#excepting Indri

[hoarding-stories]

Okay, pulling from the transcripts of episodes 26/27, here's the spelling of the witches' names:

Indri, Witch of the Wind and Stars

Nif, her apprentice

Gramore, Witch of the Wild Hunt

Baksha, her apprentice

Hakea, Witch of the Woodland Green

Mirara, Witch of the Waning Moon

[amadenchart]

Dryyyyssss he's gonna get sick and die! Have mercy hahah!

Sudden summer downpours hit the steppe and there's no place to hide except under Indrys' veil. Not that it will help anyway, but Vygo can never pass up an opportunity to annoy his twin!

[OCs: Indrys and Vygo]

SubscribeStar

[grifff17]

Audiodrama Sunday 09/01/2024

Happy Audiodrama Sunday! Right now there are so many shows I follow that are releasing an episode every other week. It’s great! But it does mean I have a lot to write about. This week - Electromancy relisten, lots of werewolves, the arc finale of WBN, and more!

NEW SHOW ALERT Spout Lore’s spinoff Mall Brats is no longer Patreon exclusive! Mall Brats is a Blades in the Dark actual play about 3 kids who live in a giant shopping mall in a fantasy world and do crimes. This is a relisten for me, a year or so ago I subscribed to their patreon for a month and binged the whole thing. My only criticism is that the new version of the theme song isn’t as good as the old one.

I relistened to @electromancypodcast this week. I love this show, it feels so thorough in it’s approach to the setting and core conflict. Electromancy would adapt so well to a tv show, I can see so many of the scenes in my head. I don’t know how else to say it, the show feels like it was written like a tv show. Don’t get me wrong it’s great in an audio medium, but it would also be great as a tv show.

In @storiesfromylelmore this week poor Rion! He’s like Molly from Epithet Erased except he’s overworked by choice, and he also has to deal with werewolf racism. He didn’t even get a hug! The luck charm was really cool worldbuilding but also such an incredibly meaningful gesture from Keryth. Literally giving someone your luck because you care about them is so powerful.

@worldgonewrongpod also had an episode focused on werewolves this week. It has a very different interpretation of werewolves to Ylelmore, but both used them as an allegory for actual marginalized groups. Werewolves are so versatile.

Starwhal Odyssey released it’s second episode this week. It’s officially moved away from 5e, the new system seems cool. I loved the audio design for gamer space, and the gaming chair spelljammer helm is such an inspired choice.

I have a lot of distinct thoughts about the arc finale of @worldsbeyondpod. First off is that they have trains? That’s not something I expected from this setting. Immediately following that revelation was another party split, the rest of the party really is so irresponsible without Suvi. Stealing anything other than the coven wand was so dumb, Indri can curse the shit out of them for that. There was a complete tone shift in the last half hour of this season, at least Suvi isn’t going to be as upset this time.

We had part 5 of @midnightburgr’s Welcome to the Horizon. Everyone is high! I’m glad Verge is enjoying themselves, Verge and Deidre is fun. I guess Verge has a thing for humans, first Leif and now Deidre.

Case study: IREC-A59 released its third episode this week. It’s really good so far, it’s making me want to reread Project Hail Mary. I love that no one knows the captains name, that’s a great detail.

I listened to part 3 of Moonward, the @midstpodcast AP miniseries. For some reason I didn’t expect it to lean into horror, but given the setting, I shouldn't be surprised that it did.

We went to the Paris Olympics this week in Mission Rejected. That was a fun episode, I loved the image of two random Olympic athletes taking on a bunch of kidnappers and destroying them. Interesting to see the nation of Val Verde again. Mcgrath hitting up Athena for a gadget was great.

I didn't get through all the new shows that came out this week, there's still some more for next week. I also want to try to catch up on The Once and Future Nerd, I think I need to start from the beginning of book 2.

[thelockedhour]

Wild WBN theory time!!

I think most if not all of the coven of elders except for Ame have taken some levels in the Wicked Witch subclass. It just makes sense to me as a byproduct of their age and their "kill a ton of people to save the word" plan.

