#based on that iconic mushroom post

[lilpomfriend]

[dannydoesthisthing27]

Redacted tattoo headcanons because I can (including some sketches at the end)

Damien - Monstera leaf on his left side, wrapping around to his chest, based on Huxleys real monstera. He also has a stick and poke Kirby on his right hip that only Huxley and Gavin know about. Gavin only knows about it because he accidentally walked in on Damien, changing into his swimtrunks

Doc - they only have one tattoo, it's a piece over their spine (I have a sketch, I'll explain after theres a visual to refer to)

Dear - Stingray on their back, blue/green swirl design down his arm (my dear uses he/they)

Lasko - He has a few small designs across his body, his favorite is a small wave on the inside of his wrist that he got around his and Dears 1st anniversary

Gavin - I headcanon that demons all have abstract magic lines across their body. Gavins change depending on who he is with. When he's with Dear, they look like water, soft fire with Damien, swirling wind with Lasko, floral with Huxley, and vague heart shapes with FL. When he's with the whole crew it's an amalgamation of his favorite things about them

Blake - Lion, he got it thinking he was cool and unique. (He's not) (news flash)(when I say Lion I mean like- hyper realistic the whole thing is black ink except the eyes that are bright blue or smth)

Elliott - abstract galaxy across his back, tree branches over his chest (sunshine did both they're a tattoo artist they told me themselves)

Guy - patchwork sleeve on his left arm, a honey comb in the shape of a heart (kind of similar to the Honey icon designs that @moronkyne made) over his heart, a faded stick and poke 69 he got on a dare in highschool, a pair of cherries on his right hip that Honey bites whenever he has access (My Honey uses he/him), charizard on his right calf with a mewtwo right above it, his childhood cats paw on his right shoulder blade, one d20 on either shoulder, the one on the left has the 20 face up as fuck yeah, the one on the right has the nat one face up as fuck no, and the solar system planets diagonal across his back in color with the sun at the center of his back and the planets extending out

Honey - His right bicep has a bunch of small pieces that were impulse decisions. On his left thigh, there's a frog on top of a mushroom with a lily pad hat, his left arm has abstract rainbow swirls with black ink surrounding the edges, his back has a few different pieces, his favorite is the joker playing card thats half red and half black on his left shoulder blade, he also has a peacock that takes up most of the right half of his back and side, he has Zeldas sword and the Silent Princess flower from Zelda on his right thigh

I have tattoo headcanons for Huxley and David, too, but I've already talked about them in other posts, so I'm not going to repeat myself 😅

A little more rambling below

Hiding this below the cut the purple drawing with a heart shape is on Gavins abdomen. I think every demon has some kind of marking specific to their type and they all glow when the demon is feeding

Docs tattoo is meant to be lines coming together (or breaking apart depending on how you look at it) but it's meant to represent Hush and Doc both becoming more than what they were before. Hush gaining new insight on what life could be, and Doc realizing that they could be more than the monotonous life they'd been living before meeting him

[peaterookie]

wOW!! LOOK AT THESE GUYS!!

i made cookie run versions of the lupgang, uh if you dont know, cookie run is a video game franchise about these gingerbread cookies and you should not play it

anyways, time for me to explain for hours about the thought that went in these designs!!!

Lupin III - Cactus Cookie

firstly, yes, cacti can be eaten. for lupin's case i think you'll deadass die if you eat him

the reason i chose cactus for his flavor is because of his incredible persistent to survive in the most dangerous and impossible conditions, much like how cacti dont need a lot to survive in the desert.

i think this may be a reach but i recall a lot of times where lupin is in the desert but idk that bitch can be anywhere bro also hes a prick

I used the green color of the cactus, but cactus cookie can change the color of his cactus coat and the flower tie.

also cacti can sprout flowers! that's very gay of them to do, very lupincore

if you're curious about his eyes, i based it off of strawberry cream cookie's eyes, i think it fits a lot with lupin's googly eyes

Jigen Daisuke - Shiitake Cookie

i think his flavor was the hardest to decipher, but i decided to use shiitake, mainly because another certain mushroom themed cookie uses it as a huge hat...

also, shiitake mushrooms have a rather strong, meaty and earthly taste, which i think fits jigen's strong and gruff personality.

I also added some pepper on the mushroom, which is just, intensifying the strength peppercorn can also be used for bullets !

in addition, shiitake mushrooms are one of the ingredients of sukiyaki, which i think is a rather iconic food for jigen !

Goemon Ishikawa XIII - Soba Cookie

SOBAAAAAA soba is earthly noodle and it looks like the color of goemon's hair, that's literally it sorry i dont have anything else HAHAHAH

nvm i think i have more design notes for goemon some of his design elements are inspired off of rebel cookie, which is based off of a korean classical character hong gildong jeon, who has a very similar story to ishikawa goemon !

also goemon's swords are chopsticks, tehe

Fujiko Mine - Cinnamon Bun Cookie

I wanted to show her deceitful personality through the flavor, and i arrived on cinnamon buns, primarily because cinnamon is a spice that can be very harmful to consume in huge doses, but many people seem to like the cinnamon flavor.

i use the cinnamon flower on her head, like how i put a flower on lupin's head, to kinda show that they have a similar personality and profession

also design inspo

Koichi Zenigata - Macadamia Cookie

the flavor was very easy to decide on. if you don't know, cookie run detective characters are typically nut cookies! (walnut cookie, almond cookie)

so i decided on macadamia nuts, the hardest nuts, because of his stubborn and headstrong personality

other than that, not a lot to comment. if you wonder why there's blue in his designs, i dont really know tbh, i used blue as a color base and i found it pretty on him.

end of post

[eddieisashifter]

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐆? . . . MY BETTER CR REALITY

academic pretention and punk rock ideology meet in one edmund crowley, creative writing student and part time chaos machine. this is revealed in his bag, in which we're getting a glimpse into the man behind the novels . . . perhaps we should make this quick. (credits where credits are due!!! inspired by this post by @chaaistained and this one by @hrrtshape and, this one by @macknshift)

my ancient bag that has been passed down in my family for literal generations. belonged to my professor grandma before she passed it down to me due to our mutual love of literature (along with a few other of her belongings). I've patched up the lining several times to keep using it. also attached is an eyeball keychain crocheted for me by my best friend, a plushie dreadfuls autism bunny keychain, and my bluetooth headphones that are just a necessity.

the front pockets — where I keep things I want easily accessible

LEFT POCKET

— my spare earbuds just in case anything happens to my over the ear ones or any of my friends need a pair

— my swiss army knife that is literally everything. I do threaten my friends with it. this is the least of their worries with me

— a small victorian style pillbox that holds the food of the gods (acetaminophen and ibuprofen)

— my vivienne westwood lighter and cigarette case that also used to belong to my grandmother (she's literally an icon). I keep a poem I got out of a quarter machine at the bookshop folded up in there. it's written in italian, I don't speak italian.

RIGHT POCKET

— my tiny notebook for spur of the moment story concepts, poetry lines, profound shower thoughts, or a cute barista's number

— my portable altar for spellwork on the go. I'm rarely home, so this is good to keep with me.

the back pocket — where I keep things I need to pull

— my leather journal I keep for more formal poetic ramblings, for proper academic pretention

— my phone, which I unfortunately must carry with me despite my desire to become the campus' ghost story and become unreachable. it does have a cute mushroom case, so perks.

