#eastonia world builds

[eastonia-blog]

Zutara Week 2019 navigation post!

@zutaraweek

A collection of all the snippets, world building and headcanons developed based on the Zutara Week prompts.

(And here's it on AO3)

Gifts

Speak

Shattered

Mentor

Youth - the AO3 version has an expanded snippet that the tags ate on the Tumblr version.

Found

Easier

This week includes the development and/or expansion of the PercyJackson/ATLA AU (Day 1 and 6), the Power Rangers/ATLA AU (Day 2 and 3), the Tabletop RPG Campaign AU (Day 5 and 7) and the Soul Marks AU (Day 4).

I don't mind expanding on any of this AUs! Hit me up with a prompt from Zutara Weeks I haven't done (2014, 2016, 2019 are either completed or semi complete) and an AU you'd like me to world build/headcanon about and I'll see what I can do.

[eastonia-blog]

And this is why I feel fully justified that in the Tabletop RPG AU Zuko's go to eventually is the ARCANE TRICKSTER.

Man do you ever think about how many places Zuko has broken into? Like

The Western Air Temple (twice), which was canonically built so that it could only be reached with airbending

(It’s also implied he broke into the other three too)

The Northern Water Tribe, whose defenses hadn’t been breeched in 100 years and was also currently under siege

Pohuai stronghold, which was on high red alert after capturing the fucking Avatar

Avatar Roku’s temple, mostly notable because he broke through a naval blockade to get there (dude wtf)

Lake Laogi, the secret underground headquarters of Ba Sing Se’s evil secret police that is also crawling with Earth benders

(Ba Sing Se at large doesn’t count since they forged their papers)

The Fire Nation capital’s prison, where the main threat to the Fire Lord’s rule (Iroh) was imprisoned for months

His own family’s vacation home (this isn’t an achievement I just thought it was funny)

A thousand+ year old sacred site dedicated the first firebenders that was also full of booby traps, Indiana Jones style, because why not

The Boiling Rock, the highest security prison in the Fire Nation

The headquarters of the Southern Raiders, an elite naval force on an island in the middle of nowhere

The Fire Nation’s royal palace, which was admittedly mostly empty at the time but still had Azula in it

His own family’s vacation home (again) after getting banished (again)

[dreamstar-moonlight]

Previous entries:

Zutara Week Day 1: Hair (my post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 2: Disguised (my post | Eastonia's post)

ZUTARA WEEK: DAY 3

Origins & Cycles: Glowing

A collaboration with @eastoniablogs and AireensColour

@zutaraweek

Here's my entry for Day 3!

Stage 3 (of 7): Flat Colours

Don't you just love it how a black-n'-white sketch transforms into something magical when the colors seep in? And this is only the beginning!

We have 4 more days till Zutara Week ends, so I hope you stick around till the end to witness AireensColour work her magic and add shades & texture & a bunch of other effects to bring this artwork to life in all its dazzling glory!

This is the third in my series of art-progression entries to go with Eastonia's world-building write-ups. Want to see what she's cooked up? Here's a glimpse:

Azula doesn't understand it. She's losing. She can't lose - she never loses. Then she sees it. A way to win.

The minute Azula's target switches from Zuko to Katara, he knows he won't make it. 

Azula's eyes widened as silver and blue and gold, gold, gold leak around Zuko, his eyes pupiless and glowing as he does the impossible.....

Head over to her blog now to find out what happens next! Hurry!

Next entries:

Zutara Week Day 4: Mythology (2008 throwback prompt) (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 5: Mend (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 6: Spirits (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 7: Stories (My post | Eastonia's post)

[mundoprofundo-blog1]

Ecological Homemaking

All three of the examples mentioned in this post are from the Affordable Housing Design Advisor’s gallery. https://web.njit.edu/abs/  It’s an incredible resource for future planners or anyone interested in affordable and sustainable living.

Trolley Square, Cambridge MA

The affordable housing designed out of Trolley Square in Cambridge Massachusetts made useful space out of an old trolley station, giving new life to a building that had a entirely different yet historic use. The space was made more versatile because it has both a community, commercial space. This is a popular trend in new apartment complexes, so having this multipurpose use brought into the design makes the re-purposed building all the more modern. Design Advisor  discusses how the building was designed with the surrounding community. The designers and stakeholders purposely designed a corner of the site as a public park that acts as a rest stop for the bikers passing by on the nearby path. The parking garage is underground and above it is a plaza/garden for the residents, I love this because so much space is wasted by parking so I am all about putting it underground and utilising the space above it. The parking lot is also provides covered parking for bikes in the same space! This development made me think about what Salt Lake’s own trolley square could be like. It’s a beautiful building with so much history and I think apart from some vital businesses within it it lacks a lot of use and appreciation by the city.In terms of sustainable planning policy there is a lot to be learned from this development. For one, we should work with what we go. The most sustainable building is the one that’s already been built. Renovation and repurposing historic districts and buildings is vital to planning and this involves incentivising it and writing in ways to preserve it.The second element I want to take from this development is to make underground parking or parking structures with green roofs a requirement. Obviously the end goal is to eliminate as much parking as possible, but we still need parking and there’s no reason that it shouldn’t be well done and have more than one use. This brings me to a third principle, giving spaces multiple uses. I loved that the parking was underground (this makes it covered and harder for theft) and also that it’s roof acts as an open air space for residents, this is such a simple but smart use of space. The building as a whole acts a commercial/residential space and the park was made for more than just residents. 