Also I think Indri's OG apprentice is the young woman frozen in the courtyard and Nyeve is a new addition to the castle.

Like the way Indri treats her young ward is sooooo evil witch coded.

[soubidou]

I keep thinking back to the discussion between Ame and Indri because

What. A. Scene.

But also! When talking about her potential death/destruction of her station, Ame said that she could imagine going from 5 to 3 witch being some level of problematic and Indri didn't bat an eye!! Except the math is wrong here. If only Ame disappears then it's down to 4... But she said 3... She suggested that two witches would be taken out and Indri didn't react.

So it could just be, you know, math.

It could be that I heard wrong.

or it could be a thing.... Coz that dialogue was so many levels of intense and playing the game of witches

[bobbinacrossafricatake2]

Secondary Forest

May 28, 2024

We woke up, packed up and had breakfast in the dining room. The lodge was very nice, but not the same level of elegance we’ve become used to in Africa. Maharo told us it’s one of the higher end places, so it seems that at least this part of Madagascar simply has a different standard of luxury.

Maharo picked us up and we met Mary and Mario at the entrance to the Adalamazantra forest, the secondary forest. The primary forest, where we were yesterday, is a term for a forest with solely endemic plants. The secondary forest has had plants introduced from afar, such as eucalyptus. The secondary forest is also much more accessible by civilized roads, hence has many more visitors. We saw quite a few folks on our walk, but not so many that it was distracting. There were three loops available: short, medium and long. We opted for medium. When we first entered, we marched along a wide path with stepping stones - a far cry from the slightly trodden, less trodden and newly minted paths we forged yesterday! It felt a little more like a nature walk than a rainforest hike. Not five minutes in, we saw our first lemurs - of the bamboo variety. A bunch of little guys side by side on a branch doing their lemur thing, whatever that is. We wound up spotting (well, Mary and Mario spotting) quite a few lemurs, in addition to the bamboo fella’s: golden safika, brown, nocturnal woolies (several asleep in a scrum on a branch), and the largest of all lemurs, the indri indri, which are endangered. The first indri’s we saw were just hanging out. It’s frustrating to see them way up high unmoving. Back lit by the sky, their little faces and red eyes don’t show up well. But when they start moving, swinging wildly from branch to (far away!) branch, they’re a total hoot to watch. Some are a little more active when they sit in place, looking around on high alert craning their necks around and their little ears perking up; or chomping on berries and leaves (their mamas didn’t teach then to eat with their mouths closed). As yesterday, Mary and Mario were great at positioning us for optimal viewing and photos. The best part, however was the audio version of the show. Families of lemurs of the same species call out to each other for a few minutes to say good morning. We first heard the serenade far in the distance, then a family to our left called out with windy, screechy, scary, somewhat high-pitched noises. On command, a nearby family responded, so we got the full, quite loud, effect. So wild. We felt like we were in a rainforest. Oh, we were in a rainforest!! We hoped to see some good birds, but only once stopped when there were quite a few flying around. Beautiful they were, particularly a bright blue one that was too speedy to capture on film. We saw a few flowers, but it turns out that fall simply is the wrong season for much color in the forest, except, of course for green everywhere! To see many of the lemurs, we dipped off the nature-walk-like path and indeed followed more moderately trodden paths up the hillside and down, and up and down again. All in all, it was a wonderful 2 1/2ish hour walk/hike!

Maharo had told us yesterday that he’d take us to Mary’s restaurant for lunch. We were skeptical (worried, even) but it was quite nice. Surprise of surprises, Mary’s name is actually Marie - got lost on us with the French accent. Marie’s restaurant was one of the first to be built in the area. Not only is she a guide but an entrepreneur! Madagascar may be a developing country, but it’s heartening to see a woman has been out on the forefront of tourism for many years!

