#due to anatomical limitations

[vampiredragonex-fangs]

can't believe I figured out a kink I might have because of a dream lol

[girlfishes]

I think that there is a compelling biological argument that men are naturally aggressive.

This will be me yapping for way too long, but hear me out.

In many sexually dimorphic species, the males live a very short life. Think of bugs, like spiders and wasps. When males are born, they inseminate eggs and then die, or eaten, or exiled. To keep them involved any longer is a waste of resources that could be used on the females to create more offspring. Male bugs live a harsh life, because they are barely necessary except in their limited reproductive role.

Bugs are r-selective species, which means that their reproductive cycles prioritize producing as many offspring as possible with the expectation that most will die before they reach maturity. And the limiting factor in that equation is the number of females, which means that more males are created than are necessary in a 50-50 split.

As life forms become more complex, species become k-selective. This means that the energy in reproduction is put into creating few good-quality offspring. The mothers spend more time with their children, gestate them inside their bodies in the case of mammals, and stay with them until they reach maturity. It takes much longer for a k-selective species to reach sexual maturity, and males in such species are no longer anatomically inferior like they are as bugs.

The primary interest of the individual male is to make sure that his genes are passed on. But this isn’t so easy. I’m going to speak in terms of bears from now on. One male bear can impregnate 50 female bears, and those female bears will no longer be fertile for some time. Bears won’t just pair off monogamously, so male bears face steep competition. They kill each other and they kill each other’s cubs in competition to the limited females who can pass on their genes.

Now what does this have to do with humans? Well, we’ve established that in order to survive and personally reproduce, a male of any species is fighting an uphill battle due to the limited number of females and the female need to not waste precious resources on them. Both of these stem from the different reproductive roles inherent in sexual dimorphism seen across species. The males who succeed in reproducing will have necessarily been stronger and more aggressive. Basic survival of the fittest method will tell you that whatever causes these traits will be passed down.

Humans are the same. The bodies of women are largely organized around the production of large gametes and the gestation and feeding of offspring. The male body is organized around the production of small gametes. Males have been selective bread over millions of years to compete with other men and ensure that women cannot siphon resources away from them. This manifest in higher muscle mass, larger stature, and yes, high testosterone.

For thousands of years human males have forced themselves to remain relevant by crippling the lives and freedoms of women by the disabling nature of pregnancy and their superior strength. They also wage this battle psychologically, which is unique to human beings.

It is important to note that I can argue these points and still acknowledge that men do have the ability to think, feel, and reflect on their actions. If they so chose, they could turn their backs on this troubled past and start a new way of society which values individuals for their minds instead of their bodies.

This is not a fatalist dooming of all future men to forever stick to this pattern. The aggressive actions of men are borne from a deep insecurity that women do not need them. Because we don’t. But the thing is, human beings are capable of valuing each other for more than our reproductive roles or capabilities. Men need to not let their maleness define how they relate to women and each other, but let their humanity guide how they treat other humans. Only then can we leave this all behind.

If you read all of this, thanks for bearing with me.

[anna-the-undertaker]

Rebirth

"Human DNA contains all the necessary genes to produce feathers - it's merely a matter of selective activation."

I may have gone a little overboard with this, but I saw this on a Twitter meme, and it got me thinking:

The human body readily responds to changing environmental stresses in a variety of biological and cultural ways. We can acclimatize to a wide range of temperature and humidity. When traveling to high altitudes, our bodies adjust so that our cells still receive sufficient oxygen. We also are constantly responding in physiological ways to internal and external stresses such as bacterial and viral infections, air and water pollution, dietary imbalance, and overcrowding. This ability to rapidly adapt to varying environmental conditions has made it possible for us to survive in most regions of the world. We live successfully in humid tropical forests, harsh deserts, arctic wastelands, and even densely populated cities with considerable amounts of pollution. Most other animal and plant species are restricted to one or relatively few environments by their more limited adaptability.

When an environmental stress is constant and lasts for many generations, successful adaptation may develop through biological evolution. Those individuals who inherit a trait that offers an advantage in responding to particular stresses are more likely to survive longer and pass on more of their genes to the next generation.

Genetic change in response to environmental stresses usually takes many generations to become widespread in a population. Fortunately, we also have other ways of responding more quickly as individuals during our own lifetime. The word adjustments is used here to refer to these shorter term physiological changes that are not inheritable. The word adaptations is reserved for inheritable genetic changes developed in a population over a long period of time.

One of the more powerful types of adjustments to environmental stresses is a change in growth patterns and development. This occurs in childhood and typically results in anatomical and/or physiological changes that are mostly irreversible in adulthood. Such permanent changes are referred to as developmental adjustment or developmental acclimatization.

This led me down a rabbit hole on how a human would be affected while in contact with the Devildom and its inhabitants and how MC differs from them. Excluding Solomon as his circumstances are much more complex.

For a normal human, the risks from exposure are mainly focused on their psyche, as the brothers' sins bleed from them almost uncontrollably, and its mostly the same for other demons in the Devildom and the Devildom itself. So, as long as the human stays vigilant, they would be able to scrape by with only minor affects from the exposure. Their bodies wouldn't change, and even if they did, it wouldn't be apparent in them, but in their offspring and further descendents.

MC, however, is not a normal human. For the most part, they are immune to the affects of the sins due to their angelic heritage. But I can imagine that there would still be some results from being near them long term.

Human beings are imitative generalists. We can immediately imitate a wide range of behaviors with great facility, whether they be vocal maneuvers, body postures, or actions on objects.

So it's likely that MC would eventually start imitating some of the brothers' habits after so long. And in so duing, succumbing, more often than not, to their sins, changing them even more than before.

Which brings me to this:

MC, after being in the Devildom for so long and in contact with all these supernatural beings, begins to adapt to the environment due to their angelic heritage, exposure to magic, and close proximity to the brothers, along with their pacts.

As time passes, they begin to feel a slight change in their back and skull. They can feel the skin begin to stretch, an itch they can't seem to be free of. An ache settles there as their bones begin to change, and large lumps form there, the skin turning a bright red due to irritation.

Their diet changes, too. Foods they weren't able to eat before because of nasty side affects from human consumption no longer ail them. They become much more tempting.

Strong magic no longer makes them feel sick. Before, long exposure made their pulse quicken, head throb, stomach churn, and now its barely even a tickle. A slight sensation, like a puff of breath against their skin.

Their physical strength becomes much stronger. They break things with much more ease now. Pencils, toothbrushes, cups. All things that are imprented into their muscle memory become much harder to use. Things that were supposed to be too heavy for humans feel much lighter.

The others don't seem to notice. Assuming MCs discomfort is due to them being a human in their habitat. Neither Solomon nor the angels notice either for the same reason. Diavolo and Barbatos are the same.

They continue to do as they have done from the start. Bringing MC small comforts to help them survive. Basic necessities that humans require. They make sure that the sun lamp in MC's room stays functioning. They have human foods in stock. Medication should MC need it. All of their needs and wants are met with utmost care from the beings that love them so deeply.

MC says nothing and hides it, becoming more distant. Confused and trying to convince themself that this is but a passing thing. Its not the first time something weird or painful has happened to them in all their years being in the devildom.

That is until a blood curdling scream rips through the HoL in the middle of the night, a painful sound akin to that of a banshee, snatching all the inhabitants away from what occupied their attention.

They know that voice and are all scrambling to get to them.

Mammon arrives first, already in his demon form, being the quickest of the brothers and bursts through MCs door with no regard to the fact that he turned it to splinters. He is snarling, ready to protect MC, but the scene before him makes him freeze.

MC is on the floor, on their hands and knees. Eyes screwed shut as their face twists with excruciating pain. More screams pushing past their lips, each one with more ferocity. Their covers had been pulled along with them as if they had fallen out of bed.

The smell of blood hits him like a punch to the gut. MC was covered in it. Their sleep shirt drenched in the red liquid. Its slides down their face with no intention slowing.

It brings back awful memories that he never wants to remember. Their body cradled in his arms as he pleaded for them to stay awake and stay with him after Belphie threw them over the railing.

