#and it was a struggle even though they're really simple shapes

[kaleidoru]

recycled some designs into these two Very Evil Imps

[threepandas]

After The War: Foxx Hunting (Prev <-)

"Commander."

On anyone else, the tone would suggest simple statement. But there was a lilt. A slight inflection, I had long learned to spot, at the end of the word. That made it a greeting. A call. Monotone filled with subtle, near untraceable mocking.

"Tired of running yet, Commander? Or do you want to struggle more? You can, if you want. I can let you. We have time. After all, it really won't change much. There's no where you can go."

Head tilted ever so slightly, at an almost an invisible angle. Posture, military perfect, impossibly so. That perfection bought with pain, torture, born out of brutal necessity. His lips quirked, in an amused curl. At just that same, impossibly slight amount. Too small and indistinct for his tormentors to notice. To take from him.

Just enough to stay human, I had thought. Too stay sane, I had hoped.

I was wrong.

My biggest mistake hunted me. Had all the power in the GALAXY now, to hunt me. All the time he could ever dream, in which to do so. And it was all my fault. Me. It had to be. I... I was the only thing that changed. Tried to make things... things BETTER!

How arrogant. Hubristic. Who the fuck was I? To think I had the RIGHT, to shape and change the fate of an entire GALAXY to my whims? I didn't even know the story. Had been GUESSING, based off STAR WARS. So... so fucking confident. A-and what did that get me? Oh god. O-Oh god!

The blaster burns on my arms and legs screamed, as I forced myself up, one more time. Always, please god, always! J-just one more time! Don't give out on me yet. Not.. not until we are safe. Then. Then! We can cry. Howl and weep, break down and scream.

(My fault. My Fault. MY FAUL-)

None of the characters were an exact match. People were and weren't where they should be. Plots happened out of sequence or not at all. So why? WHY? Did I believe so hard in the Clones? IS it because I loved, still LOVE, the Vode? Did that trust transfer? That emotional connection? Was I tricked? Or was I just a fool? Does it MATTER in the end? If the result is the same?

I brought a monster, straight to Power.

Now they're dead. All my brothers, my sisters, my mentors and friends. Dead, dead, DEAD! Glowing weapons on the ground and a temple filled with DEATH. D-Did the nurseries get out? Please, oh god, let the children have survived my mistake.

Blood stains my robes. Only a tiny fraction of it, is mine.

Sticky and slick, oily and so many colors. The blood does not mix. Too many species, too much ash from the air. If I do not clean or remove it soon? I am likely to get chemical burns, from the reactions developing on the cloth. But again and again. My mistake finds me. A pursuit predator. Intent on wearing me down.

"How long will you try, Commander? You know just as well as I do, that I can afford to wait you out. You'll drop eventually." His tone was so mild, even as his words were horrifying. Overhead, a transport kept steady pace, as I desperately ran from commandos on the streets. "How many days has it been without proper rest? Rations? To stop and think? We've survived far worse then this, Commander. For far longer. We can endure, can you?"

I pull my magic around me, through my screaming legs, to fling myself across a jump they shouldn't be able to make.

Despair surges, as behind me... I hear jetpacks. Ah. They've gotten better gear, at long last. E-Everything I've ever wished for them. Gear and food and safety, at long last! A-At long last. I have to laugh, hysterical and afraid. I just... I just never thought my wish? Would be fulfilled for the purpose of hunting me down.

(I'm so tired. Please, god. No more. Let it stop. Let this nightmare END!)

Jumping, I land in a roll on a level several floors down. The impact is ugly. Agony on my burns and bruises. I may have not taken any direct hits? But those glancing strikes? Still leave marks. Trails of seared, blistering, blaster burns. Like tiger strips. As though you hade been struck, by whip made of fire. Not to mention the concussion grenades.

Yeah, half way through the attack, the Clones had stumbled. Either broken free of the Not Sith's control or come to their senses, deciding to switch to non-lethal weapons. Probably trying to go for the capture instead of the kill. But given the sheer variety of the Knights? One Being's sedative was another's lethal toxin. And the gas attacks...

I... I'm still not even sure if... if Master Rim'Llahiy survived long enough, to get to the healers. The seizures were BAD. He... he didn't deserve that. All he'd ever done, was keep the gardens. Live a quite life. T...Try to defend his home.

Around me, as I run, screens light up. Somehow, I'm the focal point. I... I don't know how he's doing this. It has to be Sketch or Gear, one of the Slicers. Who else could hack into so many systems so easily? The... the knowledge that they're helping him? That everyone of the Guard is HELPING him hunt me? I feel sick.

Was any of it real? Was I friends with ANY of them? Or... Or was I just them happy little slave master, patting myself on the back, because I didn't beat them, unlike the others? Aren't I gracious. Don't you just love me? Say thank you for my grace. Let me feel good about my self! My pretty little charity of the day! Before I skip back off to fairy land! Leaving you all in hell.

Do I deserve this? I... I have to deserve this... right?

Even though I tried. Even though I fought and fought and FOUGHT. Even when that Not A Sith BASTARD tried to kill me at every turn, just to shut me the fuck up, and I WOULDN'T. Because they deserved to be free. Because it was WRONG. Because we took VOWS, remember? Days and days, convincing and campaigning.

I have to... to somehow, deserve this. Because? B-because if I DON'T?

Then What Have I DONE?

City levels and blocks blur together. I couldn't tell you where on this god forsaken ecumenopolis I am anymore. But the others! The others have gotten off planet by now. Surely... surely! They have escaped! Right? They HAVE too. I-It HAS to have been worth it. Becoming bait. M-making myself a target. This... this one last time?

It.. it was WORTH it. Right? Right?!

Please! Please god! Let it have been WORTH IT!!

I skid around a corner. Too tight, not judging it right in my panic, my shoulder clipping the wall hard. Scraping flesh through my robes. Just more bruises and hurt to add to the pile. I don't slow. Can't slow. Feel it but push the pain away. The crash later will be ugly, when I release the magics flowing through me. When the adrenaline fades. But... but either I will live to endure it? Or it will not matter at all.

Too late, though, I see the trap.

I have been corralled. Like a a sheep from my first life, harried by dogs into a pen. Tricked into a corner. No where left to go. The platform I thought was a street? Was an alley between two buildings, leading to a third. A perfect little killbox with only one way out. I stumble, horrified, as I register the truth too late. Spin, already knowing it's too late to double back. But hoping... HOPING....!

Jetpacks. The commando squadron of the guards, touching down at the entrance, a solid line of armor and skill. Better weapons, jet packs, upgraded armor. They... they even seem rested. For the first time in years.

A stark reversal. Now it is I, who is barely holding on. Now I am the one, who has been ground to dust, by the exhaustion of fighting without end. Of running and running. No real food and no real rest. No medicine. No help coming. I want to laugh, scream, weep. So it's to be poetic justice, is it?

But I can not give in.

Forgive me. But I can not, WILL NOT give in. Body exhausted, I draw my blade. The plasma humming as the magics charge. The alleyway fills with light. I took Vows. Owe my soul to the Galaxy and it's people. Regardless of Regime, I have service I must complete. And to do that? I have to be alive.

(I don't care, that they took over. Let them have it. But how could you? How COULD YOU?! The Temple was my home. I am a hypocrite. Here, at the end, I must face that. And now I know it to be true.)

The ship over head dips lower, kicking up a hurricane of wind. My robes whip around me, but I do not move from my opening stance. Ready, not ready, but resigned to it none the less. The Commandos are a silent wall as, from above, a rip cord descends. Clipped to it? Marshall Commander... no, Supreme Commander Foxx.

The Clones newly elected Emperor.

A man I THOUGHT was my friend.

He looked nothing like Commander Fox of the Vode. Hair too long and curling. Face deceptively young looking and boyish. Non regulation piercing hidden under the helmet all Guards wore, day in and day out. They hadn't been able to customize their armor like the others. So they customized themselves.

He wasn't in armor, now. It was somehow worse. The dress uniform an affront, a reminder, like a curse of broken glass. I... I hadn't even known he owned such a thing. It made sense, given his old position. Yet, somehow... somehow? I doubted this was the uniform he had been given. It looked... looked Regal.

"Are we done, now? Got it out of your system? Or should one of us put you on the ground first? Grind your face right against the filthy floor?"

His voice was mild as ever, as he calmly unclipped himself, let the cord retract. He tucked his hands behind his back. Strolled forward with measured steps, assessing eyes, like a general examining untested troops. Picking me apart for weakness, looking for openings in my stance. Injuries on my body. I had seen him do this before. Just... just never thought... it'd be used... a-against me. (How arrogant, I had been.)

"This can stop at any time, Commander. All you have to do? Is stop running. You don't have to worry anymore. I'm not going to hurt you. We're not going to hurt you. You've struggled long enough, don't you think? It's time to be done. To come home. Be taken care off. That's all we want to do, Darling. Commander."

"Surely you can see, that it's BETTER this way? No more war. No more Knights on sabotaged missions. Diplomats to war zones. Children where they shouldn't BE. The Order can be SAFE now. YOU can be safe now. Loved and precious as you always should have been. It's okay now, Commander. Come here. It's okay..."

Foxx's eyes blazed with conviction. They had been brown, like his brothers. They... oh god, they SHOULD have been brown. But as I stared into his face, at those unfamiliar eyes on what should be so familiar a form? Red stared back. The red, Red, RED, of the Fallen.