The ride home was pretty crazy, but didn’t seem quite as insane as the drive out. Still loads of trucks, still the communication of the road passing, swerving, avoiding pot-craters, vehicles and people. And there was the one guy in front of us who Jillebob dubbed “Smoke Fiend” whose vehicle was spewing stinky black fumes, and contrary to the rules of the road, would not let us pass. But we also took the opportunity to appreciate the spectacular, lush, green landscapes of hills, villages, pastures and rice paddies. Really beautiful. Back close to Tana, traffic got bad, but gave us the opportunity to observe life in the outskirts of the city: hardware stores here, butchers with rancid-looking meat hanging there, wonderful fruits and veg here, baskets of grains there - all fascinating. Loads of peeps walking along the street, cars leaving the city at what must have been rush hour. All part of the experience of getting to know Madagascar.

The staff at Maison Gallieni welcomed us back like we were family. We had the same room that we had a few nights ago and did not have to complete any paperwork on check-in. When we asked if there were other guests, the staff, who do not speak much English and don’t understand Jill’s French, replied, “Yes, your friends!” We decided that it had to be one of the two Aussie couples we met a few nights ago. The big reveal at dinner … Maureen and Andy. We exchanged tales of the last two days and learned that, the very quiet Andy, had worked out a whole Australia itinerary for us.

[rabbitcruiser]

World Lemur Day 

World Lemur Day celebrates lemurs and spreads the word about the need to conserve them; it inspires a love for them and actions to save them from extinction. It also celebrates Madagascar, the island nation located 250 miles off the east coast of Africa that lemurs call home. Events are held around the world on the day, in person and virtually. World Lemur Day takes place on the last Friday of October, and the World Lemur Festival takes place during the weeks surrounding it.

Madagascar is rich in biodiversity, and much of its flora and fauna can be found nowhere else in the world, as is the case with lemurs. Scientists believe that lemurs may have gotten their start on Africa's mainland before arriving; they think lemurs floated to the island on vegetation, and then evolved and diversified over millions of years. Madagascar was a favorable environment for them because the landscape was habitable, there were varied food sources, and there weren't any large predators.

Today there are over 100 species of lemurs. By one count there are 112, but the number changes when new ones are identified through discoveries and genetic testing. Subfossils indicate there once were more and that some became extinct, possibly from being hunted by humans after humans arrived on the island. The 2020 update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species indicated that almost all lemur species were threatened with extinction and that almost a third were critically endangered.

The smallest lemur is the Madame's Berthe mouse lemur, weighing in at 30 grams, and the largest is the indri, which may weigh up to 9.5 kilograms. Subfossils indicate that some lemurs were once as large as gorillas. Some other lemurs are the ring-tailed lemur, dancing sifaka, and aye-aye. Lemurs have unique traits in common. They have a heightened sense of smell because of their long snouts and wet noses and have improved night vision because of their tapetum lucidum, an extra layer of tissue behind their retina. All lemurs except aye-ayes have incisors and canines that lean forward instead of upward, called toothcombs, which are used for grooming, as well as to eat seeds and bark.

The forests of Madagascar benefit from lemurs, who help them grow by pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Lemurs eat fruit but don't digest the seeds, and leave the seeds around the forest in their droppings. They also may get seeds and pollen stuck in their fur while looking for fruits and nectar, and may pass them onto other flowers.

To protect lemurs, the challenges and threats they face must be known. They face habitat change and loss, climate change, invasive species, and poaching. The forests of Madagascar are decreasing in size, changing the habitats of lemurs. This negatively impacts individual lemurs and the species as a whole. Madagascar is one of the top countries affected by climate change caused by humans. Droughts in the south and yearly monsoons in the north have become more prevalent in the twenty-first century, affecting all life on the island, including lemurs. Being that Madagascar developed in isolation when non-native species enter the ecosystem, they can threaten those that live there. Lemurs are also hunted for the pet trade, for food, and for cultural reasons.

A "fady" is a taboo of the Malagasy people, those who reside in Madagascar. For some, hunting, killing, or eating the indri is fady, since legend says that the spirits of ancestors live on within them. The aye-aye is associated with evil, and legend says that bad things may happen to those who see one. They are often killed because of this.

