#it's blue ox games

[thefaultinourchickennuggets]

my local game store has these pride stickers and pronoun pins and im obsessed

he's just a little guy!!!

[tenaciousdecapitator]

Okay, I'll admit, WOTC's got me hooked with this one.

I'm a sucker for a well-crafted folklore reference, and I was eagerly waiting to see what they'd use for the "Blue Ox" creature type from the teaser post. They did not disappoint.

[markrosewater]

Hey, Mark! I was answering the Aetherdrift survey, trying to spell out my frustrations with the set (my least favorite in what feels like ages), and I got to something that I wanted to share here: I understand the need for resonance, and I know tropes are tropes for a reason - but I feel a lot of the references in recent sets crosses the line from inspiration to imitation.

Sure, the wild west set will perhaps want to reference characters like Paul Bunyan - but do they really have to own a blue ox? Does the ghost-capturing device on Duskmourn really have to be as blatant of a reference? Does Magic need a fairytale character named Ash thats a copy of CINDERella? Does the main image of Aetherdrift really have to be a one-for-one recreation of a famous Akira shot?

I say this as someone who cares deeply about the game and its lore (been reading regularly since the Weatherlight saga back in the 90's) - I really wish Magic would go back to embracing its own worlds as something truly original, even in the face of the inevitable inspirations writers will draw from. I feel like the original Theros set was a near perfect example of this, as was Innistrad before it.

I used to be mesmerized by the allure of a brand new plane or a new visit to an old one, but more and more I find myself groaning at the reveals for top down sets. Maybe that's just me getting older and more jaded, but I really think there's a way to do things that result in a richer lore that can be taken more seriously by fans.

Sorry for the long rant, and to end in a brighter note: Tarkir Dragonstorm seems to be nailing the worldbuilding so far. Here's to more stuff like that!

Innistrad and Theros, your examples of sets we did correctly, were also filled with a lot of cards that were direct inspirations of specific real world/cultural/pop culture references. We literally made a list of horror and Greek mythology tropes and then designed specific cards for them. A *lot* of them.

This isn’t to say that you’re not noticing something real that’s upsetting you. Execution obviously matters, but it’s not as if the past you pick as your ideal didn’t also borrow heavily from source material.

So, my question to all of you is about execution. For those that agree with the asker, why was our take on Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde great Magic design, but our take on Cinderella derivative?

[mumms-the-word]

guys

GUYS

you’ll never believe what nonsense I came across while I was brainrot doomscrolling through all the books and notes on the BG3 wiki trying to find stuff I might have missed in act 2

druid self-insert romantic fanfiction about the first battle against Moonrise and Ketheric

fanfic that Halsin read and criticized!!

Okay if you played early access you shouldn’t be surprised because these books existed in EA. I’ve tried to find them in my game post patch 6 but all I can find is volume 3, which is disappointing because I was hoping to find volume 4

But as a treat, if you’re like me and completely didn’t know about this, buckle up and please enjoy the self-insert adventures of a certain “Roa” who totally isn’t Roan Featherway, a druid of Silvanus and colleague(??) of Halsin himself

———

Book Draft - Volume I

The name on the inside of this faded journal suggests it belonged to a 'Roan Featherway', a druid of Silvanus.

[Neatly written chapters fill this journal. A list of what appears to be book publishers in Baldur's Gate are on the first page. The cover has a multitude of titles, all crossed out: 'The Unforeseen Alliance, volume 1', 'Druids and Harpers, a fight for good!', 'The Shadowed Evil: who dares to stand against it?'] Our hero, the [brave? mighty?] druid Roa arrives in the grove. When he received the summons from the Emerald Enclave, he knew something was afoot. Filled with druids and rangers alike, members of the Enclave are scattered across the realm. They fight to preserve the natural order, keep the elemental forces of the world in check, and do battle with those who would upset this delicate balance. They are fierce warriors, though none as fierce as Roa. Built like [an ox? A bear?], he stands head and shoulders above the crowd. The grove is buzzing with activity. Roa spots a beautiful woman with ebony hair flowing past her shoulders, her eyes as blue as a [summer's day? bluebird?]. His smile turns to a frown as he notices the crescent moon and harp pinned to her chest. By Silvanus, what was a Harper doing here?

———

Book Draft - Volume II

Formed from several journals, paper scraps and, in one case, the back of an envelope, this book has been carefully glued together to form the second in a series of romance novels.

[This seems to be the second volume in a series written by an amateur novelist. The title on the cover, 'Love in Shadowed Lands', is crossed out.] The ebony-haired woman notices Roa's gaze and crosses the grove, [winking? smiling?] as she stands by the druid's side. 'I don't usually wear it out in the open,' she says, tapping the brooch on her cloak, a crescent moon and harp pinned to her chest. 'Except for special occasions.' 'What's a Harper doing in a grove of Silvanus?' Roa asks. 'Not just one.' She gestures to a group by the sacred pool. 'We're generally more cloak and dagger,' she continues, 'thwarting tyrants and [guarding? protecting?] the realm is best done in secret. But you lot have a fight on your hands. We're here to help.' 'Since when do the Emerald Enclave need a bunch of Harpers?' Roa says. 'You haven't heard?' She laughs, her laugh tinkling like a bell. 'Strap in, sweetie. We're about to take on Dark Justiciars, their demented leader Ketheric Thorm and, if we're very lucky, Shar herself.'

———

Book Draft - Volume III

The third book in a series of romance novels, this once beautifully bound book has had pages ripped out, glued back in and even tied to the book's spine using a piece of twine.

['Volume Three' is written in bold on the front. The title 'The Cost of Sorrow' is followed by a number of question marks.] 'But why?' Roa screams, the beast within barely contained. 'Why follow Shar? Why destroy Moonhaven?' Ketheric stares down [haughtily? cruelly?] at Roa as he steps over the bodies of Harpers and druids alike. 'Shar knows all.' He smiles [maliciously?]. 'She gave me a holy mission. I'm merely fulfilling it.' 'The people of Moonhaven trusted you!' Roa cries, his anger rising. 'How could you turn your Dark Justiciars on them?' Ketheric smiles, 'They needed the target practice. Can't have Shar's elite getting rusty, now can we? As for you...' a crescent blade appears in his [cruel?] hands. 'You are but one lone druid, Roa. Who are you to stand against me?' Roa forces himself to his feet, Silvanus' fury coursing through him. 'I'm your downfall. Today you die, Ketheric!'

———

And for the pièce de résistance 😮‍💨🤌

Book Draft - Volume IV

The fourth volume and final novel, this book has had almost every single page ripped out, except for the last twenty or so pages.