Foxx had been... had been Energy Sensitive. The Cloners had fucking LIED, when they said it wasn't possible. I had always suspected. Didn't dare bring attention to it. Didn't want my friend to be... to be KILLED. Experimented on. I should have trained him. Done more.

Desperate people will reach for anything, to stop themselves from drowning. And the Dark offers such tempting things. Vengeance and Power. Freedom, no matter the cost. It pays sweetly then corrupts slow. There is always a cost.

I can not risk it.

Shifting my weight to my front leg, in preparation to surge forward, I never get the chance. A two fold thwip! And sharp pinch in my upper arm. I got the first. But the second... a? Dart? No. NO! Panicked, I flood my body with the magics meant to purge drugs and... instantly the world spins. I have somehow just made it worse. W-what?

"Confiscated from slavers, 'bout five months back. It's a high end drug." The Commando with the dart gun said, as though commentingon the weather. "Fairly new, too. Made to react specifically to the Cosmic Energies. Our esteemed Chancellor, may he rot as he deserves, had them developed through several shell companies."

"Really wish you hadn't done that, Commander. Cause, see, the side effects? Are pretty nasty." Foxx commented. Various helmets nodded, the guards body language sympathetic but lacking any remorse. What ever it took to bring me in. To make me Safe.

"Now you're going to be sick for a while. But on the other hand? You are a stubborn one. So maybe this'll give you time to think, hmm? Time to enjoy the pampering a bit. You'll get used to it, learn to be good for me. I know you. You're a smart girl."

My legs couldn't hold me anymore. Despite struggling, I couldn't keep my blade at the ready. Helplessly, I watched as he watched forward. Used a single finger, on the hilt, to push my blade to the side. The lightest of tugs, stealing it from me entirely. At long last, the tears came. I... I was scared. Really, really scared. P-please... Foxx, please...

"Hunts over, Commander. It's time to stop running. You've lost."

"But, that? That's okay. You can lose now. Be weak. Wretched and pathetic and flawed. You don't have to be perfect any more, Commander. I've got you. You're Mine. Ours. Perfect, just the way you are. And today?"

"Today is the start of the rest of your new life, Commander."

"Welcome to the Empire."

[bunnyreaper]

Demon Gaz, who's looking for a pretty little plaything to corrupt. Maybe a priests daughter, or someone who (somehow) has never sinned before.

<3

hopefully you enjoy this crime against christianity <3 cw dubcon, religion.

looking like such an angel, kyle finds his job incredibly easy. his beautiful brown eyes look like they're incapable of hiding a single sinful thought, never mind an entirely devilish being.

his smile is so bright the local god-fearing women think it could ward off any ill fate that could befall the town--if only they knew the reason for their downfall was their darling local charmer. 

you and kyle had been friends for a while now, he was new in town and took a shine to you immediately when you sat next to him in church one day.

from that moment on, he knew that he would make you his. 

it was easy to get you alone, under the guise of bible study, of reinforcing your father's teachings. the sessions started with quiet, companionable reading. kyle would keep you company, answer simple questions you had, and ask you about your life. 

no boys, no parties, no sin. 

he couldn't ask for a prettier, more innocent little thing to corrupt. 

your descent started slowly, in a way he couldn't have even planned. he didn't have to seek you out, as you followed him around like a lost lamb, unknowingly leading itself to slaughter. you tried to spend as much time with him as possible, obsessed with the way he looked at you like no one had before. 

you could sense his desire, even if you thought it to be something simple and innocent--the kind of love and admiration your parents' marriage was built from, the kind of devotion you had for your god. 

you had no idea of the lust that lay within--the corrupting, all-consuming need. kyle garrick was a selfish man, used to turning girls like you on their heads and feeding off their sins before moving on to the next. 

something about you was different. 

perhaps it was because he'd never met one so pure and untainted, or maybe it was because, unlike the others, you had no sense of self-preservation. it could be that you always had this look in your eyes like you wouldn't really mind if kyle led you astray, you'd follow him anyway. that was something he quickly became addicted to.

the poking and questioning followed soon after, kyle subtly guiding you to question the gospel, your father, and everything you've ever known, all for him. he pretended to struggle with his faith too, though he supposed it wasn't a lie, as once upon a time he had. 

you were quick to follow, enamored by your guardian angel in every way, believing he could never steer you wrong. 

after all, questioning is normal, natural, why we were given free will--that's what kyle always says. and with the sweet way he says it, so earnest and everything... there's no way the two of you are doing anything wrong.

so when he pulls you into his lap one day, bible in hand, you don't question it. when he asks your interpretation on a particular verse, and leads you to a certain conclusion, you don't question it. 

when he takes you on a walk through the churchyard flowers and kisses you under the flower-filled pergola, lips against yours like he's devouring you, you don't question it. 

from there, the rest is easy. coaxing you into sneaking out late at night, straight into his arms, getting you to give up your vow of chastity, your commitments to the church, your devotion to god.

instead, you worship him. his name falling from your lips like a prayer as he drives inside you, taking you for him forever. spoiling you for other men, breaking all your oaths. 

he stretches you out, shapes you to him, claims you with his cock, his cum, his fingers, the way his nails scraping down your body carves his name into your soul.

you cry out for him when your pretty mouth is on the end of his cock, you cry out for him when he's gone--tears beading in your eyes either way. 

and when they try to take you away from kyle, to make you 'see the light', 

all the lessons you've been taught about vengeance and grace fall away, and you search for a new beginning--disavowing your church, your family, your upbringing. 

and with your fall complete, when it's time for kyle to skip town? there's no way in hell he could leave you behind.

[mewguca]

I was thinking about how people should talk more about the parallels between hunter and moon

This is a rather self-indulgent piece...I find it very comforting to be able to express my emotions through a media I love like this...that's probably my favorite thing about art. Being able to express something...being able to connect emotionally with the viewer...is really nice

textless versions and a long rambling under the cut

Hunter is often viewed as a very strong and agile slugcat...they are the "hard mode" after all. Hunter probably has a lot of physical prowess. But, with the rot...they become weaker. At its worst, they struggle to do basic movements...until they eventually die. Of course, in my version of events...Hunter's rot is cured, but it still leaves lasting side-effects. Their scars go beyond simple battle wounds...there's a sort of pervasive sickliness throughout their whole body. Treatment helps, of course...but

You know how that is, right...? You have to keep getting treatments. You have to work for your recovery. And you have to work to prevent your body from getting weaker again...Or y'know, that's how it is if you've ever had any reoccurring or chronic health issues. It's...a struggle I feel like doesn't get expressed very often...so I wanted to express it through my version of Hunter.

Even though Moon isn't anywhere near as organic, I feel like she can relate to similar struggles. She used to be like a god...a powerful supercomputer who could do just about anything! But...she couldn't bring herself to do the one thing that'd preserve her own wellbeing. She delays and delays on forcing Pebbles to stop with her administrative powers until it is far too late...

Maybe she thought she could handle it. That everything would be fine if she just waited for Pebbles to understand...or waited for him to stop. If she just kept sending messages, eventually he would listen.

But he didn't. Things didn't get better. And by the time she finally took action against it, it was too late...her forced communications did nothing but make her brother furious with her...because she "ruined everything." She could only accept her imminent collapse...

When she woke up again, she had only a few neurons left to run on. Her umbilical was broken, her overseers were out of her control, and even the roof over her head was incomplete.

She couldn't do most of the things she used to. She could hardly move. She could hardly even think. She could barely remember who or what she used to be...and she didn't have great ability to remember the present, either.

It must have been really painful...but she keeps doing what she can anyways. She reads the pearls you bring her. She tells you about the items you bring. She gives you information as best as she can. She is kind and hospitable. She encourages you. She could be so bitter and depressed...so resentful and cruel...but she isn't. I'm sure she has plenty of bitterness and resentment, plenty of hopelessness and great sadness, plenty of suffering...

But when she sees the little slugcat, she's still kind to it. She is grateful for what she has. She is happy to see you. And she keeps on living.

She's so strong...she is a huge inspiration for me.

So, I think if anyone could relate to Hunter's struggle...Moon is probably the closest. I think people should talk about their relationship more...after all, Hunter is her "little savior." I think they would be wonderfully close. They could support each other in their struggles to keep living, even if their bodies fight against them. I also think their friendship is just cute! Great potential for angst, for fluff, for comfort...idk. everything, really. It would be wonderful for them to reunite when they're both in better shape...as creatives, we can make a versions of events where that happens. It's really wonderful to me...for a work of art to inspire others to create art because of it.

This game means a lot to me...and it means a lot to me that it resonates so much with other people as well. So, thank you...

