts of an ancient village southwest of the palace.

Discovery of a monumental longhouse from the 3rd century in Norway

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery at Øvre Eiker near Oslo, Norway, unearthing a longhouse with an astonishing width of 16 meters and a central nave spanning 9 meters between its roof-supporting columns.

Traces of a British fort found in Florida

Soil stains left behind by an eighteenth-century British fort have been uncovered in the Lincolnville neighborhood of St. Augustine

2,500-year-old caravan tombs discovered in the Negev

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have uncovered tombs near Tlalim Junction in the Negev Highlands, revealing trade connections with Yemen, Phoenicia, and Egypt.

Archaeologists uncover gold and silver ritual offerings at a 7th century cult site

Based on the artifacts and postholes, it was determined that the site served as an important cult site during a crucial period of cultural transition on the cusp of the area's Christianization.

Copper Age fortress discovered in Spain

The pentagon-shaped fortress was surrounded by three concentric walls, 25 bastions, and three ditches. Arrowheads, idols, axes, grinding stones, plates, bowls, and loom parts were found inside the structure.

Over 1,000 artefacts found during church excavation

Over 1000 artefacts have been recovered, such as 679 coins and heavily corroded coin fragments, pearls, garment pins, animal bones, ceramics, metal fittings, book clasps, shards of painted glass, iron nails, plant remains, and personal items such as tweezers.

18th-century college dining hall excavated in North Carolina

Archaeologists are excavating the site of Steward’s Hall, the first dining facility on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Nineteen ancient tombs from the 4th century BC unearthed in Padula, Campania

In Padula, located in the Campania region of southern Italy, authorities announced the remarkable discovery of nineteen ancient tombs during archaeological excavations, unearthing a variety of grave goods and artifacts that provide valuable insights into the area’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Museums

Museums in Canada face several challenges to housing and preserving their collections, let alone displaying those items. And overcrowding is becoming a bigger issue, experts say, from what might be a surprising source — Canadians donating way more fine art and artifacts than the museums can possibly use.

Tiny Nigerian museum marking a forgotten British invasion pushes for recognition

Museum in Koko, Niger Delta, commemorates important exiled merchant prince Nanna Olomu – but it has no cooling and a termite issue

Union decries expected layoffs at Brooklyn Museum

The museum plans to cut staff to address a growing deficit, according to Local 1502, which represents workers including art handlers and curatorial assistants.

Facing $10m budget deficit, Brooklyn Museum will lay off dozens of workers

Museums scramble to grasp impact of Trump’s DEI mandate

Widespread uncertainty pervades as institutions either roll back initiatives or try to determine whether their programs are in compliance.

Closed museum's contents safe, minister tells Senedd

Collections at a major Welsh museum that closed suddenly on Sunday are safe, Wales' minister for culture has said.

Repatriation

The Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts concluded an agreement this week with the Italian culture ministry to return two antiquities from its permanent collection—a black-figure amphora that dates from between 515 BCE and 500 BCE and a black-figure kylix that has been dated to 500 BCE—that had been illegally taken out of Italy.

Heritage at risk

A haul of 50 Roman coins that were unearthed by a metal detectorist is expected to fetch between £1,200 and £1,500 at auction. He said "something told" him to go to the field, which he had visited "numerous times" and after his metal detector picked up a faint signal, he found two Roman coins in the same hole. Mr Dunn, who has been metal detecting for two years, said he went to get the farmer and dug a further two feet (61cm) down where they found 50 coins. Mr Dunn took the coins in a briefcase to his local finds officer, who spent a year offering them to various museums, which did not wish to claim them.

Sixty centimetres down means the coins were in situ. The article shows that this guy used a digger to find these coins. Any context was destroyed. Screw this guy.

After the collapse of the Assad regime, Syrians are working to preserve their country's heritage

After Assad’s regime collapsed, heritage professionals quickly organised, forming a forum with around 200 people on WhatsApp to exchange information in real time and co-ordinate efforts. Teams were dispatched to assess the conditions of museums and sites where they were accessible.

Discussions about making Rubio acting director of National Archives

There have been extensive discussions at the White House about installing Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the acting director of the National Archives, according to a high-level official, who said the talks began shortly after President Trump's inauguration.

Also re: the US National Archives, back in November it was reported that the National Archivist, Colleen Shogan, was sanitizing exhibits in order to avoid offending Republicans. Anyway, despite complying in advance, she has been fired by Trump.

NSA museum covered plaques honoring women and people of color, provoking an uproar

After a photo from the NSA Museum last week showed that they had papered over plaques about women and people of colour, the plaques have now been uncovered, with the museum saying it was a "mistake".

Congress could soon erase Biden rules on archaeology, climate, and the environment

At-risk rules include one to protect archaeological sites on the ocean floor, such as shipwrecks, from oil and gas drilling.

Egyptologists raise concerns of ‘mismanagement’ after viral video of worker chipping stones at Great Pyramid of Giza

After video of a worker using a hammer, chisel, and other tools on the stones of the Great Pyramid of Giza went viral on social media last November, outrage about the incident has grown to include a statement in Egyptian Parliament and one Egyptologist claiming “mismanagement.”

Odds and ends

UNESCO has completed its reconstruction of the Great Mosque of Al‑Nouri, Al-Tahera Church, and Al-Saa’a Convent in Iraq, as part of its Revive the Spirit of Mosul program. The $115 million initiative, called Revive the Spirit of Mosul, was launched in 2018 in response to the widespread destruction inflicted on cultural heritage by the Islamic State in Iraq.