Lemurs benefit from ecotourism. Those visiting Madagascar bring money to the local economy, and, in turn, the Malagasy see the benefit of having the lemurs around—tourism wouldn't thrive without them. As the economy grows, the lemurs benefit. Conservation work in Madagascar is complex and supports wildlife, habitats, and people. Building relationships with and working with the Malagasy is crucial. Establishing and maintaining protected areas, reforestation efforts, dealing with invasive species, captive breeding at zoos, and reintroducing and relocating species are all part of conservation efforts. These efforts are given a boost today with World Lemur Day!

How to Observe World Lemur Day

World Lemur Day is celebrated individually, but also by zoos and other organizations. Some ideas for participation include:

Post on social media with the hashtag #WorldLemurDay and tag the Lemur Conservation Network. They can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Focus your posts on the urgency of lemur conservation and how everyone can help make a difference and save lemurs from extinction by working together. Use the social media guide to help you craft your posts.

Utilize the Lemur Conservation Network's participation guide for ideas on how individuals, member organizations, zoos, educators, and libraries can participate. For individuals, they suggest holding a fundraiser for a Lemur Conservation Network's member organization; sharing photos of lemurs seen at zoos or during travel to Madagascar, along with information about them, what is loved about them, and memories of the trip; creating and sharing information graphics about lemurs; holding a community event, such as a lemur-themed happy hour, film screening, or costume party; visiting a school to teach kids about lemurs; or walking around in a lemur costume.

Plan your own event. Consider collaborating with a Lemur Conservation Network member organization to create one. Send details about your activity or event to the Lemur Conservation Network for them to add to their event calendar, and check the calendar for other events to attend.

Join the Lemur Conservation Network.

Volunteer with the Lemur Conservation Network or with an organization in Madagascar that protects lemurs.

Read a book about Madagascar.

Listen to a podcast about lemurs or Madagascar.

If you are a teacher, you could use the Lemur Conservation Network's teaching resources for your classroom.

Check out the Lemur Conservation Network's "Professional Resources for Research and Conservation."

Check for other ideas on the Lemur Conservation Network's "How to Help" page.

The Lemur Conservation Network suggests contacting them to learn more about participating in the day.

Source

[piccadilyindia-blog]

Best Single Malt Whisky in India

Piccadily proudly presents the finest single malt whisky in India, showcasing an exceptional collection available on their website, piccadily.com. Indri's single malt whiskies are a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, capturing India's rich whisky heritage. Each bottle is a masterpiece, telling a unique story through its distinct flavors and aromas, crafted to delight the senses. From smoky and peaty notes to smooth and elegant profiles, Indri's single malts cater to a wide range of whisky preferences, ensuring every connoisseur finds their perfect match. Indri's unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation has earned them global accolades and recognition. By using only the finest ingredients and adhering to time-honored techniques, Indri creates a rich tapestry of flavors that exemplifies the artistry behind India's best single malt whiskies. Each sip offers an unparalleled whisky experience, embodying excellence and tradition in every drop. Piccadily invites you to elevate your whisky journey with Indri's exceptional single malt whiskies, where tradition meets innovation, and every bottle promises a unique and memorable experience. Discover the unparalleled quality and craftsmanship that make Indri the pinnacle of Indian single malt whisky by visiting piccadily.com today.

G-17, Ground Floor, JMD Pacific Square, Sector – 15 Parts – Gurugram (Gurgaon) – 122002, (HR), India.

Phone: +91-124-4300840 Email: info@piccadily.com

[indri-whisky]

Indian single malt

Indri-Trini, the remarkable Indian single malt whisky from Piccadily Distillery, has quickly made its mark in the world of premium spirits. Located in the heart of India, Piccadily Distillery harnesses the rich heritage and innovative spirit of Indian whisky-making to create Indri-Trini, a single malt that stands out for its distinctive character and exceptional quality. Indri-Trini is crafted using six-row Indian barley and aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-wine, and PX sherry casks, imparting a complex and layered flavor profile. The tropical climate of India accelerates the maturation process, resulting in a whisky with a remarkable depth of flavor. Each sip of Indri-Trini reveals a symphony of tastes, from rich dried fruits and dark chocolate to warm spices and a hint of smokiness, making it a truly captivating experience for the palate. Piccadily Distillery's dedication to quality and innovation shines through in every bottle, as they expertly blend traditional techniques with modern expertise. For whisky enthusiasts seeking to explore the best of Indian single malts, Indri-Trini from Piccadily Distillery offers an unparalleled journey of taste and craftsmanship, setting a new benchmark for Indian whiskies on the global stage.

