#and its inspired to look a bit like a chinese dragon

[reginaldubel]

designing a shimo

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC’s Lucien Wonderful Moments Date English Translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

Lucien boops Snowball's nose, his tone hinting at jealousy.

"You've been praising this little guy a lot."

"Pfft, is Professor Lucien jealous?"

Translation under the cut!

[Notes from Lux: Here’s the CN video link if anyone wants to follow along with his Voice Acting.]

A car moves slowly on the vibrant countryside road, joyful laughter spilling out of its windows from time to time.

Lucien casually rests his hand on the steering wheel, looking ahead, and quickly comes up with a Chinese idiom.

Lucien: The victory is in the bag. (shèng quàn zài wò)

MC: Idiom with wò… crouching tigers and hidden dragons! (wò hǔ cáng lóng! - 卧虎藏龙 - fig. mean talented individuals hiding their talent)

Lucien: Just a reminder to this beautiful contestant, this phrase was already said during our first round of the idiom chain game.

MC: Then, how about… I control my destiny! (wǒ mìng yóu wǒ - 我命由我- a phrase, not an idiom)

Lucien: [chuckles] That doesn't seem to be an idiom. Is Miss Producer starting to cheat?

Lucien tilts his head and looks at me with a smile. I sheepishly stick out my tongue, wracking my brain as I search through my vocabulary.

The gentle spring breeze seeps through the gaps of the car window. Looking at those cunning eyes, I have a sudden inspiration and break into a sweet smile.

MC: I like you~ (wǒ xǐhuān nǐ~)

Lucien's demeanor briefly halts for half a beat as though he doesn't expect my answer. But then, the smile on his lips grows bigger.

The warm afternoon sunshine reflects brightly in his upturned eyes, making them look particularly beautiful.

Lucien: [chuckles, then sighs] This is the most sophisticated cheating I've ever seen, so I concede defeat.

I cheer joyfully, but before I can utter a word, an electronic broadcast interrupts me.

"Distance to the next highway toll booth is 1.5 kilometers ahead.”

I glance at the phone screen and see it shows another hour and a half to the camping village.

Lucien suggested this camping trip to an ecologically pristine village with beautiful scenery, though the only downside is that the journey was a bit long.

I turn to look at Lucien, who appears to be in a good mood, and can't resist asking the small question that's been lingering on my mind.

MC: Lucien, what made you suddenly want to take me to this camping village?

Lucien: It was recommended by a colleague from the research center. I heard the scenery there is nice and worth a visit.

Lucien: I originally wanted to find an opportunity to spend time with you, and just last weekend we went to see a play, which gave me a very legitimate reason to invite you on a date—

Lucien: To create “beautiful moments”.

He deliberately emphasizes the words "beautiful moments", causing me to momentary pause as a recent memory quickly floods into my mind.

—[Flashback Start]—

At the entrance of the theater last weekend.

Lucien and I walked out of the theater hand in hand. I was still sniffling, lost in the storyline of the performance we just watched, unwilling to let it go.

Just as I was about to wipe away the tears at the corner of my eye, a warm hand handed me a tissue and gently dabbed it beneath my eyes.

Lucien: [gently] If this little audience member keeps crying, I'll have to go find the production team for an explanation.

MC: I'm just really moved by the play...

MC: At first, when I saw the protagonist growing up under the shadow of his mother's depression, I thought he would fall into despair.

MC: But he was able to diligently record the beautiful moments in life and ultimately salvaged himself...

MC: I just tried to put myself in his shoes, and it's really hard to be as optimistic as the protagonist, so I couldn't stop my tears.

Under Lucien's gentle gaze, I rambled on and on, completing my "review" of the play. He patiently wiped the corners of my eyes and offered a comforting smile.

Lucien: I actually think the lady by my side also has a pair of eyes that can discover the beauty of life everywhere.

His sincere praise caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but feel a little buoyed by it. My heart, which had been saddened by the protagonist's struggles, also eased a bit.

MC: If I had a "Book of Beautiful Moments," the first thing I would record is how Professor Lucien always generously praises me~

Lucien chuckled softly, and the strands of hair hanging over his forehead swayed gently in front of his thick lashes.

Lucien: [chuckles] I'm just stating facts. She shares the beauty of the sky with me and finds satisfaction in good weather...

Lucien: —Isn't that kind of you very much like the protagonist?

MC: Then next time I discover something beautiful, I'll make sure to record it promptly.

MC: Let's see if I can fill several volumes of "Wonderful Moments" just like the protagonist!

—[Flashback Ends]—

I casually remarked and thought it was nothing but a joke, yet Lucien silently remembered it in his heart. I come to my senses and blink.

MC: So, the reason you suddenly decided to take me out to play is to create more wonderful moments in my life?

Lucien: I wonder if it's because I'm not "competent" enough that you don't have much to record, so I deliberately created this opportunity.

Lucien: Of course, it's also to show myself off a bit.

He adopts a tone of pretended grievance that stirs a feeling of itchiness in my heart, I suppress the curve of my lips, nodding in mock annoyance.

MC: Well, in light of your "timely remedy," I'll reluctantly start recording officially!

✂———————–

MC: ...Lucien takes me camping;

MC: Before we set off, Lucien made me a cup of hot chocolate.

MC: While playing the idiom chain game, Lucien deliberately went easy on me...

As I speak, I open the Notes app on my phone and mutter to myself, recording a dozen or so entries. But as I continue to write, I suddenly feel something is amiss.

MC: Wait a minute, why do all these "wonderful moments" have Professor Lucien's shadow? I'm starting to suspect that I have a “love-brain”*...

[T/N: "恋爱脑" (love brain) is a Chinese internet buzzword that refers to a mindset that puts love first above everything. It refers to individuals who are deeply in love and often become consumed by their emotions, making it difficult for them to think about anything else. This phenomenon is characterized by extreme devotion to their lover, often leading to uncontrollable emotional dependence and intense desires to be with the other person... If anything, from the way Lucien takes her casual remarks seriously and uses them as a reason to hang out with her, this word describes Lucien more LOL]

Lucien: [with a pretending-don’t-to-know-anything tone] Oh, really?

Lucien is amused by my muttering, and a hint of sly self-satisfaction shines in his long and narrow eyes.

Lucien: [chuckles] It seems the Great Producer has already fallen into my sweet trap.

Lucien: Because my goal is to dominate your today's "wonderful moments" list through this trip.

MC: Hmph, then I won't let you succeed. Right now, I'm going to come up with something completely unrelated to you.

As I speak, I catch a glimpse of a white shadow flashing in front of the car. But before I can react, Lucien has already hit the brakes.

[Sounds of the car suddenly braking]

Almost simultaneously, a strong arm instinctively protects me in front of my chest.

Lucien: ...Are you okay?

He removes his sunglasses and swiftly scans me with his gaze as if confirming whether I'm injured.

I stare blankly ahead. After a moment of daze, there's no movement in front of the car, and my heart leaps into my throat.

MC: I, I'm okay...

MC: Lu, Lucien... Did something just rush onto the road?

Lucien: I'll go down and take a look first. Stay in the car and don't move.

He smooths out my disheveled bangs and then gets out of the car after turning on the hazard lights.

Through the windshield, I see him quickly walk to the front of the car. His gaze instantly shifts downward, as if he's spotted something, and he crouches down.

Did we really hit something?

Just as I nervously stretch my neck and am about to get out of the car to take a look, Lucien suddenly stands up, cradling a bundle of white fluff in his arms.

MC: Eh?

I take a closer look and can't help but exclaim in delight—

It's an adorable little Pomeranian!

Under my expectant gaze, Lucien quickly gets back into the car with the little Pomeranian in his arms, then raises the pup's paw and waves it at me.

MC: Hello there, cutie! How did you end up on the road?

Lucien: This little fellow must have gotten lost. I didn't see anyone else outside the car.

I follow Lucien's gaze out the window. The road is very quiet, there's no sign of anyone around.

MC: Is it injured?

Lucien: It wasn't hit just now. When I got out to check, it was still some distance from the front of the car. It's probably just a little startled.

As if understanding, the Pomeranian snuggles its face into Lucien's palm coquettishly. Its dewy eyes shift between Lucien and me, softening my heart.

I tentatively reach out my hand towards its nose, intending to let it get accustomed to my scent before attempting to pet its little head.

However, as soon as I reach out my hand, the little fellow enthusiastically licks my fingers. In the next moment, it leaps over the center console and goes straight into my arms.

MC: Wow, what a good little doggy!

MC: And it looks very clean, not like a stray dog... Could it be lost?

Lucien leans in and turns the collar of the small Pomeranian, discovering a small round tag. On it, it reads "Snowball*" and a string of numbers.

[T/N: the pet name, "雪糕" (xuě gāo), actually means "ice cream bar/popsicle"  LOL. I take some liberty in translating the pup name because “雪” (xuě) word alone means “snow” (while “糕” (gao) means cake). Imagine that this fluffy white bundle looks like a snowball so I give the pup that name :D]

MC: "Snowball"? Is that its name?

Lucien: Mm, below should be the owner's phone number. Let me try contacting them. Maybe the owner hasn't gone far.

Lucien takes out his phone as he speaks and quickly gets connected. After briefly explaining the situation, a wave of gratitude comes from the other end of the line.

??: Thank you so much! I stopped at the service area for a break and took the pup out of the car for a walk. I forgot to bring it back into the car.

??: I've already turned back onto the highway. I'll be there in about forty minutes!

??: Will it delay you?

Lucien doesn't respond, he just looks up at me and gestures with his eyes, as if asking for my opinion. I quickly nod in agreement.

[asking for opinion from the family leader.jpg]

Lucien: No, it won't. Then let's meet at the nearest gas station to the toll booth on the highway.

After a brief conversation, he hangs up the phone and shakes his head at me helplessly.

Lucien: [smiles helplessly] Looks like our journey might be delayed for a bit.

MC: What a careless owner! How could they forget such an adorable little dog?

I affectionately rub Snowball's head. It seems to whimper aggrievedly, then it straightens up, leans against me, and licks my cheek.

The adorable and silly look melts my heart once again. I exaggerate by placing my hand over my heart, then I scoop Snowball into my arms and give it a tight cuddle.

MC: Lucien, it's just too cute.

Upon seeing this, Lucien boops Snowball's nose, his tone hinting at jealousy.

Lucien: You've been praising this little guy since earlier until now for so many times.

MC: Pfft, is Professor Lucien feeling jealous?

Lucien: After all, I was the one who wanted to make a good impression today, but I didn’t expect to be outshone by this "little attention-seeker".

MC: I think, it's actually quite timely that Snowball showed up.

I mischievously wink at him and raise Snowball triumphantly.

MC: Just when I couldn't think of any beautiful moments unrelated to you.

MC: The appearance of this cute little fellow right now just fills that gap perfectly~

Lucien: Is that so?

Lucien presses his lips together thoughtfully, his clean fingertips lightly tapping on the steering wheel. He puts his sunglasses back on and, as if on a whim, starts the car again.

Lucien: Buckle up your seatbelt, let's go.

MC: Huh? Where are we going? Aren't we supposed to wait for Snowball's owner?

Lucien: MC's words just aroused my desire to win.

Lucien: In order not to lose to this little fellow, I have to put in some extra effort during these forty minutes of waiting.

Lucien: Before that, let's go find some more unexpected wonderful moments.

