#additional voles

[nanomooselet]

Vol. One (Nebraskas)

Same shit, different universe. There's always a cyborg giant and his dad out to ruin your day, there's always some trigger-happy idiot with a rocket launcher, and there's alway a damsel to rescue from the fallout of your own reputation. Poor Vash.

I like that Orange gave Gofsef a little bowtie but removed his shirt.

They likely shrank Gofsef not only to make it easier to rig his movements (if he were much bigger, he'd need a correspondingly custom rig, and building one would take more time than it's really worth spending on a minor antagonist) but to fit him inside the shot with other characters and let him take more varied actions. You may notice in Stampede Gofsef has opinions on what's happening, even if he does ultimately defer to his dad.

By contrast in the manga by these two are gag villains and not much else, though they certainly set a tone! It's always fun seeing Vash in hero mode and still taking time out for the all-important tasks of making stupid faces at people and being a little shit.

[ashfdhfgdsfk]

in addition to cannibalism, some trout also like to feast on the opportune bird, mouse, or vole.

[dateamonster]

the thing about goblins is that they have many charm points, from their big ears to their bitings mouths to their general smallness and silly demeanor. their universal appeal and varied depictions offers them a versatility, a welcome addition to any high or low fantasy setting. they also have something of a reputation for being killed so much in the very first level of videos game which likens them in the mind of the viewer to a mice or perhaps little vole of the earth which is maybe explain why these creature can be so beloved far and wide 😊

[c-casu]

As it’s been happening for the last 15-20 million years the planet has been slowly cooling down, and now, 30 million years after the Anthropocene mass extinction, it has finally reached a point when it can be defined as in a true ice age, and now we have reached the Campleocene epoch.

In the heart of Eurasia, extending all the way back in North America, an environment resembling the Pleistocene mammoth steppe has started to flourish again in the glaciers’ shadow, inhabited by vast herds of herbivores, whose grazing and stomping, along with the high aridity of the biome, didn’t allow for many plant taller than a bush, with only a few isolated trees scattered across the plains. This environment, the borroth steppe, named after one of its most charismatic inhabitants, hosts an incredible biodiversity in both fauna and flora, helped by the mountain ranges, the Altai, the Pyrenees, the Carpathians, … , and the patches of forest that fracture it and result in plentiful reproductive barriers.

The most common grazers across these plains are lagomorphs and even-toed ungulates. Heers (the deer like descendants of Eurasian hares) , and to a lesser extent jackalopes (similar to the former but more browsing and horned), more common in forests. They travel in small gender-specific bands, ten to twenty individuals at most.

The even-toed ungulates that inhabit these steppes are quite varied in niche and size, going from animals reaching a ton in weight to lanky 20 kilos runners. Most of them come from African ancestors, descended from grysboks or dik-diks, although there’s many Eurasian locals too, with saiga descendants, Saiginae, now having become almost llama or camel like and are a common sight from Spain to British Columbia, and feral goats descendants, previously only found on mountains, now having come down to the lowlands thanks to a more favourable climate for them.

The smaller mammals populating the steppe are mostly rodents and lagomorphs, relatively unchanged from the Holocene, with lemmings, voles, mice and hares being quite common, and the only real addition being ratjacks (Rattopus descendants), jumping rats that like goats came down from the mountains thanks to the change in climate.

There’s a wide variety of birds inhabiting these plains. Other than passerines the most common birds are fowl, both gamefowl and waterfowl, along with cranes, who are most common around marshes around the borroth steppe, but were able to exploit the variety of low growing plants and expand into it.

Some of the largest herbivores of these lands are giant hyraxes, part of yet another lineage originating in the mountains, who now sport on their snout a pair of, usually straight, horns that they use to fight amongst themselves. Weirdly enough, even though they live in a grass rich environment, most species in this lineage seem to prefer eudicot plants, with many being functionally browsers of low bushes

The largest animals here, though are the borroths, holophants part of the tribe Borrothini, there’s currently five species of them, two mountain ones, the Himalayas (Cryoborrothus orientalis) and Caucasian borroths (Plioborrothus pygmaeus), and three steppe ones, the Mediterranean (Euborrothus meridionalis), Common (E. vulgaris) and Beringian borroths (E. cryophilus).

They’re extremely generalist herbivores that are willing to eat most plants they encounter, grass, bushes, trees, moss, lichens, etc… , though, similarly to their ancestors they prefer the carbohydrate and lipid rich foods, like tubers and berries. Another similarity to their suilline ancestors is their social structure, as sows and farrows live in close knit family groups, while males live in bachelor groups, though they tend to part ways as they age, especially during breeding season, as they become extremely territorial, especially in resource rich areas, in order to attract female herds.

[book--brackets]

Summaries under the cut

The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher

Orphan Seren Rhys is on her way to a new life at the remote country mansion of Plas-y Fran when she is given a package by a stranger late at night in an empty train station. The package contains a crotchety, mechanical talking crow, which Seren reluctantly brings to her new home. But when she gets there, the happy Christmas she had hoped for turns out to be an illusion--the young son of the house, Tomos, has been missing for almost a year, rumored to have been taken by the fairies. With the Crow's reluctant help and a little winter magic, Seren sets off on a perilous journey to bring Tomos home.

Horns & Wrinkles by Joseph Helgerson

How can you tell if a river’s under a spell? River trolls, rock trolls, blue-wing fairies—the usual suspects—the stretch of the Mississippi where Claire lives has rumors of them all, not that she’s ever spotted any. But then Claire’s cousin Duke takes a swim and sprouts a horn—a long, pointy, handsome thing. After that, Claire doesn’t have much choice but to believe that something rivery is going on, especially since she’s the only one who can help Duke lose his new addition.

Japanese Dolls by Rumer Godden

When little Nona is sent from her sunny home in India to live with her relatives in chilly England, she is miserable. Then a box arrives for her in the post and inside, wrapped up in tissue paper, are two little Japanese dolls. A slip of paper says their names are Miss Happiness and Miss Flower. Nona thinks that they must feel lonely too, so far away from home. Then Nona has an idea – she will build her dolls the perfect house! It will be just like a Japanese home in every way. It will even have a tiny Japanese garden. And as she begins to make Miss Happiness and Miss Flower happy, Nona finds that she is happier too.

Wings & Co. by Sally Gardner

When Emily Vole inherits an abandoned shop, she discovers a magical world she never knew existed. But a fairy-hating witch, a mischievous set of golden keys, and a train full of brightly coloured bunnies are just a few of the surprises that come with it.

With the help of a talking cat called Fidget and a grumpy fairy detective called Buster, it's up to Emily to get to the bottom of Operation Bunny.

Small Persons With Wings by Ellen Booraem

Ever since she was teased for believing in fairies, Mellie has adopted a strictly scientific and logical approach to life. But when her parents inherit her grandfather's inn, she learns that for generations, her family members have been fairy guardians. The fairies exchanged some of their powers for this protection but now they want their magic back. An evil temptress in disguise wants the magic too, and before she knows it, Mellie is turned into a frog, her grandfather is discovered alive, and her parents are trapped in an evil spell that only lets them see the truth (which can be awfully brutal). Thank goodness for Timmo - the cute boy next door - and Durindana, a fairy outcast, who help Mellie save the day and encourage her to loosen up her views on family, fairies, and friendship.

