#but vampires have better healing factors

[mt10lt20]

AC6 - Bad End. If Strangereal had faes and monsters. Ilya (Strigon ver.) >> Talisman

[incognitonio]

A little scenario where Marcy notices Finn being bit too intense during one of the dungeon duo adventures. Usually, he's the first one to take a break and recuperate as he still needs to catch his breath or tend to his injuries but this time, she's becoming a bit more concerned about his lack of concern for his own well-being.

She has less stuff to worry about since she has both vampire and demon powers as well as the fact that most dungeons are dark and located underground which means that she mostly looks out for cool loot and her buddy. She knows Finn is a tough guy and can handle things by himself pretty well but something tells her he's dealing with a different kind of pain that can't be solved by a healing factor.

I wanted to make a small comic about Finn dealing with personal stuff, the most prominent one is the loss of Jake in his life. That episode where he goes on an adventure with Simon and him being oblivious or desensitized to the dangers around him made me think that Finn is adventuring as hard as he can so he can live life to the fullest while also having a good enough excuse to die sooner without it being considered suicidal. That and his line about secretly wanting to see Jake again in the Together again episode inspired this weird little headcanon I have about him.

Not really used to making comics and dialogue yet. I gotta learn how to write better lines and panels.

[jojoma]

Some time ago I wrote out points why I ship Astarion with Karlach (them remains my favorite and headcanonical ship in the entire game). But I understand how conflicting and possibly traumatic the relationship is. I wanted to write a lil bit about this. But it'll be a long post 😁

The game is currently bugged in such a way that the couple doesn't have a happy end (in my opinion, cuz Karlach return to Avernus only with AA), but there is an absolutely sad ending (when spawn Astarion runs away from the sun and Karlach die alone). I, like many other hellspawn enjoyers (snezhjeyka, decembersiris), thought about how much it would be better if they died together on the pier. At least it's better than what is happening in the spawn Astarion playthrough by now (described above). They both are deprived of a normal life, both refuse to live without what is valuable to them (Faerûn, sun) and without each other, and both turn to dust. It's very poetic, tragic and etc. But I'm more interested in angst before this.

I mean only the player knows all the variations of events. For example, that Karlach can be fixed or that Karlach cannot be turned into a vampire. The relationship has no prospects from their points of view, and the options that they have cannot completely satisfy both.

Karlach dies quite quickly. She can die in her beloved world or try to survive in the hells. And we all know what Karlach think about it — she would rather die now and here. But as soon as Karlach start relationship with someone, it becomes also her lover’s problem. It would be strange if her partner accepted that Karlach would die so soon without even trying to convince her. Now put Astarion into this place: he is just beginning to heal and feel alive. Even before he defeat Cazador, loving relationship with a patient and gentle partner (such as Karlach) can influence him in a good way. So Astarion is afraid to lose his lover and Karlach is afraid to return to Zariel’s place.

On the other hand, Astarion needs to decide what he'll do with the ritual and soon enough. And unlike Karlach, he doesn't know what to do. In my opinion, if Astarion could make the choice on his own, based on background he would be choose ascension. The decisive factor in the other direction can only be his love interest. My strong headcanon is this: as Astarion will not agree with her early death, as Karlach will never agree to become his spawn (10 years of slavery to Zariel was enough for my babygirl). And any of other companions or Tav/Durge as Astarion's lover can offer to stay with him, help him full recover and adapt to a new life (anyway spawn Astarion will be alone in the future). Karlach doesn't have such opportunity at the moment, and her condition lead into the hell with no guarantee of survival or return to Faerûn. It requires some sacrifices from Astarion, which due to his condition, he may not be ready for.

I can imagine such dialogues before bedtime, turning into heated disputes:

— I'm worried about your condition, Karlach. — I don't want to talk about it. — There's other options. I think you should return to Avernus with me. — Well, and I think you shouldn't get involved to the ascension ritual. I know you want to take Cazador's place. — It's not up to you to decide. This way I can protect you and may even save you by turning you into a vampire. — I'll never become yours or anyone else's spawn, thank you!

I need to stop making myself sad 😢 They deserve a very very happy end.

[ginger-snap-makes-art]

Lucky: Tales From the Backlot

Lucky

Memoirs from the Backlot

By: Ginger Snap

1914

There are many things that one may constitute as ‘lucky’. It is lucky, for instance, to find 10 dollars on your way to work. To see your cat sleeping comfortably on the neighbors porch after he took off through the open front door. To have a warm, safe home and parents who love you. To not be turned into an immortal creature of the night by a nefarious nosferatu with a textile mill to fill, and to love someone very dearly and openly without societal or personal repercussions.

If you were to judge one’s luck on those factors, Benoit Blanchette (or Blanchet, if you asked him how to spell it) and William O’Reilly were possibly the two most unlucky people alive.

But, none of that was enough to ruin them. After all, the two had managed to find each other after all their time apart, find new friends and new found glory as a preteen pair of vampire abolitionists, and even began to heal the many wounds their impossible childhoods set upon them. Now, decades away from where they had begun, the two maintained steady employment, changing the world in whatever ways they could through film making.

Benny winding days away rearranging scenes and talking actors through motivations to characters lives they would never fully want to understand. William spending hours upon hours putting pen to paper-dutifully writing dialogue and prose burning with love and longing and passion that would put a tear in the eye of any easily impressed actresses on set. Then, every night they could look forward to coming to their small, one room cabin and sharing their woes and wonders from the quick days around the lot. Talking long into the night about new ideas, old friends and adventures journeyed on together, and sometimes just lying next to each other-both feeling content in each other's warmth and company.

To spend not a day apart from one another, and to feel fulfilled in their livelihoods was to feel quite lucky indeed.

It’s a shame that their luck always found a way to run dry.

------------------------------------------------------------

“Two days???” William repeated, incredulous to his boss as he reiterated the information for the 4th time.

“He’ll be completely safe, we just need him for a meeting in Chicago with some benefactors. They’re very surprised we’d even allow a vampire on set and we just think Benoit will be a better representative for the company. He’s less….”

“Tall?” Benny offered.

“���intimidating. You’re very good with the people on set but I worry your stature and quiet demeanor would make them nervous. Also Zippy stares and it frightens people.” Mr. Horsley finished as delicately as possible. “Anyway, we can’t force you to do anything but we can’t afford to take you both. It’s Benny or I have nothing.”

William wanted to call bull. He was just as charming as Benny. Sure, Benny had those soft, deep eyes and that warm country twang and that bravado that came so naturally when telling a story you’d think he was born for entertainment; but he also had a propensity for putting his foot in his mouth. Like everything else about him Benny would let his words get too fast for his own good and wind up saying something that would earn him a death glare at best and gunshot to the chest at worst. What if he wasn’t there to stop any problems, what would happen then? God he couldn’t handle it if Benny got himself hurt because he wasn’t there to balance out all his loud bombastic energy.

“But I-“

“William,” Benny interjected. “It’s fine. I can handle two days with Horsley and a few other oldies.” He gave William an assuring smile that didn’t quite meet his eyes. “I’ll be okay.”

“Well…if you’re sure, I trust you…” William replied nervously.

Benny threw another shirt in his suitcase. “Alright, I’ll call that packed. When do I get going?” He asked, pulling the bag over his shoulder.

“The car is just about packed up-just give the driver your bag on your way out and we’ll leave in 30.”

Benny’s face paled a little. At the best of times moving machines made Benny ill. Trains, boats-even carousels got his stomach to lurch uncomfortably-but cars were the absolute worst. They were too slow for him and made little rocking and ricketing motions that felt so unnatural. But, Benny couldn’t afford to get lost running there himself and the producers felt the need to ‘coach’ Benny on proper etiquette for the meeting. He supposed that you could only tell so many stories about turning well-to-do mages into paste before someone got nervous introducing you to wealthy folk.

William nudged him and gave him a look, silently asking:

“You gonna be okay?”

Benny swallowed hard and nodded. Horsley turned around and left the room, leaving the two alone.

“Hey, you know you don’t have to do this, right?” William asked.

“I know but, it’ll be good for the company. They’ve done a lot for us, I can manage this.”

“This is the longest we’ll have been apart since….” William trailed off.

He didn’t need to finish, they both knew what he was going to say.

“Yeah…I know…but, hey! We’ve been through worse! We can handle two days away from each other! Hell, it’ll probably be good for us: we need to know we can still survive on our own, right?” Benny asked.

William felt his throat tighten a little. He couldn’t even fathom going through a whole day with his best friend being there at some point. It wasn’t like they were in danger or anything, not like before they joined Nester studios. But still, he couldn’t imagine going to sleep alone tonight. Part of him did worry like he’d somehow be unable to make it through two boring days alone on a quiet, unassuming film set in the middle of nowhere. Stupid as that felt.

“Yeah. Yeah that’ll be good.” He finally responded.

If Benny felt any more confident than William he might’ve commented on how he obviously didn’t believe that, but it felt a little like calling the kettle black. So instead he changed the subject.

“Alright, well, since I’m gonna be gone and I do most of the chores around here I should probably run down what needs to be done.”

William groaned. “Oh come onnnnnn, they can’t wait a few days?” William hated doing chores. Anytime he tried anything around the house it was like his brain leaked out of his ears and he would manage to screw the simplest things up. He just wasn’t built for domestic labor. Thank god Benny was so naturally good at it and got a weird joy out of keeping a home, so it never seemed to matter.

Benny rolled his eyes. “No, dummy. We got a schedule to keep up with, if we give up on it now we’ll never get back on it. It’s just a few simple tasks: I think you’ll manage while I’m gone. Yer the smartest guy I know, after all.”

“…how am I a dummy and ‘the smartest guy you know’?”

“I don’t know a lot of people.” Benny shot back a shrug.

“On second thought, why don’t you up the trip to a week?”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Benny waved one final goodbye to William and Zippy before hopping in the back seat of the car and speeding off onto the main road.

Zippy and William watched the car disappear into the distance until only dust clouds remained.

“Alright Zippy, it’s just you and me for the next two days! What’s the play? Chess? Darts? You wanna get really into wood carving and then give up on it a week in?” William asked.

“Oh.” Zippy scratched the back of his neck. “I actually have plans.”

“Wait, seriously?”

“Yeah I’m gonna go dig a really deep hole in the desert with some of the grips.”

“Why?”

“Seemed fun.”

“...Can I come?”

“I don’t really think it’s my place to invite anyone…”

“Oh…well…have fun?”

“Yeah…”

The two stood next to each other awkwardly for a few moments before Zippy cleared his throat and walked away to find his hole digging buddies.

“Welp….guess I could get started on that chore list…or maybe I’ll get a head start on my script revisions for Saturday? I’ve got this, I’m not gonna let a little loneliness get me down! I’m also gonna stop talking to myself…publicly…like a total freak…” William’s eyes glanced around at the few crew members giving him confused looks before spinning on his heel and walking inside.

“Okay, I have two days to revise my latest script, do the laundry, sweep the floors, and clean those blood reserve bottles that have definitely coagulated by now. And then I’ve just got to fill the rest of the time with super cool, fun stuff that I’ll brag to Benny about. Piece of cake!”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Two Days Later

Benny stopped on his heels in front of the one room cabin he called home, panting slightly after his journey. It may have been a long run home, but he could not handle being in that car the whole back. For multiple reasons. He rubbed a hand on his face roughly, trying to steady his breaths and soften the obvious anger lines on his face as he approached the front door.

He reached for the knob, but stopped when he heard William talking on the other side.

“Honestly, who do they think they are? ‘Oh, Benoit is just less intimidating than you!’ Bullshit, what does he have that I don’t? Of course between me and Benny it’s always him, isn’t it? Always the talented one, always the charming one-just so lucky to be so blessed. Bet he’s having a wonderful time right now schmoozing rich bastards out of their fortunes with that stupid country accent and those big, ridiculous stories. I’d have stories too if I wasn’t rotting in a mill for a fucking decade. But no, instead Benny is out there living it up while I’m stuck here like a loser who can’t shake out a fucking plot to save his life! God, why is script writing so fucking hard?!” Benny heard the clattering of something crashing against the wall.

