#a Comprehensive Guide to Dragons

[si-siwrites]

First page of notes for an oc/wordbuilding thing which i wrote a chapter for a creative writing project in high school, and am now revisiting.

Transcript under the cut, because I know my handwriting is barely legible.

Top left: Dragons tend to guard entrances to mines or natural mineral deposits due to needing the metals

Map: Late 11th century Poland, Monk lives at this Abbey in Tyniec, Dragon family lives somewhere in the Carpathians

Top right: (Monk) Name starts with M

Early middle age

3rd son of nobility

Benedictine

Nearsighted

Skills: Illuminating Manuscripts, animal Husbandry, throwing books at knights

*glasses not invented yet*

EGGS

Lots of gold needed to form shells + provide easy first metal

Hatchling MUST receive assistance to break free

2-3 eggs per clutch, very rare for all 3 to be fertile

Lower birth rates recently due to threats from humans + lack of right metals

Bottom left: Above picture of whole dragon egg - Mottled colors from various metals/minerals

Diagram of dragon egg plus embryo: Thick inner layer of gold, thind hard outer layer of mineral/metal

Far right: If egg does not form correctly, baby will suffocate if too thick, or be injured if too thin. Proper diet is crucial to hatchlings survival

[legionofmyth]

Rules Cyclopedia by TSR

⚔️ Step into a world of classic fantasy with Rules Cyclopedia by TSR! 🌟 This comprehensive guide has everything you need for epic RPG adventures. Perfect for new and veteran players alike. #RulesCyclopedia #DungeonsAndDragons #RPG #TabletopGaming #FantasyAdventure

Rules Cyclopedia by TSR What is it? Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia The Rules Cyclopedia by TSR is a comprehensive compilation of the Basic, Expert, Companion, and Master sets of the classic Dungeons & Dragons game. Set in the Mystara campaign world, it encompasses a wide variety of settings, from the Known World and its diverse cultures to the exotic Savage Coast and Hollow World. This…

[lightasthesun]

Comprehensive Lexicon Guide for First-Time SW Fic Readers:

Flimsi/Flimsiplast = Paper

Flimsiwork/Datawork = Paperwork

Stylus = Pen

Datapad = Tablet

Comlink/Comm = Communication Device/Phone

Binders = Handcuffs

Chronometer = Clock

Spectacles = Eyeglasses

Chrono = Watch

Conservator = Refrigerator

Caf = Coffee

Nerfburger = Hamburger

Blue milk = Milk (literally blue)

Hubba chips = French Fries

Sweet roll = Doughnut

Flatcakes = Pancakes

Tabac = Tobacco

HoloNet = World Wide Web

Holovision/HoloTV = Television

Holodrama/Holovids = Movie/Videos

Holocamera/Holocam = Camera

Holomap = three-dimensional map

Holojournal = Newspaper

Holocube = Picture frame

Holotable = Projector

Holoscanner = X-ray machine

Holojournalist = Reporter

Flatholo/Holograph = Photograph

Sonic Damper = Active Noise Cancellation

Refresher/Fresher= Bathroom

Sonic Bath = Bath

Sanisteam/Sonic shower = Waterless Shower

Hydrospanner = Wrench

Hydro Flask = Water Bottle

Power Cell/Energy Cell = Batteries

Authorization Chip = Decryption key

Datatape = Disk

Datastick = Flash drive

(Personal) Com Code = Phone number

Datachip = SD Card

Synthflesh = Synthetic skin

Glowrod = Flashlight

Sparkstick = Match

Slugthrower = Gun

Slug = Bullet

Vibroblade = a blade that can vibrate at high frequencies, increasing its cutting power and penetrating ability (tactical knife)

Rangefinder = Rifle scope

Turbolaser = Cannon

Ion pike/Vibropike = Spear

Electro Staff = Stun baton

Blaster = Pistol/Rifle

Stun Blaster = similar to a Taser

Landspeeder/Airspeeder/Speeder = Car

Turbolift = Elevator

Slideramp = Escalator

Starfighter = Fighter jet

Rotorcraft = Helicopter

Hoverpack/Jetpack= Jet pack

Speeder Bike = Motorcycle

Skylane = Traffic lane

Railspeeder/Hovertrain = Train

Power Chair/Hoverchair= Wheelchair

Windscreen = Windshield

Podracing = Car racing

Dejarik = Chess

Sabacc = Poker and Blackjack combined

Galactic Rebels = Combat simulator

B'shingh = Dungeons and dragons

Jizz = Jazz music

Wailer = Singer (ie. Jizz Wailer)

Cantina = Bar or Pup

Para Sailing = Paragliding

Aurebesh = Alphabet

Credits = Money

Sleeping Pallet = Bedroll

Naming Day = Birthday

Youngling = Child

Galactic Basic Standard/ Basic = English

Medkit/Medpac = First aid kit

Hypo = Syringe

Medic/Healer = Doctor

Medcenter = Hospital

Bactapatch = Bandaid

Nanoweave = Fabric

Transparisteel = Glass

Plastifoam = Packing material

Durasteel = Steel

Plasteel = Plastic

Duracrete = Concrete

Slicer = Hacker (slicing = hacking)

Identikit = Passport

Minder = Therapist

Synthleather = Vinyl

Viewport = Window

Cooling Unit = Air-conditioning

Honeydarter = Bee

Slythmonger = Drugdealer

Spice = Drugs

Stimpill = Caffeine pill

Power Socket = Plug

Cutters = Scissors

Cycle = Day

Standard Cycle = 24h

Standard Week = 5 days

Standard Month = 35 standard days

Standard Year = approx. ten months

Tenday = literally ten days

Cigarras/Smokes = Cigarettes

Click = Kilometer or 'a moment'

Parsec = a unit of distance

Tweezers/Clanker/tin head/tinnie = Droid

Separatist = Seppie

Promise Ring = Wedding Ring

Body Glove = Jumpsuit

Slicksuit = Wet suit

Civvies = Civilian clothing

Carbonite = a metal alloy used to freeze a person in a state of hibernation

Hyperdrive = device that allows a starship to travel faster than lightspeed

Moisture vaporator = device that can extract water from the air, commonly used on tatooine

Glareshades = Sunglasses

Gasser = Gas Oven

Repulsorlift = technology that can create an anti-gravity field and is used for levitating heavy objects

Heating unit = Heater

Utility Droid = Roomba

Sunbonnet = a Clone trooper helmet

Bad Batcher = a defective Clone Trooper

Banthabrain = birdbrain/ a stupid person

Bantha fodder = waste of space/nonsense

Blast! = word of exclamation

Blasted! = s.o in anger or annoyance

Blaster-brained = dimwitted

Blaster fodder = cannon fodder

Blast off = Piss off

Brainless = Stupid

Bug/Bugger = used to refer to Geonosians

Forceforsaken = godforsaken

Full of Poodoo = full of shit

Poodoo = Shit

Kriff = Fuck

Jedi scum = derogatory term for jedi

Kark = derogatory expletive

Larty = LAAT/i gunship

Laserbrain = insult

Meat droid = derogatory term for Clone Troopers

Redrobes = Palpatines guard

Rookie/Shinie = newly recruited Trooper

Scum = insult to refer to bounty hunters/rebels

Sharpie = Sharp-witted

Sithspawn/Sithspit/Hellspawn! = expletive

Sleemo = Slimeball

Son of a bantha = insult

Wizard! = Cool

Spaced = dead

Hutt-spawn = Bastard

Karabast = exclamation of dismay

Stang = Crap

Buckethead/Bucketbrain = derogatory term for Stormtroopers

Bucket = Helmet

Nat-born = Natural Born

Roger Roger = affirmative/copy that

Droid poppers = EMP grenade

Sitrep = short for situation report

Backwater Planet = any planet that isn't part of the core system

Holocron = device that can project a three-dimensional image of a person/object and is used for communication or entertainment.

Kessel Run = a risky Operation. Commonly used as a metaphor in impossible situations.

Thermal Detonator= device that can create a powerful explosion like a grenade or bomb

Ray Shield/Energy Shield = creates a (protective) barrier

Rebreather = device that allows a person to breathe underwater or in toxic environments

Phrases:

Wild goose chase = wild bantha chase

That's bantha shit = that's bullshit

As slippery as a greased Dug = untrustworthy

Credit for your thoughts = penny for your thoughts

Cut the poodoo = cut the crap

to get your gills in a twist = get upset about something

Holy mother of meteors = holy mother of god

Oh my skies/ Oh my stars = exclamation of surprise

Stars' end! = exclamation of disbelief

What in the blue blazes = exclamation

When Geonosis freezes over/When it snows on tatooine = extremely unlikely

Who pissed in your power supply = who pissed you off

Blast it = damn it

By the maker = exclamation of surprise

Great karking Dragon = expression of disbelief

Lothcat got your tongue = equivalent of 'cat got your tongue?'