— my vivienne westwood wallet!! also my grandmothers that she passed down.

— my flask full of absinthe . . . once again, academic pretention.

— two tarot cards that have found me on their own accord. neither of them belong to any of my decks. neither of them are from the same deck. I keep them anyway.

the main pocket — where literally everything is

— my notebooks for class

— a cabin notebook for world-building craft — flying squirrel decomposition notebook for visiting expert talks — brain journal for character psychology — fairy composition notebook for story concepts — skeletal notebook for the stages of story — bone turners tale notebook for office hours with my writing mentor

— my omen gaming laptop that I use for both gaming and writing my novels (both on deadline and for procrastination)

— my tarot deck that comes with me everywhere so I can ask it how to solve a plot hole or what to have for lunch

— my bone water bottle because I may be an academic, but water is actually pretty important (in case you didn't know)

— a celestial zip-up pouch for things that would get lost in the bottom of my bag

— hair ties that have gotten lost in the bottom of my bag

the itty pouch — where things keep from getting lost

— pisa lipstick from grandmother (ily)

— black lipstick that's my staple in every reality

— red lip gloss . . . to go over the black base

— tinted chapstick because I am prone to dry ass lips

— an intricate lipstick that belongs to my bestie, technically, but I stole it. she doesn't mind.

— dead writer's perfume that smells like a haunted library and spiked earl grey tea

— eyedrops for my contacts because I do forget to blink

— my loop earplugs that are literally a lifesaver when being out in public

— extra hairties, as this is where the ones that have escaped into the bottom of my bag should be

the internal pocket — the slot where the bigger important things go

— my sketchbook!!! literally my soul on a page at any given moment. every emotion I feel, every interest bewitches me, any novel I'm working on . . . it can all be found somewhere in these pages.

— sticky notes and tabs for annotating books because I'm a felon like that

— a copy of scottish fairy tales that has been with me since childhood. heavily annotated, and half of them aren't even about the stories themselves

— my favorite book of all time: the strange case of dr. jekyll and mr. hyde. also heavily annotated. each re-read is a different color. you can see the brown is the first time I ever read this book, not knowing how it would bewitch me body and soul

— snacks from heaven. sour patch watermelons by beloved, and a pack of ruffles crisps that are probably crushed into crumbs by now. oh well, they're still heavenly.

— my frankenstein's monster pencil case that's overflowing with supplies. yes, all of the contents are important, fuck off.

the pencil case — where the art supplies reside (my favorites remain the same in every reality)

— micron fineliners. literally the best pens ever — my tombow fudenosuke brush pens. also the best, especially for ink drawings — pentel brush pen my other favorite brush pen — white posca paint pen for correcting mistakes and adding highlights — mechanical pencils because they're the only pencils I will sketch with (also led because duh) — my pastel highlighters because I am insane and like to color-code my notes — paint brushes and my winsor & newton watercolors with are just *chefs kiss* — my fountain pen that has a sculpture modeled into it, from an art museum gift shop

— white out tape because I'm also incapable of proper spelling. yes, i am an author. no, that doesn't help

— glue stick for putting trash into my sketchbook

— two faber castel erasers because they're amazing

— a pencil sharpener, just in case

— notes!!

— random scribblings of calculations. I could not tell you what for. — a torn corner of an interesting newspaper article. story inspiration. — newspaper clipping of the dover demon to bring to creepy crew cryptid club — "can we talk?" note from one of my friends before we snuck off to a quieter part of the campus — "told you so!" sticky note that was put into one of my books. probably from L. . . arsehole. — "kiss my ass!" note from R. . . we're such a mature group of academics and authors — and a line from one of my favorite poems by robert frost

(🎪 back to the circus itinerary. . .)

[literallys-illiteracy]

A pedant's overview of the new Limbus Trailer

Ok so We're going over the new guy first, and then the new event EGO and IDs.

Hohenheim:

SO before who he's actually based on, insert a joke here about FMA or something (I haven't watched it idk)

So Hohenheim is most likely based on Paracelsus, or Theophrastus von Hohenheim, a renaissance philosopher, physician, and alchemist, known for his contributions to toxicology, being credited for the phrase "The dose makes the poison" (with his original phrase being "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison")

The fact that he is a researcher is what leads me to thinking this, alongside the toxicology potentially relating to the mushroom shapes on his coat in the trailer; There is also the relation to Lobotomy Corp in Paracelsus' relation to esotericism, notably alchemy, due to the relation that he takes to EGO and abnormalities, and therefore to Carl Jung's writings, which often relate alchemy to individuation.

This is also in all likelyhood the reason that he is in charge of comparing our sinners pre and post employment states, as this game, and the others PM has made before it, all relate to psychological growth and individuation (Read Faust post by @juyendraws for more information)

To explain how alchemy relates to Individuation, I get to explain some things relating to the alchemy I learned a long time ago for Noita-related reasons:

The most important stage is of course the first, as until something is begun it cannot continue, the first stage of the philosophers stone, and of individuation, being Nigredo.

Nigredo (Blackening):

Carl Jung compared this to the point at which one becomes increasingly aware of their shadow (characteristics), their wider self, and their persona.

....I am coming to a realisation while writing this... The colour black so closely linked to one's persona...

After one becomes aware of their persona, and thus more aware of their repressed self and shadow; In the darkest time, when "there seems no way forward" is the Nigredo, setting the stage for development into the latter stages of development.

In essence this is the same structure that Project Moon uses for EGO manifestation and distortion. I don't wish to bore too much regarding psychology, so I'll leave it at stating that the identification of the persona and integration of the shadow both act as important moments in the EGO and distortion phenomenon; "EGO is to the persona as Distortion is to the shadow" - Juyen

The latter stages matter somewhat less, Albedo (whitening) relates most prominently to the Anima/Animus (which also holds strong relation to the distortion phenomenon see here for some elaboration); Citrinas (yellowness) is the prominence of the "Elder" archetype in ones maturity (also known as: The Wise old man/woman; The Hermit; The wizard; or The senex (Latin for "Old man)); and finally Rubedo (red), signaling the complete and whole self.

The four stages are most commonly understood in relation to death/despair/melancholy (Nigredo); Purification and refinement, whiteness, and the light (Albedo); Sunlight, awakening (Citrinas); and blood, completion (Rubedo).

I learned so fucking much alchemy like 3-4 years ago, and this is the first time that i've ever been able to put it to any actual use...

Anyhows.

This ID is probably rupture, almost certainly healing, all that stuff.

The most interesting thing to this ID to me is this counter skill (seen right before the screenshot); evidently the counter will grant some form of aggro, seen on the border, potentially forcing an enemy to target him similar to how Faelantern's "Charm" works? (Could also potentially fix his or the enemies speed to 1, maybe that's why the speed values are blurred?)

Notably, he seems to have some sort of self destruct. Perhaps he dies upon being hit with this charm which cancels the pending attacks?

Also (I might just be going insane) But im 90% sure that those are all sin affinity icons, so potentially he will provide a decent few resources on death.

Anyways looks something like 1: 2 coins blunt. 2: 1 Coin pierce. 3: 3 Coins blunt. Counter(?): 1 Coin Blunt

Faust:

ARDOR BLOSSOM MOTH MY BELOVED RETURNS!