['Shadow's Kiss' is written in bold on the front. Pages of crossed out lines have notes in the margin reading 'finale!', 'more exciting!'. The final entry reads:] 'Get out of here.' Roa whispers, clutching his side. Blood pours from his fingers, a final gift from Ketheric's blade. 'I'm not leaving you,' Selene sobs, blue eyes filling with tears. Roa cups her face. 'I won't make it out in time. But you can.' Selene presses her forehead against his. Her ebony hair falls forward, forming a curtain that envelops them both. Roa closes his eyes, a smile lifting his lips as her scent, wild roses, washes over him. 'That grappling hook. You still have it?' He asks. 'Of course. Why do you -' With the last of his strength, Roa pushes her from the balcony. He watches her fall, watches her pull the hook from her pack and expertly throw it, swinging gracefully to the ground. A mighty crack splits the floor beneath him as the tower crumbles. He smiles contentedly. Selene was safe. That's all that mattered. Epilogue: 'Selfish bastard.' Selene says, kicking the base of the grave. Balsin places a comforting hand on her shoulder. 'He was the greatest of us all,' Balsin says, a towering behemoth of a druid, although not as tall as Roa. 'We will forever honour him, for he single-handedly broke Shar's hold on the land, and helped -' [A different hand appears beneath the final entry.] Roan, you had one job. This is not a historical record of what occurred, it is poorly written romance with no basis in fact. And if I ever see the name 'Balsin' again, I will personally feed you to Ormn.

Halsin you’re such a critic

we were robbed

[maddascanbe-blog]

Yes, this is for sure just random kwami swaps and not me trying to convince RozonRozark of The Cheshire au to give Alya the bull. (It can be attached to her mask and she can just not wear it until she transforms, just wear it horrendously wrong or something. Please I am begging I think that would be so freaking cool-)

So here is Bella Blue (Alya), Battle Ox (Alix), and Bixi (Marinette)

Bella's hat is meant to be one of those wide brim flat hats. Similar to the one I drew for my own Bull miracusona. I based the suit on the type of cowboy/cowgirl outfits I'd see dancer's wear.

Meanwhile Battle Ox I based on repeated themes I saw in brawlers or fighter classes in video games. Her collar ended up being shaped like a cow skull which started unintentional but I leaned into it.

Bixi is directly based in Marinette's one time use of the turtle in Cheshire as well as the Miracle Heroes dolls version of turtle marinette. Literally the only one of the dolls that I do like (discounting basic ladybug). I gave her cute pink accents because it was a nice complimentary accent.

[gingiesworld]

The Scarlet Storm : Hydra Reborn

Chapter One

Taglist : @mothertoall2 @natashamaximoff-69 @canvascoloredin @wizardofstories @louxbloom @wandanats-goodgirl @the-ox-fan20 @ladyqueenxoxo @aemilia19 @wandaromamoff69 @mfd-101 @dorabledewdroop @marvelogic @dopeyouth @karsonromanoff @bimad @reginassweetheart @machyishere @gemz5 @pawiie @duckiekong (If you want to be added to my taglist, please DM me or comment)

After Thanos was finally defeated. The world lost some heroes. Tony sacrificed himself, leaving behind his 5 year old daughter Morgan and wife Pepper.

Clint was the one who sacrificed himself. He finally beat Natasha at her own game. Leaving behind his wife and children.

The there was Vision. The one who gave his life, scarificing himself to stop Thanos from retrieving the stone. Only to have Wanda watch him die once more.

The world was working hard on mending itself. Bucky and Sam had disappeared to work on some case. Leaving Natasha, Wanda, Steve and Scott at the Avengers compound. Yelena was travelling, in hopes in helping people adjust again.

"Hey, are you ok?" Wanda asked Nat as she walked inside the meeting room. Seeing Nat looking for someone. Seeing a name on the screen. Y/N Romanoff. "I didn't know you had a daughter." Wanda stated only seeing the last picture that was ever took of Y/N. Back in Ohio

"Y/N is my sister." Nat said quietly. "Well she was. We were split up before Yelena and I were took into the Red Room. Y/N was taken somewhere else."

"So you want to try and find her?" Wanda asked her.

"I do." Nat said as she turned to face the witch. "But she hasn't surfaced since she disappeared. I hoped that with everyone being back, she may be one of them. She has this thing with her eye. Most of the kids used to call her a freak or a demon. She has this red line going through her left iris." 

"You don't think she could be, you know?" Wanda asked her sadly.

"That's what we were told when we were first taken in, but then Dreykov told me years ago that she was alive." Nat informed her. "He only said one name after that before he tried to escape. The Lightening Soldier."

"I remember that name." Wanda said as she used the computer. Typing in the name. A picture came up of a tall masked figure. The only name noted was the Alias they are known by. "Pietro used to tell me how they used to train him with his super speed and combat skills."

"They were experimented with an enhanced version of the super soldier serum. Also giving them super speed." Nat read from the file. "They have only been spotted a small amount of times."

"They get moved very often. Hydra didn't like to keep their most prized weapon stationary in the same place for too long." Wanda informed her. "Last known location, Russia. Five years ago." Wanda pointed at the screen.

"Do you think they could still be there?" Nat asked her. Wanda shrugged unsurely. "I just need to know for definite if my Y/N is still alive or not."

"We will." Wanda told her, the two coming up with a plan.

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

Y/N had been awoken from their cryofreeze slumber. Frozen in time for five years. Johan Schmitt's grandson, Alec Schmitt took over his plans with Hydra. Finding the unknown Hydra base in Russia. Coming across a chamber, the power was still surging through the base. Keeping the Cryochamber working. Keeping The Lightening Soldier in a frozen slumber.

He had read up on The Lightening Soldier. Knowing that she is the older sister of the Natasha Romanoff. Also that she doesn't remember a single thing about her life before Hydra. She doesn't remember her sisters.

He started the defrosting sequence. Hoping that The Lightening Soldier was still Hydra's property. Once the sequence was complete, the chamber hissed as the hydraulics to the door had finally been opened. After years of being locked.

Alec watched proudly as The Soldier opened her piercing blue eyes. Noticing their was a red line through her left iris.

"We have work to do." He told her with a smirk. "Hydra will be born again."

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

"So, let me get this straight." Steve started as the remaining Avengers stood in the briefing room. "You want to fly to Russia in hopes of finding your sister. Who may or may not be this Lightening Soldier."

"Yes. That is exactly what I want." Nat told him as she crossed her arms.

"And who is going with you to look for her?" Steve asked her.

"Me." Wanda said as she stood beside Nat. "I will go with her."

"Me too." Maria told him.

"Look, I understand that this is important to you." Steve started as Nat shook her head.

"Not just to me Steve. Yelena, Melina and Alexei." Nat told him. "We were all told that she died. Was killed during experimentation and now we have a real lead on her."

"So you think that this Lightening Soldier is Y/N?" He asked her.

"I do." Nat told him. "And I think she is in Russia but we will only find out if we go there ourselves."

"Ok. We'll leave at dawn." Steve told them all before walking out. The three girls glanced at each other.

"Did he just?" Nat asked as both Maria and Wanda nodded. "I can't believe it." Nat whispered. Looking at the two pictures. Her eyes staying on Y/N. The Y/N she remembers from when they were children.

"Are you going to tell Yelena?" Maria asked her as the three stood there.

"No." Nat told her. Turning around to face them both. "I think it's best to tell her after we find Y/N and bring her home."

The Avengers were coming up with a plan to find Y/N, while Alec was coming up with a new order. Bribing some SHIELD agents who were stationed in Russia. Using Y/N as a scare tactic to get them to fall in line.

Hydra was being reborn.