[goosewizard]

it is the second time ranboo is hiding an eye from tubbo, and he forgot how terrible he is at it. they managed to keep it a secret for this long, though, so he can't stop now. they know his preferred eye size, managed to find out his preferred ring size without causing too much suspicion (they think), and today is the day. tubbo should be home any minute now.

oh, they're gonna throw up.

everything is going to be perfect, it has to be. he's rehearsed what he's going to say, how they're going to kneel, even practiced putting the ring on with michael (who is being the best little secret-keeper right now), so it's going to be fine. it's tubbo, how could it not be?

the door unlocks and ranboo promptly drops the box he'd been fiddling with.

he dives after it (quite heroically, one might say), forgetting that he is very tall and the floor is very far away. they land pretty hard on their shoulder but manage to keep the box from view of the door, which opens just in time for ranboo to gain some additional bodily harm as sweet michael all but tramples them to greet the man at the door.

scratch that. the bastard at the door.

because tubbo is doubled over cackling, wheezing something about family guy while he watches ranboo struggle to their feet. they should really reconsider marrying this guy. not even a ‘hello’, a ‘how are you’, an ‘are you ok’, this could be serious, tubbo could seriously be planning their demise. marriage is a lives-long commitment, ranboo can't just pick some guy who's gonna axe them for the insurance money. the guy in question scoops michael up and spins him around while the toddler shrieks in delight.

yeah, okay, plan’s still on.

speaking of, michael is whispering in tubbos ear prime dammit. ranboo suavely (read: panicking) plucks their kid out of tubbo's hands with a haha kids these days amirite and shoos michael off to play. they turn around and tubbo's smirking. aw man. he strolls up to them, grinning ear to ear saying darling, dearest, what is this plan that michael tells me about in that tone where he knows exactly what plan they have. ranboo groans as tubbo dances around them, going awww ranboo you like me so much you want to co-parent with me forever awww with that same shit-eating grin because he knows he's right. the situation would be more frustrating if ranboo wasn't head-over-heels for the man (literally, as of about a minute ago). they suppose he never explicitly said that the secret was to be kept from tubbo. hrm.

welp, cat's out of the bag and tubbo's not gonna get any less insufferable about it, so he may as well just do it. ranboo looks tubbo in his eyes (he's wearing one of the first ones they made for him) and steadily gets on one knee. tubbo's being very composed, but his little goat tail's going a mile a minute. it offers ranboo a sense of relief. its tubbo, and with any luck, it'll always be tubbo.

they begins their speech, only stumbling over their words a few times and keeping easy eye contact with tubbo for the duration. when they get to the part with the ring and almost drop the dang box again, tubbo laughs harder than is really necessary, giddy about the whole thing. they're both smiling hard when ranboo asks tubbo underscore, will you marry me? for real this time and opens the box.

not to brag, but they really knocked it out of the park. inside the box is a simple and sturdy copper ring with a honeycomb pattern etched in. there is also an eye, made of quartz and diamond with a netherite pupil shaped like a heart.

tubbo honest-to-prime squeals and drags ranboo in for one of those kisses where it’s all teeth because they can’t stop smiling. he says yes, of course. the ring is on in an instant and tubbo dashes to the nearest mirror to put the new eye in, asking a million questions about how much this cost and how’d they sculpted it like that and if he can have one of lapis or amethyst next. michael trots over to the commotion and is promptly scooped up by tubbo who tells him michael youre not going to be part of a broken home anymore. ranboo points out that the home in question was never broken in the first place, which his fiancee (!) ignores.

as he watches his husband-to-be show off his ring and eye to their son, ranboo thanks whoever is up there that this is who he gets to spend his days with. to have and to hold, to bicker over flowers and colors, in sickness and in health, in war and in peace, theyll be together, ranboo and tubbo, against the world.

part 1 | part 2

[malottie]

after hinting in a conversation where polearms came up that i had a personnal ranking and obtaining no response, i've come to tumblr. tumblr has my back.

weapon side of tumblr; here we go

#5! : the Naginata

a very cool and classy weapon, however it looses point for being a 1-edged blade. not even 2 edges? not the best thrusting power either. slashing isn't great against armor, and though it can kill in a hit against bare skin, maybe even gambisons, it struggles against the most basic of chainmail. pierce and blunt superiority

contenders for 5th place were also the guan dao, the chinese version with sharp bits on the opposite edge, which should net it more offensive points but they make the weapon look less neat, and they barely add any functionnality

we also have the warscythe, inward-curving and lower-class cousin of these bad boys - a simple grass scythe with the blade turned for increased range, balance, slashing power and ease of use. while the wide availabilty and humble origins are great, i simply am not a fan of the design. notable though, for an improvised weapon, a farming tool, it works well, and is deadlier than it might look

#4! : the Partisan

a fairly straightforward polearm, barely upgraded from the base that is the spear/pike, with upward hooks on the sides to catch and deflect swords. perticularly good in defense, and just a neat shape

#3! : the Guisarme

often called Billhook because it's basically a billhook stuck on a spear, the guisarme is of this category of polearms i love called "more is better". to hit someone with that and not hurt them, you'd have to really try to. spikes everywhere isn't the cleverest design, but it's effective. the backwards-curving hook would have been used to dismount cavaliers off of horseback, although i like it best for the prospect of hooking on and pulling other weapons while clashing to try and disarm your opponent. notably though, said backwards hook makes for the perfect spot to be hooked and pulled on

#2! : the Halberd

yes, the classic, THE polearm, our beloved halberd. also a partisan of "more is better" (of which the Partisan is not) with its "axehead" and big spike, the halberd is more interesting than what its popularity might posit: as seen above, 'Halberd' describes a wider range of weapons than most terms. with or without a backspike, from a normal thrusting head spike to some of the longest ever seen on a weapon, from an almost Foulge aka a warcleaver, to basically a battleaxe on a stick, the halberd is an ol' reliable and has what you need, whatever it is. probably

#Honorable mentions!

i already mentionned the guan dao and warscythe, who didn't make it into the top 5, but how could i forget the most basic of polearms, forefather of our forefathers and original pokey stick;

apparently, whether it is named spear, lance or pike depends on its size and use. spear are for footsoldiers and can even be thrown like javelins in some circumstances, seeing how they're the lightest. lances are for horseback, while pikes, the longest, are used in tight formations to form a barrage of spikes, like against cavalry

finally, the closest thing to our top 1: the Lucerne hammer

used mainly for its hammerhead, the Lucerne is, for this reason and because of its less fancy, less french name, always in the shadow of my favorite polearm:

the Bec de Corbin

from the old french for "crow's beak", our beautiful corvid inspired weapon is used primarly with its sidespike, our namesake beak. an armor destroyer and danger from all sides, the bec de corbin can pierce and crush, with a thrust as deadly as its swipe. hack away at your foes in perfect serenity with the knowledge that a concussion and three broken bones is about the most unscathed you can get out of a confrontation with a bec de corbin. smash their helmet in with blunt force or pierce their chestplate with this XL warpick, the choice is yours. however, be mindfull of this heavy duty weapon, as its weight and force can be used against you, even moreso than with other polearms, with the thrusting spike the only part that remains deadly at close range

and that concludes this! please don't come for me. i am simply a weapons enthusiast and do not deserve to die for any mistakes, omissions or personnal opinions you don't agree with present in this post. please

[luvevee]

So Carmine is honestly really sweet to watch develop! She seems like she's an older teenager, maybe a junior or senior, so her coping mechanisms for her instabilities like her anger are interesting to watch.

Hands clenching and being brought to her chest because they're shaking with anger. This seems to imply she's fighting to urge to hit whatever's making her angry.

Huge firework outbursts in response to slightest pushback. It's afterwards she explains what she really meant to get across by them.

She does not like change at all + is very vocal about how much she hates outsiders in her town.

Very very loud, and very vocal with her presence.

Incredibly remorseful and emotional when apologizing for mistakes she makes.

I think the most important thing to look at in the background is that Carmine understands she has a support system, and that's what makes the hugest difference in how she copes with everything.

When we get the mask, her first thought is "take it to grandpa" with no intention of withholding information. She's not scared she'll get in trouble or thinking of hiding things from them, she knows she has to be completely transparent and she can do that with her grandparents. She trusts them, she knows they'll help even if it's something so bizarre that most people would dismiss her experience.

Adding to that is when she learns the true story of the Loyal Three and Ogerpon. Her first impulse is to run into town to shout the truth. It isn't even a "we need to avenge our family lineage" thing, it's the misinformation that destroyed the lives of her ancestor, a man who wanted to live a new and quiet life, and a pokemon that was just reacting to the death of her trainer/parent. She's angry at the town for what they did to Ogerpon and she wants them to listen. Carmine's thinking of what she wants and what should happen. Her fiery personality paired with impulsivity leads to a lot of possibilities of problems.

But then her grandpa stops her. He doesn't scold her, he just asks "what would happen if they found out the truth after so long" and lets Carmine realize the answer is most likely "get angry" without putting down her impulsive, though valiant, urge to tell everyone the truth. He understands that Carmine just wants to make history right and that she's an honest young lady, but that she's very impulsive and very aggressive with how she goes about things. And the thing is Carmine listens to him, because she knows her grandpa is trying to help her understand the situation.

Her grandparents very obviously love her and understand that she needs some extra nudging/coaching with things. They understand she has problems regulating herself, and they work with her. Carmine doesn't feel the need to lash out against them because she understands they're trying to help her, and that's helped shape how a lot of her current coping mechanisms work.

Carmine can think of the practical sides of things if she's stopped for a moment. She can redirect her anger from physically lashing out, because even though her first instinct is to hit since it's a very simple and impulsive movement she knows it's bad. She can trust that she has people to catch her if she falls, namely her grandparents.

Then the whole other ballpark of how she's very protective of Kieran. It seems like that Carmine wants him not to be her, but to feel like her. She wants her little brother to feel confident, safe, strong, but her emotional instability and typical big sibling feelings really strain the gap between them.