The ringing of their screams in his ears shakes him out of his stuper, and he is at their side in seconds, his hands hovering over them, unsure whether or not he should touch them since they look to be in so much pain.

He has no idea what to do, and before he knows it, he's sobbing. Screaming for his older brother.

"Lucifer! Lucifer, help!"

The eldest was a blur of black as he rushed in. His wings and horns on full display. His red eyes practically bulging from their sockets at what he found. But he was quick to hide it.

"What happened?!" He snapped.

Mammons mouth worked to form words but could barely get them out between his sobbing breathes, "I-I don't... I found them like this and..."

There was no histation in Lucifers stride as he dropped down to one knee next to them. His hand came to softly rest on MCs shoulder to get them to look at him, but her scream of pain at the contact made him jerk it away. He gently cradled their face after that and noticed that their skin was hotter than humans should ever be. He knew enough to know that if they didn't act fast, MCs organs would begin shutting down. However, the eldest was not adept in the knowledge of human physiology and was internally berating himself for it.

"Satan!" He yelled.

The fourth born was already hot on their heels before his name could leave the mans mouth, with the rest of them not far behind.

Deja Vu for all of them. Reliving that fateful night from years long passed.

The blondes eyes scrunched together as he ran to them, leaving the others to stare in horror from the doorway.

"Their temperature is too high. We need to cool them off somehow." Lucifer said, his fist balled at his side, knuckles white from fighting off his pride and his worry.

"We need to get them into an ice bath," Satan said, the back of his hand gently lingering on MCs cheek, but when the others made no attempt to move, he snapped. "NOW!"

They scattered, but Lucifer and Mammon remained.

"We need to stop the bleeding too," he continued. "With their temperature so high, medication won't work. Their body will burn it off before it can help."

Satans voice softened, "MC, we need to see where the blood is coming from. Where does it hurt?"

MCs chest heaved, their breathes coming sharp and fast, "b-back.... he-head"

"I'm going to remove your shirt, okay?"

Satan nodded for Lucifer to begin examining their head while he began ripping away the shirt as gently as possible, paying little mind to MCs exposed form.

Satans breath stopped at what he saw, eyes wide. Six jagged tears lined their spine. Hollowed bones petruding through the exposed muscle. Strips of flesh hung over their sides, and each breath they took seemed to tear at it more.

Lucifers reaction was the same. The skin on MCs forehead had split, leaving bleached white mounds of bone in its wake. And when he looked up to see Satans face twisted with emotion, his eyes fell to the mangled flex.

Mammons sobbing intensified at the sight. What are they supposed to do? None of this was right. What is happening to MC? Why? Why, why, why, why, why, why?

MCs screams returned, and they fell to the floor in agony, reaching out to the men in front of them and latching on to them. The muscles in their back flexed, and the hollow bones pushed out further.

Asmo reapeared, "Its ready-" he gasped. His eyes fell to MCs crumbled form, and his hands covered his mouth just as Levi, Beel, and Belphie arrived.

Levi was already crying. Worrying over his best friend. But now it was so much worse. What was happening? How is he supposed to help? He wants to desperately, but has no idea what to do.

Beel was the same. He's hates seeing the people he loves more than anything in so much pain. His strength has no use in this situation, and it pains him. This is not a battle he can win.

Belphie is still as a statue. His mind racing, feet frozen in place, unable to look away. Was this what my brothers felt that time? This fear that seeps into his stomach is the same fear and agony that he felt when Lilith died. Not again, not again, not again.

"MC can you stand?" Lucifer asks.

"No," MC wailed. "Hurts too much.... can't move. Please make it stop! I can't-"

Their screams turned to agonizing sobs.

"Belphie, we need you to put them to sleep." Lucifer commanded.

Belphie did not move. He barely heard him speak.

"Belphie!" Mammon yelled.

He still did not move. Caught in the well of his own misery and regret.

MCs voice broke through, "Belphie, please!"

Belphie was shoved forward by Levi before his feet began to move on their own. Hesitant hands reached for MC, his thumbs brushing over their eyelids until they closed completely, and they fell limp into Lucifers arms.

Lucifer called Diavolo to let him know of the situation. They did their best to keep everything in order while waiting on MC to recover. Weeks passed, and the Prince and Barbatos began to visit the HoL daily to check on MCs progress.

They treated MCs wounds as best they could, even bringing Simeon and Solomon to try and help as well, with Luke sending baked treats he made for MC. The angels magic did little to help as the bones would tear the wound open anew as it continued to grow even larger with flesh new beginning to form around it.

None of them had ever seen this before. Even Solomon was at a loss. Angelic healing magic was the strongest in all three realms, and it wasn't working. Human medicine wasn't helping, and neither was demonic magic. So, the sorcerer turned to experiments and research. Pilfering through all his old tomes and notes. Taking viles of MCs blood for testing. Satan helped him with his search as well, staying awake for days on end.

Weeks turned to months, and Belphie took to staying in MCs room in order to keep them in a state of comatose to help them endure the pain, only allowing them to be awake to eat whatever food his twin brought for them. Beel had taken to being their bodyguard when the others weren't around.

Mammon came and went. Bringing with him items he believed might make MC feel better, but he wouldn't stay for long. It hurt him too much to see MC in this state. While he was away, he spent his time searching, bribing, and threatening others to find a solution. Witches or other demons, it made no difference to him. He would pay any price.

For a while, Levi stayed locked up in his room. Feeling as though he would just get in the way. But it wasn't long before he couldn't stand not having his best friend there with him. So he began visiting them, even when they weren't awake. Talking to their sleeping form about whatever game or anime he was currently fixated on until his rambling turned to pleading for them to get better.

Asmo had declared himself MC's nurse. Washing their hair and body, cleaning their wounds, and using special creams and oinments to help with swelling and scarring. He could often be found sitting by their bed holding their hand in his lap as he whispered compliments to them. His smile unaltering even if it never reached his eyes.

Lucifer came late in the night, letting Belphie and Beel leave to get true rest, and he would just sit in silence as he watched their breaths rise and fall. And when he knew he was completely alone, his back would bow with the weight of his pain, shoulders sagging under the pressure. His fist would fly to his hair, strands coming loose as he pulled. Tears would well up in his eyes. Was this Fathers doing? Was he punishing you as he had done to us? Was he truly so petty to put you through all this pain? His tears would stop as soon as the twins returned, and he would stand, his spine rigid and head held high before turning to leave himself.

This all became a routine until MC's wings and horns stopped growing.

Their wings were massive, comparable to Lucifers, and pitch black, the tips white on the underside like those of Black Vultures from the Human Realm.

Their horns were smooth like polished crystal as they curved up and around the crown of their head like a halo, the ends bent upward. Black at the base and fading to white as they went.

Finally, they found the answer thanks to Solomon.

The Sorcerer had come to the HoL, exhausted and worse for wear, but with a triumphant smile on his face. Satan, Diavolo, Barbatos, and Simeon followed close behind.

He gathered them all in MCs room, where they still slept.

"So what's wrong with em'?" Mammon squawked, impatient as ever.

"There is nothing wrong with them. Not truly. In simple terms, MC has evolved. They are no longer human." Solomon answered plainly.

"So they are a demon now?" Beel asked.

"That's the intriguing part, No. After running multiple tests, I could find no trace of the human genome or anything connected to demons or angels in their blood. From what I can gather, the genes from their angelic heritage were domant before being activated by their experiences here in the Devildom. Their body evolved to survive. Normally, these new genes would be passed on to their descendents much later, but due to their peculiar circumstances and the power they have aquired, the process was excelerated. MC is no longer human and neither demon nor angel. They have become something new."

"Would they be comparable to a Nephilim or Cambion?" Diavolo asked.

"I don't know. All we can do is wait and see. But I do not believe they will pose a danger. If anything, this cements them as a connection to all three realms. Having been born a human with angelic blood and their relationships with all of you and pacts with the brothers, they might well be your greatest asset to create the peace you have been working so diligently for."

They all turned to look at MCs sleeping form.

"Then what are we waiting for, huh? Let's wake em' up!" Mammon exclaimed.

Lucifer looked over to Diavolo and received a warm smile and a nod.