Ok so Faust

Burn is obvious, wrath affinity resonance is likely due to the nature of its EGO gift and Boss Fight; Potentially may have a mechanic similar to the "embers" "shimmering embers" and "Spark" effects that the boss fight possesses. Considering that she seems to have an alternate skill 1 and a skill 4 she may use ember as a sort of "pseudo-charge". I personally hope (as someone who has ran burn since season 1 (grand total of 4 burn ID)) that she has something somewhat similar to Black Flame

Anyways: S1: 2 Coins (all of the skills look somewhere between slash and blunt, I dearly hope that we get more slash but eh) s1 (alt): 3 Coins slash. s2: 3 coins slash s3/4: 3 Coins Blunt.

also she seems to explode in skill 4 so that's now a fourth way for an ID to kill itself. (Devyat Ids, Shi Heathcliff, Magic Bullet Outis EGO, Flossom Faust).

Thoracalgia Ryoshu:

behold, a slash EGO.

So I have MANY things to note about this EGO.

the first, Thoracalgia is the fancy way of saying chest pain basically. This alongside the fact that we see the skull in the trailer means that it's basically confirmed that this EGO belongs to "Sleeping bag of olden days" (Seen below)

Which is the Abnormality that gives the nebuliser EGO gift, which tracks considering the fact that it has chest pain. (A nebuliser is another name for an Inhaler)

it makes sense for Ryoshu to get this EGO, she was actually one of the two that I predicted would get this, however I only got that guess half right as Gregor did not get one. The abnormality is about chronic suffering and extended/endless pains (Ryoshu being the grief side of the metaphor while Gregor being the chronic Illness side).

Another interesting note, the background that we see in the EGO skill animation... It's a hospital.

This is interesting to note because there are three abnormalities closely tied to the hospital, "Nymph" "Centaur" and "Hydra", all based on creatures from Greek mythology, the first two of which were featured in The Odyssey and (alongside the cyclops) are assumed to be the Battle Pass EGO for Outis' canto. This is an interesting note because I can't think of any mythological creature that this could be related to?

[loud-kid2]

@silly-inky I did send this in as an ask but I'm way to excited for this AU and have to many ideas for it so I can't be patient about this anymore

The idea behind this AU is that the characters are folklore creatures/mythological monsters from around the world.

Bowser and the Koopas are based off of an indigenous myth from my country, the turtle island myth. Bowser is quite literally the island the dark kingdom sits on, he's floating in the middle of a lava lake. The regular Koopas are only big enough to support small ecosystems on their backs and Junior will grow up to be as big as his dad. Since Bowser quite literally is carrying an entire kingdom on his back he can't do anything, Peach getting kidnapped is just Junior, the Koppalings and Kamek's doing. Bowser only shows his face when things get really bad.

Peach and the Toads are mushroom dryads (from Greek myth), and the mushroom kingdom isn't exactly a kingdom it's more of a magical forest overseen by Peach, it's also the place where the mushroom and flower power-ups are grown, the power-ups like the cat bell and penguin suit are produced elsewhere.

Daisy is a flower nymph (again greek mythology)

Alexander, Henry, King and Cecilia are the four knights of the apocalypse (Christian stuff), Alex is famine, Henry is plague, King is war and Cecilia is death. They aren't allowed to gather for fear of the apocalypse so they are kept as far apart as possible. Sunny is technically also a knight of the apocalypse as he represents conquest (interchangeable with plague) so when he pops up he's gonna be kept away from the triplets and Cecilia.

Mario and Luigi did come to the Mushroom Kingdom as normal humans but after they saved Peach Kamek cursed them to become Selkies (celtic folklore), they didn't know at first so when they stayed the night they didn't expect to wake up as Mediterranean monk seals. They quickly figured out how to change between human and seal forms, which is just how they did it in Song of the Sea aka them disappearing behind something then showing up on the other side in the other form (GIF for example)

Sibling gave me the really fun idea of the bros getting seal behaviors post becoming a selkie so I looked up Mediterranean monk seal behaviors. The bros would become a lot more shy and would value privacy a lot more, to help with this Peach would've given them free reign over the large lake in the middle of the Mushroom Kingdom and would have the Toads try to avoid it as much as possible. Mediterranean monk seals are 7 feet tall so I had the idea that their seal coats are massive compared to the bros and are often used as blankets when Mario and Luigi are in human form. As for clothes they still have the iconic outfits but those are really only used when Peach needs rescuing and when that's not happening they are wearing swim trunks and are wrapped in their seal coats, when rescuing Peach their coats are tied around their waists.

Was also thinking that Mario and Luigi would try to go back to Brooklyn and live normally but it would not go well at all. They'd come back and hide their seal coats somewhere and then try to go about life normally but everyone would instantly know that something is wrong with them. For starters their parents would be worried because their sons are suddenly much more reserved and prefer to stay in their room, and they'd often find Mario and Luigi looking longingly at videos of the ocean and other bodies of water. And my sibling had this idea and I liked it a lot, it's the middle of the night and a random family member walks into the kitchen for a cup of water and is finishing said drink when the bros stumble into the kitchen for a midnight snack and don't notice this random family member. Mario opens the fridge and grabs two raw fish and the bros start eating the fish before wandering back to bed still not noticing the family member, leaving this poor person concerned and confused. Then the next night a family member goes to the bathroom late at night only to find two big ass seals laying in the bathtub which would be full of water. Luigi and Mario would notice obviously and Luigi would end up falling out of the tub and going back to human form while Mario would just stay in the tub and just close his eyes and pray the issue goes away. Luigi would promise to explain the next day by taking them somewhere to have a friend (Peach) help explain. So long story short a Mario family trip to the Mushroom Kingdom that does explain that the bros are no longer human and do need to stay in the Mushroom Kingdom

Edit: I FORGOT THE PHOTO OF THE SEAL

Edit 2: @peaches2217 I'm gonna start tagging you in these posts too if you don't mind ofc

[purple-plum-petals]

Hi! I love reading your works and I have a little request if you don't mind for a Jade x Reader.

I really just want a short where the reader is making their Halloween costume (a mushroom fairy) and surprises Jade with it. It'd be even cuter if the mushroom that the reader got inspiration from also happened to be a favorite of Jade's.

⊱ A Tailor-Made Coshroom ⊰ || Jade Leech X Reader

╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮        Character(s): Jade Leech, Floyd Leech, Azul Ashengrotto, Grim (Twisted Wonderland)        Reader Type: Human, Ramshackle Prefect (Gender-Neutral Pronouns) – Reader is mentioned to be shorter than Floyd and Jade.        Warning(s): Brief Mentions of Blood, but Besides That, Nothing! I also always use the Japanese TWST Terms (Dorm Leader instead of Housewarden, Madols instead of Thaumarks, etc.) in my writing.        Genre: Drabble, Fluff, Attempt at Comedy, Romantic or Platonic Relationship (It Can Technically be Read as Either since Nothing is Stated Directly, but it Does Lean More on the Romantic Side of Things)        Word Count: ~1,900 words        Request: “Hi! I love reading your works and I have a little request if you don't mind for a Jade x Reader. I really just want a short where the reader is making their Halloween costume (a mushroom fairy) and surprises Jade with it. It'd be even cuter if the mushroom that the reader got inspiration from also happened to be a favorite of Jade's.”        Author’s Note: I’m overjoyed to hear you enjoy my works; thank you so much for reading! This ask has been sitting in my inbox for quite some time but, since spooky-season is right around the corner, I thought now would be the perfect time for me to post this. I’ve been lacking a lot of motivation when it comes to writing as of late, but I’m hoping I can pump out at least one request every week from now on until my inbox is cleared out. I actually started my Master’s program, so hopefully I’ll have time to be able to write for enjoyment rather than just for academics. 😅 I hope this is alright; I have to admit, I’m a bit rusty haha. (Also, just a PSA, the ending is supposed to be cute I swear – it’s just Jade acting a little more childish like Floyd and was not intended to be creepy! I didn’t want this to get too long since it was supposed to be a shorter piece, but I had no idea where to end it. 😔) Also, yes, the title is a pun on costume/mushroom – yes, I couldn’t think of another title.