[star-the-gremlin]

Some info about the MiracuClass in my au to get me back into the miraculous headspace. It's not much but it's something at least.

Chloe - Red Velvet (ladybug) Red

Pansexual (in denial)

she/her cis

unhealthy favoritism towards her mom

needs to wear glasses but refuses to do so (glares a lot)

spaces out a lot

very low self esteem

Sabrina - Léopard Forcé (cat) Léo

Lesbian (in the closet because homophobic dad)

she/they cis

atheist

anxiety

gender dysphoria

video game addict

fidgets a lot

cheese addict

Adrien - Renard Libre (fox) Renard

bisexual

he/him cis for now

paranoia

model diet malnutrition (best I can describe it)

gender dysphoria

NOT a sentimonster

Marinette - Goldenrod (bee) Goldie

bisexual

she/her cis

adhd

overthinker

AWKWARD

panic disorder

savior complex

Alya - Terrapin (turtle)

bisexual (leaning towards men)

she/her cis

absolutely no awareness of personal danger if it means she gets a good story

nosy af

middle child syndrome

Nino - DJ Cheval (horse) DJ

whoever can match his freak is fair game

he/they cis

obsessed with music

little too naive and childish for his own good

some flavor of neurodivergent

Alix - Roloway (monkey)

aroace

any

history smart but hides it well

spray paint is her passion

"I'm fast as fuck boi" ah energy

dyes and cuts their hair themself

Max - Kalameet yes from Dark Souls, he's a nerd (dragon)

gay ace

he/him cis

atheist

video game addict

unhealthily competitive

gamer rage is definitely there but he keeps it professional if its a multiplayer game

Juleka - Lièvre Blanche (rabbit) Liévre

Lesbian

she/her trans

selective mutism

social anxiety

insomnia

vitamin d deficiency

Rose - Mademoiselle Serpent (snake) Serpent

pansexual

she/her cis

vertigo

adhd

hypefixates on everything

afraid of clowns/mimes etc.

Kagami - Byakko (tiger)

bisexual

she/her cis

NOT a sentimonster

no idea how to talk to people because of isolation

always tired from constant training

her eye bags have eye bags

Luka - Basque Lavande (pig) Basque

aroace

they/them

autism

probably smokes weed

mostly communicates through music

Zoe - Rat King (mouse) King

bisexual (Leaning towards women)

any (prefers masculine)

cares a little too much about what other people think of them to the point it leads her to lying

sort of a jack of all traits

clingy

blue-yellow colorblind

trying very hard to get on Chloe's good side

Ivan - Ram Slam (goat)

straight

he/him cis

anger issues

beneath all the muscle hes a sweetheart just don't piss him off

metal enjoyer

Mylene - Shorthorn (ox)

straight

she/her cis

panic disorder

anxiety

listens to white noise to calm down

likes acting but hates people watching her act

Marc - King Shepherd (dog) Shepherd

gay

he/they/it

autism

social anxiety

selectively mute

conveys his feeling through writing

Kim - Taolon from tao and talon (rooster)

bisexual (leaning towards women)

he/him cis

absolute dumbass

adhd

extremely competitive

spoiled by his parent ("Our boy can do no wrong" type of shit)

too confident for his own good

Nathaniel - no miraculous

bisexual ace

he/him trans

jewish

introverted

not really a team player

daydreams a lot (mostly about his own comic series)

Lila - no miraculous

bisexual

she/her trans

pathological liar

impostor syndrome

gives up immediately if things don't go her way

very good actress (stolen by the theater club)

attention seeker

please someone tell her moms to stop neglecting her she is not okay

[imthepunchlord]

Zodiac Heroes Poll: Ox

Another idea I kinda want to play around with and plan for is the chaos of Fu only having the Chinese Zodiac and he releases them all to spite and deal with HM, cause how dare he misuse a Miraculous.

Only there are 12 heroes and a struggle to decide who gets what as possibilities are endless. I have tried and just kept going back and forth and constantly changed my mind.

So for fun, let's do them in polls! I'll be doing three a week, and provide links to other polls as they get released.

Choose very carefully, as each Zodiac will have a variety of potential characters to use it. What character wins in this poll is what they get and that option is removed from future polls.

Mouse, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig

Ox Miraculous will have the power Willpower, granting super strength, but it comes down to one's own resolve and determination. The more determined you are, the stronger you'll be.

Stompp is gruff and blunt, always to the point and clear on his stances. He like to urge humans to step up their game, be ready for any challenge, and to not back down. He likes to urge humans to be responsible, honest, and dependable. He holds a firm belief that the strong should defend and support the weak. He can have a bit of a temper and be a little hotheaded.

[hiwelcometothemonstersancturary]

Since there's 18 mini wuggies in-game, I figured out PlayCo. would have a hard time controlling them if they didn't have their own nicknames, so I made a list! These will be the names used for Poppy Worldwide/Save Everyone AU, but feel free to use them for your own headcanons as well - just give me credit!

By color:

Green (tools):

Driver

Ham-Ham

Bolt

Needle

Blue (operational systems):

Micro

Windows

Nunu

Pear

Yellow (electricity/electronic devices)

Spark

Zap

Talkie

Flip

Nes

Red (minerals):

Copper

Ruby

Rust

Ox

Mimi

[theriverspath]

Ineffable May, Day 22: 1941

Rated Teen for spicy tension and one mild language.

Crowley lounged on the little sofa of the dressing room, trying not to listen to the rustle of fabric coming from the other side of the changing screen. When a pair of tan trousers were neatly draped over the top, and the black ones tugged down to disappear behind it, he tried (and failed) to not imagine a half-naked angel sliding socked feet into each leg one at a time.

“You know, you really should go take your seat in the auditorium. It’ll raise suspicion if you aren’t there for the first half of the show. We wouldn’t want anyone else in the audience to realize you’re my, what we call in the business, ‘confederate.’” Crowley heard the quotes around the last word, and cringed at his own reaction. What was it about this fussy, enthusiastic side of Aziraphale that caused a swarm of butterflies to take flight in his chest? It had been that way for so long that he’d lost track of when it had begun. In Rome maybe, with the oysters? His mind slid past that, back to that old basement and the ox rib. The butterflies kicked up, threatening to swirl lower down his corporation. Nope. Best not to dwell on that for too long…

“Sure, if that’s what you want, angel. But, maybe I should stick around until you’ve finished changing into your costume? To, er,” Crowley scrambled for a reason to justify his unwillingness to simply saunter out of here, to give up this chance to be in this room alone with Aziraphale, “To have another set of eyes to look over things? Could be useful.” There was a pause in Aziraphale’s movement, and Crowley held his breath. He only let it out when the angel replied.

“Yes, alright.” The words were quieter, a little slower. He didn’t have time to figure out what that meant because the angel stepped out from behind the screen. Crowley stood, suddenly unable to stay still.

“Well, what do you think?” Aziraphale took up the little bit of floor space the cluttered room offered. There was a hopeful, unsure look on his face. He spread his arms a tad, and the sparkling starbursts on his sky-blue cape twinkled in the lights from the vanity. The butterflies in Crowley’s chest settled, replaced by a warm glow.