With them all gathered around Belphie lifted his magic and MC stirred.

Their eyes blinked open, and they were greeted with new life.

Drawing reference to MCs new form. Science Overview

[max1461]

This is an area of active debate, and also evolution of language is not my field, so I'm not especially qualified to speak on it. The position that language evolved separately in different areas of the world (polygenesis of language) is held by various people, so indeed it "may have" occurred that way. By in my estimation it's not particularly likely.

Humans have a lot of specialized adaptations for speaking. Our vocal tracts allow us to produce a wide range of consonant sounds, for which we are unique among mammals. The range of our hearing also appears tuned to pick up these consonant sounds. We also very probably have cognitive adaptations specifically for speech production (as opposed to just general intelligence), although their nature is perhaps less agreed upon. All in all we are biologically adapted for speech, and there is some evidence that earlier human subspecies like Neanderthals were too.

In light of this, I think it is almost certain that language predates human anatomical modernity, perhaps by a very great degree (recall also that things like relatively complex tool making predate modern humans by several million years). Thus: language predates the migration out of Africa, it predates various population bottlenecks that modern humans were subjected to, etc. etc. Most importantly, I think it is extraordinarily unlikely that language is something we "invented" one day. I strongly suspect the modern human linguistic capacity evolved slowly out of earlier, simpler communication systems used by our primate ancestors—communication systems which had some cultural variation, as modern chimpanzees show today, but orders of magnitude less than what humans have. And, in the limit, these systems evolved from even simpler ones with no cultural variation at all.

This makes monogenesis trivially true if go far back enough. Under this hypothesis we can say that modern human linguistic variation might conceivably date to pre-human cultural variation in our ancestors' simpler, pre-linguistic communication systems. If this is the case, human-language-as-such still would have been subject to either strong mutual areal influence at various points in history or to some kind of convergence of features due to the constraints of modern human linguistic cognition specifically, because all modern languages are "pretty similar".

This is all not to mention creolization, which depending on how you want to frame it, adds disjoint nodes or cycles to the tree of linguistic descent.

[harukadrawsthings]

Ash & goh see lunala wrap herself with her wings

It's an anatomical challenge to make Lunala fold her arms. They would probably look like the way it's on the last photo! Her wings have more limitations than real bats mostly due to the golden edges she has.

So the answer is a maybe, because it would be a ligther wing folding they would be able to watch!

[lord-squiggletits]

I’d love to hear any comments/headcanons you have for pre-Tarn/pre-war Damus!

Those tags about him being touch starved due in part to his Outlier powers had me in my feels 😭😭 I loved that wonderful (and angsty) analysis on him.

Hmm I'm not sure I have that many but let's see if the ones I do have end up blossoming into a more robust list or not

Like most people, I headcanon Damus having an affinity for music long before becoming Tarn; I mean, his outlier power had literally nothing to do with sound at all to begin with (even once he started being able to do it at a distance), so it seems like for Tarn to have 'music lover' as one of his big traits, he would've picked it for a reason, no? Not all parts of Tarn (TM) have to be a complete pretense

Following that, because Damus' outlier broke all electrical devices/machines he touched, he became a singer because his own voice is something he can't break and that no one can take away from him. Maybe he would've tried non-electronic instruments, but he would've gravitated towards singing more than instrumental performance regardless

Also, depending on how you headcanon Cybertronian singing to work (do any of them "breathe"/push air like humans do or are their voices entirely synthesized? Is "breathing" a special mod or does it work as a function of ventilation/cooling), being empurata'd probably could've affected Damus' singing ability since he would no longer have a face/mouth to shape his sounds. Could still sing since he does have a voice box, but I imagine that, considering Damus wasn't able to touch anyone/anything anyways, losing his hands was way less hurtful to him than losing his face.

However, since his outlier ability would make him pretty much functionally disabled on Cybertron (literally everything and everyone is machines), Damus would've had a greater appreciation for physical mediums of art/function more than the average person, I think. In a society where pretty much everything is stored on datapads, computers, etc, Damus would've been a huge pen-and-paper, art canvas, stonecarving, etc kind of guy; a big appreciator of things that can survive without an electrical connection or any machine functioning. He's basically one of those people who, in human terms, would own a lot of antiquated stuff like record players, cassette decks, CDs, etc because his outlier forced him to adapt to (and then eventually enjoy the benefits/unique traits of) physical rather than digital mediums. I imagine this trait would make Damus odd among other hobbyists, since for both anatomical reasons (they're a mechanical species) and cultural reasons (history of mechanical superiority/anti-organic tendencies), most people would probably degrade physical media as less fast, efficient, flexible, etc compared to digital. Which does kind of make it ironic that Damus later became a Decepticon, but I suppose non-electrical/mechanical doesn't necessarily equate to being organic.

On account of not gaining control of his outlier until his outlaw days with Orion and co., I imagine Damus' job opportunities would've been very limited and he would've mostly had a very poor/limiting lifestyle (which also inclined him to be more interested in Megatron's writings and eventually becoming a Decepticon). Creativity isn't running well at the moment, but probably something like waste management (like being a garbage man) or some sort of manual hauling job, although Damus appears to have just been a normal 4-wheeled car alt-mode so I'm not sure he could've/would've gotten hired for heavy manual labor stuff. Perhaps he could've been a courier like Bumblebee was pre-war?

That also begs the question of how Damus compensated for his disability. Maybe to handle electronics, he could do so as long as he wore really thick gloves or something? Probably he'd also take advantage of stuff like voice commands/text to speech on electronic devices, so I imagine Damus' life wasn't completely devoid of any technology whatsoever. Do you think he'd be able to cook food on a stove top as long as he used a pair of tongs to grab it? I bet Damus had to get really good at improvising disability aids and getting basic life functions done without touching things directly with his hands, so maybe he was a bit of a tinkerer back then as well. And now I'm imagining Damus' home being full of elaborate Rube Goldberg machines that do very basic things like turn the stove to a specific temperature and turn it off after a set interval of time klsdalfjkdls

[jeredu]

Have some more of this AU. This time, the Scions of Lorelei are twin Skywings, hatched from a single egg!

Asch (or "Ash") has firescales. Luke, meanwhile, is the hidden shame of the royal family. Crimson, their father, feels that the Queen was too soft. Skywing law demands that a dragonet like "Light" should have been culled, lest he pass along his lack of fire down the bloodline. Ash, too, should not have been allowed to live. But prophecy (and the pleas of their mother, sister to the Queen) won out.

Ash has been raised as a weapon of the Sky Kingdom, resentful of the role he has been forced into.

Light is a hidden, shameful secret.

And Mieu, Light's pet scavenger, accompanies him nearly everywhere. Light is not permitted to leave the cave system without an escort. Mieu is a scavenger, orphaned at a young age, and found by Light on one of these incredibly rare outings. Light begged to keep him as a pet.

Mieu, struggling to speak the dragon language, gave him a scavenger [human] name: Luke.

Over the short years of his life, Mieu has grown to understand dragon speech, and "Luke" has likewise developed an understanding of scavenger speech. It is physically difficult for each to speak the other's language due to anatomical limitations, but they get by. They often use a simplified version of the other's language, which often meshes into an evolved hybrid "gibberish" only they can truly understand.

Despite their disparate life experiences, the boys share a desire to escape the Sky kingdom. They have an understanding, and though they often don't get along, their bond is stronger than one might expect.

I'll be using the tag #au: wings of the abyss for posts within this setting!

[fishenjoyer1]

Fish of the Day

Today's fish of the day is the mangrove horseshoe crab!

The mangrove horseshoe crab, also known as the round-tailed horseshoe crab, and scientific name Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda is one of the four living species of horseshoe crab remaining. The mangrove Horseshoe crab is closely related to the other 2 Asian horseshoe crabs: The Indo-Pacific Horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas), and the Chinese Horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), but is the only member of the Carcinoscorpius genus. These three horseshoe crabs are separate from the American Atlantic Horseshoe crab, which separated between 130 to 400 million years ago! Now, Horseshoe crabs are horribly named, as they're not crabs at all. Instead, they belong to subphylum Chelicerata, which is in the Arthropod phylum, directly relating them to spiders and ticks.