Sod it = expression of frustration

[maxx-the-queer]

The Siege at Weisshaupt is honestly one of the best missions of any Dragon Age game, let alone Veilguard.

The stakes are already high: kill an Archdemon and then kill Ghilan'nain.

Killing an Archdemon - the big bad at the end of Origins whose very presence means apocalypse and certain sacrifice - is just the first step to killing an even greater force.

Ghilan'nain - an Ancient Elven Goddess blighted beyond recognition, whose unchecked ambition unleashed great horrors upon the world - is the real threat to face or else the Darkspawn Army will be the least of Thedas' worries.

The leader of the Grey Wardens, the only mortal force who have thus far been able to protect Thedas from utter annihilation, categorically refuses to face reality. Rook only has a ragtag team of half a dozen guys from all over to face an entire Darkspawn army with.

It's exactly as terrifying and daunting as it sounds, and neither task is something anyone treats with any amount of levity. Everyone is confident in their abilities to perform their task and get Lucanis to the right place to finish this contract, but there's no playfulness or divine certainty about their success.

Rook, whose only game plan is "get in and win by any means necessary," is then immediately confronted with the reality of their situation as absolutely everything goes wrong.

The Eluvian isn't where they thought it would be, the Grey Wardens are overwhelmed by Ghilan'nain's forces, and just to add to the sheer horror - there's a young child running through this battlefield of Darkspawn in search of her father and she will not listen to your pleas for her to get to safety.

All of that happens in the first ten minutes of the mission, mind you. This isn't even including the fact that Ghilan'nain appears as a damn spectral cloud face - which Lucanis rightfully points out is who he has to kill and "how am I supposed to kill a damn cloud?!"

Rook runs through the fortress, makes it to the East Battlements and hears the sounding of a horn begging for reinforcements, only to realise that they're the only ones coming and everything is falling apart, but they have no choice but to keep going.

Retreats are called, everywhere Rook goes is the wrong way, the forces are overwhelming beyond measure, and this battle is no longer about killing but surviving, because they're cornered like prey by horrors beyond comprehension.

When all of a sudden, the world's bravest little girl rushes in like a hero and guides them through impossible odds to somewhere with some semblance of safety. She's the only reason they haven't succumbed to death already and despite the waves upon waves of Hurlocks, Spikers, and Ogres - she finds her father.

Thanks to Mila, there's a moment of reprieve. Rook gets a chance to breathe. The Veilguard regroups, replans their approach. Distract Ghilan'nain with the dagger, trap her Archdemon in a dragon trap, and kill it to render her mortal. With time to breathe comes time to doubt, to fear.

A Warden has to die to kill the Archdemon. Davrin knows this, and is ready to go. But is Rook? What if they can't do this? What if this is how they die? Can they even spare the time to think about it?

Regardless, they fight through to the dragon trap. The Archdemon approaches as Rook all but dangles the dagger within reach. She takes the bait and sends her Archdemon forth, it seems all too easy - like putting cheese out for the mice.

The Archdemon is trapped. Davrin says his goodbyes, but the First Warden surges forward insistently. He plans to end this according to tradition. He'll die with dignity, he's not asking for your permission to do what all wardens must. He steps forward. Sword in hand, ready to end the Blight.

Ghilan'nain will not be so easily beat. She will not play by the rules they're used to, and the First Warden does not get to die a hero. She seizes him in her grasp, sucks the life out of him to empower Razikale, and changes the game once more. Her Archdemon is unlike any seen in history, and there's no time to revel in it because it's do or die and Rook cannot afford to die yet.

Every blow brings it closer to death, and therefore Ghilan'nain herself as she becomes more and more desperate. One snakelike head becomes two, becomes three, with blight everywhere - the time is at hand.

Davrin is the only one left who can kill the Archdemon, his death is inevitable, and he's ready to go as he sinks his sword in for the final blow.

Except, if there's one thing this seige should have taught them all, it was this: the rules have changed. Davrin is still standing, and he doesn't have time to think about why, because Ghilan'nain is mortal and the time to strike is now.

Rook tosses the Lyrium Dagger to Lucanis. He surges up, wings of Spite propelling him up to kill a goddess like she's any other target, because it's all that he came here to do.

And then, he misses.

With everything at stake, and everything to lose... Lucanis Dellamorte misses.

They don't have time to try again. If they stay, everyone dies. And so, the Veilguard flees through the Eluvian and back into the Lighthouse. It was a victory, but at what cost?

Nothing is how it's supposed to be. Weisshaupt is fallen. The Wardens are scattered. Razikale is dead, Ghilan'nain is mortal. And yet...

It wasn't enough.

[blogport]

EPOXYSHİNE - DRAGON+

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on "Epoxy Shine," where we delve into the transformative power of epoxy flooring solutions. In today’s design-driven world, achieving a polished and durable floor is essential for both residential and commercial spaces. Epoxy coatings not only elevate the aesthetic appeal but also provide long-lasting protection against wear and tear. Whether you’re considering a modern upgrade for your home or a robust flooring solution for a bustling business, epoxy shines as a versatile choice that meets a variety of needs. In the following sections, we’ll explore innovative flooring solutions, focusing on the benefits of epoxy flake flooring, which combines functionality with style for a stunning finish that can withstand the test of time. 

Epoxy Shine

When it comes to achieving a brilliant and long-lasting finish, epoxy shine is the ideal solution for various flooring needs. Known for its incredible durability and aesthetic appeal, epoxy shine enhances the overall beauty of a space while providing a protective layer that withstands wear and tear.

The key to attaining that stunning epoxy shine lies in the application process. Proper surface preparation, quality materials, and skilled application techniques combine to create a glossy finish that can transform mundane concrete floors into vibrant, eye-catching surfaces. This shine doesn’t just elevate the design; it also reflects light, making spaces appear larger and more inviting.

Moreover, epoxy shine is not just about looks; it offers significant functional benefits too. The glossy surface is resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as garages, warehouses, and commercial spaces. Whether for aesthetic or practical purposes, ensuring your floors have that perfect epoxy shine can significantly enhance your property's value and appeal.

Floor Solutions

When it comes to choosing the right floor solutions, there are numerous options available that cater to various needs and preferences. Whether you are going for aesthetic appeal, durability, or maintenance ease, understanding the different types of flooring can significantly impact your choice.

One popular choice for many homeowners and businesses is epoxy flooring. This option provides a sleek and modern look while ensuring high durability and resistance to wear and tear. Epoxy shine not only enhances the floor's visual appeal but also makes it easier to clean and maintain over time.

Additionally, epoxy flake floors are gaining traction due to their unique aesthetic and customization options. They allow for a blend of colors and textures, giving homeowners the flexibility to create a more personalized look for their spaces. With such a wide array of flooring solutions, it's essential to consider factors like budget, usage, and design preferences before making a decision.

Flooring Solutions

When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your space, the options can be overwhelming. Flooring solutions are essential for both aesthetic and functional purposes, ensuring that your space not only looks great but also serves its intended function. From residential to commercial applications, the right flooring choice can make all the difference.

One popular choice in the realm of flooring solutions is epoxy flake floor systems. This type of flooring combines durability and design flexibility, making it a favorite among many homeowners and business owners. With a wide range of colors and patterns available, epoxy flake flooring can be customized to fit any space, providing a unique look that stands out.

For those seeking a brilliant shine, epoxy shine finishes can elevate your flooring game. These finishes not only provide a glossy look but also protect the flooring from wear and tear. Utilizing a performing solution like epoxy ensures that your floors can handle heavy foot traffic while maintaining their stunning appearance.

Epoxy Flake Floor

When it comes to durable and aesthetically pleasing flooring options, epoxy flake floors stand out as a superior choice. These floors are crafted using an epoxy resin mixed with decorative flakes, resulting in a unique finish that is both functional and visually appealing. The versatility of this flooring solution allows it to be used in various settings, from residential garages to commercial spaces.

The main advantage of epoxy flake floors is their resistance to impacts, chemicals, and stains, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Their seamless nature prevents dirt and grime accumulation, offering a low-maintenance solution that is easy to clean. Furthermore, the aesthetic flexibility of the colored flakes lets homeowners and business owners customize their floors to match existing designs and personal preferences.

In addition to their durability and style, epoxy flake floors also contribute to improved safety. The texture of the flakes can enhance slip resistance, making them a practical choice for spaces where moisture is common. Whether you're looking to upgrade your garage or create a modern showroom, epoxy flake flooring provides an excellent combination of beauty, resilience, and safety.