(Trolley Square, Cambridge, MA)

Annie Mitchell Homestead, Aspen CO

What drew me to to this development was it’s intended purpose- to supply young, working class people affordable places to live in one of the West’s most expensive real estate market. I also liked this development because of its efficient use of sunlight. The top floors have skylights to utilise daylight and every building has a shared patio that’s oriented towards the mountain landscape and “solar exposure”, instead of of the nearby commercial. The last thing that made me really appreciate this development was the fact that recycling was incorporated through every stage. Much of the complex was built out of previously used materials. The roof was made out of recycled metal and both the carpet and insulation were made out of 100% recycled material (recycled cellulose). The building and deconstruction process made to sure to recycle. The asphalt that used to be on the site, the metal, wood and cardboard were all recycled. Every unit is equipped with a recycling center. 

This design strategy is another strong testament of the need for updates and conscious standards for housing development. The recycling element of this development is remarkable given that almost no apartment complexes in SLC supply recycling services to their residents. It’s actually quite uncommon for high density housing developments to offer recycling to residents. Many  people who live in SLC apartments do not have the option to recycle because there building does not supply it (and this is very, very common). The first thing that any city should be doing is requiring that large multifamily developments have recycling. It is one of the more affordable, digestible aspects of sustainability and frankly it’s past the point of excuses. I also love that the development utilized natural lighting and think this is another practical, digestible and incremental step towards a culture of sustainable development. Policies that require windows and designs that consider where a development is places in relation to the sun are crucial. Another policy that could be adapted from this development is who is receiving affordable housing. Because college students do not qualify for affordable housing many students and young people in general struggle to pay rent or find housing. This is unacceptable. This is a demographic that carries the economy, by getting an education, being consumers and working. Young adults and students deserve more than to struggle to pay for rent and stress about the weight of the world. A policy that includes affordable housing for young people and university students is completely necessary and would draw the kind of metropolitan crowd to the city center, which is much needed in a lot of down town areas of the United States.

(Annie Mitchell homestead via google images)

Catherine Street, Albany NY

This development is located in a historic district of Albany, New York. This development really engaged the community in the design process. There was a survey and lots of extensive conversations with residents. Still the site didn’t sugar coat it, they admitted that the community engagement process was challenging and although the community was engaged the processes felt confrontational at times. I appreciate this honesty. As planning students we are often told the importance of involving the community, but we also need stories about the challenges that come with such involvement. Community involvement in the planning process could be one of the most challenging parts of urban ecology. The honesty of this development’s course follows. Planners have acknowledged that despite the Catherine Street housing being successful, community conditions did worsen. Architect Kathleen Dorgan comments, "This development points out again how important it is to have strong continuing redevelopment in the neighbourhood. There needs to be an integrated local policy for addressing the continuing needs of the community."

The making of the Catherine Street development reveals a policy need for professional training surrounding community engagement as well more case studies for students of Urban Ecology of interactions between planners and the community. Another policy I would implement is allowing historic districts to regulate the kind of materials used in new developments, but also allowing for some flexibility so that old and new can blend together. Last, but not least, (and I don’t know how to make this a policy) but planners in general should focus more on the process rather than an end product, and when the project is completed there needs to be follow up and continued investment in the community. It’s sad to me that Catherine Street Housing was successful but the neighbourhood kept going downhill from there. It was probably outside of the planners hands. But many times development has negative consequences for residents, (i.e. gentrification). Urban Ecologists can’t just think that the job is done because one development is deemed successful at a given time. Communities are complex and there are many elements that could contribute to their success or struggle. They continue progressing, or, sadly, digressing, even after you’ve turned in your project and gotten the grade.

(Location Unknown)

(Tallin, Eastonia)

[eastonia-blog]

Zutara Week Day 5: Youth

@zutaraweek

A Tabletop RPG AU world-build snippet ft neighbourhood kids Gaang and the start of a very, very long RPG campaign.

The Gaang has been together for a while now (they literally grew up together). When everything changed because the lightning storm attacked and… left the entire neighbourhood in a black out.