Like its name implies, the mangrove horseshoe crab lives in brackish waters in mangrove forests. They can be found across Southeastern Asia, down to the Indo-Pacific in Tropical and subtropical climates. This animal spends its time in shallow waters, preferring sandy areas. The mangrove Horseshoe is benthopelagic, meaning it lives its life on the seafloor, and although they rarely do so, horseshoe crabs can swim, albeit, upside down. I'd recommend looking up a video on them swimming, it's very cool to see!

As benthic creatures, the mangrove horseshoe crabs diet is limited to what it can find on the seabed. Not only that, but, like all parts of the Chelicerata subphylum, it lacks jaws and teeth, and so it must feed in another method. Horseshoe crabs eat by grabbing prey with chelicerae, a pair of appendages in front of its legs, and passing prey to a food grove that runs from the furthest back legs, and up to the mouth. Well in the food grove, the bases of the legs are used to grind prey with teeth like structures, simultaneously passing further forward. Due to horseshoe crabs being so unchanged over the years, it is thought that this feeding method may have belonged to some of the earliest Arthropods. The diet of the mangrove horseshoe crab in particular is made up of insect larvae, small fish, marine worms, and mollusks. Although mangrove horseshoe crabs in particular have a strong preference for insect larvae above other prey.

Anatomically horseshoe crabs get stranger yet. They contain 10 eyes: 2 compound eyes, which can be seen on the top of the head, used primarily for finding mates. Then, there is a pair of lateral eyes, on the underside, ventral eyes, used for finding prey, an endoparetial eye, and median eyes. Horseshoe crabs can see both visible and ultraviolet light, but are particularly sensitive to light amounts and changes in their surroundings. The tail, as opposed to some common thought, is not poisonous or a weapon, but rather it is used for flipping over easily, and some movement well swimming. In Mangrove horseshoe crabs the tail is far more rounded than its relatives.

Have a good day everyone!

[hotnsweetnprimrose]

Who am I? Well,

I'm part boy part girl, boygirl, the protector and mayor of transgenders! Well. Not that last one, that's not an official position nor would I claim it in a non-joking manner. I'm just a silly t4t slut :P

Last Updated: 10/28/2024

My name is Prim or Clark (switch 'em up when it's been a while). I'm 22, I am trans, non-binary, and bigender (androgyne flavor), and I'm here to fuck and get fucked, at least in what ways are possible over the internet. I'm interested in all genders, but have far more fondness in my heart for my fellow trans folk. :P

I'm a HUGE switch and vers!

I prefer they/them pronouns from people who aren't close to me, but once you get to know me, we'll figure it out further :P. I might use it/its for myself while in subspace being a toy, don’t change any of your language in response unless I ask, please!

I strongly believe in trans joy and t4t joy. Transmasc transfem transneutral trans [fill in the blank] we are all so hot and cool. <3 It brings me joy to lend aid whenever and wherever I can. This blog is focused on trans 4 trans first and foremost. Cis people are an afterthought, almost always.

Send me asks if you want! DMs even! I love meeting people! Don't be shy! Unless you're cis, then I have high standards so yes do be shy.

Please don't interact if you're a minor or don't have your age in your bio. I will block you. Immediately. Be patient and you'll have a chance to explore when it doesn't endanger yourself or others.

I also just block liberally if you aren't firmly on the side of t4t solidarity and mutual support. We're all having a hard time out here. (I also will not hesitate break mutuals if you post content that damages my mental health that I can't filter for. This is my safe haven.)

Top Surgery (No Nips!!!! Wahoo!!): 10/16/2024 [if you're seeing this in less than 3 weeks after that date, know my sleep is probably still in disarray and my ability to reply/exist is impaired.]

Anatomical Terms:

clit, tdick, tcock, cunt, pussy = GOOD!

boygirl + any term that's deemed good already= GREAT!!

hole = fine. a bit boring

vagina = BAD! too technical

If I'm dominant in your scenario, call me mastress, mixtress, or captain. Sir is on the table for those who earn it. If I'm submissive in your scenario, call me toy, pet, diminuitive names, or kitten (but only if you make jokes about it :P).

I tag my original things "Prim/Clark~" + [type of post] (space in the middle). My reblogs are tagged by kink/focus when I remember and rambling/my thoughts no matter what. [for specific tags I use for post types/original content, check under the cut for the list] I tag reblogs "primclark rbs" so I can sort them.

More stuff under the readmore including limits, kinks, and other tidbits.

Due to me being bigender (androgyne edition), I try not to reblog posts with "men dni" or "women dni" on them as I feel like that's denying part of my identity. Also out of principle so maybe people will be less broad with those kinds of statements OR remember multigender folks like myself exist. Please don't binarize me, that sucks.

I call the rp/kink fiction/pretend element "kayfabe" because wrestling is y'know. somewhat analogous to kink in some ways!

Setting up my queue to post all the reblogs I drafted then forgot about!!!! Please be patient!!

Not Planning on Going On T Please Don't Act Like I Am [I use tcock and tdick with the t meaning trans or t4t, not testosterone <3]

List time!!!!

g = giving, r = receiving

BIG YESES!!

body worship [g+r]

praise [g+r]

tentacles & monsters [...g+r] (used to be this blog's main theme, but I'm revamping! might still post/rb it though)

bondage & restraint & shibari [g+r]

hypnosis [g+r]

bimbofication & dumbification genre [g+r]

creampies [r+g but that requires a strap and/or imagination]

overstim [g+r]

edging [g+r]

Objectification in the sense of being a toy, a tool, something with a function that does a job [r, unsure about g]

petplay [g+r I am a kitten thank you not a puppy sadly]

gentle gender affirming genderplay/forcemasc/forcefem!!!!!! [g+r]

DEFINITELY MORE I DON'T REMEMBER OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD

CONTEXT DEPENDENT (not always a big yes but the version eithout context is a no)

anal [giving ONLY, and only with gloves or a strap]

intox [giving/domming ONLY]

Consensual non-consent but ONLY if it's clearly established as such with the post/fiction (I know I'm rare in that I find the prep and negotiation hot but hey, I love communication and trust!)

Painplay [giving/domming ONLY]

Breathplay [giving/domming ONLY] (picky about this one because safety but also I got asthma so I need to breathe normally)

NOS!!!!

Any kind of pregnancy or pregnancy focused kink

Any sort of inflation (cumflation is case by case)

Breeding with the INTENT of pregnancy (see creampies above, I do love the raw sex and being cum in but pregnancy still makes me dysphoric)

Nipple/breast focused content and/or kink (don't have those anymore and they gave me dysphoria) (except if you want to do like. breast theft. then we can talk about it but I'm super picky it's basically a no)

Detrans kink and misgendering kink (I respect you but not my thing and usually makes me dysphoric. More power to ya though!)

Kinks involving urine, scat [shit], or filth [literal] in any large capacity

Consensual Non-Consent when it's in-universe just non-con

I respect y’all but no f4uxc3st and please tag it!!!! I have it blocked because my brain goes “you want ocd symptoms abt this? Okay!” I don’t even have full ocd just traits n trauma 😔

Visual representation of genitals In Action (this is a me thing and I'm working on it slowly, this one will be removed eventually but basically. only artful nudes like an art piece in a museum if you wanna send 'em or if I post them)

[all of this is subject to changes and updates when I remember things not listed here or I learn more about my tastes!]

Original Writing/Pictures Tags:

#Prim/Clark~ Says = non-horny posts/writing/updates (that's what this is tagged as)

#Prim/Clark~ Whimpers = horny writing (submissive focus)

#Prim/Clark~ Smirks = horny writing (dominant focus)

#Prim/Clark~ Moans = horny writing (generally)

#Prim/Clark~ Reveals = if I ever do post suggestive pics (probably no actual pussy in it, tasteful museum style) this is the tag for that. we'll see how I feel.

[stay tuned, I may add my tumblr partners down here ;3 gotta get their permission first though! consent is important! whee!]

[man-i-love-molluscs]

Hi!