When Kieran pushes back, she struggles with responding appropriately and gets furious because "I'm just trying to be a good big sister" and "I'm the big sister he should listen to me" clash in her head alongside her pride. She's trying really hard to make him feel the way she does, but it ends up just making him shrink down further because of how aggressive she is. It's a cycle she accidentally perpetuates without realizing what she's doing.

And Carmine loves him so much! She wants what's best for him, she wants to be the model big sister. She cares so much about his feelings that she convinces us to stay quiet about meeting Ogerpon because she knows he'll be crushed that he wasn't there. Even though she teases him, Carmine's clearly trying to be a good big sister/trusted figure in his life. That's what hurts the most, is that she's trying.

But in her excessive worrying and outbursts about his feelings, she ends up doing more damage. She ends up yelling things that she feels on the surface level and has to explain that what came out was completely different than what she meant, but she doesn't tell Kieran that because it's the "he should understand I'm doing what's best for him" mindreading aspect.

By the end of the arc, Carmine does the one things she really can: give him space. She doesn't force him out of his room before they go back to Blueberry Academy, she just tells everyone he isn't feeling well. She's trying to protect his privacy and processing, still trying to be the wall between the turbulent world and Kieran's need for time, and it's obvious she feels adrift in this situation. Usually she can just apologize and things calm down, but it's such a huge situation that changed so much that the usual routine won't work. It's something that obviously troubles her, but she ultimately realizes all she can do is wait for Kieran to reach out to her when he's ready.

She wants so badly to help Kieran, but she's on the other side of the same wall that's making it so hard for her to truly look at him and understand what she needs to shift to be the good big sister she strives to be in his life.

Carmine's character is so amazing to watch develop as she learns to trust someone other than the people around her and how she takes in everything that happens around her, she really deserves a big hug for how hard she tries 😭

[voiceofthesilly]

Hi, uhm.

Your designs for the voices in STP are..

Genius.

The premise of their design are simple (birds(?) with animal skull heads(?)) yet it makes them so distinguishable!

Also your art is very yummy- It's beautiful.

Ajsjadhdja thanku!! this means a lot, espeically since i love your designs for them a LOT Gonna take that as an opportunity to explain them some bc i havent really done that so beware, long rant under the cut

The general idea was for them to have masks of various woodland creatures, as a general reference to the cabin being set in the woods and to add a bit of a fairytale twist, as often in fairytales guiding voices in form of animals appear But thinking about it skulls are such a sick idea and might use them for less cartoony iterations honestly

From left to right!

Cold was actually pretty hard to pick an animal for - @3zethe3zr has been immense help figuring those out with various voices and we went through options like wolves and bears before i settled on lynx (quick, efficient and solitary assassin). I wanted Cold to feel big and overpowering, blocking out everything else. In a way that silence is big, sorta. You might also notice that they're the only voice without markings - its partially because everything i could come up with felt too on the nose, and partially because well. what symbol better than vast emptiness. Largest voice! 8'2" tall

Paranoid is a mouse, i feel like the association here is pretty straightforward. Big wings to hide behind and bald patches from overpreening. Their pattern is the eyes, they can't seem to get rid of them. Some on the feathers, some straight on the skin.

Hunted gets a hare mask because i said so and hares have amazing prey eyes. It's rather large, but always crouched over and ready to bolt, making it much smaller than it could be - Hunted always says we're small, but there's a moment where Wild refutes that. Of course it's not in reference to physical size there, but I wanted to use that nonetheless. Target mark on their chest and mask. Eyes on the side of the head - not sure where i heard it first but it was sych a good take i had to do it

Hero !!! I struggled a lot with the animal for them, went through a bunch of deer, wolf, even bird at some point (birds were off limits). In the end went with 3zr's squirrel suggestion - a little kind voice sitting on your shoulder. Hero also gets a cape, as a treat. for being there always. And because they're a hero and im no edna mode. Markings are the slits in a knight helmet!

Stubborn was im pretty sure the first one who got designed at all, due to intense stubborn brainrot. Animal is a boar, due to the mfs being extremely hard to kill, though i did want to go with a wolverine for a while. His mask is moved aside, he's straighforward and has no need for hiding anythin. Masks off and knives out, am i right . He's the shortest voice in the lineup (whole 3'7"). this is because im not tall and i like him. I tried to strike a balance between squarish and triangle build. His wings are proudly on display, and so are his scars - a testiment to our resilience.

Opportunist! my littlest guy who missed being a weasel by like 3 milimeters and ended up fox. because of course he did. He's fucking tiny - i usually like making voices who dont consider us strong bigger than they think, but in this case it felt fitting to make it something he works with. The markings are pointed knives, pretty self-explanatory i feel. Usually partially hidden under the chest feathers. Also, his arms are hidden behind his back here but the palms are red - blood on him hands

Smitten is a deer! They always felt very noble to me, and, well, heart shape in the antlers! The mask is somewhat ill-fitting and she can't see well but that's alright, love is blind. The largest marking by far - he's not one to hide his nature, and his heart is as big as the markings would suggest. I wanted to give her this sorta chivalrous fairytale knight build. Wings folded into a wing shape!

Contrarian is another long boi, i felt it would work well for whatever silly limb contortions hed do. The animal is a natterer's bat specifically - again, 3zr's genious idea

Neck feathers meant to resemble a jester's collar. Funky patterns meant to be confusing and disorientin. In the lineup in particular i didn't do it, but the idea is that with the mask slightly more up and beak open it almost looks like he has three heads, paralleling Stranger

Skeptic i wanted to have a very solid build, so square he is. The markings are question marks - both on the mask and feathers. He's a little silly with his saying wink out loud, so he gets to have a question mark tie. Wings folded behind mimicking a trench coat. He deserves glasses

Broken is actually second longest! It doesn't matter though, does it. They can be as large as they want, doesn't change anything. Mask is a raccoon dog - felt fitting vibewise. Bald patches around neck, wrists and ankles, as if remnants of shackles locked around them. The markings are meant to mimick both cracks (in shape) and chains (in layout). Mask pulled up for them double sad eyes and because there isnt even a point in hiding

Last up, cheated! Hedgehog bastard. I guess kinda paralleling Razor in that regard? They're not particularly big and their feathers are ruffled. Uses wings for extra expression! Markings meant to both resemble scars and diamond suit

Also, earlier verisons!

[starsurface]

Love love your subscorp ones!! Can I request CG!Hanzo & Little!Kuai Liang from mk11 this time? Thank you!! :D 💕

-🦈

Yes!! So sorry for the wait!! I'm not sick anymore though!! :D

CG Hanzo w/ Regressor Kuai Liang Hcs

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

⛄️ Kuai Liang feels a bit more of an age dreamer to me??

🦂 Another Raiden problem, there's so much to do, especially as Grandmaster, also struggles to fully regress alone :(

⛄️ But with Hanzo’s help, he regresses to about 3-5

🦂 ^ Has also regressed to babyspace, but only when he gets flashbacks of his (horrible) childhood

⛄️ Kuai started regressing with Johnny as his main cg (they're actually friends in cannon!!)

🦂 ^ Johnny saw how stressed Kuai Liang was, and suggested the coping mechanism

⛄️ Kuai shared his regression after Hanzo regressed with him the first time, he didn't want Hanzo to feel awkward or embarrassed around his ‘rival’

🦂 Kuai Liang has a difficult time fully regressing when he's alone, and needs someone with him

⛄️ Luckily, regressed Kuai is rarely ever aline, whether he has Hanzo, Bi-Han, or even Frost

🦂 Hanzo started caretaking when Takeda started regressing

⛄️ It was actually really hard when Hanzo started caretaking for the first time, especially because it was Takeda

🦂 After all these years, he is still always reminded of his son, and now he's watching after the boy he swore himself he'd treat as any other student (although he basically ended up adopting Takeda, and no, Takeda was not a replacement for Satoshi)

⛄️ Hanzo does, however, really enjoy caregiver, and was very excited the first time Kuai Liang ever regressed around him

🦂 He's a very proud Papa, and honestly kinda misses the Dad life

⛄️ Hanzo is extremely . . . over protective of Kuai Liang

🦂 If he had it his way, Kuai Liang wouldn't escape his cuddles at all >:(

⛄️ But Kuai Liang enjoys being slightly independent, and Hanzo is still learning to take a step back sometimes

🦂 Completely over panics when Kuai Liang gets hurt, even if it's just a simple nick

⛄️ ^ This has caused Kuai Liang to start crying too, but most times he calms his Bàba down

🦂 Don't worry, both are fine, and Kuai gets a ton of cuddles and kisses after

⛄️ Hanzo's main caretaker names are Bàba when he's smaller, like babyspace, and Papa the rest of the time

🦂 Both have tried to call the other (correct me if I'm wrong) Otòsan before and both times it's made Hanzo cried

⛄️ Kuai Liang's main nicknames are Snowflake, Bunny, and Baby Boy

🦂 Main babysitters are Johnny, Bi-Han, Frost, and sometimes Kenshi

⛄️ Although Kuai Liang doesn't really need babysitters most times, unless he request it

🦂 Hanzos a busy person, but he'll cut meetings short if Kuai Liang slips, and he's very good at multitasking with his work while Kuai’s small