Who owns underwater heritage?

Amid increasing scrutiny of colonial-era restitution, the time is ripe for a fuller appraisal of sunken artifacts.

Lost historic Gaelic manuscripts found after 50 years

Dozens of Gaelic manuscripts have been found and returned to the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh after being missing for more than 50 years.

National Register now lists part of Washington Heights as a ‘Dominican Historic District’

A new Dominican Historic District in Washington Heights is officially on the National Register of Historic Places, despite pushback from parts of the community who say they were left out of the designation process.

Unravelling the mysteries of Skye's Fairy Flag

Framed and mounted on a castle wall are the faded and tattered remains of the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan. Legends tell of mythical creatures giving it as a present to the Clan MacLeod, and that it was imbued with powerful magic that could win battles against rival clans.

Christie’s sale of El Greco painting blocked by Romanian government

El Greco’s Saint Sebastian (ca. 1610–14) has been pulled from auction at Christie’s after intervention from the Romanian government, which has claimed the work as being “unequivocally the property of the Romanian state.”

So, where do we think this falls in The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian, In Ascending Order Of Sexiness And Descending Order Of Actual Martyring

I'd put this between 10, a Smiths album, and 11, the one used on the cover of an Anne Rice novel

[perseidlion]

My Fic Year in Review

Here is a master list of all the DBD fics I wrote this year! Most of them are Catwin, but not all. I have a couple of Payneland stories and a couple of multiship/no ship.

This adds up to about 194k of DBD fic this year! All in this list are complete except Too Many Cats which I just started.

CATWIN CONTINUITY

Cat and Ghost - M, 40k. (Catwin, casefic, Sandman crossover, post-canon)

A few months after their return to London from Port Townsend, the Cat King shows back up in Edwin’s life. He’s bent on courting Edwin, and has somehow acquired a magical collar that allows them to properly feel each other. Edwin meets him in secret, unsure of whether he’s ready to tell Charles about the relationship. In the meantime, business at the Dead Boy Detective Agency continues. They receive a case where a woman is trapped between life and death, tethered between the mortal realm and the beyond by a cursed sorcerer. But there may be more going on than meets the eye, and an Endless pulling strings from the shadows…

The Human Bargain - M, 1k (A short that takes place between Cat & Ghost and Through a Mirror, Darkly that explains how Monty reconnected with the crew.)

Through a Mirror, Darkly - M, 43k. (Continued Catwin + developing Cricketcrow. Casefic.)

It's been a few months since Edwin, Charles and Crystal left Port Townsend after the death of their friend Niko. They've done their best to move on. In the meantime, they've matched wits with Desire of the Endless, and Edwin has started dating the Cat King. Cat's gift of a spirit mirror offers the boys a chance to speak to Niko again - if she is indeed on the other side.

You Can Be the Moon and Still Be Jealous of the Stars - M, 5k. (Takes place between TAMD and Too Many Cats. Relationship hiccups between Cat and Edwin.

Too Many Cats - M, Ongoing. An accident on a case splits Cat into each of his five lives. It's a race against the clock to put him back together again.

CANON COMPLIANT

Payneland

Daydreamers - M, complete, 3.6k. My contribution to the Payneland first kiss genre. Ghosts can't sleep, but they can daydream. Those daydreams sometimes bring revelations.

Love in Red and Blue - T, complete, 1.5k. Niko and Edwin friendship short.

Niko and Edwin have a movie night and watch Red, White & Royal Blue. The movie unearths feelings in Edwin and Niko supports him. Warning: spoilers for the RWRB movie in this! If you haven't seen the film, you probably won't be confused but also probably won't fully get Edwin's reactions!

In Your Arms Tonight - E, 3.2k. Edwin and Charles' first time.

A Gift From Death - G, 1.5k. On Christmas Eve, Edwin and Charles enjoy a moment of unusual closeness.

Other

Your Body or Mine? - M, complete, 36k. Multishipping (Payneland and Catwin focus), pre-poly bodyswap fic.

Edwin and Charles are granted a 'Hall Pass' from Lost and Found that allows them to become human again for a limited time. They were warned not to mess with the spell, but curiosity got the better of them. The spell goes wrong. Instead of ending up as human versions of themselves, they end up in each others' bodies - with the others' tastes and proclivities. They must pretend to be each other as long as they're human, lest Lost and Found discover they tampered with the Hall Pass.

Charles Rowland and The Queen of Cats - M, 1.7k. What if the Cat King was the Cat Queen? And what if she set her sights on Charles instead of Edwin?

The Legacy of Edwin Payne - T, complete, 2.1k. Alternate universe fic where Edwin and Charles both live and meet for a brief window at the end of Edwin's life.

It's 1989. Charles Rowland is about to be sent off to boarding school by his abusive father. Before he can be sent away, the police catch his father abusing his mother and arrest him. An elderly gentleman, Edwin Payne, who lives in Charles' neighbourhood, consoles him as his mother is being tended to. CW: Domestic/spousal abuse. Referenced but not seen.

How the Cat King Got His Groove Back - E, 32k. The Cat King is heartbroken in the wake of Edwin's departure. He's so down that it attracts the attention of Despair of the Endless. In order to improve his mood, Cat takes a holiday in Monty's body - and vice versa.