In the UK, last week was biology week and I REALLY wanted to get this finished to celebrate. Unfortunately, I have been incredibly busy with coursework and only managed to finish this up yesterday. So, for my sake, imagine this was posted last week. Without further ado:

——————————————————————————

Dinoflagellates

Superclass- Dinoflagellata

Pictured: Ceratum lineatum

Dinoflagellates are plankton belonging to the superclass “Dinoflagellata”, a clade containing aquatic algae. Though often found in marine environments, dinoflagellates can be found in almost all aquatic environments. They are the bottom of most aquatic food chains and are responsible for many natural phenomena, like glowing beaches and even potentially one of the great plagues of Egypt!

Pictured: an anatomical diagram of a dinoflagellate

Dinoflagellates are covered by a theca (sheath) that can be either plain or ornamented and have two flagella (tails). One is a longitudinal flagella which propels the dinoflagellate forward and the other is a transverse flagella which provides spin to the algal cell.

Pictured: glowing shore caused by dinoflagellates

So, about glowing oceans, they’re caused by some genera of dinoflagellates that contain “Scintillons” which are, essentially, cellular glow sticks. Dinoflagellates light up when they are contacted, causing beautiful displays of light on turbulent shorelines. This bioluminescence is thought to be a response to predation. It sounds strange, producing dazzling light to deter predators, but the lights aren’t to repel predators, they’re to attract the predators of the predators. Like setting up a giant neon sign saying “This guy is eating me and they’re REALLY tasty”. They tend to build up in warm lagoons with limited access to the open sea and glow a bluish colour. Dinoflagellates produce a compound called “luciferin” which reacts with an enzyme called “luciferase”, and this reaction is what causes the light.

Pictured: a coral reef

Aside from being rave algae, dinoflagellates also form symbiotic relationships with many different organisms. Sponges, molluscs and some bacteria just to name a few, they form so many that the family they lie in is called “symbiodinium”. The most notable- though- is their relationship with coral. Coral as we know it is composed of coral polyps and dinoflagellates- or zooxanthellae as those able to form symbiotic relationships are known colloquially. In these relationships, zooxanthellae offer amino acids and products of photosynthesis and in return get carbon dioxide for photosynthesis as well as phosphates and nitrates. Colonies of coral polyps and zooxanthellae comprise coral reefs, responsible for upholding many tropical ecosystems in our beautiful oceans. When these colonies experience high environmental stress, the polyps will expel the zooxanthellae, resulting in coral bleaching, where coral reefs lose their colour and die; Coral bleaching is also a major problem our oceans are facing due to factors like ocean acidification and pollution.

Pictured: Pteraeolidia semperi

Zooxanthellae also form symbiotic relationships with nudibranchs, specifically aeolid nudibranchs from the genus Pteraeolidia; aeolid nudibranchs are those with long tubules sprouting from their backs, those in the genus Pteraeolidia look comparable to Christmas tinsel. In these relationships, the zooxanthellae live in the nudibranchs’ tissue and supplement their diet with photosynthetic products. For more information, look into the work of Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldburg and Professor Rosalind Hinde.

Pictured: a red tide

Dinoflagellates also are thought to have caused one of the 10 plagues of Egypt. Dinoflagellates are known to cause “red tides”, where masses of algae grow on the surface of water. Red tides do crazy evil things, like killing fish, making shellfish poisonous and even emitting toxic aerosols that cause burning sensations in throats and noses. Stalagmite records show that during the plagues, Egypt experienced a great drought. It is thought that this drought caused an algal bloom in the river nile, causing water to become undrinkable, fish to die and amphibian numbers to boom before they escaped the river. It’s important to note that while dinoflagellates are a kind of algae that is known to bloom in this way, some evidence points to algae that do not belong to the superclass dinoflagellata as the cause of this plague. Regardless, the marriage of religion, history and biology is very interesting.

[andy-paleoart]

Cambrian: An explosion of life | Cambriano: Uma explosão de vida

🇬🇧

During the Cambrian Period, which spanned from approximately 538 to 485 million years ago, Earth underwent a dramatic biological transformation known as the Cambrian Explosion. This epoch was characterized by an extraordinary burst of evolutionary activity, resulting in the rapid diversification of complex multicellular life forms.

Among the notable inhabitants of the Cambrian seas were trilobites, arthropods with hard exoskeletons and distinctive three-lobed bodies. Anomalocarids, another prominent group, were enigmatic arthropods that occupied the role of top predators, boasting large spiny appendages and segmented bodies. Opabinia, with its tubular body and unique proboscis, added an element of peculiarity to the Cambrian fauna. The period also saw the existence of Hallucigenia, a spiky worm-like organism that initially perplexed researchers with its unusual anatomy. Wiwaxia, a small marine creature with a slug-like appearance, contributed to the diverse array of life forms.

This period was marked by innovation and experimentation, and laid the groundwork for various body plans and anatomical structures that would shape the course of evolution. Fossil evidence from this time provides invaluable insights into the early stages of animal life and the processes that led to the rich biodiversity observed on Earth today. It also marked a significant transition in the evolution of life on Earth, particularly with the emergence and diversification of sexual reproduction. Before this period, asexual reproduction was the dominant method. However, during the Cambrian Period, there was a notable shift towards sexual reproduction, involving the fusion of specialized reproductive cells or gametes.

This shift had several advantages, including the introduction of genetic variation. Sexual reproduction led to a mixing of genetic material from two parents, fostering increased diversity among offspring. This diversity, in turn, allowed for a broader range of adaptations to the environment, promoting the evolution of more complex and specialized organisms. The adaptability provided by sexual reproduction was crucial in the dynamic and competitive ecosystems of the Cambrian Period. The variability introduced through this process facilitated a more rapid response to changing environmental conditions.

While the specifics of when and how sexual reproduction evolved during the Cambrian Period remain uncertain due to limited direct evidence in the fossil record, the widespread appearance of complex multicellular organisms during this time suggests a correlation between the emergence of sexual reproduction and the rapid diversification of life. It was a true sex revolution!

🇧🇷

Durante o Período Cambriano, que abrangeu aproximadamente de 538 a 485 milhões de anos atrás, a Terra passou por uma dramática transformação biológica conhecida como Explosão Cambriana. Essa época foi caracterizada por uma extraordinária explosão de atividade evolutiva, resultando na rápida diversificação de formas de vida multicelulares complexas.

Entre os habitantes notáveis dos mares cambrianos estavam os trilobitas, artrópodes com exoesqueletos duros e corpos distintos em três lóbulos. Os anomalocarídeos, outro grupo proeminente, eram artrópodes enigmáticos que ocupavam o papel de predadores de topo, ostentando grandes apêndices espinhosos e corpos segmentados. Opabinia, com seu corpo tubular e probóscide única, acrescentava um elemento de peculiaridade à fauna cambriana. O período também testemunhou a existência de Hallucigenia, um organismo espinhoso semelhante a uma minhoca que inicialmente desconcertou os pesquisadores com sua anatomia incomum. Wiwaxia, uma pequena criatura marinha com aparência de lesma, contribuiu para a diversidade de formas de vida.

Foi um período marcado por inovação e experimentação, que lançou as bases para diversos planos corporais e estruturas anatômicas que moldariam o curso da evolução. A evidência fóssil desse período fornece insights valiosos sobre as fases iniciais da vida animal e os processos que levaram à rica biodiversidade observada na Terra hoje. Foi marcado também por uma transição significativa na evolução da vida na Terra, especialmente com o surgimento e diversificação da reprodução sexual. Antes desse período, a reprodução assexuada era o método dominante. No entanto, durante o Período Cambriano, houve uma notável mudança em direção à reprodução sexual, envolvendo a fusão de células reprodutivas especializadas ou gametas.

Essa mudança teve várias vantagens, incluindo a introdução de variação genética. A reprodução sexual resultou na mistura de material genético de dois progenitores, promovendo maior diversidade entre a prole. Essa diversidade, por sua vez, permitiu uma gama mais ampla de adaptações ao ambiente, promovendo a evolução de organismos mais complexos e especializados. A adaptabilidade proporcionada pela reprodução sexual foi crucial nos ecossistemas dinâmicos e competitivos do Período Cambriano. A variabilidade introduzida por meio desse processo facilitou uma resposta mais rápida às mudanças nas condições ambientais.

