#also. the Alternity have a weapon called the Sword of the Heavens

[robotsprinkles]

okay.

so I don't have anything against warhammer 40k (from what I've seen it seems pretty cool).

and I don't know enough about the general fanbase to have a solid opinion on it

but the subset of wh40k fans who're obsessed with barging into any discussion of various sci-fi factions and declaring that wh40k or even just the imperium could destroy said faction/universe — or in some cases literally saying "don't be salty just cus all your favorite settings get solo'd by a space marine lmao" really drive me up the wall

like. shut the hell up.

that 80-90% of the time I see someone bring up wh40k in contexts that aren't about 40k it's to announce just how 40k is so so so so much stronger than every other sci-fi series and could wipe the floor with them really doesn't paint 40k fans (and 40k by extension) in a great light

also — and I'm sorry for bringing up the Alternity every time this happens but I mean. if people are going to be stupid then so will I — have fun beating the Hytherion when it travels billions of years into the past and eats your entire galaxy (or universe) before it even forms

(yes, transformers alternity is stupid as hell. fun thing to bring up in stupid nerdfights over whose universe is the strongest though.)

[crudely-drawn-ben]

Introducing Trilogy

Yesterday I released Trilogy, a new tabletop RPG crafted to support you in having grand adventures in worlds of your own making.

There are several reasons I started writing Trilogy, but the biggest one is that I ran a Dungeon World podcast called Crudely Drawn Swords for seven years and that was a lot of time to think about what we were playing. To a degree Trilogy is the game I wish that we could have had to run the podcast.

Starting from the question "what would a purely PbtA game for epic fantasy look like?" I started thinking more widely - what do I want from a fantasy game? And the truth is that I want a game that supports the structure of characters and their interactions but doesn't tie itself to a specific setting.

Trilogy begins with The Appendices - conventionally in epic fantasy these are at the end and document information about the wider world that might not have made it into the story, but here it is where you sit down as a group and decide what tone you want your game to have, and your world looks like. What kind of place is it? What magic is there? What is religion like? What are the major cultures where the story begins? How would it feel to be in this world? Trilogy doesn't tell you any of these things, it gives you the tools to think through how you want your world to look.

This creates a secondary challenge - without knowing what the world looks like, how could I design character classes for this type of game? Trilogy answers this by going back to the fundamentals - instead of a conventional character class, the playbooks in Trilogy represent a narrative arc. Some of them, like The Fighter, The Priest, or The Magus, look like familiar classes. Others, such as The Volunteer, The Mentor, The Weapon, or The Defeated, are a little different. Character arcs have a set of turning points, story beats that allow you to advance along your arc after you have collected a certain amount of experience. Some are positive and others negative, you choose which ones you want to hit and when, but every character's story has its highs and lows and to get the most from the game you need to lean into both. A character can pass through three arcs as they grow and change, like the three volumes of a trilogy.

The aim of the game is to create a slower but satisfying sense of progression - instead of hit points characters take Stress and Harm like in other Powered by the Apocalypse games that can have both mechanical and narrative effects. That makes combat feel dangerous, but the game also offers more ways to solve problems without getting into combat - I have played games where the player characters never got into a fight, instead resolving confrontations through an ingenious selection of alternative strategies including "lying" and "vomiting magic ink all over the floor." I'm genuinely enthusiastic about this game - I think I would be as excited about it if somebody else had written it. It leans hard into the joy of discovery and the excitement of adventure - you can play it as spooky and whimsical or gritty and hard-edged and anywhere in between.

Because I was writing it I even got to make most of the examples of play roll out as the story of someone's game, something I always appreciate when I read it. It also contains every technique I use as a GM in the hope that even before people get the chance to play it (heaven forbid any TTRPG afficionado have books we haven't got around to playing yet!) people who read it will still be able to use that advice in their other games. So that's Trilogy, the game I've been working on for the last few years. I think it's pretty great and I hope you will too:

Obviously it's a full-priced game and that's a big gamble from an unfamiliar creator - if you want an idea of what it's like in practice we've got the CDS team back together and we're starting a streamed campaign so you have a chance to see it in action. You can find that over on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxpXacko9Nc

The first episode includes me notably failing to use OBS at both the beginning and end, and I can't make any promises things will improve in that regard, but it should be a good opportunity to see how the game shapes up from this start and with this crew I know it's going to be funny and take some wild swings. If you're interested in reviewing Trilogy or you really want to give it a try but you can't afford it, drop me a message

[nemainofthewater]

Look around you right now: if you were attacked could you use anything as a weapon?

Perhaps you've forgotten to attach your sword to your sword-belt (as though cdrama has sword-belts when it can have its characters carry them by hand *cough*the Untamed*cough*)? Or maybe you think swords are too boring; after all, everyone is using them already.

Maybe you've got a weapon that stylish and much easier to carry around with you? Alternately maybe you've got a weapon that is more unwieldy to carry (but is still stylish).

If you don't, fear not and take inspiration from this week’s poll contestant!

Vote for the character with the best non-sword weapon! Propaganda, call out posts, and write-in candidates welcome!

EDIT: due to me having done this while also being at work, I accidentally set it as a 24 hour poll instead of a week-long one. But! I am making lemonade! I'll set up a part 2 poll tomorrow, this time with weapons grouped (and weapons users in brackets). If you have any favourite weapons (and characters) let me know in the notes before tomorrow, and I'll add them in!

[forsakensnakeskin]

Azazel

The name Azazel only occurs one time in all of the canonical Bible, in Leviticus 16:8-10. As the Catholic Encyclopedia records, this passage explains the ceremony that the Jewish people should perform as part of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

As a personification of evil, the Jewish Encyclopedia refers to Azazel as "in some degree a preparation" for the idea of Satan. The figure of Azazel is likely pre-Israelite in origin and is probably closely tied to a communal fear for the mountainous desert region that he came to personify.

According to the Nahmanides the scapegoat rite is a symbolic expression of the idea that the people's sins and their evil consequences were to be sent back to the spirit of desolation and ruin, the source of all impurity.

1 Enoch portrays Azazel as responsible for teaching people to make weapons and cosmetics, for which he was cast out of heaven.

In the extra-canonical text the Apocalypse of Abraham (c.1st CE), Azazel appears as an unclean bird who came down upon the sacrifice which Abraham prepared. (This is in reference to Genesis 15:11: "Birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away" [NIV]).

In the Apocalypse of Abraham, Azazel is described with his own Kavod (Magnificence), a term usually used for the Divine in apocalyptic literature, already indicating the devil as anti-thesis of God, with the devil's kingdom on earth and God's kingdom in heaven. Azazel is also identified with the serpent which tempted Eve.

In De occulta philosophia (1509-1510), Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa: Scale of quaternary: Four Princes of devils in the elements: Azazel: Air

In later lore, he is fallen and is punished by having his nose pierced.

The word "scapegoat" has developed to indicate a person who is blamed and punished for the actions of others.

The illustration depicts him with horns, a pitchfork, a banner, and, of course, a goat. There's a frog on the banner. From Dictionnaire Infernal by Jacques Auguste Simon Collin de Plancy

Alternative Spellings

Hebrew: עֲזָאזֵל ʿAzāʾzēl

Arabic: عزازيل, romanized: ʿAzāzīl

Asael

Azael

Azazyel

Azzael

Epithets

The Adversary

Advisor

The Angel of Darkness

Blender of Eyeshadows

Counselor

The Crafty Adversary

The Crafty Worm

The Cunning Worm

The Fallen Archangel

Forger of Swords

Guardian of Goats

The Lawless One

The Rebel Angel

Seducer of Mankind

Identified With

The Devil

[Apocalypse of Abraham] Here there is the idea that God's heritage (the created world) is largely under the dominion of evil – i.e., it is "shared with Azazel" (Abr. 20:5), again identifying him with the devil, who was called "the prince of this world" by Jesus. (John 12:31 niv)

Gadriel and Rameel

Some of the fallen angels that are given in 1 Enoch have other names, such as Rameel ('morning of God'), who becomes Azazel, and is also called Gadriel ('wall of God') in Chapter 68. (A source is not cited for this)

Gadreel (Hebrew: גדר האל, romanized: Gader ha-el, lit. 'Wall of God') is listed as one of the chiefs of the fallen Watchers. He is said to have been responsible for deceiving Eve. Schmidt lists the name as meaning 'the helper of God.'

Iblis

In Islamic lore, Azazel or Azazeel was the name of Iblis before he disobeyed God by not bowing to humans and was sent from the Earth.

Satan

Origen ("Contra Celsum," vi. 43) identifies Azazel with Satan.

Azaz, as in Azazel, means strength, so the name Azazel can refer to 'strength of God'. But the sense in which it is used most probably means 'impudent' (showing strength towards), which results in 'arrogant to God'. This is also a key point in modern thought that Azazel is Satan. Also important in this identification is the fact that the original name Rameel, is very similar in meaning to the word Lucifer ('Morning Star') which is a common Latin name of Satan in Christianity.

Associated With

Alchemy

Antimony (use of)

Beauty

Coloring tinctures

Cosmetics

Cunning

The earthly realm

Fatherhood

Forbidden knowledge

Freedom of choice

Goats

Dye making

Herbalism

Knowledge

Magic

Marriage

Metallurgy

Metalworking

Mirror making

Occult arts

Ornamenting the body

Pleasure

Pride

Rebellion

Scapegoats

Seduction

Self preservation

Sensual experiences

Sexuality

Temptation

Warfare

Weapon making

Wisdom

Witchcraft

Attributes

Abyss, hole, pit

Air

Antimony

Banner with a frog on it

Black

Bracelets

Breastplates

Chain

Coats of mail

Cosmetics

Darkness

Desert

Dragon

Dudael, Dûdâêl (God's Kettle/Crucible/Cauldron)

Dye

Fallen/falling star

Fire

Goat, goat skulls, goat bones

Grapes, grapevine

Herbs

Jewelry

Knives

Metals

Metalsmithing tools

Mirror

Mount Azazel (Jabel Munttar) in the Judaen Desert

Nose piercing

Precious stones

Red

Rough and jagged rocks

Serpent

Shields

Swords

Unclean bird, bird of prey, carrion bird

Uninhabited places

Weapons

Wilderness

Depictions

His form is described as a dragon with "hands and feet like a man's, on his back six wings on the right and six on the left." (23:7)

Originally, Azazel was one of heaven’s angels, a gloriously beautiful man with wings on his back.

Today, like many demons, Azazel is drawn with red skin, glowing yellow eyes, and a barbed tail. He may also be found wearing goat skulls or dressed in goat bones.

He is a shape-shifter and may appear in any form, including a winged angel.

An unclean bird, bird of prey, carrion bird

[desultory-novice]

I'd gotten a shocking number of asks in over the past few days so it was inevitable I'd hold another... Lightning Round!!

Featuring: King D-Mind, Magolor, Adeleine + Noir, Dark Meta Knight, Sectonia, Dedede, Dark Taranza, Leongar and...

...SPECIAL NECRODEUS THEORY INSIDE!

Edit: OOPS! I meant to set this post up for tonight instead of unleashing it at some ungodly hour of the morning. Amateur mistake. Don't mind if you see me reblog it later when people are awake.

-

Considering regular Dark Mind has some strong callbacks to Nightmare in his design (being a visual melange of Nightmare + Zero) you could believe they were partners/allies/frenemies at one point. It's possible that it was Parallel Dark Mind (because it pretty much as to be the Parallel of Dark Mind, right?) who decided, after possessing Parallel Dedede, that they had surpassed their fellow long-faced wizard rival-friend and stopped answering his calls.

Speaking of friends, I wonder if Parallel Nightmare had any underlings of his own akin to Dark Taranza and Pres. Parallel Susie. Ones that maybe wouldn't stab him in the back? ...Hmm, I wonder where Parallel Magolor and Parallel Marx are right now?

(If they're still vicious trouble makers, I wonder if it was one of them who was like "Oh, you TOTALLY ought to reach out to this guy if you get in trouble." "For sure! The results will be a real spectacle, I bet!")

Haha! I wonder if I could start alternatively calling DMK x DMK (Shadow Dedede vers) DMKx2 or DMKsquared? But now that I think about duplicates and parallel selves (thanks to Crash's ask above) isn't it a little worriesome (/lh) that there are probably MANY "parallel" versions out there? Because again, D-Mind is probably possessing a Parallel Dedede but NOT the Parallel Dedede from Star Allies. And there may also be yet a third Dedede in the Clash verse who isn't possessed by anyone?! I mean, when it comes down to it, "parallel" just means "a universe that turned out differently!"

There could be dozens of "same character" down the line...

I certainly think the potential for this idea is HUGE!

I myself am a fan of Magolor having to confront versions of himself that turned out wrong but the idea that he'd run across a version that was "wrong" but also did HARM to his friends...

Yeah, the "pay for one's sins" guy would definitely step in.

And I agree that is probably how he learned so much about events he wouldn't otherwise be around for. Dark Matter Clone? Susie's Father? Although I feel there's a chance he knew about Joronia from earlier all on his own. After all, he includes an accurate description of her in his weapon's catalogue in his shoppe! (And again, we've got the portraits on the abandoned TDX castle to suggest Magolor and Taranza communicated on some level in the past.)

As for the equipment, it's possible that those were in a way his "redemption" to Kirby - the only Kirby he had access to until he was able to "return to Dream Land" - and so keeping them didn't make sense. They were gifts. I also get the feeling that he doesn't have a huge interesting in physical fighting, and at least half of the gear is swords and axes. (The way he uses his version of the Ultra Sword is very particular and indicates no proficiency in swordsmanship on his part.) But if he really is dimension hopping on a semi-regular basis, he may also just need to keep it in stock at the shop!

Awwww...! Dess will never admit this ask actually got Dess to draw a super quick sketch of Noir as an angel watching over Adeleine from heaven(What even is "heaven" in the Kirby-verse anyway?) right after reading it! Oh fudge, I just admitted to that very thing didn't I?! Nooo! What have I done?! It's so DeviantArt-tier sappy though that I don't want to post it. It's so cliche it would utterly ruin my rep! Definitely don't politely ask me to post it because then I might give in...!!

...A-ahem. But yes, Adeleine will be okay!

As to whether poor, poor Noir will ever learn that for himself, all I can say is... hold out hope for the final two parts of the story!

I feel so embarrassed because I had to go back and look at the pic to realize they were even there. It was completely subconscious on my part. I guess that's the thing about being a novice artist. Sometimes you stumble upon something really cool without even noticing!

But now that you've pointed it out, it's something I think I'd like to keep doing. DMK as a sort of chipping crystal ball is neat~

Despite all that I wrote in my initial post about this...

...I kinda want her to come back too! She was a great tragic villain! And the possibility of a Triple Deluxe remake... it could still happen!

(I mean, we just got Amazing Mirror with modern online multiplayer! It feels like they went the extra mile for that and so I think the Kirby series is still in a good place for receiving (good) fan service!)

Yesss! It is SO good! Big, muscle-guy Dedede being tech-oriented?! It's out of type in the best way! I love that Dedede continually unlocks his potential, both in the changes to his personality but what he's capable of in skill sets too! It is, to me, the reason WHY he is Kirby's rival rather than Meta Knight or another character.

And if Meta Knight pilots a ship anything like he does a car in Dreamy Gear, it's a good thing he isn't the pilot. I wonder if there's a disconnect for him between flying and piloting? Like going from playing a 2D side-scrolling/overhead shooter where "up" is up versus playing one in first-person with reverse camera controls?

Poor Vul must put up with so much...!

It could just be me (I think multiple interpretations are best) but I've always taken Dark Taranza's garb to not as a sign he took over Sectonia's role but as...a form of mourning for her?

Like he dresses and styles himself that way as tribute? So I suppose in that sense, I don't think Mirror Sectonia got corrupted.

Oh boy, I suppose my brief theory there works REALLY well for the people who think main world Sectonia got swapped with her Mirror World self if Dark Taranza "lost" her and then took up her "style."

(Although I also adore your "Mirror Sectonia started crazy and became good" theory too! It's wild in the best of ways!/genuine And just because I saw Dark Taranza as dressing that way doesn't mean Evil King Taranza isn't also an amazing idea!)

Y-You know, my family often catches me on my accidentally using phrases that are maybe a little more coded and/or have different and deeper meanings than I probably intended. ^^;

So :cough: to clarify, I wouldn't necessarily say Leon's worthy of a full on diagnosis, but in his short pre-fight monologue (11 text boxes long) two of those contain a variation on the phrase "left behind."

And two more talk about long-held dreams and years of planning.

It suggests to me that Leon thinks about the animals being left behind by humanity a lot. Which is really interesting when you realize that as the literal King of the Beasts with a pack, nay a whole planet full of animals at his call and the entire run of the natural landscape to their own... he should really WANT for nothing??

Having Humanity ditch would be ideal for an animal-led society. And Leon doesn't specify what he wants the miraculous power for but...I get the feeling he wouldn't mind a chance to sink his teeth into AHEM "talk" to the ex-Forgotten Landers.

Now, whether Leon has felt their being ditched happened enough for it to become a reoccurring condition, uh... I guess Elfilis did shatter his soul and leave him for dead?  But the truth is I probably just exaggerated a wee bit. (But it got me this ask and a chance to talk about Leongar and I love the Beast Pack so it's all good!)

Also, you know, I'm just generally pretty notorious (?!) for reading a LOT (...too much?) characterization into very little! 

Heh. I just know some of you are out there patiently trying to persuade me to become a Necrodeus fan~! XD

That said, I think the idea of him being a "...for the cost of your soul" Devil is very neat. It's a role the Kirby-verse doesn't have currently and could surely benefit from, at least when it comes to interesting interactions with the cast as a whole!

But, heh, you see, I think it's MORE interesting if he's not...!

...BecauseI pored back over the Skull Lord's wiki page for this (I wanted to see if he had some kind of title that would support the "devil" interpretation) and I spotted something that was of EXTREME interest to me given my obsession with the theory that :cough: 

All Ancient Artifacts Corrupt Absolutely!!!

Because Daroach says that the Skullys as a whole "changed" noticeably AFTER Necrodeus got ahold of shiny new Magic Staff...

Gosh! What's this?! Sudden personality changes associated with the acquisition of a magical artifact?! You don't say!!

And look at the dang thing! I point specifically to the clawed talons clutching the center jewel. Like the talons of a certain crown...?

Also, how else could someone like Necrodeus (no offense to Necrodeus fans) split OUR nearly invincible Kirby into ten weaker copies? ...Sounds like an Ancient Artifact at work to me!

(Necrodeus another victim?! Uh oh, I may become a fan after all!)

Edit: ...Actually, I just got a weird sense of deja vu. Did I write about Necrodeus' staff being a Master Crown-tier object before??

That'd be embarrassing! (I've crested 1k posts though, so it wouldn't be too surprising if I start repeating myself at some point. ^^; )

[singular-yike]

Would you mind doing an analysis on the Tasouken?

Ah of course! Let's take a closer look at the Ametsukana's magnum opus, the most powerful weapon ever created, the heirloom of a powerful clan and personal treasure of Adagumo no Yaorochi:

Aloof Sword — Tasouken

Name: Tasouken

In Tasouken (蛇叢剣), the characters respectively mean "snake" (蛇 ta), "cluster/gathering" (叢 sou) and "sword" (剣 ken).

"Snake" (蛇) is almost certainly a reference to its original owner, who is based on the monstrous serpent Yamata no Orochi; as well as their current owner, Adagumo no Yaorochi, who belongs to a group of snake-like youkai named orochi.