[soratsuart]

Making this post relevant again by introducing: the AU where Kairi finds Leola in the Final World, gains a little sister and gets thrown into a fate-changing, world-saving adventure of her very own

(Thank you @rannlwitch for listening to me ramble about this and helping me with ideas for this)

INFO UNDER CUT:

This AU/Crossover is set to begin right at the end of Melody of Memory for Kingdom Hearts and possibly a few months before Act 2 for The Dragon Prince.

After seeing Riku leave to Quadratum in order to find Sora, Kairi is ready to go back home until she hears someone crying. Allowing her heart to guide her, she soon finds herself before the heart of Leola, a little girl who has been waiting for long, way too long, for someone she loves a lot. For a reason she can't understand, Kairi feels a strong connection with Leola, and so does Leola with her. Feeling in her heart that there is something she needs to do about this situation, Kairi promises Leola to help her get back home to her father, and before neither of them know it, Kairi has left the Final World with another heart in tow. Now, both Kairi and Leola have to work together to find Leola's home world, unaware of the storm coming their way, the dangers they will have to face and the cruel twists awaiting them. But maybe, just maybe, if they stick together they can overcome everything, and light will shine again amongst the shadows of a world where darkness creeps at every corner.

The AU is still very early on development, but I have already some concepts I think would be very cool to explore!

My objective is to make it as comprehensible as possible for people in both fandom even if they haven't consumed one of the medias, especially for TDP fandom since I understand getting into a saga with so many games is hard, but if anyone interested has any doubts they're always welcome to ask questions!

Actually, people are always welcome to ask questions about the AU in general, it's fun and helps me develop more ideas!

But aye, this is all for a brief introduction, maybe I'll ramble more in the morning :)

[anemoi-i]

Venti’s Presence in Mondstadt and in Lore: A Comprehensive List

Barbatos is an Archon that does everything in secret and wants virtually no recognition for it. Desiring not to become like Decarabian, he "disappeared" so Mondstadt could be free and without a ruler, yet he has still done what he could to retain Mondstadt's peace. Here is a comprehensive list of everything of note that he has done.

Disclaimer: I may miss details. Some things such as character voice lines about Venti, save for Xiao’s are largely omitted. All sources are present.

I. Wind Gliders

“The ability of wind gliders to glide is reliant first and foremost on the Blessing of the Anemo Archon. Of course, it’s also been intertwined with human engineering.”

Wings of Companionship

II.  But I do not intend to make my readers think that we could do without archons. On the contrary, say, if Barbatos had not guided the warm monsoons to Mondstadt with his divine powers, would Mondstadt still be so bountiful as to produce the brews that it does?

The answer would be no. Mondstadt is an inland city and would have struggled to provide for itself if not for the grace of Barbatos. If we look back through history, we learn that Mondstadt is situated on a land that was once frozen, where the living conditions were harsh and brewing would be virtually impossible. It was the power of Barbatos that changed everything.

Along With Divinity: Prologue

III. The songs that had once flown joyfully in the wind were drowned by a venomous dragon [Durin]. In the wake of its earth-shaking footsteps, even the cries and the flames were ripped asunder. The Anemo Archon heard their agony, though he had refused to rule. But to protect his old friends' dream, and defend the wind-kissed fields of green,He woke from his long slumber anew, and with the sky dragon [Dvalin] in battle he flew...

Elegy For The End

IV. In ancient times, Barbatos softly strummed his lyre and summoned the pure thousand winds and songs. Charmed by the free-spirited winds and songs, Dvalin the high dragon descended and swore loyalty to him. Barbatos rejoiced in making a new friend, and entrusted the people of Mondstadt to Dvalin. And so, the wandering Anemo Archon and the Wind Dragon forged Mondstadt's dawn with their relationship.

Skyward Harp

V. On the cliff facing the eastern sea, the ancestors worshipped the masters of Time and Anemo together. The two are intimately related, as expressed in the saying, "Anemo brings stories while Time nurtures them." This bow tells the story of the pioneers and the hardships they went through.

Sacrificial Bow

VI. When Mondstadt was born anew, and the Church finally unshackled, the scriptures of the winds could bear no longer being confined to a shelf, and so the book took flight, left the Church's treasury and was gone. Like the winds of Mondstadt, and like the people of Mondstadt, it belonged to freedom and the winds. The elegant handwriting on the title page reads:

Children of the Anemo Archon, heed these words:

From the winds we have come, and with the winds we shall go.

Never, ever grieve for me.

'Tis but my flesh and bones which rest in the soil:

My soul has become one with the thousand winds.

When flowers bloom, when leaves sway,

That is me who sings the songs of freedom, of the winds.

Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds: Scriptures of the ancient winds, passed from generation to generation among the observers of ritual in service of the Anemo Archon.

VII. The Skyward Atlas consists of 100,000 odes to a single cloud or wind and calling it by name. The cloud atlas gave form to the winds, and odes infused them with personality. The myriad formless winds are now friends and family in the eyes of Barbatos. Legends tell that in ancient times, Barbatos summoned the four winds with the original version. He thawed the snow, drove away vicious beasts, summoned rainfall, and created Mondstadt.He permitted the atlas to be shared and copied among the people, giving it the name of Cloud Atlas.

­Skyward Atlas

VIII. In the days of the ruling aristocracy, the Church that revered the Anemo Archon was once split in twain by a schism: On one side stood the clergy, who ate at the lords' table, and overturned the archon's statues with them even as they wrote songs and hymns of praise. On the other stood the saints, who held no clerical office, and who walked the streets, the wine cellars, and the world beyond the walls. These saints drank cheap moonshine, blessing the slave and the plebeian with the original holy manuscripts that circulated amongst the people and with words that the wind brought to them.

And while they did so, they penned forbidden songs and poetry.

When the gladiator from a foreign land [Vennessa] arose together with the re-awakened Anemo Archon and raised the banner of rebellion, the aged saint known as the Nameless Shepherd mobilized the true adherents of the Church of Favonius.

Song of Broken Pines

IX. When he opened his eyes, he was in the sky above a mountain swept by roaring snowstorms, the green, tranquil land had already been painted crimson by fire and blood,and the song of that sky-blue bard's lyre was almost drowned in the howling tumult,and that bejeweled, lovely dragon, like a tender lover, had now pierced his neck through with its sharp fangs.

"Farewell, Mother! My journey is ended. I shall sleep beneath this white, shining silver... and perhaps this, too, is good. Farewell, O lovely bard! And farewell, O lovely dragon! Would that we had met in a different time and place, to meet, to sing and dance together!"

So he thought most sincerely as he lay dying.

Durin (Dragonspine Spear)

X. They say that a region's character follows that of its archon, and that this holds true both for the people and the land itself, but was it the unfettered archon who bestowed a love of freedom and wine upon the land and people amidst conflict? Or was it the people who nurtured the Anemo Archon's love of freedom as they pined for it amid the howling wind and frost?

This is a question that can no longer be answered.

Freedom Sworn

XI. Twenty-six hundred years ago was the era of Mondstadt's most ancient inhabitants. They swore a solemn oath, after the new Anemo Archon descended and reformed the world:

"For Mondstadt, as always. For the verdant plains, for the hills, and for the forests of Mondstadt. May they continue to flourish, as always."

"For Mondstadt, as always. For the everlasting freedom of Mondstadt from the blizzard and the tyrant, whose coldness and oppression are one and the same."

­­Royal Longsword (Refers to Gunnhildr Clan & the oath to protect Mondstadt.)

XII. Ludi Harpastum

Ludi Harpastum was established in commemoration of how Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, taught his people to brew wine and live freely. It was a festival meant for all people to enjoy. However, by the time of Vennessa's rebellion a thousand years before Genshin Impact's main story, Barbatos had long departed to avoid becoming a tyrant like his predecessor, while the aristocracy that ruled Mondstadt grew corrupt and abused their power.

The event turned into a mockery of what it originally was. It became an event enjoyed only by the wealthy elites. The head of the Lawrence Clan, the foremost clan among the aristocracy, cared not for the enjoyment of the people and canceled all the games, leaving only the climax of the harpastum. However, only Lord Lawrence's son, Barca Lawrence, had the right to touch that harpastum. Anyone else who dared even approach the ball would immediately face torture. Furthermore, Barca was also given the rights to take the maiden who will throw the harpastum home.

Barbatos awakens during the climax of the Ludi Harpastum in the manga and seizes the Harpastum.