→ If you enjoyed my work, please reblog it if you can! Exposure on Tumblr is based on reblogging content rather than liking it, so your support would be much appreciated!  ♡ ╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯

⋆﹥━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━﹤⋆

Halloween was inching closer and closer by the day and you didn’t have much more time to complete your costume. So, as soon as you were finished with class for the day, you immediately returned to Ramshackle, cooping yourself up in your room until it was time to make you and Grim dinner. You had been working non-stop on your costume for the past week or so, powering through the many times you’ve pricked your finger with your accursed sewing needle. You couldn’t even count the numerous occasions that Grim or the ghosts had to help bandage your hands up after all your slip-ups at this point.

You had come up with an idea nearly a month ago and wanted to make it a reality with your own two hands – this year for Halloween, you would be a mushroom fairy! You had thought the idea was pretty cute, plus it was a simple enough costume to make considering all the DIY videos you could find on the internet. While it most certainly wouldn’t be unique by any means, hopefully your classmates would be able to appreciate the work you had put into it.

Your costume was based on the Fly Agaric mushroom, also known as Amanita Muscaria, simply because it was an iconic mushroom with its recognizable red-and-white-dotted cap. It was also one of your upperclassmen’s favorite species of mushroom, but that wasn’t the reason why you chose it – it was just a coincidence, you swear.

Right now, you were currently finishing up your mushroom cap, sewing on a few final details into the red fabric considering Halloween was now only two days away at this point. You were certainly excited to be able to show off your costume to your friends, and you were hoping you’d get a genuine reaction out of the previously-mentioned upperclassman. After about another twenty minutes, you had completed adding all of the small white beads to your hat. With a wide smile, you held your costume out in front of you. It was finally ready, and you couldn’t wait to see what everyone thought of it at the party.

Before you knew it, it was finally Halloween and – after weeks of hard work and bloody fingertips – you were finally able to wear your costume! You already had gotten quite a few compliments from some of your friends, but you had a specific upperclassman in mind you knew would absolutely love what you were wearing. You were currently scanning the room to see if you could find him, trying to spot his signature teal hair among the large body of students. It shouldn’t be too hard to find him considering how tall he was, but you ended up finding his brother before you could him.

“Hey Floyd! Happy Halloween!” You said with a smile, making your way over to one of the school’s biggest menaces. Floyd’s face seemed to light up when he saw you, a bright yet somewhat intimidating grin spreading across his features.

His sharp teeth were at full display as he made his way over to you, waving as he said in a sing-song tone, “Shrimpy~, there you a–!” However, once he seemed to register your costume, his smile immediately faded as he questioned with a slight scowl, “…What are you wearing?”

“I’m a mushroom fairy! Pretty cute, right?” You told him in return, pride filling your chest as you gestured towards your outfit.

“Ew, no – mushrooms are gross.” Floyd said with a grimace, looking almost disappointed with you.

“What? No they’re not! They’re absolutely adorable!” You told him in return, placing your hands on your hips as you stood your ground.

“Ugh – you’ve been hangin’ out with Jade too much. He’s a bad influence on you.” Floyd said, coming over and placing his arm on your shoulder as he leaned into you with his taller form. He had the habit of using you like an armrest every now and again, a habit that he had picked up months ago at this point.

“Arguably, I think you’re a worse influence.” You said with a slight huff, trying to keep yourself balanced considering you had a giant leaning against you. You moved the hat on your head out of the way so you could glance up at Floyd, asking him, “Where is your brother, by the way? I’ve been looking all over for him.”

“Last time I saw him, he was with Azul by the food table.” Floyd said, glancing down at you in return. However, once your eyes met, a wide smirk began growing on his face. As he poked your cheek slightly with his index finger, he asked teasingly, “Why, you wanna show him your adorable costume? Ehehehe, you’re getting bold, Shrimpy.”

“You know what? I think I’m done with this conversation.” You bluntly stated, quickly removing yourself from under his weight as Floyd laughed out loud at your slightly flushed face; you didn’t get why he liked teasing you so much. He didn’t seem fazed by it at all by your sudden movement either, immediately returning to his usual posture as though he hadn’t been putting all of his weight on you just mere moments ago.

“Good luck~ – I’m rooting for you!” Floyd said with a shit-eating grin, waving to you as you left that conversation before he could embarrass you any further.

You weaved in and out of the sea of your classmates, looking for the food table since that was the only lead you had to go off of. You knew you probably had all night to show your costume to Jade who was arguably the person who would appreciate it the most, but a part of you just wanted to show him now. Thankfully, as the snack table came into view, you saw both Jade and Azul who seemed to be talking with one another. Azul was drinking what seemed to be fruit punch, a slight scowl on his face as he glared down at the cup in his hand, while Jade seemed absolutely delighted by his companion’s utter look of distaste.

“Note to self,” You thought, “Don’t try the punch.”

Now was the perfect opportunity for a scare, though, so you tried to make yourself as small as possible which was honestly quite difficult given the size of your hat. You slowly closed in on Azul and Jade, the former seeming to notice your presence but deciding not to say anything as you snuck up beside Jade, jumping up slightly as you exclaimed, “Boo!”

“Ah, Prefect, it’s nice to see y–…” Jade said with a smile as he turned slightly to look at you, his words tapering off as soon as you two made eye contact.

You grinned up at both of them, saying happily, “Happy Halloween you two!”

“Yes, happy Halloween to you as well.” Azul said, throwing his cup of punch into a nearby trash can as he asked you with a slight smirk, “Not going to say ‘trick or treat’ to me again this year, hmm?”

“Nope – I think I learned my lesson from last year… but, if you happen to have any treats you’d like to give out, I’ll happily take some!” You said with a smile, watching as Azul pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. Jade was still looking at you, not having said anything besides his unfinished greeting.

One of Azul’s brows rose in question as he asked, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at you as if you had grown a second head, “Since when did I become someone who just gives out things?”

“Since we became friends, duh – friends do nice things for friends, no strings attached!” You told him honestly; after all, you considered the three most terrifying influential members of the Octavinelle dorm to be your friends. While you definitely did not have the best start with any of them, you really didn’t have a lot of good first impressions (or experiences) with any of your friends at NRC. Somehow throughout the past year, though, you had grown to be quite close with the octo-trio.

He seemed to think for a moment, glancing over at Jade before smiling and muttering slightly, “Hmm… I have an idea of something nice I could do for both of you, then.” He then suddenly began to walk away, waving slightly as he departed as he spoke, “I’ll talk to you later if we run into each other again – have fun, Prefect.”