The second character, "cluster/gathering" (叢), is likely used in reference to one of the sword's alternate names (or rather, false names, according to Yaorochi): "Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi" (天叢雲剣), the “Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds”.

Backstory: Distant Past

The Tasouken was forged a long time ago by Yago Ametsukana, and was granted as an heirloom by the heavens to a powerful clan, which had control over several provinces of Ancient Japan.

Jealous and fearful of the clan leader's power, rival clans threw them a party and gave them unusually strong sake. Once they fell asleep drunk, they cut him up into pieces and stole the sword.

Throughout history, many a sword was created based on the Tasouken, and they all, Tasouken included, went by a number of names: Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, Tsumugari-no-Tachi, and so on.

One day, the original Tasouken fell into the ocean, allowing the clan leader's descendant Adagumo no Yaorochi to retrieve it. However, its long time spent under the sea had completely rusted it, and it was but a shadow of its former self.

Mythological & Historical Inspiration

The Tasouken is based on a sword so ancient, we can trace it through history all the way into mythology: The Kusanagi.

Depicted below: An artist's impression of the Kusanagi, not the real thing, as it remains unseen.

Origins in Mythology

Kusanagi's mythological origins lie with the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto.

He was banished from the celestial realm of Takamagahara for being a terrible guest by its ruler, Susanoo's sister the sun goddess Amaterasu. He then wandered the earthly realm, where he came across an old couple and their daughter weeping together.

He asked why they were so distressed and the old man explained that he and his wife used to have eight daughters, but now only the youngest, Kushinadahime, remained.

They explained that the other daughters were taken and eaten by the monstrous eight-headed, eight-tailed serpent Yamata no Orochi (八岐大蛇). In response, Susanoo offered to slay the beast for them in return for Kushinada's hand in marriage.

Susanoo instructed the old couple to brew a saké distilled many times over and to build a gate with eight holes in it, each leading to a saké dish. When Yamata no Orochi arrived, it drank from the dishes and felt drunk asleep, allowing Susanoo to slay it.

Depicted below: Susanoo (cetnre) slaying Yamata-no-Orochi (bottom-right), saving Kushinadahime (top-left)

As Susanoo was cutting one of the serpent's tails, he found within it a sword, offering it up to Amaterasu as an apology, this was the Kusanagi. This story is, of course, very heavily referenced in the Tasouken's own story.

Additionally, the false names given to the Tasouken and its imitations in its official profile are also based on this tale:

In the Kojiki, it is said to be originally named “Tsumukari no Tachi” (都牟刈の大刀), later named "Kusanagi no Tachi" (草那芸の大刀)

In the Nihon Shoki, it is originally named "Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi" (天叢雲剣), the “Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds”

In both, it is later instead called "Kusanagi no Tsurugi" (草薙剣), "Grass-cutting sword" when the hero Yamato Takeru uses it to cut down burning grass in order to save his own life

According to the legends, Amaterasu later grants the sword to her grandson, the god Ninigi-no-Mikoto, to take with him down to earth as its new ruler. Ninigi would later sire the ancestors to the imperial Japanese family.

Ninigi was also granted the mirror Yata no Kagami and the bead Yasakani no Magatama. Along with the sword, they form the three imperial regalia of Japan, symbols of the Emperor's authority over Japan as the divine descendants of Amaterasu.

From Legends to History: The Second Sword

According to the Kogo Shūi, the descendants of the god Ame-no-Mahitotsu-no-Kami, on whom Yago Ametsukana is based, forged another Kusanagi during the reign of the legendary Emperor Sujin.

It is said that this copy's divine might matched that of the original, and that it is kept alongside the Emperors at their palaces in order to protect them. The latter point we do have historical evidence for.

From Legends to History: Enshrinement at the Atsuta Shrine

The original Kusanagi would also appear once last time in the legends as the sword of the hero Yamato Takeru, gifted to him by his aunt, who worked as the saiō shrine maiden at the Ise Grand Shrine, where the sword was kept.

Most notably, Yamato Takeru used the sword to mow down the burning grass around him, which his enemies had lit in an attempt to kill him. This is perhaps where we get the Tasouken's association with mowing things down from.

Depicted below: Yamato Takeru using the Kusanagi to mow down burning grass.

Yamato Takeru would end up leaving the sword with his wife prior to his final expedition, on which he passed away. After this, she brought the sword not back to the Ise Grand Shrine, but established a new shrine where the sword would be enshrined: The Atsuta Shrine.

This reconciles the legends with history, as our earliest records of the Kusanagi is that of it being enshrined at the Atsuta Shrine.

Alleged Losses Throughout History: The Original Kusanagi

The original Kusanagi enshrined at the Atsuta Shrine, according to its official statements, remains safely at the shrine until this very day.

Below: The Atsuta Shrine's prayer hall.

However, the shrine's records also note that the entire shrine had burnt down once, gotten captured by rivalling factions multiple times and that there had been an attempt at stealing the sword.

The last time the sword was officially seen was when the shrine was entirely renovated during the Edo period, under the rule of shōgun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (1646-1709), by the priests who took a look at it when renovating the box it was kept in.

In the Meiji era, an imperial messenger was sent to investigate the status of the Kusanagi at the Atsuta Shrine. However, the Chancellor of the Realm at the time, Sanjō Sanetomi, put in an order to cease the investigation right as the box was to be opened.

All these events combine to make the shrine's claims that the very Kusanagi from the legends sit unchanged in the shrine very dubious. However, due to its sacred status, it is never displayed, and the truth remains obscured.

Alleged Losses Throughout History: The Second Kusanagi

The second Kusanagi is said to also have been lost, with tales ranging from theft to forgery to loss at sea explaining how this copy of Kusanagi was lost.

Historians now believe that there were likely multiple swords held to be this second Kusanagi, and is why it is said to have been lost so many times in so many ways.

This, combined with the dubious status of the Kusanagi at the Atsuta Shrine, makes many people believe that the real Kusanagi and its legendarily equal replica had already been long lost, its true whereabouts lost to time.

Most famously, and relevant to us, it is said to have sunk into the sea during the historical Battle of Dan-no-ura (1185), found between the Taira and Minamoto clans over control of the Emperor.

In the battle, the Taira were cornered by the Minamoto, upon which the Taira attempted to throw the imperial regalia into the sea to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.

This event is the very one referenced in the Tasouken's retrieval by Yaorochi. Now that the Tasouken's history is recounted, we can finally take a look at the future Len'en had painted for it.

The Earthen Miraculous Sword

Now in Mugenri, Yaorochi came across a replica of the Tasouken made of clay. To revive the sword, they tricked Sukune Katano, the replica's creator, into giving them the replica, and into helping them transfer the Tasouken's soul into the replica.

They had Sukune build a giant ritual chamber, which served as a vessel to ensure that the sword's power would not escape during its transferral into the replica.

Depicted below: The haniwa-shaped ritual chamber in the Unlost Woods, where the transferral ritual took place.

Once preparations were complete, Yaorochi ordered Sukune to stand guard outside and began.

Thrusting both the Tasouken and its clay replica into the ground, Yaorochi began transferring its soul into the replica, upon which the rusted Tasouken immediately crumbled into dust.

The ritual went on for several days, and when it was finally complete, Yaorochi simply drew out the clay sword and lightly tapped the ground with its blade.

The clay crumbled away to reveal the steel of the sword within, the Tasouken has returned. Filled with glee, Yaorochi headed towards the roof to await their "guests".

During the fight, the Tasouken's spirit, perhaps enhanced by the superb vessel Sukune had created, awakened, if only briefly. However, it soon subsided and has not been heard from since.

This was perhaps thanks to a magical inscription inscribed onto it by Adagumo no Saragimaru, designed to suppress its power and prevent it from performing its regular function.

Tasouken Mysteries

So that covers the Tasouken's history, both as a legendary artefact from our reality and its true story as told in Len'en. However, there are still many more mysteries related to it, here I'll mention a few:

Embodiment of the Armchair Theory

In BPoHC, Yago explains that the Tasouken is "incomplete", as the sword's true power cannot be properly wielded by anyone, not human, youkai nor god.

What Saragimaru Knows

Despite being impossible to be properly wielded, even according to its own creator, Saragimaru claims to know how to use it. However, this was never elaborated upon.

Additionally, it's unknown what "regular function" Saragimaru sealed away, although I personally believe it's related to its ability to "sever relations", as Yaorochi seems to be doing quite well with Sukune now.

Curiously, Suzumi Kuzu seems to be searching for information on how to use the Tasouken as well, although to no avail.

And that concludes this post on the Tasouken!

I hope I didn't go too far with the history and mythology, but I think this really highlights how the Adagumo's and the Tasouken's story gets muddled and confused with and throughout history.

Especially in the Tasouken's case, you can really see the impact it had by tracing its mythology and history in both our reality and in Len'en.

Like how Len'en reframes the various names and potential replicas of the Kusanagi as derivatives attempting to reach the original's splendour, when all who knew the original had been lost to time. (Consider revisiting the Tasouken's official profile sometime it's really good)

Anywho, that's enough rambling, this is long enough as is. As usual, I hope you enjoyed~ :)

[kindestegg]

whooo! i finally drew some things for this au im DEEP into. based HEAVILY on @babbybones‘ “dark princes” theory and “wrong prince” au, this is a set of alternate universes in which the secret bosses take the place of ralsei and instead ralsei becomes a secret boss. based on the theory jevil and spamton were “prototype ralseis”, originally contacted by gaster to become guides, but failed to meet the requirements.

image transcript under the cut!!

[a set of eight images. the first depicts ralsei, a goat-like furry monster wearing a wizard robe and hat, as well as glasses and a scarf. ralsei appears sinister, with a shadow being cast over his eyes, his glasses having a shining reflection, obscuring his pupils. his robe is torn in some places, specially at the heart/spade symbol he has on his chest, making it appear to be a broken heart. the tip of his scarf is lifting up in the air, contorting into a sharp, scythe-like shape. next to him are two arrows that branch off. the first contains a “fight” icon depicted by a sword, and its outcome is depicted by his scarf contorted in that same scythe-like shape with a pointy end. it is called the “scythescarf” and is described as: “a scarf that can magically contort itself into a scythe. stay cozy even when desperate!”. the other arrow is accompanied by a “spare” icon depicted by an X, and its outcome is a headband with horns on it, called the “horned headband”, described as: “a headband that casts a particularly strong shadow. feels nostalgic”.

the second image depicts jevil, a round little grey devil wearing jester clothes. he is holding a staff in his left hand called the “suitestaff”, which appears as a cane with a striped pattern and at its top, four symbols attached together: a heart, a spade, a diamond, and a club. to his right are a list of spells he knows: healing hearts, which heals; defensive diamonds, which heightens defense; crushing clubs, which deals damage, and sleepy spades, which causes sleep.

the third image depicts spamton, a doll-like long nosed humanoid with angel wings and hair that resembles feathers. he is wearing a red bowtie, a black bodysuit, and a sheer robe that is half yellow, half pink. he is holding a golden harp with rainbow strings called the ownstrings harp, and there are spells listed next to him: angel’s hand, which heals; big shot, which does damage; and heaven’s moons, which causes sleep.

the fourth image depicts this au ralsei at different moments. to the top left, he appears incredulous, pupils slightly visible through his glasses, as he stares at someone offscreen. he says “the lightners? what are you doing here?” to the right, he is jumping up, his scarf assuming its dangerous scythe form, as he declares: “i’ll prove to you i’m better than that clumsy clown! and then i’ll be part of your team!”. to the lower left, he appears defeated, kneeling down and looking downwards as a spotlight shines on him. the words battle won! hover above him. under him is his dialogue, as he says: “ah... i see. you three really do make the perfect team. i’m sorry, i was mistaken. we weren’t meant to be friends.”

the fifth and sixth images depict the party’s varying reactions to the sycthescarf. the scythescarf is a weapon only equippable by susie, and she will always say “comfy and deadly. nice.” and it gives her +4 attack and + 6 magic. when trying to equip it to kris, susie will wonder if it just purred at kris. jevil or spamton will also comment on it. jevil says: “are you happy now?” and spamton says “did you finally get [all you could ask for and more]?” when trying to equip it to either jevil or spamton, jevil will say: “ow, stop strangling me! i’m sorry, sorry!” and spamton will say “ouch, [cursing], stop it! no [strangling] allowed!”

the seventh and eighth images depict the party’s varying reactions to the horned headband, a piece of armor equippable by all. it will always give +5 def and heal every turn, but its cosmetic effect changes between characters. when kris equips it, their nostalgia value goes up, and susie will comment on how close they are holding it to themself. jevil will say “old friends... ?” whereas spamton will say “oh, were you already [friend request accepted]?”. when equipping it to susie, she will say “figure i’d grow these some day”, and her bad idea value will go up. when equipping it to jevil he will say “two pairs of horns, double the mischief, uaheehehe!” and his bad idea value will go up. when equipping it to spamton instead, he will say “play as a rebellious half angel half devil in this award winning rpg!” and his coolness value will go up.

end id]

[fleursdemeduse]

Remembrance AU: Everything Is Blue

I've been trying to post these every 30 notes, but that happened within hours on the last post, so I'm sorry for not being done with this sooner and for how rushed it feels.

Warnings: Arguing ; Mention of Death ; Mention of bombs ; Unrequited[?] Love ; Memory Loss ; Slight Stalking ; Angst

Words: 3.7k

You hadn’t spoken to him since that incident after the festival. You knew your harsh words you had all but screamed at him had driven a stake between the two of you. It hurt so much more to think about now. You had berated the brunet when you saw him. He had messed up and you needed to let him know just how much. But when all that had left his lips in response had been a sullen “I’m sorry.”, your anger at him just increased.

“For what? I want to hear you say it.” He didn’t have a right to suddenly look so morose when just minutes earlier, you had found him cackling to himself over plans. Your form had loomed in the doorway of where he kept the wooden desk. You didn’t dare step foot into the room where such a stranger waited. His smile hadn’t been the same one you had known all this time and you actually flinched at the sight of it. You felt like prey. And now, after he had chased after you when you had turned to storm off, he thought he was allowed to look like he had been caught doing something he knew he shouldn’t have been? He had already told you the worst, even if he hadn’t done it.

“Everything.” The answer had caught you off guard. You hadn’t expected him to be so earnest in his apology. At your lack of a response, he had just shook his head, rubbing his eyes. “I have so much work to do.”

He turned to walk back to his small “office” and you reached out for him. “Wilbur, please-”

“Don’t follow me.” His voice was firm. That had been the first, and only, time he had used such a tone with you, but this had also been the first, and only, time you had yelled at him. You tried to hold back the sound that escaped your lips. You wanted to chase him anyways, but you had a discussion with Technoblade that needed to happen.

It wasn’t like you didn’t want to talk to him afterwards. You wanted to mend the great divide that seemed to loom between you two. But he didn’t seem to. He never spoke to you after that. Communication always came from another member; Techno or Tommy, more often than not. And now? Now you would never be able to fix things.

You still remembered the look in Technoblade and Tommy’s eyes when you told them you were on both of their sides. Techno had never once lied to Tommy or Wilbur about never wanting to re-establish L’Manburg, but putting Tubbo in the position of president had been done so fairly democratically. If anyone had had a problem with him inheriting the position, they could have voiced it. Instead everyone had cheered. You couldn’t fight for either side you loved so much when they were both right. Not after watching the third person you held closest to you get slain by the man who was supposed to be his father. You couldn’t lose either of them too.

Techno was a comfortable constant in your world. He was warm, funny, and the friendship between you two only seemed to grow with each passing day. You could ask him for anything in the entire world, and he’d give it to you with very little questions asked. So you helped him leave after Tommy and Tubbo set to rebuild L’Manburg. He was ready to change, he had said so himself. So much violence and carnage had left his hands permanently stained with blood. The voices didn’t help at all. You knew that. If you hadn’t have felt the need to help Tommy and Tubbo with the next phase of their life, you were sure you would have stayed in the arctic with him, away from everything that had happened. He had been more than happy to share the cabin he wanted to build with you. There would be a farm, he said, and animals. Your company was so nice, he wouldn’t mind sharing it every day. But despite how wonderful that offer sounded, you could only remind him that Tommy and Tubbo were still children and required more guidance than he did. He didn’t look happy about it, but let you go anyway with the promise that you’d come visit often.

As if anything could keep you away from your best friend.

When you returned, Tommy had sent you back to Pogtopia to collect the loose odds and ends that had been left there. It wasn’t much, just things that he had thought would help. But he couldn’t leave the process to run the errand. You were more than happy to do it for him. You knew he wouldn’t want the reminder of Wilbur, his mentor and brother in almost every sense of the word, being gone so soon.

When you had descended down the familiar walkways, you marveled at all of the buttons still left there. It felt more like a museum exhibit now than the place where the rebellion had bloomed. Aside from what you pilfered, everything had been, and would remain, untouched. Lingering in each of the “rooms”, memories about all that had happened in such a short amount of time started to haunt the quiet base.

There was a small chest in the corner of your alcove, however. One that hadn’t been there when you had left the night before the final stand for reconnaissance. You had been supposed to report back what you had found, but you had chosen to send Wilbur a message over the comms instead and visit the old library you had once called home rather than return and deliver it orally. Your leader wouldn’t have noticed either way. You were still back in time, so it didn’t matter, even if he had.

You knelt beside the wooden chest, opening it carefully. A sword sat inside, wrapped in a faded and torn brown trench coat. You ran your fingers over the material gently. The one Wilbur had been in during his death was a darker brown and wasn’t as worn. Why he had left it here, in a chest in your room, wrapped around some stupid sword? You pulled out the bundle, carefully unraveling the blade so as to not tear the fabric that held so many memories. lore was inscribed on the handle and you watched the blade shine with purple enchantments. Why in the world was this here? Your lips trembled as you remembered hearing Phil’s murmured recount of what had happened in the button room.

Had Phil not been there, would he have asked you to slay him with the very sword you held?

You dropped the weapon, hands clutching at the fraying fabric of the trench coat now in your lap. You hugged it to your chest, wishing its owner were here instead. It smelled vaguely of dirt and ink and the smallest amount of sap. There was no trace of the gunpowder you remembered perfuming his skin last time you had seen him in it. Was this how he wanted you to remember him? A former president who smelled of the dirt and sap from the country he loved and not the TNT he’d destroyed it with? A poet who spilled ink on himself rather than betrayed his friends? An elder brother who left quiet gifts for his friends and loved ones even if he didn’t know if he’d be able to see them accept it?

Tears stained the fabric as they fell off your chin like the rain that hadn’t seemed to come. Not even the heavens would mourn your friend who had fallen victim to the corruption he had sought to eradicate.

For the first time in a very long time, you felt completely isolated and alone.

L’Manburg rebuilt itself steadily. Phil had been a great asset to everything, and with the efforts of everyone, the place was just as thriving as before. You had made more friends beyond those who had helped in the rebellion. Your relationship with Tubbo growing more and more as time went on. He was a bright spot whenever Tommy or Techno were busy or otherwise couldn’t see you. You may have been close during the time of Pogtopia, but now it felt like you had adopted another little brother. It felt like you had taken the place Wilbur had left.

Tubbo would come over for tea sometimes, advice others, but more often than not, he came with new conversation points and stories about his week. He had been holding out on you. He might have come across as smart before, but the child was a downright mad scientist when he was broken out of his shell. You were glad he had been chosen as the president, even if it kept him so busy. You just hoped the power wouldn’t corrupt him the same as the two that came before him.