Embora os detalhes específicos de quando e como a reprodução sexual evoluiu durante o Período Cambriano permaneçam incertos devido à escassez de evidências diretas no registro fóssil, a aparição generalizada de organismos multicelulares complexos durante esse período sugere uma correlação entre o surgimento da reprodução sexual e a rápida diversificação da vida. Foi uma verdadedeira revolução sexual!

[queenofcandynsoda]

Carmine the Bloodshed

(Thank you @jknerd~)

TW; Self-harm

Carmine the Bloodshed

Other Names: Carmine the Bloodshed (カーマイン・の・さっしょう Chimamire no Carumin), The Psycho’s Son, The Red Devil, Carmine Spini, R-O-001

Age: 7

Affiliation: Deepground; Shinra Electric Power Company (Formerly), Weiss’ Army

Occupation: Child Soldier, Sniper, Assassin (trainee)

Residence: Deepground Offspring Nursery (formerly), None/Nomadic (currently)

Family: Rosso the Crimson (mother), Cerise (younger sister), Eerie (younger sister), Cordovan and Maroon (younger twin brothers), Jasper (younger brother), Peach (youngest sister), Madder (younger brother), Cardinal (younger brother), Chili (youngest brother), The Restrictor (biological father)

Abilities: Firearm Proficiency (Rifle, Sniper Rifle, Shotgun, Handgun, Assault Rifle), Supernatural Gunmanship (Supernatural Accuracy, Supernatural Reflexes, Supernatural Dexterity, Quick Draw), Glowing Eyes, Knife Proficiency (Switchblade, Razor, Scalpel, Clever, Kitchen Knife), Superior Human Physiology (Flash Step, Supernatural Stealth, Afterimage Creation, Bulletproof Durability, Self-Sustenance, Disease Resistance, Enhanced Intelligence, Supernatural Strength, Healing Coma [after blood loss], Mental Regeneration), Blood Manipulation (Bleeding Inducement, Flammable Blood, Corrosive Blood, Haemokinetic Combat, Blood Bullets), Adaptive Regeneration [after MANY attempts to euthanize him] (Acid Immunity, Poison/Venom Immunity, Water Immunity, Fire Immunity, Explosion Immunity, Blunt Force Immunity, Cutting Immunity), Feign Death, Supernatural Cells, Killing Mastery, Killing Instinct (reluctant), Anatomical Mastery, Weakness Detection, Humanity Retainment, Indomitable Loyalty (to his mother and Weiss), Mathematics Mastery (Geometry, Shatterpoint, Numerical Precision, Calculation, Ricochet), Temporal Sense, Combat Adaptation

Likes: His family, Freedom, Daylight, Collecting souvenirs, Girl-in-the-Picture (Vermillion), Guns, Hot Chocolate, Burgers, Pizzas, Loyalty to Weiss, Target Practice

Dislikes: THE RESTRICTOR, Shinra Company, Professor Hojo, Doctor Fiorenzo Rosales, His Murderous Thoughts, Being controlled, Intense Training, Greedy People, Spoiled Brats

Origins: Carmine is a member of the Off-Color Tsviets and the first son and child of Rosso the Crimson. His biological father is the Restrictor, the cruel overseer of Deepground. From birth, Carmine was forced to train to be the most effective killer that could surpass his mother’s abilities. His body has been pushed beyond its limits to the point it is a wonder how Carmine lived past the age of five. After his birth, his mother attempted to hide him but he was quickly taken away and placed in the Offspring Nursery. Since then, he was subjected to torturous experiments as Rosso gave birth to his siblings due to her body being modified to be pregnant for three months. The mother and son would communicate at every opportunity, even having the chance to see his younger siblings. 

Due to the brutal experience he suffered, Carmine has become mentally unstable. He has become hostile to “Shinrites,” meaning people who work for Shinra”, and would aim his rifle at them, believing they intend harm regardless. He tends to be vulgar whenever he feels defensive, especially when it comes to his siblings and mother. This would also lead to profanity and threats of violence. 

Despite these frightening traits, he does his best to create and maintain his humanity. He would make himself bleed daily to remind himself that he is still a living person, not a weapon. Carmine had developed a reputation for trying to escape since he was about four years old. His common method is to use the air vent. This led him to enter various places in the Shinra Tower, such as the Materia Research Facility, SOLDIER Floor, Visual Entertainment Hall, the President’s Office, executives' offices, Hojo's laboratory, and the Skyview Hall, his favorite place. He would collect items, such as office supplies, Shinra/SOLDIER merch, souvenirs, and human teeth from Hojo’s lab. He also managed to collect Lazard’s pens, the Turks’ weapons, Palmer’s luxury eating utensils, Heidegger’s medals, Hojo’s lab equipment, Scarlet’s picture of her daughter, Vermillion, Rochelle’s makeup, Rufus’ coins and shotgun bullets, Junio’s handbags, and President Shinra’s car keys to one of his sports cars. He would then give most of them to the other children in Deepground, such as his siblings and his peers like Fuchsia. There are even times that he took jewelry and fur coats to Rosso in secret. 

When Sonon and Yuffie got captured, Carmine was one of the first to interact with the former. Though their first interaction was brief, the ninja intrigued the young boy. Once they get to meet more formally, Sonon is assigned to fight him, later, he tells him about the “Outside”. Sonon said how Wutai was a great nation before Shinra ruined it and that there was so much freedom. Carmine was amazed by this and would repeat it to the other children. 

Once Yuffie becomes pregnant, Carmine overhears conversations about a potential dissection of the baby, which would lead to its death as they are deemed “disposable”. The boy immediately told Sonon, who then told Nero, Weiss, and Yuffie. The Pure White Emperor then created an escape plan that would lead them into Wutai. Days later, Carmine hit his head hard enough that he got a concussion during training. In the infirmary, when Shelke is assisting in examining him with the doctors, she discovers that Carmine's “obedience” chip has been destroyed. This allows him to go against the Restrictor and gain free will. From there, Weiss sees him as essential to the escape. Soon after, Weiss secretly told the young boy how he could help. 

There are three tasks he needs to do once he escapes;

Seek out Viceroy Sarruf for Weiss to remove him from power for the Kisaragi Family to reclaim control over Wutai

Search for Wutai’s materia, especially the Leviathan materia

Return to help with the breakout once he gets Shelke’s message 

As a way to escape, Carmine forced his body into “Bleeding Sleep” to give the appearance of being dead as blood came out of his mouth and his heart stopped. Several Deepground children, including some of his siblings, pretend to mourn for him. The Restrictor, disgusted by Carmine’s “corpse”, threw him away in the trash truck. Carmine uses “Bleeding Sleep” long enough to wake himself and crawl out of the trash. He looks out of the trash truck to see the sun for the first time, amazed by the sight of freedom. Using this as an opportunity, he jumped out and headed to the nearest town outside of Midgar, Kalm. From there, he learns more about 

Along with getting a red hoodie, black pants, and slightly ragged white sneakers, he also gets a small rifle and stolen materia for any self-defense. 

Now, with all of his equipment, Carmine hopes to complete his tasks to ensure the escape from Deepground and the rescue of his family. As he travels, he learns to become more human and gain experience. 

[rememberingtheself]

Moving forward in life is a fascinating journey.

I recall asking myself a question that I read from the MC of the manga Homonculus. It took me days to understand how complex of a question it is...

"What does it mean to be Human... ?"

Manga: Homonculus

Britannica defines a human as "a culture-bearing primate classified in the genus Homo, especially the species H. sapiens." This captures our anatomical similarity to great apes, yet highlights our advanced brain and capacity for speech and abstract thought. But is a human merely a primate with a rational brain, or something more?

Plato offers a deeper perspective, describing a human as the union of soul and body—distinguished by the ability to dwell in the realm of Ideas, pursue virtue, and align with cosmic harmony.

The question of what defines a human being is debated endlessly. Any definition will be incomplete. The concept of "human" is vast. We humans define it by our own selves. Though we are defined by God in monotheistic religions.