Switchers by Kate Thompson

When freakish weather grips the Arctic regions and moves southward, an Irish girl and her strange companion save the world from disaster through their ability to switch into animal forms

Witch Wars by Sibeal Pounder

When Fran the Fabulous Fairy turns up in Tiga Whicabim's shed to tell her she's a witch, Tiga doesn't believe her. Or at least not until Fran points out that TIGA WHICABIM is actually an anagram of I AM A BIG WITCH . . . and takes Tiga through the drainpipes to compete in a challenge to crown the next Top Witch of Ritzy City. No one expects a witch from 'above the pipes' to be a serious contender, but soon Tiga and her new best friend, Peggy Pigwiggle, are at the head of the pack! Does one of them have what it takes to win?

Anthony Monday Mysteries by John Bellairs

When Miss Eells gives young Anthony a job at the library, he thinks he’ll just be dusting shelves and filing books. Instead, he discovers a hidden clue leading to the treasure of eccentric millionaire Alpheus Winterborn. Miss Eells thinks the clues are a practical joke left by the odd, old Winterborn before he died. But then why do things suddenly start getting so strange? And terrifying?

Jane Blonde by Jill Marshall

Janey Brown feels like she is practically invisible. With her stick-thin legs, mousy brown hair and grey eyes, no one ever notices her. Then a crazy woman turns up at the school gates, claiming to be Janey's godmother. According to hip-hop-talking, larger-then-life 'G-Mamma', Janey Brown really is something special. She's Jane Blonde, Sensational Spylet and it's time for her first mission Swapping her too-big school uniform for a silver spysuit, and her battered satchel for a set of amazing gadgets, Janey soon discovers that nothing in her life, or in her past, is as it seems. Her elusive Uncle Solomon happens to be the head of SPI (Solomon's Politicational Investigations) and the greatest spy the world has ever known. Recruited by the government to work on top-secret Project Crystal Clear, Solomon has made a scientific discovery that could change the world. But now he's gone missing. Can Jane Blonde get to him first? Or will The Sinerlesse, a rogue spying group with evil purposes (and a very nasty dog), hunt him down and take his secret?

Weenies by David Lubar

Each hilarious and harrowing. A substitute teacher finds out she has some monsters for students. A group of kids attempt a levitation trick with hair-raising results. A neighborhood is so boring the grown ups are turning into...well...you know. And dozens more.

[pleistocene-pride]

Vulpes lagopus also known as the arctic fox, white fox, polar fox, or snow fox is a small species of fox native to the polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere where it dwells throughout Greenland, Findland, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Alaska, and many Arctic islands. Being the only land mammal native to Iceland. Arctic foxes mostly inhabit tundra, taiga, and pack ice but can also be found in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska. The color of the fox's coat also determines where they are most likely to be found. The white morph mainly lives inland and blends in with the snowy tundra, while the blue morph occupies the coasts because its dark color blends in with the cliffs and rocks. The arctic fox is a generalist omnivore which typically eats any small animal they can find, including lemmings, voles, other rodents, hares, birds, seal pups, fish, insects, and shellfish in addition to berries, flowers, seaweed, carrion, and bird eggs. Arctic foxes are themselves eaten by eagles, wolves, wolverines, red foxes, and bears. Arctic foxes survive winters and food scarcity by both hoarding food in buried caches and storing large amounts of body fat. Reaching around 18 to 27inches (46 to 68cms) in body length with typically 12inch (30cm) long tail, and 3.1 to 20.7lbs ( 1.4 to 9.4kgs) in weight, the arctic fox is a small canine with a generally compact body shape, long fluffy tail, short muzzle and legs, and short, thick ears. It sports numerous adaptations to the extreme cold such as fur covered foot pads and dense multilayered pelage, which provides excellent insulation. To prevent heat loss, the Arctic fox curls up tightly tucking its legs and head under its body and behind its furry tail. There are two genetically distinct coat color morphs: the white morph has seasonal camouflage, white in winter and brown along the back with light grey around the abdomen in summer. The blue morph is often a dark blue, brown, or grey color year-round. Both morphs sport distinct summer and winter coats. Arctic foxes form monogamous pairs during the breeding season (from April to May) and they stay together to raise their young in complex underground dens. Occasionally, other family members may assist in raising their young, forming larger socially dynamic packs. These larger packs are particularly common in areas where the arctic fox overlaps with the red fox. After a 52 day pregnancy a mother arctic fox may give birth to up to 25 young. The young emerge from the den when 3 to 4 weeks old and are weaned by 9 weeks of age. Under ideal conditions an arctic fox may live up to 14 years.

[istumpysk]

OPERATION ICEBERG: THE TIER LIST

THEORY:

UnVictarion

[Undead Victarion Greyjoy]

TIER:

People's Choice! I can't participate due to my inherent bias.

Possible: These theories could be true, but additional evidence is needed, as different interpretations or errors are possible.

vs.

Under Consideration: These theories haven't garnered strong or extensive evidence, but they're worthy of discussion.

vs.

50/50: These theories are complete toss-ups.

vs.

Low Probability: While not impossible, these theories are unlikely based on the current evidence.

[Tier list overview]

EVIDENCE:

What's the theory?

Victarion's hand was injured during a battle at the Shield Islands and became infected.

While journeying to Slaver's Bay to retrieve Daenerys Targaryen, Victarion's Iron Fleet rescues the red priest Moqorro, who was previously lost at sea. Moqorro claims he foresaw in his fires that Victarion would die without his help, and after a peculiar ritual, he successfully heals him.

The question is: Did Victarion die and was he reanimated by the red priest, similar to Lady Stoneheart and Beric Dondarrion?

Proof?

Moqorro tells Victarion that he will die unless Moqorro intervenes.

It's entirely possible that this still happened.

The small man hesitated. "Lord Captain, he told me … he told me you would surely die unless we brought him to you." "That I would die?" Victarion snorted. Cut his throat and throw him in the sea, he was about to say, until a throb of pain in his bad hand went stabbing up his arm almost to the elbow, the agony so intense that his words turned to bile in his throat. He stumbled and seized the rail to keep from falling. - The Iron Suitor, ADWD

x

He turned to the black man. "Did the Vole speak true? You saw my death?" "That, and more." "Where? When? Will I die in battle?" His good hand opened and closed. "If you lie to me, I will split your head open like a melon and let the monkeys eat your brains." "Your death is with us now, my lord. Give me your hand." - The Iron Suitor, ADWD

While Victarion is being healed, the text appears to switch from third-person limited point of view to third-person omniscient. That's unusual for this author.