A small smile crossed your lips when you saw the boy across the river separating the two of you. You didn’t know he would be out and about today. You had just finished visiting Tommy, in fact. You would have invited him along. You raised your hand to wave but paused. There, peeking out from behind him, was the faded visage of a familiar beanie. Nausea settled in your stomach. Everything suddenly too hot and too cold. That couldn’t have been him.

Cold and empty black eyes turned their attention on you and you were suddenly reminded of a sword wrapped delicately in a warm trench coat tucked safely in your ender chest. You fled before Tubbo could see you too.

You avoided the spirit for weeks. Niki told you of how kind the apparition was when you bought pastries from her. Tommy mumbled about how forgetful the man was whenever you two had your weekly dinner. Techno described to you the odd personality the ghost had taken on whenever around. But you still refused to see him.

He, however, wanted to see you.

He was determined. After you had run from him so many times when he had tried approaching you both directly and indirectly, he sought for alternative methods to see you. The former president found that invisibility potions were the easiest way. He could follow you through the streets discreetly, see the expressions on your face when you talked with your other friends, stare into your eyes when you daydreamed at the docks and imagine you were looking into his once more. If he tried really hard, he could imagine that it was all directed at him.

Ghostbur missed you and he couldn’t remember why you refused to speak to him. You two had been so close. Did Alivebur do something bad to you to make you not want to even look in his direction? You wouldn’t even let him ask.

The rain had finally come around once you had stopped actively mourning. It was ironic, really. You predicted that the storm would be around for at least a few hours. Which was good. Crops needed watering and the air had started to take on a dryness that made your throat parched even with vast amounts of water.

You hadn’t predicted he’d come around with the storm.

Raindrops fell in torrents against the wooden pathways and dirt outside. It was a calming sound. You almost wished for some soft guitar to play an accompaniment to the natural percussion. The thought brought a sour taste to your mouth. Tommy had the instrument now, but the thing was old. Strings were rusted from many nights in the rain without being properly dried and the bridge had shifted from so much neglect. You wondered if the ghost could still play. You’d never find out, but you still crushed the curiosity the moment it had crossed your mind.

A loud knock echoed through your home, disrupting the incomplete symphony and you removed yourself from the warm couch you had been curled upon. You opened the door a little, trying to not flood your home with the storm that unleashed it’s wrath outside. A yellow sweater and red beanie came into view, but they sizzled in the downpour and looked almost like they were melting. Tubbo had told you of his weakness to water, why was he out in this weather? Why was he at your door?

“It’s pouring rain, what are you doing here?” You hadn’t meant for your tone to be as icy as it was.

“I didn’t know where else to go.” You took a small breath, closing your eyes as you tried to talk yourself out of allowing him inside. The small hiss of rain hitting his jumper filled your ears and you released the breath in a sigh as you failed to convince yourself. The door swung open wider and you stood to the side. After a moment, you looked at him again.

“Get in here before I leave you out there.” You watched the ghost scramble to rush out of the rain, and you watched him silently for a moment before closing the door behind him. Brushing past the ghost, you walked to your kitchen. You hoped some tea would soothe your nerves and the ghost would be quiet. Phil had given you a small bag of chamomile herbal tea that had lavender buds in it. He said it was to help with sleep and reduce stress and you couldn’t help but think he had gifted it to you for this exact moment.

You waited for the water to heat on the furnace. Once the bubbles slowly grew and rose to the surface, you pulled the pot off and turned before startling. Wilbur had been right behind you, watching the water as well. You recognized the feeling of hot pain quickly grow on your chest and you gasped, setting down the pot on the counter as you moved to pull your shirt away from the scarred flesh to prevent further scalding. Wilbur had yelped as well, some of the water having sloshed onto him. You looked up to him, eyes wide when you saw his arm start to melt.

“Sorry, are you-” The words died on your tongue when his eyes met yours however. The feeling of crying immediately replaced your concern. You missed his brown eyes. The ones that looked into yours so attentively when you were talking. The ones that flashed with his emotions, even when they were kept off of his face. The ones that looked like melted honey in the sunlight and rich chocolate in the torchlight. You hadn’t realized your vision had become blurry with unshed tears until you watched the grey blob of his hand put something into your own.

“Have some blue. It’ll be okay.” You stared at the mass in your hand, the small blue pile growing darker and darker. You looked up at the ghost, confused. “It’s blue!”

“Yeah, Wilbur. It is.”

“No, no it’s called blue. It starts out translucent and then slowly turns blue as it absorbs your sadness!” You scoffed, setting it on the counter next to the pot.

“Obviously it doesn’t work.”

“It does! You’re not gonna cry anymore, are you?” You turned to look at him again, freezing when you saw his smile. That stupid smile that shouldn’t have been so wide on his ashen face. You shook your head, turning back to put the water into your mug. It had cooled a little, but that was alright. It would brew okay still.

“Why are you here, Wilbur?”

“I told you, I didn’t know where else to go.” You slammed the pot onto the counter with a little more force than was probably necessary.

“But why me? You finally want to talk to me now? After everything you’ve done?” You spun on your heel to glare at the ghost that floated in your kitchen. The water on your shirt was cold now and sticking to you, but your face felt so hot. His smile dropped from his face and he looked stricken.

“I did something to you?” You bit your lip, feeling your throat tighten. How could he not remember?

“You ignored me for so long, Wilbur! I tried so hard to make things up to you after our fight, and what do I get? A stupid sword and a coat with too many memories attached. Like that would ever make up for anything! You know what?” You reached into the ender chest that sat in on the counter, throwing the bundle at him. “Why don’t you have it back, then? Load of good it does me!” You sniffled, feeling tears prick your eyes. You laughed a little, wiping at them with the back of your hands. “I feel so stupid. I missed you so much and yet you’re right here in front of me. So why doesn’t it feel like you’re you? Why doesn’t any of this make me feel better?”

The feeling of something cold touched your cheek. It was like cool morning mist before the dew and it felt nice against your flushed skin. You felt your lips tremble when you realized the ghost was holding your cheek just like he had the night before the festival. They didn’t smell like anything this time.

“Because I’m not Alivebur. I’m Ghostbur. We’re different.” You heard the sound of your tears fall against his hand before you felt them, but he didn’t pull his hand away. “I don’t remember what happened between us before he died, but I do remember you were very important to him, [y/n]. You’re very important to me.”

“You don’t remember anything?” You sniffled, starting to move away from his touch. His hand dropped back to his side.

“I remember a lot of things, but I don’t remember why you’re mad at me.” A half-laugh tumbled from your lips, but it sounded more like air than anything.

“I wasn’t truly mad at you until you blew up everything and died, Wilbur,” You paused. “-Ghostbur. What do you actually remember, then?”

You didn’t miss how the correction made a smile bloom once more on his lips.

"I remember saying I'd die for you multiple times." A snort escaped you and you shook your head, pressing a hand to your mouth and looking away from the apparition before you.

"I didn't think you meant literally. That was always my job, wasn’t it?” You felt him pull away your hand gently and hold it. The feeling wasn’t unpleasant, but you didn’t like it. His touch lacked the soft tangibility it once had and it was just another painful reminder.

“Let’s go sit on the couch. I want to talk to you again. I want to catch up.”

You nodded, your tears starting to dry a little.

He guided you to your living room, perching himself on the sofa before waiting for you to sit as well. The air felt tense as he pulled you into a conversation. After a while, the wind and rain slowed and were a quiet hum compared to the easy laughter and sweet smiles you two shared. You avoided the heavy topics. The ones that would make this kind dream dissolve back into the harsh reality that awaited you later when you couldn’t pretend like nothing had happened. Once the lull on his side of the conversation lasted too long, however, you turned to look at him. You were met with a warm gaze that held the spark of something you didn’t even know could present itself in the dead eyes of your once dear friend.

“[Y/n]?” You hummed in response. “I’m so glad I came here. You make me feel alive. For the first time ever, I feel like I can breathe. It feels like everything was so devoid of colour, I didn’t know what it meant until now.”

You laughed a little. “That’s not my doing, ‘bur.”

Ghostbur stood and moved to look out your window, watching the sun slowly set. You hadn’t realized the storm had stopped until you saw the golden light wash him in a warm glow that made him a vision to behold.

“[y/n]?” You hummed again, reaching to finish your tea that had been remade over the hours. “Why didn’t you love me?”

Your heart stalled in your chest. You turned your head and watched the ghost slowly turn to you and you furrowed your eyebrows. What was he talking about? “Please don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you didn’t know.” Your mouth was dry, but you set the mug back down.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ghostbur. We were friends. Of course I loved you.” He shook his head.

“Not in the way that I wanted. I-” You watched him fish some blue out of his pocket and play with it. “I really loved you, [y/n]. I wanted you to be by my side through everything. But when you seemed to continuously choose Technoblade, I felt like I couldn’t say anything. Now, you’re hurt by what Alivebur did. I know other people haven’t truly forgiven me for what he did. I haven’t either. And I don’t like hearing about it, but it still hurts.” He looked so sad, the blue in his hands growing darker and darker. “We can’t even be together now because I’m a ghost.”

Suddenly his eyes lit up like he had remembered something. You watched him immediately turn and make his way to the door. Navy blue pieces forgotten on your floor. “That’s it! There’s so much work to do.”

The memory of soft apologies spoken in a ravine echoed in your ears. Your heart picked up speed and you stood, reaching out for him as if to stop him as he pulled open your front door. “Ghostbur, please-”

“Don’t follow me.”

How many times would you have to hear that before the words didn’t hurt anymore?

[genshin-impact-updates]

Version 2.0 "The Immovable God and the Eternal Euthymia" Update Details(Part 1)

Dear Travelers,

Below are the details of the Version 2.0 update "The Immovable God and the Eternal Euthymia" and the update compensation.

〓Compensation〓

Maintenance Compensation: Primogems ×300 (60 Primogems per hour the servers are down)

Issue Fix Compensation: Primogems ×300 (please refer to the relevant compensation mail for more details)

〓Scope of Compensation〓

Maintenance Compensation: Travelers who reach Adventure Rank 5 or above before 2021/07/21 06:00 (UTC+8).

Please claim before the end of Version 2.0.

Issue Fix Compensation: Travelers who reach Adventure Rank 5 and above before 2021/07/21 06:00 (UTC+8).

Please claim the compensation mail before 2021/07/24 06:00 (UTC+8).

Our developers will distribute compensation to Travelers via in-game mail within 5 hours after the update maintenance is finished. The mail will expire after 30 days, so don't forget to claim the attached compensation in time.

〓Update Schedule〓

Update maintenance begins 2021/07/21 06:00 (UTC+8) and is estimated to take 5 hours.

〓How to Update Game Client〓

PC: Close the game, open the Genshin Impact Launcher, and click Update.

iOS: Open the App Store and tap Update.

Android: Open the game and follow the directions on-screen.

PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5: Highlight Genshin Impact from the Home Screen, press the "OPTIONS" button, and select "Check for Update."

Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service if you encounter any issues installing the new version. We will do our very best to resolve the issue.

〓Update Details〓

I. New Region

New Region - Inazuma

◇ New Areas: In Version 2.0, three areas, Narukami Island, Kannazuka, and Yashiori Island in the Inazuma region will be available.

◇ Unlock Criteria:

• Adventure Rank 30 or above

• Complete the Archon Quest "Chapter II: Act I - The Immovable God and the Eternal Euthymia"

▌New System in Inazuma

Sacred Sakura

Offer the Electro Sigils you obtain during your various adventures in Inazuma to the Sacred Sakura to raise your Sacred Sakura's Favor Level and gain valuable items in return. You will receive upgrades to your Electrogranum's level at certain levels of the Sacred Sakura's Favor, which will enhance their abilities.

Sacred Sakura System Unlock Criteria:

• Reach Adventure Rank 30 or above and complete the quest "Ritou Escape Plan."

Electrograna

These miraculous spirits are called Electrograna. They spawn from Thunder Sakura Boughs and grant the protection of Electro.

Electrograna have various powers. Carry them with you to travel rapidly using Thunder Spheres, traverse Thunder Barriers, and even withstand Balethunder. You can offer Electro Sigils to the Sacred Sakura at the Grand Narukami Shrine to enhance Electrogranum strength.

The powerful Electrograna will even aid Travelers they connect with in fighting against their foes.

Inazuma Reputation System

◇ Inazuma Reputation Unlock Criteria:

• Complete the Archon Quest "Chapter II: Act I - The Immovable God and the Eternal Euthymia"

• Complete the quest "The Commission's Commission"

By interacting with certain NPCs in Inazuma, you will be able to accept requests to complete and increase your Reputation. As your Reputation Level increases, you will unlock various Reputation Rewards!

In addition, Expeditions, Daily Commissions, and other new content will also be added in Inazuma.

◇ Inazuma Daily Commissions Unlock Criteria:

• Complete the Archon Quest "Chapter II: Act I - The Immovable God and the Eternal Euthymia"

• Complete the quest "Katheryne in Inazuma"

▌New Gameplay in Inazuma

Thunder Sakura Boughs

Sometimes in Inazuma you will come across Thunder Sakura Boughs, from which you can acquire Electrograna that last for a certain duration.

Thunder Barriers

A kind of impenetrable shield known in Inazuma as a Thunder Barrier.

For some mysterious reason, receiving the acknowledgment of Electrograna and carrying them with you allows you to pass through some such barriers unimpeded.

Balethunder

Some regions in Inazuma are affected by high levels of Electro concentration. While in these regions, you will gradually lose HP. This phenomenon is known as Balethunder.

Use Electrograna to protect yourself against the harmful effects of Balethunder.

Thunder Spheres

This strange entity is known as a Thunder Sphere. It is a common sight in Inazuma. Characters who wield Electro power or who are looked after by Inazuma can use it to move around at lightning speed.

Characters carrying an Electrogranum or affected by Electro in proximity to a Thunder Sphere can move towards it at great speed.

New gameplay mechanisms added in Inazuma also include Thunderstones, Lightning Strike Probes, Discharge Stones, and Cumulation Stones.

▌New Domains in Inazuma

Domain of Forgery: Court of Flowing Sand

◇ They say that in antediluvian times now lost to history, there was once a foolish ruler who dreamed of building a high garden in honor of the white sacred tree over the primordial sands. Now, dead silence fills the kingdom built on sand, but the obsessions of the past remain.

◇ Unlock Criteria: Reach Adventure Rank 30 or above and complete the quest "Ritou Escape Plan."

◆ Challenge the Domain to obtain Weapon Ascension Materials such as: Mask of the Tiger's Bite, Narukami's Joy, and Jeweled Branch of a Distant Sea.

Domain of Mastery: Violet Court

◇ Sometime in the ancient past, the mountains rose higher than the skies, and the earth was larger than heaven's dome. But one day, the mirror shattered, and the oceans arose. In these legends, this caused the court of the primeval sakura to become sundered from the other islands.

◇ Unlock Criteria: Reach Adventure Rank 30 or above and complete the quest "Ritou Escape Plan."

◆ Challenge the Domain to obtain Talent Level-Up Materials such as: Guide to Transience, Guide to Elegance, and Guide to Light.

Domain of Blessing: Momiji-Dyed Court

◇ This court is ever a silent scene of falling red leaves. Perhaps lost causes and unforgettable loves may follow the veins of the earth and coalesce into the fruits of the court's white tree.

◇ Unlock Criteria: Reach Adventure Rank 30 or above and complete the quest "Ritou Escape Plan."

◆ Challenge the Domain to obtain artifacts in the Shimenawa's Reminiscence and Emblem of Severed Fate sets.

Domain: Empty Boat of a Thousand Gates

◇ This tengu annex dwelling that floats upon the sea like a lonesome boat once played host to the somewhat famous "Yougou Three," and this would later become the cage in which they, having despaired, spent the rest of their days.

◇ Unlock Criteria: Reach Adventure Rank 30 or above and fulfill certain criteria.

◆ Challenge the Domain to obtain rewards such as Primogems and Electro Sigils.

Domain: Shakkei Pavilion

◇ This magnificent mansion was built by an ancient ascetic warrior in the depths of the earth using scenery borrowed from the outside world. In latter days, a deeply disheartened eccentric would be discovered within.

◇ Unlock Criteria: Reach Adventure Rank 32 or above and fulfill certain criteria.

◆ Challenge the Domain to obtain rewards such as Primogems and Electro Sigils.

Domain: Formation Estate

◇ This estate once belonged to a lieutenant of Orobashi no Mikoto, until he, the body of his god, and the sky alike were rent open by a flash of lightning.

◇ Unlock Criteria: Reach Adventure Rank 35 or above and fulfill certain criteria.

◆ Challenge the Domain to obtain rewards such as Primogems and Electro Sigils.

II. New Characters

5-Star Character "Frostflake Heron" Kamisato Ayaka

◇ Vision: Cryo

◇ Weapon: Sword

◇ Daughter of the Yashiro Commission's Kamisato Clan. Dignified and elegant, as well as wise and strong.

"Inazuma Shogunate, Yashiro Commission, Kamisato Clan." Widely known as one of the most distinguished clans in all of Inazuma, it is the branch of the Tri-Commission that manages ceremonial and cultural affairs.

Since my parents passed, Brother and I assumed responsibility for all clan matters, big and small.

◆ Ayaka's Elemental Skill, Kamisato Art: Hyouka can deal AoE Cryo DMG to surrounding opponents. Her Alternate Sprint, Kamisato Art: Senho, allows her to move at high speed in the form of a torrent on water or ground. When Ayaka reappears, she temporarily receives a Cryo infusion.

When she casts her Elemental Burst, Kamisato Art: Soumetsu, Ayaka releases a long-lasting Frostflake Seki no To, a storm of whirling icy winds that slashes repeatedly at every opponent it touches, dealing Cryo DMG.

5-Star Character "Frolicking Flames" Yoimiya

◇ Vision: Pyro

◇ Weapon: Bow

◇ Owner of Naganohara Fireworks. Known as "Queen of the Summer Festival," she excels in her craft of creating fireworks that symbolize people's hopes and dreams.

Fireworks are born out of people's desire for light and beauty. The earliest mention of fireworks dates back to Liyue during the Archon War. Born from fire and embodied in stone and metal, they have since become an integral part of many festive activities in Teyvat. The Naganohara family has carried on this beautiful human tradition from generation to generation. It is rumored that in addition to the locally-made fireworks, fireworks made by Naganohara Fireworks were also used during Liyue's Lantern Rite, adding an extra touch of splendor to the festival.

◆ Yoimiya's Elemental Skill, Niwabi Fire-Dance, converts her Normal Attacks into Blazing Arrows for a period of time. Blazing Arrows deal Pyro DMG.

Her Elemental Burst, Ryuukin Saxifrage, deals AoE Pyro DMG and applies Aurous Blaze to one of the hit opponents.

All Normal/Charged/Plunging Attacks, Elemental Skills, and Elemental Bursts by any party member other than Yoimiya that hit an opponent marked by Aurous Blaze will trigger an explosion, dealing AoE Pyro DMG.

4-Star Character "Mujina Ninja" Sayu

◇ Vision: Anemo

◇ Weapon: Claymore

◇ A pint-sized ninja attached to the Shuumatsuban, who always seems to be lacking sleep.

◆ Using her Elemental Skill, Yoohoo Art: Fuuin Dash, Sayu curls up into a rolling Fuufuu Windwheel and smashes into opponents at high speed, dealing Anemo DMG. When the duration ends, she unleashes a Fuufuu Whirlwind Kick, dealing AoE Anemo DMG. Hold to cause Sayu to roll continuously in the Fuufuu Windwheel state.

Her Elemental Burst summons the Muji-Muji Daruma, which can either restore character HP when characters are at low HP or deal Anemo DMG to enemies, depending on the circumstances.