Manga: Bleach

There’s a subtle implication in asking "What does it mean to be human?"

Rationality -which is defined such as "...a matter of acting on what the evidence indicates to be the best reasons."- as Aristotle, Descartes, and Kant describe, is central. It involves acting according to reason and evidence—a trait linked to language and reason, often considered uniquely human. But culture also shapes our understanding of humanity, influenced by time and place.

What's subtle is that we're not completely sure what a Human Being is.

Say you find all the qualities that makes up what a Human Being is by nature, you'll still have to define what a Human Being is from an ethical standpoint (What makes a Human Being moraly speaking). It would be an endless task to agree upon a sole definition since Humans evolve and are subject to change in its various aspects.

Thus, we are left with only limited definitions.

Feel free to discuss with me this topic. I recommand you starting Homonculus as well.

In fact we are always exposed to Change, due to uncertainty in our environment, our limited rationality or our weaknesses.

Manga: Bleach

This leads to another thought: Change is constant. We are perpetually exposed to it, whether through external circumstances, personal growth, or the limitations of our rationality. Change, though unsettling, is integral to human existence.

Personally, growing up has been surprising. It’s fascinating how we experience Heaven, Hell, and everything in between—and yet still find the will to keep going.

Psychologist Gabor Maté suggests that we construct stories to define our identity. These stories help us navigate life, but they are often shaped by experiences that distort our true selves, such as anxiety or trauma. The story we tell can justify our actions, but it’s always vulnerable to biases.

I see human beings as pure at birth, yet influenced by external forces—resulting in defects and impurities. Nietzsche’s idea of the Übermensch, or Superman, aligns with this view: "One ought to become what he already is." To achieve this, we must shed our "slave mentality" and strive to realize our true, purest form.

Ultimately, the story we tell ourselves is fluid. It evolves, which is both powerful and unsettling.

Change can be thrilling, but it’s also painful. It’s like saying that destroying your identity is beautiful, when in reality, it often involves suffering.

This topic is vast, and I’m not qualified to delve deeply into it. However, I firmly believe that change is the one constant in life, as Heraclitus noted. It’s a truth we all learn the hard way.

We can never know what life will bring, but facing change is a sign of growth. It broadens our perspective, reveals our limits, and makes us realize how much we don’t know. Yet, this awareness helps us live more fully, appreciating the gift of life—whatever our beliefs.

Despite all the unknowns, we continue forward, transcending weakness, embracing growth. We are truly works of art.

Thank you for your reading, please hit me up with a message.

[doggirling]

mmmm i wanna talk about my kirby hcs mainly surrounding puffballs so ill just drop them here. in case anyone's curious. look at this with the perspective of the gameverse and animeverse combined. also remember most of my kirby hcs/lore stuff is meant to be in direct connection/relation to my kirby ocverse so some notes might be exclusively starstruck/oc-dependant. long post warning under the cut

like i said in my kirbsona post i think puffballs as a species are classified as a divine/astronomical phenomenon, which basically means the (somewhat unexplainable/unknown) circumstances of their species' creation are attributed to both natural cosmic occurrences in space and a potential omnipotent/higher power having a hand in it.

puffballs (with very few exceptions) form within molecular clouds aka stellar nurseries. their bodies are relatively made up of the same stuff that literal stars are made up of, which is attributed to their natural hardiness, long lifespan, and strength.

there's usually only about 1 puffball exclusively formed per every stellar nursery. after a stellar nursery forms a puffball, it'll basically go back to forming only stars, and won't form a puffball again. the contents + appearance of the stellar nursery itself dictate the specific features, colors, and powers of its respective puffball, so everyone's unique! this is also why compared to the population per other species across the universe, there's a relatively small ratio of puffballs.

puffballs normally don't wake up after the initial formation, usually remaining 'asleep' in a dormant state from infancy to early childhood so they can continue to grow off the resources within their respective molecular cloud. the naturally intended time between initial formation and actual awakening is about 8 years, with the intent of the puffball waking up with already fully developed intelligence, speech, and coordination.

HOWEVER, it's certainly not unheard of for puffballs to wake up earlier than that, and while they'll obviously be at the lesser developmental stage that is in line with their younger age instead of an 8-year-olds, they're fine and will grow normally with just a little bit more help required. this is the case for Kirby, who prematurely woke up at around 2 years old in puffball age. he's basically a toddler, and in the context of the puffball species, he's considered a premature puffball.

it's also possible for puffballs to wake up later than 8 years, but 'overdue' puffs are exceedingly rare and almost unheard of compared to the premies.

in terms of biological/blood relations within puffballs, it's very, very rare. this is due to the fact that puffballs aren't exactly a species that sexually reproduce (or at least produce hybrid offspring that are puffs), and also because of the aforementioned fact that every stellar nursery only forms 1 puffball each. due to the unique makeup of a stellar nursery factoring into a puffball's genes, in the exceedingly rare case of twin puffballs (2 puffs forming/growing together simultaneously) or a second puffball forming in a stellar nursery that's already hosted a puff in the past, the puffballs are biological siblings (share 50% of DNA). i'm still brainstorming the specifics about how a biological puffball child created via reproduction between two puffs comes into existence, so i don't have any concrete answer/hc for that yet.

in relation to that, a majority of puffs after awakening are often raised either by themselves or by adoptive parents, usually of a different species (e.g. ricky raising kirby, nimue raising sir lancelot/nonsurat). it's sort of a destiny thing. the one who takes them in is usually the one meant to do so, so it's not exactly a coincidence.

in relation to the aforementioned hybrid offspring between a puffball + non-puffball species, though, it's a lot less complicated. while i'm not sure if puffballs are really that capable of being pregnant simply due to anatomical limitations (because lets be real im not exactly sold on the idea of a 2'0 sphere that lacks a distinct abdomen/pelvis being pregnant), i do think they're capable of getting other species pregnant via good old copulation to result in a biological child. not gonna get too into the specifics of puffball sex. this doesn't always mean the offspring is gonna be a puffball (since they can take more after the non-puff parent's species instead, sorta a 50/50 chance), but regardless, its an example of a puffball having blood relatives/parents. an example of the potential special differences between hybrid puff offspring would be kelemon (kay and bedivere's biological offspring, genetically a puffball hybrid that physically counts as a puff) and stellaluna (meta knight and ricky's biological offspring, genetically a puffball hybrid, but not physically a puffball).

(this hc is starstruck/oc-dependant) back to the subject of puffballs partially being a divine phenomenon. puffballs as a species were intentionally and personally created by divinity, the omnipotent, but unknown almighty god + creator of the universe. due to this, puffballs have one of the closest links to divinity alongside the 'common' deities (nightmare, florence, etc), but much like deities, they're unaware of the connection and divinity's overall existence. haven't really finished fleshing out exactly why divinity created them though.

branching off from that... out of every puffball, the one with the actual direct link/relation to divinity is kirby. ik ik call me basic but the void/kirby theory is real af in starstruck. so just know kirby's existence/role within the universe is not a coincidence and divinity has been watching over very closely.

puffballs as a general collective (excluding some specific individuals) sort of lie in the grey zone between mortals and demigods/deities. they're by no means on the same level/don't match the specific requirements to be classified as a deity/demigod, but they're nothing like mortals due to their previously mentioned lifespan/power/origins/etc. They're sorta just their own thing.

still sorting out if every puffball is a star warrior. sorta like not every star warrior being a puff but every puff being a star warrior.

depending on the environment they grew up in as a child, a puffball's natural capabilities and physical construct may be different and generally exclusive to themself. like i mentioned in my lancelot hc post for example, lancelot being raised by a selkie/growing up in a colder coastal environment with regular exposure to waters gives him a natural affinity for it, making him an exceedingly skilled swimmer, giving him a general immunity to water-exposure conditions (hypothermia, shock, decompression sickness, pulmonary barotrauma, etc), leaving him capable of holding his breath underwater for 15+ minutes, and having reinforced airways that let him dive extremely deep without harm. the same goes for chavra who grew up in a swamp/wetlands, meaning she's generally immune to water-borne infectious diseases/ailments. on top of that, her skin is much tougher, making it hard for her to be bitten by anything in general ranging from mosquitos to snakes. both are examples of the unique capabilities and even genetic/physical changes that can develop when a puffball has prolonged exposure to certain elements/environments in the developmental years during youth.