(Zuko was 12, Sokka and Suki were both 11 and some change, Katara was 10 and Aang and Toph were 8. Iroh was the lucky guy that had to babysit these children during a thunderstorm.)

(That’s when he introduced them to tabletop RPGs, just little things that can hold their attention for long periods of time and get these young folk lost in their imagination for days on end.)

Four years later, Iroh has planned out an epic campaign. They all get their characters, and backstory and twists (that Iroh made them draw out of a hat) ready. (Except Toph, she’s trying out a boarding school because her parents are going… somewhere. In Suki’s case she has athletic meets and can’t join too many sessions).

Zuko is just sitting there across from Katara and she’s wondering why it’s only her and Sokka starting off the campaign when Aang and Zuko are right there.

And then the first ‘twist’ happens – Aang’s character is also the barrier maiden/MacGuffin and he has to be protected until he can save the world.

And then Katara groans:- the reason why their rogue specialist is not with the hero squad, is (and Zuko grins in absolute mischief, she glares back at her best friend who-is-the-worst) because their rogue specialist is their mini-boss villain.

“Your backstory is going to be horrifyingly tragic too isn’t it?” She groans.

“Maaaybe?” He teases.

Iroh smiles with youthful abandon.

“And he came up with it all on his own too! Once I gave him his twists!”

Katara glares at Zuko “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

Sokka: “Stop flirting at the table and let’s just get on with it…”

(btw, check the tags of this one ;D)

(Also! If you want to see an extended scene look here.)

[eastonia-blog]

Tabletop AU his character was Chaotic Neutral attempting to be Lawful Evil and then accepting he was Chaotic Good.

Hot take: Zuko’s been Chaotic Good since Book 1, it was his definition as to what constitutes as being good that changed.

That is. Very much a given, with this boy. Just look at him struggling to define his morality, there is a reason I love him in all his seasons.

[eastonia-blog]

Zutara Week Day 4: Mentor

@zutaraweek

A soul mark AU world build (ft mentors as parents and can you tell I just want more firedad and airson content?)

Okay, so some soul marks you’re born with. Some only appear after the fact, sort of like a confirmation of a realisation. Your soul marks are all contained in one thin strip on either your left or right wrist, a bit like a tattooed-on bracelet. There are 3 colours: platonic partnership, romantic partnership, beloved parent/child (which the Air Nomads also called esteemed mentor/favoured charge).

The marks don’t change, but the colours can. Sometimes someone can have an entire string of platonic marks and then suddenly one day one of the marks could switch and then you have your one romantic partnership soul mark.

(No one is just born with their romantic partnership soul mark.)

If you hurt your soul partner enough, you can cause the mark to develop a line through their mark, as a sign of destiny refused. If your soul partner hasn’t given up on you then the line doesn’t strike through the mark the entire way.

Neither Zuko or Azula are born with Ozai’s mark. Years later Azula will claw at the bear (just a bear) in the colour that denotes ‘beloved parent’. (Years before she’d follow in her father’s footsteps and tattoo a flame breaking free (to represent Ozai) onto her wrist – Zuko will eventually find out).

(Zuko’s one comfort when Ursa disappears is that her theatre mask mark doesn’t ever truly fade).

Katara was born with Sokka’s double crossed fish hooks, and both her parent’s beloved parent.

She also has the rune for ‘hope’ etched onto her wrist, it’s weird because it constantly holds itself somewhere between platonic and beloved child.

(Sokka wakes up one day during Toph's scamming sessions and realises his Katara mark has shifted to more of a beloved parent hue.)

Aang wakes with all his soul marks formed – and the mark of his esteemed mentor, Gyatso – faded. (He doesn’t pay much attention to the mark of a crashing wave holding itself between esteemed mentor and platonic partner, after all he’s never seen a romantic soul mark before, so he assumes that Katara must be his.)

In the Caverns below Ba Sing Se a couple of things happen. First, Katara and Zuko discover their mutual marks (a blazing sun for Zuko, a leaping koi for Katara) and then upon his turn, a line grows halfway down the lines representing each other (it’s from Katara’s end).

Zuko is so, so very hurt when he catches a glimpse of Iroh’s wrist and sees a scarred dragon in the colours of beloved child on his uncle’s wrist. He finally realises that he has two parental love marks, his uncle’s dragon-on-a-teacup has joined the other marks on his wrist.

(And he’s so confused, unlike Katara’s which has a halfway line, Iroh’s is unblemished.)

On the day of the Black Sun as he makes his decision, new marks pop up. A fan and a wolf both in the usual platonic colours. But what confuses him is the character for ‘balance’ (that he thinks means the Avatar) and the etching of a badgermole are both in the colours of beloved child.

Aang knew it the day the line erased itself from the Blue Spirit mask. His esteemed mentor had found the path back to them.