“Marvelous,” he said, and meant it. Aziraphale smiled, relief flooding in with his happy nervousness.

“Crowley, I can’t thank you enough for this.” Aziraphale took a step forward, and Crowley tried his best to not give in to the temptation to close the rest of the distance between them. “If it weren’t for you…” They both jumped at the loud rapping on the room’s door.

“The show’s starting, Mr. Fell.” A bored voice sounded from the hallway. “You’re on in fifteen.” The speaker didn’t wait for a reply, and they both heard footsteps trail away.

“Well, um. I guess I should…” Crowley gestured past Aziraphale to the door. “Like you said, don’t want to give the game away.”

“Yes, I suppose you should.” Aziraphale nodded, but didn’t move to let Crowley pass. Instead, his eyes remained on the demon’s face. Crowley saw a question in them, and felt his own breath catch. “Before you go, perhaps you could help with my stage makeup? I never can,” Aziraphale cleared his throat and swallowed before continuing. “I never can seem to get the mustache even on both sides.” So quickly it surprised Crowley, he leaned over to the vanity’s desk and snatched up a kohl pencil. Was he imagining it, or did Aziraphale’s hand shake when he offered it to Crowley?

“Er, mmm, uh, yeah, okay, I’ll, uh, I’ll see what I can do.” Crowley mentally kicked himself as he stumbled his way through agreeing to the angel’s request. He took the makeup stick, and his pinkie made contact with Aziraphale’s hand. Sparks flew up his arm, just as they did when he’d handed over the book satchel after the bomb, just as they did when the beaming angel had grabbed his hand in the magic shop. Aziraphale took another step forward so that he was close enough for Crowley to reach. He tilted his face up and closed his eyes, apparently waiting for the demon to start.

Crowley thought his corporation might just spontaneously combust at the sight. He deposited his glasses onto the vanity and took a steadying breath, realizing only too late that Aziraphale could probably feel his exhale. He lifted the pencil and placed it just above the angel’s lip. Slowly, he drew a curved line ending in a little curl. Aziraphale didn’t react, staying perfectly still under the movement. When Crowley tried to start the second side, his hand was too unsteady.

Without really thinking about it, he slid his free hand around the back of Aziraphale’s head to brace himself. He froze at the small gasp of surprise the touch elicited. Pale pink lips parted, and stayed that way. He waited, but Aziraphale didn’t show any signs of wanting him to remove the hand. Unable to look away from the delicate beauty of Aziraphale’s cupid’s bow, Crowley completed his task without knowing if he had achieved the even appearance asked of him.

When he lifted the pencil from Aziraphale’s cheek, he glanced up to find gray-blue eyes looking into his. The question was still in them, and Crowley wanted more than anything to answer it. He felt Aziraphale sway forward, and his fingers gathered the soft curls they had buried themselves into.

“Angel, I…” Crowley’s voice came out as a hoarse plea. He had to know if this was alright, if this was what Aziraphale wanted, too. Did he really see the smallest of nods?

The clomp of heeled shoes and the peal of women’s laughter penetrated the wood of the room’s door. The first number was over, and the dancers were returning to their own rooms to change. Out of instinct, Crowley’s eyes flicked towards the unexpected sound. He felt Aziraphale stiffen in his touch. He looked back down to find the angel blinking, his eyebrows scrunched together in confusion.

“Thank-” Aziraphale was breathing heavy, like he did when nervous. “Thank you. That was most helpful.” Crowley’s heart sunk. It had been too much, afterall. He released Aziraphale and stepped back. He retrieved his glasses and returned them to his face.

“Don’t mention it. I’ll see you on stage.” With that, Crowley slithered his way around the angel and slipped out the door. He nearly ran into a human holding a clipboard. The man raised his eyebrows in a knowing look. He even had the audacity to wink at Crowley as he knocked on the door.

“Five minutes, Mr. Fell.” Crowley curled his lip, growling at the human for his puckish impertinence. Unintimidated, the man merely snorted a laugh and walked off down the hallway. Crowley straightened his already impeccably arranged tie, settled his features into an approximation of bored nonchalance, and made his way to the audience. He had better get himself together if he was going to be of any use to Aziraphale in this damned foolish bullet catch trick. 

-------

prompt list

[stareiiez]

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 --- two.

simon ( ghost ) riley x female reader.

content : dark?? ghost. introing in graves and his shadows. modern settings. mentions of stalking. obsession. drinking. sex. female genitals. unhealthy attachments. violence. blood. smut in later chapters. dark topics. this is just my version of haunting adeline but for ghost. adult cis female reader. MDNI. 3.6k words.

note: Ox is the play on one of the few confirmed operatives in Shadow Company <3. He's just, as yk, named after Oxide. Getting into the juice of jealous!ghost too quickly is the spice for any good stalker fic lets be honest.

The alcohol and secondhand smoke of cheap cigarettes waft through the buzzing of the club's techno music. It's down and dirty, you can feel the bass in your heart and between your thighs if you ground your hips just low enough to the fast tempo that rewound for the umpteenth time that night. The pre-game at that dive bar had given you enough liquid courage to follow your two friends out the swinging doors and down the street to the neon purple and pink nightclub. Lemon drops and free drinks were thrumming through your entire system, and the set of rough hands that squeezed around your gyrating hips didn't feel half bad either. 

You didn't catch his name, but 'Blue Eyes' was what you were referring to the man who was nearly half-folded against your back. His breath fanned over your cheekbone, and if you ground back just right against his swirling hips. You'd hear the slight hitch in his breath and low demanding grunt of more frivolous friction against his semi he was pleasantly sporting for no other woman than you. It's been too long since you got someone hot and horny for you. Not saying that you weren't ugly, or what's considered troll-like in the world. You just never had the time nor energy to go out there and support a man's one-tracked mind long enough to bring him back home and in your sheets for ten or twenty minutes of pleasure. If you were lucky enough, maybe he'd know how to find your clit and g-spot all without insistent guidance from you. 

The demanding need for another refreshing shot of whiskey or lemon-ey cocktails had you pulling away from your dance partner's strong chance. His fingers caught on the hem of your dress to keep you in his grasp while he followed you without a complaint or him yanking you back into his built arms to start another round of dry humping on the dancefloor. His fingers skated from the side of your thigh to your side then finally tangling thick fingers around your wrist. It caused your head to swivel to look up at your Blue Eyes. 

"Your friends and round of drinks are already at my table, why not join them instead of waiting for the bartender to notice you?" His voice pressed into your ear. Sharp astringent liquor and subtle desire for you, tickled your senses through his words. 

Jesus, you nearly forgot you didn't come here alone. The hypnotic grinding and captivating presence of the man, now holding your wrist captive in his palm, had taken up your frontal cortex. You didn't even register how long it had been since you had been pulled off the bar top by Blue Eyes for your first dance. You must have looked like a crummy friend, abandoning your friends for a pretty face and dark hair just to fuel your liquor-tainted mind.

Not that your friends had minded much when you discovered them equally if not more drunk than you were. 