MODERN AU

Broken Parts - T, 3.2k. Cat and Edwin have just moved in together. But things aren't as stable as they might seem at first blush.

One Night Can Stretch Into Forever - E, 20k. Cat, a personal stylist to the rich and famous visits an underground jazz club to check out the latest fashion trends. There, he meets Edwin Payne, who seems determined to have a completely empty one-night stand. But the chemistry between them is immediate and intense. Do either of them really want it to end after a single encounter?

[thechanelmuse]

How genealogy is used to track Black family histories

Our names are important to us. They tell us who we are and often, who we come from. So imagine suddenly discovering the last name you’ve always carried… might not actually be the name you should have. 

Alex Neason began looking into her family’s history after discovering her great grandfather’s name was different from what she believed for her whole life. In her search to discover the story of that last name, she enlisted genealogist Nicka Sewell-Smith.

For Black Americans, genealogy can fill in the blanks left by the legacy of slavery and racism in the U.S. Services like the Freedmen’s Bureau and Slave Voyages provide free access to records and documents to help with that search. We talk about the power of genealogy in fostering knowledge and connection for Black Americans.

Source

If you click on the word “source,” it’ll take you to the article where you’ll see a LISTEN button. It’s a 30-minute audio that discusses the info provided in the article even further. Y’all know I’m big on getting people to trace their lineage. All that “we don’t know where we come from.” Who told you that? Everything in the US is in plain sight. Everything.

Discover your fam. 

I assist others when they reach a roadblock, like getting past the “1870 wall.” But you can’t beat the feeling of you discovering them on your own. Unearthing your history, seeing photos, reading stories that were stored, and saying their names that haven’t been said for centuries. I’ve been tracing mine (scanning, logging) since my family reunion in 2005 through oral family history and obituaries (those are records), and since 2011 through databases of US archived records like ancestry.com (purchased by BlackStone) and familysearch.org (free database owned by the Latter-day Saints Church). There are others, but those are the main two I use for comparative results.  

Archiving Centers, Census Records & Other Records

There are archiving centers in every state and DC that also keep records for those particular states and the federal capital. There’s a footnote on all records that tells you where they are housed. And please...Don’t just do a simple pedigree chart of your family tree. Get to know your great-aunts, great-uncles and cousins. It’s also helpful for seeing who lived around who (fam often lived next door to each other) and puts more of the pieces together of your complete family story. You can see the land and acres they owned or your fam today still owns, as well as if that land was stolen from them.

US census records go back to year 1790. Depending on when or if your ancestors were enslaved or free: you’ll find them attached to slave logs that have been made available online or kept in archiving centers (you go there), or or they’ll be listed on census records as free persons (1790-1710), free colored male/female (1820-1840), Black (1850-1920), Mulatto (1850-1890, 1910-1920) or Negro (1900, 1930-1950). “New” census documents are put on sites, like ancestry.com, every 10 years. As of 2023, you can only trace from 1950 to 1790. The 1960 census will be out in 2030. How to trace from 1950 to today, birth, death and residential records. So again, depending on the census year, you’ll notice your ancestors racial classification change throughout documents for obvious reasons. 

Keep in mind that the the largest slave trade for the United States was the domestic slave trade. In house human trafficking and selling (in addition to property insurance of enslaved people and the selling of enslaved people as the building block of Wall Street’s stock exchange) is how US capitalism was built. So just because you know a lot of your people are from Tennessee, for example, it doesn't mean that’s where that line stayed. I’ve found my ancestors throughout 7 states (so far). Another example, people with Louisiana roots damn near always have ancestors who were trafficked from early Virginia. Going beyond year 1790, records were kept in Christian and Catholic churches and old family history books so most of those documents are scanned online and/or still kept in the churches. I’m talking books books. 

If your ancestors walked the Trail of Tears, or were caught as prisoners of war or trafficked to Indian Nations to be enslaved, you’ll find an Oklahoma Indian Territory and Oklahoma Freedmen Rolls section on ancestry.com. You can discover more info on sites, like the Oklahoma Historical Society. (Every state has its own historical society for archived genealogical records.) 

Here’s the National Archives.

Also for Oklahoma, you may also find your ancestors in Indian Census Rolls (1855-1940) as [insert tribe] Freedmen, depending if they weren’t rejected through the “blood quantum” Dawes Rolls for not being the new light to white status. You’ll see their application and the listed questions & answers with or without a big void stamp. And on the census, you’ll even see the letter I (pronounced like eye) changed to the letter B. This is also for those in Louisiana.

Freedmen’s Bureau & Bank Records 

There were Freedmen’s Bureau records and Freedman’s Savings Bank records in other states. To see if your ancestors had their records in those systems, you can search by their name. The state and age will pop up with people having that name. It’ll give you a wealth of other info, like all of the kids and other fam if they were present or mentioned to the person who logged that info in. With the Freedmen Bank records, you can see how much money your ancestors put in there (that was later stolen from them by way of the United States government), which is still there today. It’s the biggest bank heist in US history (that they try to keep hush hush) with the equivalence of more than $80 million in today’s value stored in there today. Back then, it was valued almost close to $4 million. Stolen wealth met with bootstrap lectures. 

Here’s a short video on that heist:

Today the bank is called the Freedman's Bank Building, located right on Pennsylvania Ave. Plain sight. 