Tears burned the corners of his eyes. He took a shaky breath, steeled his nerves, wiped his face, and turned around. If that was really how he felt then he wouldn’t bother burdening him with an early arrival. As he went to step down the front steps he lost his footing, cursing as he tumbled into the dirt below. As he struggled to his feet he heard the sound of the door swinging open and William was standing above him on the porch. As if he didn’t feel small enough already. Ugh, and his hair was down. He had no idea why but somehow William’s hair being in that messy, unruly state of curls and frizz like he had just woken up from a hard night's sleep always made his mouth go dry and-

“Benny? I thought you weren’t supposed to be back for another 8 hours.” William’s voice broke through his racing thoughts.

“Meetin’ ended early. I chose not to stay behind for the drive back. Ran home as fast as I could.” He hoped his words didn’t sound too bitter. “You seemed busy so I figured I would come back later.” He dusted off his jacket and started walking away.

“No!” William yelped suddenly. He paused awkwardly, seemingly surprised at his own outburst. “I mean, uh, I just wasn’t expecting you so soon but it’s really great to have you back early.”

Benny scowled. “You sure? I would think my ‘stupid country accent’ would just distract you while you tried to work.” He spat.

“Oh…you heard that?” William looked at the ground shamefully. “Benny, I didn’t mean any-“

“I’m sure you didn’t.” Benny cut him off haughtily. “I’m sure you didn’t mean for me to overhear any of it.”

“Benny, come on I was frustrated. You know I don't actually think any of that stuff.”

Benny huffed and crossed his arms, looking away.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m pretty sure the only reason Horsley picked me over you was because the old rich bastards had way more fun making fun of me than they would’ve anybody else. Just one more person out there who can feel better knowin’ they’re smarter than me, right?”

“That’s ridiculous-Horsley is a nice guy, there’s no way he’d bring you along just to throw you to the dogs.”

“If he wanted someone that makes vampires look good he would’ve just taken you.” He sat down on the front steps, head in his hands. “God, I’m such an idiot; I seriously believed that someone saw somethin’ worth seein’ in me. Somethin’ besides a complete joke anyway.”

William sat down next to him, unsure of what to do.

Benny looked up at him, wearily. “ Do you have any idea what it’s like bein’ friends with someone who’s better than you at everythin’ that matters?”

William looked back at him, incredulous. “Are…are you fucking serious right now?”

Benny raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? Everyone knows it-you’re the one who’s got everything going for him. Looks, smarts, talent, charm. I’m just the guy who can run fast and is lucky to be your friend.”

William’s eyes narrowed. “ That’s not funny, Benoit.”

“What’s not funny?”

“This. This bullshit you’re pulling on me right now.” He stood back up, fiddling with his needle as he paced. “Do I know what it’s like? As a matter of fact, I do. I’m not an idiot, Benny. There’s no way you don’t notice the way every crew member is enthralled by your stories, how everyone seems to be saved just in the nick of time by your oh-so-sage wisdom about cowboy bullshit, how every two bit actress on set blushes and giggles around you like a braindead, lovesick, basketcase!” He made a frustrated, strangled noise and flopped back down. “Meanwhile, I’M the loser who writes crappy, pulpy, mediocre romance he’s never actually experienced and gets left behind when it’s time to do any of the real studio changing work.”

“Oh don’t give me that.” Benny responded, face flush. “I’m a novelty to our crew, your writin’ is the only thing good and earnest enough to keep these films afloat with all the trashy actors comin’ and goin’, and don’t get me started on all the actresses who I have to hear gush about that ‘tall, mysterious writer’ who gives them their scripts every week!” He groaned. “I’m not even a good director, I’m just a lousy stagehand with a fancier title to make me feel better-you’re the real creative genius.”

“You’re plenty creative.”

“Name one thing I do that isn’t yell ‘cut’ and ‘roll’ and do whiskey runs for Fahrney.” Benny grumbled.

William paused. He hadn’t expected to bring this one up today but he supposed if they were truly airing it all out.

“...You used to play music a lot.”

“Psh. I knew, like, one song.”

“Oh come on, don’t lie to me. I know you wrote some songs yourself. You just don’t ever share them for some reason.”

The color drained from Benny’s face. “How did you- Y-you haven’t heard any of ‘em, did you?”

“No. But I know you write them sometimes in your journal-don’t look at me like that; I know you journal when you think no one’s around, dumbass-and you hum when you write music.”

Benny stared down at his boots. William took his lack of response as clearance to continue.

“I miss your music. What happened to it?”

“Honestly? My guitar broke in Virginia when we had to fight through that swarm of-”

“giant bees with the silver tipped stingers, oh yeah. You broke it over that mage’s skull.” William finished.

“Well he was gonna get the jump on you; I couldn’t let that happen!”

William smiled for the first time since the conversation started, but quickly waned again. “ So, why didn’t you ever get a new one?” He asked. “It’s been years.”

“Didn’t think anyone cared for it much. Gets disheartenin’ after a spell to keep doing somethin’ that everyone around you doesn’t seem to like.”

“I liked it.”

“Why? You don’t listen to music much. Last time we were in the city you hated all the music we heard. Said it was just noisy bullshit.”

“I don’t know…I guess it’s different when it’s you.”

It didn’t seem possible for Benny’s face to get hotter and redder. He said nothing. William shuffled in closer, placing his bad hand on top of Benny’s. Benny gently brought it up to his bad cheek, and the two sat there, any remaining frustration from their spat evaporating and disappearing like mist in the wind.

“We can’t do this to each other.” William said. “We can’t get this jealous of each other. It’s not fair-it just hurts us. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had my fill of leaving you with scars.”

Benny pressed William’s hand harder against his cheek, like he was trying to memorize the feeling of his coarse, black palm contoured against his skin. Normally he’d flinch or wince if that part of his face was touched, but if it hurt he didn’t show any sign of it.

“I’d do anything to keep from leaving you hurt again, Willie. It’s just so hard to see myself as someone with anythin’ when I’m standin’ next to you, you’re so just so…lord I can’t think of a word strong enough to describe what you are. Some days I wake up and I think I must be the luckiest guy in America to be lyin’ next to you.”

“Psh, you’re one to talk.” William smiled, heat burning at his cheeks. “Some days when I wake up next to you and see your face it’s like I’m staring at the sun…but if it didn’t hurt to look directly at the sun, I mean. It’s not that you’re hard to look at, it's that you’re-I’m getting off track.” He took a breath. “I can’t believe I know someone like you. You’re not just something Benny-you’re everything I want.” William paused, eyes flickering with the recognition of what he’d just said, muscles tightening. “ Uh, to be. Everything I want to be.”

“Even with my stupid accent?” Benny laughed, somehow missing the obvious faux pas just committed in front him.

William’s body untensed. “It’s like honeyed silk on my ears.”

“I don’t think that makes sense.”

“It doesn’t have to, it sounds nice.”

“Well you would know-you’re the talented writer here.” Benny smirked up at him, like he had just won an argument William didn’t know they were still having.

William laughed, playfully shoving him away. “Fine, you got me. Maybe I’m not the worst at my job or something, I don’t know.”

The two sat there for just a moment more, wondering if the air felt this warm and comfortable to anyone else in the world right now.

“Alright, enough sappy shit, I need a drink and a change of clothes.” Benny stood up, preparing to head inside.

William shot up, looking more nervous than ever. “Uhhhhh, you sure you aren’t in the mood to go visit Zippy or something first? I hear he dug a really deep hole while you were gone!”

“What?”

“Yeah I don’t know. Or maybe we could-”

“William,” Benny stopped him. “Did you not get all the chores done?”

“Well, I, uh-”

“Come on buddy, it’s okay.” Benoit assured, opening the front door. I'm sure what you did manage was plenty goo-oh dear lord what did you do?”

“I can explain.”

“I have no idea how you possibly could in a way that makes sense but I am dyin’ to know what’s on the ceilin’.”

“That would be our bedsheets.”

“...You know what? If I had seen this before I overheard you talking shit I might’ve been more less upset because if I managed to do this to the house in two days I’d have a breakdown too.”

William laughed nervously. “At least you know for sure there’s something important that you’re always going to be better at than me?” He shrugged.

Benoit blinked a few times.

“Are you mad? You can be mad.” William winced.

Benny’s eyes scanned the room, still in disbelief before a cackle escaped his throat. William looked down at him as he started to double over with laughter and smiled, only one thought going through his head.

“How did I get so lucky?”

[artstar1997]

Happy First Shocktober Day! Halloween is four weeks away and I can finally show the first Monster AU artworks I made for the whole month. Here's Queen Poppy, Branch, and my trollsona, Queen Rose for my Monster AU, where all the trolls characters are gonna be monsters and outcasts (it has lots of horror and monster references so ask me about it).

Rose in the monster AU is a vampire (a strigoi) who is the lead singer and co-leader of both the Snack Pack and the Boo Crew. As the niece of the ultimate vampire king, Count Dracula and the granddaughter of Celestia, the vampire queen of the country that she rules over, Rose is one of the most powerful members of both groups. Highly intelligent, dramatic, sadistic, smart, temperamental, clever, logical, competent, wise, witty, mischievous, cunning and conniving, Rose pulls the strings behind the raids that she and her beast friends would plot against their prey, usually in a form of a flash mob musical number, but she is open for additional ideas as long as it’s useful and it works.

Even right from the start, Rose hates the Republic of Gilead for the oppression it instills on innocent humans that she would manipulate anyone to get to her prey/targets by exploiting the mistrust among the commanders, economen, and those who were loyal to them. She also finds sadistic pleasure in psychologically breaking her victims before even openly hunting them, a trait that she mentioned sharing it with her cousin Abigail from Transylvania. She has an insatiable hunger for revenge by ravaging the Republic’s human settlements, in which she displays sociopathy and psychopathy in the manner in which she murders her prey until she met Eagle, a human outcast who ends up falling for Twilight, another royal vampire who turned out to be one of Rose’s younger sisters. He was able to help Rose discover a path to change their perspectives, in a non-threatening way and was able to tell her the secret to bringing down the overarching regime once and for all.

Like all vampires, Rose has the regular powers of a vampire, like vampirization through the venom in her fangs, supernatural condition, healing factor, shapeshifting, and wall crawling, but because she is a strigoi, her vamp powers are in the highest level and she has the ability to move around at day, which usually kills a lower level vampire or a nosferatu but she is weakened by it. She also shares the same weaknesses as well such as decapitation and stakes (both are effective), silver (causes allergies), garlic (cause a vampire's throat to swell, get an upset stomach, or spit out deadly flames from their mouths if consumed), and fire (fire is lethal to vampires just as it is to any other creature, although due to their healing factor, they can survive it better than most) but she is immune to certain vampire weaknesses such as aversion to religious symbols or words, which depends, based on how strong the faith of a human is. Just like the royal vampires and the vampire monarchs, she has vampiric magic powers, lordship over lower level vampires, limited transcendence, and her mind has great mental prowess and abilities, which she uses to psycho-analyze the targets by undermining their self-confidence, exploit their weaknesses, provoke guilt, and simply to just mock them. The vampire gift that she gained after she endured the Vapors (a next level event in the afterlife of vampires who turn 115 after they have the fangceañera and earn their capes but they gain their unique vampire powers after enduring it) is her sound manipulation and vocals powers, which she uses to bewitch potential victims or targets, usually humans through her voice and manipulate them under her command.

Poppy in the monster AU is a werewolf alongside Branch, but Poppy has reddish fur alongside her twin sister, Viva and her dad Peppy, while Branch has silver fur, one of the two colors (the other is gray) that his pack have. As an alpha, Poppy is known for being idealistic, determined, compassionate, cheerful, sweet, kind, energetic, enthusiastic, and committed to helping all those around her while being somewhat naive while Branch is the second-in-command, who is over-cautious, detached, efficient, reserved and rational but over time, he started to become more open and accepting to other monsters aside from his pack, albeit he is also wary about rogues and humans.

