#battlefield theme

[drenched-in-sunlight]

the Light of Miquella incantation Eng description is so confusing to me, so i decided to look at the JP text, still confused (i asked both my native speaker friend and American friend working as a translator in JP, and even they are confused and i couldn't just give them a wall of text on Elden Ring lore so they could translate 1 paragraph), so i turn to the CN translation which follows the JP one... and it's so clear??????????? im shocked

(please note im not native CN speaker either, but my mother tongue is built based on their language and i double check with my friend who is fluent)

Miquella wishes to embrace everything, yet he understands that there is one exception: whether it be the absolute God or the Lord (King Consort): there could only be one (of them)

so us player, as Lord of the old Order, is the one he could not embrace. and we clearly see that for him to accept us, we already have to be charmed and relinquish our claim to Lordship (thus failing the boss fight).

i feel like this is the translation i could understand & line up well with how events in the game plays out. Miquella wants to accept all, but the rule of the world dictates that there could only be one God & one Consort (who the hell wrote that rule...), and so one of us has to give.

it presents a paradox of him wanting to become a God to save people & bring compassion, but to be a God he HAS to eliminate all other candidates for Godhood. he has to be the only one.

it sheds light on why Marika's age also started with conflicts. it's something demanded of the new God. and also us when we fight to become Elden Lord (+ line up with why Ansbach is not mad at us for killing Mogh, as he too understands that rule).

[adriles]

every year we tell Odysseus that this year of the war is the last one and every time he weeps when he discovers the gods will not have us cease until troy falls

[mythtiide]

todays falkler! more office au cause its cute ehe + some bonus stuff under the cut 🖇️

closeup of their faces cause i really like em

bonus flustered falke doodle

cut adler skirt content; i accidentally used the wrong brush but i really liked how this turned out ( + bonus sketch of the same skirt)

earlier falkler doodle that i kinda scrapped because i just didnt like how falke turned out; however i do like this adler ! so we win some we lose some

[stellaepluviae]

ikefes 2024 fanevent today!!! it'll be my first time attending a virtual convention....i'm hoping i can interact quietly ((shy)) .....

[smolthealmighty]

[pyjamaart]

Love in the Crossfire!

[katyspersonal]

What's your interpretation that the left hand of cleric beast is much bigger that the right?🤔

Well, like I've pointed out before, the only explanation I am seeing is blood ministration being done on the left arm!

However, this might get a little more interesting with the Cleric Beasts, because Emilia is also one, yet her arms are symmetrical!

My closest guess to why it happened is because of something Healing Church has been known to do with female bodies. Namely - do some sort of surgery/manipulation/operation on them in order to change their blood type into 'holy blood' one, which they are able to share with the hunters!

English localization team had to use term "groomed" instead of whatever this actually says, and this is definitely going into top 10 of my biggest headaches with mistranslations! As you can see from the Japanese script retranslation ( x ), the meaning is more literal, implying a procedure. I always felt like it would be a surgery on bone marrow, since this is where blood cells are produced, and doctors in Bloodborne could have learned to alter them into having impossible type of blood!

So, as a female cleric, Amelia might have had her first communion with the holy blood as a Blood Saint, instead of generic blood ministration treatment like apparently everyone else has!

I am still not sure why female staff specifically was the Blood Saints, since apparently blood vials are not menstrual blood, as we can learn thanks to Adeline:

Maybe it could have something to do with menstrual cycle, though, because of the whole cycle of moon vs menstrual cycle thing, and Laurence being affiliated with Moon Presence, and then Micolash also stealing his swag and basing his own institution on:

I'd say this is either some sort of deeply rooted superstition within the setting, or in fact, yes, the holy blood links to the Great Ones who put HELLA importance on blood and birth, so being biologically female is crucial for that link to take intended effects.

Ludwig is an interesting case, though! He was SUPPOSED to have blood ministration too, like Laurence or Cleric Beast of the Bridge! Why would not the first Healing Church hunter and the HEAD of their hunters do something so crucial? Especially since Cleric Beast of the Bridge drops the Sword Badge with which you buy Hunter Chief Emblem, implying that this beast is currently what Ludwig used to be? But his left arm is not bigger. In fact, it is even smaller. So I am trying to think of the variants of what had happened here:

1) Ludwig somehow merged with an actual horse, so his anatomy is simply no longer judged through the same lense

2) Ludwig is a leftie, and this is where he holds his Holy Moonlight Sword, so its effect would be a "remedy" for possible arm deformations