You allowed yourself to be led by the wrist through the sea of grinding, perfume-tainted bodies to Blue Eyes's table that he was talking about. Three other men were lounged about, legs outspread with their hips raised to show the signs of whiskey dick through overly tight jeans. Your two friends were sandwiched between two of them men. Flushed faces and loud giggles expelling from their mouths as the two men sitting on either side of the girls, had been entertaining them with hushed whispers. The other man, some equally dark-haired male was refilling his glass with liquor; not bothered in the slightest that he didn't have a pretty thing to flirt with. 

"_____" Izzy slurred slightly when you and Blue Eyes joined the rest of the group. Her weight started to jump and push at Veronica's side. Sweaty palms shoving at her shoulder to signal the girl and the other men to scoot over and make room on the rich leather booth. "You nearly missed out on the invite for the boys' after-party tonight."

Your brows barely raised in reply. "Graves, you don't mind, do you?" One of the men spoke up, his eyes watching the hand of your 'Graves' that had wrapped around your waist to guide you closer to him when he sat down. The sweaty heat of his body, had you pressing more into his addictingly strong frame. The liquor had you clingy. Your fingers mindlessly paw at the hem of his shirt while you gazed up at handsome features. 

"I mean, unless this little thing didn't have any other plans tonight." His voice purred down at you. His lips turned up into an alluring smirk that made you want to kiss him drunk and stupid if you so wanted to. You wanted to, right now. 

Your tongue pressed out from liquor-soaked brims to wet your bottom lip in taunting appeal. His pretty eyes darkened ever so slightly as if he could read your mind and all the thoughts that were running through your mind right now. How you had anything but the silly little 'afterparty' and learning the men's names that were flirting with your friends for quite some time. Your afterparty consisted of fewer clothes, maybe more liquor, and staying up till the sun was high in the sky and you were kicking him out with a killer migraine and a pleasant thumping between your legs. 

You hummed under your breath, the tension between you two broke as soon as you turned your head to address Izzy. Your cheeks flushed with heat and alcohol. 

"Probably not, early morning you know." You flashed a half-assed apologetic grin. Your left side of your body vibrated with a husky chuckle that came from Graves. His large palm squeezed your hip till his fingers slid to the sensitive crease of where your thigh met your hips. A sharp jolt ran through your system, and your legs tingled with a rush of electricity. Every single cell of you was not overly receptive to the wants and needs of your intoxicated mind. Who could blame you, after all, you're only human. 

  A predator-like grin slid on Graves's lips when he heard your phony excuse for ditching the rest of his boys and your friends for some high-quality alone time at your place. He couldn't blame you, after all, nobody complained when it came to fucking him. He was worth the time of losing sleep and dealing with police for several noise complaints that were made. Ask all the one-night stands and barrack bunnies, they'd rate him five stars on Yelp. He shifted under the warm feeling of your fingers playing with the sliver of skin you allowed yourself to touch while you dealt with the drunken groans and whines of your redheaded friend. Her eyes rolled with dramatics, while the blonde girl beside her huffed and pouted silently. If you dared to smooth your hands up further and to the side, you'd find a glorious little happy trail just waiting to lead you to what you were thinking about the most when you first started dancing with him. 

"But I shouldn't leave you two alone, it wouldn't be right." Your voice quipped, cheeks flushing with embarrassment from being so openly handsy with Graves in front of his and your friends. Hands wringing themselves in your lap, your eyes darted to the faces of the three other men. It was the right thing to do. After all, nobody even introduced themselves to you besides Graves. And that doesn't even count, since it was a slip of the tongue from one of the men. 

"Don't worry about them, darlin'. They don't bite." Graves huffed out, another chuckle leaving his lungs. His head ducked down slightly to send shivers through your spine when he spoke to you. 

"Unless one of these pretty girls asks for it, ain't that right, boss?" The man who was pouring himself another drink when you first arrived to greet the group snarked; sending a few high-pitched giggles from your friends. Their cheeks flushing to match your blush. His teeth, pearly and white flashed in a wicked grin. Brown eyes gleamed with a subtle darkness that made you even more uneasy and unwilling to leave your friends alone with three strangers.

"Knock it off, Ox. Don't scare her. " Graves bit out, his blue eyes flashing in irritation. The grip he had on the crease of your thigh squeezed tighter; surely it would leave marks if he grasped at your plush skin even harder than he already was. "He doesn't mean it darlin', my boys are well-behaved and trained to be gentlemen."

One of the men, lean and blonde with a still giggling Veronica wrapped in his arms, swatted at the man who spoke so brashly. The hit was hard enough to erase the dark look in those brown eyes you were starting to dislike very much. 

"Ox and Graves, your mommas must have hated you to name you that." Izzy giggled again, curling into Veronica's side so she could reach over and finish off the rest of her fruity cocktail. Her tongue hung out of her mouth almost childishly while trying to grasp the sweaty glass in her palm. 

"You could say that, but that's not the case." The blonde-haired man beside her leaned over, pushing a different glass to her. It was filled to the brim with the same fruity drink both girls had been sucking down since they joined the boys for the night. Izzy took it in grateful hands, fruity straw placed between pink lips. "If you want, you can go, unlike these dogs of men that I'm unfortunately acquainted with. I'll make sure they're safe for the rest of the night. I'm the designated driver anyway." His lighter blue eyes swapped over to you, flashing a light charming smile in hopes you'd give up your guard and ignore the red flags of leaving your only two friends in the throes of three men for the night.  

"You sure?" Your eyes rounded in belief. Thanks to the alcohol, it was too easy to trust an all-American looking man such as the man who was smiling and nodding at you. His pointer finger even crossed over his heart, like he was swearing himself to you. 

You let out a sigh in defeat, head shaking back and forth. Red flags were blaring their sirens loud enough to almost drown out the thumping of the bass music and the goodbyes of both the men and your friends from their table. You forced the girls to make some sort of promise to at least text or share their locations for the rest of the night. Then, you let yourself be walked out of the club and to your parked car by Graves. His excuse was only "It was the right thing to do, never know if I'll see you again." The walk back to your car was quiet, it allowed your ears some reprieve from the loud techno beats and constant shrill scream of the DJ's voice in the microphone. 

Your head tilted up, semi- clear vision lets the stars and moon in the night sky seem even brighter than normal. Although dead stars and a rock in the sky weren't going to captivate your eyes for much time. Under the spaced-out lights of the sidewalk streetlamps, you could finally see the chiseled side profile of the man you had been grinding and dancing with. 

He was far more handsome than what the blue light and flashing neon lights of the club had shown you in quick bursts of color. He was a shadow that encompassed your body with the scent of his cologne and his constant running hands that moved here and there on your body. He didn't even feel solid in your grasp unless he was sitting down and holding you tight to his side with those commanding hands of his. Now under the fluorescent orange lamp lights, he looked like just a man. A man capable of finally being kissed and touched like any man would want to be touched if they were granted the chance. 

"This is me." You said when you both approached your cute cherry red car. The neon lettering of 'Vaqueros' glared cooly onto the sleek body of your ride. Not entirely brand new, but up to date with all the bells and whistles that any fancy shmancy car these days came with. 