⛄️ He'll do most of his papers on the bed or divide his desk in half so Kuai Liang can color for an hour or so

🦂 Kauai's pretty okay with it, he likes being able to sit next to or on Hanzo's lap and do his own work (which Hanzo always loves to praise)

⛄️ Kuai’s actually a very energetic kiddo

🦂 Really likes outside time, and doing craft activities

⛄️ Outside time is specifically for the Lin Kuei temple, he likes the snow

🦂 He's fine walking the gardens and looking at the fish, but he has much more making snow angels and building snowmen

⛄️ It's not uncommon to see both Grandmasters outside in the snow

🦂 Nor is it uncommon to see Kuai Liang order Hanzo around during their play time (they have To make good snowmen, Hanzo, not just three weirdly shaped circles on top of each other)

⛄️ He also really likes different crafts, whether that's coloring, or finger painting, or stuff like that

🦂 Does prefer coloring because he can give Hanzo his pretty drawings

⛄️ Only a very few select drawing get to go up in their house because Kuai is embarrassed someone will catch onto his regression

🦂 He also likes wrestling or play fighting a bit, but mostly because it ends in giggle fits and a cuddle pile

⛄️ Hanzo is really good at controlling his strength, and he'll never let Kuai Liang win >:(

🦂 Mostly because he makes Kuai think he's won, and then will overpower him so he can pep his face with kisses and squish him in a hug

⛄️ ^ Kuai firmly believes that's cheating but whatever 😒

🦂 Hanzo is slightly reluctant to let Kuai cuddle or touch his Teddy while Kuai is small

⛄️ Kuai doesn't play with it often, but sometimes he wants to play with his Papa's toys and would pretty please like to hold Teddy

🦂 Hanzo let's him, but keeps an incredi close eye on him

⛄️ It does make him really happy thar Kuai is very obviously much gentler with teddy than his other stuffies

🦂 Kuai doesn't actually have many stuffies, but he'd rather cuddle Papa instead (his personal heater)

⛄️ Sometimes Kuai Liang gets really bad memories, especially of his childhood

🦂 His childhood was . . . extremely terrible, to say the very least

⛄️ It makes him feel really small, and scared, and vulnerable

🦂 He'll hide and cry into his Bàba's chest for comfort, refusing to leave his side

⛄️ Hanzo will gently rock him, scratch his back while he places soft kisses on Kuai Liang's forehead

🦂 He's very good at comforting Kuai, and makes sure to give his baby some extra loving during these times <3

⛄️ Kuai Liang actually really likes having playdates with others, especially with Frost and Bi-Han (it's also how he rekindle his relationship between the two)

🦂 Hanzo was cacious, especially at first, but he actually does enjoy the friendship he's made with them

⛄️ Frost very much loves her baby, but puts up a good fight for Hanzo some times (she's a big girl!! She doesn't need a babysitter, and neither does Kuai!)

🦂 Bi-Han likes cuddling with Kuai, but Is also a bit too aggressive in play wrestling (one of the brothers favorite activities together)

⛄️ Kuai Liang is Hanzo's main priority when he's small (he's his main priority In general, but knows he needs him now when he's tiny)

🦂 . . . That does not mean that Kuai Liang can just freeze him in place when he says no to something >:/ (bullstuffies)

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

These aren't the best, I'm so sorry. I've never imagined regressor Kuai before, but I can always redo or do more!! <3

[brooklynisher]

Here's a bunch of old sketchbook doodles I made y'all

Stick around bc this includes my first SPG drawings!! (Before I joined Tumblr)

Riveting start

I'll start off with little drawings I made of myself. And my god do you see what I'm doing with the anatomy? Do you see how tiny those joints are? That's horrific. Why did I build everyone like that? But Yugo is where I began to find my art style. Will love them forever for that. I've got to go back to simple-shaped heads one of these days and blush/eyelashes on everything

We've got some lovely Smile For Me-related doodles. First is a Flower Kid design. Second was not smile for me specifically, but Face Love (by the same devs). And the last two were my earlier attempts at making comics and scenes. Ft. lancer for some reason.

Here are a couple of abandoned OCs. Pretty boy (Basil) is supposed to be yellow. We've all had that OC whose only trait was being a hot person and that's what he was all about. Didn't develop him much in terms of character which is sad because I kinda like his design. He was created when I was doodling random designs in FireAlpaca. I'll have to show the other doodles in a different post (If you are interested).

THIS GUY I WOULD LIKE TO BRING BACK! Might be kinda basic in terms of like "Weird Core" designs but I still love him. His plot keeps changing though because his design is so strange yet so simple to the point where I could put him in just about any world I wanted to had I gotten bored of the old one. Which is silly bc he's just a depressed news anchor man.

Anyway bc of that, Basil used to be his bf, but isn't anymore. He got replaced with fat peppermint man who fun fact: was inspired by the song Brass Goggles BEFORE I even got into SPG and learned what it was about! How silly is that! Peppermint boy is technically my first SPG OC!

She was a fun one, but I abandoned her too. I think she was too influenced by Frye's character from Splatoon. She was a warrior of sorts. Sort of tribal I suppose. She spoke fast, and in her tribe's language, so many people struggled to understand her. She was very bouncy too. Jumping all over the place. If you know Frye, you'll probably notice that they're a bit too similar to each other. That's usually why I abandon my OCs. When they're too similar to another.

Critter I doodled. Not really an OC, but I still think she's cute

Don't ask me about the first guy. The girl was a mii that was born in Tomodachi Life! Her name is Lily. She is the child of Kris (Deltarune) and Hatsune Miku. She looks silly which is why I love her.

I'm Picasso. Kinda vibe with this ngl. Not sure if I could ever turn this into anything though

Here are some low-effort doodles. Enjoyed the design of the big lady more than I thought. I was practicing drawing bigger bodies at the time. Joints are still KILLING ME but it's not bad considering I had the worst anatomy method imaginable

Here are some higher-effort doodles. Aside from the abhorrent anatomy (WHY DOES THE PIG ZOMBIE HAVE TWO DIFFERENTLY SIZED SHOULDERSS????) I quite like these critters. That mermaid girl had lore too. She could control the dead of the sea. She was lowkey evil. Never turned her into anything though. Also, you can see by that guy at the bottom of the first one, that Bunny's art was starting to take an influence on me.

Lots of stuff going on over here but LOOK! MY VERY FIRST SPG FANART! IT'S OF VI POINTING AT AN APPLE AND YELLING AT IT

I was inspired by Bunny to make these monster-ish-looking people

More thingies! There's the goopy robot which I initially drew as a first attempt at drawing a robot, but then I made it black and goopy bc that's what it was giving. The star guy appears and disappears a few times. I think I wanted to keep them, but the design was very similar to LightLazer so I felt a bit weird about drawing them.

More robot shenanigans. First time drawing Rabbit and The Spine! Cannot believe that my first Spine drawing was in a dress oh my god.

More Bunny-inspired drawings and I'm REALLY kinda digging that weird tiny robot critter. Looking at it now, it's kinda like Spring in a few ways, but it's also completely different from Spring in so many other ways. The limbs are retractable. I kinda like this thing actually. I Oughtta do something with it.

These ones are more SPG-specific. You'll have to forgive me, most of these are from memory. Don't ask me why Rabbit looks like David Bowie in the first one.

And finally, some Rabbit and Spine doodles! Rabbit's doing the "Hey Andy Sweetie" meme. I could totally reattempt drawing that today actually.

Anyway, hope you had fun. I did. Ugh this is so sillyy

[animehouse-moe]

Skip and Loafer Episode 6: Drizzling and Flickering

Well, six episodes in and we've finally got our first proper conflict in the story. I'm not at all disappointed or anything that we're this far in and getting it, rather I feel like it's a really great spot to place it. Talks of love and relationships, becoming aware of the social aspect of high school, the stress of exams looming on the horizon. It's a really great point to break things down and take a look at how things need to change.

And change they do. We start with Fumi gushing about having a crush at school, which completely catches Mitsumi off guard. It's a really simple thing, but having these characters at different stages in their social and romantic lives at high school is really great, and goes to show that different people progress at different paces. Both sides of the conversation are really cute though, and are a nice and fluffy way to get into the episode.

Moving forward, the comedy of the episode wastes no time rearing its head, and continues to land rather well. Whether it's visual effects to add to a character's demeanor, or an entirely delusional dream skit, it gets done what it sets out to do: get a laugh out of viewers.

Coming back to reality though, I really love how much the rest of the school is forcing Mitsumi to become aware of Shima Kun. She prefers him as the guy that reminds her of her family's dog, not the popular child movie actor that one in three girls has confessed to. It's really great seeing how they use pieces like this play into Mitsumi's comparative lack of social awareness. They're slowly but surely whittling away at that innocence and lack of understanding, and shaping her into a Tokyo high school student. Of course, more to come on that later.

And now we arrive at the main event: Shima and Mitsumi's spat. By all means, it's a very trivial little argument between the pair, but it really feels as dramatic and tense as a high schooler would think it is. There's a really great balance to that end, in that the argument is just the right amount of dramatic without stretching itself too thin. There's not a huge amount of yelling or animosity towards one another or anything either. It's just, both Shima and Mitsumi have been tense lately, and struggling in their own ways. Mitsumi had the catalyst of people spreading rumors about Shima that put her on edge, and Shima was still harboring feelings about that first time he met Mitsumi. Together it creates a pot that finally boils over, and it's a really well done piece.