Later, the Gaang will sit down and realise that both Katara and Zuko have the same ‘beloved child’ marks. (And that they might match Aang and Toph. Aang isn't too surprised, he knew Zuko was one of his marks.)

Later still, way down the line, they’d realise that their (sun and koi) mutual platonics both have started to take on a romantic hue.

[eastonia-blog]

Zutara Week Day 1: Gifts

@zutaraweek

A Percy Jackson AU world-build (Involving a lot of gifts).

Gaang involved in the PJO!verse: We have former Huntress!Suki, Clear Sighted!Sokka and Aang and Toph as demigods born to minor deities of the wind and earth respectively. 

(Yes, Aang and Toph get to keep their bending abilities – Toph still needs contact with the ground to see.) 

Katara though? Katara is the daughter of Amphitrite. (If you’ve read any of my headcanons involving the Percy Jackson mythos you’d know that I bloody love Amphitrite). 

(Amphitrite gave Hakoda closure. Kya was quite literally lost at sea. Amphitrite saw her dying wishes, assumed Kya’s identity and stayed with Hakoda and Sokka for years). 

(She gave birth to Katara about a year after Sokka was born. Kya had barely weaned her son when she died.) 

Zuko is complicated. He’s ‘technically’ the son of Medea. A monster. But not quite. Because you see, Medea had many stories surrounding her and the only thing any of them can agree on is that she was gifted her grandfather’s (Helios’) ability to command dragons. 

(Medea’s most popular story is that she killed her children. When she felt her benevolent aspects being wiped out, when she felt herself changing to become a monster, she did what other deities-turning-monsters didn’t. She separated everything in her that was still good, that was still kind and still brave – note that good and kind and brave sometimes can be dark – basically, still human. She launched it through time and space and it became Ursa. Ursa-who-once-was-Helios-and-Perse’s-immortal-grandchild. Ursa who’s fading.) 

When Katara and Zuko meet it’s after Amphitrite and Ursa-who-was-Medea’s-humanity have both disappeared from their lives; way after they have been given the gifts of life. 

(Zuko eventually becomes Blessed of Hestia and is gifted with the ability to control flames.)

The first time Katara and Zuko meet it’s after they discover their ‘half-blood’ status but before they reach Camp. 

The first time Katara and Zuko meet is when they are fighting monsters with their respective gifts from their mythical parent. Katara’s waterskin which never runs out of ocean water and Zuko flying down out of the sky on a dragon he calls Druk. Let’s just say it leaves an impression.

[eastonia-blog]

Zutara Week Day 2: Speak

@zutaraweek

A Power Rangers AU world-build (In which names have power but Zuko’s never did).

Zuko is even more painfully awkward than he is in canon. Remember that hello Zuko speech? Now dial it up to over 9000. (It’s because he has had very, very little social interaction at all)

This is after Zuko becomes human (hush now, spoilers). Bear in mind he has been a dragon for most of his life and only now is getting to interact properly with other people in general.

(No Zuko, fighting the Gaang-as-Power-Rangers while they are trying to stop your ‘father’s’ monster-of-the-week doesn’t count as social interaction.)

Did I mention that this is the first time he can actually call himself by his own name? Dragons are touchy about names because they have power – Zuko always knew he was off because his name never pulled on him the same way he saw Iroh’s and Zhao’s did.

The first time Ozai spoke his name (to bring the young dragon that was Zuko) was to compel him to heel – Zuko didn’t comply straight away (it was what brought him dishonour, it was the lead up to why he has a scar).

Okay, back to after Zuko becomes human (and has lost his Blue Spirit mode – it’s complicated). He still isn’t quite used to people just addressing him whenever.

And the Sayang siblings (Katara and Sokka) are pretty friendly. (Then again, they don’t recognise him as Drahei the Dragon).

But for the first time he gets why dragons are so touchy about names – because whenever she speaks his now? Chills go up his spine.

[eastonia-blog]

Zutara Week Day 7: Easier

@zutaraweek final world build/headcanon/snippet for this week!

A wee bit of world building meta before we head straight into snippets and headcanon. Iroh before he started up this campaign asked where they want to start off. In the end, the group decided to do what they usually do for people who have to hop in and out of sessions and just roll for their levels. Zuko and Aang both get ridiculously lucky. Sokka and Katara, don’t.

(Aang then puts all his levels into becoming the best air magic user ever – which fit in with the backstory Iroh helped him develop. Zuko fiddles a bit, does something and everyone assumes he’s going to emerge his usual badarse rogue who will be their mentor figure because damn those rolls were good. And then he puts forward a… not-so-good low-levelled fire sorcerer?)

(“But what happened to all your levels?” – Sokka

Zuko taps on his nose “You’ll find out.”

“But we’re missing a rogue?” – Katara.)