✂———————–

Ten minutes later, Lucien drives us to a countryside field.

The golden sunlight blankets the emerald green grass, while wisps of light mist hover amidst the sea of green.

Excitedly, I hop out of the car while holding Snowball, and find myself unable to tear my eyes away from the beautiful scenery for a moment.

MC: It's so beautiful! Lucien, how did you know there's a place like this nearby?

Lucien: We passed by here when Miss Producer was fully focused on playing the idiom chain game just now.

Lucien: The meeting point I arranged with Snowball's owner is very close to here, so it was convenient to stop by on the way.

MC: [sweats] What? During that intense idiom chain game just now, you still managed to notice the scenery on the sides of the road?

Upon hearing this, Lucien seriously crosses his arms, one hand supporting his chin as if deep in thought.

Lucien: Hmm, after all, even in such a tense moment, Miss Producer didn't forget to use "sweet words" to bribe her opponent.

MC: Pfft-

I can't help but laugh, but Snowball in my arms suddenly wriggles restlessly, as if trying to break free from my embrace.

MC: Do you want to go down and play?

I carefully place Snowball on the ground. It sniffs around with its tiny nose and then happily starts running around us.

MC: [laughs cheerfully] Hahaha, Snowball, you're so fearless, don't you?

MC: Even after such a day full of twists and turns, you can still play so happily!

Lucien: A puppy's mind is very simple.

Lucien: Perhaps in its eyes, it simply unexpectedly took a risk to venture into an unfamiliar place and met with a beautiful and empathetic Jiejie (big sister) who understands it well.

Lucien: And now, this Jiejie has brought it to a playground where it can run freely, so why can't it be happy?

MC: Oh, come on, it's definitely the credit of this reasonable and understanding handsome Gege (big brother).

I jokingly gesture with my hand, but as I watch Snowball's carefree figure, I can't help but ponder Lucien's words with a thoughtful expression.

MC: That being said, it seems like any simple thing can easily make a puppy happy.

MC: Whether it's the company of its owner, a friendly pat from a stranger, a passing butterfly, or even just a small treat...

MC: I often see videos of dogs being scolded by their owners. One moment, they're scared out of their wits…

MC: Then, the next moment, as soon as their owners call their names with a smile, they instantly become happy again.

MC: So, is life filled with beautiful moments everywhere in the eyes of a puppy?

As we talk, Snowball runs around a nearby grassy area and then returns to Lucien's feet, panting. It looks like it's tired from playing and eagerly starts pawing at his pants.

Lucien cooperatively lifts it, and it comfortably stretches lazily in his arms, then leans against his arm and rests.

Lucien pats its head, his expression somewhat resigned.

Lucien: I originally wanted to create a "wonderful moment" for MC, but it seems like Snowball is the one enjoying it more.

MC: Indeed, we should learn from puppies and embrace the spirit of enjoying every moment. I can't let Snowball beat me~

As I say this, I take a deep breath, and the fresh air instantly fills my heart.

MC: So pleasant... If it weren't for the tight schedule and better scenery waiting for us, I'd want to camp right here.

Lucien looks at me upon hearing this, seeming to contemplate something. After a moment, he gently places Snowball into my arms and gives me a mysterious wink.

Lucien: I've received the classmate's wish, please wait a moment.

He walks around to the back of the car, opens the trunk, and folds down all the rear seats, creating a spacious area.

[Lucien’s car being an SUV is really useful in times like this huh-]

Then, he hangs the small decorative lanterns that were initially used for the tent on the roof of the car. Finally, he shakes out a small thin blanket and spreads it on top.

After finishing all this, he bends slightly and makes a gentlemanly invitation gesture.

Lucien: Please, have a seat.

MC: This is...

Lucien: Our time is indeed limited, not enough to set up a proper tent.

Lucien: So we'll have to use this "temporary camping spot" instead, I hope you two* don’t disdain it.

[T/N: He actually uses 小朋友 (literally means: child) as the term of endearment to refer both of them (so the more literal translation should be “I hope the two children don’t disdain it”). I change it for an obvious reason here, but I swear it’s not as bad as the english language makes it to be-]

I stand still for a moment as his intention dawns on me. Pink bubbles seem to bubble up in my chest, making my heart move up and down in the ripples it causes.

I compliantly put on airs, playing along with his gesture as I cradle Snowball and settle into the car.

MC: Can you see a look of "disdain" on our faces?

I raise Snowball, showing a coy and obedient look at Lucien. Snowball, oblivious to the situation, cooperatively wags its tail and barks cheerfully at Lucien twice.

Lucien chuckles softly, then takes off his sunglasses with one hand, his gaze shifting between Snowball and me.

The vast expanse of clouds above his head begins to slowly drift away, revealing the warm and radiant sunshine.

His deep gaze is imbued by the golden sky, revealing a hint of childlike innocence and simple contentment.

Lucien: Indeed, I can't see it, because I can only see two adorable faces.

His doting tone is unreserved, and I satisfactorily squint my eyes, my heart full of joy.

MC: This one-of-a-kind camping area, with Professor Lucien's intention behind it, is priceless and worth more than any amount of money.

MC: I cherish it so much; how could I possibly disdain it?

Snowball seems to understand my words. With a "woof", he jumps down and happily rolls around on the blanket.

Both Lucien and I are amused by its adorable appearance. A gentle breeze blows by, and my entire heart feels light as if it's strolling in the clouds.

Our gazes lock into each other, and this tranquil moment is so beautiful that I truly want to record it in some way.

But I don't take out my phone to make a note. Instead, I instinctively reach out and gently pull Lucien to sit beside me.

The warmth beside me makes me unconsciously lean closer. I nuzzle his shoulder clingily, my heart filled with softness.

MC: Professor Lucien, you've succeeded.

MC: Now my mind is filled with countless wonderful moments, and each of these moments is related to you-

MC: Me leaning on your shoulder, your scent filling my senses, and us sharing this unexpected encounter of scenery together...

MC: And even if these moments aren't intentionally recorded by me, it's okay.

MC: Because every little thing that has been happening with you has already integrated into my world since a long time ago.

The breath above my head becomes even more gentle and elongated. Lucien enfolds me in his arms, his warm breath almost as if it's seeping into the depths of my heart.

Lucien: I am honored to be part of all the “wonderful moments” of Miss MC.

Lucien: As the sole recipient of this “award”, I will remain humble and continue to work hard, bringing her even more happiness.

I smile in his arms, but suddenly, I think of something and pull myself away from him a bit.

MC: But it's not fair, I've listed so many 'wonderful moments' of my own. How come you haven't shared a single one with me?

Lucien seems taken aback by my sudden mention of this. He is struck silent for a moment, then a flicker of wounded expression crosses his face.

Lucien: Perhaps because I thought even if I didn't say anything, MC would know what I’m thinking—

Lucien: My "list of wonderful moments" is very simple, so simple that it has only one item.

Lucien: Now, do you still need me to tell you this one and only item?

He stares steadily into my eyes, with an irreplaceable radiance that ebbs and flows in the depths of his gaze.

I softly laugh, and my entire heart feels as transparent and bright as if it has been meticulously polished.

MC: No need.

I shook my head, the stray hair on my forehead bringing a slightly unbearable itch, gently brushing against my heart along with the gentle spring breeze.

I gently cup his cheek in the palm of my hand, and the world becomes unusually quiet, only the sound of two hearts beating can be heard.

MC: You don't need to say anything.

Because in those beautiful eyes, I only see myself.

————Fin———–

[Bonus Phone Call - Want it Now]

Lucien: Hello? Are you busy?

MC: So, I was about to take a lunch break—I was just thinking about you, and then your call came.

Lucien: It seems like there's always some kind of wonderful little tacit understanding between us.

Lucien: Then tell me about it.

MC: Haha, here's the thing. The company's pet club is planning a charity event.

MC: They plan to sell some handmade items and donate the proceeds to animal shelters. But I don't have any inspiration for what to make at the moment...

Lucien: Mm... I just received a delivery that might be helpful to you.

Lucien: The owner of Snowball sent us some things as a thank you. There are small felt keychains shaped like Snowball, as well as cartoon-style standees and cross-stitch fridge magnets.

Lucien: Looking at the note in the delivery box, it seems that the owner of Snowball designed them personally and also has the same ones at home.

Lucien: Perhaps we can also make some similar small items.

MC: Wow! They actually make these for their pet? The owner of Snowball is so thoughtful.

Lucien: You can tell that Snowball is truly cherished, so its owner makes these everyday little things, wanting its presence to fill every corner of their home.

MC: Hmm... Just like how my phone screensaver is you, and all the photos hanging around the home are of you?

Lucien: If what you're saying is that feeling of 'even when you're not around, I still want to see you first thing’...

Lucien: Then we're the same.

MC: I have another idea, I wonder if Professor Lucien shares the same idea as me.

Lucien: Hm?

MC: Even though my screensaver and chat background are pictures of you... I still want to see you right now.

Lucien: What a coincidence, I was thinking the same thing. So I've already brought your favorite milk tea and the Snowball keychain, and I'm on my way to see you.

Lucien: I checked the navigation, and the route from the research institute to your company is very smooth.

Lucien: In twenty minutes, both of our wishes will come true.

[ae-neon]

the Viper Queen and the Meat Market

I wanna mention all the problems I picked up (so far) mind you these are just mental connections I have made from my own knowledge, I am not an expert nor have I gotten the chance to do any serious research

This is not in depth mostly because it would be a hassle getting all sources, texts and pictures together with my current setup (so please look up it up for yourself if you want to understand/know more)

This is not that long I just put a cut for scrolling convenience

First and foremost is the racist Dragon Lady stereotype. Sjm has already used this stereotype for three of her east Asian characters: Amren, Manon and now this Viper Queen

Second is the idea of the Meat Market itself, being this cramped, lawless place. This plays into stereotypes about spaces of certain ethnicities as lawless zones outside of the order and normalcy of the rest of the surrounding area. In particular this reminds me of Chinatowns - places that were intentionally set up and segregated by white people so that they would not have to live and work beside Asian populations. Sjm makes the mention that "even Micah and the angels had no jurisdiction there" 🙄 like please 😒 the racism is actually detrimental to her world building cause now I know all the human rebels have to do to scare the angels is be "foreign"

Second is the introduction to the Meat Market. It's first mentioned early on as a sort of red light district. Harkoning back to real life sex tourism popular among western men and targeted at poc, but especially Asian women. Things like this have its roots in colonialism and the vulnerability of women and children in wartime.

The first glimpse we have of the Meat Market Bryce stops to observe food being delivered and remarks on strange food and feeling sympathy for the seemingly sad crustaceans who are to be eaten. Rich coming from someone who owns a sentient pet she cannot communicate with despite knowing it does speak. This again plays into some orientalism and the discrimination some western people have towards traditional food from other cultures. Eg the stigma against eating things like dogs because they find it cruel but are okay with intelligent animals like pigs and octopi getting eaten. I'm not saying eat dogs but did you stop to learn that the practice started after colonial forces starved the native population? Would it really matter even if it didn't? Why should food be understood by the west to be deemed acceptable?

The general state of the Meat Market being a place of vice also leans into the history of opium dens. Long story short the British wanted to take advantage of the Chinese so they got them addicted to drugs and it was horrible. Please look more into this. No doubt it was a bit of the inspiration for how white America introduced crack into African American communities to tear them apart from the inside.