The iron captain was not seen again that day, but as the hours passed the crew of his Iron Victory reported hearing the sound of wild laughter coming from the captain's cabin, laughter deep and dark and mad, and when Longwater Pyke and Wulfe One-Eye tried the cabin door they found it barred. Later singing was heard, a strange high wailing song in a tongue the maester said was High Valyrian. That was when the monkeys left the ship, screeching as they leapt into the water. - The Iron Suit, ADWD

There are similarities between Moqorro healing Victarion and Mirri Maz Duur "reviving" a nearly dead Khal Drogo.

The iron captain was not seen again that day, but as the hours passed the crew of his Iron Victory reported hearing the sound of wild laughter coming from the captain's cabin, laughter deep and dark and mad [...] Later singing was heard, a strange high wailing song in a tongue the maester said was High Valyrian. - The Iron Suit, ADWD

x

Once I begin to sing, no one must enter this tent. My song will wake powers old and dark. The dead will dance here this night. No living man must look on them. - Daenerys VIII, AGOT

x

Mirri Maz Duur's voice rose to a high, ululating wail that sent a shiver down Dany's back. Some of the Dothraki began to mutter and back away. The tent was aglow with the light of braziers within. Through the blood-spattered sandsilk, she glimpsed shadows moving. Mirri Maz Duur was dancing, and not alone. - Daenerys VIII, AGOT

After being healed, Victarion is left with a charred, blackened, smoking hand that is remarkably strong. Despite the presence of magic in the series, that seems beyond what a typical living person could experience.

This is the type of sorcery we associate with Robert Strong, Coldhands, Lady Stoneheart, and Beric Dondarrion.

He was naked from the waist up, his left arm blood to the elbow. As his crew gathered, whispering and trading glances, he raised a charred and blackened hand. Wisps of dark smoke rose from his fingers as he pointed at the maester. - The Iron Suitor, ADWD

x

The arm the priest had healed was hideous to look upon, pork crackling from elbow to fingertips. Sometimes when Victarion closed his hand the skin would split and smoke, yet the arm was stronger than it had ever been. - Victarion I, ADWD

Moqorro appears to be manipulating Victarion, and treating him like an instrument for the red god.

"Take care, priest," Victarion warned him. "There are godly men aboard this ship who would tear out your tongue for speaking such blasphemies. Your red god will have his due, I swear it. My word is iron. Ask any of my men." The black priest bowed his head. "There is no need. The Lord of Light has shown me your worth, lord Captain. Every night in my fires I glimpse the glory that awaits you." - Victarion I, ADWD

Victarion also believes that R'hllor is supporting him.

"Two gods are with me now," he told the dusky woman. "No foe can stand before two gods." - Victarion I, ADWD

After this event, Victarion's name is finally used as his chapter heading, indicating to the reader that something has shifted. Some contend that there's also a significant shift in his personality.

The Iron Captain

The Reaver

The Iron Suitor

Victarion

Euron gifts Victarion a horn that states no mortal man shall sound it and live, leaving one to wonder whether Victarion has accidentally found himself an amusing loophole.

Moqorro turned the hellhorn, examining the queer letters that crawled across a second of the golden bands. "Here it says, 'No mortal man shall sound me and live.'" Bitterly Victarion brooded on the treachery of brothers. Euron's gifts are always poisoned. "The Crow's Eye swore this horn would bind dragons to my will. But how will that serve me if the price is death?" - Victarion I, ADWD

In the House of the Undying, Daenerys sees a vision of a Greyjoy we all assume is Aeron Dam-phair, but it could just as easily be an undead Victarion.

A corpse stood at the prow of a ship, eyes bright in his dead face, grey lips smiling sadly. - Daenerys IV, ACOK

If Victarion is actually undead, the Greyjoy words end up being hilariously ironic.

What is dead may never die, but rises again, harder and stronger! - The Prophet, AFFC

Other things to consider:

Moqorro is evil, isn't forthcoming about his intentions, and would certainly manipulate Victarion in this way.

At one point, Victarion renames two ships Ghost and Shade, which could be the author having a bit of fun.

The theory is hysterical and should be true for our entertainment.

COUNTER-EVIDENCE:

Well, let's start with the obvious: Victarion doesn't seem to realize he's dead. However, one might argue that if there's anyone in the story who could overlook such a detail, it's Victarion Greyjoy.

Next, while Victarion hasn't been depicted eating or sleeping since the event, he has been shown to still possess a libido.

His dusky woman was enough to satisfy his appetites until he could reach Meereen and claim his queen.  - Victarion I, ADWD

Victarion also still bleeds.

They left him one by one. The three thralls, and then Moqorro. Victarion would not let him take the hell-horn. "I will keep it here with me, until it is needed." "As you command. Would you have me bleed you?" - Victarion I, TWOW

From what we've seen, the horn can kill its user, and Moqorro appears to want to protect Victarion from this outcome, implying that he's not dead.

However, once again, Moqorro's intentions are dubious, and it's uncertain what he's truly planning.

Bitterly Victarion brooded on the treachery of brothers. Euron's gifts are always poisoned. "The Crow's Eye swore this horn would bind dragons to my will. But how will that serve me if the price is death?" "Your brother did not sound the horn himself. Nor must you." Moqorro pointed to the band of steel. "Here. 'Blood for fire, fire for blood.' Who blows the hellhorn matters not. The dragons will come to the horn's master. You must claim the horn. With blood." - Victarion I, ADWD

Finally, some fans claim that George once stated he would never make a deceased character a POV (like Lady Stoneheart, for instance), suggesting that Victarion isn't dead. However, I can't find the exact quote.

STUMPY'S THOUGHTS:

I need this to be real.

VOTE:

I welcome discussions. Feel free to reblog, respond, or challenge my perspective—I won't be offended by any of it.

Please note, if "no" is the eventual winner, or if it's competitive, a second poll will be conducted to determine the proper location.

NEXT THEORY:

Varys is a merman

[Main menu]

[skaruresonic]

Your thoughts on PrimeSonic? The newest episode already has him want to give Nine another chance after Nine destroyed a WORLD, and

Logan McPherson claimed This Sonic is canon to the games??????

In the interest of full disclosure, I can't say I can give an informed opinion, only impressions, because virtually nothing about Prime or the bits and pieces I've heard about it make me want to watch the show. I watched an episodeand a half and proceeded to delete it from my memory. It legit comes across like a bad Pit of Voles fic, and that's before accounting for how utterly bored I am by multiverse shenanigans.

That disclaimer being said, I managed to find the Twitter thread discussing this very thing, and, well. To be brutally honest, in addition to seeing that Mr. Principles' spirit is alive and well, it makes Sonic come off as naive to the point of stupidity. Which. OP tried to argue was the point, as it takes Prime!Sonic a million years to even begin to entertain the idea that he shouldn't treat Nine and Tails as the same person:

There's so much to unpack here. The fact that it only took Games!Sonic a few reminders not to treat the Storybook versions of his friends the same as his friends, several throwaway jokes aside. The idea that Games!Sonic has to "evolve" into not being so colossally stupid that he can finally recognize people's individuality. The show raking Sonic over the coals when he's trying to rectify (albeit clumsily) his mistakes and hello? Nine has grown genocidal? Priorities? Why must Sonic suffer this "forever marked by his original sin" shit ad nauseum when there are bigger problems at stake?