Trace your lineage. 

There’s a lot more that I can list. But this is just the basics. Like I said before, it’s a more rewarding feeling when you discover your ancestors by yourself. You may reach roadblocks. Take a break. Try going the “Card Catalog” route on ancestry.com’s search engine. Don’t skip the small details. 

SN: Slave Voyages isn’t a genealogical site, but rather a database for slave ship logs and the estimates of purchased Africans who became human cargo to be enslaved by country like USA, or by colonizers like Spain, Great Britain, etc.

[reasoningdaily]

History of the Slave Trade: The Origins of the Slave Trade and Its Impacts Throughout History and the Present Day

by Hareth Al Bustani, Josephine Hall, Edoardo Albert

Book Overview

The transatlantic slave trade is one of the most shameful chapters in human history. Between 1500 and 1900 it's estimated that around 12 million African men, women, and children were stolen from their homes by Europeans, before being forcefully transported thousands of miles across the Atlantic. Those who survived the horrific 'Middle Passage' would then be sold, often separated from their families, and put to work as enslaved labor on plantations throughout the New World. While this inhumane trade was eventually abolished in the 19th century, the scars still remain and the lasting impact is still being felt by communities around the world. In History of the Slave Trade, we seek to tell the story of the transatlantic slave trade - from its origins to its abolition. We discover the impact on Africa, the horrors of the Middle Passage, and what life was like for millions of enslaved people. We also look to explore the legacies of slavery and how the effects are still being felt in the modern world.

CLICK THE TITLE TO DOWNLOAD FROM THE BLACK TRUEBRARY

[the-demigod-project]

Demigod Creation Info

The Creation of Demigods: A Legacy of Forgotten Gods

The creation of Demigods is a testament to the resilience, desperation, and ingenuity of humanity. The process, shrouded in pain and moral ambiguity, was discovered by accident but has since become a cornerstone of the global arms race. The origins of this groundbreaking method trace back to ancient times, where the truths hidden within mythology and religion began to surface under the scrutiny of modern science.

The Origins of the Process:

The process of creating Demigods began with a revelation by a Japanese scientist during the late stages of World War II. This scientist, working on a classified biological research project, discovered a shocking truth buried beneath layers of myth and legend. The beings worshipped as gods, revered as monsters, and feared as demons in ancient mythology were not supernatural entities but extraterrestrial visitors. These "gods" were advanced alien beings who had come to Earth eons ago, their abilities and technology so far beyond human comprehension that they were mistaken for divine. These beings lived among early humans, shaping civilizations, inspiring religions, and leaving behind stories that would form the foundations of human mythology. But time proved to be an equalizer. Even these godlike beings were not immortal. They eventually perished, either due to age, battles with one another, or the rebellion of humanity itself. While their bodies turned to dust, their bones—imbued with their alien biology—remained, buried deep within the Earth, forgotten by time. It was only millennia later, as scientists and archaeologists unearthed ancient ruins and fossils, that these bones were discovered. The Japanese scientist who stumbled upon them initially believed them to be remnants of extinct creatures. However, further analysis revealed that these bones contained traces of unique, dormant DNA—genetic material that did not match any known species on Earth. This discovery led to the hypothesis that these bones held the potential to awaken superhuman abilities in modern humans.

The Science Behind Demigods: The DNA Extraction Process

The creation of a Demigod begins with extracting the genetic material from the fossilized remains of these ancient beings. This process is exceedingly complex, as the DNA has degraded over thousands of years and must be reconstructed using advanced biotechnological techniques. The resulting DNA is highly unstable and incompatible with human biology in its raw form. To fuse this alien DNA with a human host, scientists developed a method that pushes the human body to its absolute limits. This ensures the host’s biology is prepared to accept and adapt to the foreign material. The process is akin to forcibly rewriting a human's genetic code, requiring immense physical and psychological resilience.

The Creation Process: Steps to Becoming a Demigod

• Rigorous Physical Conditioning: Before the alien DNA can be introduced, the human body must be conditioned to handle extreme stress and adapt to rapid changes. Subjects undergo grueling physical training, forcing their bodies to operate at peak performance. This phase is designed to test and push every limit of the human body—strength, endurance, reflexes, and adaptability. Those who fail to endure this stage are either severely injured or die, as their bodies cannot handle the strain. [Survival Rate: 63.6%]

• Genetic Modification: Once the subject’s body is sufficiently hardened, the alien DNA is carefully fused with their own. This involves injecting the reconstructed DNA into the subject’s body, where it begins to integrate with the human genome. They introduce the serum D.E.M.I (Divine Empowerment Molecule Of Interstellar Origin) over the course of months. As the synchronisation between the serum and DNA of host is a very delicate combination of having the right enzymes, bone marrow, stem cells and blood type matching with the foreign Alien DNA. However, the process is not seamless. The alien DNA attacks the host's natural genetic material, initiating a violent struggle for dominance within the body. This phase is the most dangerous, as the subject’s immune system often perceives the alien DNA as a threat and attacks it. To combat this, scientists suppress the immune system, leaving the subject vulnerable to infections and other complications. Many subjects die during this stage due to the sheer trauma inflicted on their bodies. [Survival Rate: 31.2%]

• Metamorphosis and Adaptation: If the subject survives the genetic fusion, their body enters a period of rapid adaptation and transformation. This phase, known as The Metamorphosis, involves the complete restructuring of the body at a cellular level. The alien DNA activates dormant potential within the human genome, granting superhuman abilities such as enhanced strength, speed, agility, and sometimes unique powers like energy manipulation or regeneration. This process is excruciatingly painful, as bones, muscles, and organs are broken down and rebuilt. This process can last from hours, days to even months. Subjects often describe the sensation as being burned alive from the inside out.