This is all for now as I basically stopped in the beginning of chapter 18.

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

Miraculous: Magical Connections Kwami Redesigns

All the Kwami's are varying sizes to help further their differences, as a baseline, Tikki is the same size as canon, being 10cm or just under 4inch

I added more black to Tikki's design to further break up all the red and I added small wings to help tie into its animal

I just changed Plagg's whiskers so they're more apparent and closer to a cat

I changed the small dot on Duusu's forehead to a heart to help further the connection to emotions

I just got rid of the things on Nooroo's wings, otherwise the design is the same

Pollen's design was kept mostly the same aside from the addition of wings

I changed the pattern on Wayzz to give it more character and added the small lighter patterns to help break up the green

Trixx is mostly the same with some minor tweaks such as getting rid of the eyebrows

Mullo is mostly the same but I added a bit of patterning to it to break up all the gray and also gave it an actual mouse/rat tail

Roarr is basically the same but with slightly altered colors/patterns to make it look a bit better

Fluff is the same as canon but its eyes are a darker blue

Kaalki's design is the same as canon, though it was a bit hard to translate in a front facing 2d design

Stompp's tail was changed a bit but otherwise its the same

Sass' hood was changed to make it connect to its tail but otherwise the patterns and colors are the same

Ziggy's only change was making its right arm white to make the pattern more asymmetrical

Daizzi's tail was made smaller and I only added one small brown patch to break up the pink and reference mud

Longg was changed the most as it being red never made sense and now that I've changed the concept and also have dragons be canon to the universe, I had to make it appear closer to what dragons actually look like (I took inspiration from Chinese dragons)

Xuppu has been kept the same

Barkk and Orikko have both been kept the same (Orikko is the weakest link because I can't draw its stupid crest but I did my best)

[lilspacewolfie]

You asked for headcanons and headcanons you shall receive (tho they are a bit chaotic)

So, there's this line in "After": He [Copia] felt like he was floating in dark waters with some great beast beneath him, making sure he didn’t sink too deep.

THIS LINE!!!

1) I love me a shapeshifter character and all the little different possibilities it entails

- a large beast with too many paws able to wrap itself around Copia

- a little rat keeping homeless Copia company

- a large gargoyle watching him from the rooftops and providing shelter from rain

- Lucifer accidentaly inspiring Cerberus or Jǫrmungandr or Quetzalcoatl or Hydra because someone saw him practicing shapeshifting

- maybe he turns into a harmless Cerberus every once in a while to play with various kids around the clergy and he tends to appear on days when there's broccoli or spinach for dinner so children can sneak him their meals

(In general I have a headcanon that Terzo was adored by the children arou d the Clergy and they, with the help of some adults and Primo and Secondo, made him the Cirice video, and then Terzo refused to have a professional one made)

- some flying form (flying snake à la chinese dragon? bird with multiple dark wings?) big enough to allow him to take Copia on a flight

- a rat again whenever he doesn't want to deal with Sister Imperator - he can hide under Copia's fancy hat (that I don't remember the name of) prompting clergy to make Ratatouille jokes

- if anyone ever threatens Copia the last thing they see is this blob of void so dark it seems to absorb light with too many limbs and teeth and eyea and wing and oh good god what even is that?! and Copia is well-aware of the blob behind him and knows better than to look at it, but to him it just radiates comfort

- in general some terrifying monster thingy (maybe for scaring evil sinners in hell) that would cause people to run away screaming and that actually scares Copia (he wasn't supposed to see it at all) and Terzo then feels super bad about it and tries to modify it to never frighten Copia again

Dammit I hit ask limit again...

Ahh anon you’re sort of of the ball with your thinking! I know my Lucifer can and does shapeshift, he’s been many people and things throughout his time but he does get tired from doing it.

Love the idea of Lucifer just spending a few years as various things. He’s tested humanity over the ages, observing and overseeing how humans have grown—all the ups and downs in their nature, the good bad and ugly of what it means to be human. He’s learned a lot from humanity, but that has its pros and cons!

He’s a bit more low-key and less obvious with his guidance of humans who need help as he wants to be as hands-off as possible. But you’re right about a few things that I won’t spoil! You’ll have to read 🫣😊

Once things are less clouded I’ll defo be able to flex my imagery muscles a bit more.

I also agree and headcanon that Terzo/Lucifer is great with kids! He understands their souls are young and feels he finds them to be more understanding than most adults. They’re very innocent and honest in their ways of thinking. I actually have a scene later in my fic (chapter 8) in which he interacts with the Siblings and kids!

As for the void blob… well… Heaven and Hell exist in my fic. And Lucifer does have a ‘true form’ so to speak 👀

I LOVED these! Thank you so much for sending them 🖤

[acquired-stardust]

Game Spotlight #10: MediEvil (1998)

Spooky season is upon us, which means two themed spotlights! Join Ash as she takes a look back at a game from her childhood in this Halloween edition of Acquired Stardust’s gaming spotlights!

Often discussed here is the legendary year of 1998, a year in which it seemed like pop culture at large was firing on all cylinders, and a big one in my childhood personally. It was the year of the one and only Disney movie I’d seen as a kid, Mulan, which helped me feel a little bit closer to my Chinese immigrant great grandfather, a figure that loomed large in my family. The world of video games saw heavy hitters with enduring legacies such as Spyro the Dragon and Burning Rangers. Sandwiched between a lot of all-time classics is SCE Cambridge’s MediEvil, a game that despite being noteworthy at the time has fallen off in terms of relevancy steeply.

Combining a Tim Burton-esque aesthetic and gameplay inspired by Capcom’s Ghosts n Goblins and Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda, and much like Megaman Legends was released before Ocarina of Time. MediEvil stars the reanimated skeleton of Sir Daniel Fortesque, revered ‘hero of Gallowmere’, revived in an unwitting coincidence by century-past nemesis Zarok who’s magic creates an army of the dead, gives life to stone statues and corrupts the living into doing the evil sorcerer’s bidding. An interesting turn of events in the opening of the game reveals that the moniker ‘hero of Gallowmere’, ostensibly earned by Sir Dan in the past fight against Zarok a hundred years before the start of the game, is actually completely misattributed to him, having actually been struck down in the opening moments of the climactic battle. This detail serves as the motivating force for Sir Dan’s quest, seeking to redeem himself and banish Zarok once and for all. It also touches on a very interesting concept as a hobbyist historian, the cliche that “history is written by the victor” is a very real thing and something that multiple fields of history grapple with - many things in the past (especially the very distant past) are tragically unknowable and our understanding of accepted history can be shaken by discoveries that have literally laid beneath our feet all along. It’s a small hook but one that’s always been fun for me and compelling enough.

MediEvil’s action-platformer gameplay is fairly standard for the time, featuring a number of strongly themed levels spread out across a world map which allows the player to tackle batches of levels in any order they choose. True to its Zelda inspirations the player will collect a variety of weapons and items that allow for new methods of attack along with new exploration opportunities, often allowing backtracking into previous levels to access new routes that are further populated with gold, health recovery or yet more items. Hidden in each level is also a ghostly chalice, normally inaccessible even if found, that is made obtainable through the defeat of enemies in the current level and will grant access to the Hall of Heroes, a Valhalla-esque realm in which Sir Dan’s former allies in the battle of Gallowmere now reside with their spirits bound to statues bearing their likeness. Each chalice collection offers a conversation with one of Dan’s many past allies and a gift, in many cases upgrades to overall health capacity or gold but many encounters also see the ally bestow their legendary armament to Dan to aid in his fight against the returned evil sorcerer. Chalice collection isn’t particularly difficult or involved, but adds a wonderful sense of progression to the game along with its great rewards.

While it may not be especially difficult to physically collect the chalices, fulfilling the qualification for it can prove slightly frustrating. Combat is very simplistic and slightly clunky, the player often not able to avoid taking damage depending on the weapon chosen as Dan and an enemy frantically bump into each other causing damage to the player. The camera can also be an issue and was even back in 1998. Most of these issues are remedied by familiarizing yourself with the way health and revival works, and realizing it’s actually very simple to spend a few minutes farming the first level to replenish your health stock before tackling a new level with more limited resources. Level design is also largely good, though these issues do come to a head in a later stage (the dreaded ghost ship). Despite some blemishes and minor frustration MediEvil is a game that rewards familiarity well and can take experienced gamers (and ones who adjust to its particular feel) very little time to beat. For the purposes of giving this game a spotlight my run of MediEvil only took four and a half hours, and the Playstation 4 remaster, released in 2019, took under four hours.

On the subject of the PS4 remaster, it’s a largely improved version of the game and in many cases a straight upgrade. Controls have been smoothed slightly, the graphics have kept their Burton-esque charm without straying too far visually or tonally like the 2005 Playstation Portable remake which looks and comes across a lot closer to Spyro the Dragon than MediEvil proper, which can be genuinely eerie at times especially as a child and especially in 1998. Replacing the text-only tomes that give lore and gameplay advice is new narration by veteran voice actress Lani Manella which also adds to the experience quite well without changing it into a more comedic or childish one which unfortunately crops up in detrimental ways in both the 2005 PSP remake and MediEvil’s 2000 sequel, MediEvil 2, also on the Playstation console.

Speaking of being a child in 1998, MediEvil has a special place in my heart for being one of the few times I can remember my whole immediate family bonding over an experience. In an especially difficult early childhood, this game is one of the only things I can remember bringing together my entire immediate family to bond and gush over. To this day my mother vividly remembers attempting to dodge the boulders of early level Cemetary Hill, as well as the eerie possessed villagers of the Sleeping Village. Although the 2019 remaster is a straight upgrade in many areas there is still an unmatched charm that the original brings largely through its visuals. There’s just something so charming about Dan’s low polygon count depiction along with many other enemies and locales. The remaster is still very strong visually and may fit more modern sensibilities (especially those who have a hard time visually with the distinct polygons featured in many Playstation titles). Both versions are worth playing, and the relatively low playtime for those who adjust to its gameplay means you can indeed tackle both the original and 2019 remaster in pretty short order if you so desired.

A gem hidden among the stones, MediEvil is undoubtedly stardust.

- Ash

[melissak2802]

A talk with a person pointing out superficialness of the connection of the Miraculouses with Chinese culture inspired me to look a bit more into the Miraculous power and culture context.

So we have in the show the Chinese Miracle Box with 19 Miraculouses.

The duo of Ladybug and Cat: as the person rightfully pointed out, indeed based on European folklore concepts. Also in the show associated with Yin Yang duality.

The next five:

Fox IS alluding to Asian folklore of illusion-crafting fairy foxes. Additional point for them using a flute and the visual of summoning a ball of light (in some Asian folklore such as Japanese the fairy foxes were considered responsible for atmospheric light phenomena, don't know if it is the thing with China too). A cunning fox is a cultural archetype in Europe too, but a bit different.

Turtle, while matching the actual characteristics of the animal, IS prominently featured in Chinese culture, and IS symbol of protection and longevity, such as its image used in traditional monuments to represent survival through centuries.

Bee, Butterfly, Peacock - I know next to nothing of their role in Chinese or generally Asian cultures.

The zodiac Miraculouses: the list of them is using the Chinese zodiac, despite they don't feel actually like a set (too different powers, disproportioned power scale, and some of them look like the authors were desperate to find ANY kind of power because the animal has to be on the list - most notable with Goat). So it feels like if they weren't a fixed list, it could be better. What of their individual powers...