Also, my goodness, the layouts for this scene were absolutely stellar. The lighting was gloom and gray, the angles always made sure to make use of height, and the layouts are constantly aware of space and use that to depict how close Mitsumi and Shima are, and how distant/separate they become during the conversation. The closeups/single character focuses are only used to separate the pairs when they end up on opposite ends of the conversation. When Mitsumi's talking about how important school and exams and stuff are, she's standing up while Shima sits down, or we're seeing a close up of her face. Similarly, when Shima bites back at Mitsumi, or when he's soaking up/disagreeing with what she says, we'll get only him in frame.

Even things like the blocking of the characters, it fits perfectly. Mitsumi is the one that's always turning to face Shima, while he stays neutral and faces forward. Such a simple piece that speaks to their approach to people, as Mitsumi always engages and is directly interested in them, while Shima can be cold and indifferent in most cases.

And just look at this gif, I was shocked when I realized it. They went through the trouble of animating shadows of Shima and Mitsumi on the desks. Such a small detail, but it adds a comparative world of information and feel to the cut.

In addition to that, P.A Works has been working some real magic with their 3D art. If you look hard enough you'll see it for sure, but as a supplemental piece it's amazingly well blended with the rest of the 2D work.

Anyways, back to the story. I really like how both characters work through the little dispute. Mitsumi still doesn't really have any strong friendships or anything at school, so she's left to her own devices in dealing with it and in turn overthinks (though in a good direction) because of it.

Shima on the other hand has a far more expressive stance, as he wanders through his mind in the presence of an old friend. It's also the first time we really see Shima express, let alone confront his feelings on things, and they do a really good job of continuing that air of indifference while approaching that subject. If I had to explain it, they nailed it in it being like there's a fly buzzing around Shima almost. It's not something driving him crazy, but he's forced to be aware of it and wants to, well, deal with it. Also, it's a little detail, but I like the little playful back and forth between him and his friend to start things off. His friend jokingly finds it funny that Shima is expressing emotions, which Shima doesn't take all that kindly to because opening up just to get laughed at isn't really a great feeling.

Both mull it over, both make it slightly awkward at school, and both want to come to terms/apologize over it. Pretty textbook high school drama, if you ask me (which I think is a good thing). Before that though, I really loved this piece between Mitsumi and Egashira. They've already grown close as Egashira's dropped that facade of hostility, but I love that she's kept her character. Still snarky and sorta "above" Mitsumi, but open to helping her out and being a good friend.

And now we arrive at the big moment in the episode: the apology. It's well worded and the perfect amount of awkward and earnest, from how Mitsumi approaches Shima right up until they laugh it off together.

Though first, this cut of Mitsumi dashing down the hallway to catch up to Shima. Really great work and I love how they're willing to shake things up for bigger moments. There's also really meaningful work put into how it looks in motion. They're incredibly aware of the 3D space they're working in, and all all sorts of subtle effects to heighten the viewer's awareness and feel of that space.

Anyways, back on topic. Like I said, awkward and earnest, Mitsumi really puts her charm on display once more to coax Shima out of his shell. It's a really great and warm moment that brings the two undeniably closer, and allows Shima to well and truly make a new friend.

Also, it took me until the end of the episode to realize that the rain was all about Shim and Mitsumi. It symbolized the struggles and lows of their friendship, and it was only once they worked through those that the sun began to poke out and shine down on them.

Though the episode effectively ends here, I still have so much I wish I could talk about, but I'll leave it as footnotes.

The overall use of space and static camera angles that puts a focus on character acting

The use of closeups and focus on body parts to convey emotion rather than facial expressions (Shima adheres to this rule the whole season basically, which I think is great)

How, even though Mitsumi is sort of deluding herself to her crush on Shima, she brings forward the point that boys and girls can be really great friends without any sort of romantic context

How each of Mitsumi's friends provides support in a different way (the go-getter Egashira, the comforting and warm Mursahige, and the awkward yet thoughtful Kurume)

So yeah, once more Skip and Loafer provides a world of expertise and understanding, edited down and shaped into an episode that's super easy to digest but leaves you full of messages and sentiments, with a hearty helping of heartwarming moments.

[mdzs-owns-my-ass-i-guess]

Mornings at the beach

@sasumimo

🫧🍉🩳 (bubbles, watermelon, swim trunks)

Fun fact, this is inspired by a really treasured childhood memory I have <3 my heart is so warm after writing this out now

Lan Wangji feels inexplicably emotional as he bites into his triangle-shaped piece of watermelon, the silly mermaid tooth pick lodged in it for decoration nearly making him lose it.

But he swallows back his tears and decides to focus on the fresh flavor of the fruit instead - he knows this isn't a place for tears. He's not even sad! In fact, he feels the opposite - he's so happy it threatens to burst out of him.

Wei Ying and A-Yuan chase one another on the sea shore, blowing soap bubbles at each other, laughing so loudly that the grumpy old ladies trying to tan in the morning sun glare at them. They're wearing matching swim trunks, blue with these cartoon sharks on them, and Lan Wangji almost wishes he had a pair too.

They just didn't have it in his size. Oh well, there have to be downsides to everything.

Lan Wangji watches them, and his heart is so full he feels as though love is ready to spill out of him at any second. He's only ever used to dream of moments like these - soft, domestic, simple, a life so loving and so uncomplicated, beautifully mundane.

His life, Wei Ying's life, even A-Yuan's life - neither have had the luxury of "simple". There has always been something, someone standing a way, some cruel turn of fate that stole their dreams from right under their fingertips. For a while, Lan Wangji thought happiness to be impossible, an unattainable goal.

But now, he looks on at his family playing on the seashore, and he knows he has attempted the impossible with them and reached it. It's a feeling that cannot be described unless you've felt it, a mix of peace, safety, comfort and purpose, a beautiful amalgamation of all that is good in the world.

Lan Wangji quickly dries his eyes so that neither Wei Ying, nor their son notice how they're a bit shinier than usual - and busies himself with preparing snacks. He' s packed a large picnic basket full goodies before they left their beach house this morning - watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, an assortment of sweets, some sandwiches and, of course, plenty of water and alcohol for Wei Ying.

It's a bit of a struggle keeping everything cool now that their cooler has decided to refuse to do its job, but Lan Wangji is a resourceful man, and so everything is still fresh and ice cold. He doubts any of the foods and drinks will last long enough to get hot anyway - his family gets very hungry in the mornings.

And he seems to have been right on time, his husband and his son racing one another towards their beach towels, plopping next to Lan Wangji and digging into the food with abandon.

"Eat slowly." He chides, but it falls on deaf ears as his dearly loved stuff their cheeks with treats.

He sighs, fond and exasperated as he sips at his green tea and digs through the beach bag for some sun screen. "A-Yuan, after you're done eating, you need to put sunscreen on."

The boy makes a displeased face and tries hiding behind Wei Ying as he munches on a sandwich.

"Wei Ying, you need to as well."

He makes the same displeased face, and Lan Wangji can't help but smile at that. They're both so adorable - but they won't talk him out of sunscreen.

"It's still early, the sun isn't even hot right now." A-Yuan tries. "I hate that thing, it feels like slime."

"Didn't you like slime?" Lan Wangji replies, raising a challenging eyebrow. "If your interest has run out, we can always donate your slime collection to-"

"No, no, slime is still great! Just... Not on my skin... Baba, help me out here!"

Wei Ying shrugs as he bites into a piece of watermelon. "Sorry, little radish, there's nothing I can do. It's better to be slimy than burnt."

"Then why don't you like sunscreen either?!"

"Look at this child, talking back to his parents!" Wei Ying fakes offense. "Lan Zhan, are you hearing this?"

"Mn. A-Yuan has a point."

"Lan Zhan! Traitor!"

A-Yuan sticks his tongue out at Wei Ying, and promptly gets up to run when Wei Ying makes a scandalized noise and comes up after him.

Lan Wangji laughs, watching them raise sand up in their wake, and finds himself suddenly drawn to one of the little soap bubble containers.

He hasn't played with one ever since his mother died. It feels healing to do it now.

The bubbles dance in the light breeze just as beautifully as his family's laughter fills the air.

[teememdee]

2023 ART SUMMARY!!!

2023 was uhhhhhhh a year! And I made art! And I’m going to talk for a long time about everything I did month by month! Yippee!!!

original individual posts can be found in my #tanner art tag!

JANUARY

Started off the year with my favorite skrunklies sleepy and snuggling. Then sleeping together while holding one another is so incredibly important to me, they’re so cute and I needed to draw it. Struggled with Kai’Sa’s face but I particularly like the drapery of the pillow behind them.

FEBRUARY

First off, just a simple Kai’Sa piece for the Vibes(TM) and background practice. I was also fairly miserable and when I get miserable I draw Kai’Sa being miserable as well. I love my favorite character of all time <3

Then a quick Valentine’s Day piece, soft gradient map stuff. Love my skrunklies, hopefully this year I can make something for the day that isn’t rushed

MARCH

In March I FINALLY finished my Star Guardian Kahri fic, be the light to carry me, and drew Kiko and Ina being adorable together to go along with it. They’re SO cute and people LOVE that fic. Chapter 3 ended up being a whole 20k words and every time I re-read I’m amazed that I wrote it.