• Psychological Conditioning: The transformation does not end with the body. The alien DNA often affects the subject’s mind, introducing visions, memories, or instincts from the ancient beings it once belonged to. Subjects must undergo extensive psychological conditioning to retain their sense of self and avoid being overwhelmed by the alien influence. Some lose their sanity during this stage, rendering them unstable or dangerous. [Survival Rate: 0.3%]

• Final Testing and Training: Once the transformation is complete, the new Demigod must undergo rigorous testing to evaluate their abilities. This includes combat training, power control exercises, and mental resilience tests. The goal is to ensure the Demigod is battle-ready and can function as a weapon on the battlefield.

The Ideal Candidates:

Through trial and error, scientists discovered that children aged 12 and younger are the most suitable candidates for the process. This is because their bodies, still in the developmental stage, are far more adaptable than those of adults. Prepubescent children have not yet undergone the genetic "hardening" that occurs during puberty, making their DNA more malleable and receptive to foreign material. This revelation led to ethical dilemmas, as the process effectively sacrifices the childhood of its subjects. Children are subjected to inhumane conditions and stripped of their humanity in the pursuit of creating weapons. Many countries justify this by pointing to the need for survival in the escalating global conflict.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

The process of creating Demigods has sparked widespread controversy. While the results are undeniably powerful, the cost in human lives and the suffering endured by the subjects have raised questions about the morality of these experiments. Critics argue that the creation of Demigods is a violation of human rights and dignity, while proponents insist that it is a necessary evil in a world where survival depends on power. In secret laboratories across the globe, the race to perfect the Demigod creation process continues. As the three powerhouses push the boundaries of science and morality, the question remains: how far will humanity go to secure its future?

[brokehorrorfan]

The Universal Classic Monsters Collection will be released on 4K Ultra HD (with Digital) in digibook packaging on October 3 via Universal. Designed by Tristan Eaton, the eight-disc set is limited to 5,500.

It includes 1931's Dracula, 1931’s Frankenstein, 1932’s The Mummy, 1933’s The Invisible Man, 1935’s The Bride of Frankenstein, 1941’s The Wolf Man, 1943’s Phantom of the Opera, and 1954’s Creature from the Black Lagoon.

All eight films are presented in 4K with HDR10. The Spanish version of Dracula is also included. Special features are listed below, where you can also see more of the packaging.

Dracula is directed by Tod Browning (Freaks) and written by Garrett Fort (Frankenstein), based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. Bela Lugosi, David Manners, Helen Chandler, Dwight Frye, and Edward Van Sloan star.

Dracula special features:

Alternate score version by Philip Glass

Dracula (1931) Spanish version directed by George Melford

The Road to Dracula

Lugosi: The Dark Prince

Dracula: The Restoration

Dracula Archives

Monster Tracks

Trailer gallery

Transylvanian vampire Count Dracula bends a naive real estate agent to his will, then takes up residence at a London estate where he sleeps in his coffin by day and searches for potential victims by night.

Frankenstein is directed by James Whale (The Indivisible Man) and written by Garrett Fort (Dracula) and Francis Edward Faragoh (Little Caesar), based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel. Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, John Boles, and Boris Karloff star.

Frankenstein special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer

Audio commentary by historian Sir Christopher Frayling

The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made A Monster

Karloff: The Gentle Monster

Universal Horror

Frankenstein Archives

Boo!: A Short Film

100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics

Monster Tracks

Trailer gallery

Dr. Frankenstein dares to tamper with life and death by creating a human monster out of lifeless body parts.

The Mummy is directed by Karl Freund (Dracula) and written by John L. Balderston (Dracula). Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners, Edward Van Sloan, and Arthur Byron star.

The Mummy special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Paul M. Jensen

Audio commentary by Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns, and Brent Armstrong

Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed

He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce

Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy

The Mummy Archives

100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era

Trailer gallery

An Egyptian mummy searches Cairo for the girl he believes is his long-lost princess.

The Invisible Man is directed by James Whale (Frankenstein) and written by R.C. Sherriff (Goodbye, Mr. Chips), based on H.G. Wells’ 1897 novel. Gloria Stuart, Claude Rains, William Harrigan, Dudley Digges, and Una O'Connor star.

The Invisible Man special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer

Now You See Him: The Invisible Man Revealed

Production Photographs

100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters

Trailer gallery

A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane.

The Bride of Frankenstein is directed by James Whale (Frankenstein) and written by William Hurlbut. Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson, and Elsa Lanchester star.

The Bride of Frankenstein special features: 

Audio commentary by film historian Scott MacQueen

She’s Alive! Creating The Bride of Frankenstein

The Bride Of Frankenstein Archive

100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics

Trailer gallery

Dr. Frankenstein, goaded by an even madder scientist, builds his monster a mate.

The Wolf Man is directed by George Waggner (Operation Pacific) and written by Curt Siodmak (I Walked with a Zombie). Claude Rains, Warren William, Ralph Bellamy, Patric Knowles, Bela Lugosi, and Lon Chaney Jr. star.