Poppy first met Rose when she was a three year old pup and Rose was a five year old vampire. Their first meeting made Rose laugh out of happiness that she grew her fangs and gained her first set powers. They become the closest cave friends that they ended up leading two teams, the Snack Pack, and the Boo Crew. Poppy is also curious about humans that she would borrow books about humans from the Nevermore Castle because of her fascination of them, which Rose doesn’t mind as long as it’s useful when they raid human settlements for their targets and potential victims. She is also the first to accept Eagle to their group.

Branch, on the other hand, first met Rose when he was a toddler and she was a three year old by the time his holder brothers, John Dory, Spruce, Clay, and Floyd used to babysit her, which is difficult because Rose tends to crawl on walls and ceilings. Even as Rose and Poppy became best friends, they would see him a lot until his grandma, Rosiepuff, who was the former alpha until his aunt took over, was shot by a monster hunter. Because of this trauma, Branch spent most of his time with his pack for years until he reunited with them and joined the Snack Pack. He shows distrust over Eagle when he accidentally came to the Nevermore Castle, due to being a human but as time passes on, Branch started to trust him when Eagle discovers that he is an outcast and teaches him and the monsters that not all humans are evil.

For the physiology, Branch and Poppy possess superhuman condition, a lycanthropic infection in their saliva that enables them to turn humans into werewolves via bites, and wolf physiology that all werewolves possess. These traits are also enhanced during the full moon but they also have the same aversion to silver as vampires and other werewolves do. When it comes to what parts of their kill to eat, which is usually cooked, Poppy (and her twin, Viva) love to eat the hearts of their prey while Branch loves eating the drumstick (usually legs or arms).

Btw, there are more to come so be prepared for the Snack Pack as monsters in my monster AU! Stay tuned ghouls and mansters!

[vickyvicarious]

Somehow Arthur feels very, very close to me. I seem to feel his presence warm about me. I suppose it is that sickness and weakness are selfish things and turn our inner eyes and sympathy on ourselves, whilst health and strength give Love rein, and in thought and feeling he can wander where he wills. I know where my thoughts are. If Arthur only knew!

I know there have been a bajillion thinkpieces written lectured and adapted about how blood giving or taking is sex and sexual appetite etc but man vampire lore is sleeping on blood being a vessel of one's love

So true!

Especially when we consider the difference between the vampires drinking vs. the humans transfusing. Like, I was musing about this exact thing the other day. With each transfusion, Van Helsing (et al) is performing a kind of medical vampirism. But there are a couple key differences between that and actual vampirism. And the love is the biggest one.

We see humans giving blood as an expression of their love. They are willingly sacrificing their own health to heal another. The first transfusion makes this extremely clear, with Arthur speaking of his devotion using the words:

"My life is hers, and I would give the last drop of blood in my body for her."

And that's before he even knows she needs it! Love and devotion and bleeding for another are already linked concepts in his mind, and this line makes the connection clear to readers too. As for the result - in this diary entry you quote, Lucy describes the effect as not only a physical boost, but a kind of spiritual/emotional one too. It's not just that she is physically doing better and feeling happier because of that. She is specifically thinking of Arthur after he has given her blood, and feels her love for him stronger than ever. There's a sense that his blood, full of his love for her, is in her veins now, and her love for him is strengthened by it. After Jack gives her blood, we get one of the best moments in their relationship, with the shared secret/smile at one another about the past failed proposal. I think this is such a wonderful gesture of friendship and platonic love. I wouldn't be surprised if Lucy is feeling closer than ever to him in that and similar moments too... and it doesn't have to be because of his blood in her veins, but couldn't that be a contributing factor? (We can also say maybe empath!Lucy helps her feel the effect of the emotion in the blood even more, but that's slightly beside the point.)

I've even wondered if perhaps in-universe, emotional connection makes a transfusion more likely to be successful. Remember, at the time the book was written, blood types had not yet been figured out, so the success or failure of transfusions was kind of a mystery (though only for another like three years after publishing). We can easily say "oh, Lucy is conveniently a universal recipient" and leave it at that. But thematically, it would be quite fitting if the closeness between two people makes them more likely to have their blood 'accepted'. It would also fit with the comments Van Helsing made that Arthur "can do more than any that live," or is "better than me, better than my friend John" when it's time for him to give Lucy blood. Sure, it makes logical sense for someone who isn't her doctor to do it, and he is young and healthy (and tall! more blood!), but there's also a sense that he has more 'right' to do so than the others, because he is her lover. If we run with that, the love linking them makes his blood more effective, or at least more likely to be accepted.

Now, let's contrast all of this good, love-filled blood-gifting with vampires, shall we? Just as Arthur spoke of his love in terms of giving blood, the vampires speak of taking blood in terms of love:

"He is young and strong; there are kisses for us all."

(Not to mention the whole "you never love"/"oh yes I can" exchange afterwards. That's an even more explicit example in a lot of ways, just a bit longer than this one line.) In a sense, vampires taking blood is an expression of their 'love'. But as I discussed in the post linked above, a vampire's version of love is predatory. It consumes. They don't accept blood that is willingly given. Instead they take blood, and forcibly compel people to 'offer' it to them by suppressing their minds/negative emotions in a hypnotic trance. This is where you could bring back the sex comparison, but only in the sense of an assault. They might make their victims come to them, but they aren't really consenting. There's a reason the word love is in quotation marks for them! And the absence of blood being willingly given means that rather than being a vessel for love like we see amongst the humans, instead any link created between the vampire and their 'donor' is very predatory. There is a connection created there, but it's one that is designed to make it easier to feed more, to corrupt their victim more. Maybe Dracula can feel Lucy in some way, just like she felt Arthur - but maybe it's more in the sense of him being able to know where she is or to influence her more. In fact, there is plenty of suggestion that some kind of psychic link is created between a vampire and their victim, one that can perhaps go both ways at times (such as Jonathan possibly getting a glimpse of Dracula's plans after being drunk from) but typically only serves to weaken and manipulate the victim (Lucy unable to remember or speak about what happens to her, down to the point of even hiding her bitemarks with her choker; if we go back to that Jonathan scene, his brain fever coming on so abruptly could be some sort of psychic attack/backlash).

There are also some interesting implications regarding spoilers, so I'm going to put those under a cut:

Firstly, Mina being forced to drink Dracula's blood clearly establishes a connection between them. It is explicitly a corrupting influence, and is described as being like a "poison" - very much the opposite of the strengthening connection Lucy experiences with willingly given human blood. And some of that is clearly just due to it being a vampire's blood, but maybe the fact that she's forced to ingest it against her will could be a factor too. Like, Lucy is unaware of getting transfusions, but they're all from people she loves and who love her, so her body doesn't reject them. I wonder whether, if someone really wanted to become a vampire and very willingly drank the vampire blood, then the process of turning into one might be easier or faster than the slow, disorienting decline Mina suffers in canon. Obviously how much human blood you have left in you and how close you are to dying makes a difference too, as seen with Lucy. And we don't officially know if Dracula made Lucy drink his blood too and that's always part of the vampire transformation, or if that was an extra magical measure against Mina. So it's getting way into speculation.

But the drinking blood = connection is definitely made clear with Mina. She is able to turn that against Dracula, so it at least can go both ways when the blood-giver is supernatural. I doubt it would go both ways with an ordinary human donor, but it still could support Lucy getting more connected with the people giving her blood. In fact, you could play around with that idea since she's also connected to Dracula as his victim.

.

Anyways, speaking of getting super far into speculation, let's dive a little more into the idea of a willing donor/victim for a vampire. For example, the reason a vampire doesn't get the loved-up connection is not necessarily entirely inherent to their nature, but to the behavior that nature leads to. Maybe it's the way they are preying on people and taking things that twists whatever connection is created into such a bad thing. And if so, what would happen if a human willingly donated their blood to a vampire as an expression of love?

Instead of taking, the vampire would be accepting a gift. Maybe then the love really would flow through. Maybe, even, this would mean that the person giving the blood didn't suffer as many negative effects, and the vampire drinking the blood would receive some of that more healing influence. You all know what I'm getting at. If Jonathan gave his blood to Mina in full knowledge of what was happening, would it connect her to him even more strongly? Would it, rather than hastening her descent into vampirism, conversely help her hold on to her humanity because she feels more connected to his very human love? Maybe he wouldn't suffer the same effects as usual victims - he wouldn't forget and maybe he wouldn't even feel as weakened as blood loss usually should make someone feel. Maybe he'd even get a bit of vampiric influence leaking back, but only the beneficial stuff.

It's not something I've ever considered before, but it could be a really fun idea to play with. You could even make a case for it in canon if you really tried, citing stuff like Jonathan's cold hands and flinging the coffin near the end of the book, and Mina's certainty about his location and safety. She feels the humanizing emotional connection and his presence; he isn't weakened and maybe even gets some vampiric strength/intimidating vampire aura when he needs it. Rather than a predatory connection, it is one which goes both ways and strengthens both, because it combines the supernatural elements of a vampire with the strengthening effects of willingly given love-filled blood.

That might only work in the short term, and the vampiric corruption would overwhelm and ruin things in the long run, of course. And you definitely don't have to go down that road at all in the first place. Or all the way - maybe you only like the idea of his blood helping her feel more connected to him/feel his love for her, rather than going down the whole rabbithole. But however much you use, it's a fun concept to play with, I think!

[ghostselkie]

White Raven Dracula AU vampire lore

Alright, so first off, all the misfits are vampires. These are their ages (excluding the time they spent as a human):

Lenore ≈300 years old

Duke ≈250 years old

Pluto ≈230 years old

Eulalie ≈170 years old

Berenice ≈140 years old

Morella ≈60 years old

Now my vampires are going to be really close to the vampires in Bram Stoker's Dracula but it's not going to be exact. Also, all vampires have the same base powers, but as they get older, certain powers start to develop, with them being fully unlocked at the ages mentioned.

Powers and abilities:

Super human strength (average is roughly equivalent to 20 men)

Supper human speed and agility (average is roughly equal to 20 men)

Normal attacks will pass through their body as if it was air

Flight, to an extent. They mostly use it to hover in place and can move about as fast as they can walk normally.

They can crawl up walls and along ceilings in much the same way a lizard can.

Supernaturally alluring charisma (though not all vampires have this to the same extent). They can very easily persuade people to do things on their behalf, even against some ones better judgment.

Teleportation. As long as they've been some where and know how to get there.

Can slip through spaces too narrow for any human to be able to slip through. As long as the gap is the width of a hair, they can slip through it.

They can ride moon beams. Basically, moon rays will speed up how fast they can fly, but they can only do this in straight lines.

Ability to command creatures of the night such as wolves, rats, bats, owls, foxes and moths. This power is typically fully unlocked when vampires who are roughly 50 years old.

Illusory abilities. Typically, they fully unlock at around 100 years old, though the extent to which each vampire can use them varies wildly.

Shapeshifting, typically fully unlocked when vampires reach 200 years old. Younger vampires can shapeshift in to one thing before the age of 200, and this typically becomes their signature form. They can change their size and proportions to an unknown extent (the older the vampire the grater the extent). All vampires can shift in to all manner of forms, but most vampires have a tendency towards certain forms, with others feeling slightly uncomfortable. Regardless of what animals they have a tendency wards all vampires are comfortable as bats, wolves, large dogs, or fog/mist. Note: the attacks passing through them as if they where mist and the slipping through narrow entrances are thought to be instinctive versions of this power.

Weather manipulation, as well as directing elements such as storms, fog, wind, rain, and even lightning. The range at which they can do this varies among vampires. Also it's typically only a power seen used by vampires who are 300 years old.

They can slowly heal injuries as long as they are well-fed. It's quite a bit faster than the rate humans heal at, but not nearly as fast as most pop culture healing factors.