[whiskylovers]

17 best Indian single malt whiskies to celebrate the festive season: Check price and more

SUMMARY 

The CNBC-TV18 Travel Desk has handpicked 17 best made in India whiskies that unveil a narrative of quality within the flourishing domain of whiskies across the world. Do Note: Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health, please drink responsibly. 

In the dynamic realm of premium single malt whiskies, a diverse number of Indian brands have emerged, some of which have been awarded as the world’s best. These whikies captivate discerning palates of whisky enthusiasts globally. Renowned for their distinct flavours and meticulous craftsmanship, these whiskies showcase the evolving landscape of production of spirits in India. From expressions reflecting rich heritage to innovative blends that transcend borders, the CNBC-TV18 Travel Desk has handpicked 15 best Indian Single malt whiskies and how expensive they are. Read on to know more. 

No 1. Paul John Single Malt Mithuna | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹22000 | Crafted with precision, the Paul John Single Malt Mithuna, boasting intricate flavours, making it a luxurious choice for whisky enthusiasts seeking a distinctive experience. 

No 2. Paul John Single Malt Oloroso | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹13,000 | With a rich and nuanced profile, the Paul John Single Malt Oloroso is a captivating option for those who appreciate the interplay of Oloroso sherry casks in their whisky. 

No 3. Paul John Single Malt Pedro Ximenez | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹13,000 | Offering an enticing blend of flavors, the Paul John Single Malt Pedro Ximenez reflects the influence of Pedro Ximenez casks in its maturation, providing enthusiasts with a sophisticated choice. 

No 4. Rampur Indian Single Malt | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹12500.00 | The Rampur Indian Single Malt by Radico Khaitan offers a delightful expression of Indian craftsmanship with its unique flavor profile, appealing to discerning whisky lovers. 

No 5. Crazy Cock Dhua - The Peated One | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹12500.00 | A product by South Seas Distilleries is a rich full bodied, mildly peated, rare and exquisite single malt aged in imported bourbon and rare sherry casks, skillfully crafted by our master blender using peated malts of great age and mellowness, into a perfectly balanced whisky. 

No 6. Amrut Indian single malt whisky exclusive edition | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹9900.00 | The Amrut Exclusive Edition stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to quality, providing a distinctive and accessible choice for enthusiasts seeking an exceptional Indian single malt. 

No 7. Crazy Cock Rare - Aged in Double Oak | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹8900 | A full-bodied rare and exquisite single malt whisky that has been matured to perfection in two imported oak casks: bourbon casks and sherry casks. This exceptional whisky skillfully hits the sweet spot, achieving a seamless fusion of the two casks, resulting in enhanced viscosity that promises a truly indulgent experience. 

No 8. Paul John Bold Single Malt | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹6000.00 | With a bold and robust flavour profile, the Paul John Bold Single Malt offers an affordable yet premium option for those who appreciate the craftsmanship of Indian single malts. 

No 9. Paul John Brilliance Single Malt | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹6000.00 | Celebrated for its brilliance in both flavour and affordability, the Paul John Brilliance Single Malt caters to whisky connoisseurs who seek quality at an accessible price point. 

No 10. Longitude 77 Single Malt | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹5500.00 | Recently introduced by Pernod Ricard India, the Longitude 77 Single Malt provides a captivating choice with a distinctive British Indian touch, appealing to those exploring the expanding landscape of Indian single malts. 

No 11. Indri Single Malt | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹5400.00 | The Indri Single Malt distilled by Piccadily Distilleries was recently awarded the best Single Malt Whisky in the world. It stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to quality and affordability. 

No 12. Godawan Fruit And Spicy Whisky | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹5400.00 | The Godawan Fruit and Spicy Whisky offers a unique flavour profile, combining fruity and spicy notes, providing a distinctive choice for whisky enthusiasts seeking diversity in their collection. 