Mouse. Mice being small and coming in multitudes is just a fact, does NOT look like a culture reference.

Ox, Tiger. Oxen being steady and tigers being fierce and strong also is an obvious fact, but at least tigers ARE actively featured in Chinese culture with these connotations of fury and power, so I'll let it pass. Seems like oxen also can be culturally relevant, but not sure.

Rabbit. The time travel powers in Miraculous seem purely authoric mythology (does not allude much to actual rabbits either). Rabbit is relevant in Chinese culture, but with a very different role - moon and healing. So NOT.

Dragon. It IS obviously relevant in Chinese culture, and indeed with weather/elemental powers.

Snake. Snakes associated with wisdom and prophesy (-> Intuition -> knowing beforehand) is a culture archetype, as well as association with cyclicity (the Ouroboros theme), and probably IS more clearly seen in Asian cultures than in Western European where the snake is mostly connected with treachery.

Horse. Horses being used for transportation is just a fact for any material culture that has domesticated horses, NOT a symbolic thing.

Goat. This power does NOT seem to allude to anything at all, on top of being repetitive within the show system.

Monkey. Monkeys associated with parodying and mischief IS an archetype and IS relevant for Chinese culture via the legendary character of the Monkey King.

Rooster. Roosters being (over)confident and showing off looks like an obvious fact. There are prominent symbolic connotations of roosters both in Asia and Europe (like sun symbolism), but those are NOT used in the show.

Dog. Dogs fetching things is another obvious fact.

Pig. Pigs are viewed culturally, in Chinese culture too, as symbol of hedonism which can connect to "jubilation", but their association with down-to-earth delights of the moment feels like the opposite of dream-based power.

To sum up: out of 12 zodiac Miraculouses, only 4-5 actually use Chinese cultural symbolism (Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, and possibly Ox). At least three missed a good chance to do so (Rabbit, Rooster, possibly Pig) by picking non-culturally-charged powers.

So yes. The supporting Miraculouses could easily be a random collection of Miraculouses from around the world, postulating Chinese connection only for those four. Not a set. Also, that would allow to rid of the Goat if the authors ran out of imagination, or replace it with any other animal/power if they wanted a Miraculous for Nath so much. Also with the Pig, they could use a better animal for the dream power if not bounded by need to shove everything into the zodiac.

[quibbs126]

Can I ask you for some fankid advice? I’ve made a Hollytaya fankid recently, and I need help deciding his “flavor”. I have four/maybe five options so far:

-Coralberry (Super cute, would definitely fit a Hollyberry/Pitaya child. However, I did get the inspiration from your Princess/Raspberry child, so I’m not sure if I should go for it)

-Riberry (Also cute, the one I’m most attached to. Also sounds more masculine/neutral than coralberry, and it’s more reddish than Coralberry. Plus I haven’t seen any other cookies with this flavor, so bonus!)

-Chinese Bayberry (Another one I’m super attached to, but due to the first part of the name I feel like there’d need to be elements of Chinese culture, which I don’t feel fits/makes sense with either parent. Please tell me if I’m wrong, though)

-Sampinit (Looks pretty cool, but related to raspberries more than the two parents. Plus maybe a bit too reddish for a Hollyberry child)

Rambutan (Thought it would be cool, but maybe not. What I read on its Wikipedia entry makes it seem that this fruit would better suit a Pitaya/Longan, Pitaya/Lychee, or Longan/Lychee child better.)

If having a personality would help, then I can provide one! I don’t have an adult one for him, though; he’s currently a child. He bites people as a love language, loves jumping off of high places to learn how to fly, and regularly gives his parents heart attacks. Basically a reckless, impulsive child/toddler that can fly lol-

What are your thoughts? You can add suggestions if you see fit!

Yeah sure I can try to help

I’m gonna get this out of the way first, there already exists a Cookie called Rambutan Cookie, and it’s funny you mention rambutan working for hollytaya, because while I wasn’t around for it, I do know that after Rambutan came out, people were calling her a hollytaya kid. I don’t know what the general consensus of the whole thing is now, but I know it was a thing

And also note for your other ship ideas, it’s generally assumed that the dragons are related. Even if it’s technically not confirmed, it is a common held idea in the fandom, so maybe don’t go for it. And it’s also a debate in the fandom whether Lychee is a child or not, and as far as I’m aware we haven’t come to a general agreement on it yet, but I could be wrong

Anyways on to your actual question, personally I think I like Riberry the best, and also like you said, probably fits the best with a more masculine character, which I assume your kid is based on the description

…I feel like I should have more to say on the name, but yeah that’s kind of the gist of my recommendation. Hope this helps!

[purplekoop]

War Bots 15 Fact Extravaganza

As a little followup to the introduction (or re-introduction) to the cast, I wanna do a little rundown of trivia about each of the 12 characters from that post, along with teasers for one extra Control, Tank, and Utility character to get a clean 3 out of each role!

So let's get right to it:

1. Wilderoad is actually the oldest War Bots character in terms of development! They were originally planned for an older project for a setting featuring humans and robots (explicitly called "droids" in that universe) called City of Desos, where they took the role of a ruthless silent mercenary in spite of their small stature. They were actually planned to be a minor antagonist who would get a role in a later side story. I don't wanna say much more about this other project, as due to its scope I actually plan to do it wayyyy later than I want to do War Bots. As I got the initial idea for War Bots, I wanted a character I already had a connection to that'd ground the world and inform the style for the rest of the characters. As such, Wilderoad is who I consider to be the mascot of the game! They didn't actually get any art until the current one, where they were the first of much of the cast that I drew while in a hotel for a vacation a couple years back now, but the idea for the design was more or less the same in my head between both projects, though with the War Bots version looking a bit more "heroic" to match their new good-natured vigilante role. Bonus fact: Wilderoad's first "functional" appearance was actually in a DnD game ran by my partner! This was based on their at the time current characterization from War Bots, though in this universe they were a goblin. Can't find the art I made for that version, but it was ironically made before the robot design I always envisioned them as.

2. On the other hand, Calber came at the same time around when the project first became War Bots. He's the key example I give for the existence of the loadout system, as just existing as "the rifle guy" means there doesn't have to be a separate assault rifle and sniper rifle character. His name took a while though, for a while I just called him "Rifleman". Fun fact peering into my naming process: there was an older version of the roster with 25 characters, which along with a special unique 26th character meant that each letter of the alphabet was the first letter of a character's name once and only once, so having "C" open is what eventually led to the name "Calber".

3. Poppett gets her name from the sound her gun makes! Pop-et-pop-et-po-et-pop-et. Her weapon is called a "Blitzum Launcher", and in-universe it was made as a paintball gun that Poppett gave some more extreme ammo. It works like a rapid-fire version of Splatoon's blasters. I wanted the "Scout/Tracer" character to have a weapon based around rapid-fire tracking but also satisfying-feeling burst hits, so that was the compromise. The gun was also inspired by some real-life guns that have a reload mechanism that resembles an old gumball machine's turning dial. The high mobility, paintball-like gun, and the bubblegum motif all came together to make a "young pro athlete" kind of character. She's also the canonical youngest character in the cast, and is a lot more friendly than she looks at a glance.

4. Yanno's name is a play on the Chinese word for fireworks, "Yānhuǒ". His design was already very much inspired by Chinese culture due to that being where fireworks were originally invented, plus it was fun to design him to both have some Chinese-style aspects of his look also resemble a fireworks rocket, like his hat resembling both the tip of a rocket and a Chinese straw hat. Plus, his Chinese dragon themed fireworks launcher is what I think really makes him stand out.

5. Velenna similarly is named after the Italian word for poison, "Veleno". No real reason this time, I just thought it sound cool. When I'm struggling to name something, I often just bash my head against google translate until it gives me an idea to work with. A bonus less "fun" fact is that of the designs from the last post, hers is the one I want to overhaul the most.

6. First teaser for a yet-to-be-seen bot, the third Control bot's name is "Martinet", full name "Gaston Martinet". In fact, they're the only character so far who has a first and last name. A hint for what he's like is that his name is a play on what famous character they're an extended reference to. Hint two: it's not Mario.

7. Navea's kit has gone through a number of changes, trying to find the right balance of defensive abilities. For a while, her main defensive ability was "Hull Bash", where she'd pull out a smaller Reinhardt-like shield, then bash forward, knocking back enemies in her path. This felt overly complicated, and gave her both too much defensive utility and too much mobility for what I felt appropriate for a high-DPS Tank in this game. The alternative was actually simple: basing it on my "what-if" idea for how I'd imagine the TF2 mercenaries working in Overwatch. In that list of ideas, I made Heavy's shift ability a block-style ability based on the Fists of Steel. This felt much more appropriate for Navea, and also gave me better ideas for sidegrade options, ironically some resembling Heavy's other iconic gloves. On the note of melee weapons though: an earlier version of her kit had her melee weapon be a point-blank gun! Now she just uses her arm gauntlets to punch, since the gun as a melee weapon would be silly now that there's a reserve ammo system.

8. Formann, Xenir, and Burnett are all long-time close friends! Two of them were even closer though in an earlier concept, as my original concept for a construction-based Tank was a large, four-legged robot with at least one drill arm. The idea was that they would dig through terrain to gather material that they'd then use to fire out as cement from a back-mounted cannon, which would then form into simple shapes like walls and small blocks to act as cover or temporary means of traversal. I decided to simplify this concept a lot, turning the drill character into the engineer character and reiterating the rest of that idea into a simpler tank themed around construction vehicles. Formann is also the only character of this bunch to have a mouth of any kind. I feel like a lot of construction vehicles have charm due to looking like some sort of mechanical dinosaur or other reptile, so that kind of childish interpretation is what informed both his design and his personality as a gentle giant who I imagine would get along well with kids.

9. The third tank is actually not Dinastus, the rough concept I made semi-recently. That concept is gonna need more iteration. Instead, the tank I want to sort out next is one I'm gonna codename "Heart". She's actually my third attempt at trying to make a more "unapologetically feminine" tank, since I think there's room for fun shape language to make a large, sturdy-looking character that doesn't have to rely on masculine design tropes to look "like a tank". Her gameplay is meant to evoke this too, with her kit being a sort of "support tank" that's less aggressive and more focused on directly protecting allies. The first idea for this kind of archetype was Galleia, a space-themed character who does have a design, but I scrapped her due to being too large and complex of a design to fit into the relatively tame bounds of War Bots's roster, as well as her kit not really feeling very satisfying or coherent. The second was called Herelda, a large clockwork-style robot with a bell-shaped dress. As fun as that idea was, the kit that was coming together just felt like a slightly less aggressive ripoff of Reinhardt, and I feel like I can do better than that. My best reference point for how "Heart" might work is something like Peach in the first Mario+Rabbids game: a high-health character who can directly share the burden of some of the damage an ally takes, and then use another ability to heal herself of some of that burden. This could potentially be a really cool gameplay loop that's high risk, high reward, but also needs to be carefully balanced to avoid being too hard to not just die but also not oppressive with how much protection she can grant. I'm really excited to get this character right though, I think she has a lot of potential to be a personal favorite.