Weaknesses and limitations on powers:

Holly water burns them like acid

Any holy weapons will harm them like normal weapons would a human

Really any object with any religious significance can harm them

A stake through the hart will paralyze them

Beheading will kill them

They are repulsed by garlic (and garlic flowers), and repelled by any religious imagery

A wild roes stalk laid on their coffin will prevent them from rising at night.

All vampires lose most of their powers during the day. They are still quite strong and agile, though not to nearly the same extent. They can also still transform, though only at noon, dawn or dusk (at night they can shift when ever).

They have to sleep in their home land for their powers to recharge at their full rate. They can travel, but their powers will recharge at a slower rate and they are generally hungrier. They will eventually acclimate though. The rate at which their powers recharge will return to normal with in a few weeks.

They can't cross running water unless it's at low or high tide. If it's not during those times then they have to be caried across. And to bord a boat they have to do so during high or low tide, or be caried on board.

They can't enter a place unless invited. Once invited though, they can enter and leave at will.

Death sleep: Vampires go in to a death like sleep most days. It's nigh impossible for them to wake up until the sun sets. They can also go into this willingly and wake any time, even decades or centuries later.

They can't eat human food, if force fed they will immediately spit it out. If food is swallowed they will immediately vomit it up. Also it tastes absolutely foul to them. They can drink stuff, it just dosn't taste as good and they have to throw it up later unless its been mixed with blood.

Inhuman Traits:

They can see in the dark and in complete darkness, and their vision is better than that of a professional baseball player. 20/5 too 20/1. They do have some photosensitivity, so they cant se as well in the day time.

really good hearing

also a decently good sense of smell

They don't cast shadows

They don't have a reflection

Long, verry razor canines

Their teeth are unnaturally white. They are also perfectly straight, like a decade of orthodontia straight.

Some have pointed ears (length varies)

Their eyes glow.

Some can have slit pupils, or pupils of other weird shapes, but those are less common.

Some have claws (don't worry shape shifting can get rid of them temporarily, they can also be clipped, but they'll grow back like normal nails)

Some have harry palms

They can spend years and years alone with out it effecting them mentally, though they will often form groups called coteries, usually for mutual protection, or just companionship, as immortality can be boring if you don't have people to share it with. These groups typically do not exceed ten members.

They are typically more sedentary than humans on account of not being able to travel easily; though it's not unheard of for a bored vampire to be struck by some wander lust, during which they can literally travel all over the globe if they have the means.

Vampirism:

Vampires need blood to survive. Human blood is best for them. Animal blood works in a pinch, so does bottled blood, but it doesn't taste nearly as good, and you need a lot to sate your hunger. Vampires can also drink the blood of other vampires, but this is more of an intimate action as it is a huge show of trust.

The sight of human blood will trigger their blood lust. Upon seeing it, they will feel an uncontrollable urge to feed of that person. Some vampires are able to snap themselves out of it once they've drank enough, some are not. Some vampires are able to direct their blood lust, but regardless, some one is getting severally injured by the end of it.

A complete lack of blood in their system will also trigger blood lust. This type of blood lust is harder to snap out of though; usually one human will be fully exsanguinated before they snap out of it.

For some one to be turned into a vampire they need to be bit by a vampire tree separate times at least 24 hours apart, then drink some of the vampires blood, then die. If they don't die, then they will start gradually showing the traits of vampirism, eventually dying of starvation due to not being able to eat food.

being bit by a vampire feels good (not like vtm good though)

also a human who was bit by a vampire and didn't know it was going to happen is unlikely to remember the event, at least not fully. They might remember the vibe of something happening but not actually what happened. Or they'll remember it like it was a dream with the details being all fuzzy. Or they'll remember the event but their brain will re write it to make it make sense, like they'll think a bug bit them, or something.

I will make a separate post about character lore cause this got long.

[scarlet--wiccan]

Visual languages aside, do you know how to differentiate in the casting spell part? Like which spells are from witchcraft and which is from chaos magic?

Well, Wanda doesn't really cast spells with chaos magic, at least not in the same way she does witchcraft. Chaos magic and her mutant/mutate hex power are innate abilities, but witchcraft, spellcasting, and so forth are skills that she's learned through study and practice, and that's what you're seeing when she's using invocations, rituals, symbols and sigils, etc. So that's the main difference. I have a longer post, here, about how witchcraft is distinguished from other forms of magic in the Marvel world

Admittedly, there is a lot of overlap, especially after the late 90s when her powers, for better or for worse, became a lot more streamlined. More on that here and here. Nowadays, we consider chaos magic to be her primary power, and there is an aspect of it in everything she does. But usually, the text makes it pretty clear when she, or Billy, are bringing it to the fore, as it's often employed as the driving factor in important plot moments.

Anyways this is how I would break Wanda's powers down into reliable, easy to understand abilities. I tried to stick as close to canon as possible, but this is more like a creative interpretation meant to give a more distinctive, characteristic view of her abilities that's really grounded in her established lore.

Hex power-- Innate power. Controlling physical matter and energy, ranging from simple telekinesis to complex manipulation of the laws of physics; flight & levitation, gravity manipulation; generated energy attacks, explosions; subverting, distorting, amplifying or redirecting other people's science/physics based powers. Hexes are primarily cast through focus and visualization. Efficacy correlates to Wanda's comprehension of the phyiscal laws or structures she's manipulating and resultant ability to visualize.

Witchcraft-- Learned skill and hereditary talent. Communication with nature and spirits; elemental manipulation; mystical and extrasensory perception; protection and healing abilities; illusions; astral projection; conjuring and manifestation (such as the weapons and animals we've seen in Scarlet Witch). Spells are typically cast using symbols, verbal invocations, or ritual working and should be based primarily on real-world culture and language, as 'witchcraft' is used as shorthand for folk magic. Efficacy correlates to Wanda's demonstrated knowledge of folkways, mythology, language, etc.

Chaos magic-- Innate power, initially overwhelming and difficult to control; trial, experience, and recent victories over Cthon have led to greater mastery. Abilities include temporal and spatial distortions, portals, teleportation; matter transmutation; subverting, distorting, amplifying and redirecting other people's magic; the capacity to transcend the boundaries of life and death; calling forth destructive primordial powers.

As a Nexus Being-- ability to channel, absorb, and synthesize foreign sources of magical power; multiverse traversal and inter-dimensional scrying; applied reality alteration.

As the Living Darkhold--ability to call upon the Darkhold's corrosive power and unleash demonic manifestations without harmful side-effects; ability to bind or transform vampires, werewolves, and other related "monsters" and eldritch-spawn; binding and balancing entropic chaos.

[gothamnewsnetwork-official]

The Latest Outbreak: Vampirism

Gotham City has never been known for normality. Supervillains, drug lords, bat-themed vigilantes, eco-terrorism; these are just a few of the countless difficulties and obstacles faced by Gothamites in their day-to-day lives.

One would think that, given all this, the people of Gotham could live through anything, and normally they’d be right.

Unfortunately there is something, or someone, new terrorizing the streets of our beloved city. A blood born infection with no known cure; Vampirism.

It has been four days since the first report of the virus, an anonymous source contacted us to let us know of a creature, humanoid, attacking two civilians in crime alley. This would be nothing out of the ordinary for Gotham if the two victims, pronounced DOA to Gotham Med (see related articles), had not disappeared before their bodies could be identified.

What was originally suspected to be foul play on the part of the hospital was later ruled out, given the fact that both victims were spotted multiple times in and around crime alley.

When asked to describe their appearance, one citizen who claims to have seen the pair described them as ashen, erratic, and frenzied. Claiming that he had originally thought them to be addicts, given how they were switching between being sluggish and lethargic to alert and conscious repeatedly.

The citizen then claims to have witnessed the two disappear between buildings, hearing a loud scream a few moments later, then seeing the pair reappear from the alley nearly 15 minutes later covered in blood.

This, along with multiple other accounts of such incidents involving both the original two victims but also multiple other missing persons, leads us to one answer; an outbreak of Vampirism (see related articles).

The symptoms of Vampirism vary, some may developing super-strength, speed, increased healing factors (see related articles), even immortality (see related articles), but one thing always remains the same; a thirst for human blood. Because of this many of those afflicted with Vampirism have taken to feeding on animals, something akin to us humans and metas sustaining ourselves solely on meal-replacement bars.

We sent one of our interns to speak with a few members of the Vampire community to get their two cents on the outbreak, as well as interviewing a few experts in the field.

Mr. Rosario ( @hinata-rosario-revamped ) (see related articles) stated that he had been turned only a few days prior to our interview. He had been walking home from working a night shift, passing through crime alley (see related articles), when he was attacked and bitten. The next day he had already developed the disease.

Because of the attack he is perpetually cold and hungry, terrified of himself and of outliving those around him. He claims he can no longer eat human food, touch garlic, silver, or holy water, cross running water, or go in the sun (see related articles). Unlike traditional depictions of Vampires (see related articles), he can, however, see himself in mirrors due to the fact that they are no longer backed by silver but aluminum.

He has developed fangs, something we can only imagine to be quite distressing, but has no knowledge of if he will develop any form of super strength, speed, or healing.

When asked about prominent vampire figure, Mr. Wing (better known as the Vampire King) ( @vamp-wing ), he responded -

“He should chug some garlic laced holy water”

A sentiment shared by many, given that the Vampire King (see related articles) is suspected to have started the current outbreak, having infected nearly everyone in his own universe with the disease.

We were also able to speak with a variant of Robin IV (see related articles) from the Vampire Kings universe. For the sake of simplicity we will be referring to him as Vampire Robin in this article. This is what he had to say on the matter of his transformation and the dangers associated the ‘Vampire King’-

“I was changed by the Vampire King in my world. He’s called Mr. Wing or Nightwing. He changed me several months ago.

At the time, the vampire outbreak was going on with the entire Justice League having changed. Father put us into hiding, he’s Batman in my world. Then, when he began realizing there was a mole in our group, Nightwing killed him.

I went to attack him, then he bit me. It was… painful. I was paralyzed and in pain. The last I remember was watching Nightwing kill Red Robin. We had our fights, but Red Robin was my brother and I felt like a failure in not saving him.”

He then goes on to explain that when we awoke he was taken in by Bruce Wayne (see related articles) and his butler, Alfred Pennyworth (see related articles). The Bruce Wayne of Vampire Robin’s universe had been funding Batman for several years and decided to help Vampire Robin despite him developing Vampirism.

When asked if he believes the Vampire King could be behind the outbreak in our universe he replied that, while he cannot be certain given that he has not yet travelled to our universe, it is entirely possible. He recommends that citizens daring to brave the city, even with the risk of being eaten alive, drink as much Holy Water (see related articles) as possible and carry garlic on their person at all times.

As for the symptoms he has experienced, he, like Mr. Rosario, states that he is constantly hungry and cold. His teeth have sharpened to fangs and his eyes have become red. All his senses are heightened, as well as his healing factor, and his blood no longer flows given that he relies on the blood of others to survive. He can no longer be in sunlight without burning and has become fully nocturnal.

As for how it has impacted him mentally, he states the the following -

“Emotionally, I feel disconnected from all of my loved ones, especially ones that are still human. I can’t be around them without wanting to eat them. It can feel isolating, especially on the diet I’m on where I only drink from blood bags. Most vampires don’t do that.”

As well as stating that when the hunger becomes near unbearable it is difficult to distinguish between humans and livestock.

Though we attempted to reach out to the Vampire King for an interview, he did not respond, something we now believe to be a blessing in disguise for our intern.

The most unfortunate part of this is that, while there are ways to mitigate the symptoms of Vampirism, there is no known cure nor any research into one going on at this time. We urge any and all scientists and academics reading this to act on finding a cure at once, and believe it should be our nations top priority.

Tell us your thoughts on the topic (here)

Gotham Reports is certified in fair, reliable, and unbiased reporting.