I've heard it said before that the show turns Sonic into a walking ADHD stereotype, but this is just misguided naivete to the point of self-destruction and an insult to Games!Sonic.

[songbirdsanctuary]

Hermitcraft Warriors AU, chapter 1

This one is mainly a test-ish chapter for me to get a feel for writing in a warrior cats style.

Warnings: None

Word count: 1,368

Mumbo crouched low in the snow, his crimson eyes fixed on the unsuspecting mouse as it scurried about, its small form a potential source of much-needed sustenance for the Clan in the harsh grip of Leaf-bare. With flawless precision, he pounced, his jaws closing on the creature's neck in a swift, deadly motion. The mouse went limp in his grasp, a meager prize but a vital addition to the meager stores the Clan had managed to gather.

The bitter bite of the cold wind nipped at his fur as Mumbo stood over his kill, sending a silent thanks to StarClan, a sense of grim determination settling over him. Every morsel counted in times like these, when prey was scarce and hunger gnawed at the bellies of his fellow Clanmates. With a heavy heart, he acknowledged the harsh reality of their existence in the unforgiving wilderness, where survival hung by a precarious thread and every hunt was a matter of life and death.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a pale light over the snow-covered landscape, Mumbo made his way back to the designated meeting spot where the rest of his patrol awaited. Thoughts of the meager prey he had caught lingered in his mind, a stark reminder of the challenges they faced in the face of nature's unrelenting grip.

One mouse isn't enough to feed the Clan. he mused silently, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders as he approached SheepHorn and ZombieBloom, his companions in the hunt for pery. SheepHorn greeted him with a nod, a vole clasped firmly in his jaws, the faint scent of prey lingering in the crisp air.

ZombieBloom, ever the fierce and determined warrior, who normaly stood tall and proud, looked thin and wery, a thin mouse dangling from her jaws. She regarded Mumbo's catch with a disdainful huff. With a determined flick of her tail, she gestured for them to follow as she led the way back to camp, her pace brisk and purposeful.

As they got to the camp entrinse GoldLeaf, who was standing gard, greeted them.

“Hows the pray running?” He asked. ZombieBloom spoke around the mouse she held.

“Better than yesterday.” She huffed as she walked in. After dropping their meager prey on the small fresh-kill pile, Mumbo watched as his fellow Clanmates dispersed to find their own solace amidst the biting chill of Leaf-bare. Their breath misted in the cold air, a stark contrast to the warmth that eluded them in the barren landscape. With a heavy heart, he broke away from the group.

Finding a secluded spot beneath the shelter of a fallen tree, Mumbo settled himself in a patch of fading sunlight, the sparse branches above offering little protection from the biting winds that swept through the camp. Despite the relative warmth of his chosen spot, the chill of Leaf-bare lingered in the air, seeping into his fur and chilling him to the bone.

"Hey, Mumbo." The soft voice interrupted his thoughts, and he turned to see FeatherStep approaching, his light brown fur ruffling in the breeze. A small smile tugged at Mumbo's lips as his clanmate settled beside him, seeking the comfort of companionship in the desolate winter landscape.

"Hi," Mumbo greeted, the warmth of FeatherStep's presence a welcome reprieve from the cold solitude that had settled over him. They sat together beneath the skeletal branches, their breath mingling in the frosty air as they exchanged quiet conversation.

"How did hunting go?" FeatherStep inquired, his blue eyes bright with curiosity as he eagerly awaited Mumbo's response.

"It was okay," Mumbo replied with a shrug, his words tinged with a hint of resignation. "Most of the prey is still hiding in their dens, but I managed to catch a mouse."

FeatherStep's eyes lit up with excitement at the mention of fresh prey, his own hunger evident in the way he licked his lips in anticipation. "I can't wait until the birds come back," he mused wistfully. "It's been forever since I had a starling."

A mischievous gleam sparkled in Mumbo's eyes as a playful idea took root in his mind. "You know what," he began, his whiskers twitching with amusement. "When the birds return, I'll catch a starling just for you."

FeatherStep rolled his eyes good-naturedly, a fond smile curving his lips. "You know you're terrible at catching birds," he teased, a gentle ribbing that spoke of their long-standing camaraderie.

Pretending to be offended, Mumbo huffed theatrically and playfully batted a paw at FeatherStep's ears. The tabby swiftly ducked out of reach, his laughter ringing out in the cold air as they engaged in their familiar banter.

"Come on, you know it's true," FeatherStep quipped, his playful demeanor putting Mumbo at ease as they shared a moment of levity amidst the harsh realities of their daily struggles. With a resigned sigh, Mumbo rested his head on his paws in defeat, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he embraced the simple joy of companionship in the midst of Leaf-bare's unforgiving grip.

"Mumbo, FeatherStep! Would you like to grab something from the fresh-kill pile?" KnightClaw's call echoed through the clearing, drawing the attention of the two young cats. FeatherStep eagerly sprang up, his brown tabby fur bristling with excitement as he made his way towards the pile of prey. However, Mumbo remained seated, his crinsion eyes fixed on the ground.

"I'll wait until the clan has eaten, then I'll see if there's anything left," Mumbo mumbled, a hint of reluctance in his tone. KnightClaw arched an eyebrow in concern at Mumbo's response.

"But you said that yesterday, and there was nothing left. You must be hungry." KnightClaw pressed, trying to coax Mumbo into joining the others in eating. Mumbo shook his head stubbornly, his ears pinned back in determination.

"I'll be fine," Mumbo insisted, his voice soft but resolute. Without waiting for further argument, he curled up in a tight ball, closing his eyes and feigning sleep to avoid the conversation.

As the moments passed, Mumbo heard the soft sound of pawsteps approaching. He cracked open an eye to see FeatherStep returning, a skinny mouse dangling from his jaws. Mumbo tensed, expecting his friend to simply enjoy the meal and leave him be. However, to his surprise, FeatherStep nudged him gently with a paw, causing Mumbo to look up in confusion.

"You eat the rest," FeatherStep offered, pushing the half-eaten mouse towards Mumbo. He blinked in disbelief, his heart swelling with gratitude at the unexpected gesture of kindness.

"Aren't you hungry?" Mumbo questioned, unable to fathom why FeatherStep would sacrifice his own meal for him. FeatherStep grinned, a mischievous twinkle in his bright blue eyes as he stood tall.

"Yes, but so are you," FeatherStep declared proudly, his voice laced with determination. "And I'm not letting you go hungry, Mumbo. We're friends, remember? Besides if I didn’t offer you some pray I’m sure some cat would have." With that, he settled down beside Mumbo, watching quietly as his companion hesitantly took a few bites of the offered mouse.

"Thank you," Mumbo whispered, his words laden with unspoken gratitude. It wasn’t much but it was still something.