◆ During the event wish, The Heron's Court, the event-exclusive 5-star character "Frostflake Heron" Kamisato Ayaka (Cryo) will get a huge drop-rate boost!

*The event-exclusive 5-star character "Frolicking Flames" Yoimiya (Pyro) and 4-star character "Mujina Ninja" Sayu (Anemo) will be available in a future event wish.

5-star Character Traveler (Electro)

◆ Interact with a Statue of The Seven - Electro to resonate with the Electro element, and use a new Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst. The Elemental Skill, Lightning Blade, can unleash three thunder shadows that deal Electro DMG to opponents and leave an Abundance Amulet behind. Characters who pick up an Abundance Amulet will restore Elemental Energy and have their rate of Energy Recharge increased for a period of time.

The Elemental Burst, Bellowing Thunder, calls upon a shroud of lightning. When your active character's Normal or Charged Attacks hit opponents, they will call forth Falling Thunder, dealing Electro DMG. When Falling Thunder hits opponents, it will regenerate Energy for that character.

III. New Equipment

▌New Weapons

Mistsplitter Reforged (5-Star Sword)

◇ A sword that blazes with a fierce violet light. The name "Reforged" comes from it having been broken once before.

◆ The wielder gains an Elemental DMG Bonus for every element and receives the might of Mistsplitter's Emblem.

Mistsplitter's Emblem:

Gain up to 3 stacks of Mistsplitter's Emblems, with each stack's duration calculated independently. The higher the stack level of the Mistsplitter's Emblem, the greater the Elemental DMG Bonus of the wielder's Elemental Type.

The character will obtain 1 stack of Mistsplitter's Emblem in each of the following scenarios:

Normal Attack deals Elemental DMG (stack lasts 5s)

Cast Elemental Burst (stack lasts 10s)

Energy is less than 100% (stack disappears when Energy is full).

◆ During the event wish, Epitome Invocation, the event-exclusive 5-star weapon Mistsplitter Reforged (Sword) will receive a huge drop-rate boost!

Thundering Pulse (5-Star Bow)

◇ A longbow that was a gift from the Shogun. Eternal lightning crackles all around it.

◆ Increases ATK when wielded and grants the might of the Thunder Emblem.

Thunder Emblem:

Gain up to 3 stacks of Thunder Emblems, with each stack's duration calculated independently. The higher the stack level of the Thunder Emblem, the greater the DMG dealt by Normal Attacks.

The character will obtain 1 stack of Thunder Emblem in each of the following scenarios:

Normal Attack deals DMG (stack lasts 5s)

Cast Elemental Skill (stack lasts 10s)

Energy is less than 100% (stack disappears when Energy is full).

*The event-exclusive 5-star weapon Thundering Pulse (Bow) will be available in a future event wish.

Amenoma Kageuchi (4-Star Sword)

◇ A blade custom made for a famed samurai who could strike down a tengu warrior, known for their incredible agility, in midair.

◆ After casting an Elemental Skill, gain 1 Succession Seed. Up to 3 Succession Seeds may exist simultaneously. After casting an Elemental Burst, all Succession Seeds are consumed and after 2s, the character regenerates Energy for each seed consumed.

◆ Complete the quest "The Farmer's Treasure" to obtain the Forging Blueprint for the weapon, Amenoma Kageuchi.

Katsuragikiri Nagamasa (4-Star Claymore）

◇ A blade that was once made in Tatarasuna. Heavy and tough.

◆ Increases Elemental Skill DMG. After Elemental Skill hits an opponent, the character loses Energy but regenerates Energy for the next 6s. This effect can occur once every 10s. Can be triggered even when the character is not on the field.

◆ When exploring in Inazuma, fulfill certain criteria to obtain the Forging Blueprint for the weapon, Katsuragikiri Nagamasa.

Kitain Cross Spear (4-Star Polearm)

◇ A special lance that was once used by a famed warrior who guarded the Tatarigami on Yashiori Island.

◆ Increases Elemental Skill DMG. After Elemental Skill hits an opponent, the character loses Energy but regenerates Energy for the next 6s. This effect can occur once every 10s. Can be triggered even when the character is not on the field.

◆ Complete the quest "Orobashi's Legacy" to obtain the Forging Blueprint for the weapon, Kitain Cross Spear.

Hakushin Ring (4-Star Catalyst)

◇ A catalyst that carries the memory of the Kitsune Saiguu of ancient times. However, this device is but an impoverished vessel for the full breadth of her thought.

◆ After the character equipped with this weapon triggers an Electro elemental reaction, nearby party members of an Elemental Type involved in the elemental reaction receive a Elemental DMG Bonus for their element, lasting 6s. Elemental Bonuses gained in this way cannot be stacked.

◆ Complete the quest "Yougou Cleansing" to obtain the Forging Blueprint for the weapon, Hakushin Ring.

Hamayumi (4-Star Bow)

◇ A certain shrine maiden once owned this warbow. It was made with surpassing skill, and is both intricate and sturdy.

◆ Increases Normal Attack DMG and Charged Attack DMG. When the equipping character's Energy reaches 100%, this effect is increased by 100%.

◆ When exploring in Inazuma, fulfill certain criteria to obtain the Forging Blueprint for the weapon, Hamayumi.

▌New Artifacts

Shimenawa's Reminiscence (4-Star and 5-Star)

◇ 2-Piece Set: ATK is increased.

◇ 4-Piece Set: When casting an Elemental Skill, if the character has a certain amount of Energy, they lose Energy and Normal/Charged/ Plunging Attack DMG is increased for 10s.

Emblem of Severed Fate (4-Star and 5-Star)

◇ 2-Piece Set: Energy Recharge is increased.

◇4-Piece Set: Increases Elemental Burst DMG by a certain percentage of Energy Recharge. A maximum of 75% bonus DMG can be obtained in this way.

◆ Obtain artifacts in the above sets from Momiji-Dyed Court, the new Domain of Blessing in Inazuma.

IV. New Events

"Thunder Sojourn" Event: Take part to obtain "Uncrowned Lord of the Ocean" Beidou (Electro)!

During the event, complete challenges across Inazuma to obtain Thunder Pellets and Thunder Crystals. Use Thunder Pellets and Thunder Crystals to obtain "Uncrowned Lord of the Ocean" Beidou (Electro), Crown of Insight, Talent Level-Up Materials, Hero's Wit, and other rewards!

〓Event Duration〓

Gameplay Duration

Act I

2021/7/22 10:00 - 2021/8/9 03:59

Act II

2021/7/24 04:00

Act III

2021/7/27 04:00

Act IV

2021/7/30 04:00

Event Shop Duration

2021/7/22 10:00 - 2021/8/16 03:59

〓Eligibility〓

Adventure Rank 30 or above

Complete the Archon Quest "Autumn Winds, Scarlet Leaves," and the "Ritou Escape Plan" quest in "Chapter II: Act I - The Immovable God and the Eternal Euthymia"

〓Act I: Bolt Blitz〓

During the event, complete the "Voyage Prep" quest to unlock Act I: Bolt Blitz.

During the event, Travelers may complete six challenges in total, with three new challenges unlocking each day.

After starting the challenge, Travelers must use Thunder Spheres to move quickly and reach the destination within the time limit.

Complete the challenges to obtain rewards such as Thunder Pellets, Primogems, and Mora.

〓Act II: Lightning Round〓

During the event, complete the "Tracking the Thunder" quest to unlock Act II: Lightning Round.

After starting the challenge, Travelers will need to defeat all opponents within the time limit.

Complete the challenges to obtain rewards such as Thunder Pellets, Primogems, and Mora.

〓Act III: Weaving Lightning〓

During the event, complete the "Crossing Storm Clouds" quest to unlock Act III: Weaving Lightning.

After starting the challenge, Travelers will need to defeat all opponents within the time limit.

Complete the challenges to obtain rewards such as Thunder Pellets, Primogems, and Mora.

〓Act IV: Automaton Front〓

During the event, complete the "Facing Distant Echoes" quest to unlock Act IV: Automaton Front.

Complete the Domain challenge to obtain Thunder Crystals. Thunder Crystals can be used to redeem for rewards in the Event Shop.

〓Event Details〓

Use 1,000 Thunder Pellets and 1,000 Thunder Crystals at the Oceanlord's Oath to exchange for "Uncrowned Lord of the Ocean" Beidou (Electro). Can only be exchanged for once.

2021/08/16 03:59 After the Event Shop closes, any remaining Thunder Pellets and Thunder Crystals in your possession will disappear, so please be sure to exchange them for rewards in time!

[Part 2 will be posted in a few minutes.]

[tigerkirby215]

5e Gondar, the Bounty Hunter build (DOTA 2)

(Artwork made for Valve Software.)

And here you were thinking that I wouldn’t actually make a DOTA 2 build; that’s where you’re WRONG! While this is sort of meant as my April Fools joke build I did actually play DOTA before migrating to League. I still love all the characters and I do genuinely think the gameplay has some strengths over LoL. The community...? Well, it exists.

Regardless back when I played DOTA I mained Bounty Hunter, which is rather ironic given I fucking hate League’s counterpart Bounty Hunter of Pyke. Gondar (yes his name is Gondar) was an extremely fun stealth assassin with a very unique passive to keep tabs on enemies at all times and inflate his teammates’ wallets. And apparently they magnified that even further by allowing Bounty to steal other heroes’ gold now with Jinada? Sweet Zeus Valve calm down with the feature creep...

Regardless: happy 5 days after April Fools! Hoes mad that I’m acknowledging DOTA’s existence.

GOALS

You can't fight what you can't see - DOTA is a lot more willing to give people invisibility. Helps when you can buy a gem that lets you see all invisible enemies.

The realm's justice - Jinada, que pasa? We need to be able to do big damage to critical points that weaken our enemies in a fight.

You can run but you can't hide - Your ultimate ability will be to track people down like some sort of... person who tracks people down for money.

RACE

Back in the Warcraft days Gondar was a Goblin, so a Goblin he shall be! As a Goblin you get a +2 to Dexterity and a +1 to Constitution, and Nimble Escape to get half of what a Rogue can do with your Bonus Action to Disengage or Hide (but not Dash.) And you get a nice bonus to take down big bounties (big in the literal sense) with Fury of the Small, allowing you to do extra damage equal to your level to a creature that’s bigger than you once per Short or Long Rest!

ABILITY SCORES

15; DEXTERITY - Is your refrigerator running? Well you’d better go catch it, because there’s a bounty on its head!

14; WISDOM - Wisdom is tied to tracking, and spoiler alert? We’re going to be doing a lot of tracking.

13; CONSTITUTION - We kinda don’t need anything else so may as well use that +1 from our race to get a nice boost to our HP.

12; INTELLIGENCE - Practical intelligence never hurt when tracking down gods and demons.

10; CHARISMA - You need to be able to talk to the people giving the bounties.

8; STRENGTH - You’re a small man with small knives.

BACKGROUND

Man, if only there was a background for a Bounty Hunter! We’ll be going for Urban Bounty Hunter from the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide because just because the name says “urban” doesn’t mean you can’t prowl around the Radiant jungle too. You can choose your proficiencies among a small list: I opted for Insight and Stealth. You also get proficiency with two musical instruments or gaming sets: I’d maybe ask about languages instead? But honestly pick your poison.

Your feature Ear to the Ground gives you plenty of information about whatever bounty you may be tracking, as you’ve got contacts in all places to slip you information about where a giant fishman may be. “The Tidehunter becomes the hunted.”

(Artwork made for Valve Software.)

THE BUILD

LEVEL 1 - FIGHTER 1

You level Shuriken first on Bounty, you go for CON saves first in D&D. Along with those CON saves you also get proficiency in two skills from the Fighter list: Acrobatics will help you survive and Survival will also help you survive! But it’s mainly useful for tracking.

As a Fighter you can choose a Fighting Style at level 1: for a quick Shuriken Toss Superior Technique will let you grab the Quick Toss maneuver as well as a d6 Superiority die to use on said maneuver. It doesn’t take a lot to push Q and click on someone. Remember that your superiority die come back after a Short Rest, as well as a long one.

Finally as a Fighter you can hold onto a Bottle to use for a bit of Second Wind, healing for a d10 plus your Fighter Level as a Bonus Action. “A prudent hunter knows when to strike.” This ability also resets after a Short or Long Rest.

LEVEL 2 - FIGHTER 2

Second level Fighters can up their APM with Action Surge, allowing them to take two actions in a turn. The Wiki says the trick of attacking people during Shadow Walk’s Fade Time is still a thing, so yeah pro tips from a League player!

LEVEL 3 - FIGHTER 3

Third level Fighters get to choose their Martial Archetype and truth be told I just want to be able to throw more shuriken, so Battle Master it is for four more Combat Superiority dice! You can also learn three more Maneuvers other than Quick Toss: Disarming Attack will let you knock an enemy’s weapon away with Heaven’s Halberd, and both Commander’s Strike and Distracting Strike are good to team up with your allies to play support. “My allies have earned their keep.”

But of course the most important feature is Student of War; no shmuck politician is going to hire you unless you have Calligrapher’s Supplies proficiency to fool a god to sign off his power to you!

LEVEL 4 - FIGHTER 4

How about we slow them down a bit? The Slasher feat will increase your Dexterity by 1 but also allow you to slow enemies hit by 10 feet. Additionally if you crit you cripple them, giving them disadvantage on their attacks! This only works with Slashing damage, so technically you can only slow in melee range with a Scimitar. But if your DM is cool I’d totally allow Darts that do Slashing damage to slow at range!

(”Twin Blades Assassin” set made by motenai and T_Vidotto. Made for YYF.)

LEVEL 5 - RANGER 1

First level Rangers get proficiency in one skill from the Ranger list: increase your map awareness and buy some wards for Perception. Additionally you get Deft Explorer from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, which grants you the Canny ability for two language proficiencies and Expertise in one skill of your choice. Your languages don’t matter too much but guess what? Survival is still used for tracking down bounties!

Speaking of those bounties you can mark them with not quite track thanks to Favored Foe. When you hit a foe you can choose to mark them and make them take an additional d4 once per turn for up to a minute! You need to concentrate on this effect though so you can’t just fire-and-forget like in DOTA, and can only use it a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus.

LEVEL 6 - RANGER 2

Second level Rangers get to choose a Fighting Style and you know what’s good for tossing shuriken? Thrown Weapon Fighting, letting you draw thrown weapons for free and giving you +2 damage to said thrown weapons!

But of course the main appeal of being a Ranger is the Spellcasting! You can learn two spells from the Ranger list: for a not quite stun that certainly isn’t mini Ensnaring Strike lets you throw a shuriken (or stab with your sword) to root an enemy in place. Alternatively if you want to track people super good Hunter’s Mark gives you advantage on Survival checks to track the person you marked, and also lets you do an extra d6 every time you hit the enemy!

It’s of course worth mentioning that both these spells require Concentration which means you can’t use them along with Favored Foe, but most of the Ranger spell list is Concentration.

LEVEL 7 - RANGER 3

Third level Rangers get to chose their subclass, and I hope you weren’t expecting Hunter just because the character is literally called “Bounty Hunter.” No we’ll be going for the Monster Slayer subclass, because certainly you only hunt monsters who have a price on their head for a reason, right? Regardless Hunter’s Sense will let you know what an enemy’s weaknesses are just by looking at them (and perhaps peeking at their inventory) with your Action. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier and regain all expended uses at the end of a Long Rest.

But what we’re mainly here for is Slayer’s Prey, for more tracking marks! As a Bonus Action you can put another mark on a foe within 60 feet to make them take an extra d6 the first time you hit them! You can only have one target marked at a time with this ability, and it ends if you take a Short or Long Rest. This stacks with both Hunter’s Mark and Favored Foe, so pick your poison to do as much as you can to your foes!

You can also learn another first level Ranger spell like Snare, to set up in advance for bounties you know are coming. You get a lot more magic too: Monster Slayer Magic provides you with the Protection from Evil and Good spell, which is helpful for hunting down demons and fiends. You can also cast Speak with Animals once per day thanks to Primal Awareness, just in case you’ve been hanging around with Enchantress.

LEVEL 8 - RANGER 4

4th level Rangers get another Ability Score Improvement, but we still kinda need to be able to turn invisible? Good thing Shadow Touched lets you increase your Wisdom by 1 and gives you the Invisibility spell along with one Illusion or Necromancy spell of first level.

What first level spell will we be taking you may ask? Why if only there was a spell to squeeze more gold out of your bounties. Oh wait! Distort Value from Acquisitions Incorporated, allowing you to sparkle up your bounties for more gold! You can cast both of these spells once per Long Rest without using a spell slot, and can also cast them freely with your spell slots.

(”Desperado in the Shade” set made by HeeJae.)

LEVEL 9 - RANGER 5

5th level Rangers finally get their Extra Attack. It’s about damn time to pick up some attack speed as a Martial Fighter.

You can also learn another spell like Locate Object, because sometimes items have bounties on them too. Speaking of spells Monster Slayer Magic gives you the Zone of Truth spell, and Primal Awareness gives you one casting of the spell Beast Sense, in case you want to ride along with Lifestealer.

LEVEL 10 - RANGER 6

6th level Rangers get Roving from Deft Explorer, increasing their movement speed by 5 and granting them a Climbing and Swimming speed equal to their walking speed, meaning you can follow your bounties through any terrain. Additionally Favored Foe increases to a d6 of damage, so while it’s still not really comparing to Hunter’s Mark it’s still helping!

LEVEL 11 - RANGER 7

7th level Monster Slayers have a Supernatural Defense against magic and crowd control. Whenever the target marked by your Slayer’s Prey feature forces you to make a saving throw or if you try to escape their grapple, you can add a d6 to your roll.

You can also learn another second level spell like Lesser Restoration, as a Dispel is never a bad thing to have.

LEVEL 12 - RANGER 8

Striking foes from the shadows is all well and good but you haven’t got many ways to keep yourself safe. (Other than using your Bonus Action to Disengage I guess.) The Mobile feat will speed you up and let you avoid hits after cutting a foe’s heels!

(“Giant Hunter” set made by Jigglypuff.)

LEVEL 13 - RANGER 9

9th level Rangers get third level spells! This means you get:

Magic Circle from Monster Slayer Magic.

Speak With Plants from Primal Awareness.

And Revivify from the Ranger spell list (thanks Tasha’s), in case you need to help someone Buyback their respawn.

LEVEL 14 - RANGER 10

10th level Rangers are Tireless thanks to Deft Explorer. You can recover Exhaustion on a Short Rest, and can use an action to give yourself a boost of Temporary Hitpoints a number of times equal to your Proficiency bonus, which resets at the end of a Long Rest.

You also get more ways to turn invisible with Nature’s Veil, which lets you turn invisible until the start of your next turn. Like Tireless you have a number of uses equal to your Proficiency bonus, which come back at the end of a Long Rest. “Unseen.”

LEVEL 15 - RANGER 11

11th level Monster Slayers carry a ministun to deal with casters. When you see a creature casting a spell or teleporting within 60 feet of you, you can use your reaction to try to foil it with Magic-User’s Nemesis. The creature must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw against your spell save DC, or its spell / TP fails and is wasted. You can only use this ability once per Short or Long Rest however, so be sure to stop the enemy from using a teleportation scroll.

Additionally you can learn another spell like Nondetection, for protection against wards.

LEVEL 16 - RANGER 12

12th level Rangers can grab another Ability Score Improvement: even though we have an uneven Wisdom score I’m still going to suggest maxing out your Dexterity first for the highest possible AC, damage, and dodging skills.