Cue the ‘Blue Spirit’ session.

“I thought things were supposed to get easier!” – Aang after a string of crummy dice rolls that caused Sokka and Katara to become debilitatingly ill.

Katara is attempting to self-heal spontaneously (even though her character’s healing abilities don’t kick in until she reaches the next level) and she is just failing so hard.

(In universe, Sokka’s and her characters start making up crack. Out of Universe Katara may be frustrated at her rolls but the fact Zuko is nearly rolling on the floor with laughter? That’s okay.)

Aang actually rolls a couple of passes. He finds a healer, gains knowledge of the cure and finds the cure… And then he fails his Perception Saving Throw.

Katara – “URGH! Now what?” she glares over at Zuko who is sitting there quite innocently.

Zuko – “Go break him out?”

Katara – “Zuko in case you didn’t notice, Sokka and I are both babblingly ill. Also, you were mean, so we don’t have a rogue.”

Iroh looks over at Zuko and “Well, at this rate the campaign will be over before they even get around to the saving the world bit.”

Zuko looks at Katara, thinks about it and sighs.

Aang perks up “Wait are you going to join the party?”

“I never said that.”

Cue Zuko’s character deciding to break Aang’s character out of the stronghold. He rolls a lot of successes. He also begins his breaking-and-entering with a natural 20.

Sokka is not impressed. Katara is not impressed.

“This is why you shouldn’t have left the party. We’re missing our rogue!”

This is when Katara, Sokka and Aang realise that Zuko’s character is primarily a rogue and he multiclassed. (And he’s using his low-levelled sorcerer as… something? He’s a mini-boss that isn’t very good at being a mini-boss).

“And you didn’t want to make things easier on yourself???” – Katara.

“Well, where’s the drama in that?” – Zuko

“You’re lucky you’re cute.”

The only reason why things go pear shaped is because Zuko finally, finally, fails a Perception Saving Throw. Aang’s attempts to recruit him to the party (silly Aang, your character has lower charisma and intimidation than Katara’s) fail.

“You mean to tell me, your character can do all… that and he’s still trying to be a cruddy sorcerer?”

“You’ll find out later Katara, trust me.”

[eastonia-blog]

Zutara Week Day 6: Found

@zutaraweek

A world buildy snippet from the Percy Jackson AU (ft a creepy take on found)

Finding Camp Half-Blood is not as easy as it seems. (For one, their satyr Momo is every bit as nervous as the Lord of the Wild once was. The difference between the Lord of the Wild and Momo? Momo still hasn’t grown out of it).

Momo gets them very, very lost (in the woods somewhere in New Jersey – thank goodness they don’t need to make it to LA).

Just because there isn’t a war currently ongoing or a Great Prophecy underway doesn’t mean it’s not still dangerous for demigods.

(Especially demigods that keep getting lost.)

Not to mention Medea-the-monster (Not Ursa-who-was-Medea’s-divinity/humanity) is hunting Zuko. (Not that they know it. Actually, aside from the dragon that does what Zuko says, (and the other dragon related monsters they’ve come across obliging his requests) he’s more like Sokka and Suki. Clear-sighted but competent and are-we-sure-he’s-not-mortal?)

Okay I lied – there is a prophecy. But it’s not a Great Prophecy which sends echoes through the Age. Just a small one.

A mother with soul torn in half./ She who treads the murderer’s path./A child will go to heed the call./And the hearth burning bright at the end of it all.

But still, that’s not the prophecy of this particular journey, this journey is just about surviving getting to Camp.

Lucky for this group, they have a former Huntress (Suki, who still has her Hunt’s Silver fans) and a clear sighted mortal (Sokka, who is of the firm opinion that since monsters ignore mortals in favour of demigods, he can sneak attack with his Amphitrite gifted boomerang). Momo is… there and panicking?

Unluckily for them, they have what will be their first encounter with Medea.

“So young~, so sweet~, still innocent. Oh my children, I’ve found you~, found you~, FOUND YOU!”

Druk encircles Zuko, (because Zuko’s only gift from Ursa-who-was-Medea’s-divinity/humanity was Druk’s egg) while Aang, Toph and Katara summon their elements.

While Aang and Toph stall Medea, Katara summons enough ocean water through her Amphitrite given water-skin and forms a dome of water around them.

(Zuko has a whoa moment.)

She glances at Zuko and somehow he understands what she’s done. They bundle the group onto Druk and with a short command from him, they are above the clouds and Medea is lost in the fog they created.

[eastonia-blog]

Zutara Week Day 3: Shattered

@zutaraweek

Another Power Rangers AU world-build (In which perceptions and trust get the above).

The first few days as a human Zuko is absolutely shattered. Emotionally and physically.

He has just found out something entirely world changing on his end. Now he doesn’t know where to go or what to do.