As they sat there in the peaceful tranquility of the clearing, the last hints of sunlight casting a golden glow on their fur, FeatherStep inched closer to Mumbo. The tabby tom's movements were gentle and deliberate as he closed the gap between them, his touch as light as a feather as he began to groom behind Mumbo's ears. Mumbo, surprised by the gesture but delighted by the warmth of FeatherStep's affection, purred softly in response, his eyes falling shut in contentment.

FeatherStep's movements were practiced and precise, his tongue deftly working through matted fur with a gentle touch. Mumbo tilted his head slightly, allowing FeatherStep better access to the hard-to-reach spots behind his ears, a small smile playing on his lips as he relished the sensation of his friend's comforting touch.

As FeatherStep continued to groom him, Mumbo couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over him. The worries and uncertainties that had plagued his mind earlier seemed to melt away in the face of FeatherStep's simple act of kindness.

[splashspeck]

Hello yes, I am bored at work and ended up writing a quick draft of a Clan Kingdoms AU fiction. The start of the Blackfoor/Tawnypelt arranged marriage idea @troutfur helped me figure out.

This is definitely an early draft but, I wanted to share a little of the atmosphere I'm hoping to create.

Also sorry about the format I'm posting on mobile lol

"Blackfoot?" The tom fought back a sigh as he heard a hesitant voice call for him. He'd been about to pluck one of the few frogs they'd managed to get onto the Tigerclan prey pile, but the duty of a deputy was never over it would seem. He carefully brought his expression to neutral and turned to the cat, Cedarpaw. Darkflower's son, a scrawny thing, though Russetfur had been working hard to put some muscle onto the little tom. 

"Yes?"

"Sorry to bother you sir, but… Tigerstar requested you in his den." The apprentice looked shaken, and Blackfoot knew well that their leader had a way of terrorizing cats with only a word, and could only imagine what the young tom had seen or heard to unsettle him. 

"Message received, we'll done Cedarpaw." He meowed, seeing the younger Tom's ears perk up. "I take it Tigerstar hasn't taken his evening prey yet?" The dark gray apprentice shook his head, so Blackfoot grabbed his frog as well as a chubby vole one of the Riverclanners had managed to snag. "Once your duties are done, get some prey and rest. Russetfur will drive you hard tomorrow." He meowed around his burden, earning a nod from the apprentice before striding across Tigerclan's camp. The newer dens were still shoddy, and he made note to get some of the den builders on task tomorrow. Perhaps he'd assign Russetfur and Cedarpaw to that as well. The Tom could use the muscle and Russetfur was a taskmaster of little compare. 

The leaders' den was one of the few dens of solid build, though it was still soggy from the recent rain when Blackfoot slid past the reeds sheltering Tigerstar and Leopardfur's inner sanctum. 

"Tigerstar, apologies for the delay, I figured you hadn't eaten yet." He explained, setting the vole at the tabby's paws. Amber eyes studied him a bit longer than he liked, and Blackfoot noted the addition of the leader's daughter, Tawnypaw, in the den. He'd kept the young Molly close since she'd joined Tigerclan with them, and Blackfoot had been impressed with how well she'd adapted to the new way of life. 

"Thank you, Blackfoot, the gesture is appreciated." Tigerstar's voice cut into Blackfoot's thoughts, and he nodded, carefully keeping his own prey set aside. "I'm sure you have questions about the purpose of this meeting." The dark tabby meowed, his tail swaying lazily in a way that put Blackfoot further on edge. He felt like prey being sized up for a hunt. "It is little surprise that our clan is still suffering the effects of previous leadership mistakes and misfortune. Tigerclan, and even Shadowclan within that, is in need of some positive news for the future, as well as some added security to ensure we are never in that position again." Blackfoot nodded obediently as Tigerstar glanced at his daughter, sitting stiffly at his side. "I have a task that I can only entrust to you two, to ensure our position in the clan and our success for the future." 

Blackfoot's heart dropped and started to pound.

"Sir?" He spoke cautiously, more than a little afraid of what was to come. 

"Tigerclan is to celebrate tomorrow, a feast like those Shadowclan holds for the royal betrothal. I have not seen one, but my mother told me of them. I would want nothing less for my daughter's betrothal." Blackfoot looked to Tawnypaw then, the tortoiseshell molly’s eyes were carefully focused on the ground, and a small scratch was visible on her cheek. Stars she hadn’t even completed her fourth season, Badgerfang would have been older than her had he survived. 

“I’ll ensure the patrols start hunting so we may celebrate as is worthy of such a grand announcement.” Blackfoot answered, only a moment too late. “Who is the tom so honored by this betrothal?” He looked back at Tigerstar then, and saw his fangs glint in the fading light when he gave a mocking grin. 

“Oh Blackfoot, don’t be so bashful.” He purred, standing to pace around the den. “I would align our families, cement for Shadowclan that the line of Tigerstar and the line of Hollyflower are one in our goals to make the best future for Shadowclan. To Ensure that we are never without an heir to the leadership again, and no more mistakes like Nightpelt’s Regency can occur.” He swept past Blackfoot then, weaving around his daughter and tapping her chin with his tail in a not-so-subtle order to raise her head. Green eyes normally so full of determination had gone dull, and Blackfoot knew the feeling of defeat she tried to cover with stony resignation. “And you couldn’t ask for a better Mate. Right, Tawny?” She nodded, still not meeting Blackfoot’s eyes. Blackfoot himself stood stiff, even his tail was held still, as though moving would make this nightmare come reality any more real. 

“I… am honored at being considered, Tigerstar, truly.” Blackfoot finally spoke, and he knew his shock wasn’t covered at all by the smirk on Tigerstar’s muzzle. “But… wouldn’t you want to match her with  a cat more befitting her position? I am a third child, disgraced from my own bloodline-”

“A bloodline that holds no command anymore.” Tigerstar scoffed. “You are the survivor. You followed your Stars Ordained Leaders and lived, your littermates chose to follow a regent the Stars did not recognize, and they were victims on the punishment levied against the clan for this. As to my daughter’s position, I would not pair my daughter to a half-clan bastard, or the child of one of those creatures, nor would I have my bloodline muddied with one of Tallstar’s cowards or the followers of a kittypet usurper. No, this ensures her, and our, place in the clans. Besides,” Amber eyes locked onto yellow and Blackfoot fought to maintain eye contact with his leader. “I would keep my kin close, to ensure my bloodline continues.” He strode towards his nest, grabbing the fat vole as he swept past Tawnypaw. “You two should start to get to know one another, walk her to her den, Blackfoot.” 

“Yes, sir.” Blackfoot answered, stepping aside and grabbing the frog from the floor, though his stomach now roiled in discomfort. “Ma’am.” He mewed as Tawnypaw padded through the reeds, following at a slow pace. The silence was thick, tense with discomfort, and Blackfoot thanked the Stars that he rest of the clan had already retired to their dens. As the apprentice’s den crept closer he stopped, catching Tawnypaw off guard and dipping his head. 

“I’m sorry, Tawnypaw. I’m sure this is not the match you would have hoped for.” He meowed, keeping his eyes low. “I hope not to disappoint you further.” He set the frog at her paws, and carefully touched his nose to her head, between her ears, before turning and padding towards the camp entrance. A glance from the corner of his eye showed the young molly take the prey and slip into the den, likely to concerned denmates. He knew Cedarpaw and Rowanpaw had taken to her, and Dawnpaw was warming to her newer denmates. 