Genshin Impact Manga

XIII. The Letter in the Chasm

Not as if I were to be outfitted as that guardian of Khaenri’ah,

Not as if my destructive self were made to be the lyre of Barbatos,

Not as if I were meant to soar like a Pegasus,

Not if I were the swift, snow-white pair of Morphes,

Add these to the feather-footed and the winged,

And likewise, call for the swiftness of the winds,

And though you should harness these, friend, and offer them to me,

Yet I should be tired to the bone, and worn away by frequent faintness,

My friend, while I would search for you,

The heavens fall to pieces,

And falsehoods collapse.

Mysterious Letter obtainable after completing The Chasm related Archon Quest(s) & World Quests (Information gathered by CatWithBlueHat)

It is important to note that each player who finished these quests only received one line of this letter in Abyssal Language, indicating this is a bigger part of something and made to be very secretive and hard to decipher if not for the efforts of players to translate it.

XIV. The Hexenzirkel

“Once upon a time, it even challenged the Anemo Archon himself, but he replied: “Let us make music, not war, and resolve our conflicts through song.”

Alice, The Mage’s Tea Party (Windblume’s Breath)

XV. Waterborne Poetry

“A soft breeze beckoned me unto a spring. “Sleep, weary wanderer. Your journey is over. May the dancing petals sweeten your slumber.”

Callirhoe, who recalled her journey to Springvale (Waterborne Poetry event)

XVI. Presence as a significant figure to Xiao

He longs for a day to come when he will wear the mask and dance — not to conquer demons, but to the tune of that flute amid a sea of flowers.

Barbatos appears as a cameo in Yakshas: The Guardian Adepti, playing the Dihua Flute. It suggests his music is powerful enough to suppress Xiao’s Karmic Debt. He also has a line for Barbatos indicaing he knows who he is, but cuts himself off.

Yakshas: The Guardian Adepti & Xiao: Mask (Namecard)

Other things to note:

As of Version 4.3 Mondstadt is the only nation that does not suffer from any “filth” that needs to be purged either by a Sacred Tree or otherwise. The battle that took place 500 years ago with Durin did not affect the nation in any way, instead, Durin died on Dragonspine which was already affected by the Skyfrost Nail and is an inhabited land that only Adventurers see as an area to explore. No one lives there. Even with the presence of his “heart”/”core” still beating, it would forever lie in the frozen wasteland unless someone were to deliberately disrupt it.

There are no storms in Mondstadt. Vind, one of the Sisters/Storm Watchers, says that she hopes she never has to do her job.

A large amount of npc’s around Mondstadt, especially in the area of the Anemo Archon statue, revere Barbatos and speak highly of him

It is important to note that during the second rebellion, Barbatos also forged Rex Lapis’ signature to dismantle the Aristocracy, indicating he would go to such lengths to establish freedom for the nation.

Barbatos’ voiceline about Albedo suggests that he knows close to “everything” about him, especially about his fear of “destroying Mondstadt.”

In addition to the above, Barbatos contradicts himself: “Ah, never mind! What goes on within Mondstadt's walls is up to Mondstadt's people to deal with!” Except that twice when the people cried out for help, he awoke to help them and has actively been helping Mondstadt with no recognition. From liberating Mondstadt to helping an Oceanid, this line will not hold any weight in any argument that suggests that Barbatos does nothing for Mondstadt.

Barbatos was already attempting to purge the Abyssal corruption from Dvalin prior to the Traveler’s appearance.

There is irony in Diluc and Jean finding out Barbatos’ true identity considering both the Ragnvindr’s and the Gunnhildr’s were primary protectors of Mondstadt.

The Skyward Atlas suggests Barbatos was originally a catalyst user while Amos’ Bow suggests he changed his weapon to a bow to honor Amos’ memory. He uses Der Frühling (E Skill) in a way a catalyst user might.

His appearance as his dear friend, the Nameless Bard is to honor his memory for the skies, bright sun and birds he could never see. To honor the songs he could no longer play.

[corvidconvergence]

My boy's accent has come in!

Thank you again @hyddeplays for the custom adjustments for his sunveil. It was just the perfect accent for him!

His name is Festuca and he is a reclusive botanist who specializes in taxonomy. His goal is to create a comprehensive field guide to grasses, sedges and rushes of Sornieth.

[universal-genious]

A Comprehensive Guide To My Rat Hierarchy

Greetings and salutations!

Strap in and get comfy. You're all about to receive a detailed, informative, and fascinating lecture on the details of my rat creations. Let's begin.

My rats are organized in a hierarchy, based (loosely) off of a system of monarchy. The progression goes as follows:

The Commonality

The Gentry

The Cavaliers

The Vassals and

The Knave.

They are not organized by importance, but rather by size, ability, and threat level.

Below is a diagram illustrating examples of each tier of the Hierarchy (save for the Knave, but we'll get to him later):

Now, let's take a closer look, shall we?

First, of course, shall be:

The Commonality

These little darlings are primarily lab assistants, but they're also built for surveillance and the relaying of messages.

Their mechanical eyes are capable of capturing photographs and video footage, and then projecting the images holographically - perfect for delivering asynchronous villainous monologues!

The Commonality are also very fast and agile, able to climb up and burrow through just about any material, from metal to solid rock. They can be quite the stealthy little fellows!

Next, let's take a look at:

The Gentry

The Gentry are built for low-risk combat, but when deployed in packs, they can pack quite a wallop! Their teeth and claws can deliver a considerable amount of damage on their own, but what really sets the Gentry apart is their ability to wield electricity.

The Gentry have artificial nervous systems consisting of live wiring, which carries an electrical current through their bodies - note the electrodes in the ears and tail. However, what you don't see upon first glance is the electrical generator hidden within the jaws of the Gentry. Upon opening its mouth, a Gentry can release a powerful surge of lightning, much like the breath weapon of a dragon!

And aren't they just adorable?!

Onwards and upwards, we have:

The Cavaliers

These beautiful specimens are especially skilled at hunting and tracking, built with heightened senses of sight, smell, and hearing, as well as the ability to see in infrared waves. In other words, there's no use hiding.

The Cavaliers are also built for speed - those long, slender limbs allow them to gallop at speeds matching those of Acinonyx jubatus! What's more, they're the perfect size to be mounted, making them excellent for a quick and theatrical getaway.

Now, here's something especially interesting. The Cavaliers are always deployed in pairs. Specific pairs. Each Cavalier has a companion, with which they are psychically linked. They can sense each other's every move and thought - the ultimate hunting partners! Additionally, if one Cavalier in a pair is incapacitated or seriously injured in combat, the other receives a surge of power as a defense mechanism.

Moving right along, we reach:

The Vassals

Positively petrifying, aren't they?!

These magnificent beasts are easily my most formidable creations yet. If their cleaver-like tails don't get you, their claws and teeth certainly will!

When developing the Vassals, I began using a mutation serum of my own concoction, which came with a few unexpected (but welcome!) side effects. Firstly, due to the monstrous origin of several of the serum's ingredients, the Vassals are the only tier of the hierarchy that require sustenance. And let me tell you, they have got some impressive appetites! A Vassal is capable of digesting just about anything, organic and inorganic - but they especially like any variety of fresh meat. This has been quite the asset, actually - if I need someone to disappear, the Vassals are on the job!

Secondly, you may notice the viscous, black fluid weeping from their faces. This is entirely normal, I assure you - just another aspect of the serum's mutation. The Vassals are constantly exuding a highly acidic and toxic excretion - don't worry, it doesn't bother them in the slightest. You, however...let's just say you don't want to be anywhere near the stuff.

Finally, the mutation serum also allows the Vassals to heal from injuries at a remarkably accelerated rate, making them even harder to take down! This also allows a Vassal to open its jaws to an unnaturally wide extent, hence the scar tissue around the mouth. I rather like the look of it - look at those friendly smiles!

Last, but certainly not least, we move on to:

The Knave

Knavey here is my primary method of transportation. He's just a tad larger a school bus, making him ideal for transporting myself and an assortment of the rats for missions of all sorts!

Knavey's been fitted with claw-like appendages on both of his tails, as well as on the end of his "tongue", for lack of a better term. Said "tongue" is entirely prehensile, and can extend to nearly three-quarters of Knavey's body length. As such, Knavey is excellent for retrieving heavy cargo, and for capturing live cargo!

And, with that, my hierarchy draws to a close.

Thanks ever so much for reading - I do hope you all found this informative! I certainly had fun writing it.

Ta-ta for now!

~ Niles Genious Tolliver 🐁⚡

[ranimotia]

╭┈◦❥ • Dark Paradise

Having Goth! Malleus Draconia as your lover includes..

・❥Pairing: Malleus Draconia x reader

・❥Content warning: Goths (lol), GN! Reader, POC friendly, inaccurate to timeliness of game, reader with stereotypically feminine interests

・❥Authors note: ik this isn't too different from normal mal but I liked the idea, Romantic Goth Malleus 🗣🗣🗣

Goth Malleus who's... Medieval-gothic style room gets invaded by a couple of cute and fuzzy plushies you keep at his place for when you stay over.