Due to a host of reasons, Gotham Reports’ uploading schedule will be irregular between 3:00 pm (pacific time) on Friday, August 9th to 9:00 pm (pacific time) on Monday, August 12th

[sephirthoughts]

Father: Verb

Summary: 11 year-old WMD Sephiroth is assigned a new handler/bodyguard, named Vincent Valentine.

(chapter 1 linked at bottom)

Chapter 2: Fried Chicken Family Dinner

******WARNING: REFERENCED TORTURE, CHILD ABUSE, ATTEMPTED SUICIDE******

******WARNING: HOJO******

Vincent didn’t come that morning. It was for the best, though, since Sephiroth had to go see the old professor, today. It was a regular part of his routine, but he had an instinctive desire to hide this specific thing from Vincent.

More than anything, he couldn’t bear the thought of Vincent seeing him, like that; a screaming, blubbering mess, drooling and stupid, strapped down to stop him clawing at his own body. Sometimes he vomited or pissed himself from the pain. He’d die of humiliation, if Vincent saw any of that.

He heard people talk enviously about his superior strength and his healing abilities, but a lot of times, he wished he didn’t have them. If he didn’t, maybe he wouldn’t have to keep going to the old professor to have these awful tests done on him, all the time. His one consolation was that they said he was getting stronger. He controlled himself better, every time, and he screamed a lot less than he used to. Most times he didn’t even lose consciousness.

This, however, was not one of those times. The old professor was abnormally strident, today, even for him, and when they wheeled Sephiroth back to his rooms, that evening, he was half catatonic, lying on the gurney, staring into oblivion, his green eyes glowing like fireflies, from the mako saturation.

His healing factor was frankly dizzying, however, and the chemical burns had completely faded from his ivory skin, before he even left the lab. By the time they got him to his quarters, his broken limbs had mostly healed.

When Vincent arrived, early the next morning, Sephiroth was as good as new, and there was no sign whatsoever that he’d been injured, at all. Vincent, however, had dark circles under his scarlet eyes, and was even more deathly-pale than usual.

“What’s the matter, Vincent, are you ill?” the boy asked, when he stepped in the door.

“I don’t get sick,” Vincent said curtly, which was how he said most things, and to which tone Sephiroth took no offense. “I had…trouble sleeping.”

“I don’t get sick, either. But I do have trouble sleeping. You should tell them to give you sedatives. They help a lot.”

“How was training yesterday? What did you do?”

Had my arms and legs crushed in a hydraulic press, my skin burned with caustic chemicals, got nearly drowned in a tank of mako, over and over, and was electrocuted until I vomited blood and passed out.

“Nothing special. Where were you?”

“Other assignment.”

The boy’s silver brows lowered. “You’re not bodyguarding someone else, are you? Because I forbid it. I won’t have your attention divided.”

“I’m not guarding anyone else, don’t act like a jealous wife,” Vincent replied, pointing to the door. “Breakfast. Move it.”

After Vincent became his handler, Sephiroth was given autonomy regarding his meals, and he chose to abjure the nutritional pastes, despite their efficiency, and eat in the dining hall, where everyone else ate. He had also refused the officers’ privilege of skipping ahead, and so the oddly matched pair became a common sight in the dining facility line.

People smiled behind their sleeves, to see the tiny, silver-haired nuclear bomb chatting blithely to his tall, black-haired, vampiric protector, as they waited in line, along with the rank and file, carrying trays, as if they were regular people.

An unintentional consequence of this, was that Sephiroth’s example shamed the other officers out of exercising that privilege, as well, and doing so immediately fell out of vogue within the upper ranks (except among the senior researchers, who only cared about getting nourishment as quickly as possible and getting back to work).

“Vincent, you’ve introduced me to so many good foods. Why don��t you eat?” Sephiroth asked, as he scooped up a forkful of fluffy, yellow scrambled eggs.

Vincent had a full tray of food in front of him, as well, but as per their usual, he would consume nothing, and Sephiroth would eagerly devour both their meals.

“No digestive system,” Vincent answered evenly. “At least, not a human one.”

“Mm,” Sephiroth nodded, when he’d finished chewing and swallowing. “I wondered if that were the case. You don’t have a heartbeat, either.”

“No heart to beat. I suppose you could say, I’m not even really alive.”

“Yes, you are,” Sephiroth contended, staunchly. “You don’t need a heart to be alive. Plenty of things live without hearts.”

“Like what?”

“Jellyfish, sea cucumbers, starfish, flatworms.”

Vincent’s shoulders slumped. “So…you think of me as a flatworm.”

“Well, not exactly. There’s some kind of materia in your body. Flatworms don’t have that.”

“Materia,” Vincent frowned. “How did you know about that?”

“I just know. I can sense its power all over you,” Sephiroth shrugged, without looking up. He was in the process of cutting his stack of pancakes into perfectly even twelfths.

“You just know? No one told you anything about me?”

“I haven’t asked. I would like to know what happened to you. But I thought you would rather tell me, than have me hear about it from someone else.”

“I did this to myself. There’s nothing to tell.”

Sephiroth’s eyes widened. “How could you do that to yourself? Destroying your major organs and replacing your heart with materia, would be—”

“I said, there’s nothing to tell!” Vincent snarled, his crimson eyes flashing a warning gold. “You are never to ask me about this again, understood?”

“U—understood,” Sephiroth faltered, taken aback by the perpetually mild-mannered Vincent’s abrupt shift in mood.

Just as quickly as it had risen, however, the storm passed. Vincent crossed his arms and receded into his cloak, till almost none of his face was visible. “No more talking. Eat our breakfasts. We have a lot of work to do, today.”

In the training yard, Sephiroth was practicing a new set of highly technical sword forms, that he’d devised himself. Vincent watched from the sidelines, with his arms still crossed under his cloak, so the boy couldn’t see his hands shaking.

Touching so close to that subject had terrified him so much, he almost swore he could feel the heart he did not have pounding in his disfigured chest. But he hadn’t said anything. He hadn’t broken the agreement. The old bastard wouldn’t call foul, just because the boy asked a question, would he?

No. He wouldn’t want to terminate their deal. Not yet. Vincent wasn’t fool enough to trust that sick psychopath, of course, but the man had some purpose of his own, in sending Vincent to take over Sephiroth’s care. That much was clear. Otherwise, he’d never have got within shouting distance of Lucrecia’s child.

Walking on tenterhooks around the subject of their complicated relationship to one another was a small price to pay, for being allowed to be close to the boy. This, after all, was the only way he’d be able to do what he had to do. The only way to gain absolution for Lucrecia. By cutting off this poisoned vine at the root. By killing her son.

As if he sensed the killing intent directed at him, the boy turned and looked at Vincent, across the training yard. His silver hair was hanging about his face, and his sword was pointed at the ground. For the briefest moment, an image of Sephiroth standing in this same pose, amidst a sea of flames, flashed across Vincent’s vision.

When he blinked, it was gone. The little boy was smiling at him, guileless and trusting. Proud of the skill he’d been demonstrating, and seeking approval from his mentor.

Vincent gave a slight nod of acknowledgement. It wasn’t much, but even that was enough to fuel Sephiroth for days. The child was so starved for human warmth, that the smallest word or gesture of kindness, or even the slightest affectionate touch, lit him up like a firework.

That was the worst part. His sweetness and vulnerability—his absolute innocence, contrasted with his superior intelligence, only made this all the more difficult. He was disarming and enchanting, and made one want to open their heart and let him crawl inside. The child may be an abomination, but even Vincent was not immune to his allure. A fallen angel was an angel, nonetheless.

Sephiroth was simply a different kind of being, to the rest of humanity. He was beautiful in a way that other people could never be. He was gentle and quiet, but as strong and sharp as steel. He was uncertain and self-conscious, but anyone who came close to him, he drew in and captivated, until they desired nothing more than to do anything and everything they could for him.

And his magnetism would only grow, as he got older and came into his own. An adult Sephiroth, at the height of his charisma and power, would be…a force of nature.

But right now, he was just a little boy in a cage. And the person he looked up to most was planning to slaughter him like an unblemished lamb, and make him a sacrifice, by whose blood the sins of his fathers would be washed clean.

When he thought of killing Lucrecia’s child, Vincent wanted to put Cerberus in his own mouth and pull the trigger. Not that it would do any good. He’d tried taking the quick and dirty way out, before, only to find that Chaos wouldn’t allow him to die.

Since he couldn’t atone with his own death, he must at least offer up those of the two others, in this thicket of thorns. He must rid the world of the monster they’d created, before it destroyed everything in its path, and turned the planet into a hell of fire and ash.

She had spoken to him, in that long darkness, and this was her wish. Hojo, the sinner. Sephiroth, the sin. Both must die, so the many may live.

He took his hand off the weapon in his holster. Not yet. Let him have a little more time. Just a little longer. Then, when the time did come, he would not waver. This was Lucrecia’s will, and Vincent must be her blade. It was the least he could do, for the one he’d failed so utterly.

Wasn’t it?

“Vincent, do you know what I want to eat for supper?” Sephiroth said, as they walked back toward his quarters.

“Spaghetti,” Vincent hazarded.

“Wrong! Tonight, I want to try something new. I want fried chicken.”

“Fried chicken. That shouldn’t be too difficult for the kitchen to make.”

“But I don’t want it from the kitchen. I heard some people talking about a place called an inn, in Nibelheim, where they make the best fried chicken in the world, or so they claim. I want to eat fried chicken from that place.”

Vincent balked. “You…want to leave the manor?”

“It’s close by, in the town. We won’t even have to take a transport. We can just walk.”

“Have you ever left the manor, before?”

“Well. No. But I’ve been looking at the town from the windows, my whole life, and I’ve never been there. Now that you’re here, I thought they might let me, if I go with you.”

“Sephiroth, this…this is not going to be an easy thing to get approved. You’re Shinra’s most valuable asset.” It also meant he’d have to speak to that person, but he did not say that aloud.

Sephiroth took Vincent’s big hand in both of his and tugged on it, looking up at him imploringly, with his large, long-lashed eyes. “Please, Vincent? Please, just ask? For me?”

Several minutes later, in one of the many top-secret areas, in the sub-basement of Shinra manor:

A dry, cackling laugh rang out, over the towers of bizarre lab equipment. “So, you want to take the boy to town, do you? Give the dog an inch and it wants a mile, eh?”

“It’s for one meal,” Vincent said icily. “Sephiroth has a right to experience normal things, like other children experience.”

“A right? He has no rights! He is an asset! An asset that belongs to me!”

Vincent crossed his arms. “Don’t you mean Shinra?”

“Yes, yes, of course,” the professor said, waving his hand dismissively. “I don’t have time for nonsense, so don’t come in here annoying me with these petty little things, anymore. Take the asset wherever you want to take him. Only, remember the leash I’ve got you on. And what happens, if you decide to try anything foolish.”

“How could I forget,” Vincent said, under his breath, as he turned and swept out of the room.

When he was gone, that deranged cackle rang out again, only this time it was uglier and even more gleeful. “Yes, take the boy out for treats, you stupid, dead dog. Sweeten him up. Make him like you. Make him trust you. All the better to teach him a lesson, about where he places his trust.”

When the two stepped out of the front gate of Shinra Manor, it occurred to Vincent that this was the first time either of them had left the place, in more than eleven years. It felt like less of a big deal than he would’ve expected. Nothing had changed, much.

As they entered the town, Sephiroth grabbed his hand, almost reflexively. Vincent’s nonexistent heart shattered into even more pieces. He glanced down at the boy, who was looking about, wide-eyed, at everything. Did he really have to kill this child? Was there no other way to avert the terrible fate she foresaw?

Nibelheim was a backwater nothing of a place, but Sephiroth had never been anywhere, so of course it was novel and exciting to him. Much like the very mundane foods he was constantly delighted by. The people he’d overheard talking hadn’t specified which inn, but the town had exactly one, so it wasn’t as if they could pick wrong.

To their discomfiture, the innkeeper and his staff appeared to have been waiting for them, and greeted them exuberantly as they entered the place. Sephiroth’s grip on Vincent’s hand tightened, but he had his placid, self-defense smile fixed on his pretty face, and no one would’ve suspected for a moment that his little hand was shaking.