10. A repeat fact about the mysterious Sorsier! Like I mentioned in an older post, War Bots was originally not an original world and cast, but a concept for a fanmade Bloons team-based shooter. The three-path upgrade structure of Bloons TD 6 was a major inspiration thanks to the cool way it allowed for one basic character to be spun off into three branching specializations. While this direct upgrade-based system was eventually scrapped due to concerns of how it'd fit into a PvP shooter environment, it did lead to the current loadout-based system we have now. Sorsier still carries this Bloons development ancestry though, as their three alternate staffs are based on the elements of Light, Fire, and Darkness, the same three elements as the three paths of the BTD6 Wizard Monkey.

11. Before Xenir took the drill part of the original "Drill Tank" concept, the tool of the engineer bot was meant to be a hammer. To make them unique though, I wanted them to have some characteristics of a monkey, making them a small and nimble mischievous sort of character who'd be backed up by their buildings. However, with the drill theme, I took that "little monkey" type of character and pivoted them to be more mole-themed. Even then, the monkey idea was still meant to only have one eye. Bonus fact: the way Xenir's hands can switch between large fingers and drills is inspired by the pokemon Excadrill!

12. Last "mystery bot" to discuss for now is a cool guy named Otto. I knew I wanted to have some kind of robot with a vehicle transformation ability, and as you might guess by the sound of their name, Otto sure is a mobile bot. An Otto-mobile or Otto-bot, if you get what I mean... anyways. They were originally a tank who would have two different kinds of barriers and two different kinds of guns depending on whether he's in vehicle mode or walking mode. This idea really didn't have much of a "thematic identity" though, so I eventually revised the concept with a defining theme to the character that'd tie his abilities together and better define his role. I won't elaborate yet besides saying that Otto is the highest-health character who isn't an outright tank, and is sort of the "off tank" of the cast, but definitely fits better in the broader role of Utility.

13. Burnett's unique means of motion was a conscious choice to demonstrate the potential of a cast of robots. I didn't want every character to just walk on two boring legs when robots could walk around in so many other ways, so when it came time to make the first healer of the cast I decided it'd be good to start this initiative with her. If her body plan looks familiar for some reason, that's because that part of her design is outright inspired by Crank, the orange robot from the 2005 movie... Robots. I love that movie, and it's certainly an inspiration for a good chunk of War Bots's style. Burnett isn't the only member of the cast to be inspired by a Robots (2005) character though, but I'll let you all figure out the other one. Also, if it wasn't apparent, the reason she's the first healer I made was because I had to ask myself "what would a doctor for machines be", and the obvious answer was a mechanic. Combining the vehicle-adjacent theme with the wheeled body plan also gave me the idea to make speed and mobility a key part of her gameplan, which I think will be the super fun part of her kit that makes people want to stick with her other than to just be an obligatory healer. Arber is for people who want to express aim skill, Ezela is for players who want to express skill with game sense and positioning, and Burnett is for players who wanna go zoom.

14. Despite now fitting the role of the de facto Medic/Mercy style of support, Ezela was originally designed to be the first Tank of the cast! She was meant to be an "intellectual" tank designed both in look and in playstyle to be like Overwatch's Sigma. The large shoulders, floating posture, and lack of a conventional weapon should make the resemblance obvious. However, I wasn't very satisfied with her kit as a tank, especially with how it just felt too blatantly like a mishmash of existing Overwatch tanks. I noticed though that she was oddly small if I wanted her to be a tank. I then realized her hat resembled a nurse's hat, and then I instantly pivoted her playstyle with no changes to her design necessary! I've since decided that this "transformatory" development backstory would also be a fitting part of her backstory, which should be more apparent when I elaborate on that.

15. Last but certainly not least, Arber! Early on when coming up with ideas for characters, I had a vague concept for a crossbow-wielding bot with a body made of wood and some kind of companion creature, overall making a sort of "fantasy Ranger" archetype of character, but as the story for the PvE developed and the themes of "machines versus nature" came about, I figured it'd be cool to have a playable character to represent what was otherwise strictly the enemy faction. Arber's unique position in the story I think is what makes him interesting to think about, along with how his special nature making him stand out from the rest of the cast, but not in as distracting of a way as a character like Galleia. I like thinking about how he'd just passively exist differently from the rest of the cast due to being partially organic in nature, with plant matter making up significant portions of his body.

And once again for tonight, that's everybody! I ended up having more to say about some characters more than others, but hope it was entertaining all the same. If you have any questions about the cast so far, my ask box and the replies to this posts are as good of places as any to start! Expect a wider "lore of the world" post sometime tomorrow I think!

[a-book-of-creatures]

Alright, I’m going to step in again since I’m getting notifications for this post once more, and once more I feel obliged to set the record straight. Big thanks to @heckulative-evolution for pointing out the problems in the reasoning above, I’ll just add a bit more.

Please note - I don’t agree with the giraffe questing beast either. The “it was a giraffe” thing is kind of a gross oversimplification of an animal that was originally described as small, white, NOISY AS HELL, and GETS TORN APART BY ITS UNBORN OFFSPRING (THAT ARE THE ONES MAKING THE NOISE). That’s what “questing” means - “yelping” would be a better word.

Poor (literal) bastard.

Anyway, the fossil thing is a very poor explanation, because as @heckulative-evolution said, fossils tend to be fragmentary and disarticulated and offer little information besides “big dead animal”.

Griffons? Yeah, they’ve been around a long time, and no, they have nothing to do with Protoceratops. In fact, at least one prominent griffon account describes a real, recognizable animal! But a lion-eagle hybrid is a very easy one to develop artistically - the king of beasts and the king of birds. No fossils necessary.

Cyclopes? Eh, it’s debatable. But the association with metallurgy, and the fact their name means “wheel-eye”, not “one-eye”, suggests they evolved from a different cultural tradition based on solar wheels (if I recall correctly) and would have been reinforced - not created - by elephant remains.

The Piasa? Yeah, that’s an arrant hoax, blatant cultural appropriation. It’s based on the “water panther” motif, from which an entire “Native American Dragon Myth!!!” was spun out of whole cloth. Amusingly, at the time someone said it was inspired by Rhamphorhynchus (?!).

How about those dragons? Well, turns out there is “some kind of giant snake-like creature” in South America

and Africa

and Asia

that was subsequently exaggerated and mythologized into the drakōn and eventually the good ol’ dragon.

People are scared of big reptiles. That’s why a dragon in one form or another is found everywhere. Not because people are finding sauropods everywhere all willy-nilly.

And yes, the unicorn is indeed the Indian rhinoceros. The earliest accounts mention its elephantine feet too. It wasn’t until the unicorn image was contaminated with narwhal horns that the modern unicorn was born.

Now I’m sure you’re wondering. Are there any mythical creatures inspired by fossils?

Yes! But they don’t look like their fossils, and they have features inspired by their fossil nature!

One example mentioned above is the Klagenfurt lindwurm, supposedly based on a rhino skull, but the fountain in fact is older than the discovery of the skull. So that’s a no go.

But mammoth remains have inspired at least two creatures that I covered on ABC!

One is the Chinese yin-shu. It’s a giant mouse that lives underground and dies when it comes out into the sun.

Another is the Russian Mansi witkes. It’s a water monster that sheds its horns and leaves them in riverbanks.

Both of these are based on mammoth remains, but notice how neither are described as one-eyed giants? (I did have to hint at their true nature in my drawings)

- Big bones in ground = clearly a giant burrowing thing that died.

- Tusks sticking out of eroded banks = shed horns from water monsters.

See how their fossil nature is an integral part of what they are, instead of just “this looks like it could be a one-eyed giant!”

Anyway I have Strong Feelings about reducing human imagination and culture to “they saw a fossil”, but I’ll stop for now. Sorry for turning this into net zero information buuut again I felt I had to say something.

Honestly the biggest disappointment I had researching ABC was that medieval authors did not, in fact, see the creatures they were describing and were trying their best to describe them with their limited knowledge while going “what the fuck… what the fuck…”

[thestarsoftheirondog]

2025 – Charming the Snake

This is the year of the green wood snake

This year is a year of creativity, inspiration and masterpiece.  It is a jungle, wild and beautiful, brimming and buzzing with untapped, and sometimes hidden, resources.

This is what I like about eastern zodiac – not only do we individually have the attributes of the sign of the year we were born in, additionally each year itself has its own zodiac character and aspects.��

The Wood element this year is a symbol of new growth and budding opportunities. Germination may have been unseen last year, but now the seedings have broken through the darkness, and with sunlight and warmth, the growth rate accelerates this year. But the incredible energy burst of any wood year will slow and die back with the coming winter.  So do as much as you can in the spring and summer months.

The Green Wood Dragon should have helped you dream up some goals and even helped germinate them.  Now the Green Wooden Snake will give you innovative inspiration to cultivate them. You are still in the woods. We are not going back to the barnyard until 2028! The Dragon brought you a self-clarity and beautiful dreams.  The Snake is going to show you how to spin straw into gold, and bring those dreams to fruition. But to accomplish your goals you must be flexible, changeable and adapt quickly. You must be ready to strike, with the whiplash speed of the Snake, and you must be ready to metaphorically shed your skin. 

The tranquility of the Dragon year was a welcome respite from the carnage and deluge that came before.  You should be rested and well-centered, and ready to be a more social this year.  This is still another year of very personal growth and individual goals, but while the Dragon wanted you to grow spiritually and idealistically, snake wants you to branch out, like the unfolding petals of a blossom and bare your spirit and ideas to the light of day.  Don’t stay coiled quietly in that safe, dark basket.  Hear the music this year and get up, get out and dance. Because this year is still very individualized, do pay attention to your own physical and mental health needs. Try something new and different – a different diet, a different exercise routine, cutting edge therapy and new medications. Join a support group, a training class, a sports club.  Don’t just maintain, improve!  Invest in a new wardrobe, better grooming. Try a new style, a new look, a new outlook. Whatever you have been doing, change up or level up.     Remember that above and throughout it all, 2025 will be the Year of the Wooden Green Snake, a shimmering, fascinating year for leafing out and bursting into bloom.  It will be eye-popping at the very least and bountiful at its best.  Snakes are cold-blooded and lack the Dragon’s belly full of fire, so Snake is always in search of an external source of heat.  Like seedlings reaching for the sun, your plans need the warmth and life-giving light to blossom and fruit. Look beyond yourself for inspiration and resources to further your goals. Just don’t get distracted or coopted by the hypnotically beautiful machinations of others.    

Note: I added the years for each animal sign, but remember if you are born in January, you are ruled by the previous year’s animal sign because the Chinese New Year does not usually begin until February.

Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020): Jungle or barnyard, you adapt.  So, the demands of the Snake are no burden.  Although you prefer to move under cover of darkness, this is not a year to stay hidden away.  Don’t worry, the Snake is always a bit mysterious and will let you keep your secrets.  The wood element in this year, like last, gives a real boost to your energy levels.  Snakes are a beautiful ribbon of glittering scales, coiled in the sunlight.  2025 is going to look very shiny and pleasant to the Rat.  Just don’t be so bedazzled that you miss the opportunity to strike.  Rat’s acumen and Snake’s wisdom can be a fortuitous combination. Snake, despite being a jungle denizen and a solitary hunter, is a social creature and this year’s wood element gives the party a convivial vibe. Don’t skip it.  Rat has a rare opportunity to grow their personal and romantic relationships this year. Home life will be better than expected, so long as you remember to actually go home at the end of the day.  Your zodiac triad of friendship with Dragon and Monkey will be very productive, with Dragon’s approval offering a nice boost to Rat’s confidence and Monkey bringing overlooked opportunities to Rat’s attention.   Your secret friend Ox, is in the Snake’s triad and having a banner year, and can lend you some extra muscle if you need a hand.