Goth Malleus who... Treats the plushies with immense care; tucking them into bed and keeping them as clean as possible. After all, they remind him of you.

Goth Malleus who... Often takes you out on historical museum dates, guiding you by the waist through each gallery, whilst rambling on about each object displayed.

Goth Malleus who... Responds to the cute sticky notes you leave for him with long, heartfelt poems detailing your beauty.

"Make sure you unload the drier :) love you xx"

"I adore you beyond comprehension. You consume my every thought, both whilst awake and asleep, you are my moon, sun, stars and more, you are love itself and you consume my mind, body and soul and I'm more than content with letting you consume more of me each passing day-"

You get the idea..

Goth Malleus who.. Lulls you to sleep by reading you historical writings; ranging from 19th century literature to ancient epics. When doing so, he likes having your head rested carefully on his chest. He caresses your cheek every so often.

Goth Malleus who... Wakes up earlier than you and makes you breakfast almost every morning, presenting you with a silver plate of pancakes, sliced fruit, and a mazer of homemade juice when you finally stumble downstairs after waking up.

Goth Malleus who... Owns an impressive jewellery collection of silver chains decorated with either red, green, or purple jewels, accompanied with ornate designs of either roses or dragons. Despite his extensive collection, his favourite piece of jewellery is one you gifted him; a hello kitty ring you had jokingly proposed to him with.

Goth Malleus who... Sends you a bouquet of a dozen red roses tied together with a silk ribbon, alongside a hand written letter detailing your dinner reservations- sealed with a matching black seal adorning a dragon symbol embedded into the wax each morning of your anniversary.

Goth Malleus who... One night on one of your regular nightly strolls, presents you with a gold ring embedded with a raw cut gem of your birthstone in a velvet box. Asking to be yours till the day he dies.

Goth Malleus who... Lets out a sigh of relief at your acceptance, knowing the baggage of being a prince's spouse isn't appealing to most people, promising you he'd repay you for taking up such a tedious role.

Goth Malleus who... Doesn't miss a beat when it comes to wedding planning, already having some some drafts on what your wedding would be like thanks to countless ramble sessions with Lilia.

Goth Malleus who... After months of planning and organising, managed to set your dream wedding, a surprisingly simple affair- taking place in a flower field near an old victorian mannor right as the sun was setting.

Goth Malleus who... Believes you to be the most beautiful person in the world in your wedding attire; which consisted of long custom made floral lace, in a soft shade of your signature colour with matching gold jewellery, complementing your undertones. His own attire consisted of 14th century style robes, black in colour with roses embroidered onto it.

Goth Malleus who... Seals your vows by placing a flower crown on your head and you doing the same to him- a much more intimate break from the traditional kiss.

Goth Malleus who... Only has his closest companions at the wedding; his guardian since childhood, and his two closest guards. You too, are with your two closest friends, even having Grim as your ring bearer.

Goth Malleus who... Dances with you in the field under the moonlight once the party was over and everyone had retreated to their rooms. His arms wrap around you in a warm, loving embrace whilst swaying to a familiar tune he hums.

Goth Malleus who... Takes you to a cottage in the countryside for your honeymoon, holding your hand as you both walk though hidden forest pathways admiring the beauty of nature.

Goth Malleus who... Preserves your wedding bouquet, keeping it on display in your shared room; yet another symbol of your love displayed throughout your home.

Goth Malleus who... After all the years your spend together, still keeps the hello kitty ring you gave him.

Goth Malleus who... Each year of your wedding anniversary, takes you stargazing in the exact field you got married in.

"Look Malleus!"

Malleus' eyes darted to where your finger pointed in the deep sea that was the sky; a shooting star, leaving as fast as it came.

"A shooting star, did you wish?" You asked, gaze not breaking away from the illuminated sky and your hand not leaving his.

"No, I didn't have time" He simply stated, staring at the space were the star previously was.

"And there is somthing you wish for?" You asked, now with your eyes ripped away from the veiw and on him, pooling with curiosity.

"Yes," He replied to your inquiry, still not satisfying your curiosity as you continued to stare at him. "I wish," He spoke with a sudden pause, taking a moment to lift your intertwined hands and admire your matching rings, "To continue being your husband, even in the life after this one."

Lifting your hands further to his lips, he pressed a soft kiss against your knuckle. A burning sensation made its way onto your face as you felt your stomach flutter- gosh, who's life did you save to be blessed with a man so loving? You hoped to continue being his spouse in the life after this, too.

[cellarspider]

Describing and Expanding Qunlat: Prelude

=⦾ Index ⦾= Next ⭆

I’ve been interested in Dragon Age since Origins came out. The series’ worldbuilding has intriguing potential. The fact that they went to the trouble to sketch out the basics of a couple languages for it–Elvish and Qunlat–is also appreciated. Fans have expanded Elvhen quite comprehensively, and that is very cool. But Qunlat in particular just sounds pleasant to me. And as someone in the constructed language hobby, I started poking around for resources on it.

There are some excellent efforts that have been done to document the language, with some lexicons and grammar collected by Casijaz (an excellent quick guide and interpretation of canon) and Bunan Tsokolatte (digs in with some fantastic tree diagrams, phonology work, and case studies). There’s also a serviceable dictionary on the wiki. However, the language hasn’t received the full grammatical documentation or functional expansion that Elvhen has. 

I’m blursed to tell you all that I’ve made an attempt, and I’m going to be posting about it.

This will be a series that I’ll be posting here and uploading in condensed form to AO3, so people can read it wherever they’d like. It’s going to be split into two major parts: Canon, and Expansion.

The first part of this series is intended to be a comprehensive guide to Qunlat in its canon state: the grammar, the sentence structure, and what the most consistent core features of Qunlat’s sound are. This will be most useful to those who want to write canon-compliant Qunlat, or come up with character names that sound convincing. Dragon Age: The Veilguard is coming out this month*, so if you’re like me and struggle with naming your characters, this may help. 

I’ll be coming at this from a different angle than those I’ve seen so far: rather than treating this as purely a case study of the language, I’ll be examining how the constraints and pitfalls of constructing a fictional language have affected its development, and produced irregularities that you may wish to keep or discard, if you use Qunlat in your own works.

Once the first part is complete, I'll make a summary post that contains the essentials of everything: I want to give people explanations first though. It'll soften the technical jargon, and demonstrate how squishy certain rules have been in practice.

The second part of this series will focus on expanding Qunlat past its current restrictions, producing a language that still sounds like Qunlat and includes its core features, but also permits the language to express more complex thoughts and ideas. 

I’ll aim to make all of these accessible to those outside of the constructed language hobby, and happily answer any questions.

=⦾ Index ⦾= Next ⭆

Footnotes

*This is entirely incidental to this project. I was working on this back when the title didn’t have a “The” in it, and I personally plan to wait on purchasing it for several months, until folks have had the time to process what it does and doesn’t do well, bugs have been ironed out, and the PC crowd has begun modding.

[theoldsports]

unlucky.

remus lupin x reader | 2k words (requests are open)

marijuana, alcohol, mentions of addiction issues, pregnancy.

Remus Lupin turned up early from work. It was rare he was home early like this. Considering how strict Werewolf Disclosure laws were getting in the workplace, Remus found a job at a Muggle pub evenings. His days were spent working on a comprehensive and illustrated guide to using defensive spells against blokes you don’t like. Remus thought he would never finish it, but if he did, he imagined it would sell well to a publisher.

It was rare he was home early like this.

Remus stepped through the door and kicked off his boots and hung his heavy brown corduroy coat on the coatrack. He assumed he was alone. He worked evenings, his girlfriend worked two jobs most days. Childcare near Diagon Alley in the morning, shopkeeping at Aurel and Arnie’s Auditory Alternatives: Music, Noise and Audible Toys. Remus hated how hard [Y/N] felt she had to work, but he didn’t do much to alleviate it these days.

He knew that [Y/N] wouldn’t be home for a while yet. It was typical that their schedules didn’t line up like this. Sighing, Remus sat down on the couch and reached for the blue-green bong sitting on the coffee table to pack a bowl.

Then, Remus heard a sniffle from the next room. His brow furrowed (a familiar position for his brow to be in). He took a rip off the bong before setting it down on the table. With a quick cough, Remus stood shakily from the couch and proceed to the bedroom. Without knocking, he opened the door. “Love?” Remus muttered, coughing again.

[Y/N] sighed in bed and rolled over. She was laying on top of the sheets, still in her work clothes from Aural and Arnie’s down to the beat up black leather boots. [Y/N] moaned and rolled over to face the door. “‘The hell are you doing here?”