“Oh, uh… you too?” You managed to say, waving to him as well despite how confused you were at the whole situation. Why did he just leave? How exactly was ditching in the middle of your conversation doing something nice?? You know, sometimes Azul was just as much an enigma as the twins were.

“Well, that was kind of weird…” You muttered to yourself before returning all of your attention to Jade, smiling up at him as you gestured towards your attire, “So, what do you think about my costume Jade? Believe it or not, I even managed to make it all by myself.”

He had been watching Azul’s retreating form with a slight frown on his face as he muttered under his breath, “…He’s going to make me repay him for this, isn’t he?”

“Hmm? What was that, Jade?” You asked, not having quite heard what he had said. Between the noisiness of the party and the height difference between the two of you, it was difficult to hear anyone if they weren’t speaking louder than usual.

Jade just looked down at you, his smile returning full-force as he said, “Oh, it’s nothing you have to worry about.”

Before you could even ask him what that meant by that, Jade reached forward to hold the ruffles that lined the bottom of your hat in between his fingers as he inspected it, telling you with a slight hint of interest in his voice, “Your costume is quite impressive; you did a very good job, you know.” He paused for a moment to ask you, looking down at your form with his mismatched eyes, “Say, what made you decide to pick the Fly Agaric mushroom, hmm?”

“I mean, probably it’s an iconic mushroom, you know? Like, I’m pretty sure everyone knows what this one looks like even if they don’t know its name.” You told him, taking a moment to think about whether you wanted to admit the second part out loud. Well, you might as well be completely honest with him – after all, he could very easily get the truth out of you if he wanted to, “Plus… isn’t it one of your favorite mushrooms? I just thought you’d appreciate it, is all.”

Jade’s face was unsettlingly blank for a long time before an arguably terrifying smirk grew across his face as he lightly pinched one of your cheeks in between his fingers, “My, you’re too cute, Prefect. I could just eat you up right now.”

“Really Jade? Now isn’t the time to joke around like that… I mean, you are joking, right?” You asked, glancing up at him; however, Jade said nothing in return, the grin on his face only widening. You could feel your blood run cold as you asked him, a nervous smile on your face as you said, “…Do I at least get a head-start?”

He seemed to think for a moment, standing up straight before telling you with a smile, “Go ahead – I’ll be a little more courteous to you than my brother usually is. Now, let’s have some fun, hm?”

[chojrak-making-things]

Potion Craft. As a kid, I always wanted to play with mortar, cause I saw that in Charmed series, but couldn't find it anywhere to buy back then. When I finally got one after years, it turned out it's not that useful in the kitchen as I thought, but using it and sensation it gives was still fun nonetheless. This game reminded me of that.

At first glance it's a game to relax, but for me at least it was more like strategical game, cause you use resources to create potions and move on alchemy map. Can be percieved as economical too since you run your own shop and bargain with locals a lot, and since prices aren't low, you tear your hair out a lot if potion goes wrong or you've used more resources than you've assumed. Luckily, action is happening in medieval ages in closer unknown place, where they didn't pay taxes yet so that's a big plus, cause running a store doesn't cost a thing. Only ingredients are costly, but you have a lot of herbs, mushrooms, and crystals to choose from, so you don't have to stick to one type of thing.

I liked how this game allows to make your own custom recipes, use whatever ingredients you want, make your own alchemic cookbook, customize almost every aspect of every single potion - from bottle shape, etiquete and label, ending on icons, it's colors and names.

...

Despite rather flat graphics stylized as woodcut, the game was not that light as I expected, at least for laptops. I have suspicion it might be caused by overlaying location in the background, but I'm not making games so I'll snap it here.

There's no much locations, cause you move only between shop, laboratory, cellar, bedroom and garden (in recent update they added a few more, but didn't have time to test it yet). You stay mostly in one building, but it's not that suffucating as it might seem, cause you have a nice view on the valley in the backgroung of bedroom and in garden, and game provide very captivating scoring and leveling system.

There are legendary recipes like philosopher stone and such, which require a lot of leveling and hard work after you close your shop. I like when game at first glance has not much content, but leveling mechanics and scoring make you properly rewarded and reveal the rest of content with good timing.

Even after you reach max level of alchemy and made all legendary recipes, you can improve your alchemy book by making potions more profitable by using less expensive ingredients.

The nice thing is that you can also play with various type of clients. You can deny making potions and shape your clientele. At the begining you start with neutral reputation, and can choose if you stay neutral or make good stuff for people, or choose villain path. At the beginning I maxed good path, but after mannered nobility was asking constantly for anti-wrinkle potions, I started to serve evil customers who liked explosions, fires, robberies and necromancy (necromancy potion is extremely profitable btw, evil side in general).

...

Developers are still working on updates for this game. Recently they added option to make potions on wine base, but I have to check that out yet. They also have a huge discord server where they make announcements about updates, people make challenges with potions, etc.

I only feel disappointed that they didn't add new achievements on steam. Since about a year it's hard to me to find myself goals in games if there's no achievements left, or no achievements at all.

After I'll play update, might write another post with new thoughts. I think I need to start from the beginning to see how much changed.

[tellurian-in-aristasia]

The Origins Of The Wildfire Club?

The Wildfire Club was one of Aristasia's most iconic institutions, it being their publishing house from the mid-to-late 90s that they used to publish a number of silly monkey books. While searching for some keywords on archive.org, I noticed that it was mentioned in The Romantic issue 02 (which is from, perhaps, 1988 or 1989) as a real-world place:

This is at least 6 years before the first Wildfire Club publication! And here it's mentioned quote offhandedly as if it's something the reader is quite familiar with. So I went searching, with the limited resources I have, for earlier mentions of this saucy club and found the following letter to the editor from Artemis issue 5, which was probably from early 1985.

This letter is referencing a previous issue's article about a mistress and maid relationship game a couple plays, and it's very obvious that the couple in question is Mary and Priscilla. Even this letter is a bit suspicious, as the name "Dolly" is shockingly the same as a known name the Mushroom Princess would later go on to use in the late Chelouranya era.

This appears to be a bit of a back-door advertisement for a mistress and maid connecting service, named The Wildfire Club, and more importantly, the forwarding address is one that is known to be associated with a number of proto-Aristasian projects, in this case a post-Lux Madriana feminine magic mailing list, that is perhaps sending out rehashed Madrian Literature Circle works, based on the titles, as well as a dom/sub pairing service.

[herbaltearemedy]

What I would cook for the Stardew Valley bachelor/ettes!

!first things first! This is NOT based off their likes/dislikes, simply what their personalities and characteristics compell me to make, and absolutely there will be personal bias based off who I like and dislike, because it’s my post silly! Last thing to note is I have NOT romanced everyone yet, but based off my friends and videos I’ve watched, I feel i have a decent grasp on the vibes of the eligible partners, however if you feel I’ve missed the mark completely, tell me! This post is not a set in stone list, and viewer participation is not only welcomed but encouraged!

Without further ado!

Abigail: The big time fan favorite, the loner who eats rocks(?) I think I can plate something more edible than quartz, and hopefully more interesting than her fathers plagerized produce, for Abigail, I’d make her a bowl of chicken and dumplings if only to warm her from the chilly rain!

Alex: my sweet unsure gym bro, you can’t decide if you like the farmer, or REALLY like the farmer, while my instinct says to cook him a steak, I would instead prepare a fruit salad to help him come to terms with the fact that kissing boys is okay!