Ox (1949, 1961,1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021): The wood element of this year brings spring and new growth, and continues to brings the Ox extra vigor and stamina. Snake is in your fried triad and brings you much needed creativity and inventiveness.  While Snake’s lightning speed and unpredictability might contrast to Ox’s stability and dependability, actually you compliment each other perfectly.  Ox’s personality is highly praised in a Snake year, and even more so because this year’s wood element is so congenial.  Your Rooster friend is a boss this year, in the best possible way. They share your conservative values and add practicality and productively to the creativity of the Snake year.  Even your zodiac frenemy the Goat is pleasant company this year.  Goats do like a good party and have a love-hate fixation with Ox’s raw sensuality.  As with any truly bountiful year, exercise personal restraint and do not over-indulge in the sensual pleasures or over exert yourself to the point of physical exhaustion.   

Tiger (1938,1950,1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022): Tigers are solitary hunters, so are snakes.  Like the Azure Dragon, the Green Wood Snake does not ask Tiger to be shoulder the great burdens of leadership or fight the Herculean battles for the benefit of others. Tiger is free to hunt alone and eat whatever Tiger kills.  It will be a successful year for tigers, with plenty of good hunting.  Wood lends energy, the Snake lends creativity and the Tiger is unchained.  Because the Tiger is noble and never nefarious, you will reap the benefits of frank and direct communications.  The snake can wriggle and writhe and the plot may get twisted this year, but Tiger can preserver with patience, and confidence.  Dogs (in your friendship triad) are going to be best in class show dogs this year and can be relied upon to support you unquestioningly, and their loyalty lends you credibility in your dealings with others. Horses, also in your friendship triad, share your love of freedom and will be good, physical and intellectual companions this year.  Pigs (Tiger’s secret friend) although strong and fearless, don’t really enjoy the jungle – it is too uncivilized. They will be trying very hard to make plans out of the chaos. Monkey (Tiger’s zodiac frenemy) is always too clever by half, and wearies Tiger quickly with their chatter – resist the urge to stuff Monkey, or yourself, back in that dark, quiet basket.       

Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011):  Hopefully the Dragon turbo charged you last year and you got ahead.  You need to be very fast this year and stay ahead.  The jungle is a dangerous place and rabbit is prey.  The path is winding and has a lot of blind curves.  The Snake is charming, beautiful, hypnotic but not your friend.  Don’t let it distract you or slow you down.  You are a social creature, and a sensual one. No more hiding your light.  You will be dazzling this year and others will throw themselves and everything they possess in your path in a desperate, mad, passionate attempt to get your attention.  Gather yea roses, but don’t let anyone subvert your goals or coopt you to their purposes. You have your very own shooting stars to catch.  Dog (your secret friend in the zodiac) is steadfast, loyal to a fault and can be depended upon to speed you on your way, even if they have to carry you.  Goat is likewise raring to go after a quiet year alone, but they a prone to tumble into love, scandal or intrigue (or all three), and get distracted. Your triad zodiac friend, Pig, is likewise dancing with that devil in the details right now, and not as dependable as usual. Your zodiac frenemy the Rooster is going to be surprisingly cocky for being in the jungle, and displaying some fine feathers so, maybe set them up as a decoy to get devoured while you keep running. 

Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012): The Green Wood Snake is a beautiful emerald scaled tendril, coiling upward to the sound of soft music.  This is how the year unfolds for the Dragons, smooth, graceful, harmonious, uplifting.  You have had your 12 year reset and charted your next steps.  The Snake encourages you to emerge from the cave and enjoy rebirth.  Springtime and the Wood element of this year give you plenty of energy. The dazzling garden provides amble inspiration.  Just don’t go wandering sun-struck, aimlessly.  And don’t be tempted to overspend or stretch your finances impulsively. Your friend Rat too will be coming back to the surface and into the light, sharp-eyed and invigorated. They see the small things you can’t, so lend an ear to their perspective.  Monkey will be there too, and will chew your ear off whether you lend it to them or not.  So, you might as well pay attention since Monkey is very smart in matters of finance. But remember Monkey is self-interested and not always kind. Your secret zodiac friend, Rooster, is having a surprisingly good year and will be even better company.  Your frenemy, Dog, is playing best in show and will not trouble you with barking. Make a note to be a little more like Dog this year and resist any urge to bellow or spout fire – Snake responds best to soft music.  

Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013):  This is your 12 year re-set. The Azure Dragon provided extra energy to get Snake moving.  Hopefully you’ve done your picking and choosing, and are ready to move forward.  If you don’t like what you are carrying with you, or the appearance you present, or the path you are on, now is the time to change it up. Shed that skin!  You have the opportunity and the energy.  You are looking for a source of heat and light, but you will not find it in the spotlight this year.  While it is a more social year than last, the warmth you crave will be found at home with your friends and loved ones.  A lower profile would be wise this year. Snake is a famous keeper of secrets, so even if you are looking for a party, stay out of the limelight. Getting what you want is going to take a planning, a light touch, a bit of subterfuge and a lot of patience.  Your zodiac friends Ox is your best companion this year since opposites really do attract and you need their dependability and strength to ground your imagination and impulsiveness. Your friend Rooster will also give you sound and practical advice, and they are very easy on the eyes. Your secret friend, Monkey is a willing coconspirator and reliably free of conscience.  Your frenemy the Pig is too consumed with their own plans to obstruct yours.   

Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014): Freedom! The snake makes no attempt to rein you in – get out of that basket and kick up your heels. You gallop into this new year with great enthusiasm. This year will be more social and energetic.  Your abundance of charm and vibrant personality attracts the Snake and everyone else this year, bringing good fortune and opportunity directly to you. Dragon helped you recenter. You have made spiritual and philosophical changes.  2026 will be your 12 year reset so use the energy of the 2025 Wooden Snake to prioritize and make the practical and physical changes to prepare for 2026, the Year of the Red Fire Horse.  The changes you want to make this year will require the cooperation of your friends and well-wishers, and fortuitously the year of the Snake is an excellent year for forging stronger interpersonal relationships.  Keep your communications gracious and kind so no one feels overlooked or unappreciated. You friend Tiger will be inspiring with their fearless outlook and regal assurance of victory. Your friend Dog is best in show this year, eternally optimistic and lends you credibility with their sterling presence.  Your secret friend Goat is ready for social interaction this year and will keep you well entertained, and apprised of all the current events.  Frenemy Rat is out and about this year, and like everyone else, feeling more social and wanting better connection, so there is the possibility of a détente if Horse can refrain from expressing disdain or condescension.   This is not a windfall year for Horse, but finances will not be strained either, so there is no need to pinch pennies.  Invest in whatever infrastructure upgrades or capital improvements you need to be ready for 2026. 

Goat (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015):  The dragon encourages dreams, while the snake wants to make those dreams a reality and cash in.  Hopefully the Dragon helped you re-orient your efforts towards achieving your own goals and not just pleasing others.  Just like Snake you are looking for an external source of warmth.  This year you can find that warmth in the spotlight. Just be careful not to over-indulge.  And, while finances will not be as tight as they were last year, you must not be impulsive or reckless in your spending or investment.  Your zodiac triad friend Rabbit is on a rocket ride even you might have difficulty keeping pace with this year so at least don’t get in their way.  Secret friend Horse can provide you with better company, and Horse’s discerning and refined taste will keep the entertainment elevated and but financially within bounds.  Your triad friend Pig is working, too hard for your taste so they will be a less satisfying companion this year.  Your frenemy the Ox, by contrast, is looking mighty fine, almost too good to resist. While they might make a good business partner, there is too high a probability you would end up mixing the business with pleasure and wrecking everything. So just resist.

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016): Azure Dragon turbo charged your drive and mental acuity. Snake is beautiful and, while a solitary hunter, likes to socialize. Monkey is down with that!  You and Snake both like looking after your own interests quite ruthlessly, but without being aloof or isolated. It takes talent, actually, to be so self-interested yet maintain good social standing.  You are that talented, and Snake rewards you for it this year. The Dragon year was a little too introverted for Monkey’s comfort.  Snake is a better fit.  Hopefully Monkey used the year of the Dragon to center and spiritually renew. The energy and growth continue with the Snake but also allow Monkey to deepen social and emotional relationships which took a back seat last year.   And with Monkey’s quick wit and gift of the gab, Monkey should be well positioned to coopt others into partnership to further Monkey’s interests.  Like Horse, Monkey needs to exert personal charm and leverage good will to take advantage of golden opportunities this year.  Monkey can really dominate the spotlight in business, but must avoid conflicts by maintaining frank and open lines of communication. And remain vigilant – always read the fine print! At home, the personal relationships that were neglected last year, are in desperate need of warmth and light. Keep your promises and be regimented in making time for your loved ones, or you risk, perversely, making yourself feel abandoned and neglected.         

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017):   This is the jungle, but Rooster is unphased this year.  Last year was an enchanted forest. This year is the Garden of Eden as far as Rooster is concerned.  Rooster self-immolated on command last year and took the Snake’s desire to shed a skin to a whole other level.  Fresh from the fires of rebirth, Rooster is ready to get it on. Looking good!  Snake says enough of the introspection, hop out of the basket and strut your stuff.  Rooster has an exciting year of growth ahead in personal and romantic connections.  Your career path is bold and bright as well. You will be tapped for leadership roles and special projects where you will have the platform to dominate and achieve. You will prove yourself and be well positioned for the return of the Red Fire Horse in 2026.  Do try to keep the business relationships strictly business, however. It will be difficult because Rooster’s drive and inspiration is going to be hyper-attractive this year, to everyone.  This will be a financially rewarding year for Rooster, although it will be earned, not an unexpected windfall. Healthwise, like your friend Ox, do not let the turbo drive of the Wood element take you to the point of physical exhaustion.  And change up/level up your diet to ensure good health and stamina.   

Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2017): Dragon handed you back your own leash and hopefully convinced you to be your own master.  You had a nice run through the,\ enchanted forest, and maybe you dreamed up some good dreams and are ready to pursue your own heart’s desire instead of everyone else’s. But you were a bit of a lost dog in that enchanted forest, and you are definitely relieved to get back to the jungle and rejoin the pack. The jungle doesn’t scare you so much as being alone. You actually feel safer this year and this helps you put on a brave face that will be universally admired.  You are a show dog this year, hopefully best in show – you have the spotlight so work it.  Focus on the task at hand and don’t go chasing butterflies. The year can be financially rewarding, and income will be steady, but this year you are working for the crown of laurels, the accolades and applause. The Red Fire Horse of 2026 is when you get to cash them all in.  You want that external source of warmth, just as Snake does.  It is a good year for strengthening your personal and romantic connections. Like Rat, your home life will be excellent this year, but only if you remember to actually go home at the end of the day. Don’t tarry, and don’t stray – go home, Doggy!  Lastly, some snakes are venomous, you have a higher than usual chance of suffering a significant health setback this year.  Pay close attention to even the most minor complaints, beware of sudden accidents, and adhere strictly to a healthy regime of diet and exercise. Like everyone else being turbo charged by the wood element, you must be careful not to exert yourself to the point of exhaustion.        Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019): Last year hopefully the Dragon helped you prioritize and self-center.  The growth continues in the year of the Snake but it is so much less centralized that opportunities can be hard to predict.  Snake wants you to strike swiftly which is not the Pig’s forte. Pig likes practicality and planning.  Snake likes creativity and impulse.  Sometimes these two approaches can be hard to marry.  The good news is that growth will happen regardless of whether it is planned.  Pig will find luck in unexpected places this year. Focus on sustainability and long-term growth, regardless. Networking is the key to achieving your goals this year. Like Horse and Monkey, even your stamina and intelligence won’t change the fact you need a partnership to succeed.  Open and direct communication are essential. And you must read the fine print!  You are going to dance this year, but not to some snake charmer’s flute. No, this year you will find yourself dancing with the devil in the details.  Snake wants an external source of warmth, so this year is an opportunity to reconnect with friends and loved ones. Have the heart-to-heart conversations you put off having last year. Make time for romance and family and friends. Healthwise, you were turbo charged last year and almost certainly sacrificed everything for business. You must rehabilitate and re-prioritize your physical and mental health. The Snake wants you to shed your skin and start over fresh.  Combine boosting your immune system with rebooting your romantic life by relaxing, hiking, biking, working out and getting spa treatments with your partner.    

[tsyllaes]

The mere creation of the haima has a bit of a story behind it. I have a list of creatures to draw for each kingdom, made up of all the creatures I've used in the story plus some I know will turn up, then bulking it out with 'bird,' 'insect,' 'mammal' etc to have some critters to come up as required. Tsayth's list was extremely short (it was the sea dragon and leviathan, that was it) and so I bulked it out with a few more mythical sea creatures. One of them was the hippocampus, which I think I put on there just as inspiration because hippocampus, like centaurs, piss me off. Not for the same reasons, tho. Hippocampus just don't look like they can function in water. The front legs never look right to me, even when people put fins on them. So idk.

So I started to think about those legs. No matter how I tried to turn them into something more hydrodyamic, they'd just turn into proper fins and basically become a dolphin. The idea of something to do with mudskippers came into my head, at the same time as I remembered The Shallows exist in Tsayth! The Shallows are a huge gulf in the ocean which is no more than 10m at its deepest, even at high tide, and drops down to 1m to just sand at low tide. So what if the legs are for wading when it's shallow, but they can swim when the tide comes in? And then what if it was big enough to ride, so the Tsaythis have a steed? Especially in The Shallows where a boat is only gonna get you so far.

This, therefore, is the oceanic steed of Tsayth, the haima, the name for which seems to be the Old Chinese root word for seahorse in about half a dozen Asian languages. It's about the size of a horse, and I have no idea as yet how they ride it. In deeper water, it swims mostly with its tail for propulsion and the legs are just for steering. When the water gets too shallow to swim in, it walks on the front legs, one foot in front of the other, with the stumpy back fins at the back at an opposite gait with the tail trailing behind. It doesn't hop and bound awkwardly like a seal out of water, it's definitely walking.

Haimas are fish, but amphibious. I'm not entirely certain how mudskippers do it, but they keep water in their gill chambers and breathe through that? Somehow? So they have to keep dunking their heads in water every couple of hours, but it's not like The Shallows turns to a desert every time the tide goes out. Plenty of puddles around for them to stick their heads in. I'm also going to say they absorb oxygen through their skin, because haimas don't exist and I can do what I want with them.

Speaking of, they reproduce as per seahorses: female lays eggs in the male's brood pouch, where he fertilises them and holds onto them until they hatch.

For a completely random 'use this as inspiration idk' entry into my list of creatures to draw, this has become a somewhat culture-defining creature for Tsayth, I think. They've never had a steed before! They've always just gotten around in boats but, having relatively recently created The Shallows (…okay it was 2020 shuddup), boats are only going to get them so far. So now there's something they can ride whether the tide's in or out. Can they pull things and be a beast of burden? Idk how you'd drag anything over sand wet. Wheels won't work. Anyway. Haima!

[gender-buddies]

Artist Commentary for Phase Five!

We're halfway done with the Gender Buddies project! Below are some notes on each Buddy released for this phase.

Transfeminine and Transmasculine: These two have designs split down two paths - an emphasis on antlers and hooves for the masculine version of Transgender, and an emphasis on fluff and feathers for the feminine version. They’re the Transgender Buddy separated into two new designs. All three of them have features based on rabbits, deer, and birds, some features being more apparent depending on which Buddy it is. This entire set of designs was my absolute favorite to work with and I’m definitely looking forward to making more.

Demiboy and Demigirl: More counterparts, this time based on moths and birds. They're only vaguely moth-like ("demi"-moths) and based on a pollinator and a flower. If I didn't make them moth-like, I wanted to try to make them vaguely mammalian instead. They do have some mammalian characteristics, such as having hair and four limbs with dewclaws on them - this ties in with the demi- aspect of being demiboy/demigirl.

Gender Hoarder: This one was almost a tiny dragon with a hoard of coins, but it felt too obvious to go that route. Instead, I made it a sticky creature that objects can stick to, which can be another way to portray collecting genders. I wanted it to have the Water element since it’s a gooey blob and it only made sense to draw seashells stuck to its body to tie in with that element.

Gxrl: A counterpart to another culturally-inspired design. I made this one a Chinese lantern with the word “Light” written on its body. The nighttime theme ties in with the “darkness” of agender colors and the pink was a good representation of the red that Chinese lanterns have. Instead of the typical gold, I used silver. I think it turned out quite nicely and the glowing orbs around it are a nice touch. I wish I had incorporated black a bit more, but the design limited what colors I used. I think some black beads on the tassel would have helped give it more detail.

Bxy: The other culturally-inspired Buddy, based on a yakhchāl which is an ancient ice house. It’s being carried by a Russian tortoise because I liked the idea of a hardy, slow-moving animal carrying a large object. The clay ice house worked really well to be like a shell for the tortoise. I can never get the feet right when I’m drawing tortoises but I’m trying! The Shadow element actually reflects the dark and cold features these ice houses have and while Ice would have been a very easy and obvious element to give this Buddy, I like the opportunity to expand what the Shadow element can be.

Gendervoid: This Buddy was originally just a simple bat that enjoyed dark caves, which played into the “voidness” of the gender it represents. But I wanted the design to have a few extra elements because even an identity like gendervoid can be multifaceted and complex. I added features that actually make it look like a little wyvern. So it isn’t a bat, but a draconic lookalike. Dragons are super cool and I’ll never hesitate to have at least something dragon-like in each phase of this project.

Libragender: This is based on a kirin! I knew I wanted it to be something mythical and I almost made it a nine-tailed fox but I was so fixated on making it an Earth element since I don’t have a lot of those planned for this project, so I felt that something more horse-like would work better. It has two forms based on two different flags. It sort of shows the “balance” aspect of the Libra sign, having the choice out of two. I always want the more rare Buddies to have interesting gimmicks and two color variants was chosen for this one.

Dulcigender: “Dulce” is a word for “sweet” in many languages in one way or another, so I just had to go with something candy-themed. The wrapped candy on the back looks like a big bow (something “girly” and frilly” and the body is konpeito, a Japanese candy. I think konpeito looks like stars so I gave this design the honor of being the first Lunar Buddy. It has other candy-like features to make it fun, and I added the tiny candy corn critters after I was done with the whole thing just to give it a little more charm.

Orientationgender: This one was made on-the-fly (no pun intended) because I drastically changed the design last minute. It originally was some kind of cosmic teddy bear with stars in its eyes, I guess to relate to attraction, but I couldn’t make it look interesting enough. Instead, I decided it would be a bird of paradise with a mix of features, and a rainbow tail to incorporate all the colors of the flag without it looking like a mess. The ends of the two longest feathers have hearts on them to represent attraction but I didn’t want to go too heavy on the heart motif, since arospec identities can be an orientationgender.

Cosmonautic: I had a giant flying space whale design in mind for a long time and was waiting to find a good place to use it, and Cosmonautic was perfect! I added the dome on its back late in the development phase and thought an enclosed alien environment would help this Buddy stand out in a very unique way. The ghostly fish are just something fun to make it feel like this whale is actually swimming, but through the void of space. If you look closely, there’s a person in the dome, and that tells you just how enormous this creature is. It’s one of my favorite designs.

[thedisneychef]

General Tso Chicken Recipes – Nine Dragons

This recipe is so special, I’m seriously so excited to finally share it. General Tso’s chicken is one of my absolute favorite takeout Chinese food meals, right on up there with fried dumplings and wontons. When I had it at Nine Dragons in EPCOT, it was pretty darn close to a religious experience… It was easily the best I’d ever had. When I went, it didn’t even come with a side of broccoli which was awesome. I always forget to ask them to leave it out, then when I get my meal I have to dissect it to get all traces of the stuff out, then it looks like I’m performing surgery instead of eating, and that’s just plain awkward, especially at a nice place like Nine Dragons. More Delicious Recipes You Will Love: - Garlic Smashed Potatoes – Whispering Canyon Cafe - Get Crispy, Healthy Foods With Air Fryer Crisper Tray! - Ghirardelli Soda Fountain And Chocolate Shop Now, I do have my own recipe for General Tso’s that I’ve used for the better part of a decade. A recipe that, after making this, I will never, ever use again. It remains to be seen if the amazingness that is this recipe has turned me off from non-homemade General Tso’s for all of eternity. An exaggeration? Not likely, this stuff is just that good. It smells, tastes, and looks exactly like what I was served in 2008 and I was so happy with the final product that I think I took over 100 pictures of it. What can I say?  Food inspires me. This recipe looks intimidating, but I promise, it’s not that difficult. The biggest leap of faith for me was the breading that goes on the chicken… Even in my recipe, I’ve only ever used a dry batter. This batter, however, is liquid. I had convinced myself it wouldn’t work, but had faith and went along with it anyway. When I pulled out the first bit of chicken and it looked exactly like golden chicken fingers that you order at any Chinese place, I knew I’d stumbled upon greatness. And best of all, I can save out some of the fingers, serve that to anybody who doesn’t like the sweet spiciness of the General (like kids…), and I don’t have to make a special meal or create more dishes!  Woo-hoo! My big tips on this dish are to work fast, to leave your batter as thick as possible for a fluffier and crunchy crust, and to not fry the chicken for a moment longer then you have to. The longer you fry it, the crunchier the outside gets, but the less fluffy and bready the inside gets. For super crunchy chicken, add the sauce at the absolute last second before serving… I did mine table side. That allows the sauce to really coat everything, without the breading going soft and losing that delicious crunch.  I also went with thin-sliced chicken just to make sure that I wouldn’t accidentally leave them underdone during the frying. Of course you can serve this with rice and veges, which help cut down on the sweetness, but I personally think that takes up valuable space in my tummy and I go without.  I highly, highly suggest giving this dish a try…  It’s amazing, to say the least. In addition to the delicious food and recipes, Disney World is also known for its unique dining experiences, such as character dining and themed restaurants. Whether you want to have breakfast with Mickey Mouse, dine in a replica of a sci-fi drive-in theater at Hollywood Studios, or enjoy a meal with an ocean view at the Coral Reef Restaurant in Epcot, there's something for everyone. And with the help of Recipes Today and the How to Make category, you can even recreate some of these magical dining experiences in your own home. So why not start planning your next Disney-inspired meal or dining experience today? Read the full article

[cerastes]

The love they poured into Jiang Hu and Dusk’s animation, good lord.