(Being human is also over 9000 times easier than being a dragon, so there’s comfort in that).

The next person to shatter is Katara.

She found out who Zuko used to be – “How could you? I trusted you!”.

Earning Katara’s trust back is harder in the Power Rangers!verse. For one, no Southern Raiders to bring closure.

Zuko has to do Fitzwilliam Darcy levels atoning actions to get Katara to accept him again – the rest of the Gaang are more forgiving. Sokka is actually the guy that helps Zuko out the most in the end (the bromance is real).

[eastonia-blog]

@hikato-chan Thanks for finding my meta interesting!

1) If you can find the Bruce as Robin stories I'd love to see them. I always found that Robin has a greater impact with Dick because of the whole tribute to his parents thing. But I guess that in a reverse Robin's AU (if you insist on using the name Robin) you could give Bruce some of Dick's backstory. Not the Robin bobbin' along and I'm pretty sure there was never an era where Bruce was born on the first day of Spring. But the Robin Hood thing maybe. The other thing I could suggest is to not use Robin but still give them a name the same sort of significance with Damian as the eldest. If Bruce told Damian he needed a codename and Bruce chose it, maybe give them the name (the) Fox. It could work because lore-wise Bruce is heavily associated with two childhood heroes - the Grey Ghost and Zorro.

Have it be an affectionate thing from Martha to him especially after the first time they watched/read Zorro. You can have him muse about being called "My cunning little fox." So the equivalent of Robin to Bruce might just be Zorro references. Also! This could add some plot significance in that Bruce is attempting to reclaim something back from his tragedy and grief.

If Damian chose, then we well may have gotten Batboy. Or (the) Shadow. Or and this might hurt, he might have chosen to use a name which made a reference to a fear of his (in line with Bruce's fear of Bats) Abandon (a reference to Damian's fear of abandonment, of being left behind).

2) With the age difference between Bruce and Dick being 13-16 years... That's a little messed up that Talia would have felt the need to get herself impregnated by a teenager as a teenager herself. (Bruce will at worst have barely entered puberty). But it would make for an interesting exploration. Especially since I don't actually know if Talia was kept at her relatively youthful age because of Lazarus pits or because she is genuinely around Bruce's age. At absolutely worst you'd need to sacrifice Talia's character (because possible phaedophilla route) and somehow tie the story to the Court of Owls (In that the Waynes will finally be brought into their fold)?

Di immortales, I think I just contributed to the darkest take on that AU.

Let’s Chat about these Reversed Aged!Robins AUs

So recently I replied to @gentlemenpaws generalask!post which said…

And I thought I would go a little into my reply to him. Because and hear me out.

I can never take reversed ages Robin headcanons and stories seriously. Without turning off my brain a little. And please, please, please just hear me out.

There is a reason why.

(TLDR at the bottom of this long post)

1) This is the most important reason. Say it with me. THERE IS NO ROBIN WITHOUT DICK GRAYSON.

Think about all other ‘sidekick’ or ‘junior partner’ characters. With the exception of maybe Speedy, what are their names and costumes? Aqualad, Kid Flash, Wonder Girl, Super Girl, Super Boy, Bat Girl, Miss Martian… You know, the famous ones? The ones that all based their costumes in echo of their mentors (and yes, I’m including Roy Harper here, Speedy’s costume is a mirror of Green Arrow’s - in red).

So why doesn’t Batman’s apprentice call himself Batboy? Why is his design so divergent from Batman’s? (Okay I understand there’s other reasons but I’m trying to stay in universe/lore here). Depending on the continuity, when Barbara Gordon/Betty Kane became Batgirl she followed the trend. Robin’s identity although associated with the Bat, can stand alone without context.

Why Robin? Why the traffic lights? Something that has been shown time and time again (despite continuity differences and all) is that Robin was Dick’s pet name, from Mary Grayson, his mum. Again depending on the continuity, Mary Grayson called Dick Robin because:-

1)  He was “…always bobbin’ along.” (Pre-Flashpoint Robin: Year One)

Interesting because it could either refer to his skill in acrobatics or a tendency to get underfoot because of his curiousity.

2) Born on the first day of Spring. 

Or…

 3) Just as a tease because he just really, really loved the stories of Robin Hood.

The traffic light colouration he chose for his costume, even the design of his costume? Well if you take a look at most of the Dick Grayson origin stories (Pre-Flashpoint: Robin Year One, Batman Year Three. Post-Rebirth: Batman #54 just to name a couple examples) the Grayson aerialist costume is… Red, Green and Yellow. The proportions of the colours and presence of a cape vary but traffic lights are Grayson colours.