The Wolf Man special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Tom Weaver

Monster by Moonlight

The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth

Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney Jr.

He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce

The Wolf Man Archives

100 Years of Universal: The Lot

Trailer gallery

Larry Talbot returns to his father's castle in Wales and meets a beautiful woman. One fateful night, Talbot escorts her to a local carnival where they meet a mysterious gypsy fortune teller.

Phantom of the Opera is directed by Arthur Lubin and written by Eric Taylor (The Ghost of Frankenstein) and Samuel Hoffenstein (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde). Claude Rains, Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster, and Edgar Barrier star.

Phantom of the Opera special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Scott MacQueen

The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked

Production Photographs

100 Years of Universal: The Lot

Theatrical trailer

An acid-scarred composer rises from the Paris sewers to boost his favorite opera understudy’s career.

Creature from the Black Lagoon is directed by Jack Arnold (The Incredible Shrinking Man) and written by Harry Essex and Arthur A. Ross. Richard Carlson, Julia Adams, Richard Denning, Antonio Moreno, Nestor Paiva, and Whit Bissell star.

Creature from the Black Lagoon special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Tom Weaver

Back to the Black Lagoon

Production Photographs

100 Years of Universal: The Lot

Trailer gallery

A group of scientists try to capture a prehistoric creature luring in the depths of the Amazonian jungle and bring it back to civilization for study.

Pre-order Universal Classic Monsters Collection.

[askthesawyers]

(Proposal) Choptop. Babygirl.

I hope this finds you in good spirits amidst your uniquely chaotic lifestyle. From the moment I first laid eyes on you in "Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2," I was captivated. Your eccentricity, wit, and, yes, even your unconventional charm drew me in like a moth to a flame. Each humorous quip and those unforgettable moments made it clear: you are unlike anyone else.

In a world filled with the mundane, you stand out, unafraid to embrace the shadows while twirling your beloved metal plate. Your quirky personality reflects a vivid tapestry of laughter, darkness, and a uniquely spirited resilience. Every time I hear your voice or see your mischievous grin, it becomes painfully obvious: I am completely and utterly smitten.

So, with a heart full of courage and a mind swirling with dreams of a life together, I must ask you this very important question: Will you marry me?

I envision us carving out a life filled with our own kind of madness, wherein we can enjoy midnight drives through the backroads of Texas, crafting art from the unexpected, hosting wild dinner parties that leave guests in awe, and embracing the unconventional adventures that life has to offer—just as you do so effortlessly.

I know we may not fit the typical mold of a couple, but our love story would be an extraordinary one. We could unearth treasures in the most unlikely places, spreading the kind of love that challenges the ordinary. Together, we could create a new legacy, one of human connection against all odds.

So, what do you say, Chop Top? Will you take my hand and join me on this wild ride through life? I promise to stand by your side, embracing every twist and turn, loving you in all your wonderfully chaotic glory.

With all my heart,

Froyo zombie

HOLY FUCKING ASS SO MUCH WORDS-)) "..ya know what, sure! yoouuu talk a whooole lot tho! less of that more killin' people!!"

[violetren]

Two things I appreciated about The Giggle aka the final 60th anniversary special episode of Doctor Who.

1. When unearthing/amplifying Kate's negative traits she was a paranoid xenophobic ableist. Wild thing to have appreciated I know, but here me out. They asked themselves what is the deep dark urge that underlines a military leader meant to monitor alien life on earth, and then put their answer on full display.

At this stage of the game I cannot picture a Doctor Who that doesn't have some form of military intervention, whether human or alien, occasionally cropping up as a plot point since war is so deeply entrenched in our history and culture so it makes sense to just use the fake military rep, and then go "hey even the so called "good" military force and the nostalgia prompting legacy character leading it have this rot as a foundation as to why they think and act the way they do." The fact that directly after getting her sanity back she ignored The Doctor's stand down order and ordered people to shoot at the intruder leading to immediate deaths of those under her command REALLY emphasised the point in my opinion.

2. The complete lack of pants of Fifteen from the moment The Doctor arrived on screen until the credits rolled. It was stupid and fun especially because of the absolute refusal of anyone to bring it up or even allude to it.

[seeker-of-the-world]

Unearth the World’s Wisdom 🌍📚

What if every journey could deepen your understanding of the planet? Universal Travel isn’t just a travel platform—it’s a vault of the world’s knowledge, waiting to be explored. From ancient ruins whispering forgotten histories to modern cities shaping tomorrow’s innovations, we connect curious minds to the stories, cultures, and secrets that define our globe.

Why wander with us? 🔍 Learn as You Roam: Dive into expertly curated guides, local legends, and cultural deep dives for every destination. 🌱 Travel with Purpose: Align your trips with UNESCO sites, eco-wonders, or culinary traditions—every adventure enriches your mind. 🗝️ Keys to Hidden Worlds: Access rare experiences, from meditating with Himalayan monks to decoding Mayan glyphs with archaeologists. 🧠 Smart & Savvy: AI-powered itineraries blend must-see landmarks with obscure gems, tailored to your thirst for knowledge.

Turn curiosity into legacy: 🏛️ Walk Athens’ streets where philosophy was born. 🌋 Study volcanoes in Iceland with geologists by day, chase auroras by night. 🎨 Decode Renaissance art in Florence, then savor recipes from Da Vinci’s notebooks.