A kiss for Kai’Sa’s birthday! This was actually two sketches mashed together because I had a good Kai’Sa and a good Ahri on separate attempts. Love Kai’Sa’s smile on this one.

NOW. Strong contender for my favorite piece of the year. Captioned ���please don’t lose yourself,” my K/DA-verse Kassadin’s very dead wife’s ghost weighs on him, begging him to not get lost in his grief and lose sight of their daughter. Kassadin feels lost and broken without her. I love the emotions in this one, and I think the idea comes across even without knowledge of my headcanons. Love it so much.

APRIL

Full-body piece that took me all month. I just love this one so much. It’s just pure Kahri, pure love, pure joy. Pose inspired by Blake Belladonna from RWBY’s leg pop during the long-awaited Bumblby kiss. This piece just makes me so happy.

MAY

Oops! No art! Was too busy being on a (student) film set every weekend as well as dealing with classes and multiple other stressors. I did START a piece though, but wouldn’t finish it until the middle of June.

JUNE

I actually did the first sketch of the Evelynn piece in February, but I decided to revamp it in May, and then when school finally set me free I finished it, and it turned out exactly how I wanted it to. Her hair was a labor to render but I'm so so pleased with how it looks, as well as the blood. The first time I've finished a fully rendered Evelynn piece!

Naafiri is so fucking cool. Upon her reveal, I was seeing so much incredible fanart and I just needed to get in on it. The shapes and points are just so good. I used to draw dogs all the time as a kid, and my younger self would absolutely flip out at seeing this. I did this piece in one day, and I have no idea how I pulled that background off but hopefully I can do it again some day lol

JULY

Two drastically different vibes here. Realized it had been forever since I had drawn Kahri so I just wanted to make a cute summertime piece. Their hands should be bigger and it bugs me but this is still really cute, I missed my girls dearly.

And then my very very sad man Kassadin being very very sad about his very very dead wife. This is what I call his phase 2 design, when he's at the peak of his grief (spiraling, as emphasized by the background) and feels just so sad and alone. In my head this and the March piece are part of a series that I hope to continue.

AUGUST

Just one piece that took me all month because I was quite busy in August, and Runeterra Kahri pieces take forever, but as I always say, it's always worth it. This pose comes from mellon_soup on instagram, who makes a lot of really great pose references for artists to use, highly recommend checking them out. This piece is just so soft to me. Captioned "'you're beautiful, you know that?'" they're saying it to each other, two people that struggle with their self image finding love and confidence in the other. Also I'm so very happy with the background. I love these two so so so so much, they're my world.

SEPTEMBER

One of my goals for this year was to branch out in the fanart I made. Baldur's Gate 3 came along and I love watching my best friend play it, we love Shadowheart and I just wanted to draw her. This came after a lot of sketches of both her and our favorite Tav that ended up changing how I draw eyes. The rendering of her face here is also something I'm proud of, her nose looks great. And again, the background! This piece didn't get a lot of attention at all but that's okay, I made it for me and I'm very happy with it.

OCTOBER

STAR WARS TOXIC YURI WENT CRAZY THIS YEAR!!! Wolfwren (Sabine Wren x Shin Hati, from the Ahsoka TV series) had me by the THROAT for a solid two months or so, I haven't been that feral and deranged over a ship in a hot minute. They had me frothing at the mouth every episode even though I did not like the show overall. Anyways. First piece is a redraw of the part in episode 4 where they just have the most charged eye contact of all time, and I decided to take that in stride with inspiration from Horimiya, a favorite anime of mine, during particularly emotionally charged moments, the background changes and there's a particular color silhouette behind them. It really fits that moment of the show and I am SO proud of these faces, especially Sabine's. Drawing from a real human face reference was kinda new to me but it's taught me a lot. The file size also ended up enormous somehow idk lol

Then, my most popular piece of the year, on both tumblr and twitter. I LOVE hand imagery, I love subtle hand touches, I churned this out in I think exactly one day, it's so soft it's so cute and I totally understand the overwhelming positivity it received.

NOVEMBER

I was not doing well at this time in the year. The state of the world just had me in a horrible mental state, I wasn't taking care of myself well at all, I couldn't get myself to make art, especially something happy or cute, it just felt wrong. But then sometimes you feel something so strong and specific there's no other way to process it than to make art. To make a long story short, earlier in the year I thought a girl liked me, I liked her back, but it turned out she did indeed have a boyfriend the whole time. We didn't see or talk to each other for a few months but in November we (and the bf, lol) met up again. When she saw me at the door she smiled at me so sweetly and it was just the worst feeling ever and I just had to hide it behind a smile and a wave. Oversharing aside, this is a style I'd wanted to execute for a while and I'm really pleased with how it turned out, would love to make more like this.

DECEMBER

All of this was done / finished in the first two weeks of the month because then I got sick + was visiting family + jet lag took me out. Kinda sad I didn't get something done for Ahri's birthday or a traditional Kahri Winter piece but that's what January is for. Anyway.

Sometimes you just want to draw girls kissing and sometimes you wanna make it a little suggestive. Not much to say. Proud of the drapery on Kai'Sa's sleeve and you can always tell I love drawing hands.

Now it's time for classwork. Here I just have two pages but I've posted the whole comic on its own, this was for my "Art and Text" class, I have it printed in a booklet and my classmates + friends have responded to it so sweetly I'm really proud, I really really want to make more comics. This project was a culmination of so many inspirations from other artists and I'm really happy with the execution even if it was really rough for me to manage my time well for that class.

Then for my "Fiction and Allegory" class, two of my friends and I made a storyboard film (which I don't want to share publicly, but if I know you you can ask for a link) and during the all-nighter two of us pulled to get it done on time, I decided one scene needed music instead of diegetic sound, so I churned this out on garageband in about an hour. Would definitely love to try my hand at making more music in the future. Wish my classmates / teacher liked / understood the film more but oh well. I learned a lot and for the thousandth time, I'm proud of what I did.

IN CONCLUSION:

I ended up with less full pieces than 2022 but what I did create in 2023 are big, detailed, emotional pieces, and I'm more than satisfied. I think my skills in rendering, backgrounds, and colors really improved and I'm looking forward to how I continue to improve in 2024. This upcoming year has a lot of scary stuff ahead (namely graduating college) but I will come out the other side regardless, hopefully with just as much art I'm proud of.

If you read all of this, thank you!! If you've liked, shared, or commented on any of my art, thank you!!!!!! It means the world, always.

[2n2n]

I know that right now everyone is focused on chapter 104 😅 but I would like someone to explain me better about Hakujodai and the other one who also walks beside him (I don't remember the name). And also the ones that walk around Tsukasa, because now I'm confused if they're from Tsukasa or Sakura, because she can understand them. Please someone explain to me 😖

this is going to be a crazy long post. It's probably not what you wanted but it's what is going to commence.

Hanako's orbs are called Haku-joudai, and Tsukasa's are called Koku-joudai. Akane, and Teru, respectively, have referred to both orbs as "Tsueshiro" [杖代], which is a made-up word; unlike many words used in the manga, it does not have precedent in folklore, as far as I know. Both are holy in nature, unable to be harmed by Kou or Teru.

Now. the naming scheme, first off. It's insane and multilayered as Iro-sensei is about everything ever, there is significance in the kanji, in pronunciation, and Iro-sensei loves to fiddle wildly. Should be noted: It's not uncommon that some names and specific terms in JSHK use atypical readings. Whether or not a kanji is going to use the onyomi or kunyomi pronunciation is determined by things like, wanting to evoke other words as homophones, wordplay, etc… (In laymans terms, onyomi is the original Chinese pronunciation of kanji, while kunyomi is the pronunciation adaptioned to Japanese. Generally speaking, on is used in all-kanji words, and kun is typically in mixes of kanji/hiragana. But not always… aha. I have at least seen even natives struggle with some of Iro-sensei's decisions so I try to not feel too stupid about it.)

kun/on is kind of CONFUSING so I'll try to explain things in a simplified way... we are not professionals or scholars here.

I feel like it has to be included in all of this, even if we can hardly parse it.

白杖代 - hakujoudai / 白 - white (typically pronounced 'shiro', but in an all-kanji word, 'haku' is another pronunciation) As said, 杖代 is not a word, and I can't say which kanji definition is 'true' [though you can look at them here and here]. In all-kanji words the pronunciation would be "jou" and "dai".

黒杖代 - kokujoudai. / 黒 - black, (typically pronounced 'kuro' but in an all-kanji word, 'koku' is another pronunciation)

杖代 - tsueshiro - the incredible made-up word. It's using the pronunciations that would typically be used for words that AREN'T all kanji. but you can fudge it sometimes, which Iro-sensei does often , for words/names.

依代 - yorishiro - extant word. its NOT the same as 'Tsueshiro', but it shares the 'shiro' part. Worth thinking about.

The joudai are more or less "black joudai" and "white joudai", but Iro-sensei DID choose to name them distinctly.

黒白 connotates "black/white" in a "right/wrong" sense in some contexts. but it would be pronounced 'kuroshiro'....... Because Iro-sensei loves homophonous words, and homophonous words are frequently highly significant in character names, I will bother to mention that "kokuhaku", the combination of their names, black/white, is the word for 'confession' (not in kanji, but phonetically, or spoken aloud). Does this meaning anything? We do not know, Iro-sensei is insane.