Robin was Dick Grayson’s tribute to his dead family.*

*Part of the reason why Dick got so hurt that Bruce gave Robin away to Jason was because Bruce forgot that Robin was not his to give. This is why the other Pre-Flashpoint comics had Dick give Tim his blessing to become Robin. And then outright have Dick give the R to Damian. Jason eventually got Dick’s blessings but by that point, the relationship was never going to start from the best place.

2) Damian as the first ‘apprentice’ would not work. Why? BRUCE WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED LONG ENOUGH. (I can hear all the cries of ’But he’s Batman!’ ring out).

Dick and Bruce met super early into Bruce’s career as Batman.

Remember how pre-Batman Bruce went about as a generic vigilante without a moniker or anything? And got his butt kicked so hard by the Gotham streets that it took a bat crashing through a window to convince him to try again?

Pre-Robin Batman was characterised by one thing:- Recklessness. He knew sooner or later Gotham was going to claim his life and that he would probably be going sooner rather than later.

He spent a lot of time recovering in those days. Maybe more than he did catching lowlifes or solving crimes.

And then everything changed when the Flying Graysons fell.

The crime that touched Dick mirrored the crime that affected Bruce. (It’s actually pretty interesting from a meta standpoint. The Waynes died in a circle of light - under a Park Row streetlight and the Graysons paralleled that with the spotlight remaining on them long after they hit the ground.)

And Bruce looked into the eyes of little 8-10 year-old Dick Grayson, and saw himself. But more than that, he (Bruce) saw an opportunity to change things for him (Dick). So that Dick would not end up like him.

(Want to know a cool thing? The reason why Dick’s relationship with Bruce is different to the approach Bruce took to Jason, Tim and Damian? Age difference. Bruce is about 14-18 years older than Dick. Putting him in that weird spot where you could simultaneously be a teen parent or an older sibling. Bruce has a more Older-Brother-Promoted-to-Parent relationship with Dick than father-son. It’s why in the Rebirth Nightwing vs Hush Prelude to the Wedding issue, Dick thought he could be a candidate for Best Man).

This is also the reason why I love Dick’s and Damian’s relationship so much is because it directly parallels Bruce’s and his. I don’t quite know what the age difference is post-Rebirth (and I tend to outright ignore the New 52 at times) but since Rebirth tends to mirror Pre-Flashpoint more than not, I think the age difference between Dick and Damian is about… 14-16 years? Again, simultaneously a teen parent and older sibling.

This is also why I don’t think a Damian as the first Dark Squire would work, because Bruce would not be in a good place to help out a child. Nor will there be the same connection that there was between him and Dick. Damian being first would probably ruin Batman for ever taking on someone in the ‘apprentice’ role.

So after Bruce (eventually, inevitably) takes Dick in, Bruce is forced to realise that he has to be more careful because he has to be there for Dick.

This is when Bruce fully embraces the amount of Crazy Prepared he’d need to be to be.

And then Dick (at 8-10 years-old! Seriously we talk about the amount of detective skill Tim has to figure out Batman’s and Robin’s identities… But we don’t talk about the amount of charisma, courage and will it takes to out-stubborn the Batman???) makes his way onto the streets (and Bruce can’t stop him so he has to help him). So now what does Bruce have to do?

There is a rule medics and first responders have to follow: Protect yourself in order to save others.

Bruce is no longer allowed to accept dying as an option (until Dick is old enough to take care of himself). This forces Batman to work situations to his advantage so Batman and Robin can both come home.

Basically, Dick made Batman evolve into the Batman we know and expect today.

Batman’s relationship with the police significantly improved after Dick Grayson debuted as Robin. Batman’s relationship with other Justice Leaguers improved after Dick Grayson debuted as Robin. Batman’s relationship with Wonder Woman and especially Superman/Clark Kent improved after Robin.

So let’s remove Dick from the lineup and stick him at the end as the youngest then. And… put Damian as the eldest son… that’s… not going to work.

Hey Damian. Where did you go?

Remember the timeline. Without Dick as the eldest Bruce can continue to be reckless. Batman was a suicide mission until Robin stepped in.

No Dick? Batman continues to be reckless. Reckless Batman? Dead Batman. The Al Ghuls and the League of Shadows/Assassins? Probably would have nuked Gotham and Bludhaven. Also Damian Wayne will not have his male genetic donor because… Without Dick Grayson as the eldest son/brother? Batman would not have survived to catch the eye of the League of Shadows/Assassins.

It is necessary for Dick to be the ‘eldest son’ otherwise the rest of Bat!Lore will not fall into place. Dick was Bruce’s more traditionally heroic foil from the start without which we would have a dead Bruce Wayne before Batman could take off. 

TLDR:

Robin was created as Dick’s Tribute to his dead family. If Dick wasn’t the oldest - Batman’s partner (if he would even have one!) would NOT be called Robin.