You turned on your heel, lower back lightly pressing on your driver's side door just so you could gaze up at Graves who was standing close in your line of sight. Your breath got caught in your throat when his right hand raised from his side. His fingers tucked pieces of your hair behind your ear, while those alluring blue eyes of his flicked down to your lips and then back up to your eyes. "Think I can keep this gentlemanly streak going and kiss you goodnight." His voice uttered deeply. Another flicker of his eyes running up and down your face, had your cheeks flushing with a different kind of heat once again. His hand pressed to the side of your head.

"Only if you ask nicely, and don't bite like your boys say they do." Your head tilted into his cool palm, a welcome difference from the sweet heat your face carried too many times for just him alone. 

His chest rumbled with a drawn-out chuckle. He shifted forward, booted feet taking the few steps forward until he had you now pinned to the uncomfortable curvature of your car door. His breath was still tainted with liquor and something woody had washed over your face. His free hand slid back into its rightful place back onto your hip; his fingers clamping down on soft curves with heavy greed. "Darlin' I usually don't ask or beg women for a kiss, but for you." A breath, his face drawing closer till his lips were only millimeters away from the swell of your own. "I'd get on my knees if you wanted me to." Sure, he was kidding, but for a pretty thing wrapped in his arms at this moment? He had to lead with his dick and not his pride and ego. 

That was more than a green light for you to eliminate whatever little space you had between you too. Your lips pressed onto his own. He tasted of beer and something sharply metal that made your nose wrinkle and lips part in a quick gasp. The reaction was enough to let Graves advance and shove a thick tongue into your mouth, only furthering the strong taste your tastebuds didn't seem to agree with that much. You could ignore that for the fact that your entire body seemed to alight with brilliant electricity when Graves groaned so filthy into your open mouth. The sweeter taste of what you had been drinking, could be compared to straight-up liquid honey. Your tongue twirling around his own between deep kisses, was like giving pure sugar to a diabetic. Euphoric. The man only wanted more. He wanted to know if your cunt tasted just as sweet as your kisses were. 

Both of your hands swiftly felt each other up, wrinkling and tugging at clothing while you both whimpered and groaned into each kiss. Two grown adults kissing like they were back in high school and pent-up virgins who never kissed the opposite sex once in their entire lives. It must look completely inappropriate to the naked eye, but you nor Graves cared. He had just managed to work a thick jean-clad high between your own. The rough fabric pushed your dress hem up, just to let the denim press right against your warm pussy when a loud noise startled you both into pulling apart from the make out session. 

Your head whipped to the side at such a fast turn, that you swore you felt something pop in your vertebrae.

Loud would have been an underestimate of how hard your heart flip-flopped and tried flying out of your mouth from the sound of trashcans and metal banging together from the narrow alleyway that was made up of one part of the Vaqueros building. A broken streetlight, with sparks of orange and red, did nothing to illuminate whatever was the cause for such a commotion in the early hours of the morning.

If you focus hard enough, maybe even squint. You'd see a pair of eyes watching you from the murky blackness of the alleyway shadows. Just watching you like you were a crippled prey animal, and those eyes were your executioner here to take you out. "Maybe that's your cue to get goin'. " Graves whispered into your temple. His breath is still shaky from how hard you both were kissing each other. His words were muddy in your ringing ears, and hyper focused staring at the nothingness in the alley. His spit-slicked lips brushed against the soft curve of your ear. Rough fingers squeezed your hips for the umpteenth time that night. Your lower back responded by arching forward. Your cunt trailing up the length of his thick thigh with such a fluid motion. 

The small touch between your thighs was enough to have you take in a breath and redirect your attention back onto Graves. 

 Heart pounding harder from the jumpscare than the rough touches that you were receiving. Some part of you wanted to offer him to just come over later and put behind the prickles of fear you felt at this moment. The other parts of you had agreed with the male. Your hand blindly pulled on the door handle of your car; ignoring the way that it was unlocked, you smiled sheepishly up to Graves. "Maybe, I'll see you around?"

"Maybe you will, darlin'. Don't miss me too much now." He chuckles huskily. His feet stepped back a few steps, just to allow your door to open and let you slide into the driver's seat. Once situated, he's gracious enough to close your door for you with another dazzling grin of his directed at you. You don't have the heart to tear your eyes off his handsome face, the kiss had you in some sort of buzzed trance of watching him retreat from your car and walk back the way you both came. 

When he's gone and outta sight, blending into the night's shadows and fluorescent orange lamp lights you notice the flash of red out of the corner of your eye. You turn fully to your passenger seat, and a series of emotions overtake your body. Your eyes widen a few inches, brows knitted to sharp points. Your lips are parted in awe or shock at the perfectly blossomed red peony that was sitting delicately on the leather seat. Starking petals glared up at you in the semi-darkness of your car. If you were crazy enough, you would have thought the flower was making fun of you for how it managed to show up in your car in the first place. 

Perhaps you shouldn't be staring at the single flower, but scanning over every single inch of your car to see if something or someone else was hiding in the small interior. Maybe you should be freaking out at the fact someone had managed to unlock your car, without breaking the windows or setting off the alarm, and leaving you just one innocent red peony. Any sane person would have started their car and driven like a bat out of hell away from the bar and back to their house and hid in their bed for the rest of the night. For you, however, the shock hadn't set in just yet. You didn't call 911, didn't scream for Graves to come back, and offered for him to stay with you just for your sanity. What you had done that was probably the most idiotic thing you could have done, however, was pluck up the flower from its resting place. 

The dark green stem held with the tips of your pointer and thumb, your other hand opened your car door while your eyes remained on the bright flower. You then flung the peony away from you, as hard as one could throw a very light flower away from oneself. Your car door slammed shut with a loud bang, your eyes still staring at the flower as it sailed through the still air and plopped onto chipped parking lot tar. Every single petal was still in place, very much undisturbed and picture perfect like it was never even touched. 

Chills ran through your body, cold and suddenly hot. You felt itchy, and uncomfortable in your skin. Suddenly aware of every single hair on your head and the erratic beat of your heart. You felt vulnerable and trapped in the confines of your car. You wanted to burn your fingers just for even touching the wretched little flora. How silly. You must look so mad, wiping your sweaty hands on the wrinkles of your dress till you nearly gave yourself friction burn on your palms. Another wave of chills encapsulated your body as you got your car to start and peel out of the parking lot. The tires squash the flower under its tracks without a care in the world. The eyes you had imagined that were watching you from the alleyway only narrowed at the harsh squeal of rubber against the pavement. The sound bounced off the quiet buildings while you too tried to disappear into the night. 

Not that you ever could. Not from him. Not from those eyes in the alleyway that moved forward, when he was sure you were gone, to reveal Simon that had been lurking and watching you and that .     .  thing the entire time.  His poor precious girl.

Perhaps now, he'll give you a good reason to hide in your bed after all. 

[spacedoutman]

Why Kiss' 'Take Me' is a Breaking Bad Reference

How did they get here? Kiss has stooped lower than ever before; caught peddling 'Breaking bad', the drug, to their adult child audience. As a long time fan of both the business and television show, I was shocked to hear the lyrics of their song Take Me, released in 1796 in their album Rock N Roll All Over.

These lyrics contained a hidden message. If played backward, reports of summoning either Satan or Walter White himself have become prominent among users on social media platforms, 4chan and Reddit. With the lyrics debunked, maybe Kiss will be possibly held legally accountable for maybe their alleged activities and the possible games they believe they can play with the public.