(”Hunter with No Name” set made by BigTuna, Vermillion-Wlad, and Stefco. Made for Funn1k.)

LEVEL 17 - RANGER 13

13th level Rogues can learn 4th level spells. You get Banishment from Monster Slayer Magic, but much more importantly you get Locate Creature from Primal Awareness for some proper Bounty Hunting! We’ll also be taking Locate Creature as our learnt spell at this level: one may say that it’s not the most useful spell, but if you need combat magic you can upcast Ensnaring Strike for a chain stun or Invisibility to dust up.

LEVEL 18 - RANGER 14

14th level Rogues see Favored Foe increase to a d8. Is this way too late for a feature that’s still arguably doing less than Hunter’s Mark? Perhaps, but Favored Foe still doesn’t cost your Bonus Action nor a Spell Slot.

You do also get Vanish to hide as a Bonus Action but... you could already do that. Oops.

LEVEL 19 - RANGER 15

15th level Monster Slayers are masters at 1v1ing squishy spellcasters, as you master the Slayer’s Counter. If the enemy you marked with Slayer’s Prey forces you to make a saving throw, you can use your reaction attack them! You make this attack immediately before the saving throw, and if your attack hits you automatically succeed your saving throw.

You can also learn another spell but honestly? Pick your choice. We got just about all the character-accurate spells we could need as is.

LEVEL 20 - RANGER 16

16th level Rangers get their last Ability Score Improvement and while it’s probably late to do this the Resilient feat in Wisdom will make sure the enemy has zero chance to CC you.

WHY NOT ROGUE

There's several reasons I opted for Ranger levels instead of Rogue levels. Firstly Bounty Hunter can crit targets even when not stealthed, and Jinada is described as "preparing" the next attack which is much more in-line with Hunter's Mark and Favored Foe. Gondar's code language is most likely Goblin speak as opposed to Thieves' Cant. And of course Ranger was the only way to acquire tracking spells like Hunter's Mark and Locate Creature.

But above all else there were few Rogue subclasses that fit Gondar. Soul Knife is perhaps the only one that makes sense but ironically enough the unlimited nature of the Soul Knife Psychic Blades doesn't fit. (Also long-ranged teleportation doesn't fit either.) Monster Slayer meanwhile brings the backline counterplay to Gondar and allows me to work in a lot of Bounty Hunter's utility abilities.

FINAL BUILD

PROS

I didn't come here to see my enemies grow rich - You have many ways to get the upper hand both in and out of combat, with both spells and martial prowess to aid you in combat. Between invisibility, Hunter’s Mark, Ensnaring Strike, or just generally tracking your enemy down you have all the tools you could need and more to get the jump on your foes.

Watch your head! - You are very strong against magic users and other enemies who force saving throws, and you didn’t even need the Mage Slayer feat! Monster Slayer is exceptionally good at giving one enemy an incredibly tough time killing you, especially if they rely on magic to do so.

Impressive technique, but not enough - A little bit of Constitution goes a long way, and a +2 to CON along with a d10 hit die will give you quite a bit of bulk in comparison to others.

CONS

A wise hunter knows patience - It takes quite a bit to set up all your marks, with several bonus actions to operate at maximum effectiveness. In fact you have an absolutely excessive amount of Bonus Actions to choose from which can make picking the right one very tricky.

My target eludes me - You also have several Concentration spells, and while your CON saves are good many of your spells are utility based you still can’t turn invisible while tracking down your bounty.

That's going to come out of my pay, isn't it? - Your Wisdom isn’t terrible but it’s not good either, and while most of your spells don’t rely on saving throws many abilities such as Hunter’s Sense and Magic-User’s Nemesis do rely on your Wisdom. I’m not saying Point Buy would be better but your Intelligence really isn’t doing much to help you.

But a good hunter knows what tool to use in any situation, and you have the tools to take out any target... for the right price, of course. Stalk your foes, strike when they least expect it, and reap the rewards for your allies. And if they're the type to complain that you're not from Runeterra simply remember that DOTA is better than League, and a LoL player can't deny.

(Comic by Nerf Now!)

[found--family]

Hi, I wanted to hear different people’s opinions on this so here’s my question, What would like to happen in the next episode, 15x19? I would personally like to see a heart to heart scene with Sam and Dean talking about Castiel and Eileen. In one of the episodes this season I remember Sam telling Dean that he is burying his feelings. I want to see a Dean who’s grown more comfortable with his feelings and doesn’t bury them as much after hearing Cas’s Confession. Srry got off track, your thoughts?

First of all, I’m sorry this reply is tardy. I’ve been thinking about what I wanted to say for days and now you get a lengthy rambling answer 😅.

Second of all, YES PLEASE! That’s a scene we absolutely need and it would suit the brothers’ emotional journey this season, as well as Dean’s personal grief. It could be brief or glossed-over, but I’m thinking any such convo will be one of these scenes from 15x19:

^ Dean drives to meet Sam and Jack; still wearing TheBloodyHandprint Jacket.

^ they’re back in the bunker; the symbolism of this shot promises a poignant convo, although it might be about Chuck.

Thirdly, thankyou for this ask! What I would like to happen is different to what I think will happen, but those thoughts are vague whereas my wishlist is not, but I wanna talk it all out so here we go:

15x19 is the big showdown ep, so it’s what’s left of Team Free Will 2.0 vs. Oreo God (the Chuck/Amara hybrid). Season 15 has given us Weapons meant for specific battles that are destroyed/effects undone/not used, so I’m thinking there won’t be a weapon or spell to kill Chuck, because it won’t come down to killing him but rather seeing him change his mind, ie. realising what he Needs over what he Wants in order to attain contentment. I don’t foresee an epic battle, but I could be wrong. What I would like to see is Chuck’s destructive attitude take a back-seat as TFW talk things out with him (similar to Dean talking to Amara in 11x23), but maybe that’s my inner Becky 2.0 jumping the gun and hoping for a peaceful resolution when Peace will probably be reserved for 15x20. God’s Death Book is still in the bunker, and while Sam couldn’t open it in 15x18, now that Billie’s dead he might be able to and they can read Chuck’s new ending: 

Adam/Michael and Lucifer are in 15x19. I’m thinking Michael might have a hand in Chuck’s personal ending (and as much as I am sick AF of Lucifer and BL’s obsession with him, I hope he interacts with Adam/Michael because that would be the only worthwhile reason for bringing him back imho; I hope his appearance is brief, but who knows. He’s in The Empty, and The Empty is pissed and in peril from Jack’s soul-grace bomb, ie. possibly going to collapse, so beings might slip through the newly formed cracks, so I’m thinking maybe that will have more to do with his appearance than a God showdown with his bro, but *shrug*). Anyway, Lucifer returning means we’ll get some content about The Empty in 15x19.

Adam/Michael. It’s interesting that he’s still around. TFW are the only humans left on Earth(?), but are Angels immune to Chuck’s snapping? Was he hiding? Is Adam still in him? I hope Michael has something to do with the faceoff with Chuck - I would love to see them interact, plus it’s a nice parallel to the Lucifer+Chuck convo in season 11; Michael, a Dean-mirror, deserves to confront his father about everything. Moreover, the episode is called *Inherit The Earth* so someone has to be inheriting something. Will Michael take God’s place, or at least the mantle of Heaven? Woukd Adam stay within him and that presence of Humanity help them achieve cosmic Balance?

And speaking of season 11, again, that’s kinda what I want ending-wise for the whole Cruel Capricious God problem: talking things out leading to True Balance between Chuck+Amara; maybe their personas will cease to be. I really don’t know what the final showdown will look like but I hope it ends with Chuck(+Amara?) disseminating into atoms, unconscious energy melding back into the universe - after he brings back everyone he snapped away.

What about Heaven? It’s been breaking down since season 13 and needs to be addressed, but what does that mean - make more Angels? Bring back Angels from The Empty? Will it be left to deal with in 15x20?

Something’s going on with Jack - he has a deadly touch in 15x18 like we saw from Amara in 11x23 - and were her words to Jack foreshadowing? Will they “get to know each other”, perhaps by being the new forces for Balance in Heaven and on Earth? Will Jack be the new Death, or a singular Light/Dark entity (God 2.0) meant to replace both Chuck+Amara? Will Amara be freed and Chuck solely released as energy back into the cosmos? I’m excited for what’s in store for these characters!

(I also wonder if those Alternate Universes will be restored, although I’m not fussed about that)

Death is gone. Will another Reaper take her place? Jack, Cas or Amara? Maybe Chuck? Or will this Cosmic Overseer role be done away with completey, along with God, The Darkness, The Empty (even the Angels meant to *keep the lights on* in Heaven)..? There’s a theory that Cas will replace Death, and while cool for fanfiction It doesn’t suit a canon ending imho because he deserves to live a free life and being bound as Death incarnate.. it’s a dark metaphor and not a happy ending, it’s not what the narrative has been working towards.

Angels. Will someone make more? Will they return from The Empty? I don’t know, and while it would be cool to see some old familiar faces I think it would be strange to resurrect them into this changed world; trouble would ensue. I’d love to see Angels go the way of the Dodo. If The Empty is breaking then perhaps the collective Grace of all the Angels in there could be siphoned into Heaven, so their essence will be resurrected but not their selves; it could fix Heaven and not cause more problems (although I admit it sounds kinda morbid, the Angels’ consciousness would cease to be so they wouldn’t be trapped in The Empty). So.. no more Empty, no more Angels, but then what about the Demons in The Empty, on Earth and in Hell? Angels & Demons have been around for most of the show so I hope we get an interesting and satisfying closure of their story. But this may be another issue for 15x20 to deal with.

The above theory also allows for a human!Cas endgame, who will either escape or be rescued from The Empty (hopefully by Dean as a parallel to Dean rescuing him from Hell), although that’s probably a post-Chuck issue for 15x20, which might mean The Empty still exists by the end of 15x19.

The Empty and Heaven both need to be dealt with, either in 15x19 or 15x20. Rowena has Hell in order, so now we focus on these other broken realms - yes, we know they’re both in peril. And again, I’d like to see the Cosmic entities in power either be stripped of that power or be freed of their consciousness. I would like to see Heaven powered merely by the souls that inhabit it, not Angels or God or anyone else - we all know how powerful souls are, so a self-sustaining Heaven seems plausible (maybe with help from the Grace of Dead Angels as I mentioned above). But The Empty, even without The Entity that lives there/is It, is not a place of Peace like Heaven should be. The Entity itself can rest in peace but Angels and Demons cannot, as we know from Cas and Ruby. HOWEVER, maybe the “reliving regret on an eternal loop” thing that Ruby tells Cas, has only become an issue since she’s been awakened in The Empty? It’s something that needs addressing and some kind of fix-it. Personally I like the idea of the essence of Angels + Demons returning to the universe upon their death. The idea of a cosmic graveyard for them has never sat well with me.

Sam and Dean. In 15x19 I don’t have any specific theories about their characters, but I do wish for that bonding-over-grief moment, their mutual loss of romantic loved ones. I think a second poignant convo over Chuck/what comes after is also needed, but I’ve no idea what’s in store for them showdown-wise except to say that The Pen (words) Is Mightier That The Sword. Maybe they finally get Chuck to see the beauty and necessity of their Free Will.

What about Castiel? He might make a surprise brief appearance in 15x19, but I doubt it. The focus of the narrative needs to be elsewhere for now, and I prefer the idea of seeing him after the Chuck showdown, with Dean rescuing him out of Want not Need. As for what’s left of his storyline I’ll wait until after 15x19 to pose any theories, but I’m leaning towards the human!Cas endgame, hopefully with his Grace going back into the universe or Heaven, freeing him of that sense of Angelic Duty once and for all. Death!Cas and FullAngel!Cas and God!Cas are not on my wishlist because they don’t match up with his narrative; hr deserves freedom and happiness and to be with the ones he loves (one person in particular!)

One final note: I mentioned above how the episode title *Inherit The Earth* might refer to Angel!Michael or Adam/Michael, but it also might refer to Humanity inheriting the Earth from Cosmic forces/disruption, which is my favoured outcome and seems the best one for the SPN narrative and will allow Sam and Dean their peace, finally.

So them’s my thoughts/hopes for 15x19. Anyone who wants to jump on this and add your spec/wishes please do so! 

[imaginaryelle]

Chapter 3: Memento, Mori ~2.5k Rating: Teen (may change in later segments) Warnings: temporary character death, blood, injury, suicide mention, imprisonment, violence, minor character death, mild gore Tags: MDZS, Wangxian, Role Reversal AU, Soulmates AU, Canon Divergence, Very AU okay, I’m warning you, soulmates + WWX living changes things. Note: This chapter was written for the @wangxianweek 2020 day three prompts "mementos" and "rebirth." Many thanks to @miyuki4s and @morphia-writes for awesome brainstorming and feedback! Summary: The clan elders made sure Lan Wangji would not be present for the siege of the Mass Graves, but even the discipline whip can’t cut a soul bond, and pain can’t dim Lan Wangji’s determination, even if his efforts consume him.

Wei Wuxian lives. The siege fails.

Thirteen years later, Lan Wangji wakes in a body that is not his own.

on tumblr: part one | part two

Dawn seeps into his awareness with slow light painted over his eyelids and the bright notes of birdsong outside. For a moment Lan Wangji can’t remember where he is—not the Jingshi—but the smell of rotting blood soon brings his surroundings back to mind.

Physically, the cell looks no better in daylight. When he again extends his senses he finds no change; no new beings have joined him in this prison under the shroud of night.

The body he found himself occupying is still weaker than he is used to, still hungry and thirsty, but he feels steadier for the sleep. All but one of the wounds on his arms have scabbed over, and that one remaining sends a shock through his fingertips when he touches it.

A curse, most likely. Perhaps related to the ritual that called him here.

It’s worrying, but not his most pressing problem; if he doesn’t find a source of water soon, he will lose what mental clarity he still retains. The demands of this body, so much less disciplined than his own, batter at his mind. The itch of blood and sweat on his skin is ever-present, but the single set of yi and trousers he wears is not cleaner than anything else in the room; even the sash is bloodstained. He resumes his meditations, sinking deeper than the night before.

His spiritual power is still reduced, but not quite so low; meditation does seem to help it coalesce into a more workable form as well.

So. He has a small amount of spiritual power, the clothes on his back, a forehead ribbon, a very weak spirit lure and a sharp shard of porcelain. He is barred from escape by a door which opens outwards, a lock, and a seal.

He takes a moment to tie the ribbon in place for whatever comfort that can offer and examines the door again, probing the seal cautiously. Perhaps he can negate it, or overpower it. It will be tricky without the ability to see or physically touch the talisman itself, but it’s theoretically possible. Alternatively, he could write a new talisman, in blood on torn cloth.

Of the two, attempting to remove the seal is more appealing; the spirit lure does not inspire confidence in future talisman creation attempts. He’s determining the exact positioning of the seal talisman when voices suddenly cut through the small morning noises of birds and wind over leaves, apparently partway through a conversation.

“—said only you should take the food,” says one voice.

“Is he here, that you need to quote him so faithfully?” asks another, the tone strident and irritated. “Was he cleaning up pieces of teacup yesterday because his ‘guest’ threw a fit?”

That explains the shard still in the room. Lan Wangji listens with more than his ears to confirm—there are two new presences inside the bright circling of space he can sense, but only two. In less promising developments, the abruptness of their presence implies that that circle is indeed restrained by a ward, and anything could be on its other side.

Outside the cell door, the conversation continues, the voices growing louder as they draw closer.

“I think you can handle one weakened, failed cultivator. He doesn’t even have a golden core,” says the first voice, still reluctant.

“I don’t care what he has,” voice two insists. “I want him incapacitated when that door opens.”

There are footsteps now, careless and too-heavy on raised wooden floorboards. One pair, the one lagging behind, favors the right side. Perhaps an injury, or something carried on that side.  This close, Lan Wangji can also hear a soft rattle of wood against wood, perhaps the mentioned food. He moves to the side from which the door will open and considers his options. He has no chance against a spiritual weapon of any caliber, but if he moves quickly enough—

“If we use the talisman too much it could kill him,” says voice one.

“So then we say he killed himself,” says voice two, very close now.   There is the scrape of a bar being removed. “We can’t be blamed if he’s dead when we open the door, right? He’s been locked in a room on his own.”

Two assailants who barely care whether he lives or dies. Who are willing to kill him, so long as such an act does not draw the ire of a superior. Lan Wangji holds his shard of porcelain carefully in his right hand, nearest the door, and raises his left hand to his face, two fingers pointing to Heaven. He may, just, have the spiritual strength to shield from a talisman, depending on the skill of both maker and caster.

He doesn’t have time to make another plan; iron turns against iron, and the seal dissipates. The door is opening.

“Ugh, that stink,” says the bearer of voice two as Lan Wangji begins to move. “Look at the blood—”

Lan Wangji clears the doorway and slashes a clean line across the speaker’s throat. A talisman flies toward his face but he catches it against his fist and—stumbles back, blood filling his throat and streaming from his nose. He staggers and coughs, fighting to breathe, to see.

The first of his targets is slumped on the floor. The second is reaching for his sword. Lan Wangji rushes him, aiming for that heavier right side and slamming him into the wall. He struggles again with the shard in his fist until the blood that coats his hand is not only his own and this assailant, too, falls.

For a moment Lan Wangji only stands in a sun-warmed hallway and shakes, and breathes.

Blood drips down his chin; he wipes it away with his sleeve. Once again, his spiritual power is a guttering vagueness near his center. His right hand stings, fingers and palm both lacerated, but he cannot let go of the shard until he is certain. He drops to his knees to check for breath, but the second man is well and truly dead, his eyes open but unseeing and his throat a ragged mess. The first man is also still and lifeless.

The outer ward is still in place. No new presence has arrived.

He has a few moments, at least. Perhaps longer. He tucks the shard into his sash with fingers that tremble no matter how he tries to control them, and examines his situation once more.

The door is open, and this hallway, at least, appears unguarded. His assailants wear outer robes of rough, dark blue linen that he doesn’t recognize as belonging to a known Sect, but their inner robes are finer, pale cotton and silk with delicate stitching, so the outer garments are likely a deception rather than daily wear. They each bear spiritual swords that will do Lan Wangji no good at this body’s current level, and the second one also carried a pipa, the neck and frets of which snapped in the struggle. The weapons carry gold detailing, but no peony. Nothing that points definitively to Jin Guangyao or the Jin Sect, or any Sect he knows. Nor does the iron key for the door’s lock bear any identifying stamp.

His hands are still shaking.

The tray of food was upset in the struggle, but some small amount of rice still remains in the dish and a wax-sealed gourd proves to hold water. He drinks half of it, then tears a strip from the cleanest of the dead mens’ sashes, wets it, and wipes carefully at his face and wounds. Aside from the curse mark, the cuts in his right hand are now the most worrying, one lancing long and deep at an angle across his palm. He wraps it carefully, tightening the knot with his teeth when all other attempts fail. Even careful rinsing cannot wash the taste of blood from his tongue.

He needs to keep moving. This progress is only progress so long as he can hold onto it. If there is a way to delay pursuit, he must take it.

He drags both men into the cell and removes their outer robes and sashes. Stained and rough as they are, they will still provide a moment’s doubt to his identity, and he will not surrender to the shame of approaching another being in only his blood-soaked underlayers if he can avoid it.

He’s going to have to approach someone, eventually.

He knows who he wants it to be.

Later, he can think about that later. He eats the rice and cleans up as much of the spill of food and blood as he can. Then he moves the dishes and the men’s weapons into the cell as well.