The world isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a story to understand. With Universal Travel, you don’t just book a trip; you unlock humanity’s greatest classroom.

🌐 Explore Deeper. Return Wiser. Where every mile is a lesson.

[blueikeproductions]

I’ve been seeing debates on whether Hasbro should do a remake/continuation of G1’s cartoon. While most have said no for one reason or another, citing the poor reception to MOTU: R and the mixed reception to X-Men in particular, I’m more curious on the matter. While I agree we don’t need it, part of me really wants Hasbro to do it just to see what they’d do with it.

I’ve seen some point out there wouldn’t be toys to sell for it, but my rebuttal is that’s what Legacy/Prime Generations is for. Basically just have this hypothetical show be the WFC/PW equivalent. One MAJOR stipulation: it must be tonally in line with the original cartoon and Transformers Devastation. Make this an all ages, but especially kid friendly show. None of that nonsense PW/WFC did. In fact keep those writers away from it, bring in Simon Furman, Flint Dille & Bob Budiansky to throw in some sexy adjectives and be script supervisors/editors to the new staff.

As for the plot, it depends on what they’d do: full remake-AU or continuation. The later would be simpler I think, just following up on what Galvatron and Zarak have been up to and the Autobots’/humanity’s reaction to it.

No matter what they’d do I feel like Hasbro would insist on lite retcons that include the 13 Primes and their Relics, which in turn fuel Galvatron and Zarak’s ambitions, while Optimus and Hot Rod have shared premonitions about the history of the Prime lineage, revealing in the cartoon universe, the thirteen primes were the prototypes the Quintessons developed after the Trans-Organics, with the Prime relics being Quintesson tools the Primes inherited after the Quints were driven off Cybertron. The Quints aren’t particularly happy their own tools are being uncovered, let alone seeing Galvatron using the Forge to upgrade his troops into Micromasters, Action Masters, & Pretenders. It becomes a race to see who collects the relics, with the Autobots determined to stop the Quintessons and Decepticons from abusing this ancient power. All the while, Solus Prime, Alchemist Prime and Quintus Prime are watching from the sidelines, the last survivors of the ancient Primes. And because Furman, there’d be a bit in here about Grimlock being a vessel for Onyx Prime temporarily, lol.

A clean slate AU could be done any number of ways, though my stipulation would absolutely no Allspark plot, but instead maybe combine elements of Dark of the Moon and Devastation where the factions are looking for the Ferotaxxis, which possess the data necessary to restore Cybertron by producing Synthetic Energon to whoever finds it first. The Ferotaxxis is unearthed by humans meanwhile, who study it and the unearthed Nova Prime, seeing a technological boom as far as the 80’s/90’s are concerned (similar to the Bay films and Sumac Systems in Animated). Nova isn’t particularly pleased at being poked and prodded by what he deems a lazy inferior species, and like Bay Sentinel concocts a scheme to screw over humanity, Optimus’ Autobots and secure the Ferotaxxis to gift Cybertron Earth’s energy. Because Cybertron is all that matters, the devil with anything that gets in the way of it.

The Autobots human friends would be Spike, Carly and Chip, the children of scientists and engineers working on Project O-Part; the O-Part, the Ferotaxxis, reacting to the Autobots and Decepticons presence on Earth.

The plot would then extend to the lineage of the 13 Primes and their relics, as they were things Nova and the Ferotaxxis were privy to, leading to the Autobots and the kids from stopping the Decepticons from getting their hands on the relics, with another wrinkle being added that some countries already found some like Carbomya, and won’t surrender them easily…

Like I said this concept can go any direction, but for a pivoted AU, this is just how I’d do it, going by what I assume Hasbro would still want with the 13 Primes being a component. Elements of Skybound would probably be here too, like Spike and Carly being those designs in particular.

But I think continuing where The Rebirth left off would be the better option, being the easiest to work with and with the already admittedly shoddy continuity of the G1 cartoon, you could pretty effortlessly add aspects of Skybound, IDW (and by that I mean characters like Nova, Rung, Rubble, Termagax, Three Fold Spark, etc) and the modern 13 lore.

Will do they do it? If they’re desperate enough, absolutely, but I don’t know if we’re entirely there yet. It’s getting closer and closer though.

[alto-tenure]

The Specter of Misthallery, allusions, and narrative framing

Professor Layton and the Last Specter alludes to the fact that, of course, this is not the first specter to have been in Misthallery -- the specter is, in fact, a much older fairytale, the nature of which is, just as with most folklore, impossible to verify.

The nature of fairytales is such that they often get distorted by those who are telling them, and then those distortions continue to be passed onwards to generations afterwards, and new distortions evolve. The way characters tell the story of Misthallery's specter tells us things about them, too, and the parts they play in the story.

Long ago, in a lawless age, a pack of bandits invaded a small village. Amidst the chaos, a terrified young farm girl played her flute to drown out the madness. As the music spiralled high into the sky, a giant spectre appeared above her. She begged the spectre to destroy the bandits and it swiftly obeyed. The town was saved, and the spectre vanished just as quickly as it had appeared. But the farm girl knew that in times of danger she needed only to play the flute and the spectre would appear again.

This is, of course, Descole's narration from his first appearance. He is taking advantage of the legend of the specter, and seems to be reading from a book during this cutscene.