“You’re the Shinra agent, right?” the innkeeper said, waving them in. “Manor called down a little while ago, said you’d be comin’ in. We’ve got a table all ready for you. Ah, this must be your son! Good lookin’ lad. Strong family resemblance, there, no mistake. Millie! Get out here and meet the gentleman from Shinra and his boy!”

Vincent was too dumbstruck to refute the man’s assumption, and Sephiroth just kept smiling and clutching his hand more tightly. Rather than correct the error, Vincent decided to let it slide and greet the innkeeper’s wife politely, in order to get this over with as quickly as possible.

She came out, drying her hands on an apron, cooed over Sephiroth’s prettiness and made more remarks to the effect of him strongly resembling his handsome father, and at long last, they were led to a table.

“Those people think I’m your son. They even said I look like you,” Sephiroth said, in an undertone, when the innkeeper and his wife had finally gone away, to let them look over the menus. “Do we really look so much alike?”

Vincent shook his head. “I think it’s just that I was holding your hand, and you’re the right age to be m—ahem—my…my son.”

“You can’t be more than twenty-five, though. I’m almost twelve,” Sephiroth pointed out. “How young do people breed, in this region?”

“Ah. Ha. I’m a little older than I look.”

“How old are you?”

“Thirty-nine. I was twenty-seven, when my body died. That’s why I look that age, still.”

“You died around the same time I was born,” Sephiroth said musingly. “What a strange—oh! I found it. I want this. The fried chicken family dinner.”

Vincent looked at the menu, where the boy was pointing. “It says it feeds a family of four. Hm. That might actually be enough food, for you.”

THE AUTHOR HAS SOMETHING TO SAY:

vincent: i can totally kill this child nbd

vincent: A SLIGHTLY SCARY SOCIAL SITUATION? HIDE BEHIND ME MY SON, DADDY WILL PROTECT YOU

link to ch 1

link to ao3

[grailfinders]

Grailfinders Viewers' Choice #26: Nrvnqsr Chaos

today on Grailfinders, I’d say we’re due for a big ol’ storm of chaos! Nrvnqsr Chaos specifically, though you’ll have to forgive me if I simply call him Nero throughout the build- I’m not going to remember that alphabet soup of a name.

anyway, our dear friend Keysmash Chaos is an Aberrant Mind Sorcerer to pick up some spicier summons and some flexibility, as well as a Shepherd Druid for summoned beasts out the wazoo that can really pack a punch. check out his build breakdown below the cut, or his character sheet over here!

Ancestry & Background

Nero was a human but now he’s chaos, which is a bunch of animals grafted together in a semi-humanoid shape. you could go Simic Hybrid here if you love the smell of fish, but since there’s no way in hell I’ll find another chance for this I’m going to make him a Plasmoid instead. that gives him +2 Charisma and +1 Constitution, as well as an Amorphous body type that lets you squeeze through small spaces and get advantage on making and escaping grapples. you also get Darkvision up to 60’, and can Hold Breath for up to an hour with no negative consequences. you’ve got 666 pairs of lungs, I’m sure it’ll all work out. your unique body plan also gives you a Natural Resistance against acid and poison damage as well as the poison condition, and you can Shape Self as an action to add or remove limbs and a head from your general shape, or use a bonus action to send a bit of you up to 10’ away in a little cord that can manipulate lightweight objects. chaos doesn’t keep a solid form, go figure.

you used to be part of a reclusive bunch of mages that threw themselves out of normal reality, so calling you a Hermit is pretty spot on. you get proficiency in Medicine and Arcana instead of religion bc I said so, and the Wandering Sea is definitely more about science/magic than gods. I’d argue your backround’s flavor feat Discovery is also pretty in-character for once since it gives you a reason you became goo to begin with, but it’s not totally necessary.

Ability Scores

nero’s highest score is his Charisma. his magic comes from inside, and I mean that literally. next is Wisdom, animals tend to have a high wisdom score, and you are animals. also, mind-controlling you is probably pretty hard given how many you have. third is Constitution, because you don’t die til your beasts do, and your beasts don’t die til you do. a real catch-666 here. this does make your Dexterity a little lower than I’m 100% comfortable giving a caster, but with a healing factor like yours getting out of the way isn’t an issue. your Intelligence is only average- you were smart, and probably still are, but your brain’s been getting eaten by wolves the last millennium, I wouldn’t bet too much on it. that means we’re dumping Strength, which feels weird for a super strong vampire, but we can patch that up with magic better than most other abilities.

Class Levels

1. Sorcerer 1: starting off as a sorcerer gets you proficiency with Constitution and Charisma saves. you can survive the eyes of death perception, which is definitely a high save DC for one of those. you also get proficiency in Intimidation and Insight checks. you have 600+ beasts inside you- that’s a lot of growling and a lot of eyes.

at level one your Aberrant Mind lets you use Telepathic Speech, linking up with a nearby creature for a couple minutes so you can speak with just your minds. you also gain Psionic Spells, which are kind of like a regular extended spell list, but you can swap these out with other divination or enchantment spells as you go. if we do that, we’ll be sure to bring it up.

speaking of, at level one you get Arms of Hadar and Mind Sliver which we’re keeping, but we’re swapping out Dissonant Whispers for Identify. you’ve been around a while, you know what magic is. you also get regular spells this level- Mage Hand lets you send out a lil bird to carry something light for you, Sword Burst flings claws everywhere for some cheap damage, Chill Touch deals damage and blocks healing, and Blade Ward lets you goop up to block the worst of incoming physical damage. for your leveled spells, Mage Armor is practically a necessity since it gives you an extra +3 to AC, and Catapult is nice too, letting you fling a nearby object at a creature, possibly damaging both in the process.

2. Sorcerer 2: second level sorcerers are a Font of Magic, which right now just means you can cast an extra 1st level spell each day by doing some rigamarole. a 1st level spell like Feather Fall perhaps. you’ve got a lot of birds in you, I’m sure they can help break your fall.

3. Sorcerer 3: at third level your font of magic actually becomes interesting, because you can use your sorcery points from that to make Metamagic, altering the effects of your spells to your liking. most of your summons are literally you pulling something out of you, so they’re pretty Subtle. subtle spells don’t require somatic or verbal components, so they’re a lot harder to counterspell too!  speaking of, those summons are basically animals when they’re not in you, so they last a while- an Extended spell can help with that, doubling the duration of whatever you cast.

you also get second level spells now! we’re swapping out Calm Emotions for Hold Person for your weak shitty eyes of enchantment, and Detect Thoughts. mortal mages can do that, and you’ve been around ten times as long, so I can’t imagine it’s that difficult for you. you also get Enhance Ability, giving you advantage on one kind of skill check for up to an hour. and all the options are flavored after animals, score!

4. Sorcerer 4: fourth level sorcerers get their first Ability Score Improvement, so bump up that Charisma for stronger spell, like the cantrip Infestation to sic bugs on people and Shatter to break shit! I think adding a swarm of poisonous insects to your chaos would probably bump you up to at least 6,666 beasts but I’ll allow them to all count as one.

5. Sorcerer 5: at fifth level, everything just kind of goes right for you thanks to your Magical Guidance- spend a sorcery point, re-roll a failed check. you’re a villain, so you have plot armor right up to the end of the story.

you also get third level spells- Haste lets you move fast enough to keep up with arcueid (probably), and your freebies Hunger of Hadar and Sending let you blast some goo to slow down enemies and chaos them to death, or use a cell phone. you were born in the 900s, an iphone might as well be magic to you.

6. Sorcerer 6: a sixth level weirdo gets Psionic Sorcery, so any of your psionic spells can now be cast purely through sorcery points, and doing so makes it subtle as well as allowing you to ignore material components unless they are spent by the spell. that’s important for later.

you also get Psychic Defenses, giving you resistance to psychic damage as well as charms and spooks. you have a lot of brains in there, it’s going to be hard to freak all of them out at once. which is good bc the rabbit one is always freaked out.

also you can finally eat people now! with Vampiric Touch, you can touch people and drain their life force, regaining half the damage you deal as HP!

7. Sorcerer 7: seventh level of a spellcaster means fourth level spells! as for nero, it’s Polymorphin’ time! now you can turn into a beast with a CR equal to your level or less for up to an hour, changing all your stats and basically giving you a big beast-shaped shield to your HP. you also get your new psionic spells, Evard’s Black Tentacles and Summon Aberration! the former’s basically hunger of hadar but again, and the latter’s our very first summoning spell for phantasmals! yeah it took a while to get going, but if putting animals in people was easy everyone’d be a furry already. don’t worry, we’ll speed things up next level.

8. Druid 1: bouncing over to druid gives you more Spells that you cast and prepare using your Wisdom. multiclassing spellcasters gets a lil complicated, so check the PHB to see what spell slots you have at any given time.

the important thing is you get Primal Savagery and Shillelagh, giving you more melee options to avoid having to punch people with your puny caster hands. you can further enhance your physicality with spells like Jump and Longstrider, or drag people into your chaos with Entangle. you even learn druidic! it’s a language!

9. Druid 2: at second level you get to enter the Circle of the Shepherd, which teaches you the Speech of the Woods. not only does it teach you Sylvan, famous for being a language, but you can talk to beasts now as well!

more excitingly, you can summon a Spirit Totem as a bonus action, bringing a phantasmal to the battlefield for up to a minute per short rest. you can pick between three options- the bear giving creatures you choose extra HP and advantage on strength checks and saves, the Hawk letting you grant advantage on an attack as a reaction and giving advantage freely to perception checks, and the Unicorn gives advantage on checks to find creatures and extra HP from healing spells.

to get even beastlier, you can now Wild Shape twice per short rest to turn into a beast without using a spell slot. the CR for this one is a lot more limited, but free HP is free HP. alternatively, you can do the more in-character thing and summon a Wild Companion, letting you spend a wild shape use to cast Find Familiar without materials. it’s not that strong, but a flying spy camera can be pretty useful.

10. Druid 3: if you need a long-distance helper, you can always use Animal Messenger or Beast Sense instead. the former will fursonally deliver a message to someone you describe, while the latter lets you see and hear through a beast for up to an hour, but without any control over what it does.

you can also Summon Beast which is nice. we’re still a ways away from mass chaos, but it’s a cheaper summon option.  hell, it’s honestly the better option for a fourth level spell slot anyway, unless you’re hyped about having a regenerating chaos.

11. Druid 4: at fourth level you can turn into CR 1 creatures that can swim thanks to your Wild Shape Improvement, and you can also use this ASI to bump up your Charisma and Wisdom to max out the former and set up the latter for later.

you also get another cantrip, so I say weaponize that pseudopod of yours with a Thorn Whip. it whips! it thorns!

12. Druid 5: the real reason we’re here is third level spells, and the only one I care about here is Conjure Animals. by using a third level spell slot, you can summon a single beast of CR 2, or twice as many by halving the CR, all the way to 8 CR ¼ beasts. it says the DM has the stats for whatever you summon, but tbh if you’re going to summon eight extra fighters every combat you should probably just bookmark your own PHB to help out.

13. Druid 6: one last pit stop before we head back to sorcerer- at level six shepherd druids become Mighty Summoners, adding an extra 2 HP per hit die to your summoned beasts/fey, and giving them magical attacks to boot.

14. Sorcerer 8: another ASI, this time you’re Resilient in Wisdom saves, giving you advantage and also rounding up your wisdom score for a cool plus 1 to all your spells and such.

also you can summon a Spirit of Death now, which lets you track whatever it’s zero’d in on anywhere in the material plane.

15. Sorcerer 9: with fifth level spells, it’s time for things to get real spicy. your freebies this level are Scrying to send out a spy bird with none of the fuss (esp. since you can use psionic casting to get around the 1000 gold casting cost) and Telekinesis to lift stuff like the big strong man you’re supposed to be. you can also Summon Draconic Spirits now, giving you access to the most powerful phantasmals available. not only can it deal adequate damage with breath attacks, but it also protects you from elemental damage to boot!