The array is too obvious a clue to leave it undamaged—even if he cannot decipher it, that doesn’t mean whoever arranged this prison will not recognize it.

He starts at the edges, breaking the circle carefully in case of residual backlash. The blood is dried and flaking, and he uses another torn rag to smudge it into more of a smear than any sort of defined, focused shape. Then he positions one of the dead men over the space, face down to perhaps prevent questions about additional blood, and moves the other out of sight from the door. In their sleeves he finds a jade pendant that tingles against his fingers, a sachet of medicinal herbs, a sachet of chrysanthemum tea, five talismans and a qiankun pouch holding another gourd of water, a comb, and a pair of leaf-wrapped zongzi.

Just the smell of the zongzi makes his mouth water, but escape is more pressing. He puts everything but the water gourds and the pendant in the pouch, along with three of the pipa’s four silk strings and the polished wooden rice bowl. The remaining string he tucks beside the porcelain shard.

Neither of his assailants’ boots fit well, but they will serve far better than bare feet. He wraps one sash around his left arm, covering the curse mark, layers one outer robe over the other despite the gore that coats their collars and promises himself he will wash as soon as an opportunity presents itself.

He leaves the cell, closes the door, and locks and bars it.

He can sense no new presence inside the ward. There are other rooms along the hall, and an opening onto a courtyard beyond it.

None of the other rooms are cells, or locked. Most are empty of all but the faint smell of dust. One holds a small writing desk with a brush, ink stick and stone, paper, and a sheaf of notes he can’t read. He wraps the brush and ink stick carefully and folds all of it into the qiankun pouch. He does it again with the mobile contents of the next room: paper twists of tea, a small cloth bag of rice, a small earthenware bowl and two small bottles—one of soy sauce, one of vinegar. A horsetail whisk he tucks into his sash; this one was clearly designed for shooing insects rather than combat, but better than the makeshift weapons he’s accumulated so far.

The ward burns against his awareness as he nears the courtyard, and he stops in the shadow of the hall to watch that brightly sunlit space carefully.

Birds flit across the space. Insects buzz. Between two buildings he can see trees swaying gently in the light summer breeze, a promise of shadowed shelter beyond this place.

It would be easy to stop here. To meditate until he no longer feels as though his muscles will betray him at any moment.

The longer he stays still, the more likely someone is to come investigate why his assailants haven’t returned.

He closes his eyes and allows himself ten slow, steadying breaths. The ward hums at him. The jade pendant in his sleeve vibrates in response. Like the wards of Cloud Recesses, and the jade pass token he wore for nearly half his life.

If he’s wrong, the ward could rebound on him, and in his present state that would likely knock him unconscious. But this ward is a much stronger, more permanent working than the array he woke to, or any of the talismans he’s encountered thus far. If he’s wrong, he has no way to move outside it anyway. If he’s right …

He steps into the courtyard and walks to the very edge of the carved stone that marks the boundary. Nothing impedes his hand, reaching in front of him. Neither ward nor token shift in resonance.

He steps over the ward.

It hums merrily behind him.

He runs for the trees and doesn’t stop until he hears moving water. It’s only a small stream, but it’s enough to clean himself, and his clothing, and he removes only his boots and the contents of his sash and sleeves before he wades in eagerly. The water is cold, but not nearly as cold as Gusu’s Cold Spring, and the sun is warm on his back as he soaks, and scrubs, and then lays all but the inner trousers out to dry as he re-binds his wounds and combs his hair.

It’s only when he catches sight of his reflected face that he remembers: this body is not his body, for all that he is bound to it, and feels its pain and hunger and weariness.

He examines the face more closely and finds it familiar, but only vaguely so. A face he has not seen in many years, and rarely before, but one that did live within the walls of Cloud Recesses in his memory. A disciple who left the Sect for—family reasons, he thinks. After the Sunshot war. His brother had been disappointed about it. Lan Wangji cannot remember the man’s name. He must have kept the forehead ribbon as a memento.

It’s disconcerting, that this man, this cultivator, knew Lan Wangji’s name well enough to summon him from death but left no strong impression on him during life.

He shakes the thought away and finishes combing and tying up his hair, and then busies himself refilling the water gourds. He trickles a pinch of the chrysanthemum tea into one and sets in the sun to brew. Then he eats one of the sticky, red-bean-stuffed zongzi, and turns his mind to the question of where to go next.

It occurs to him that he may be able to reach his spiritual senses further now, outside the prison’s ward, and so when he has finished his paltry meal he meditates, sinking as deeply as he can. His range is still not as far as he’s accustomed to, but the flow of energy is much clearer. To the north he can feel a collection of power, a static array, strong but far off. To the south another, further away and indistinct.

South, the small tug he associates with the soul bond informs him, and the relief he feels that that connection remains threatens to overwhelm the sensation itself. He should go south.

South, to Wei Ying.

on to part four

[gregellner]

Covers by Larry Rostant.

==========

Today, rather than reviewing David Alan Mack's three Dark Arts novels (The Midnight Front, The Iron Codex, and The Shadow Commission), I have elected to instead do an analysis of what is known regarding some of the less-explained elements of the supernatural systems underlying his secret history series, especially those that are not fully explained in the glossaries or on his website. To simplify, angels and demons will be called "Presences" for their overall designation.

For more information regarding the terminology of for the practice of magick within the series, see the pages for generalized information and the glossary. To learn more about Black Magick affiliated with the powers of Hell, see the Infernal Hierarchy and a list of demons. To look into the less common White Magick associated with Celestial powers of Heaven, see the Celestial Hierarchy and a list of most, but not all, angels present in the story.

In referencing individual angels or demons, their names will be listed entirely in capital letters, much like how they are presented within the novels and by David Alan Mack in external communications. Furthermore, the word "magick" will be capitalized when referring to one type or another, and the words "karcist" and "magician" will be relatively interchangeable, as they were in the third novel.

Disclaimer: Mentions of various entities within this analysis do touch on real-world religions, but are not to be taken as opinion on the matter beyond basic objective commentary on the story as it is presented in the novels.

==========

As a note: There are other systems presented within the story, primarily through general mentions, such as "Wūshi of the ancient Chinese way, Arctic shamans, [and] doctors of the African Rites" (colloquially known as "witch doctors" in common parlance), is has been confirmed that they are still working with the same Presences, just through different names and rituals.

This approach has precedence in the books, particularly in The Iron Codex's examination of the creation myth of The Mystery of the Dead God. Cultures across centuries and countries, each of them with their own cultures, all contribute to the same story of creation. The range is pretty extensive, as can be seen chronologically in Cade Martin's examination: roughly 3000 BCE Egypt, 1700 BCE Babylon, 1000 BCE Zhou dynasty China, ninth century BCE Greece, 800 BCE Judea, and third century BCE Maya, each of which would have had completely different ways of using magick to learn of the mystery.

In terms of practitioners of these non-Eurocentric methods of the Art, there are at least two culturally distinct examples deliberately shown.

First, there is the Vate Pythia, the last Oracle of Delphi, who works in prophecies and can call out to individual people who are in need of and deserving of her aid. The way that she functions seems to follow an ancient Greek form of magick, one of divine inspiration rather than yoking demons or angels into one's body or calling on them in the same ways as modern European karcists. She also appears to still worship the old gods, mentioning Chronos, the Greek god of time.

Second, there are the uses of Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism. In The Iron Codex, they are alluded to in that they apparently work with White Magick in ways that would enable them to translate the eponymous codex of magickal knowledge. In The Shadow Commission, a user of magick under the employ of Mossad sends a golem, a nigh-indestructible assassin, after a former Nazi agent in the United States, with its sheer durability and the method of its defeat directly referencing the way in which the most famous story of a golem in Jewish folklore was shut down (by turning the "Truth" word on its forehead to "Death" by removing one of the Hebrew letters). This more hostile usage of Kabbalistic magick is likely their "Black Magick" variation, Sitra Achra.

==========

The nadach and the nikraim are, respectively, mortals who have had their soul bound with that of a particular demon or angel, boosting their magickal power significantly. While these can occur naturally from birth, as in the case of the sole known nadach in the story and one of the two nikraim examples, certain rituals can be called forth to artificially invoke that connection to create a powerful magick user from a normal person, with powers as strong as the Seraphim. While these people are not immortal by any means, they are known to handle yoking demons or angels with less strain, with those naturally formed doing so with less need to indulge in distractions such as drug abuse than those who are created artificially.

As an added bonus, those who are fused by soul with the infernal or the holy seem capable of utilizing specific supernatural powers even without yoking a single spirit. The nadach who was bound to LEGION proved capable of splitting his consciousness into three distinct beings, and perhaps more given sufficient the time and practice. The natural nikraim in the books was capable of using an unnamed angel's abilities to project her thoughts telepathically to animals in her vicinity, nudging them to act in her favor, though not directly hearing them in response. The artificial nikraim had a more unusual gift supplied by the Seraph GESHURIEL, namely that of being able to yoke a tremendous amount of demons without being driven to madness, along with his ability to read proto-Enochian, "the language of angels in the epoch before the Fall," with relatively little difficulty compared to many others, to the point that it was described as "preternatural ease" by an onlooker. However, that one still felt weaker than the natural nikraim.

==========

There are some particulars about the Pauline Art (as opposed to the Black Magick "Goetic Art" of working with demons) that help to distinguish itself pretty extensively from the primary magick used during World War II (and, for that matter, apparently beforehand in Europe). First, let us go into the etymology of the two terms, each of which are named for books in The Lesser Key of Solomon, a five-volume grimoire on demonology compiled in the mid-17th century from materials that preceded it by several centuries.

The "Goetic" Art is named for (arguably) the most famous of the aforementioned books, the first named Ars Goetia. As it so happens, "Goetia" is also a term for a form of magick that includes the conjuration of demons.

The "Pauline" Art is named for the third of the volumes, Ars Paulina, itself named for Paul the Apostle who is purported to have communicated with heavenly powers. This two-book work encompasses the twenty-four angels aligned with the fwenty-four hours of the day and the three hundred sixty spirits of the degrees of the zodiac.

As Pauline magicians are bound by oaths of non-interference with the machinations of Black Magick karcists by the inter-order "Covenant," they tend to restrict their interactions with the Divine to remotely viewing actions, divining the future, healing the wounded, and defending with a variety of magickal shields. Only those who breach the boundaries and decide to become gray magicians such as Father Luis Pérez. Whether or not this is true for other traditions of magick is unclear, or if it is restricted to the White Magick side of the Eurocentric model.

==========

As stated in the general analysis of magick, yoking angels is much harder than their fallen counterparts, with the one calling for them needing to be granted the favor of the Divine and to beg of the Celestial forces, rather than invoke demands in accordance with a pre-existing pact, on account of angels still having the link to the Divine and the will behind it rather than not having that will as demons. In fact, there are no defined pacts linking humans to any one angelic patron when using White Magick, meaning that multiple distinct highly-ranked angels capable of being called upon at any one time, or even all at once.

Although not entirely unique to the Celestial side of the Art as shown in the novelette “Hell Rode With Her,” there seems to be an added focus on taking up the powers of one or several of the seven archangels and utilizing their powers in a manner similar to that of yoking demons into a karcist's body. As some notable examples, there has been the use of MICHAEL and URIEL's swords and GABRIEL's shield.

The organization of angels makes for a very different kind of chess game regarding how to defend against any one Presence. There do appear to be "dukes" affiliated with individual higher powers, as is mentioned in the aforementioned Ars Paulina itself. One example was the yoking of DAROCHIEL, BENOHAM, and MALGARAS after asking permission from the archangel SAMAEL, and another was the yoking of that of HAMARIEL after asking it of ABASDASHON, who has notably not been directly identified as an archangel in the novel nor the associated website. Specific Orders of these angels are not always described, but those who are called upon to seek aid from another angel seem to primarily be of the upper Orders. According to dialogue in The Shadow Commission, even if one were to exclude one of the seven archangels who likely take up a great many of the Presences, there are still dozens of alternative protective barriers that can be made.

Owing to the lack of contracts, and perhaps to some other oddities, it appears that specific angels can be called upon for protection against harm except for those weapons that bear the sigil of the protecting angel. While this is not entirely unique to angels, especially given its prominence throughout the novels on the demonic side, demons only appear to be used for defensive sigils of individual patrons, one of six apparent options.

One particular "trap" is known for those who use White Magick: the angel's snare, a version of a "devil's trap" used for angels rather than demons. Those who are caught within its binds when it is invoked are rendered paralyzed so long as they hold on to the Celestial Presences within. The arcane sigil itself is formed with proto-Enochian script, the language from before the demons' fall from grace.

A variety of powers provided by angels are known even outside of individually named ones, even barring those already mentioned above. While magickal injuries are difficult to heal, if not impossible, the power of an angel can be used to draw the dwindling life force from one person and apply it to another, saving one life at the expense of the one from which said life was taken. Blasts of pure light are a fairly standard use of angelic power that is easily associated with their kind.

Another relatively common ability is the use of holy fire, which appears to take the form of invisible or white-hot tongues of flame rather than the blues, greens, and perhaps other colors associated with hellfire. This form of fire seems to be more versatile than the nearly always destructive hellfire, with uses such as the conjuration of weapons, beams from the eyes, a breath of flame, and even usage in conjunction with other angels to create temporary flames for torturing the infernal powers or banishing spirits and demonic sigils.

The usage of the Sight, identified by Mack as "full-spectrum vision, including perception of invisible or magickally concealed persons and things," is different from that of Black Magick karcists. According to those viewing users of the Pauline Art, said vision takes the form of green flames replacing the eyes, or the eyes themselves seeming to "flicker" in some way to see what is hidden.

In terms of teleportation, some White magicians may be capable of teleportation, be it through a "thunder jump" in a bolt of lightning from one location to another (seemingly only through single use in at least some angels), or by summoning enormous, feathered angel wings to near-instantaneously move to another person, take hold of them, and transport themselves to another, safer location.

One of the most potent uses of White Magick in the series is the use of something identified as a "spirit hammer," a way to sever the bonds of all of the yoked spirits of a Black Magick karcist (though perhaps not a White Magick one; unproven one way or the other) from a distance by invoking an exorcism rite, with this ability only able to be utilized once before the angel ascends back to Heaven.

Certain angels can be called upon to let loose individual spells, much as demons probably can be used to the same effect, each of which have their incantations stated in Latin. While the most common incantations beyond the experiments to yoke demons or angels that are shown in the series are for exorcism, there is at least one case of a spell cast that is deliberately mentioned as tied to an individual angel, namely MARBAS, which has its incomplete incantation translate to "Spill blood."

==========

In The Shadow Commission, an intriguing magickal artifact is brought up, one that invites another wrinkle into the overall system: phylacteries. The original phylacteries are derived from Jewish folklore, more commonly known amongst the religion as tefillin. They are a set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah, and are worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers on the forehead and one palm.

In fantasy, including in this magical system, they are more often a container to hold someone's soul, allowing them to live continuously and often not age at all unless the container is somehow destroyed. Destruction of the phylactery can cause instantaneous acceleration of the soul owner's age to befit their chronological age.

In The Shadow Commission, at least one member of the eponymous group, along with probably the rest as well, has one of these artifacts, and it is known to be a particularly powerful one. It is described as thus:

It was a bottle of hand-blown lavender crystal, its body broad at the base and tapering at the top to meet a long and narrow neck. The surface of the bottle was etched with eldritch sigils, many of which Anja recognized as Enochian, the language of the angels. A fine metallic mesh had been woven around the bottle, a delicate web of precious metals pulled into hair-thin filigree. Sealing the bottle was a long cork secured with an abundance of tightly wrapped steel wire.

The use of Enochian, the language of angels, rather than proto-Enochian, helps to figure out that the means of producing a phylactery are likely infernal in origin, as said language is used in Black Magick experiments extensively, as opposed to the proto-Enochian for White Magick.

These devices are evidently extremely volatile, as a blast that was capable of destroying it caused the artifact to let loose all of its energy very explosively, to a degree similar to a very strong hand grenade, or even stronger, capable of dealing lethal damage even to an accomplished nikraim.

The most interesting element of phylacteries, by far, is the fact that, according to the owner of the one known, the soul within does not need to be that of an actual magician. The owner was not a user of any form of magick beyond that which he hired from elsewhere, but still had a phylactery, and the same can be said of the various members of the Commission, showing that one does not need to have extensive power with magick directly to be able to have a serious impact on its use and prevalence as the centuries continue ever onward.

[satoshi-mochida]

Square Enix has released new information and screenshots of Final Fantasy VII Remake highlighting the Turks, Avalanche, more of the battle system and materia, the Chocobo & Moogle summon, and the church and Aerith’s house in Sector 5. Additionally, Square Enix revealed two new visuals featuring Aerith and Barrett and shared 11 developer comments.

Get the details below.

■ New Visuals

■ The Turks

The Investigation Sector of the General Affairs Department of the Shinra Electric Power Company. A small, elite organization that carries out special operations, the Turks operate behind the scenes and handle everything from scouting out SOLDIER candidates to protecting VIPs, intelligence activities, and even assassination.

Reno (voiced by Keiji Fujiwara)

A member of the Turks, the Investigation Sector of the General Affairs Department of the Shinra Electric Power Company. With fiery red hair and a cynical smile, he always does his own thing. He is agile in battle and uses a specialized weaponry to unleash a multitude of attacks.

Rude (voiced by Taiten Kusunoki)

A member of the Turks, the Investigation Sector of the General Affairs Department of the Shinra Electric Power Company. A giant with a shaved head and sunglasses. He is not one for mindless chatter, and faithfully handles his duties. He does not carry a weapon, but rather fights using only martial arts that put his strong body to work.

■ Avalanche

An anti-Shinra group acting to protect the planet. Mako is the life energy of the planet, and Avalanche alleges that Shinra Company is draining the planet’s lifespan. There are currently several factions within Avalanche, and the group that oversees Midgar, which consists of Barrett and company, is a dynamic one that does not hesitate to use force.

Biggs (voiced by Shuuhei Sakaguchi)

A member of the anti-Shinra group Avalanche. The sharpest and most capable person on the team, he is in charge of strategic planning. He calmly follows Barrett, who has habit of going wild one way or another. He has a tidy personality, and loves taking showers and cleaning.

Wedge (voiced by Takayuki Asai)

A member of the anti-Shinra group Avalanche. He uses his connections and charm to gather information and conciliate with opposing forces. He also plays an important role in taste-testing new menu items for 7th Heaven. A mood maker, he is the indispensable lubricant of the team.

Jessie (voiced by Satomi Moriya)

A member of the anti-Shinra group Avalanche. She is in charge of procurement for Avalanche, getting everything necessary to carry out its operations, from explosive to fake IDs. She is also a skilled engineer, and manufactures and sells things such as water filtration devices to earn income. She is caring and has a weakness for handsome men.

■ Battle System: Classic Mode

By changing the difficulty level to “Classic,” you will switch to “Classic Mode.” In Classic Mode, characters automatically take action while the ATB gauge accumulates. Players can battle by selecting commands such as “Ability,” “Magic,” and “Item,” which consume the ATB gauge, similarly to the command-based battle system of the original Final Fantasy VII. While in Classic Mode, you can switch back to action-based gameplay at any time.

■ Battle System: Cloud

Cloud can “Attack” with his sword at close range with the Square button and build up combos by repeatedly pressing Square. By holding Square, Cloud can unleash a radial attack.

Unique Ability

Pressing the Triangle button activates a character’s unique ability. Cloud’s unique ability switches him from his balanced “Assault Mode” to the attack-specialized “Punisher Mode.” In Punisher Mode, Cloud’s movement speed is reduced, but his attack’s become more powerful.