Elliott: this starving tortured artist would likely eat anything I put on a plate as long as it looked pretty, while he says he only eats fancy foods he definitely snacks on the microwaved ramen in my pantry. For my sharp chinned boy I’d prepare a plate of steak and eggs to feed his ego and his soul.

Emily: because I’m still getting started in stardew, Emily is the first and only person I’ve ever romanced on Stardew Valley, so I think I have a decent grasp on this one! My sweet hippie darling loves the animals but eats meat every now and again, yet I can’t help but feel compelled to make a cheesy potato soup for my parrot loving icon.

Haley: I didn’t always like Haley, but as my irl partner romanced her I couldn’t help but become engrossed in her story of “mean girl with a soft spot”, which is why I’d prepare for her a nice loaded baked potato, a little rough outside but incredibly wonderful on the inside.

Harvey: my roommates partner of choice in this game, Harvey strikes me as the type to see someone he fancies in a cafe, and walk the other way hoping they bump into each other on a day his hair looks better and his sweater doesn’t have mustard stained onto it, for Harvey I’d prepare a cinnamon roll, something warm and sweet, and he can’t make too much a mess while eating it.

Leah: My sweet artist with a bit of a habit of hanging onto her past, Leah has always seemed like the type of person who loves their childhood treats, so I’d prepare her a Peanut Butter & Jelly cut into star shapes, to make sure it’s not her creativity that gets to eat!

Maru: While I could and likely will go on and on and on and on about her father, Maru is not her dad. She may be fiercely intelligent, but I believe she also enjoys the simpler things in life aswell! For Maru I’d make her a pizza with mushrooms and olive, to remind her that she can be different and unique, but that’s okay! So is pizza.

Penny: oh our sweet bookworm, living in close quarters with Pam does not always sound easy, and while this strays slightly from my post, for Penny I’d make something she can have with a book, a fruit smoothie comes to mind to get her nutrition while also being portable and not messy unless she spills it

Sam: he was a skater boi, and penny’s real destined to be. I mean come on! They are adorable together! Jodi & Kent likely feed him well, so he’s fairly difficult for me to decide on, but for some reason an açaí bowl seems to call his name.

Sebastian: this poor man lives in a house where he feels like no one wants or appreciates him, Sebastian lives in a world of cold, so for him I’d prepare a burrito because it’s warm, and holds everything together, and even when it falls apart, it’s still perfect. Be a burrito Sebastian, be a burrito.

Shane: last and in my personal opinion, certainly least. I am not a fan of Shane, but that doesn’t mean he should starve. Apparently he has a good arc, and if that’s the case, this cheeseburger is for nice Shane, not for mean Shane.

That’s it folks! Tell me how you feel about the post, and hopefully I’ll get to post more stuff like this soon!

[livewiregoth]

Sanrio Uni Gen4

I took way too long to post this again, anyway here's gen4

I stupidly wanted to see if raising the DLC version it'd still count towards Kuchipatchi. For obvious reasons no this did not & also no DLC characters don't get care icons like the base device characters.

I semi realized I like Slimypatchi more than Kuchipatchi, I still hate the DLC's minigame(I don't like slide puzzles & it was a terrible idea to make this have a timer) especially since it'd be really helpful to have extra money from the DLC games cause I had to play a lot of the fast food game to buy stuff.

Gen4 has a relaxed personality, he likes sumo-style hot pot, dim sum, loco moco, mushroom risotto, deep-dish pizza & (Japanese) sweet potatoes

[shmovingbeats]

3D Animation.

3d animation in my opinion is the means of moving an object in a 3d plane in a sequence while the movement is seamless making a 3D animation.

examples of 3D shows / movies

Murder drones

Murder drones (My favorite show ever made)is also a show on youtube that was started by a team called glitch productions. MD is set on a post-apocalyptic copper 9, an exoplanet owned by the megacorporation JCJenson in SPAAAAACE that exploded due to the planet core collapsing killing all life on the planet except the worker drones (robots used by JCJenson in SPAAAAACE) they finally got themselves a life, but their parent company (JCJenson in SPAAACE) did not like the idea of runaway robots, as a result they sent "murder drones" to take out the worker drones". the murder drones operate by ingesting the oil of worker drones to not overheat. Murder drones was made using maya with post-production being done in unreal engine.

2. The Amazing Digital Circus

The Amazing Digital Circus is also a 3d show on youtube made by Glitch productions, not much is known at the moment as there is only one episode. It was made in Maya but this is only speculation as it is not properly stated buy glitch productions, but is because of the works of Murder drones we can assume it was made with maya and a little bit of maya. after releasing the first episode it experienced a huge growth of fans after the trends in tiktok depicting this image.

3. Shrek

Shrek was a 3D Movie made back in 2001 by DreamWorks as an American animated fantasy comedy film partially based on the 1990 children's picture book of the same name by William steig. The film's success helped establish DreamWorks Animation as a competitor to Pixar in feature film computer animation.

4. The Super Mario Bros. Movie

The super Mario Bros. Movie The Super Mario Bros, Movie is a 2023 American animated adventure comedy film based on Nintendo's Mario video game franchise. Produced by Universal Pictures, Illumination, and Nintendo, and distributed by Universal Studios. In the movie Mario and Luigi who have just started their own plumbing business try to stop a flood in Brooklyn but after investigating Luigi gets sucked into the iconic green pipe followed by Mario then get warped to another world while Luigi gets dropped off at the Dark lands, and Mario in the Mushroom Kingdom where he meets toad and princess peach that trains Mario to take down Bowser the main antagonist and save Luigi.

5. UP

UP was made in 2004 by director Pete Docter. He developed the idea of a flying house on the thought of escaping from life when it becomes too irritating(which came from his difficulty with social situations growing up).

[myafashionmag]