16. Sorcerer 10: now that you’ve spent some time vamping it up, your magic can now be Empowered, forcing disadvantage on one person trying to save themselves from it. you also get the Message cantrip bc I’m running out of good cantrips to give you, and the Enervation spell for a more chaos-flavored way of consuming your prey. you slap a target with a tentacle, and if they fail their first save it latches on, letting you drain their health each turn for up to a minute.

17. Sorcerer 11: I’ll be honest I’m kind of on the fence as to whether Tasha’s Otherworldly Guise should be called your 999th beast or not. on one hand it makes you look more demonic and gives you all kinds of cool abilities, but tbh I think turning into a T rex makes you a lot tougher for less magic cost. either way, you definitely have it now.

18. Sorcerer 12: use your last ASI to bump up your Dexterity to not die as much. yeah you’ve got plenty of spare lives, but it’s a pain to use them, y’know?

19. Sorcerer 13: our final spell of the day is the Finger of Death, which is a big single-target attack that can even turn a person into part of your chaos if it kills a humanoid target. really your whole body is Of Death, but a finger works too I guess.

20. Sorcerer 14: our capstone ability makes you a Revelation in Flesh, letting you transform yourself as a bonus action for ten minutes. for each sorcery point spent to transform, you get one of the four available bonuses. the first lets you see invisible creatures, the second gives you a flying speed, and the third lets you swim and breathe underwater. the last and both most- and least-important turns you into chaos good, letting you and anything you’re wearing move through a 1-inch space, or spend 5’ to break any grapple. it’s technically something you could’ve done already, but now you can do it without getting naked.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

you have pretty good health for a caster, but it gets even better when you include all the extra health you can get from your uses of Polymorph, Wild Shape, and of course your vampiric spells. unless they can rush you down, you can cling to life in a fight for a good long while.

your spells are also very flexible, as are you. yes, you can summon 32 wolves or transform into a T Rex to cause havoc, but you can also summon or become smaller creatures for the sake of stealth or reconnaissance. and of course while using these spells on just yourself is in-character, a lot of them can be used on teammates as well to help them out.

you’re hard to deal with, magically speaking. you have solid saves in two of the big three saves, and you resist some common status effects really freaking well, so other mages can have a hard time taking out your HP faster than you can regrow it.

Cons:

your AC isn’t great, so melee fighters can still carve you up pretty easily. and if one of those happen to get creative with their mystic eyes of death perception you’ll definitely still be in trouble.

also, almost all of your summons are super weak compared to other spells of the same level. Conjure Animals is great for area denial or dealing with large groups of weak enemies, but using a ninth level spell for 32 wolves that’ll survive all of one turn before being fireballed to death just feels bad. the extra health from Mighty Summons is nice, but you’re getting at most 14 extra HP from that if you’re making CR 2 beasts, and that won’t last long at higher levels.

you yourself isn’t that strong either- while you don’t have to worry much about getting grappled, but you’re still easy to push around or fall into a magical strength-save spell.

[court-of-constellations]

i'm trapped in a car and unbelievably bored so have some vampire stuff for my original universe (got a little long so I'm adding a cut)

vampirism is, first and foremost, a curse. vampires can be turned by other vampires, but most are people who, for whatever reason, were unable to rest after their deaths. most commonly, their bodies were used in a ritual of sorts, but it could also simply be unfinished business or something like that- the reason doesn't particularly matter, all that matters is that they can't move on.

there is, however, some criteria to become a vampire:

at least half human

a mostly intact body

some degree of magic power

and, most importantly, no prior magic effecting their body/soul (so, curses, blessings, etc)

Vampires are kept alive through their own magic (twisted as its become after their deaths). However, every type of magic requires a sacrifice of some sort, and since this magic is keeping them alive, it requires a life force in turn- blood. Because of this, vampires must drink blood to survive. While any kind of blood will do in a pinch, the better in heath the creature, the better the blood.

Some creatures do have blood that's poisonous to vampires or would have negative effects (such as fairies, whose blood may only be drunk with permission, lest it bind you to them forever) so most vampires simply stick with creatures they know for a fact won't hurt them and are easily available. A vampire living in more rural areas, for example, might choose to feed off livestock, while vampires in more populated areas might have to resort to humans. Contrary to popular belief, vampires absolutely do not have to drink the blood of humans, but it just so happens that the most well-known ones fed off of humans and that's thus the image of vampires in popular imagination.

If a vampire goes too long without blood, their body will slowly begin to decay once more and they will eventually go into a haze, attacking anything that has blood in a desperate attempt to sustain themselves. This haze is commonly called "bloodlust," and any new vampires are practically guaranteed to be in it until they've fed themselves enough. For that reason, new vampires are frequently caught and killed- it's actually quite rare for a vampire to live very long. The select vampires that do frequently find each other, and they've formed a loose community of sorts.

The only way to kill a vampire is to get them in the heart. Vampires are, as a rule, generally very resilient, and if they're fed well their magic will heal pretty much any injury, so the only way to be sure they're really dead is to hurt their heart. Any kind of stake will do (though they're pretty weak to silver, and wild roses and hawthorn can also hurt them pretty badly if used as a weapon). Sunlight, despite popular assumptions, actually doesn't hurt them at all- most vampires are simply crepuscular and are more active in the twilight hours.

There's a few things that can help you recognize a vampire:

sharper canines (a given)

completely unchanging (their hair and nails don't grow, etc)

colder average temperature than usual (they're functionally cold-blooded and rely on outer factors to regulate their temperature)

no pulse or blush (their heart has stopped beating so their blood isn't moving. thus, they can't blush or anything like that)

yellowish eyes (depending on the state of decay when they came back, their eyes may or may not look like a corpse's)

And that's pretty much it! Vampires are generally pretty normal except for their need to drink blood- sure, they could learn some magic that lets them so cool creepy things, but that's really up to each individual vampire.

I hope you enjoyed! Let me know if I should post more about this universe-

[alyssalenko]

Something in Your Mouth

Kaidan cuts his finger while cooking and Alyss has an idea to help speed the healing process along--and things get steamy with her wolfman...

This is the 4th chapter of my Mass Effect/Underworld AU 'Claimed' that sat at 361 words for five years and then the last 3 months I was very inspired. It was inspired by Nickelback's song of the same name. Unguis is another word for claws (or fangs, but in my case I used it for claws).

Alyss awoke as dusk settled and found herself wandering through the mansion in search of her werewolf lover, who was usually never far from her side. Kaidan's loud string of curses brought her into the kitchen to investigate, lavender eyes going wide at the sight of the blood, making her rush forward and take his hand in hers. He'd sliced his finger while making himself dinner and she brought his hand up to examine the wound–which was shallow and pretty superficial, thankfully, but it must’ve stung; and sure, as a lycan his healing factor was off the charts, but she had a better idea. Her lavender eyes went red and she licked a line up his cut finger, blood collecting on her tongue, making Kaidan inhale sharply, nostrils flaring as his mind went to an entirely different place, eyes darkening with lust as he watched her.

"What are you doing?"

"Vampires have healing saliva, remember?" She teased, taking the injured digit into her mouth and sucking gently.

She glanced at him and smirked around his finger, all the blood rushing straight to his dick, cock straining against his pants and he was fairly certain he had zipper marks up his shaft because of how cute she looked with something in her mouth. She met his eyes, Kaidan cursing at the intimate gesture. She knew the effect she had on him and his wolf and was using it to her advantage. A low growl rumbled from deep in his throat, brown eyes flashing to the gold of his wolf, both parts of him equally enthralled by her. If she kept this up he wasn't sure how long he could keep his wolf at bay, though considering how three days a month the wolf had complete control and took her with animalistic abandon and she enjoyed every minute of it, he knew she wouldn't mind if he couldn't manage the beast.

Alyss took a step closer, pressing her pelvis to his, able to feel every inch of his want for her. Kaidan moaned as she swirled her tongue around the tip of his finger and made him grip the edge of the counter with his free hand, grinding his hips against hers and creating a delicious friction between them. He pulled the digit from her mouth and cupped her chin, bringing his lips to hers in a heated kiss, forgetting about the meal prep he'd been doing as well as the injury on his finger; all he could think about was how he wanted to feel her skin against his…just strip them both naked and take her bent over the island countertop after her teasing him with that wicked and talented tongue of hers. But she apparently had other plans as she broke the kiss and slid down his body to her knees, fingertips hooking into the waistband of his pants. It was like she could read his mind and he wondered briefly if telepathy was one of her vampiric powers, but as soon as glanced down and met her eyes, every thought left his head.

She had her head cocked to one side watching him innocently, a question in her eyes and her face very close to where his erection was straining against his fly, practically begging for her attention. He nodded, growling as she winked at him, popping the button on his jeans and dragging the zipper down with agonizing slowness, his dick giving an eager throb as she bared him to her gaze. Alyss licked her lips as she took in the sight of him, shoving her hands into his jeans and cupping his ass before pushing the unyielding fabric off his hips and down his thighs, nails gently raking over his muscles. She leaned forward, trailing the tip of her tongue along the underside of his shaft, where it curved up towards his stomach and pressed a teasing kiss at the base of his crown.

One hand gripped his shaft as the other cupped him gently, making him groan, hips bucking towards her, arousal streaking through him. She gave him an affectionate squeeze as her tongue glided along his shaft from base to crown and circled around the head of his cock. Red lips opened to take the tip into her mouth, sucking hard and making his hips jerk as she sucked him off. Kaidan groaned in surprise, suddenly feeling the bones in his hand cracking and elongating, unguis threading through her black hair--apparently his wolf was as eager to touch her as he was. He hadn't lost control of the beast outside the full moons since he was a teenager--born werewolves able to control the transformations and change at will until the hormones puberty brought, made the blood run hot–but apparently she brought it out in him.

And he kind of liked it.

She nibbled his soft skin, feeling the blood and arousal pulsing through his shaft. Her lips pulled back, revealing her fangs as her beautiful lavender eyes turned red before she bent her head, Kaidan tensed, knuckles turning white as he gripped the edge of the counter behind him. Was she going to…? Fuck. At this point he was used to her bite, having let her feed on him whenever she needed to–whenever she was out of blood because she refused to take advantage of his long-standing offer unless it was absolutely necessary–but he didn’t mind; preferring her to bite him, as it usually led to sex, instead of feeding off some stranger and getting them all hot and bothered. There was no pain, just a slight familiar pressure as her fangs broke the skin, manicured nails gently scratching his thighs. He gasped, hips jerking forward as he felt his fangs lengthening, the claws on his other hand growing, and his eyes flashing once more to the gold of his wolf, her lips pressing against his shaft as she drank his blood slowly, tongue gliding across his dick, white shooting from his tip.

He'd never orgasmed so hard or so fast in his life.

She sat back on her heels looking smug, as she licked her lips–he must be the sight as he stood braced against the counter; panting hard, half transformed with his jeans pushed halfway down his thighs and his cock still half hard and throbbing, a drop of white beaded at the tip. Every inch of him was a little bigger than when she'd started this pleasurable torture, his wolf eager to be free of it's shackles and pushing against the rapidly fraying edges of his control. He growled and cupped her chin, claws brushing the skin of her cheek and making her shiver in delight as he guided her to her feet, flipping their bodies around to press her against the counter. She moaned as he worked her pants off, unguis gently scraping the skin of her hips when he slid the fabric down her legs, Alyss rocking her ass back, his shaft pumping between her thighs and rubbing against her clit as he leaned forward, smothering her back with his chest, two wolfish hands pinning her wrists to the countertop.

“You're trouble.” Kaidan whispered, lips teasing the outer shell of her ear.

“A little trouble never hurt anyone…” Alyss panted, rolling her hips to increase the pressure of the head of his erection massaging her clit as she turned her head to catch his kiss, one of his lengthened canines pricking her lower lip and drawing a strangled sound from her throat.