—Assault Mode: “Attack.”

—Punisher Mode: “Strong Attack.”

Abilities

—Triple Slash

Cloud slashes surrounding enemies with three consecutive strikes. Its power increases by hitting multiple enemies.

—Blade Burst

A long range attack in which Cloud fires a magic burst from his blade.

■ Weapon Enhancement

By unlocking the abilities of the core materia in weapons, you can upgrade them to increase their power.

—Cloud’s Buster Sword. You can also increase the character’s stats and increase the materia slots.

Weapon Abilities

Each weapon has a dedicated weapon ability that increases in proficiency each time it is used. By increasing a proficiency to the maximum level, you can learn the weapon ability to use at any time, even when that weapon is not equipped.

■ Materia

Fire

Materia that enables the use of flame-attribute magic such as “Fire.” It evolves from “Fire” to “Fira” to “Firaga.”

Sense

Materia that enables the use of “Sense.” By using Sense on an enemy, you can see that enemy’s traits, resistances, and weaknesses.

■ Summons

When equipped, summoning materia adds an additional gauge that, when filled, grants you the ability to call forth otherworldly entities to fight alongside you for a limited time. These summoned beings possess a will of their own and will engage enemies independently, culminating in a devastating attack they execute before departing the battlefield.

Chocobo & Moogle

A world-traveling moogle riding atop his partner chocobo. It is cute on cute, the simple sight of which provides healing.

—Ability: “Mog Bomb.”

—Ability: “Stampede.”

■ Locations

Locations from Final Fantasy VII have been faithfully recreated in high quality. Several locations that could not be explored in the original version have also been added.

Church in the Slums

The old church at the edge of the Sector 5 Slums. The building is old and houses the crashed test rocket launched by Shinra. One of the few places where flowers grow in the ruined slums, Aerith takes care of the garden there in her spare time.

Aerith’s House

A house located in a corner of the Sector 5 Slums. Aerith and her mother Elmyra live there. They grow a variety of colorful flowers in their garden, and every day Aerith delivers them to the residents of Midgar. Clear water flows down from the cliff behind the house, which coupled with the loveliness of the house itself, make for a beautiful scene unseemly of the slums.

Screenshots

—Playing darts in 7th Heaven.

—A bike battle against Shinra with Jessie on board.

■ Developer Comments

Yoshinori Kitase (Producer)

In the several years following 2009, when I was running around all over the world promoting the Final Fantasy XIII series, I had opportunity to speak to many fans and journalists. The question that I always got as we got up to part ways was, “When are you making the Final Fantasy VII Remake?”

It was to the point where it almost felt like an alternative way to say goodbye, so eventually I started pre-emptively giving my response to the question before they’d even asked it. “If we were to create a remake of that now, it would be an enormous amount of data, and who knows how many years it would take. But, if the ‘right time’ comes along, we might just do it someday!” This is how I’d respond back then, who knows how many hundreds of times. To all the people I had a chance to meet with back then, the “right time” has finally arrived.

For the Final Fantasy VII Remake, developers who worked on the original game have come onboard once again as core members, including myself as Producer, Tetsuya Nomura as Director, Motomu Toriyama as Co-Director, and Kazushige Nojima on Story & Scenario.

Additionally, we also have people like Co-Director Naoki Hamaguchi who are now part of the core development team, who was just a fan of Final Fantasy VII back then. And, to my delight, creators from younger generations all over the world have come forth upon hearing news of Final Fantasy VII Remake’s production. While ensuring that the spirit of the original game is kept intact, these members are adding to it the power of a new generation.

As a result, the game that is about to be born surpasses even my own expectations as the one who voiced the desire to take this endeavor on in the first place. In fact, the one who’s looking forward to playing this game the most right now might actually be me.

Tetsuya Nomura (Director / Concept Design)

I started up the Final Fantasy VII Remake project around the time of Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. We’d gone through Advent Children, Before Crisis, Crisis Core, and Dirge of Cerberus, and I was planning this by myself for about a year as the fifth and final entry in the compilation.

Since that initial plan and my first ideas, other projects took-shape and I became very busy as they moved forward, but I never stopped thinking about VII. As such, I feel like I’m looking forward to the release as much as anyone, as I’ve been carrying around these ideas for a long time.

Opportunities for discussing our true intentions are few, but with regard to the size of the game that many are asking about – there’s no reason at all to worry. Even in this Midgar portion alone, the density and volume are so great that I had to give directions to lighten them.

With regard to new characters, of whom I said during past interviews that there would be “none” – though they aren’t main characters, their numbers ended up growing considerably in the process of creating a rich depiction of Midgar. When you think of Midgar’s final boss, you probably think of the M.O.T.O.R., but in this game new bosses will appear and add to the excitement of the story even more.

We’ve already begun working on the next one as well, but I’m confident that playing through this title will expand your expectations just like the world that extends beyond Midgar.

Until next time.

Kazushige Nojima (Story / Scenario)

It must have been in the very beginning stages of developing Final Fantasy VII Remake that I got to see the Remake version of Cloud for the first time. It wasn’t post-Advent Children Cloud, with kindness brimming from within. Rather, here was a young man with fiery features, looking straight at me through the screen with aggression in his eyes. I knew right t hen: “Oh, this is it.”

This time, it was this Cloud that I needed to depict. When Cloud came to Midgar and was hired by Avalanche, this was the sort of look that he would have had on his face. So I revisited the experiences that he’d had in his life so far, thinking of the effect that each individual event would have had on him. His attitude toward his childhood friend Tifa. How would he act toward Barret? What sort of distance would he keep while interacting with passers-by on the street? I picture the scene of Midgar in my mind and imagine Cloud moving through it. Write new lines of dialogue to add for him. This is how Cloud in the Remake Version came to be.

It was an exciting task to introduce a new current of wind to Final Fantasy VII, but at the same time, there was some fear. The original game used cartoon-like, stylised art, and the story was completed by players using their imagination to supplement portions that couldn’t be depicted as a result. Even if they were seeing the same scene, the information they took away from it and how they interpreted it differed depending on the viewer. Perhaps it’s what might be considered a narrative form of storytelling nowadays.

In Final Fantasy VII Remake, there will be much less room for player imagination. This fact will probably change the feel of the story considerably. People who know the original might not know quite how to take it. Such is the fear that I have. But I also have conviction. It should be possible to feel a much deeper connection to Cloud as you join alongside him. It would be amazing if you could feel that fiery flame together with him.

Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director / Game Design / Programming)

When the original Final Fantasy VII was released, I was just another student who dreamed of being in the gaming industry. I of course played the game, but I also re-read the guidebook over and over again, my heart stolen by the engaging universe. I remember wishing strongly that I’d be able to create a game like it someday.

Twenty-two years later, that student who dreamed of Final Fantasy VII is now involved in developing the remake. I can’t help but feel like it’s fate.

In this title, I handled overseeing the development team overall, such as deciding development milestones, constructing a workflow using Unreal Engine, and taking responsibility for game design.

Here, I met staff members who were involved in the original game, who entered the industry with childhood dreams of Final Fantasy VII just like me, and those who were drawn by the allure of Final Fantasy VII and joined the dev team from overseas. It was a gathering of amazing creators with passion and ambition towards the game. All I have is gratitude for having the opportunity to meet this team.

With all this in mind, I’ve considered the following phrase important: “respect for the original.” Final Fantasy VII Remake takes on the challenge of creating something that’s created specifically thanks to the technological power and entertainment quality that matches the current generation, while treating the captivating elements of the original game with respect.

For those who’ve played it: “new but familiar.” For those who haven’t played it: “experience the charm of Final Fantasy VII which moved the hearts of many, now created with the most exciting modern technology available.” I hope you enjoy it!

Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director / Scenario Design)

For the original game, I joined the project as a planner who was just starting out on my career, and I worked on Sector 7 slums and Wall Market.

In producing Final Fantasy VII Remake, the thoughts and feelings I had when I was just starting out back then were revived, and at the same time, I took on the challenge of new methods of expression that I’m able to execute now that I have the experience.

The original version was a forerunner when it came to RPGs that used 3D CG, but the characters were made of polygons, the dialogue was in text only, and cameras weren’t able to be used for cutscenes.

In Final Fantasy VII Remake, we’re using the newest visuals, voice acting, and character facial expressions to redesign the Final Fantasy VII universe to be more realistic. By increasing the realism of the universe within the city of Midgar, which is made prosperous by mako energy, we of course also reimagined the characters who reside there, like Cloud and Tifa, more vividly as living and breathing human beings, depicting their daily lives and feelings in a more in-depth manner.

We took care to remake not only the main characters, but also characters like Johnny and the Shinra Middle Manager who I created back then. Please keep your eye out to see how they make their new appearances. Additionally, when remaking the Honey-Bee Inn at the Wall Market, we revived it is as a pantheon of entertainment, which couldn’t be realized back then. Here, the scene that many of you have been eager to see, where Cloud disguises himself. Please enjoy.”

Shintaro Takai (Graphics / VFX Director)

I created the effects for the original Final Fantasy VII. Back then, the scope of development was so exorbitantly massive that I just threw myself into the tasks for which I was responsible, without even fully understanding what sort of game we were creating.

Near the final stages of development, when I finally tried playing the test version, I remember being surprised by the graphics and the depth of the story, as well as how fully realized it was, and I remember enjoying the game as a player. It’s been 22 years after that, and I’m participating in the Final Fantasy VII Remake project as a developer, and today, I’m able to experience the impact and fun similar to that of the previous title.

For the remake, I’ve mainly directed the effects section, while also crossing over into other sections for decisions and directions on overall graphics.

Among the many major games that are celebrated for their photorealistic graphics, FINAL FANTASY VII is a little different. Not only is it realistic, but I believe you’ll notice that it incorporates “playfulness” in the design and colours for an originality not found in other games. Effects are an area that is particularly conducive to expressing various elements of “playfulness.”

I hope you’ll enjoy various effects that are not only beautiful, but also convincingly portray realism and magic!! Various elements of game design and graphic design have been packed into every corner of the vast Midgar. I hope you enjoy it!!

Teruki Endo (Battle Director)

When I played the original version, I wasn’t on the game creation side of things, and I remember enjoying it as a player and feeling constant surprise at the evolution of games. The three-dimensionality of the stage and the dynamism of the battle scenes have left a strong impression on me. Back then, I never even imagined that I would someday be on the side of creating games, or that I would be able to be involved in that game.

Speaking to my own personal experience, I had mostly been creating action games thus far, so for this title, I took on the challenge of remaking a system that was not of an action game originally and incorporating action elements into it.

Production was completely different than that of a pure action game, and the need for new design philosophy often arose. Production involved constantly searching for the best balance between action and command elements, but I believe we’ve managed to do this in an exciting new way.

In order to create battles that are surprising and never boring, we worked hard to create a variety of strategic elements for each boss and enemy. Also, in constructing battle systems for each character, we wanted to respect the image of the original version while additionally introducing many new abilities. I hope you’re able to find your own style of battle by combining those abilities with Materia.

Takako Miyake (Environment Director)

For Final Fantasy VII Remake, the graphics team worked to the theme of “how would Midgar look if it existed in real life?” As such, as the environments team, we examined those portions that were once left to the players’ imaginations, fell outside of the on-screen area, or were between scenes, and tried to supplement them in detail.

For all the fans out there, we worked our hardest in hopes that you’ll be able to relive an experience that also surpasses your memories.

For all of you who are playing for the first time, we worked our hardest with the sole hope that you’ll experience this amazing universe that has remained beloved by so many for 22 years, and to be able to convey its charm.

Additionally, in order to create a fitting backdrop for the drama unfolding around the main characters, and in order for it to be a stage where the various characters living in Midgar can be their vibrant selves, all of teams, including the environments section, came up with ideas and worked collaboratively. Midgar is a closed city. However, I would be very happy if by experiencing the drama unfolding around its residents and the main characters who go through it, you feel as though Midgar actually exists.

I am a Final Fantasy VII fan, so being able to take part in the Remake was something that made me happy but also nervous. It’s been an unforgettable development experience. I truly hope that everyone enjoys it.

Iichiro Yamaguchi (Lighting Director)

Final Fantasy VII, for me, at the time when I was in school, was a very impactful game. It really pierced my heart as I was at such a sensitive age, with not only a rich story, but charming characters, world setting and music, not to mention that it was the first in the series to be in 3D polygon format. This was the piece that really brought out my interest in CG in general.

When I was able to join the Final Fantasy VII Remake team, I started by thinking back to how I felt when I first played it. Midgar, with its’ abundant mix of different elements and original characters like Cloud, became something unbreakable and the “standard” for me in Final Fantasy VII.

In the world of the game, just like in real life, if there is not some form of light then you won’t be able to see anything. So when putting up lights just anywhere, Midgar could lose its token Midgar-ness, and Cloud wouldn’t be Cloud anymore. I’ve taken as much care as possible to recreate the world that I had saved in my mind and attempted to remake it to a fresh and modern standard.

The positions of the few lights that illuminate the entirety of Midgar, the adjustments made to each and every voluminous cut-scene… it’s all a lot of work to do! However, alongside the rest of the wonderful lighting team we feel that we’ve brought something great to the table. We’ve left in the elements that will have you going “Ah, that’s what it was like!”, and yet you’ll still be able to enjoy the world of Final Fantasy VII in its new and fresh style!

Masaaki Kazeno (Character Modeling Director)

I was among those who bought the original game on the day of its release and played it constantly, clearing it in under a week. Those that also have cleared it will understand this, but I also wasn’t quite satisfied with the locations, so I continued to play it after clearing in the same places as well.

And so, my memory of Final Fantasy VII was how I actually started studying CG, after being left with the strong motivation to want to create a Final Fantasy game when playing it and truly being moved by it.

So I just made my mind up and bought a PC to help me study – something that I had never even touched before. So for me, someone who had been so strongly influenced by the original, to be working on the characters of the remake, I want to do everything I can to make them in a way that shows both a charm and freshness whilst keeping that nostalgia.

So I want them to reflect in a fresh way that that also allows players of the original to remember the time that they played the original, as well as make them detailed and charming enough to give first-time players the understanding of just how charming they are.

I’ve ensured to arrange things like hairstyles and outfits to re-create the design from the original, so I encourage anyone to take time with their camera angles when playing to take a look. Also, there are several characters that stand out other than just the main characters that you’ll find. So please see for yourself as to what kind of appearance and characteristics they have! Other than that, we’ve got enemies in there perhaps too close to the original, and there are many surprises coming in the Remake for you to all look forward to! Keep your eyes out!

Yoshiyuki Soma (Animation Director)

When Final Fantasy VII came out, I was actually more of a Sega Saturn fan, so I didn’t play it straight away. However, when it was decided that I was to join SQUARE, I was put on the development of Final Fantasy VIII, and so I thought to myself “I’m screwed if I don’t know about Final Fantasy VII!”. That’s when I bought a PlayStation and played it so much.

Those memories feel like only yesterday. So I can’t say this too loudly, but I actually started it out of obligation rather than as a fan. However, I was absolutely enthralled by the world and lore as soon as I picked it up!

For the animations; each and every member of the team – from those responsible for battles, fields, simple events, cut scenes, mini-games, facial expressions, to swinging things in the background, actual behavior settings—have all worked together to improve as one.

We’ve done our best to ensure that whatever you do, it feels like the characters are alive there with you. We really hope you enjoy the story of Midgar on a huge screen, with Cloud and his friends.

Final Fantasy VII Remake is due out for PlayStation 4 on March 3, 2020.

View the screenshots at the gallery.

[grailbot143]

Welcome Back Everyone!

If you would like to submit art work for this week’s episode please do so before Friday when I will post the recap and update the Master List. Click Here

As I was not the biggest fan of last week’s episode, so this week, we are going to do something a little different. I'm going to skip the recap, not even doing a briefcap. mention, briefly the new fusion . . .Alexandrite. . . alright done, then move on to the list of lists!

Consolidated lingering Questions

The Gems:

Where do they come from? I now know they are not from Earth, they are from somewhere in space, further away than our ocean can get in a 30 foot (10ish meters) diameter cylinder from the ocean floor.

How is power derived from them?

Why is a pearl considered a gem? apparently, as I have now been informed, a pearl is considered a gem in the realm of decoration or jewelry, as is amber and shell. Much like a tomato is considered a vegetable in cooking apparently and fruit in horticulture. So in the "magic rock alien race" a pearl is obviously a gem

What about the gemmed enemies? the monsters used to be humanoid, how does that work, why??

How do they get gems? Or are they created out of gems? created Assumption: each has unique powers, i.e., Amethyst can’t project a plan from her gem ~~I'm not sure they don't each have the same powers and their limitations in magic don't instead spring from their maturity and personality.~~

If the above assumption is correct, what exactly is Garnet’s superpower? third eye, strength, lightning

What are Steven’s powers? healing, shield bubble

Pearl's Powers? project illusions and store stuff in her gem and create illusions

Amethyst's Powers? nothing yet? can that be right? She's quick and efficient at shapeshifting I guess.

During Ocean Gem it is mentioned by Lapis Lazuli that the only thing the Crystal Gems care about is Earth, but Pearl showed her complete disdain for humans on multiple occasions particularly Keep Beach City Weird where she said humans were insignificant. . . . so what about Earth do they care about so much?

What’s the deal with Amethyst’s strange relationship with gravity? seriously, did this just go away?

Who all can fuse? Pearl and Amethyst = Opal and Amethyst and Garnet = Sugilite and Garnet and Amethyst and Pearl = Alexandrite

How old are each of them? It’s suggested that they’re centuries old. Amethyst acts a bit like a teenager. Is she that much younger than Pearl? Where does Garnet fall? Why is Steven the only boy?

How many boy gems are there everywhere?

The World:

The Lunar Sea Spire was known as the Oasis for Gems on Earth, so I know it’s Earth, but… Is it in the same Earth that we are in, but hidden from us, or some sort of alternate universe

Everything seems to be happening in Beach City. Are there other Gems in other towns? Like every town has a team of Crystal Gems protecting it? Or is this town some center for universal negativity, so the Gems are focused here?

Where did Lion take Steven and Connie for training? Is that place, or a similar one, available to all gems? Do you need a familiar to take you there? How does Lion know the way?

Warp Pads. . . . Galaxy Warp. How did the Galaxy warp get here? Why is it here? Why is it broken?

The House on the Beach:

This is more a curiosity, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the fight that took off that statue’s hands. I bet it involved Sugilite.

What is up with the living temple inside the house? Beating hearts, waterfalls, a pool for getting rid of evil spirits, a holodeck run by the imagination, dimensional shenanigans. Need much more history and understanding here.

Townies:

What’s up with Onion and his dad? Are they from some other planet?

Why would you make a place called Fish Stew Pizza?

What would make one believe a potato can provide protection from a multi-dimensional being. .. . also, are the Gems multi-dimensional? I don't see that.

Rose Quartz:

Why does Rose have to die to give Steven his superpowers?

~~Is Rose even dead? _pretty sure this is answered (-doubts-)~~

What would make her choose that? a prophesy? desire to give Greg a kid? gonna die anyway?

Did she give up her gem to HAVE a kid or to EMBUE a kid with the gem?

Lion:

What all does Lion know? How did he get his powers?

Characters

The Crystal Gems

Pearl

Garnet

Amethyst

(dead?) Rose Quartz

Steven

Other Gems

Lapis Lazuli

Fusions

Opal

Sugilite

Alexandrite

The Townsfolk & Other Humans

Sadie

Lars

FryMan

PeeDee Fryman

Ronaldo Fryman

Greg

Mailman

Barb (not seen)

Nanafua Pizza

Kofi Pizza

Jenny Pizza

Kiki Pizza

Sour Cream

Buck Dewey

Onion

Onion’s Dad

Mr. Smiley

Suitcase Sam?