Bruce and Dick met very early into his career as Batman. If they didn’t meet Bruce would have carried on his reckless path and possibly DIED before Damian could even be ‘conceived’.

And that, my friends, is the tea.

Tagging @theflyingwonder as inspiration of this particular meta

[dreamstar-moonlight]

Previous Entries:

Zutara Week Day 1: Hair (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 2: Disguised (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 3: Glowing (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 4: Mythology (2008 Throwback prompt) (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 5: Mend (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 6: Spirits (My post | Eastonia's post)

ZUTARA WEEK: DAY 7

Origins and cycles: Stories

A collaboration with @eastoniablogs and AireensColor

@zutaraweek

Here is a quick look at all the WIPs that I've been posting since the last 6 days in the form of a collage:

Oh, and I also made a .gif too! Because, why not? (Welp, I may have gone a teensy bit overboard on this last one!😅)

And now, presenting the final artwork in all its glory:

Stage 7: Origins and Cycles

Take a look at what Eastonia has created for her world-building entry for "Stories":

It's an era much like ours, in an age where the Avatar is merely a figure-head and not considered as essential and vital as they were back in the days when the Painted Lady and the Blue Spirit - Katara and Zuko - first entered the cycle. Instead there is a new Air Nation Avatar (Aang, named after the famous Air Avatar) - who has discovered a plot within their own country. A plot to conquer the world like the Fire Nation tried in the Hundred Year War....

There you go. No matter what, history is bound to repeat itself - much like the origins of the Avatar, who continues to be re-born into a new life in an endless cycle. Read Eastonia's amazing story of how things will go down in the future, and how reborn!Zuko and reborn!Katara are destined to cross paths in life in the full post here.

Whew! This has been such a fun ride, and it was so awesome that I got to celebrate my first ever Zutara Week with Eastonia and AireensColor; here's hoping that this is only the start of many more collabs down the road!

Thanks for sticking around, fellow Zutara fans and shippers!

Peace out!

- Dreamstar Moonlight

[dreamstar-moonlight]

Previous entries:

Zutara Week Day 1: Hair (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 2: Disguised (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 3: Glowing (My post | Eastonia's post)

ZUTARA WEEK: DAY 4

Origins & Cycles: Mythology

(2008 throwback prompt)

A collaboration with @eastoniablogs and AireensColour

@zutaraweek

Here's my entry for Day 4!

Stage 4 (of 7): Light Study

Would you look at the shading, the lighting, the texture and the effects on the top panel? Now imagine what the whole picture would look like if it had that kind of shading and lighting all over!

Good news is you don't have to wait long! Today's Day 4. Hang in there till Day 7 for the big reveal!

The fourth in a series of art-progression entries, this one goes with Eastonia's brilliant write-up on today's throwback prompt: Mythology.

Ready for some world-building lore? Here's an excerpt:

You would think that with the closure of Wan Shi Tong's library, all remaining archives of the origins of the Painted Lady and the Blue Spirit - aside from what little was passed on by word of mouth was lost.

When the Gaang took some downtime in Ba Sing Se, the Earth King excitedly told them of archives they had found that the Dai Li preserved. In it there was a lost creation myth of the Fire Nation that was surely stamped out due to the implication that the Fire Nation was borne on the back of a Koi of all things.

Hope that caught your attention. Now shoo!!! Head over on to Eastonia's blog to uncover a hidden myth and other long-lost tales, including one about how the Painted Lady came to be known as the legend she became, and how the connection between her and the Blue Spirit went even farther back than anyone imagined!

Next entries:

Zutara Week Day 5: Mend (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 6: Spirits (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 7: Stories (My post | Eastonia's post)

[dreamstar-moonlight]

Previous entries:

Zutara Week Day 1: Hair (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 2: Disguised (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 3: Glowing (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 4: Mythology (2008 Throwback prompt) (My post | Eastonia's post)

Zutara Week Day 5: Mend (My post | Eastonia's post)

ZUTARA WEEK: DAY 6

Origins & Cycles: Spirits

A collaboration with @eastoniablogs and AireensColor

@zutaraweek

Here's my entry for Day 6!

Stage 6 (of 7): Final Detailing

The final in my series of art-progression entries meant to accompany Eastonia's world-building and lore-enriching posts! The final artwork will be revealed in all its glory tomorrow, along with a collage-of-sorts of all the previous WIPs. Hope you like it as much as we do!

But for now, wanna see what East brewed up for today's prompt, Spirits? Here's a small extract!

Much like the Avatar, Katara and Zuko have memories of their past lives. But they are of course, not the only Katara and Zuko’s to cycle through the Weave.

Did that pique your interest? If so, scuttle over now on to Eastonia's blog to read up about the origins and cycles of Spirits!

Next entry:

Zutara Week Day 7: Stories (My post | Eastonia's post)