As he approached the camp edges he gave a brief nod to Boulder, taking up the second guard post without a word. 

He wouldn’t sleep that night. Not without the image of his sister, his nephew, his brother and his mother haunting him. Without the sick guilt twisting in his gut like an adder as he thought about the not-even-warrior mate he’d be forced to take. 

[one-with-the-tree]

Hearst didn't even really write herself into a corner re: Kaala's romances but she chose to go for it anyways.

She basically presented us with two options: Kaala gets together with her cousin or the adult creep who is hitting on her. Hearst chose the former.

But the solution would've been so easy: just introduce a wolf around Kaala's age range she's not related to? Or age down Pell and lower the creep factor? Have her get with one of those Vole Eaters wolves she befriends, they seem to be in the right age range AND unrelated? Or better yet no romance at all bc Hearst's not v good at writing it.

Bc right now Kaala's romance with Ázzuen is just kind of a last minute addition, not very well-developed. And he's her cousin. They're written as friends or siblings to me, not partners.

Either way this would've been p easy to avoid which makes me wonder why Hearst wrote her children's book like this. Oh well

[1-50thofabuck]

Review of "Hamlet of Volage," Adventure Module V1 from BRW Games for Adventures Dark and Deep.

I love printed gaming materials. I adore published modules that have a distinct old-school look. If I see such modules being offered, I generally purchase them, for my own collection and to support small publishers. They usually don't cost too much.

Modules with witches, fae, conspiracies and/or cults are another selling point for me.

Case in point: I purchased each of the V series modules by BRW games before they were published in print, so I got each as a PDF with the printed book to be sent later when completed. The stories revolve around different covens of witches, existing in secret(naturally) and warring among themselves.

Take the incredibly small hamlet of Volage. At least one coven exists here, most of them living normal, public lives, while members of other covens either live within, or visit frequently, to keep tabs, act as spies and everything you'd expect of such a scenario.

As I'm running this module for a system that we're play testing for publication by Penny Thought Exchange, and this happens to be an anthro based system based loosely on our Steal This Game! public domain engine, I ran the module as "The Hamlet of Vole Lodge: The Haunting of Pell House." None of these kinds of changes affected the module's play too much. Since characters are animal based, they do have access to abilities that run of the mill PCs in other games might not, but we try to balance these abilities as a part of character creation. Also, the NPCs, including the baddies, get these also, so it levels out. Otherwise, it's largely cosmetic, as NPCs are assigned an animal type and fitting description.

Because the module has so many NPCs and information on the town, I printed these out and affixed them to standard paper sized cardboard for quick reference. It also made it easier to track my own additions, such as what animal types the various NPCs are.

All that said to prepare for the review proper, I have to give one last bit of insight. I was running for a very small group, and certain among them are known to get frustrated quickly if leads and clues aren't given to them easily or frequently enough. Thus, I'm not sure in certain places where the problem may lay with the module or with the sensibilities of certain individuals, though in at least one case the problem is certainly the module's, as I will describe as we continue.

Within a day or so in the hamlet, there was already grumbling that nothing was turning up of any real interest. Most of the supernatural occurences, as the PCs felt, were rather mundane, unprovable, or non sequitur to their investigations. Blankets getting bedbugs and such seemed normal enough. Sheep being attacked by wolves and then vanishing is a bit odd, but not enough to jump to suspicions of witchcraft, and seemingly not enough to investigate at any rate. The module itself didn't suggest or describe any methods of doing so or anything learned if PCs did, but it wasn't relevant since they were disinterested in doing so. Every cat being found dead was more mystifying but another case of "what are we supposed to do about it?" People getting sick, people falling off ladders, all seemed like a typical string of unfortunate but not distinctly magical occurances.

They decided to spend the night in the cemetery, where only one random event took place, a weird fog or mist which I tried to play up as much as I could. When all was said and done, however, it was more of the same: "Weird, but nothing we can learn anything from and seemingly unrelated."

The group decided that after another day or so if they didn't come across something of more interest they were going to bail. I still had two more modules and they were ready to quit before getting more than a day into the first. I ended up throwing in a clue not in the module to keep them in, though I regretted throwing bones like that simply because the PCs became disinterested. Still, I really wanted to continue the module, so I did so. To some degree, two of them, but the details of those aren't very important.

They decided to keep an eye on some of the young ones of the hamlet who had been rumored to run off into the woods some nights, and follow them.

Around this time, I decided to look into the next module. It shouldn't be necessary. Each were published at different times, and are supposed to be playable independently. Yet the second module gives details of great importance: the way the Pell family is butchered. V1 simply says they were killed violently. The second reveals that the attack has the hallmarks of an animal attack, yet they got into the house at night, somehow, and left without being seen. Now that gives some serious indication of some supernatural going's on. Too bad V1 decided we didn't need to know!

After telling the players about this new info, they became much more convinced of supernatural tomfoolery, but still felt about the same as they did - follow the young ones next time they run off, if that doesn't lead to anything, we leave.

I don't believe the module tells you what night the young witches go to their esbat, but an NPC suggested the night of the new moon, so the PCs kept special notice that night. One of the bones I threw in to keep the adventure going.

In the end, they got noticed while trailing the girls, but the witches pretended not to notice. They completed their esbat, getting new familiars and other boons before revealing their awareness of the PCs.

The battle didn't last long. The PCs got destroyed. However, it was a small group, and my suggestions of getting retainers and mercenaries to boost their numbers fell on deaf ears. I do not fault the module for their loss whatsoever.

At the moment, I'm running my own revision of an old adventure I wrote(I shared a little taster of it a bit ago), but afterwards, I hope to jump to V2 and see how that one goes. If it works out well, on to V3, or perhaps my sequel idea to the module I'm rewriting now, and then V3. If V2 goes poorly, I suspect I will abandon the series and leave them to look pretty on my shelf.

If you like OSR adventure modules, despite my less than stellar success, you can't go too wrong for a $4 PDF. https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/373537/Adventure-Module-V1--The-Hamlet-of-Volage

Addendum: While looking for a quick cover image to put at the beginning of the review, I came across tenfootpole's review. I often agree, sometimes strongly disagree, but generally find their reviews entertaining either way. Looking to see if they hailed it as a masterpiece and realize I'm a big dummy, oh boy did they not find it impressive. Strong language warning for those sensitive to that kinda thing. Their agreement does not make me right, but I'm gratified that at least it wasn't just me who was kind of bewildered by a lot of the adventure.

[strange-nights-rp]

Meet the Clans - TimberClan

🌲Territory

Forest, towering redwood and sequoia trees. The ground is covered in lush green ferns. The terrain is rather rocky, with many ravines and gorges. Series of small creeks wind through the territory, fed by the nearby mountain range in GlacierClan.