3) Ludwig is not a simple beast, but the one with a lot of Kin features, so his anatomy is simply no longer judged through the same lense (+horses are primarily herbivores, and Kin is associated with the flora in the setting, so maybe that's why he went horsegirl mode instead of getting something weak like antlers lol)

4) Ludwig is trans and actually was the first to get Blood Saint treatment rather than regular blood ministration (+we take Adeline's blood from her right arm, and notice that his right arm is a little bigger)

5) Ludwig is a cis man and was the first biological male who attempted to receive Blood Saint treatment instead of regular blood ministration, but that didn't take the intended effect because the gods Be Like That in the setting + his unusual visions and mutation might be the side effect of that and that's why Healing Church stopped doing that with male organisms. Basically, if a male attempts becoming a living factory for the holy blood, it will go "wrong".

6) Combinations of the above points

.....Okay, that went a little unfocused from the initial topic, but you see my points here! Thank you for the ask!

_________________

Bonus ideas:

- Whereas Ludwig is holding the Holy Moonlight Sword in his left hand, Amelia also is grasping the Gold Pendant in her left hand. So maybe nothing was special about her, but holding a special item in the "effected" hand will remedy the asymmetry effect, and had Amelia not been doing that all the time, she'd be asymmetrical too?

- Amelia using recolored model for Bell-Ringing Woman for her appearance might be not accidental, but a fuel for the headcanon that she has Pthumerian blood too, and Pthumerians might simply evolve differently, or traditionally have different way they' go for the blood communition. Off the top of my head, look at Loran Clerics having same sized arms:

Basically, I can answer why Cleric Beasts and the huntsmen have asymmetrical arms, but not why people like Emilia and Ludwig broke the trend despite being the first in line to have blood ministration normally... Because I just have too many ideas, and my preference usually falls towards the most logical ones, but when there are equally logical ideas I become helpless :')

[fourswords]

wind waker is such a living breathing memory of ocarina of time i'm so serious. ESPECIALLY inside ganon's tower. to the hero of winds that pig's face he sees on every door is just that: an ugly pig's face. to the player, if they've played ocarina of time before? that's a whole slap in the face. a reminder that this IS the ganon(dorf) from ocarina of time. it's the Same Guy. like you look at that face and you go. i remember fighting that. i remember that timeline. i remember how happy everyone was at the end. now do you remember how it was flooded and turned into this world below the sea that you're standing in now? do you remember how all but the few who escaped to the mountains died? do you remember the end of one game and the beginning of this one. head in my hands.

[chiropteracupola]

so many projects that need to get done already but also I still have a grumpiness deep in my soul about the fact that the bookstore that usually has nice pronoun pins had no he/they ones that I liked and now I feel like I need to design my own cooler ones

[neo-shitty]

[fernsplaysthings]

Another one for the sketchbook.

As much as I enjoy portraying Kes as a goofy Hunter who’s a stupid horny kinderguardian around their love interest, it is kinda fun pulling out the ‘Bird of Prey’, big time paracausal killer, Dark Age survivor Lightbearer who’s had a hand in killing gods several times.

[seagullcharmer]

star trek as a series really is just. so good. yeah i've enjoyed some of the new stuff, too (strange new worlds really has the same feel as the early stuff!) but man. the original series was already groundbreaking. the next generation just layered on top of it. i'm working my way through ds9 now and it opens on such a heavy-hitting episode (wow!! trauma!!!!) (also picard is such a beloved character to many and sisko HATES him so politely it's incredible) (like he is certainly justified! but wow!!) and of course voyager was the one i actually watched first + all the way through first (i've since watched all of tng) but yeah. i really do think tng is probably the best one to start with if you haven't watched star trek before. and of course each one is a product of its time and so some of it is campy or not how we see the world today but. it's sooo good. so good.

[enby-mori]

my recent thoughts when writing have been, throw mori into the war.

[the-irken-pony]

People make fun of Undertale for reusing the same 10 songs for its OST when Super Mario 64 is right there

[thormanick]

…having some thoughts of mixing RWBY x Genshin a bit, primarily because I keep projecting recent arc of Ruby on Kaveh for so many no reason at all

Might do a couple of doodles if I find the energy

[sttvrllightt]

the fall of blood, chp. 2

⋆౨ৎ˚ summary: A girl wakes up in the middle of a wintery forest, drenched in blood. Unsure if it's her own. With a raging fog sitting upon her mind, unable to recall her own name nor what has gotten her into this position. The world will slowly unravel in front of her eyes as she will take on an adventurous journey with someone who hasn't yet captured her trust. An invisible force pushes her into the path forged by her destiny as she goes off to conquer her own mind.