No 13. Amrut Fusion Single Malt | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹5200.00 | Continuing to captivate enthusiasts with its fusion of Indian and Scottish influences, the Amrut Fusion Single Malt delivers a harmonious and well-balanced whisky experience. 

No 14. Paul John Edited Single Malt | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹5000.00 | The Paul John Edited Single Malt strikes a balance between affordability and the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional Indian single malts, offering a carefully crafted expression. 

No 15. Kamet Single Malt | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹5000.00 | Showcasing the brand's dedication to quality, the Kamet Single Malt offers enthusiasts an accessible yet sophisticated option in the realm of Indian single malts. 

No 16. Amrut Peated | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹4950.00 | Standing as a distinctive choice for those who appreciate smoky and peaty notes, the Amrut Peated delivers a memorable experience at an attractive price point. 

No 17. Paul John Nirvana Single Malt | Price for 750 ml bottle in Mumbai: ₹3275.00 | Offering an affordable yet delightful experience, the Paul John Nirvana Single Malt serves as an accessible entry point for individuals exploring the world of Indian single malts. 

[thenewsfactsnow]

Indri Whisky: World's No. 1 at Whiskies of the World 2023; Tops 100 Others

New Delhi, India – October 2, 2023 – Indri Whisky Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023, an exceptional made-in-India whisky, has ascended to the pinnacle of the global whisky industry, earning the prestigious title of “Best Whisky Brand in the World” at the prestigious Whiskies of the World competition. In a spectacular triumph, Indri whisky was awarded the coveted “Double Gold Best In Show”…

[rufuslupislupis]

I think there are similarities between these things, yes, but they’re not exactly the same. There was an emphasis not on the mundane usage of magic — that’s kind of Ame and Wren’s whole thing, cozy magic and crafted knickknacks — but on the way that magic is intended.

The Citadel is aiming not just to impress but to frighten, a little bit. Like an animal bristling to make itself larger. These are displays of power, not just tools of convenience, and I think they kind of are supposed to make an outsider feel smaller. Luxury is well and good but there can be malice in how that luxury’s shown off.

I’d say Indri’s use of magic to dazzle and impress is more similar. Except, you know, she wants you so busy gawking at how pretty she is that you don’t see she’s stabbing you in the back.

I was under the impression that what the music box was doing was copying the information, but it seems it might have straight up stolen it?

All I'm saying that, long term, the only way to keep Nif safe is to have Indri be magically bound not to harm her, perhaps because they are part of the same coven?

Anyone else find it kinda sus that after allvthat ablut how the Citadel debases magic by using it for means mundane, Tefmet is clearly very much the same in that way? The picture Brennan painted to Eursulon of the not-Bag of Holding and Tefmet's inability to conceive of nonmagical solutions to nonmagical problems (and even their struggle to even conceive the notion that a problem might not be magical in nature) are really not what I expected from the person here to advocate that the Citadel is transgressing against magic's sanctity or whatever

[amadenchart]

Nothing to say except I think I'm in love with Indrys' veil. The details, the ornaments... it looks to good on her! TOT

Awwww thank you!! I think the addition of the veil was amazing, she looks so beautiful and feminine with it! *v*

[ringchollyandfriends]

Good things about Puppy to try and reduce my spiraling that "I'm Ruining My Dog":

- He has no desire to hurt anybody. He just wants to play with the cats, with us and to with Indris.

- He's not scared of any noise. He might startle when hearing a new sound, but he recovers in seconds.

- He, somehow, doesn't eat anything he shouldn't (except... poop). He will pick up anything in his mouth, but luckily for me, he doesn't swallow anything bad. (He picked up a cigarette, didn't eat it. He picks up rocks every day, doesn't eat them. [tw: bugs] He brought a bettle, unharmed, in the house.)

- He likes push his toys onto my body when playing. I don't know why, but going from a possessive dog to this is delightful. Same with his chews, if he's not on me, he prefers to eat them when I'm nearby.