“I live here. I sleep,” Remus pointed at his side of the bed and leaned against the doorframe. “There. The hell are you doing here too?”

“Went home early.” [Y/N] said flatly.

Remus nodded smartly. “Ah, yeah. Didn’t realize,” He said sarcastically. Remus sat on the edge of the bed and started to untie the laces on [Y/N]’s dragon-leather boots. “Me too.”

“‘S’wrong? Feeling ill?” [Y/N] asked, almost beginning to sit up. She hadn’t thought it was so close to the full moon that he would be in any pain, but things still came up. Lycanthropy was sort of like a chronic illness and both were used to treating it that way.

Remus shook his head, amazed by how she cared enough to ask. “Nah, just some new boys that needed training. They sent me home after. Easy shift’s all, like.” Remus set each of her boots on the floor with a firm thunk. “Why’re you back?”

[Y/N] shrugged.

Remus shrugged back at her. “Oh, we’re goin’ ta do that?” He shrugged again. “Just,” he shrugged a third time. “That?”

[Y/N] shrugged again. “Mhmm.”

The shrug joke hadn’t even made a smile appear on [Y/N]’s soft lips. Shit like that usually worked. Remus cocked his head.

“Cuppa tea?” Remus asked once he figured out this subject wasn’t going anywhere. He patted her on the leg as he stood up to move to the kitchen.

“RJ, you don’t have to…” [Y/N] rarely called him much else other than the nickname RJ. He loved it.

“No, ‘want to,” Remus replied, moving out of the room into their small kitchen. “You feeling okay, love? Something the matter?” He shouted down the small hallway towards the bedroom while he willed the kettle. Remus set the kettle on the burner. He was going to make her a nice strong cup of earl grey with a bit of whiskey in it, like he always did. Remus felt that he was dreadful at comforting his lover, but he knew it helped when did that. So this would be a start.

[Y/N] was silent in reply.

“[Y/N]?” Remus said.

Nothing.

“[Y/N]? Darlin’?” He repeated. Remus trodded back down the hall. [Y/N] was curled up on the bed, face down on the pillow.

This wasn’t [Y/N]. She never did this. Normally, she was up and working like a machine. Reading ferociously. Helping Remus make lunch. Trying to out-drink him on Saturday nights. Riding on the back of Sirius’s bike when she was the only one brave enough to try it out during that fateful first week. Remus’s eyes widened. He sat at the foot of the bed again, “[Y/N], hey. What’s wrong, love?” Remus said, placing a hand on her bare ankle. “You can talk to me, if you feel like it. Did something happen?” Remus would become inconsolable if it was his fault, so he prayed it wasn’t that. Or god forbid someone had hurt her.

“Remus, please.”

That almost aggravated him. “Please what? What the bloody hell’s that mean?”

“Merlin, sorry for trying to be polite.” She answered.

Remus sighed at his own temper and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Don’t need to be no sorry, but tell me what you need.”

“Just leave me alone. I feel like shit; I don’t wanna rub off on you.”

“If you’re sick, I can pop by Molly’s and get a tonic or some shit— I… Are you ill?”

[Y/N] hauled her face out of the pillow. “RJ, I’m pregnant,” Her words knocked all the air from Remus’s belly. His eyes widened and his lips thinned. He inhaled sharply. All of this, and he still had no words. “Stay or don’t, then. I need to lay here and have a think for a while. I didn’t want it to happen like this, and you may not like it, but there it is,” She snapped. “If you’re leaving, lock the door on your way out and leave the key under the mat.” [Y/N] said and flopped her head back down away from Remus.

She had wanted to be able to tell him comfortably and sweetly, like some good wife in a movie, when they were grown up and married and ready and when there wasn’t a war waging outside. Or maybe even never having to tell him at all. Being a mother was not on her radar. But here she was.

Remus was stunned. He blinked. Never had he wanted to be a father. Men like Remus Lupin simply weren’t fathers. “I see.” Without another word, Remus stood up to fetch the kettle before it let out that infernal sound. His thoughts raced beyond measure. How could he do this? How could [Y/N]? Remus wanted to throw up. He also wanted to smile. He couldn’t seem to do either.

He prepared two mugs of his Irish-bottom tea and strode back to the bedroom. When Remus sat down on his side of the bed with the mugs, [Y/N] looked up. Her eyes were wet with tears. It was obvious to Remus that [Y/N] had assumed he had left; done the whole key under the mat song and dance.

“You’re still here?” She asked softly.

“‘Course. Cuppa?” Remus said with flat nerves. He gently extended the cup to her with a shaking hand.

“On the nightstand, please,” [Y/N] sniffled and Remus obliged. “It’s… It’s yours, obviously.”

“I know.”

The two were silent, save Remus sipping his tea as his high really began to kick in.

“Shall I get rid of it, then?”

“What?”

A surprised pause. [Y/N] stared at Remus. He never said what he was thinking. She always wondered what was happening in that head of his.

“No way we’re able to… You know. At least right now. And I know my parents were young, but RJ, I feel like I’m still a little girl and—.”

Remus’s head felt heavy. He shook his head. “But Lily and James—“

“I’ve been thinking about them too. How the fuck are they managing this…” [Y/N] chiefly held back another wave of tears.

Remus set his free hand on her back and clumsily moved it back and forth in circles in an attempt at comfort. He set his mug down on the nightstand by his side of the bed and pulled [Y/N] into his chest.

She almost tried to squirm away. She wasn’t used to being held. Remus normally didn’t hold her this way. He would come up behind her in the kitchen, or rest his head on her, maybe hold her on his lap. Frankly, [Y/N] was normally the one that held him like this. Her body tensed up. [Y/N] didn’t quite know how to be held at all.

No doubt Remus felt it. He felt a bit of shame. There was no way he treated her how she deserved. His eyes filled with sorrow.

“RJ, I’m scared.”

At every turn, [Y/N] had been there to be brave for Remus. She was as good as Atlas to him. As he felt he small hands cling to the back of his jumper, and her eyes become damp against his chest, he knew it had to be his turn to be brave for her. “My love, hey… I’ve got you, right? I’m not going anywhere,” Which was true, but also saying a lot because Remus wanted to take off running. No way in hell he would dare, though. “What’d’you need right now?”

“Just stay where you are.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he repeated. Remus kissed the top of [Y/N]’s head. “I’m not going anywhere. You hear me?” Remus whispered, dragging his long fingers through her hair in his best attempt at comfort. He kissed [Y/N]’s forehead. “You’re my girl. Nothing you could do that would have me runnin’. We’ll sort this out together, yeah?”

“Yeah, right.”

“See? There she is. That’s my girl.”

[Y/N] almost chanced a smile. She inhaled the smell of his jumper. Liquor from the pub, pot, coffee, cigarettes and a simple and clean musky deodorant. “You smoke before you came in here?” She asked.

“Yeah,” Remus stifled a giggle. It was an inappropriate time. “I’m high as a broom right now. It’s startin’ to hit,” Remus’s accent always got a little sloppy when he drank or used. That sing songy Swansea lilt he tried so desperately to repress muscled its way to the front. All of his consonants lisped right behind his teeth. “Oops.” He laughed.

[Y/N] started to laugh, and laugh hard.

“What?” Remus asked, eyebrows raised

[Y/N]’s laugh persisted. She was in hysterics. “This… This is awful,” she wheezed, smiling. “This is awful. Like, really awful.” she was laughing so hard that Remus let his own laugh slip into the mix.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Remus jeered.

“I’m pregnant. And I didn’t want to tell you. And I tell you… And you’re stoned. You should see your face right now. You’re toasted, RJ. The world is ending out there, I’m pregnant, you’re stoned. You can’t get a normal job because of the ministry shitheads. I’ve three St. Mungo’s training applications rejected. We have… rotten fucking luck. Our friends are dying. And if this goes how shit normally goes for us, we’re gonna be parents,” [Y/N] laughed desperately, while Remus’s big green eyes ringed with red went wide. “We’re going to be very unlucky, poor parents.”

“Wait, wait, wait, hypothetically, isn’t it going to be, like, two negatives make a positive then? Maybe this kid’s the next Merlin, or somethin’.”

“I think you’re think of ‘two wrongs don’t make a right.’”

Remus thought, scrunching his nose. “No, I don’t think that’s it.”

Their conversation lulled with their laughter. Clumsy fingers dragged up and down [Y/N]’s back. Remus spoke first after a few moments. “Love?” He asked. [Y/N] hummed in response. “If we have this thing, it’s going to be very good at reading, isn’t it?” Remus began. [Y/N] smirked like she had something rude to say. “No, shut it. You said yours, lemme say mine. It’s going to be a truly voracious reader, and smarter than all of its little loser friends. And it is also going to have addiction issues and dreadful eyesight, reading AND far off, probably between the two of us, but it’s okay. Because we were so damn unlucky first, so we’ll know what to do. That’s not too bad.”