He chuckled darkly and gave her ass an affectionate squeeze, claws digging into her flesh as he brought her rear back flush against him, pumping his cock with her thighs, his shaft sliding back and forth though her slick folds. Her mouth fell open as he grasped her hips, Kaidan shifting his body ever so slightly, leaving her bereft of the friction she craved and making her let out a frustrated huff, which turned into a gasp halfway as he hilted himself inside of her, filling her, only pausing long enough to allow her body to grow accustomed to his new size–somewhere in between wolf and man–before he started moving. One hand closed around her throat, a feral growl rumbling from deep in his throat as he thrust forward, Alyss finding his rhythm and leaning into it, her heat surrounding him as he fucked her.

The little minx was enjoying herself.

He palmed one of her breasts roughly over the fabric of her shirt as the speed of his thrusts slowly increased, the pleasure inside him climbing higher. The hand that had closed around her throat released its grip, but barely a moment later tangled in her hair, tugging her head back as his hips bucked forward, driving him deeper inside her, her body responding to his every touch and eagerly matching his brutal pace, unintelligible things dripping from her lips. Her hand rested over his on her breast, fingers tightening around his, sliding their hands to where she needed his touch the most, Kaidan carefully rolling her clit between his claws. He came on a shudder, breathing labored, as he thrust deep and hard, spilling his release inside her. She groaned as his body slumped against hers for support, the weight of his convulsing muscles against her, and the pace of his fingers between her legs shattered the tension holding her orgasm back, body spasming and arching backwards towards him, drained and shaking. Breathing heavily, he pulled out of her, the two of them collapsing together against the edge of the counter, Kaidan drawing a gentle hand along her spine.

“I suppose I should let you finish cooking…” Alyss sighed reluctantly as she turned in his arms, pressing a kiss to his exposed fang.

Kaidan grinned wolfishly as he sank to his knees and draped her left leg over his shoulder, his gold wolf eyes flashing dangerously–and damn if she didn't swoon when he licked his chops. “I think I found something else I want to eat.”

“Fuck…me...” She whimpered as he cupped her ass, lifting her hips to his mouth and flicking her clit with his tongue before sucking the little nub between his lips and tugging it gently.

“I intend to.” He growled.

His vampyr had tamed the beast and brought both sides of him to heel--and he couldn't get enough.

[karniss-bg3]

I made a post about it but I found out that the wish spell can be used to revert drider transformation? Like idk if it's a real aspect of the game itself considering the wish spell is I think the highest level spell you can learn (just checked its level 9 conjuration) and I also don't know if they made it as op as lore suggests which is sad cause I thought it was gonna be like an only good version of wild magic lol.

Anyways do u think karniss would take that chance if he could? Or would he refuse it since he's been a drider for god knows how long?

(Side note wish can also apparently be used to revert vampirism but ik ur not the blog for that convo lol)

To my knowledge, wish is the only way driders can be reverted in D&D lore. Of course in BG3, if Larian wanted to, they could make alternatives. I don't believe wish is available to players in-game, the closest we get is cleric's divine intervention which acts very similar to wish in terms of mechanics. Things might change in the future depending on what plans the devs have for new additions.

The choice Kar'niss would make in terms of reverting would depend on a few factors.

-How good his relationship with Tav is.

-What route Tav takes him, good or evil.

I think if he's in the process of healing and becoming his own person he would lean more toward returning to full drow. Being a drider has advantages but if he wants to live on the surface in relative peace, reverting gives him the best chances.

Alternatively, if his self esteem continues to be pounded into the dirt and Tav makes him feel worthless he'd stay a drider because he doesn't feel like he's earned better. Lolth made him this way as punishment, it's what he deserves. That and he may convince himself he's stronger this way to both protect Tav and to fulfill whatever desires they have. That may be true in a physical sense, but mentally he's weaker.

If he's given the choice without Tav's direct influence, that'll likely be based on his reputation with the Tav. If it's high, he changes back. If it's low, he remains as he is now.

I hope someday Larian gives us the chance to find out for sure. Thanks for the ask!

[unlikelyaperson]

all* of my My Hero Academia OCs and their quirks

*I have more(like 2), but these are all the OCs that fit together in one story, so they will all be posted together.

Notes: Only one of them has a name due to them being considered my main OC, but if you have any name suggestions, let me know ! Also, this doesn't go over a lot of the lore it mainly just focuses on their quirks, and there are 13 different characters

word count: 900 words

cw: Character death (not descriptive)(like just a brief mention)

Group A:

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: Metal Man (may change)

Quirk name: Metal Manipulation

Quirk explanation: The user is able to manipulate metal

Extra:

Old mentor of Empath(later Circus 5: Empath)(see Group B)

A rescue Hero

Father of next person

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: TBD and/or N/A*

Quirk name: Steel Manipulation

Quirk explanation: The user is able to manipulate steel/items that are made of steel

Extra:

*this person will be apart of an incident that will cause them to lose their father and unable to continue to be a hero (cane user) (had to drop out of Hero school at 16)

((Lowkey gfs w/ healer in Group C))

Will end up living with Empath's family (and semi working for them) babysat Toosoo often

4 years younger than Circus 5/Empath

Late 20s/Early 30s when Toosoo is 15

(Helped train Toosoo for Hero work)

Group B: Hero group- CircusCircus

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: Circus Zero

Quirk name: Circus creation*

Quirk explanation: The user can produce any item that can be found at the Circus

Extra:

*His Quirk is a work in progress it might change

Father of Circus 1

Hero name is a pun(?) based of the phrase/term patient zero (because he was the factor that caused Circus one to make the Hero group CircusCircus)

Rescue hero

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: Circus 1

Quirk name: Domain: Circus

Quirk explanation: The user able to create a pocket dimension that is large circus tent. The user is able to enter at any point but to being others in they have to be within a certain proximity to the user

Extra:

Leader and creater of CircusCircus (after his father retires)

(Mother's quirk is she can pocket dimensions within pockets and bags)

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: Circus 2

Quirk name: TBD

Quirk explanation: When the user makes or crafts something whatever the craft is supposed to be the craft gains the properties of said object

Extra:

Circus 2 can use their quirk but focuses specifically on balloon modeling (balloon animals and other balloon creation)

Can give sentience to animal creations (balloon dog sentience)

Second member of CircusCircus

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: Circus 3

Quirk name: Bells

Quirk explanation: The user is able to speak and listen through (the chiming/ringing) of bells)

Extra:

Sibling and twin of Circus 4

Father's quirk was the ability to produce bells

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: Circus 4

Quirk name: Plant (circus coral bells)

Quirk explanation: The user can create and control coral bells sprouted from their skin

Extra:

Sibling and twin of Circus 3

Mother's quirk was the ability to speak/listen through plants (coral bells)

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: Circus 5: Empath (formerly just Empath)

Quirk name: Empathy

Quirk explanation: The user can feel other people's emotions and is able to turn high amounts of emotional energy into objects* that look like they are made out of light)

Extra:

*The quirk is often just used for weapons and occasionally sheilds due to the quirk needing high emotional input

Ex husband of the blood memory quirk

Toosoo's father

About(/late 30s) 35 when Toosoo is 15

Group C

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: N/A

Quirk name: Vampire (may change)

Quirk explanation: The user can heal/regenerate when they drink blood. They also gain senses that are a bit better than a regular human. However the user is nocturnal and is sensitive to the sun.

Extra:

Toosoo's grandfather (mother's side)

He is around 100-something in age

He works as a Doctor (nightshift)

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: N/A

Quirk name: Blood memory

Quirk explanation: The user can obtain the memories of the person she drinks the blood/DNA of. What/the amount of memories she gets depends on the amount of blood. (Some memories are harder to obtain. Such as memories the victim doesn't want to share.)

Extra:

Mother of Toosoo.

Works with the police (often the nightshift)

Mother's (Toosoo's Grandmother) quirk was the ability to share her memories

About(/late late 30s) 35 when Toosoo is 15

Doesn't want Toosoo to be a Hero

First & Last name: Toosoo Sotohonzaki (Romaji: Tō sō Soto Honzaki)

Hero name: Intel

Quirk name: Mind Reading

Quirk explanation: The user is able to read the mind of people with a certain distance (20 meters). The quirk gets stonger with either skin contact or blood/DNA.

Extra:

went to the same school as Himiko Toga

(my main OC)

Depending on the circumstance they can work well with or "avoid" quirk that works with the mind. (Eg: the next person)

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: N/A

Quirk name: TBD

Quirk explanation: The user can ask a question in their mind and when they make (skin) contact with a person the user will gain the knowledge of the question they asked.*

Extra:

*eg: The user could ask what a person's Quirk is, then they shake the hand of that person, the user knows what the person's Quirk is.

Works as housekeeping for Toosoo's family

In her late 40s/early 50s (when Toosoo is 15)

Mother of next person (adopted)

First & Last name: TBD

Hero name: N/A

Quirk name: Healing breath

Quirk explanation: The user can heal organic materials with their breath.

Extra:

late 20s early 30s

((Lowkey dating person with the steel manipulation quirk))

[suffarustuffaru]

what are your thoughts on elsa/reinhard? I feel like they’d be a fun pairing.

OH ABSOLUTELY theyd be fun!! im really really open to most ships (yeah, even the toxic ones, even the problematic ones, etc etc, its fiction, rezero is ripe with a Ton of complicated character dynamics, i'll find the relationship interesting if theres narrative depth/potential behind it - just to make that clear :o !! i obviously do not condone that irl of course).

but yeah anyway!! yes definitely i think elsa/reinhard would be fun. you could explore it in all sorts of ways - i mean, elsa's the vampire here, reinhard's a monster for. various reasons. theres also other details like how. um. well reinhard's Immortal, so that means Infinite Guts for elsa!! and i think reinhard would be happy to at least make Someone happy T^TT he'd be like "i can just give the bowel hunter my guts over and over again and she'll be nice to me and not kill anyone else also unless theyre very very bad people? good deal :) new friend!!" or something LMAO. dudes starved for company and uh you could interpret elsas reaction in different ways. i feel like i dont know her that much atm though but i think she'd be amused yeah. i mean. infinite guts.... she gets the sword saint..... they can fight each other whenever also :)... and also meili likes the guy (she literally has a sword saint doll) so. its win win. elsa could be going "i could make him A Bit worse :)" and reinhard could be going "i could fix her :) ooh new little sister too!!" or something lajdflsjf. sorry im mentioning meili a lot when this is an elsa/reinhard ask but shes important okay. elsa-meili are a package deal and meili would have an Interesting dynamic with reinhard.

on a more serious note though... reinhard is also the best person to have if you want capella/"mother" to be destroyed. which probably factors into meili's fixation on reinhard. and also all three of them have this shared motif in their lives of Lack of Control. between elsa's backstory, meili's backstory, reinhard's backstory, it's. Something. alright. a lot of trauma to go around!! they can bond over that T^T and i think elsa and meili would have. Interesting Reactions with reinhard... the pristine powerful hero is actually powerless? thats. sad. and pathetic. and sad. but hey..... he can join the dark side too. and help us maybe... if that makes sense hah. im just spitballing ideas here pfft.

but yeah in all seriousness itd be interesting T^T maybe they could make their own weird uncanny dysfunctional trio together hah. they all got. Weird Stuff going on because they all have issues with intimacy also for Various Reasons and in Various Different Ways, so thatd be interesting to explore too!! i think theyd make each other simultaneously better and worse!! and also reinhard is. 1000% giving up those guts to elsa i dont see any other way this is going. depending on where you wanna take this though she might want like. New Guts if she gets tired of reinhard's aljdflsadjf. or maybe she likes it because she gets to see his body healing itself again and again and shes like woagh. whole new guts. :) meili can get like a little special function on her reinhard doll where his guts can fall out!!! elsa and reinhard made sure to help with the finishing touches of course <3

yeah so thats what i think!! elsa/reinhard would be very horribly funny i absolutely support this ship. <3 ty for the ask :D