- He's not very barky. We're working on his struggle to be alone, but he doesn't bark a lot. And when he does, it doesn't last long.

[lionews]

"Aaaaaanywayyys... how does everyone feel about grullo and the absolute eyesore of a marking ritual?" Grullo's nice, it's not really *grullo* but it fits with the texture theme of Locust and Gregarious. More Cream bases is a good thing too, imo. Hot take: I actually like Ritual. Everything except Fawn is decent and I really like Indri. Whoever said it's "almost identical" to Immolation is absolutely wrong; they complement each other and they're similar colors but they are nowhere near the same.

We do not like Ritual.

Mod opinion, of course.

[sineala]

Hola Sine, hope you had a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🥳 💗 I am here seeking your knowledge on iron mam comics. I am aware that 616 Tony Stark is a recovering alcoholic and his alcoholism is an integeral part of his character. Irl most of the recovering alcoholics I know have a triggering point that leads them to relaps .. either stress or grief, some even health related to numb the pain. So I was thinking, is there a pattern for Tonys relapses? What usually triggers his addiction? Ofc not every addict has a trigger but I noticed many do. Thanks ☺️

This is kind of a difficult question to answer -- not factually, but in the sense that this is comics and therefore all the answers are going to look Really Really Weird because Marvel likes to show that an event is serious by getting Tony drunk for it, so they are generally not stressors that a person on our Earth is ever going to have. But here goes.

(I made a list of every time Tony drinks when Discord read Denny O’Neil’s run a couple years ago, so I am mostly pulling from that.)

Demon in a Bottle: Not technically a relapse, since he doesn’t get sober until the events of this arc, but there are two inciting events that really kick his drinking into overdrive: (1) Nick Fury is attempting to take over his company and force him to make weapons, and (2) Justin Hammer basically hacks Tony’s suit -- while Tony is wearing it -- and forces him to murder an ambassador in front of a very large crowd.

The second drinking arc: Two more inciting events. (1) Obadiah Stane is trying to take over Tony’s company, sending villains to attack him, et cetera, so Tony is already pretty close to the edge. And then (2) Stane hires a woman named Indries Moomji to date Tony and then dump him, while being incredibly cruel and insulting.

Vor/Tex: Tony is possessed by a cybernetic entity who decides to take his body for a joyride, which includes, among other things, getting drunk, and when Tony gets control of his body back he’s still drunk. And, yeah, sure, Tony did not make the decision to drink, but it affects him enough that he immediately heads to AA after.

Avengers Disassembled: Tony does not, technically, drink. But Wanda magics him into being drunk, more or less, against his will, and he loses his job as the Secretary of Defense while drunkenly threatening the UN representative from Latveria. Basically no one believes him when he says he didn’t drink. Except Steve. Steve believes him.

Fear Itself: Tony does make the conscious choice to drink in this one -- but it’s because the Earth is being invaded, and he needs access to a forge to make weapons, and he needs Odin to notice him so he can bargain with him for use of his forge, so he offers Odin his sobriety. And it works.

Superior Iron Man: Tony is evil now and he does all of the things he would apparently secretly want to do but does not let himself do, and that includes drinking. Also making weapons. Also bisexual orgies.

Secret Empire: Tony is an artificial intelligence now, and Steve is a fascist dictator, and the way Tony decides to cope with this is to be very, very drunk. Don’t ask me how an AI gets drunk. But he does.

Tony Stark: Iron Man: Tony is trapped in a VR simulation and he starts drinking because... uh... because it’s not real and he thought it sounded like fun because his evil AI is influencing his mind and making him think everything is fine and like old times and like it will definitely be okay if he drinks? I think so. I think I have repressed my memory of most of this run. To the best of my recollection, he doesn’t drink in Real Life during this but he lets everyone think he’s drinking so they won’t suspect he’s running the robot revolution.

So as you can see, there have been a lot of... extenuating circumstances, but a lot of stress seems to be the most reliable way to trigger him. (Not grief, as far as I can tell; he very famously did not drink when Steve was dead. He was extremely messed-up, though. I guess arguably his feelings during Secret Empire could include grief, though.)

Hope that helps!