“You’re implying we have had so much experience being poor in luck that we already know the loopholes.”

“Precisely.”

“I’m in love with you.” [Y/N] said teasingly, planting a kiss on Remus’s scruffy chin.

“We’re not totally out of luck then, are we?”

[mjhartwork]

The comprehensive field guide to draconic corpse management: Dragonfall

Have you ever wanted to play a tabletop roleplaying game dealing with all the nitty-gritty gristly bits of the medical, ecological, economical, and political effects of a dead dragon?

Well, I do NOT have the handbook for you! I made this up for my Illustration class's final!

[katyspersonal]

If you were curious, this song basically sums up everything of why I find Radagon sympathetic (timeline being sometime after the Twins were born)

(Attaching Youtube one with the lyrics just in case)

This is a beautiful song! And no, I agree with your vision that Radagon was not unfeeling nor "divorce selfie" meme when he left Rennala and his children! It is really funny to do all the divorce jokes and exaggerate how much of a bitch he can be for the comedic effect, I love this kind of cruel humour! xD

But in the end, Rennala did charm him enough to opt out for marriage and erasing his war crimes in Liurnia from the collective memory, instead of conquering the continent and erasing Carians instead, right? 🤔 He most likely can and did love her and his children, but he is bound with the problems of divinity as much as Marika if not more, right? Marika is just the latest carrier of Elden Ring, so, Greater Will's vision and Golden Order is just her iteration of it, when previously it were Ancient Dragons!

^^^ @izunias-meme-hole I am bringing your ask to answer here too because I went on this topic's territory here! :p

But Radagon didn't make the Golden Order "manifest" like this, he is Golden Order! His Japanese title is literally 黄���律, ラダゴン ((the) Golden Order, Radagon). His existence is a combination of the divinity and power Marika was given, where Two Fingers were guiding her and her own biases, principles and other things that give Golden Order its "current imperfection"! Let alone the fact that Marika is the dominant alter!

They were both dealing with "caged divinity"! But whereas Marika had the courage to kill herself (or get as close to it as possible, leaving it to Hewg and whoever he helps to maybe find the way to finish this), Radagon clearly liked living more :p And it is hard to blame him because whereas long long time ago Marika was just a traumatised Shaman woman that wished to make a better world where what happened to her village could not happen again, Radagon never existed as such! The divinity and this "better world" is all there was to him!

^^^ All three Mending Runes we get change the Golden Order, and it is no wonder that he is fighting us! At the first glance you'd think it makes no sense; why, if we just want to fix it? Something he himself wanted to do?

But like.. this is the point. :p He is like this because Golden Order is like this. It is not that he is protecting his power and the right to keep oppressing this or that kind of folks like any real world corrupt authority would! He goes beyond, a blend of a 'person' and of a 'concept', and is protecting his existence! Of course he doesn't want to be mended by someone except himself, because then it won't be HIM anymore! It is not that Those Who Live in Death should be condemned or anything- he probably doesn't even have an idea they exist since they appeared after Shattering! It is that Golden Order exists because Death was sealed, and he would get theseus-ship'd if that (or anything else) was changed! As if a law of nature was given the sentence and self-comprehension! I mean it: you won't wish on your worst enemy to be in Marika's OR in his situation!

Greater Will would be content with any Order, it simply created life but wants it to have a coherent form as opposed to primordial chaos!

And it seems like it abandoned everyone over Elden Ring being shattered! I pictured it as Marika shattering the "phone" between the world and itself, but it could've also been a gradual process! Like it seeing that no matter what the new Order doesn't rise from the ruins, nor the former one gets fixed. Maybe it just said "well THIS attempt at creating life with actual rules was a failure, I'll go try again, bye you weeaboo shits" fsdhfdsh The theory about us being an experiment, and a failed one at that that was abandoned by god/gods/aliens/whatever lingers somewhere amongst humanity, and here you can see it manifest.

Nonetheless 1) you'd expect the Two Fingers, its grandchild, to still remember its wishes and wish the same thing and 2) Greater Will possibly was still there long before the Shattering to do this:

I fucking love the "Sorry Rennala, I found someone better than you: myself" jokes and use them at any given chance fhhds But I am just saying, on the serious note, I do not actually think this IS what happened :p. If anything, Marika would be the one to want to hold the Golden Order as close to herself as possible, so it would be kept pure and in contact with the Greater Will like herself! I am considering the idea that she saw something similar to Goldmask's insight, except instead of drastically removing the 'person' from equation (at the time!) she wanted it to be "closer to the stars" for the lack of better term! Back then, maybe it looked like that way, it would never go corrupt, never fail her. After all, regrets and decision to destroy it only came after Godwyn was killed!

And in both cases, it was someone else who wanted Radagon to leave, and nothing really suggests that he was happy or indifferent doing so! He remade the sword Rennala gifted to him to symbolise the change, but nothing says which emotions were behind that process! It could've been any of them, and all interpretations are fair! He had duty to manifest the way things worked even more so than Marika, who at least GOT to live a normal human life long ago, but it doesn't mean he didn't care about how much pain he caused to Rennala in following that duty! On the other hand, bitter irony is that Radagon actually got to live a normal life - with Rennala and the kids! And just like Marika, he experienced leaving it behind to do "bigger" things. It is sad that the cruelty of caged divinity repeated even in her other self! 🤔

____________________

I've side-tracked in validating a more sympathetic reading of him (I just have a dark, immature humour that sometimes poisons my perception of the character on the first glance XD)! There is sadness about him. His one REAL sin is lacking the same courage Marika had, to die so the new, better era begins, but even then this "choice" is made for him when Elden Beast takes his motionless body as its weapon! The territorial aggressions, as well as principles of the Golden Order, are "fault" of Marika's personality as a 'god no better than humans' (which is FAIR), Two Fingers that gave her ideas via broken telephone, and maybe Greater Will in some capacity! "The roots were rotten", so Radagon could also only be rotten!

+ I also think that Radagon came into existence because Marika got cursed during the War with the Giants ( x )! Think of one breaking in two as "defence mechanism", because losing the God itself could not be afforded, however cursing the Order of this God was "fair game"! Marika is a tool of Greater Will to make the order, any order, so the tool could not be ruined yet the tool's creation (the Order) could! So, what if now it is only 90% perfect? Remnants of it are Ulcerated Tree Spirits breathing fire, despite being just malformed Minor Erdtrees! I have a theory that the same happened with Trina, as Miquella came into contact with Frenzied Flame but losing an Empyrean could not be afforded! That comes from the fact this sleep power is conceptual opposite of FF, as well as Torrent having burnt marks, his summon ring already having its part 'drained', him fearing the Abyssal Woods and Miquella being shown to ride in him the Shadow Realm before! It is a long one but you can see where I am going with this!

[that-vexaholic-cryptid]

~The Visitor~

"Hello again, dear. It's been awhile."

Zelda's eyes opened as she bolted up, the voice hitting her like a splash of cold water.

Looking around, Zelda found herself in a place of almost blinding white light. All that could be seen looked like clouds, but it couldn't be. It was serene, comfortable, quiet. Except for the voice.

"What!? Who is that!?" It felt like there was a lump in her throat. Near panic, her body felt like stumbling but she found there was nothing to stumble over. "What... What is this place...?"

A puff of mist swirled in place, growing upward, before dissipating and revealing a woman draped in azure robes with deep blue hair tumbling past her shoulders, framing a youthful and kind face.

"Oh! I've forgotten the pleasantries," the woman spoke sweetly. "You would know me by Nayru. Welcome."

"... You... You're Nayru?" Zelda stammered. "You're named after the goddess?"

"Oh, dear, I am the goddess." she said with a chuckle.

Zelda's heart started racing. Her physical senses were telling trying to overwhelm her, but this place seemed to be trying to sedate them. "This cannot be... Where... What is this..." She backed away looking for something to support her and found nothing.

"Zelda dear, it's okay." Nayru waved her hand, commanding the mist to take the form of a table. "Here, take a seat. Breathe. You're going to be fine." She held Zelda's hand and guided her to a seat. "I hope you'll forgive me, it's been so long! There aren't often guests, you know. But you'll get the hang of it here, I promise!"

They sat, Nayru doing her best to be both a host and a nurse. There was so little here to get bearings on. All Zelda could see was a vast, brilliant nothingness that defied comprehension. Then a detail finally emerged.

"N... Nayru... This table..."

"Do you recognize it? I was so hoping you would. You and Sonia once sat here for tea. I thought it might bring you some ease."