⋆౨ৎ˚ genre/tags. strangers to friends into lovers (sort of), slow-burn, mutual pining, annoyance to yearning, fantasy world divided into two territories, world full of magical creatures and enchantments, humans, elves, orgs, mystery, lots of bickering, hidden powers, amnesia

⋆౨ৎ˚ warnings. mentions of violence and misogyny, mature themes, blood, gore, mental health issues, side effects of amnesia, discrimination, name calling

⋆౨ৎ˚ chapter. 2/x

⋆౨ৎ˚ words. 1,9k

⟡˖ chpt. 3 ⟡˖

⊱ ━━━━━━━━.⋅ εïз ⋅.━━━━━━━━⊰

Each step feels like stepping on a dagger. I have been strolling God knows where for couple of days, it has not been long since I woke up in the middle of the forest, yet it seems centuries ago. As a stranger to myself, I continue walking. These questions keep popping up in my head, questions to which I have no answer to. I acclimated to them, I may not understand anything, but at least they don't make me cry out in frustration anymore. Nonetheless, the heaviness is yet to be lifted from my chest. Thankfully, I had not heard the haunting whispers since I stepped a foot on the battlefield. They do make me wonder and I could tun through them endlessly until eventually I would become mad, because right now it looks like there is not a single way to crack them open.

My stomach grumbles as I am lost within my thoughts, I have already used up all the supplies I found on the battlefield. The hunger is taking over my body along with the tiredness. I wasn't able to get a good night's sleep, either I am too cold or too terrified of what will happen if I decide to fall asleep. Did not end well the last time I wake up. I have been at war with myself since then. And it is only getting worse with each day spent walking into the unknown. Everything is so strikingly bright, it makes my eyes want to give out on the spot.

I take a hitching frustrated breath as my body threatens to shut down. At one point it gets so bad that I wonder about ending it, leaving my body to freeze to death in the cold blanket of the snow.

My dark thoughts are washed away when I see the vastness of a frozen lake ahead of me. For a split second I stand still, only hearing the sound of my wildly beating heart in my ears. I grasp the last string of strength hanging and run forward to the edge of the iced covered lake. I slump down on my knees and impatiently search for the small knife I found in my belongings when I woke up in the middle of the nowhere on a chilly morning. I grasp the knife and with imprecise hand dig into the ice. My finger push the square block of ice under the surface, the coldness of the water numbing the sensitivity of the tips of my fingers.

I lean my head down and drink the bitterly cold water like a thirsty animal. That's exactly how I feel when the water rushes down my throat. I drink until my stomach feels like it might explode due to the fullness. I crawl away from the edge, leaning my back against a tree nearby. I glance at the overly bright sky and I silently thank whatever invisible force that guided me here. For a while, I remain sitting there with my eyes shut, resting. What makes me get up is the rumbling of my stomach. I scoot around the area to locate a big and thick branch which could serve my purpose. When I do discover it, I carefully sharpen one of the sides to the point where it could pierce through flesh. I skilfully sharpen the edge till I feel satisfied.

I once again step over to the edge of the lake, holding the wooden spike I made with effort. This should be easy, I think to myself, the fish should be peacefully at the bottom of the lake, because of the winter season. And I am right when just after couple of tries, I am successful.

I slit the head of the fish so it wouldn't suffer any longer, the fish is smaller, however it should be sufficient. I let out a shaky breath and bring the fish to my mouth, the smell makes me gag. My eyes shut while my face cringes in disgust. I bite down my opposition and dig my teeth into the flesh of the fish. I don't bring myself to chew it, I bite down and stuff it down my throat. It takes me multiple bites to finish it. Each one feels like the food might come back any second, making me nauseous.

I give myself time to digest it before trying to hunt another one to take with me. My eyes flutter open when I hear the crack of a branch, as if someone or rather something stepped on one. I hurriedly stand up, gripping my weapon. My senses are in a complete concentration. When I hear another sounds familiar to those of walking I take a fighting position, my feet move instinctively and steadily while my arms hang in the air, holding the wooden spike, ready to strike any upcoming second. It comes easily, as if I was destined to move so gracefully. However, I am met with a face of a man, instead of ravaging animal. I instantly lower my weapon few inches. The man quickly gestures surrender with the palms of his hands. My gaze becomes firm, not letting it betray my intentions. We both stare at each other without a single word, the corners of my lips begin to twitch in anticipation while my heart feels like it might give out any second out of fright. As my orbs carefully scan the figure few meters ahead of me, they notice one significant thing. The tip of the ear belonging to the man is pointed. I slowly lower my weapon even further, no longer sensing danger, but amusement. The placement of my eyebrows changes due to the movement of my eyes, causing them to lift in a questioning manner.