What Dusk wields is a Jian, a particularly oversized one, in fact, in the style of a Han Dynasty-era design.

The Sui saga pays a lot of homage to Wuxia films and stories. The Jian, among classic Chinese weaponry, is considered “The Gentleman of Weapons”, and is usually the weapon of choice among many weapon-wielding Wuxia protagonists as it allows for sharp cuts, efficient thrusts, strong deflections, and elegant motions. What makes this straight sword effective at deflections is the fact that China, with its big territory and borders, had access to good quality iron ore (mostly through import or acquisition, their own reserves were not high quality), and thus was able to forge weaponry that was sturdy and durable without sacrificing flexibility, an incredibly important and often overlooked aspect of weaponry. 

Another staple in Wuxia is calligraphy and swordsmanship being intimately tied, as precision, focus, and your ‘tool’ being an extension of your body was fundamental. A brush or a sword couldn’t be a tool, it had to be a part of you, before you could call yourself a true calligrapher or a swordsman. “Hero” (2002) and “Crouching Tiger,  Hidden Dragon” (2000) both have iconic calligraphy-into-swordsmanship scenes, and the calligraphers in both of these settings are also the best swordmasters. I am deliberately using these two examples as some of the better known Wuxia in the West, if you look into more Wuxia, you’ll find this is a very common trope. Another trope is the calligrapher being coy or deflective about his or her skill with the sword, a trait that Dusk also embodies:

If asked about it, Dusk essentially replies “Brush and sword, at the lowest level, open the world’s truths to the wielder, and at the highest level, allow the wielder shape the world and its truths. Am I kidding or am I being serious? Don’t worry about it”. Fitting, given Dusk’s powers that allow her to create pocket dimensions and imbue life into her art, without getting into being able to draw the innermost emotions from within others to create worlds, dreams, and nightmares with these, in the same vein calligraphy invites deep, reflective thought in those who can grasp its essence and beauty. It’s the deflection one would expect from a calligrapher and swordmaster that prefers to splash ink instead of spilling blood. The hermit calligrapher swordmaster is, indeed, a beloved trope in Wuxia.

But in Jiang Hu, it seems Nian has somehow convinced Dusk to do something she doesn’t even do in her capacity of an Operator: Go wild with her sword for a bit. And the animators knew what they had to do.

A Jian is meant to bend:

During Dusk’s demonstration with the sword, if we pay attention, we can see that her blade bends beautifully with some of her more forceful motions. Some of these are merely motions added to the sword for the sake of dynamism -- a technique to better show motion in animation -- but those are exclusive to edgewise bends, akin to smear frames. Note above how the blade bends flatwise. This is deliberate, to mimic how a Jian looks like in reality, a beautifully inspired touch! It happens on certain frames when Dusk can’t deflect and is forced to block:

And this is what the blade ought to do! This is how one animates a good Jian! It’s a flexible, strong sword! (of course, if you can help it, you don’t block with a sword, you deflect!)

The presence of mind, precision and focus of the calligrapher and swordmaster, as stated, is important in Wuxia, as the true master can tear and sever when they have no other choice, but likewise, the true master must have completely control, as to not give in to the thirst of the unsheathed blade. A beginner can cut with a blade, a master can not cut with a blade. A bit esoteric, if you’re not familiar with the philosophy, but allow Dusk to demonstrate this control:

Those swings are not wild, they are motions full of intent, deliberate and meaningful, and the Jian in the hands of a master is often compared to the wind, and the reason it is considered the Gentleman of Weapons: It must simultaneously be a strong gale that severs, and a gentle breeze that doesn’t harm the world around it, outside of the enemy, not even a simple leaf.

As for the sparring session with her ink clone, it reflects Dusk’s passive nature, as the clone is the attacker for the most part, with Dusk preferring to deflect, dodge, and only occasionally counterstrike. Funnily enough, much like Nian, it seems one of Dusk’s techniques when she actually has to fight seriously is to manifest multiple massive weapons to attack. Perhaps it is because it resembles Nian’s powers to some degree that Dusk prefers not to do this. Just her clone is able to launch multiple greatswords and spears like it’s nothing. Sometimes a nightmare real is not enough and you have to cut someone open, it seems. All in high heels, because you gotta flex a little, you know?

The attention to detail and motion that they put into these animations shows the deep love Hypergryph has already shown for good choreography and Wuxia before in Who Is Real? and Invitation To Wine, and they even tell us a bit more about Dusk, to boot. You can check this gorgeous animation here, starting at 10:52.

But it does make you wonder how the conversation between the sisters went in order to get Dusk to participate in Nian’s movie. 

“I want you to help me in my movie!”  “No way. Your movies as garbage.”  “But little Dusk’s sick sword skills are the Formula X that will make it work, no one else will do...” *very covertly blushing* “Well, I guess I can at least read your script.”

[makapatag]

Southeast Asian Fantasy, Scott Watanabe's Raya, and Gubat Banwa 5

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Gonna skip forward a bit to the other cool parts.

The dragon boat rowing stuff is arguably Southeast Asian, but it's still a traditional Chinese thing. And of course the armors and all are very East Asian, though from what I know the Dai Viet had very similar armors. Now I'm left to wondering if they could do a "Southeast Asian setting with Fantasy!China as a major player" as China was historically, during the height of the Maritime Nusantara Trading Network.

Here Scott starts enumerating each of the Five Cultures of Makara. Aside from the stellar art of course, Heart's clothing resembles Javanese or Thai or Cambodian even Balinese clothing! With that sarong like thing closed in by a belt. That's really cool. And with the hair style too, being that chignon style, is afaik also something seen even in Precolonial Philippines (which wasn't as Indianized as their western brethren, though they probably also had the sarong + belt combo). Fang can maybe pass of for Dai Viet, but Spine is not something I could confidently say passes for Southeast Asian. Maybe Mongolian? Tail could somewhat pass for Indonesian as well, although it's a bit non-traditional, with the belt and all, but the textiles and knots can work. Claw is reminiscent of the clothing of various Lumad (indigenous people) folk here in the Philippines, such as the Bagobo's and the Yakan, so that's another mark in their favor.

I think Raya's setting could've benefitted from it being a lot more huge than just Southeast Asian. It covers most of the Southeast and East Asian world, from the Steppes to the Seas. That would've been cool.

Here's the cool shit. Most of the lore isn't inherently tied down to any particular Southeast Asian folklore as far as I know, but its aesthetics are very Southeast Asian. Particularly the Hindu-Buddhist trappings of the Indianized states, like Angkor Wat and Majapahit.

It's cool af worldbuilding though.

This one in particular, the Mother Dragon Temple:

Now that looks like Angkor Wat. A huge temple complex. This shit rocks. Temples like this in Gubat Banwa wouldn't be found in the Sword Isles, but rather, in the places with larger landmasses, such as Madaki and Malirawat.

I also love this one. Some fucking good as fuck worldbuilding and some very Southeast Asian aesthetics. The compound reflects the compound of richer folk in kampung in the Malay and Indonesian area, and the roofs and walls feel very Southeast Asian. Like wow, especially with the pentagonal lore (irl SEA houses were decidedly square and being square had geomantic reasonings across many of the cultures (each side of the house must face a particular side etc. for good health etc., and among the Tausugs one would build a house facing a certain direction depending on the month, so that it faces the Naga as it circles the universe).

I absolutely love this piece of lore. On or beside a water source is one of the most obvious and common places for SEA settlements to be built on. Love this shit. Stuff like this makes me wish that Raya was a TV Series Epic instead sometimes.

Watanabe then goes on to detail various cultural details, like Pearl's greeting gestures (which are cool), and Talon here, which is a nomadic culture and are very much inspired by the Steppe nomads of northern Asia than any Southeast Asian setting.

Anyway, that's most of Scott's art. I skimmed over others (like the aforementioned hand gestures) so if you want to see those, head over to his site! https://www.scottwatanabeart.com/raya-and-the-last-dragon

Now I'll go on to talk a bit about anachronisms, idealisms, and consumerisms as I mentioned in the first post.

Anachronisms deals in the fact that so much of our culture is spread across large swathes of time, and this will inevitably lead to some anachronisms. A Precolonial Philippine setting with pancit canton or lumpia, for example, is anachronistic, since those two iconic dishes came in only during the Spanish Era, when trade with China boomed. I personally kind of love anachronisms, but only if they're there to heighten both the aesthetic and cultural experience of a setting. So for Gubat Banwa, I'm good with making it so that there are places that sell pancit canton like ramen shops, even though that's way out of the inspiration's timeline, because one: it looks cool and I love pancit, and two: it heightens the cultural experience. Pancit canton and lumpia are Filipino food staples, so I want to put them in for a hyper fantasy Philippine setting. This goes the same for other Southeast Asian settings: if you do Ancient Vietnam, will Champa be part of it? Because Champa was a huge part of Classical Southeast Asia. Much of Indonesian and Malay culture have been influenced by Islam, but their largest empires: Srivijaya and Majapahit, are both decidedly Hindu-Buddhist states, so there will be a dissonance of values and cultures if not taken into account.

Idealisms deal in "how we want to see ourselves". If I wrote an accurate Precolonial Fantasy setting, there would be a lot of things gone. The notion of huge cities fortified with walls would be scaled down considerably. The notion of giant towers and pagodas and statues would be gone. However, this is Fantasy. When going about writing for Gubat Banwa, I didn't particularly want to write something accurate. Rather, I wanted to write something idealistic. Fantastic. A fantasy setting that's inspired deeply and is founded upon our own ancestries and stories. I looked to the epics and found tales of the Seven-Roofed house from the Hinilawod, and tales of the great city of Mantapoli that grew so large that the angel Gabriel had to ask permission from God to teleport it to the center of the earth, and stories of the City that was brought to heaven. Idealisms in Gubat Banwa was about making a fantasy setting that could tell stories that were centered on us, and the unique stories that could rise from that. Southeast Asian fantasy settings would be more enriched if they do the same, because Southeast Asia is a land of stories, because of the vast amounts of ethnogroups, there are so many stories waiting to be told. Philippines in particular has had so many stories during or after the Spanish era, and while Colonialism is a valid part of our national consciousness, there is of course still room for stories that aren't built upon the backdrop of Colonial Oppression and invasive cultures. Stories about our people that willingly took beliefs and religions from other places, and indigenized them. And weren't taken advantage of of course.

Consumerisms tackle the hardest part of Gubat Banwa. With such a focused and specific setting, how can one sell it? How can you ask people to partake in it, something with such little representation that people still get it wrong? At this point, all I can do is two things: try to make things a bit easier for people's palate, especially the West (I've done this in Gubat Banwa, turning some terms straight up into English, and putting resources and comparisons to similar Western concepts). The other thing is ask. Ask others to trust us and our stories, and ask them to not be afraid to fuck up a bit, just revel in our vibes, in our stories. How else will our stories be heard? It's either that or we will languish in obscurity, until the inevitable wave of neocolonialism, imperialism, and capitalism erases our stories for good.

Thanks for reading all of that. I hope you enjoyed this series of posts! Check out Gubat Banwa if you have the time, that shit as painful as it is cathartic to write. Thanks again.