"Sonia... Is she here?" Zelda's eyes widened.

"I am sure you have many questions." Nayru poured tea from a kettle that suddenly appeared in her hand. "How do I say this... Sonia is both here, and not. She, like many, is all around us. But I think it might make you feel better to know she is... aware of you."

"Aware? I don't understand. What is this place? What am I doing here??" Zelda's eyes began to water. "Am... Am I dead? Did I fail? Is Link here? Please..."

"Oh honey! You're okay!" Nayru reached over to keep Zelda together. "I'm so sorry, we don't have much practice in these situations. It's so difficult to explain in mortal terms. It will take some getting used to. But no, Zelda you are not dead."

"I'm... I'm not?" she sniffled.

Nayru grimaced. "Not quite?"

Zelda stared blankly.

"Hmm. Alright, try to remember what you were doing last. You were in Hyrule, near the temple."

"Yes. Yes, I was there. My plan... The secret stone. I swallowed the stone, and grabbed the sword. Where is the Master Sword? Link needs it!"

"The sword is safe. You still have it. Quite securely, I must say."

Zelda stared blankly again.

"As strange as it will sound, dear" Nayru continued "you have been here before. And will be again. You are in the Sacred Realm. This is where spirit and light reside. And, I suppose, you have seen me before. I am Naydra, in Hyrule."

"You... are a dragon?"

"Indeed! It's a lovely way to be. And, brace yourself dear, you are too. A beautiful one!"

Zelda took a deep breath and reached for her tea, hand shaking.

"Try it! It's my sister's favorite. Now, back in Hyrule, Mineru warned you about draconification, yes?"

The princess nodded.

"Bless her, she is so clever, though not quite accurate. It is impossible for her to know these things, though. You see, dragons are not the senseless beasts they may appear. Their consciousness simply exists elsewhere. Here! And there. Simultaneously. Once you've been here a bit you will understand and learn to come and go. Though I suspect you'll be here most of the time. It is a cozy way to be."

"Nayru, I cannot stay here. I have to repair the sword and make sure it gets to Link, it is of utmost importance."

Nayru sighed. "Zelda, honey, you cannot go back. Not until the time is right. And as you know, time can be... tempermental. This plan of yours, it will take a very, very long time. You will have to make peace with being out of control. And I know that will not be easy. But once you do, that time will pass in the blink of an eye. You have no worries here, me and the other goddesses are here for you."

"Other goddesses? They're here?"

"Indeed! They are my sisters, Farore and Din. Ooh! No, you know them as Farosh and Dinraal, I believe. Details get lost over the eons, I'm sure you know as a student of history. And I guess that will happen when most cannot see us at all."

"Where are they? Is... Is Hylia here?" Zelda shrank in her chair.

"My sisters are both here and there, but mostly there at the moment. They're being dragons, protecting us as we chat." Nayru's voice grew softer. "I have an idea! Stay seated, please."

Nayru rose, walked beside the table, and began to pace in a circle through the fog until it swirled into an oval, and suddenly the fog was pulled through as if Nayru had worn a hole in a floor.

"Oooh, excellent. It's a gorgeous day." She brought Zelda over and held her by her shoulders. "Now, you can't fall, but this may be disorienting. Look down, sweetie."

Zelda peered through the cloud layer and her face dropped. Below her was a sight of majesty no mortal had ever witnessed before. Four immense, radiant, colorful dragons moved together, side by side. Dinrall to one flank, erupting in a constant crown of flames around her gigantic horns, and Farosh to the other flank, bolts of electricity and plasma flowing around her. Between them was Naydra, hauntingly blue, moving effortlessly through a veil of frost. The final dragon, smaller, almost frail looking by comparison, had scales that shimmered in the sunlight and eyes like prisms. All four moved through the air with ease, with the vibrant green hills and sparkling rivers of Hyrule beneath them.

Zelda leaned forward in curiosity and awe.

Nayru gently pulled her back.

"I don't think you can fall... But it's best not to tempt these things. More tea?" The two returned to their seats.

Zelda sipped. And blinked. And sipped again.

"Nayru," she said in a hush. "I don't recognize the white dragon."

"Well, dear, she's new. She's you."

What color was in Zelda's cheeks faded to pale.

"Don't worry, you're very safe. My sisters are excellent protectors. No one on the surface can see us, and soon we'll all be high enough for us to make a new cloud layer. Once Mineru and the Sages have done their island scheme."

"What island scheme? What has Mineru done?"

"Ah. Mineru has refined your plan somewhat. She and the Sages are preparing for your hero. They're going to use their gadgets to raise some islands for him, so he can rest and heal. Rauru was able to retrieve him, but only just. The good king has been quite busy."

Zelda perked up in her seat at the news. Link was safe after all.

"I knew Link was alive! I knew it. I could never doubt him." Color rushed back to her cheeks.

"You can rest assured, your hero is well, if distraught. Your faith in him has always been sure, even before you took the name Zelda, you always had your hero. And our faith in you has been just as strong."

"Before I was Zelda... You didn't answer about Hylia. Is she here?"

"As much as you are here, dear. You are not Hylia, but are. At least, you are the greatest sum of her." Nayru took a tired breath. "Always so stubborn, always wanting to be fully here and there at once. She just couldn't bare to leave Hyrule, so she became it. She felt the best way to protect life was to become part of it. Hylia is in the sunlight, the grass, animals, the people. She gathers her strength from what she loves so dearly. As do you, one and the same. It runs in the family." Nayru said with a smile. "We do miss her, and that is why we're so glad to have you back. Hylia only gathers herself up here to reincarnate in dire circumstances."

"Are circumstances now not dire?" Zelda asked, bewildered. "Will my plan work?"

"I must be honest, we aren't sure. Time is very fickle. And there's a lot of it. We can see trends, but the future is never set. Events only exist in the moment, the past is always forgotten and the future is always unwritten, until it isn't."

After everything it took to organize, after the commitment she had to make, after the losses and the pain, all may still be lost. "I can't have done this for nothing."

"We know. Let me tell you something." Nayru leaned in, clasping Zelda's hands. "We were all very worried about you, before what you call the Calamity. All that strife about praying here, praying there, not praying hard enough. We watched it all, and we heard it all.

We weren't sure then, either. Because it was never about proving how much faith you had in goddesses. It was about you having faith in yourself.

The irony of you of all people, praying to Hylia. Her strength was in you all along. That strength comes from love, it gives you clarity, certainty. You fought to protect someone you loved, and in that moment you became invincible. Your hero will be fighting with that same strength. So long as you both find each other, all will be well. Believe in him, believe in yourself, as we have always believed in you, Hylia's daughter."

Zelda was trying her best not to cry.

"Then the plan will work, Nayru. I'm sure of it." Zelda composed herself. "What can I do now?"

"Relax, dear. Wait until you see the islands! Me and my sisters will stay below the clouds to monitor things, while you stay safe up here and wait for your Link. Oh, yes! Let me formally introduce you."

Nayru snapped her fingers and a swirl of mist spun itself into the shape of another woman, who twirled on her toes in a full circle around the table before coming to a stop.

"Greetings, Lady Zelda. I am Fi." she said with a bow and flourish.

"Welcome back, show off." Nayru smirked. "Zelda will be here for the time being, and will be in charge of your care as your sword form mends. It would be good for you to keep each other better company here."

"Of course," Fi chimed. "I have many stories of the past whenever you would like to hear them, Lady Zelda. I am grateful for your care." She floated to Zelda's side.

"I'm very glad to finally put a face to your voice, Fi." Zelda was suddenly beaming with joy.

"Oh, Zelda" said Nayru. "Did Link ever tell you of when we met? He's quite agile, and charming. By the way, Link may take to shooting arrows at you quite often. Nothing to worry about, though."

"I beg your pardon?"

[sleidog]

felt like runa needed a comprehensive guide to his visuals across the board, from sapling to his more known/recent mordrem self form 1: sapling! this is how he spent a good few decades of his life, his eye motif are only markings, much like an aspen tree form 2: the big oopsie that happens shortly after the first time he heard mordremoth's voice, he's horribly burnt and most of his left arm crumbles off, along with some of his hip, this makes his ability to stand evenly difficult form 3: taken in fully by mordremoth, his body is imbued with a huge amount of regenerative power and having access to better nutrients and abundant dragon magic has his body repair and overcompensate, ending up with this charcoal-like armour [his shift in colour is also caused through staining over the decades from the charcoal dust flaking off of him] this armour extends down his leg to strengthen it after the burning left him with an awkward stance/limp the 3rd form can drift back towards his original sapling look as well, but it's purely an illusion [it's as tangible as any other illusion from a powerful mesmer]