Why do they both get pronounced 'Tsueshiro' and also 'Joudai' with the same kanji? Don't know.

Regardless of the unique name, their shape and candor is not without precedent.

In JP mythology, there are various sorts of orbs like this. Even in this manga, Yako has a more typical and decorative series of fire-balls about her. (probably 'kitsunebi' ?)

Nene-chan refers to Hanako's as "hitodama-chan", and "hitodama"[人魂] are, unlike simple little fireballs, the souls of the dead. You can read basic mythos about hitodama here! just ol' wiki why not...

Nene-chan is no authority, but it's interesting she calls them this, and not any of the other various terms for spirit-fire or what have you. Maybe they seem personable to her, or give off an air...

We don't know anything about them, really, but I can describe to you the little we can observe.

In boundaries, as mysteries are Gods of their own shrines, the Tsueshiro cannot be used.

After the Yorishiro blessing a Mystery with Godlike power is destroyed, the Tsueshiro can then be used again. The SECOND Yashiro peels Yako's Yorishiro, Hanako dons his Tsueshiro. He does not wear it in her boundary before this moment , as Yako could simply forbid it.

I believe the Tsueshiro are exclusive to Amane and Tsukasa; I think Tsukasa simply trusts Sakura/Natsuhiko to use them much more freely and order them, unlike Hanako. I wonder if Yashiro, if allowed, COULD be allowed to command Hanako's Tsueshiro, given that she is his kannagi?

One is a solid green 🟢 circle The other is an open ⭕circle with white in its middle.

The solid green 🟢 joudai is what Hanako appends to become a holy spirit, impervious to things like the exorcist's lightning. We never see him append ⭕. When in this form, he dons his cape, or manto (loanword 'mantle'), just a normal part of this old uniform style (his is just fancay).

He also uses the 🟢 to attack kaii, suchas Yako, or the Mokke

however, when he hits the lights above Aoi, he uses ⭕. he also uses ⭕ to move Nene-chan's cart to the moon in No. 4's boundary.

Typically, the red ⭕ is used to guard, or scout. Hanako will have it tail Nene-chan, hide in her pocket, or stay behind to monitor a situation while he is away.

Tsukasa's ⭕ seems to also be used for scouting and observation.

in the Far Shore arc, Hanako leaves ⭕ on the train to watch over that situation, while he keeps 🟢 with him and Nene-chan.

^⭕ staying behind with everyone

^ keeping 🟢 with him, probably so he can access his blessed form if need be to protect Nene-chan or what have you.

as for Tsukasa, he uses both ⭕+🟢 to send Nene-chan to Sumire's boundary

but this is .... the only time I've seen him use 🟢 .... if Tsukasa's can attack, or be appended to him, we haven't seen. (but bare in mind that we didn't know Hanako could also use the sleep-spell, which Tsukasa uses on Nene-chan in vol 7, and Hanako doesn't show us SURPRISE!! he can use until vol. 10. It might be that the boys share everything... we don't know!)

Hanako also uses his 🟢 to pluck Nene-chan from Sumire's boundary, so...

[but here anyway, Hanako ONLY has 🟢, as ⭕ is away helping Akane/Aoi/Teru....]

Both Tsukasa and Hanako appear to use ⭕ to 'poof' away, or get to a location. Of course for Tsukasa you have the rooftop scene, for Hanako you get a few confirmations he can do the same...

In any event ..........

Hanako often talks to ⭕

both Hanako and Sakura tend to say thank-you to the orbs, or ask them questions, updates, directly.

They really externally interface with them as if they are talking ...

Hanako is pretty affectionate with his.

the orbs seemingly can express anxiety or stress at situations.

Is it significant, the differences between 🟢 and ⭕? I don't know.

[volo-thereforeiam]

About Male Loneliness Epidemic

So I saw this post that basically expressed a disappointment towards some of (I assume) women who demeaned men that said they're struggling to develop meaningful and deep connections with other people and wish to improve that. This is related to the male loneliness epidemic, of course. I wanted to disagree, but I figured I'd make a separate post since a lot of people have already said similar things, and I don't want to be annoying.

Male loneliness epidemic isn't actually a thing. As much as some people want to believe it, the data shows that men and women feel lonely at similar rates. This post goes into the data and includes a link to a study that found different effects of age on loneliness for each sex. Here's excerpt from the abstract (you should definitely read the post and the actual study).

Results indicated that levels of loneliness increased steadily for women, whereas men’s levels followed a U-shaped curve, with highest loneliness at ages 40 and 80. At age 40, loneliness declined between the two data waves, but with increasing age the decrease abated and turned into increases when loneliness was measured indirectly.

So it's not as simple as which sex experience loneliness more. The reason why it was so easy to believe that men were lonely because they misinterpreted the 2018 GSS data measuring sexual activity, not loneliness. Never-married men aged 22-35 reported less sexual activity that year. But here's an article breaking down the newer 2022 GSS sex data to debunk the male sexlessness epidemic. Any data that measures loneliness will show greater correlation with age compared to sex.

Okay, so maybe we're looking at the quality of the friendship.

That's fair enough, but here's the excerpt of the findings.

There are no generational differences, meaning younger men are no more likely than older men are to have shared their personal feelings with a friend. However, men who have female friends are significantly more likely to express their feelings and receive emotional support than are those without. Twenty-eight percent of men with female friends report that they received emotional support from a friend within the past week, compared to 16 percent of men who do not have female friends. 

The OP of the post I'm responding to probably had a point. Men do have issues forming meaningful connections and are trying to change that. But, they're not quite hitting the mark…

Here's what we have so far:

1. The rebrand of "loneliness epidemic" to "male loneliness epidemic".

2. The disingenuous use of data measuring sexual activity to "prove" said male loneliness.

3. The reframing of conversation around men not receiving emotional support even though they don't do the same to their friends.

All of this while violence against women were increasing at the same time the conversation about "male loneliness" started appearing (during COVID-19 pandemic). And we all know the Bondi Junction stabbings where the perpetrator explicitly targeted only women but the mental illness and loneliness excuse got thrown around.

We wouldn't be having this conversation if men, as a group, were genuinely trying to solve this issue. They wouldn't call it a 'male loneliness epidemic' in the first place. They'd see that loneliness affects everyone and focus on being better friends and partners. This whole thing feels like it's more about 'compulsory sex.' It's like men having less sex is seen as a bad thing, and somehow women are responsible for that.

And that's my beef with that post, really. Male loneliness is often viewed as a shared responsibility, a collective issue, while the persistent and increasing sexual violence against women and girls is not treated the same way. Responses to sexual assault are individualized, but in reality, we need broad, collective action targeting the predominantly male perpetrators responsible for the rising rates of violence against women and girls.

Bonus anecdote below the cut lol.

Context: the conversation was about porn. I was against it and he was for it. He made a lot of bad arguments (like claiming there's vetted porn; there isn't—it's impossible to know what's consensual), but this one was the worst. It sounded more like a personal excuse than an actual argument. Basically, to him, consuming porn is more reasonable than building meaningful friendships to address what he believed to be male loneliness epidemic.

So yeah, folks. Men aren't trying to fix anything. They have most of the social power in the world—they could make changes if they wanted to.

[puckintheisles]

3: skeletons? in MY gardens of flesh and bone?

He wandered back to the town as it was getting very dark. The first building was promising. His hopes were right, as the inside seemed to be some kind of inn. The innkeeper was tired and not particularly useful, but she also didn't seem to care about charging for a room. He had money on them from the boat. It was handy for buying some food, consisting of some familiar items such as bread and pears and whatever a baliwog leg was.

He went upstairs and just searched for a bed. The room next door was empty, but clearly occupied by someone who was really into leaving around piles of corpses and whatnot. Concerning, to say the least, but they really were too tired to think about it. Despite it all, there was a full night of sleep to be gained.

The events of the day before were not a dream at all. He woke up in the gross bed, went down to buy another pear, and recalled the events of before. Simple order of events demand that he has to just kill that thing. He braves speaking to a few residents around town, who reveal that this one guy is also trying to kill that thing.

He seems nice. Puck doesn't really have it in him to question and just nods and hopes for the best. Jayred tells him that the secret to killing the gatekeeper is the bones of a different gatekeeper. He just needs someone to unlock the Gardens of Flesh and Bone. Puck has a bad feeling those gardens have nothing to do with nice flowers.

This dude takes off at an unreasonable speed. Puck's in pretty fine shape, but they struggle to keep up. dude means business. the cardio from this adventure is going to go far if and when he gets back home.

He hands Puck a lockpick and tells him to get the gate open. They're just thankful that they thought learning to lockpick in middle school to seem badass and cool actually came in handy someday. He nails it on the first try, only to be assaulted by a skeleton. like, a living skeleton with a big fucking axe. it just starts swinging at him. how the fuck is it even holding an axe?

He realizes that he can do things like shoot fireballs out of his hands and do some kind of healing magic now. He needs to work on his archery skills a bit, though. Apparently you can't be shaking violently and screaming and crying while trying to use a bow or you miss a lot. Whatever. This pile of bones is picked apart by Jayred and Puck is left to his own devices while he sets out to make some arrows. Fortunately, they don't actually have to say much to get by. People here seem content with rambling as long as they're prompted with a "what?" and "why?".