puffballs are a surprisingly diverse species for a bunch of walking spheres. animal puffs (puffs with animal features like ears, fur, tails, etc. e.g. kay, who's a cat puff, and cari, who's a moth puff) are their own subsection of puffballs, and are not to be confused with puffs who just happen to have animal wings (e.g. meta's bat wings, galacta's dove wings). some puffs have neither of these characteristics as well.

there's very, very few, but some puffs are deities. specifically galacta knight and cari. and maybe kirby but thats more complicated. they're the main outliers in the aforementioned note about puffball's grey area classification.

cutting it off here because this got freakishly long and i also feared getting off-topic. to those who genuinely read all of this thanks and you're gods strongest soldier. if any of you like any of these ideas/concepts in particular feel free to tell me and steal it for your own kirby universe (with credit) ive been developing this in my head for 4+ years and i dont mind sharing. except for the starstruck/oc centric hcs. cause theyre like. yknow. centric to my ocs.

if anyone has questions or wants more context or anything like that also feel free to ask me anything. i mean it. please. (BIG NEON FLASHING SIGN ABOVE MY HEAD THAT SAYS PLEASE LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY FIXATION)

[outeremissary]

bedroom/living quarters and cooking/food headcanon for kasander if it's not too late please?

Never too late!! At least, I hope not, considering how behind I can be on sending people stuff and also answering stuff. As evidenced by this coming ummmmmm days late

[prompt]

■ - Bedroom/house/living quarters headcanon

Asperia's quarters in the temple were always fairly austere, the non-necessities in them still serving practical purpose: anatomical diagrams for reference, scant shelves populated with a rotating cast of religious and medical texts, icons and religious paraphernalia for private worship, a small chest with vestments for ceremony, alchemical equipment, a writing set (the bare minimums necessary to write notes and occasional letters), and Asperia's extra weapons. Asperia never owned many things. Much of what belonged to cult members was held collectively by the cult- the texts in Asperia's room were borrowed from the library, and the alchemical equipment was also a part of a larger communal set. It wasn't a place meant to be enjoyed by its inhabitant. Despite that, it wasn't always devoid of color: from time to time things would appear without explanation within it. A bright flyer for a new stageplay, torn off the nail that held it. Yellow and white flowers, crumpled from careless handling. Someone else's clothes scattered across the floor. Extra herbs borrowed from the cult's toxic garden with no project to be used in. Asperia always threw these things out (if Scleritas didn't reach them first). But it never stopped them from appearing.

♒ - cooking/food headcanon

A part of the reason for Kasander's lack of discrimination when it comes to flavors is that even if they don't remember it, their diet was extremely limited for most of their life and culinary craft wasn't exactly high priority in the cult. Most foods are new for them, and most would have once been shameful deviations from the way of life cultivated so carefully for the Bhaal cult's young leader. Everything is an act of discovery, and there's plenty to be celebrated in even the worst experiences: new textures, new flavors, new ideas about how things come together.

Though a lot of ordinary foods still result in nausea after the fact- their stomach has been left a bit delicate. They unconsciously gravitate toward a meat heavy diet because of this. But there's still a world of variety in that which thrills. They've also developed a strong fondness for sweets and alcohol. Their tolerance for alcohol is far better than what might be expected- a fortunate side effect of their Bhaalspawn blood.

Still, when it comes to cooking rather than eating, Kasander has been banned for life due to being Objectively The Worst.

[who-is-muses]

[ Because I'm thinking about it. A quick list of little anatomical things I've decided about the Lanterns (some are expanded upon in actual headcanon posts, others I haven't just yet) ]

Astonians (Bro'Dee)

The curving linear markings which cover their face and body are bioluminescent, glowing a variety of colors in differing patterns and intensities based on emotion. (However, the light of Bro'Dee's uniform usually vastly outshines these.)

Their blood is purplish blue, and highly toxic to a great many species. Additionally, while they can generate their own body heat, the makeup of their blood and scales mean they have to rely on external heat sources just as much.

The tail-like appendage on the back of their heads grows in length as they age. It's semi-prehensile, but isn't very strong at all. It's primary purpose is a sensory organ, filled with millions of nerve-endings. It's secondary purpose is displaying mood, including rattling keratin spines within when threatened or highly agitated.

They have two pairs of eyelids; the first pair is transparent and closes vertically, the second more opaque (but still see-through) and closes vertically. These are adaptations for swimming and weathering bright and arid environments respectively.

They're semi aquatic- but in the sense that they possess both lungs and a set of gills, the latter situated on the base of their neck in the back and kept tightly closed when out of water. They're able to breathe in both salt- and freshwater, but require a short moment to acclimate to freshwater.

While their natural diet is primarily fish, crustaceans, fruits, and nuts, they're able to safely consume and digest a wide variety of things. They don't have individual teeth, rather teeth-plates, and their jaws are strong enough to crush the rock-like shells of some of their natural prey.

Havanians (Bleez)

Though covered in feathers, their wings function more akin to a bat's- with skin stretched between the individual "fingers," ability to curl inwards tightly, small claws on the end of each "fingertip," etc.

Their lips are naturally a darker pigmentation- nearly black in color- than the rest of their body, which is extremely pale.

They have an extremely good sense of hearing, though their ears don't look terribly different from humans'- just much blunter tips and more folds in the outer shell.

Their nails naturally grow in pointed talons, and are extremely durable. This feature, in addition to their top and bottom canines growing in fangs and their eyes having tapetum lucidum, are evolutionary leftovers from an ancestral species that was a nocturnal, aerial apex predator.

They have small, vestigal tails- little more than a short, thin, pointed nub at the very base of their spine. The appendage barely has a bone left in it and is completely stationary.

They are obligate carnivores, unable to extract the nutrients from plants. Additionally, their metabolism and digestive system are such that it's better to eat their meat raw (albeit prepared and treated to remove bacteria) than cooked.

Korugarans (Thaal)

Their pupils expand and contract in much the same way and for the same reasons as felines on Earth, both in response to environmental factors (such as focusing in on an object) and mood. (However, Thaal has gone through great lengths to control this feature.) Additionally, their pointed ears are able to swivel slightly, though with significantly more limited motion than a cat due to their shape and position on the head.

Their nails are naturally black, and their blood is moderately thicker than humans'.

As omnivores, their teeth are remarkably similar to humans', having molars situated towards the back of their jaws. But the teeth that would be incisors on a human are sharply pointed, their actual canines (which they have two of on each side, top amd bottom) being even sharper and slightly longer on the top.

They have very keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing- all of which makes them incredibly talented as trackers.

They generally have lower body temperatures and metabolisms than humans, their hair and nails growing slower and aging at a decreased rate. However, this doesn't affect their overall energy and mobility, moderately more agile and faster than humans in general.

Their tongues are longer than a humans, somewhat pointed, and have spiny papillae- but only on the last two centimeters at the tip.

Slyggians (Salaak)

Slyggians can develop scars, but don't keep them due to shedding the entire thick outer layer of their skin on average three times a year.

Their long, cone-shaped muzzle is actually fused jaws. Because of this and their lack of teeth, their diet is exclusively liquid (either plant matter like sap or mectar) and insect parts. They have long, surprisingly strong tongues to aid in this.

They have poor hearing, but are highly sensitive to vibrations across their full body.

The two primary eyes of a Slyggian are actually pseudo-compound, each made up of one central eye surrounded by a ring of smaller eyes. They also have less developed eyes in different places around their heads, not able to detect much more than light and motion.

Their legs are digitigrade (knees pointing backwards) and have special formations of muscle which create and store large amounts of potential energy. Another adaptation in the joints of their knees acts like a release, letting the potential energy loose in leaps that cover great height and distance. Their feet are zygodactyl (two toes in the front, two in the back) which help with grasping upon landing, but give them a slightly awkward gait.

While not all are, most Slyggians (including Salaak) are able to use all four of their arms independently and don't really have a dominant hand.