At one time, “eco-conscious fashion” meant stiff hemp shirts, earthy tones, and compromises on style. Not anymore. In 2025, sustainability will no longer be a side project—it will be the main event. And the best part? It’s not just ethical; it’s effortlessly hot. From deconstructed denim jackets made of post-consumer waste to luxury vegan leather corsets, the eco-movement in fashion has officially gone from fringe to fiercely desirable. Welcome to the new era: sustainable is the new sexy. Gen Z’s Love Affair with Conscious Cool Let’s start with the obvious: Gen Z is not buying fashion like previous generations did. With climate anxiety and anti-consumerism shaping their values, this generation demands more from brands than just a good fit. But make no mistake—they’re not willing to compromise on aesthetics either. “Being eco-conscious isn’t about looking boring anymore,” says stylist and TikTok fashion analyst Marley Vint. “It’s about flexing intelligence, taste, and purpose simultaneously. When I wear a Deadwood leather jacket made from reclaimed hides, I’m not just making a style statement—I’m making a values statement too.” The Labels Leading the Charge Several brands have emerged—or evolved—as powerhouses in this aesthetic-meets-ethics space. These aren’t niche designers hoping to be taken seriously. They’re setting the bar for what luxury and streetwear can look like in 2025. PANGAIA: The tech-driven collective is creating minimalist essentials from seaweed fiber, wildflowers, and recycled cotton, all dyed with botanical pigments. But what stands out is their carbon-negative mission—a flex that even the biggest luxury houses are still trying to figure out. Stella McCartney, long the poster girl for sustainable luxury, continues to innovate with Mylo™, a mushroom-based leather alternative that looks and feels like calfskin but comes from lab-grown mycelium. “Sustainability should never be an afterthought,” McCartney recently said at the Copenhagen Fashion Summit. “It should be baked into beauty.” Collina Strada, the Brooklyn-based label known for its radical creativity, redefines what “cool” looks like. With chaotic prints, genderless silhouettes, and a proudly transparent supply chain, founder Hillary Taymour isn’t trying to greenwash—she’s rewriting the playbook. Deadwood, the Stockholm-born brand, makes sharp, contemporary leather pieces from recycled vintage garments. Their jackets, biker pants, and corsets aren’t just timeless—they’re zero-waste icons. Sexy is in the Storytelling The shift isn’t just in materials—it’s in the narrative. Today’s most desirable pieces come with a backstory. Where was it made? Who made it? Was water saved? Was waste avoided? These aren’t afterthoughts—they’re part of the design language. “There’s eroticism in knowing your dress didn’t hurt the planet,” says Isabel Neri, creative director of Paris-based eco-label NEONATURE. “You’re not just wearing a silhouette. You’re wearing consciousness.” Designers are getting creative, too: QR codes on garment tags lead to videos showing the piece's life from fiber to final cut. Some even list CO₂ offset stats or biodegradability timelines. Transparency, literally and figuratively, is part of the new allure. Streetwear Gets Greener (and Hotter) Streetwear, long associated with drop culture and hype-fueled overconsumption, is also entering its sustainable era—and doing it with style. Brands like Pangaia Lab, No Faith Studios, and Ahluwalia are infusing their collections with upcycled fabrics, regenerative dyes, and AI-driven design systems that reduce material waste. Even Nike and Adidas are revisiting production lines with bio-based and circular economy principles. What’s hot now? Recycled nylon windbreakers. Compostable cargo pants. Puffer jackets are filled with wildflowers instead of goose feathers. And sneakers crafted from pineapple leather and algae foam. The new streetwear isn’t just about flex—it’s about footprint. Influencers Turned Advocates Sustainability’s glow-up wouldn’t be complete without the influencer shift. Many style creators embrace slow fashion, capsule wardrobes, and digital fashion activism. Instagram fashionistas are styling one jacket ten ways instead of ten jackets once. TikTok creators are building “eco-closets” and thrift-flipping old designer garments into new showpieces. “Now, when I walk into Fashion Week in a reworked Comme des Garçons coat that used to be a tablecloth? That’s what gets the cameras clicking,” laughs model-turned-eco-activist Leila Knox. The Sexy Side of Science Let’s not forget the science behind the seduction. From algae-based silk to self-healing fabrics and color-changing organic pigments, the bio-tech boom in fashion is unlocking a new sensuality. Imagine garments that respond to sunlight, breathe with your skin, or melt into compost when you're done. Even in the luxury world, LVMH and Kering invest heavily in biodesign labs, sustainable incubators, and materials innovation. In other words, eco is becoming elite. And unlike fast fashion’s toxic turnover, these pieces are designed to last—not just physically but emotionally. They tell a deeper story—one that’s worth wearing. Final Thought: It’s Not a Trend—It’s a Transformation Yes, sustainability is sexy right now. But this isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a paradigm shift. The rules have changed for Gen Z, designers, stylists, and shoppers. Looking good no longer means being blind to how something was made. On the contrary, the more you know, the hotter it gets. So next time someone asks, “Who are you wearing?” — don’t just say the brand.Say the story. Read the full article

[dennis-wisser]

The Evolution of Handbags: From Luxury to Sustainability in Today's Eco-Bag Industry

For centuries, handbags have been a symbol of style, function, and status. What began as simple pouches used for carrying essentials has evolved into a multibillion-dollar fashion industry. But as environmental concerns grow, a shift towards eco-friendly handbags is transforming the industry.

In this blog post, we'll explore the history of handbags and how it has led to the rise of sustainable, eco-conscious bags in today's fashion world.

1. The Early History of Handbags: A Functional Necessity

Handbags have existed for thousands of years, primarily as functional accessories for carrying money, food, and personal items.

Ancient Handbags:

Egypt (1500 BCE): Egyptian hieroglyphs depict men carrying pouches tied around their waists.

Middle Ages (5th-15th Century): Both men and women carried drawstring pouches made from leather or fabric.

Renaissance Era (16th-17th Century): Wealthy European women wore elaborate embroidered handbags as a sign of status.

What's Out?

Disposable bags that harm the environment

2. The Rise of Luxury Handbags in the 19th & 20th Century

By the 19th century, handbags were no longer just for convenience - they became fashion statements.

Iconic Moments in Handbag History:

1841: The first modern handbag, the carpet bag, became popular with travelers.

1854: Louis Vuitton introduced its signature travel trunks, leading to luxury handbags.

1920s-1950s: Designers like Chanel, Hermes, and Gucci created timeless handbag styles.

What's Out?

Fast fashion bags made from synthetic materials

3. The Shift Toward Sustainability in the Handbag Industry

As environmental awareness grew, so did the demand for sustainable handbags. Today's handbag industry is shifting towards eco-friendly materials, ethical production, and zero-waste designs.

Key Trends in Eco-Friendly Handbags:

Vegan Leather: Made from pineapple leaves (PIÑATEX), mushrooms (Mylo), and recycled plastic.

Recycled Materials: Many brands now use ocean plastics and upcycled fabrics.

Ethical Production: Fair trade-certified brands ensure ethical labor practices.

What's Out?

Handbags made from toxic synthetic materials that contribute to pollution

4. How Eco Bags Are Changing the Fashion Industry Today

Eco bags have become more than just an accessory - they represent a sustainable lifestyle.

Popular Types of Eco Bags:

Reusable Tote Bags: Replacing single-use plastic bags

Biodegradable Handbags: Made from natural fibers like hemp or jute

Solar-Powered Bags: Charge your phone while carrying essentials

Why Eco Bags Are Popular:

Reduce plastic waste and pollution

Support ethical fashion brands

Encourage a minimalist, sustainable lifestyle

What's Out?

Single-use plastic bags that harm the planet

5. The Future of Handbags: Sustainability & Smart Tech

The handbag industry continues to innovate, combining sustainability with technology.

Future Trends in Handbags:

Self-Cleaning Bags: Using UV light technology to kill bacteria

Smart Handbags: Built-in phone chargers & GPS tracking

Plant-Based Leather Innovations: Lab-grown leather with zero environmental impact

Why the Future is Sustainable:

Consumers are demanding eco-conscious options

Fashion brands are embracing circular economy principles

Governments are enforcing bans on plastic waste

What's Out?

Cheap, mass-produced handbags with a short lifespan

Final Thoughts: Handbags Have Come Full Circle

From ancient leather pouches to today's high-tech eco bags, the handbag has evolved alongside human history. The shift toward sustainable fashion proves that style and responsibility can go hand in hand.

Are You Ready to Make the Switch?

Which eco-friendly handbag trend are you excited about? Let us know in the comments!

[chennaitop10]

The Allure of Midnight Biryani: A Culinary Delight After Dark

There is something undeniably magical about the concept of midnight biryani. The very phrase evokes a sense of adventure, indulgence, and a shared love for food. In many parts of the world, biryani is already celebrated as one of the most beloved and iconic dishes, but having it at midnight takes the experience to an entirely new level. Whether it’s a post-party hunger pang, a spontaneous gathering of friends, or simply a craving that cannot wait for sunrise, midnight biryani has become a phenomenon that transcends cultures and cuisines.Discover Chennai's top 10 midnight biryani spots, where aromatic flavors meet late-night cravings. Perfect for foodies seeking the ultimate midnight feast.Craving biryani at midnight? Explore the top 10 midnight biryani spots in Chennai for a flavorful late-night indulgence.