It was made clear that during their heydey, songs would be passed around from one member to the other, but the main suspect for being the force behind these lyrics is their lead guitarist Ace Frehley, due to his well-known drug abuse and high speed chases with the cops, as well as, reported by a Miss Secondsopinion, possible boanthropy (In the ox form) diagnosis.

Put your hands in my pocket Grab onto my rocket Feels so good to see you receive

During the 1850s-60s, it was a well known fact that underground Violinists would hide the predecessor of Pixie Sticks in a secret compartment between each pocket and would call it a 'rocket' for fear of police interference. The last lyric, could possible be referring to hooking the other party on the blue substance

Baby got to know Do you want to go? How you gonna make me feel? I said: Whoa, baby, you make me feel, ah, ah, ah, ah, yeah Oh, baby, you make me feel, ah, ah, ah, ah, yeah

Paul Stanley eventually becomes delirious from his 'Breaking bad' intake, reverting to the brain of an ape. Listen to a live performance, for example. Each time, he becomes more and more delirious, as if he might've binged 'Breaking bad' before going on stage. It is also proven in their incapability of writing better lyrics, which is a known side effect caused by the 'you will never match up to Vince Gilligan' mindset or phenomenon.

So take me any way you want me Just break me any way you can Take me any way you want me, now Make me feel like a man Yeah

There is a high-pitch voice in the background of the chorus, which I believed to be the guitarist himself (Not the rhythm one), due to the accent and the known fact that members of the band would allegedly sing in high-pitch possible falsettos, allegedly, and allegedly take the role of possible women to maybe fill their places where they failed to hire possible back-up performers due to the alleged lack of credit.

The last lyric is an implied 'yes', to watching Breaking Bad, which is known to Break minds from perhaps alleged possible clinical reports maybe.

Sitting in the back Her head down in my lap The moonlight shining down on her hair

The radio was playing Her fingertips were straying Her mama didn't know she was there, no

The need for media literacy has become dire among the 21st century public. I told my alleged Fiance yesterday who lays in bed all day and doesn't move what I thought of these lyrics and to me and she was confused.

She said: Oh, baby, you make me feel, ah, ah, ah, ah, yeah Oh baby, you make me feel, ah, ah, ah, ah, yeah

You see the alleged woman becoming allegedly delirious by the end of the possible song and perhaps reverting to the possible alleged mindset of a money due to watching the pure genius that is the alleged Breaking Bad, due to not being able to cope with the sheer brilliance of and that is allegedly Vince maybe Gilligan possibly.

So take me any way you want me Just break me any way you can Take me any way you want me, now Make me feel like a man Make me feel it, baby

'Make Me feel like a bad' refers to the tendency of young people to take the side of Walter White and justify his every action due to seeing through the heroes lens, which backs up my belief that this may be a possible critique of the affect the show has on people and a possible vent of alleged frustration.

Ah, take me any way you want me Just break me any way you can Take me any way you want me, now Take me, baby Take me, take me, take me, love me Squeeze me, hug me, any way you can Take me any way you want me, now Take me any way you want me Squeeze me, you can have it any way you can Take me, hold me baby, come on, now, come on, now

The loop symbolizes the almost hallucinogenic effect the show allegedly has on its audience. It is a buildup to the fact that once we all watch the show and have stopped being able to squeeze the message from it in the fog of 'cool' visuals and 'badassery', society will be taken advantage of by those in control, thus rendering us malleable enough to be stretched to our limits as a society bringing on the collapse of the ages, which is why I think everything should have secret subliminal messages about Jesus and Easter. The Armageddon is coming. It will not be pretty for all you Breaking Bad fans.

[markrosewater]

Maro’s Teaser for Outlaws of Thunder Junction

Before previews for Outlaws of Thunder Junction officially begin, I thought it would be fun to do another of my Duelist-style teasers where I give tiny hints of things to come. Note that I’m only giving you partial information. 

First up, here are some things you can expect: 

• A new batch of five related creature types

• A card capable of returning three different card types from the graveyard to the battlefield

• A mechanic players have been asking us to do for many years gets made as the setting was the perfect place to finally do it

• Dual lands with a land subtype that has never been on dual lands before

• A new modal mechanic that introduces something different to think about

• A card that can swap/exchange control of up to three different card types

• A new creature token that has an ability no creature token has ever had before

• A typal card for Skeletons and Zombies

• Creature tokens in the set: (some might have abilities) 1/1 white Sheep, 1/1 blue Bird, 1/1 black Vampire Rogue, 1/1 red Mercenary, 2/1 green Varmint, 2/2 white Ox, 2/2 white Spirit, 2/2 blue and black Zombie, 3/1 red Dinosaur, 3/3 white Angel, 3/3 green Elk, 4/4 red Scorpion Dragon, X/X green Elemental, */* Blue Ox

• Some of the planes with legendary Villains in this set: Dominaria, Eldraine, Fiora, Innistrad, Ixalan, Kaladesh, Kaldheim, Kamigawa, New Capenna, and Ravnica

Next, here are some rules text that will be showing up on cards: 

• “Then repeat this process X more times.”

• “if it wasn’t cast or no mana was spent to cast it.”

• “Plotting cards from your hand costs {2} less.”

• “You can’t cast this spell during your first, second, or third turns of the game.”

• “That card gains flashback {0}”

• “Target creature becomes a white Rabbit with a base power and toughness 0/1.”

• “When you win that flip, copy that spell.”

• “If a triggered ability of a legendary creature you control triggers, that ability triggers an additional time.”

• “you get that many additional upkeep steps after this phase.”

• “Oxen you control have double strike.”

Here are some creature type lines from the set:

• Creature – Armadillo

• Creature – Shark Rogue

• Creature – Plant Bard

• Creature – Coyote

• Creature – Homarid Mercenary

• Creature – Rhino Brawler

• Creature – Ox Angel

• Creature – Porcupine Mount

• Legendary Creature – Kor Advisor

• Legendary Creature – Giant Scout

Finally, here are some names in the set:

• Claim Jumper

• Form a Posse

• Gold Rush

• Great Train Heist

• High Noon

• Quick Draw

• Reach for the Sky

• Resilient Roadrunner

• Shoot the Sheriff

• This Town Ain’t Big Enough

Tune-in to our official YouTube and Twitch channels on 3/26 to see Oko and the gang in action with new card reveals. In preparation, catch-up on Outlaws of Thunder Junction’s story (https://magic.wizards.com/en/story) to bring yourself into the world.