The specter is unequivocally a force for good the way Descole words the tale. The specter is the girl's savior. It's a bit of intrigue, but also...the way it's portrayed here feels like a very obvious allusion to Arianna and Loosha, for which Loosha is very much Arianna's savior, getting her to the Golden Garden so that she can live. Descole also says after this that it's time for them to "pen the next chapter". He is using the myth of the specter on purpose to smokescreen his true intentions of unearthing the Golden Garden. He means neither to help the villagers or hurt them -- he only has his own agenda. Of course, this isn't the last we hear of this tale...

There's a legend here that tells of an ancient spirit… A specter. When the town was in danger, the specter would act as Misthallery's guardian in its moment of need.

This is how Clark tells the tale. Note its brevity compared to Descole's telling (or Luke's, later on). When the town is in danger, the specter acts to protect it. It is more general than Descole's telling, but is more in line with Luke's version of the events. His portrayal of the specter of lore is fairly bare-bones, but enough to understand that Descole's version is nothing more than a false echo. Something that he understands more than the people of Misthallery, considering that he knows more about the specter due to the blackmailing.

Long ago, the villagers used a flute to call upon a spectre for protection from their enemies… So, if the spectre does the bidding of whoever plays the flute… Then someone is trying to destroy Misthallery! "If the spectre is ever used for impure motives, it shall unleash its wrath upon humanity. It will destroy all in its path, creating its own paradise."

Luke's telling of the tale centers around the idea that the world will end if the specter is used to cause harm -- his telling fuses both ideas from Descole's (the flute is used to summon the specter and control it) and Clark's (the specter was there for the town at large, not for one specific person it was bonded to). This suggests that Luke is familiar with the version that appears in the book (after all, the book is likely from the Triton library), but he's filtering what he remembers through the lens of his anxieties around the specter attacks, his mother's disappearance, and his father's behavior. He expects the world to end because of the connection to the tale.

(And, of course, the connections to Azran Legacy can't be ignored here -- everything destroyed to carve out paradise for the villain of a story.)

The truth is, as always, a complicated affair -- there is no such things as specters, only machines fighting monsters -- but it is likely that the story started out with a specter that protects the village. The version in the book has probably gone through several layers of generational filtering, but its relevance to the narrative remains.

[perseidlion]

So for no reason in particular, here's a master list of my Dead Boy Detectives fic.

Cat and Ghost - M, 40k. (Catwin, casefic, Sandman crossover, post-canon)

A few months after their return to London from Port Townsend, the Cat King shows back up in Edwin’s life. He’s bent on courting Edwin, and has somehow acquired a magical collar that allows them to properly feel each other. Edwin meets him in secret, unsure of whether he’s ready to tell Charles about the relationship.

In the meantime, business at the Dead Boy Detective Agency continues. They receive a case where a woman is trapped between life and death, tethered between the mortal realm and the beyond by a cursed sorcerer.

But there may be more going on than meets the eye, and an Endless pulling strings from the shadows…

Through a Mirror, Darkly - M, ongoing 25k as of Aug 31. Updating 1-2 times weekly. Sequel to Cat and Ghost. Continued Catwin + developing Cricketcrow. Casefic.

It's been a few months since Edwin, Charles and Crystal left Port Townsend after the death of their friend Niko. They've done their best to move on. In the meantime, they've matched wits with Desire of the Endless, and Edwin has started dating the Cat King.

Cat's gift of a spirit mirror offers the boys a chance to speak to Niko again - if she is indeed on the other side.

Bonus: A short fic, The Human Bargain fits in this continuity (between Cat and Ghost and Through a Mirror, Darkly) where the Cat King teaches Monty how to transform into a human again.

Daydreamers - M, complete, 3.6k. My contribution to the Payneland first kiss genre.

Ghosts can't sleep, but they can daydream. Those daydreams sometimes bring revelations.

Love in Red and Blue - T, complete, 1.5k. Niko and Edwin friendship short.

Niko and Edwin have a movie night and watch Red, White & Royal Blue. The movie unearths feelings in Edwin and Niko supports him.

Warning: spoilers for the RWRB movie in this! If you haven't seen the film, you probably won't be confused but also probably won't fully get Edwin's reactions!

Your Body or Mine? - M, complete, 36k. Multishipping (Payneland and Catwin focus), pre-poly bodyswap fic.

Edwin and Charles are granted a 'Hall Pass' from Lost and Found that allows them to become human again for a limited time. They were warned not to mess with the spell, but curiosity got the better of them. The spell goes wrong. Instead of ending up as human versions of themselves, they end up in each others' bodies - with the others' tastes and proclivities.

They must pretend to be each other as long as they're human, lest Lost and Found discover they tampered with the Hall Pass.

The Legacy of Edwin Payne - T, complete, 2.1k. Alternate universe fic where Edwin and Charles both live and meet for a brief window at the end of Edwin's life.

It's 1989. Charles Rowland is about to be sent off to boarding school by his abusive father. Before he can be sent away, the police catch his father abusing his mother and arrest him.

An elderly gentleman, Edwin Payne, who lives in Charles' neighbourhood, consoles him as his mother is being tended to.

CW: Domestic/spousal abuse. Referenced but not seen.

---

I have at least a half dozen other ideas for stories, both short and long. I have no intention of stopping writing anytime soon.