"God, you spooked me there, little human," the man calls out when he clearly eyes me lowering my weapon, my lips immediately move to scoff at the words. The weapon remains in my hands, the core of me still on high alert. In response to that, the man puts on a smug smirk, making his features more attractive. His figure is tall and lean, covered in a similar type of armour as me, the only difference being its colour and the way it was handcrafted. I would say it looks more  sophisticated and flexible. The colour of the man's hair is honey like, it glistens and stands out due to the light of the winter sun, peaking right at him. While his eyes beams with evident clarity same as the waves of the ocean on a stormy day. The features defining him are sharp and soft at the same time, causing an innocent gleam to surround him. Regardless of that, I do not dare to respond. Not yet.

"I see," he breathes out, his warm breath flowing in the freezing air "I am not here to hurt you, human," he adds and it all causes me to become even more suspicious.

"Anybody could say that," I decide to respond after thinking it through, my tone unwelcoming and cold. My senses come to life once more when the man decides to take a step towards me. I lift my weapon, startling him.

"Easy there," a sound comes out of his mouth, a light chuckle. I huff in response and gesture for him to keep still. To which he simply nods.

"I suppose you're aware your kind is not welcomed on this territory, but you needn't worry, I am not here to report you," with his words, another set of questions bubbles to the surface. What does he mean, my kind? On this territory? The outline of my eyes widens in shock slightly, however, I can see he took notice of that. I open my mouth to speak and nothing comes out. It leads me to furrow my eyebrows together, I try to appear more confident.

"Then what are you here for?" I play along, betting on my instincts which told me to trust his words. If he's lying, I am busted and probably dead too. I stand there, snow crunching under my feet as I take a step back where the giant lake lies. The weapon I made rests near my hip, prepared for action.

He shrugs and with that, I get more worked up. "I felt sorry for you, I have been following you for couple of hours," he admits as my world comes crushing down, he had been doing what? My jaw drops a little in defeat, but I quickly grit my teeth together. "Now that I am saying it out aloud, it sounds creepy. Whatever, I am Ayen." he smiles slyly.

"This is absurd, I do not need your pity nor your name, because our paths are dividing," my voice is sharp and precise, I do not spare him a pleasant glance. My lips are curled up in something unknown, perhaps a grudge has been forged because I was so preoccupied with my own thoughts that I had not acknowledged his presence.

"Don't be like that, you need my help," he cocks his head to the side and shows his gloved hands into his pockets, another smirk plastered across his stupid face. His words do not cease the boiling feeling within my veins, they also suggest that I might be in for trouble which worries me. Everything would be so easier if my mind wasn't so stubborn and would give in to me.

"For what?" I tilt my head to the side as well while I cross my arms at my chest, looking at him with sort of a challenge.

"You won't last a week like this, not so close to Hearth," he puts it simply and steps closer, this time I do not lift my weapon. I presume he mentioned a city nearby, a sense of relief washes over me. This boy might be useful after all.

"Good, because that is exactly where I am headed," I stand my ground as he looks down on me. I can hear the echo of his laughter rumbling through the empty forest. His laughter does not shake me.

"You wanted to help me, so be so kind and show me the direction," I roll my eyes as the words flow out of my mouth without any hesitation. This could lead me somewhere useful, a good start.

"I warned you though," he snickers and points his finger to the right "just go that way, eventually you should arrive at the gates of the city," he adds for clarification and I nod in gratitude, not able to bring myself to speak it out loud. For a quick moment, there is silence between us once again. Our eyes are locked on each other, sharp and untrusting. I am the one who breaks the eye contact as I kneel down to gather up my things

"Oh, and don't follow me, go your own way," I utter, it comes out more like a mumbling though, nonetheless I am sure he heard me and hopefully got the memo. In response my ears catch a phrase spoken by him, a phrase I cannot shifter out. It sounds awfully similar. To what? I have no idea. My heart skips a beat and when I lift my gaze from the ground as I stop packing to demand an explanation, the man is nowhere to be seen.