🌲 Camp

Treetop camp – A camp among a cluster of redwood trees with two levels. Each den has a lower portion, which is housed in the hollowed out trunks of the trees, and an upper portion, which is located in the lower branches of the tree. The upper portion is used during Newleaf, Greenleaf, and Leaf-fall and good weather, while the lower portions are used during Leafbare and in bad weather.

🌲 Landmarks

Twoleg path - a well maintained hiking trail. Twolegs often hike it during the warmer months, but rarely stray from the path.

Twoleg Place - a campsite with seven cabins, one of which is inhabited by a park ranger year round. People flock to it during newleaf and greenleaf. Has a small garden with some useful herbs.

Redwood Bridge - a large fallen redwood that creates a bridge across the Summit River to the gathering island. TimberClan and occasionally GlacierClan uses it to attend gatherings.

Hidden Grotto - a patch of wet woodland and cave where strange plants grow.

🌲 Weather

Wet, flipping between cool and warm in Newleaf, warm and wet in Greenleaf, cool in Leaf-fall, and cold and sometimes snowy in Leafbare.

🌲 Governmment

After a long and insufferable monarchy, the new leader, daughter of the old monarch, decreed that any cat that is a warrior may nominate themselves to be the deputy of the clan. The clan has a quarter moon to dispute any nomination, after which the clan will vote with a Rank Voting ballot to determine the next depute.

🌲 Fauna

Prey: voles, mice, rats, squirrels, beavers, gophers, porcupine, marmots, chipmunks, flounder, burbot, trout, salmon, minnows, lamprey, sturgeons, sparrows, robins, towhee, chickadee, starlings, jays, meadowlark, woodpeckers, thrush

Predators: wolverines, bears, wolves, cougars, rattlesnakes, coyotes

Other Animals: skunks, deer, bats

🌲 Holidays

Color Festival- Once a full moon cycle is completed after New Leaf, TimberClan gathers all things colorful (mainly flowers) where apprentices are tasked to sort out and organize all the material. They are hoisted into the trees where they are stored throughout the first moon cycle of new leaf. Cats are encouraged to decorate themselves as colorfully or as creatively as they can, and on the first high sun after a new moon, the material in the trees is released to a marvelous and beautiful cascade of colors in celebration of the new life that comes every year to TimberClan.

Festival of Wood- On the first day after the second full moon of Leaf-fall, cats come together to help the Carpenter cats raise new dens up into the treetops. If no additional dens are needed, new ones are made to replace any unstable ones. This day is usually accompanied by a small feast once the new dens are properly installed.

Night of Stars- On the first new new moon of Leafbare when the stars shine their brightest, the clan gathers at the top of the trees near Treetop camp, and tell stories of their loved ones who have joined The Ancestors. Cats are encouraged to bring snacks as they often end up falling asleep throughout the storytelling.

🌲 Specialized Role

Carpenters - The highly skilled TimberClan carpenters are excellent at making tools and trinkets out of wood. These highly skilled carpenters have helped TimberClan easily adapt to their tree nests in winter and help defend their warriors with wooden armor.

[molepatrols]

Vole Control in Overland Park, KS: The Best Time of Year to Act

Despite their small size, voles are a significant threat to lawns, gardens, and entire landscaping areas. Their tunnel systems, created as they feed, destroy plant roots and result in grass destruction. Homeowners in Overland Park are no strangers to the havoc these burrowing rodents can wreak. However, the key to successful removal lies in timing. To protect your landscape and prevent costly damage, it's crucial to focus on Vole Control in Overland Park, KS, efforts at the optimal time each year in Overland Park, KS.

When Are Voles Most Active?

Voles are not creatures of habit. Their active nature keeps them on the move throughout the year, with their movement patterns shifting with the seasons. This year-round activity underscores the need for constant vigilance in protecting your property from these destructive rodents.

Springs: During spring, the rising temperatures trigger a population explosion of voles because of their increased breeding activity. The most significant amounts of property damage become visible to homeowners at this point.

Summers: During summer, voles keep digging holes, but their efforts decrease when temperatures reach their peak.

Falls: Falls serve as a period of increased vole activity before winter approaches.

Winters: During winter months, voles continue their underground activities beneath snow or mulch cover, resulting in severe damage to lawns and gardens.

It is crucial to act quickly when controlling voles since their rapid reproduction rates can soon lead to widespread infestations.

The Best Time for Vole Control in Overland Park, KS

1. Early Spring – The Ideal Time to Start

Vole ControlThe period of spring provides the best opportunity for Vole Control services in Overland Park, Kansas.

The increased movement of voles in spring creates additional signs of their activity that people might observe.

The scarcity of food makes traps and bait methods highly successful.

The early implementation of control measures reduces the exponential growth of populations that will occur in the future.

2. Late Summer to Early Fall – A Second Chance to Act

While spring is ideal, fall is another great time to take action. During this season:

Voles are actively preparing for winter, increasing their movement.

Removing voles before winter prevents them from nesting under snow and mulch, where they can do the most damage.

Yard maintenance in fall (such as trimming and clearing debris) reduces vole habitats.

Why Professional Vole Control Matters

DIY methods like repellents and homemade traps may offer short-term relief, but voles are persistent. Professional services like Mole Patrol provide targeted treatments, ensuring long-term solutions. Experts not only handle Vole Control in Overland Park, KS but also specialize in Mole Removal in Shawnee, KS, addressing all burrowing pests that threaten your lawn.

Preventing Future Vole Infestations

Once voles are removed, take these steps to keep them from coming back:

Keep grass trimmed and remove excess mulch.

Install underground barriers to block tunnels.

Work with a professional pest control service for routine inspections.

Conclusion

By acting at the right time, homeowners can effectively manage vole populations and protect their lawns. If you need expert Vole Control in Overland Park, KS, or Mole Removal in Shawnee, KS, trust Mole Patrol to handle the job year-round.

[nikshahxai]

V1a Receptors and Social Behavior: Bonding, Aggression, and Maternal Care by Nik Shah

V1a receptors, a type of vasopressin receptor, have been shown to play a significant role in regulating various aspects of social behavior, including bonding, aggression, and maternal care. These receptors are part of the broader vasopressin receptor family, which helps mediate the effects of vasopressin, a key neuropeptide involved in social and physiological processes. Understanding how these receptors function can provide valuable insights into not only normal social behavior but also the neurobiological mechanisms underlying disorders related to social dysfunction, such as autism, schizophrenia, and depression.

In this article, we will explore the influence of V1a receptors on social bonding, aggression, and maternal care, highlighting their role in both the brain and peripheral systems. Drawing from Nik Shah’s comprehensive work, we will delve into the mechanisms by which vasopressin and its receptors influence social behavior and how these mechanisms can be targeted for therapeutic applications in various neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The Role of Vasopressin and V1a Receptors in Social Behavior

Vasopressin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” is essential for social bonding and behavioral regulation. It has been shown to influence pair bonding, trust, and social cooperation, and its action through the V1a receptor is particularly significant in these contexts. Studies have demonstrated that vasopressin signaling, particularly through V1a receptors, plays a central role in parental bonding, pair bonding, and social attachment.