[rainily-03]

finished playing the zodiac trial a few days ago after having it on my wishlist for years and have not been able to stop thinking about it since. the storytelling in this game is remarkably masterful and i got so attached to the characters,, if you're a fan of zero escape, yttd, dr etc. you should go check it out immediately it's $15 on steam and an absolute hidden gem. (please play it and then come talk to me about it 🙏)

[image ID: three pieces of fanart of the game The Zodiac Trial. The first is a thighs-up portrait of Dragon, arms folded and scowling suspiciously, against a dark blue background and with a beam of light falling across half her face. In the second, Mouse and Ox are talking. Mouse says with a thoughtful expression, "Well, I'm not very strong, and Ox doesn't look like he'd be much use in a fight either." Ox, looking mildly offended, responds, "What is that supposed to mean?" From somewhere offscreen, a grinning Dragon shouts, "She's calling you a twink!" The third reads, "Punk rock Sheep: this or this?" above two drawings of Sheep playing the electric guitar. In the first, she's dressed in her usual purple cardigan and pink pants, smiling serenely with flowers around her head. In the second, she wears a black leather jacket, ripped black jeans, and boots, playing the guitar enthusiastically with lightning bolts around her head. In the corner are two screenshots from the epilogue of the game, Mouse saying, "She joined a punk rock band." and Ox responding "I'm sorry, what?" End ID]

[demonjunction]

Milton Stanley Wayne (Cor)

Animal/object: Shark/TV head Gender: Transwoman (she/him)* *Keep in mind Cor will discover this identity within the story. Orientation: Demisexual bisexual aromantic

Age: Physically in his early 30s (March 3rd 1920) Died: Early 1950s Height: 6'6"

Voice reference: V/ox in this comic dub (tw blood and drunkenness) / Daria by CAKE Theme: Lovers Rock by TV Girl / After Me, the Flood by Bear Ghost

Tag: #cor🦈 Ship Tag: #heartbeatlovers💞

Description

Sinner

Keep in mind she can change her screen and eye color, though a part of this comes down to how she sees herself at the time, and is difficult to do consciously.

She's a TV headed sinner, with a dark purple square head that is, more or less, even on adjacent sides. Her eyebrows match her frame color wise. Her screen is a deep blue, though may turn gray if she's distressed. Her blue turns more purple when she's feeling...stimulated. She has wide, red cat-like eyes with pink slit pupils. Her mouth is comprised of several bright pink teeth that are layered, the second rows (both top and bottom) looking like a duplication glitch on her screen. Her claws are skinny and quite sharp, inward facing on both her hands and her feet. She is lithe with curves, having a holographic bright pink shark fin on either her head or headset, and a more electronic shark tail with holographic fins on her bum. This mimics how her neck looks. She still maintains her "masculine" body from life. Her wrists are a dark purple, being panels that can be opened. There's also a short of pink lava lamp in the middle of her chest that she just loves to show off.

She typically wears black jackets and slacks with accents of red, and a dark purple turtleneck underneath, along with gloves. Her heeled boots vary from blue, to red, to pink, to full on black depending on the day.

I apologize, I got a little lost in my description there!

Human

She was viewed as a white man with shoulder length black hair, reddish brown eyes, a perky nose, and thin lips.

Her Photo (Art by @floofyboi57)

Personality

To the outside world, Cor is one of the only powerful sinners who actually cares about the people of Hell. She's altruistic, heartfelt, charismatic, and trustworthy. In person, her constant cheerfulness can come off as creepy, and many note she is quite careful when it comes to her actions and words, which makes her appear thoughtful. Whether someone thinks this is for better or for worse highly depends on the individual!

Yet, beneath this public façade, Cor's personality could be described as grumpy at worst, sardonic at best, and considerably pessimistic about the state of Hell overall. Not to mention, when she isn't masking so intensely, she can be known to be clumsy, vulgar, and her agreeability is replaced with an often shocking amount of bluntness. Yet, she tries to suppress these "flaws" to appear more likable to others. I find them quite charming personally.

She's interested in sharks, singing, dancing, video games, and is known as an excellent cook.

Power

She's able to create realistic illusions or projections on and from televisions, typically feeling more real than what was on them previously and drawing people in.

Past (tw bullying, homophobia)

Cor had what some may call a troubled childhood, with a distant mother and a father considered the "local hero", always helping others and rarely his own family. Though they were well off, Cor always sought a more personal relationship with her father that he'd never give her. During her teenage years, Cor was bullied for being a more feminine "man", and even more relentlessly so for her tendency to say "inappropriate things". Social rules were never her forte. She was viewed as a pervert and a jerk due to misunderstandings and despite never meaning any harm. Her father wasn't of much help, simply telling her to just turn the other cheek. Cor left the house the moment she could when she turned eighteen.

As an adult, Cor worked as a TV host who spread false information and took bribes. An old bully from Cor's high school days ended up working for Cor without her realizing, lying low and getting evidence of Cor's corruption over the years. When he was satisfied with what he'd gathered, he threatened to expose Cor, causing Cor to shake one of her dressing room shelves in a fit of anger. A TV fell on her head as a result. To think life can be so fleeting at times.

This is a summary based on what she's told me. She gets very little enjoyment from discussing such things, so I suspect there are some important details missing.

Relationships

She works with Queen and Saccharin in the entertainment district, seeming fairly close to Queen, though I won't pretend to understand her relationship with Saccharin. The same can be said of her relationship Tripster. They seem to trust and distrust each other in equal measure. Though, beneath the hesitance, there is genuine care. Lee and Cor also get along quite swimmingly thanks to their similar personalities, and have since started calling each other "gummymates", whatever that means. She's best friends with Brutus, though in a competitive hero and villain sort of way. Cor has a deep bond with Lyre they seem to be trying to keep a secret. She is good friends with Brook, though they rarely get to see each other.

[tanuki-kimono]

From our recent event of the fourth of July in the USA, I was also thinking of Japan's summer festivals. Besides yukata, are there kimonos that have festival themes like fireworks, festival decorations/sceneries, specific patterns, specific colors, etc.?

Japanese traditional culture is all about celebrating seasonality so indeed summer matsuri themed patterns are pretty common on summery items :)

(note that I used summer here in the Western sense of July/August. Traditional Japanese summer goes from something like May to July)

Yukata+kimono+obi+uchiwa are a staple, you can also find happi (tube sleeves coats) but those tend to bear mon (crests) and auspicious kanji.

Other festival garments count for example yosakoi (type of dance groups) uniforms, but those are more performance oriented. Otherwise, what would be a matsuri without fundoshi loincloth ;) (see how to tie one here)

On the top of my head, summer festival patterns can include (please note some are not summer only):

hanabi (fireworks)

dashi/yatai (parade float), used during processions. Mikoshi (portable shrine) is theorically possible but I don't remember seeing such a pattern

kingyo (goldfishes), kingyosukui is a popular summer game

fuurin (windchimes), often sold at matsuri

men (masks), most often kitsune or tengu but many more exist

toys, like dendendaiko (rattle drum) for ex.

matoi (firemen poles), brigades often present acrobatic shows in summer

chouchin (paper lantern), also see Obon below

etc.

Japan holds a myriad matsuri all across the country, each with their own traditions. But big celebrations often have related patterns:

Tanabata has stars, bamboo, tanzaku, magpies, ox, etc.

Obon has lanterns, cucumber, eggplant, death themed motifs (like nozarashi or graveplates), nod to Kyoto's Daimonji kanji, etc.

Famous festivals also have their own imagery (yamaboko float for Gion matsuri ex.).

As for colors, scarlet red is often found on matsuri decors, and indigo blue is a classical summer color (yukata were once dyed with it), but tbh any can be used nowadays :)