Mayor Dewey

Connie

Connie's Mom (Dr)

Connie's Dad (Security Guard)

Monsters/Creatures

Centipeedles and their mother

Red Eye

(offscreen) A giant bird with a giant polka-dot egg

The Spirit from the painting that possessed Together Breakfast

The Crystal Shrimp

(deceased) Frybo

Steven with Cats

The Eel that liked shiny stuff

Lion

Starfish Drills and their MOM?

Giant Bird from Giant Woman

The Geode Beetles of Heaven and Earth

The carnivorous moss that turns into beautiful flowers

Holo-Pearl

Training Robot from the cavern

Blow/Pufferfish

Blood Polyp (offscreen)

Ice Monster

Gem Shard Animated Body Parts

Invisible Monster

Sneople

Places

Around Town

Big Donut

Beach City Walk Fries

Funland Arcade

the boardwalk

Fish Stew Pizza

Greg’s van

It’s A Wash

the storage facility

the Crystal Gem’s house on the beach

Suitcase Sam’s T-Shirt store

Funland

Dock

Wrestling Arena

Movie Theatre (in town?)

Pearl’s favorite tree (deceased)

Under the Ocean

Lars’ House

The Lighthouse

Greg's Aunt and Uncle's Barn

Crab the Shack

Mystical

The Temple with a beating heart

the storage unit? Greg said it was magical

(destroyed) The Lunar Sea Spire

Warp pad in Steven’s living room

The Training Cavern

Upside down Pyramid in the Strawberry Fields

Sand Castles that the Dessert Glass built

The cave in Arcade Mania

The Sky Spire

The Lava place where Garnet retrieved the Geode Beetle of Earth

Deadman’s Mouth

The cloud/Pillar place in Steven The Sword Fighter

Rose’s Room

The Communications Hub

The underwater place the Glass of Time was in

The ice cavern the Shooting Star was in

Rose’s Fountain

The Geode

Galaxy Warp

Tropical Island of Geodes

Other

Space

Things

Gems

Rose Quartz

2 Garnets

Amethyst

Pearl

Centipeedles’ Mothers gem

(pants animating) Gem Shards

(maybe? pretty sure) The Lunar Goddess Statue

Eel’s Gem

Gem from Upside Down Pyramid

Dessert Glass

Starfish Mother Gem

The ROC in Giant Woman

Blowfish Gem

Ice Monster from Monster Buddies

Lapis Lazuli

(Animated Body Part) Gem Shards

Invisible Monster Gem

Mystical Items

Summoned Weapons

Laser Light Cannon

Red Eye?

Lunar Goddess Statue

Cursed Painting

Replicator Wand (destroyed)

Button in the Cavern (and all that stuff)

Fire Salt

Glass of Time

Shooting Star

The Mirror

Warp Whistle

Warp Pads

The Protective Potato (according to Ronaldo)

Food (as it’s seemingly important to our little hero)

(discontinued) Cookie Cats

Fry Bits (Cat Fingers enjoy this too)

Together Breakfast

(offscreen) Pizza

(unmentioned) Cupcakes in jars

(not food) Cheeseburger backpack

Donuts

Fish Stew Pizza <-- Be sure to join the rewards program!

Giant Strawberries

Margarine to slick hair back

Sodas that he threw all over the place in Tiger Millionaire

Coconuts Sandwich Cereal (Arcade Mania)

Steven (for the bird in Giant Woman)

Cake

Aqua Mexico Burrito

Cream Pies (more a prop than food)

Bag of Chips

Burger for Onion’s Dad

Seagull’s banana peel and pizza

Cheeseburger Backpack full of snacks for the movie

Popcorn

Hot Dogs

Burgers (with a ridiculous amount of buns, lettuce, and silverware)

Creamed Corn

Cloud Donuts

Cloud Fry Bits

Fire Salt

“Special” Fries

Fire Donut

Kamikaze (directly in his mouth)

CHAAAPS

Durian Juice

Sandwiches

Blow torch Grilled Cheese

Crying Breakfast Friends

Fish (caught by Sadie, Cooked by Lars)

Potatoes

Bread Sticks (Crab the Shack)

Shrimp (Crab the Shack)

Likes and Dislikes So Far

Dislikes

Not a fan of the important role junk food plays in the show not as prevalent as it was before

I don’t relate to Steven much. He mostly annoys me.

Why is there not a main antagonist?

Season 1: Episode 5 Frybo

Season 1: Episode 6 Cat Fingers

Season 1: Episode 18 Beach Party

Season 1: Episode 27 House Guest

Season 1: Episode 32 Fusion Cuisine

Likes

I like that all the answers to everything are not conveniently packaged in a single episode

I like Garnet…

and sometimes Amethyst…

and I often relate to Pearl

I like Greg and his super awesome van

I like that it seemed like we landed in the middle of a life, rather than the beginning of a story… this continues to be true through every episode.

I like most of the townspeople and their relationships with Steven

I appreciate that though there are some references a kid wouldn’t understand completely, there is so far no blatantly adult humor or sexuality even in undertones - still true after 27 episodes…mostly still true. . . Sadie is a bit too um grown up

I like Connie a lot. She is funny and smart and a perfect non-super for the story.

I like arcade games…

I like that there are so many details in the background like everywhere…

and it’s obvious the creators are nerds

I like Sour Cream

I like the representation of emotions related to motherhood that each of the Gems go through in their own ways.

I like that the makers of the show know what customer service is like. Either that or they have really disturbing imaginations.

I like that the show encourages people to think critically and discuss large questions.

I like that there is a whole dark seedy side that I’m only just peeking into.

I just want to remind everyone, I write these recaps after having only seen the episode once, a week ago, and often interrupted by my whole blogging thing. I mainly do it for myself to refresh my memory for the next episode, but since I post it, I thought I should ask your forgiveness if it isn’t exactly perfect (or even close). Don’t forget if you have a submission for artwork for today’s episode, submit before Friday using the link above, and I’ll pick one to use as the cover art.

[thedyingmoon]

🖤 I See My Future Before Me 🖤

~ A V X Reader set in an Alternate Universe where Lady is fond of soap operas. 🤔

~ I know, I know, I'm late! Shut it! 😅

~ Now tagging my dear friends @heaven-on-a-landslide , @acieoj , @ehrzeth , and @simmy-ships . Heck, I want to tag all of you! But, we won't fit here! So, I dedicate this to all of you! 🖤

~ *Slapping myself* Okay, okay. Eveything's gonna be just fine! Let's do this!

***

X

***

As the massive evacuation of the city ensued, all of the Devil Hunters inside the mansion, both the brave and the meek, and the strong and the weak, faced the Demons that suddenly materialized and spread out like the plague with all the intention to murder all of them.

But, mighty Devil Hunters they may be called, the first, and unexpected, challenge of the Dreadnaught proved to be far too difficult for the most of them to handle.

Especially for those who came unprepared and weaponless.

"Shit!" Nero cursed as he stealthily dodged the attack of one of the strange Fury - like creatures who came too close to him. He fired a single blast of light from his Breaker as he landed on the ground after his jump, and it luckily hit one Demon in the face, making it motionless for a while, giving the young man ample time to escape.

And as the Demon regained consciousness, Nero made a full run towards V, who was stuck in one place of the ballroom trying to dodge the multiple green slashes directed at him. The massive black cat by the name of Shadow made a seven - foot spiked wall at her master's command, effectively deflecting an incoming attack and at the same time, protecting Nero from another as he arrived.

"Where is your weapon?" V questioned in a harsh tone, his tone betraying his emotions of both dismay and worry to the young Devil Hunter.

"I left it at the van." Nero shamefully admitted as he was protected yet again by the demonic feline as it turned into a volley of spikes that merely grazed one monster.

"Perfect timing!" Griffon sarcastically screeched as he let out a few strikes of electricity that didn't even hit a single monster.

"What are these Demons? I haven't seen them before!" Nero said as he fired another blast of light that finally broke his one and only weapon. "Shit!" he cursed as the pieces of his Breaker fell down on the marble floor.

V, on the other hand, had more things to worry about other than his or Nero's predicament. You suddenly vanished without him noticing, and he was deathly afraid that the monsters have already,...

"SCREW ALL THIS!" Griffon boomed as he flew higher above them, soaring and soaring until he reached the ceiling, or what's left of it.

"Don't do it,..." V warned as he looked up at his avian familiar but, he was too late. The demonic bird let out a guttural sound as he spread his wings, releasing multiple strikes of electricity that landed on the floor and hit all of the Demons, including some unfortunate Devil Hunters who had not dodged in time. The bird went on releasing power from his midnight blue wings, rendering the monsters motionless until they fell on the ground, smoke coming out from their body.

The Hunters, upon realizing what just happened, remained scattered and vigilant, as if expecting something else to attack them.

Griffon, who was blissfully unaware of what was to come, bashfully flew down towards his master.

"Should've done that earlier, eh, V?" gloated the bird.

To his shock, V glared at him, his eyes emitting a deathly aura. "What have you done?!" he said in a low tone that honestly creeped the hell out of Nero, who was clueless of everything.

All of a sudden, the monsters, who were still smoking on the ground due to the electricity, slowly rose, scales glowing once more and spikes growing longer than their normal size. Their eyes simultaneously glowed, brighter than ever before. And before they could even do anything, the veins in their body glowed a sickly, bright green, pumping beneath their thick scales. The veins glowed and glowed, until a surge of electrcity ran through them to each end of their limbs, giving them more power than ever before.

"What now?!" Nero blurted out as the monsters started dashing once again but, this time, they didn't just leave green traces of blur, they also crushed the floor beneath them. And, what's even more frightening, the creatures became faster, enabling them to land direct slashes on the younger and weaker Devil Hunters' bodies until they fall on the ground, either murdered,... or dead.

"These creatures absorb electricty! It becomes,... their power!" V screamed as he commanded Shadow to create another spiked shield that walled him and Nero in and Griffon to continuously send strong currents to the morphed feline to make it even more powerful. "I would not last,... much longer!" V gasped as he almost fell to the ground. He leaned in on his cane and let Nero support his back and shoulder.

"V, hang in there!" Nero said as he helplessly watched the summoner struggle to remain standing. He was exuding too much demonic power to support Shadow and Griffon's defenses that it was taking a toll on his already vulnerable frame. The Yamato almost drained his energy the other day, and he was yet to recover from it, that even summoning the golem for a short while would prove useless.

"(Y/N),..." V uttered, his voice breaking, his sight becoming blurry. "Where,... are y-you?!"

Then, as if by some wild turn of events, everything went silent. The creatures still moved about, slashing anyone in their way but, they didn't prevail from what swiftly came down on them.

Through V's faltering visions, he saw a strange form of light crawl on the ground. It was immediately followed by a translucent wave of light that effectively stopped the creatures on their tracks. Another wave of that light made them scream with such unearthly voices, covering their ears as if to shield them from something very deafening that the human ears couldn't even hear. One creature stumbled just beside V and Nero, still struggling to cover its ears. It saw the horrified look on Nero's face as it squirmed and made one last effort to attack them, going for the kill,...

All of a sudden, all of them heard a familiar sound, followed immediately by the sight of the walls breaking as an angry, white hunk of a vehicle made its way towards the interior, hitting creatures on the way and splattering Demon guts all over the place in the process.

However, the creature remained unfazed. It raised its spiked arm and,...

V's sight might be going blurry, but the thing that flew towards the monster in an unbelievable speed surely helped him regain all the senses he had lost and more. He saw, with his wide, green eyes, a silver stiletto with the longest heel he had ever seen hit the back of the monster's head, making its eyes white. It fell on the ground, knocked out at his feet.

And, as V caught the small stiletto on his free hand, he saw the most beautiful thing come out of the van, carrying what looked like the Red Queen.

"NERO!" V heard you scream as you threw the sword at the youth. Nero jumped and caught it in midair, bringing the sword down on the creature's head and killing it in one slash.

And as the vehicle came to a halt, V saw as you practically jumped out of it, meeting one confused and now deaf monster. While still in midair, you kicked the Demon's jaw with your stiletto - lacking foot, unknowingly showing your smooth and flawless leg in the process. With one hand, you removed the remaining shoe and quickly dug the heel deep into the Demon's forehead, squirting its blood and ruining your immaculate white dress. It fell on the ground, dead.

Nico's head popped out of the window. "Make it fast while they're deaf!"

The remaining Devil Hunters in the room, together with Nero, took this as a cue and attacked all at once, finishing the creatures one by one.

V was about to collapse on the ground when he felt a pair of soft hands support him. He turned and saw you, and your worried look.

"You're gonna be fine, V." you said as you turned away from him to face one creature who just regained its hearing. "I'll protect you. I promise."

V watched in horror as the creature ran towards you while you remained still on the ground. He saw how you were about to lift your skirt, about to pick something that was strapped on your thigh, when some bullets came through the Demon's head. You both looked and saw Dante as he landed on the Demon, firing at its face with his guns until it was barely noticeable. He smiled at his kill, left it and went directly towards you.

"Sorry, I'm late!" Dante said to you with his charmingly boyish smile. "Now, where were we?"

"Dante, look out!" you screamed as you pointed at the remaining two beasts that made a jump towards Dante's back, spikes raised and thirsty for bloodshed. He didn't even turn around as one creature had its head blasted by a single round of a launcher and the other sliced by a massive sword of curious design. As they fell on the ground, the two ladies, Trish and Lady, joined Dante's side.

"Hey, cherry pie!" Lady greeted cheerfully as she waved at you.

Trish only smiled at you. "Well, we finally meet, at last." she said to you, an almost unnoticeable and knowing look directed towards you.

V called his familiars back and leaned on his cane for support. Tonight's batlle was finally over, with deaths already taking a toll on the rest of the team. But, then, Dante, Nero, Trish, and Lady were finally here. Surely, nothing could defeat them if they joined forces against the Dreadnought.

Except,...

He turned and saw you looking up at him, your worried eyes innocently wide, the absence of your high heels finally betraying your real height to him, which he found adorable. He didn't see you fight but, there was something really curious about you that he longed to unveil.

And, that strange power of light that stopped and deafened the enemies,...

Were you responsible for it?

You two were about to meet Nero and Nico when V heard Dante call your name.

You turned around just in time to have yourself lifted off the ground by the legendary Devil Hunter. V saw how Dante hugged you and felt,... something strange in his chest, like a twisting kind of sensation. And he suddenly felt a deep consciousness with how he must've looked compared to Dante, like he suddenly became ashamed of his own presence there, especially in front of you.

Of course he knew there was something between you and his younger brother,...

He just couldn't shake the sudden, unexplainable pain in his chest.

"Are you hurt?" Dante asked you, checking for any signs of injury on your body.

"I'm fine, Dante." you told him.

"Let's go." he said as he took one of your arms and turned, expecting you to follow him. By this time, the others have already left, leaving the Devil May Cry crew, both Red Grave and Fortuna branches, alone inside the ruined mansion. "We'll go north and meet the Dreadnought there - "

Dante stopped when you suddenly took your arm away from him. He turned and gave you a smile.

"Babe, come on. I'm no longer drunk,..."

"I'm not coming with you, Dante."

The conversation gained the attention of everyone. Nico, Nero, Lady, and Trish watched as you faced Dante with V, weak and haggard, just behind you, still watching wearily.

Dante laughed at what you just told him, not taking you seriously at all.

"What are you taking about, (Y/N)?" he told you, his voice becoming louder and the atmosphere getting more tense. "You work with me. We work together. There's no way I'll leave you here - "

"I already told you, Dante." you said, trying your very best to reason with the man, that same man who threw you out of Devil May Cry three weaks ago. "I'm not going with you."

The amusement on Dante's face vanished as he looked down at you. "Why? Is it because of your deadweight friends?"

"What did you just say - ?!" Nero was about to confront Dante when Nico stopped him in his tracks.

"Don't let it get to ya, Nero!" Nico said to him, trying her very best to stop the young man.

"He called us deadweight!"

"Hmm, this is interesting." Trish whispered to Lady as she crossed her ams.

"Wait, is that a soap opera I'm seeing right now?" Lady said, sighing as she leaned on her Kalina Ann. "Ah, love rivals. I wish I was a bit younger,..."

"Leave them out of here!" you bravely told Dante. "This is my own decision. Now, if you will, you can leave right away and do the job, yourself."

However, he would not have any of your excuses. Dante forcefully grabbed your arm and made you look up at him.

"Stop being so stubborn and listen to me." Dante warned in a voice that practically gave Trish and Lady some shivers. They knew the man was always gracious and gentle around women. Tolerating, even.

So, how come the man was clearly forcing you to bend to his will?

"You don't belong here! You belong with us! With me!"

You remained silent as you stared Dante in the eyes. Then, with utter resolution in your voice, you told him, "We have an agreement, Dante."

"And what is that agreement?!"

"No one would ever belong to anyone. You told me that." You said to him, your voice shaking, yet full of courage. "And that you will let me go when the time comes."

"What in the - ?"

Dante let you go, confusion and disbelief taking over his senses.

From his spot, V watched the exchange between you and Dante, totally intrigued and curious as to the nature of the said agreement between you and his brother.

When the time comes? What does that even mean?

It was then that Dante's furious eyes landed on V did he finally have a slight clue of what's truly going on.

"It is you, huh?" Dante whispered savagely, his voice clearly changing tone, setting both Trish and Lady on the edge. "Who would've guessed?! It's the mysterious man who gave me a reason to fight!"

Slowly, red light engulfed Dante's whole being, revealing his deadly Devil form right in front of you, V, and everybody else.

"Who would've guessed,..." Dante growled as he stalked towards V like a monster about to devour his prey. "That you'd be a total jackass for stealing everything away from me?!"

Shouts were heard, weapons were drawn. Dante was coming towards V with murderous intent for whatever reason. But V was too weak to retaliate. He stumbled on the ground, trying to shield his pathetic form with an arm and his cane,...

All of a sudden, a blinding light swiftly came down between them, stopping Dante midway. When V opened his eyes, he found out it was only you. And what's more, you were actually able to stop the Devil from attacking by simply holding out an arm.

"NO, DANTE!" You screamed at the man. "YOU'LL KILL ME FIRST BEFORE YOU GET TO THIS MAN!"

Helplessly, Dante reverted back to his human form, saddened by the fact that you're willing to sacrifice yourself to save V.

The time has, indeed, finally come.

"You would go so far?" Dante asked you in a more gentle tone.

"You know my answer." You answered, still not putting your arm down.

Dante sighed and huffed as he pulled the lapels of his black jacket. He turned around to face Trish and Lady but, before finally leaving the place, he turned to you once more.

"You're fired." Dante told you without so much as revealing a bit of his emotion. Only then, did he turn around to leave the mansion with the two ladies.

***

Meanwhile, in a room where several screens were showing different places of the massive mansion, the master of the house looked with wonder as the same scene unfolded right before his eyes.

His thin attendant bent to look at the screen.

"What is it you found amusing, Master?"

"Only the most amusing thing ever. It seems that the Devil May Cry was split into two."

"Truly?"

"Yes. And here I was hoping that all of them, united as one, would take down the Dreadnought for me, not those pathetic second rates hiding in the name of Devil Hunter."

"What do we do now, Master?"

The man smiled as he linked his pudgy fingers.

"We shall see which Devil May Cry would remain standing in the midst of battle. Only then, can I - "

***

🖤🖤🖤