The Origin of Midnight Biryani

While the exact origin of the midnight biryani tradition is hard to trace, the practice has deep roots in South Asian culinary culture. Cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata are known for their vibrant food scenes that come alive after dusk. In Hyderabad, for instance, the aromatic and flavorful Hyderabadi biryani is served at many late-night eateries, often accompanied by tangy raita and a spicy salan. Over time, the trend caught on globally, becoming a go-to comfort food for night owls and food enthusiasts alike.

Why Midnight?

Midnight biryani is more than just a meal; it is an experience. The nocturnal timing adds an element of exclusivity and excitement. Food tends to taste better when shared in the quiet, intimate hours of the night, away from the hustle and bustle of the day. Midnight biryani also symbolizes indulgence—an unapologetic celebration of flavor and community when most people are asleep.

For students pulling an all-nighter, night-shift workers, or groups of friends reminiscing late into the evening, midnight biryani often becomes a symbol of camaraderie. It’s not just about satisfying hunger but creating memories around a steaming pot of aromatic rice and tender meat or vegetables.

The Making of a Perfect Midnight Biryani

A great midnight biryani doesn’t compromise on quality despite its unconventional timing. The secret lies in the balance of spices, the texture of the rice, and the tenderness of the meat or the freshness of the vegetables. Here are some key elements:

1. The Base: Fragrant, long-grained Basmati rice is essential for any authentic biryani. The rice should be cooked to perfection—each grain separate yet fluffy.

2. The Protein: Chicken, mutton, or prawns are the most popular choices, but vegetarian versions featuring paneer, mushrooms, or mixed vegetables are equally delectable.

3. The Spices: A medley of whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves, along with a blend of ground spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala, creates the characteristic flavor of biryani.

4. The Cooking Style: The dum method—slow-cooking the rice and meat or vegetables together—ensures that the flavors meld beautifully. Sealed with a dough or lid, the pot traps steam, infusing the dish with its signature aroma.

5. Accompaniments: No biryani experience is complete without sides. Cool, creamy raita, tangy pickles, and crispy papad elevate the meal.

Midnight Biryani Hotspots

Many cities have carved out a reputation for their midnight biryani offerings. In India, Hyderabad’s late-night food joints are legendary, serving steaming pots of biryani that draw in crowds well past midnight. Chennai’s food culture also thrives at night, with several restaurants offering flavorful biryanis to satisfy nocturnal cravings. In global cities like Dubai, London, and New York, late-night biryani delivery services cater to the growing demand for this midnight indulgence.

The Rise of Midnight Biryani Delivery

The digital age has given midnight biryani a new twist. Food delivery apps have made it possible to enjoy this delicacy without stepping out. Many restaurants now offer specialized midnight menus, ensuring that even the most spontaneous cravings are satisfied. Cloud kitchens, operating exclusively for delivery, have also embraced the midnight biryani trend, offering a range of options tailored to night-time diners.

Why We Love Midnight Biryani

At its core, midnight biryani is about more than just food. It represents a break from routine, a moment of indulgence in an otherwise structured day. The act of sharing biryani at an unusual hour fosters a sense of connection and joy, making it a cherished ritual for many.

In a world that often prioritizes efficiency over experience, midnight biryani reminds us of the simple pleasures of life—a warm plate of food, good company, and the magic of the night. Whether it’s enjoyed in the comfort of your home, at a bustling eatery, or delivered to your doorstep, midnight biryani is a celebration of flavor, culture, and togetherness that continues to win hearts across the globe.Looking for the best midnight biryani in Chennai. Indulge in delicious, aromatic biryani served hot to satisfy your late-night cravings

[annazimmercapstone]

Prototyping, v1.3

This week I drafted up some posters and then printed them using the risograph.

But first, I spent some time familiarizing myself with some worldbuilding projects that have gained some notoriety online.

RESEARCH

Mystery Flesh Pit has been a staple reference point for the worldbuilding aspect of my capstone. This week I looked back at the fake advertisements and government-issued flyers the creator Trevor Roberts fabricated.

Lesle Kieu's "Recovered Documents" is a great source that stays true to its artistic style while still keeping in line with the found document style exposition. It includes some gnarly illustrations serving as photographs and realistic communications. It's very tactical and served as a major stylistic inspiration for a personal comic I've been cooking on the back burner.

Local58 was one of the first of its kind in the genre now known as Analog Horror (in fact, it was what coined the term). While the vast majority of this content is videographic, it is still a strong example of worldbuilding through limited channels of media.

The Hookland Guide run by David Southwell is a semificitonal exploration of the lost county of Hookland, England. It emphasizes word over visual medium, although it does semi-regularly employ black-and-white photography in the posts/entries. The author describes it as "the psychogeography of a place that doesn’t exist built around the real myth circuits, Albionic shadows and actual places of a 1970s childhood."

My biggest takeaway from these projects is the grounding in reality and knowing when to exaggerate and when to pull from our own cultural reality.

PROTOTYPING

All images included are either my own or free to use from pexels.com. I think using the risograph was apt since it does use soy-based ink and rice-paper in its process. Very biological.

Get Connected is like this world's version of Got Milk? except it's a government program encouraging people to tap into the Mycelliac Network. It's highspeed and a great solution to the growing power deficit caused by too high demand for traditional biological power agents. The fungi pictured here is Physarum polycephalum, the single-celled slime mold that can efficiently navigate a maze. It's also yellow and ended up dictating the color palette for this first batch of prints.

Who doesn't love the saints? Except for the protestants, I guess.

This is exploring some deeply ecologically ingrained spirituality that still poses an authority as an organized religion/ideology. I reused the Physarum and overlayed it behind the icon of the Madonna.

Might redo this one with an original illustration and change the name to Anthropocene... or maybe there will be multiple saint figures!

Tourism is alive and thriving in Our Beautiful Country! You should totally Come Visit. I just photoshopped some mushrooms into this one. Honestly, it's quite comical and definitely warrants a redo since I couldn't find open-source images of the fungi I was imagining in my head (the giant stalk-like prehistoric phototaxis).

And finally one risograph in "full" color (approx. CMYK) at 8.5''x11''. I made this design a day or so after the others and after Wednesday's group critique. I was advised to continue iterating and include more advertisement images since "capitalism has us all in a chokehold." I'm still considering what the economic system of this world I'm archiving will look like, but the image and consumption exist both in and outside of systems of consumption.

This is an ad for a hypothetical archival organization branching out to individual denizens seeking memory aid services. I imagine this is deeply associated with the government as this world has little privatization. The bottom text reads:

"Contact your government-appointed community representative at your local connection point for more information. MycellNet cannot be held liable for any damages sustained by consenting participants. MycellNet should not serve as a full replacement for your district’s community-sustained archive. MycellNet is filed under government license 536B and enjoys all powers litigated to 536B organizations."

I'm attempting to tap into some world concerns regarding the preservation of memory and data to decay, both on a community level and an individual level. The "Get Connected" mycelium will certainly help solve this issue.