Research into V1a receptors and their impact on behavior is outlined in Nik Shah’s article, which describes how vasopressin synthesis, production, and availability are integral to the physiological processes that regulate social behaviors. The interaction between vasopressin and its receptors helps govern behaviors such as monogamy, aggression, and maternal care.

V1a Receptors and Social Bonding

One of the most profound effects of vasopressin is its role in pair bonding and social attachment. Research has shown that V1a receptors are particularly involved in the formation and maintenance of these bonds. In animals, the V1a receptor is linked to pair bonding in prairie voles, which are monogamous animals. These animals form strong, lasting pair bonds that are facilitated by vasopressin, which acts on the V1a receptors in the brain, specifically in areas such as the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum.

Nik Shah’s Mastering Vasopressin Agonists explores how vasopressin agonists can simulate these bonding effects in humans. Vasopressin administration has been shown to enhance trust and social cooperation, which underscores the therapeutic potential of targeting V1a receptors for disorders related to social bonding, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social anxiety disorder.

V1a Receptors and Aggression

In addition to social bonding, V1a receptors are involved in regulating aggressive behavior. While vasopressin is often associated with prosocial behaviors like bonding and trust, it has also been implicated in the modulation of aggression and dominance behaviors. In certain animal models, increased activation of V1a receptors has been shown to promote aggressive behavior, while blocking these receptors can reduce aggression.

Understanding the relationship between V1a receptor signaling and aggression has significant implications for disorders such as intermittent explosive disorder (IED) and conduct disorder. By targeting the V1a receptors, it may be possible to develop therapeutic strategies to manage aggressive behaviors. Nik Shah’s research into vasopressin receptor antagonists, such as those discussed in Mastering Vasopressin Receptor Antagonists, provides insights into how blocking vasopressin receptors can influence behaviors associated with aggression and dominance.

V1a Receptors and Maternal Care

V1a receptors also play an essential role in maternal care. Studies have shown that vasopressin influences maternal behaviors by acting on V1a receptors in specific brain regions associated with parenting and attachment. In rodents, for instance, vasopressin is involved in the regulation of maternal behaviors, such as grooming, nursing, and protective actions.

The role of V1a receptors in maternal care is further explored in Nik Shah’s article, where he discusses how vasopressin helps regulate these behaviors by influencing the brain’s reward centers. The V1a receptor plays a part in reinforcing behaviors that are beneficial to the offspring, promoting bonding between mother and child. Understanding how vasopressin works in these contexts has therapeutic potential for addressing conditions such as postpartum depression and attachment disorders.

V1a Receptor Dysfunction in Psychiatric Disorders

Disruptions in vasopressin signaling and V1a receptor function have been linked to a variety of psychiatric disorders. For example, altered vasopressin signaling is associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), where there is a deficit in social bonding and communication. Similarly, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have been shown to involve dysregulation of the vasopressin system. Research on V1a receptors is crucial in understanding the neurobiology of these disorders and developing potential treatments.

Nik Shah’s work in Mastering Vasopressin Synthesis, Production, and Availability highlights how changes in the availability of vasopressin can influence social behaviors and contribute to psychiatric conditions. By targeting V1a receptors with selective agonists or antagonists, it may be possible to restore normal social functioning in individuals with these disorders.

Therapeutic Potential of V1a Receptor Modulation

The therapeutic potential of modulating V1a receptors is immense, particularly in the context of social behaviors, bonding, aggression, and maternal care. As mentioned in Nik Shah’s Mastering Vasopressin Agonists, vasopressin agonists can be used to enhance social behaviors and increase trust, which has applications for treating social anxiety and autism. On the other hand, vasopressin receptor antagonists can be used to manage excessive aggression and treat conditions such as violent behavior and impulse control disorders.

Understanding the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways involved in V1a receptor activation will also aid in designing more targeted therapies. This approach could be beneficial in treating not only psychiatric disorders but also conditions like heart failure and hypertension, where vasopressin and its receptors play a role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.

V1a Receptors in Non-social Behaviors

Beyond social interactions, V1a receptors also play a role in regulating stress responses and emotional regulation. In animal models, vasopressin has been shown to influence stress-related behaviors and responses to trauma and fear. In humans, V1a receptor dysfunction may contribute to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic anxiety. These insights offer a deeper understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms behind emotional regulation and offer opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies.

Conclusion

V1a receptors play a critical role in regulating social behavior, including bonding, aggression, and maternal care. As explored in Nik Shah’s work, these receptors mediate the effects of vasopressin, which influences various aspects of human and animal behavior. By understanding the mechanisms of V1a receptor activation and signaling, we can develop targeted therapies for psychiatric conditions related to social dysfunction and aggression.

The therapeutic potential of V1a receptor modulation is vast, with applications ranging from treating autism and social anxiety to managing aggression and postpartum depression. Continued research into the pharmacological modulation of these receptors will help unlock new treatments for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

For more insights into vasopressin and its role in social behavior, Nik Shah’s articles such as Mastering Vasopressin Agonists and Mastering Vasopressin Receptor Antagonists provide valuable information that can aid in further understanding the therapeutic potential of V1a receptor modulation for various disorders related to social behavior and beyond.

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About the Authors

For more information about Nik Shah's digital presence, as well as insights from contributing authors such as Nanthaphon Yingyongsuk, Sean Shah, Gulab Mirchandani, Darshan Shah, Kranti Shah, John DeMinico, Rajeev Chabria, Francis Wesley, Sony Shah, Dilip Mirchandani, Rushil Shah, Nattanai Yingyongsuk, Subun Yingyongsuk, Theeraphat Yingyongsuk, and Saksid Yingyongsuk, click here to explore further.

References

Websites

Shah, N. (2025). Conflict Resolution and Social Behavior. Wix Studio. Retrieved from https://nikshahxai.wixstudio.com/nikhil/nik-shah-conflict-resolution-and-social-behavior-wix-studios

Shah, N. (2025). Neurochemistry and Behavior. Wix Studio. Retrieved from https://nikshahxai.wixstudio.com/nikhil/nik-shah-neurochemistry-and-behavior-wix-studio

Books

Shah, S. (2025). Mastering Oxytocin Blockers: Unlocking the Science of Human Connection and Behavior. Bol.com. Retrieved from www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/mastering-oxytocin-blockers/9300000197523608/

Shah, S. (2025). Mastering Oxytocin Blockers: Unlocking the Science of Human Connection and Behavior. Waterstones. Retrieved from https://www.waterstones.com/book/mastering-oxytocin-blockers/sean-shah/sony-shah/9798300435646

Shah, S. (2025). Mastering Oxytocin Blockers: Unlocking the Science of Human Connection and Behavior. https://www.alibris.com/Mastering-Oxytocin-Blockers-Unlocking-the-Science-of-Human-Connection-and-Behavior-Sean-Shah/book/55595595. Retrieved from https://www.alibris.com/Mastering-Oxytocin-Blockers-Unlocking-the-Science-of-Human-Connection-and-Behavior-Sean-Shah/book/55595595