#keywords regenerated

[shironezuninja]

“Witch with No Words” sounds like a good nickname for Yuna Junko.

[isthemedia]

Poolerverine-Yoink! (1/2)

Since Ao3 is down for maintenance right now.

Here it is! Part One of two. Ao3 link to come when it's up and running again!

@manicpixxiedreambitch

@leo-i-am

@nickisgirl

(Since ya'll left comments figured to tag ya)

=====================================

Logan thought he had an idea of how Wade’s moods went. Sure they were sporadic and nearly unpredictable. The keyword being ‘nearly’. There were little tells Wade had, probably just natural instincts and habits his body did. Despite the constant dying and regenerating Wade’s body did-a story Logan STILL isn’t sure he was ready for-it seemed that there were just some things that always came back to Wade. 

The way his hands would twitch when he’d be on a short fuse, ready to fight or maim or pull out god knows what kind of weapon from who knows where. Luckily Logan knew how to take a hit. He also knew just WHERE to hit to get Wade somewhat under control. 

How Wade’s leg would bounce from being cooped up for too long-sometimes five minutes would be too long. Logan needed to yank him by the hood of his sweater as he tried to climb out of the window to the fire escape cause he needed out ASA-NOW. 

How some nights, when he’d be jolted awake from his own nightmares and warped memories to see Wade also up on the pull-out. The glow of the tv casting an eerie blue glow over him, as he’d just watch whatever was playing…without a word. At least Logan thought Wade was watching what was ever on during the first few times it happened. However, once he’d get a better look, he could see Wade…well, how did that saying go? Lights are on but nobody’s home? Something like that. Those times, well, those times were the ones he didn’t really have an idea on how to handle. 

Logan figured he learned enough of those cues and habits that nothing could really surprise him with Wade anymore. 

But it was just like the fucker to come up with something new. 

Which is where Logan was now. Staring at the lump in the middle of the pull-out’s mattress. Just what the hell was Wade doing? Sure the man could be lazy, but this was something else entirely. 

“Come on!” He gave a kick to the pull-out, jostling it somewhat. “Get up! This thing takes up enough space as is!” 

Wade refused to move. Hell, he wasn’t even saying anything. It was actually pretty damn quiet, that the familiar snikt sound seemed almost too loud. “Wade, ya know I won’t be afraid ta force yer ass out.” 

No response. 

Not even a snark.

And that was pissing Logan off the most. 

That does it! Raising his claws, ready to--

A knock came on the door. 

The sound was enough to knock some of the fury out of Logan. He couldn’t quite stop the growl that left him as he turned away from Wade, claws sheathing back, and stormed over to the door. He nearly tore it off the hinges when a second round of knocking started up. “WHAT!?” 

“Huh, you do have fangs.” 

Logan faltered some. Embarrassment was quickly quelling most of the boiling rage. “Ah--Vanessa, um…” 

Vanessa smiled sweetly. “It’s fine. I had worse greetings-and most of those came from Wade. Which, by the way, gotta call from Al,” she continued. “Mind if I step in?” 

“Huh? Ah, yeah sure,” Logan stepped aside and let her in. He noticed she had a canvas bag slung over her shoulder. Figured she was out doing errands. Even though it didn’t work out between the two of them, Logan could still feel how much the two loved each other. That both would drop whatever they were doing if the other needed help. 

Vanessa made her way over to the pull out and knelt down. “How long has he been like this?” She asked. 

“Hm? All monrin’.”

“Ahhh,” she sounded like she knew exactly what was going on. Probably did, she was with him long enough. 

“He’s done this before?” 

“He has, but it’s been a while since the last time,” she set the bag down and started digging through it. “He’s not gonna move for a while when he gets like this. Well, at least when somebody can see him.” 

“Gonna fill me in on what’s goin’ on?” Logan asked as he made his way over to her. Peering over he could see the bag was filled with…quite a bit of stuff. And all of it was stuff Wade liked. Snack, drinks, shit he saw a couple of toys in there too. Looked more like something you’d bring for a sick kid.

“Hard to explain,” Vanessa said as she pulled out a small Hello Kitty plush toy. “But you know how some people just, shut down sometimes? Burnout? Crash?” 

“Yeah?” He knew that all too well. “Wait, is that what this is?”

“Kinda?” She said. “It kinda is, but kinda isn’t.” Logan huffed. These answers were getting him nowhere. “You know about his cancer, right?” 

“Y-yeah.” He kinda felt like an asshole when he decided to ask what happened to Wade. He thought all that scarring was from like a fire or a chemical spill-or maybe his mutant gene just made him look like at. It wouldn’t be out of the possibility-hell he knew Beak. He didn’t know that Wade had cancer-STILL has cancer. That his healing factor wasn’t healing that cancer, just kept replacing it. That those scars were from it. That he’s constantly dying and regenerating. 

“Well, some days that pain gets to be too much,” Vanessa continued. “Says that even the voices in his head get too grating to listen too. That everything feels like static cause he’s being watched. Like sticking your tongue to a 9 volt battery, kind of static.” 

Well now he really felt like an asshole now. Dammit. He shoulda realized something was bad when Wade stopped being so damn chatty. “So what do we do when he’s like this?” 

“Not much,” Vanessa said. “Just time, and just making sure he’s alright,” she added with a slight grin. “Watch this.” 

Logan wasn’t sure, but that grin Vanessa had reminded him of Jubilee’s when she managed to steal some snack from Hank’s hidden stash in his lab. She always managed to somehow just pull out the good without knowing. He watched as Vanessa set the plush toy on the edge of the pull-out. She slowly inched it closer to the mound on the bed. She got about three inches away, when--

Logan blinked. 

It happened so fast he wasn’t sure just what he saw. Vanessa was too busy laughing, the plush toy gone from sight. 

So he did see that right. Wade snatched it and took it under the blankets with such speed it was almost cartoonish. 

“That-is what I call the Yoink-Zone,” Vanessa explained. 

“The what?” 

“Yoink-Zone,” she grinned. “It’s hard to get Wade to come out from under the covers like this-cause again static feeling. So I had to find some way to make sure he ate something. Found this out through trial and error,” she explained as she pulled out a small pack of fruit shaped marshmallows. “It’s dumb, but it works.” 

“I guess,” Logan heaved a sigh. 

“Here, your turn,” Vanessa said as she handed him the packet of marshmallows. 

“The fuck you mean, my turn?” 

“Hey, you live with him now, so that means you gotta take care of him.” 

Logan wanted to argue with her. He didn’t need to do shit.

But that wasn’t true. Hell, if this was all it took, it was the least he could do. Wade did more for him and dealt with his nightmares. Taking a set of claws to the gut. Needing to calm him down from his fight-or-flight response. Hell there was one time he bit off two of Wade’s fingers cause he got too close to his face. And the asshole had the gall to tell him it was all alright. 

This was less destructive at least. 

Logan slid the marshmallows towards the lump of blankets, and again, lighting quick they were snatched up. “...yeah this is dumb.” 

Vanessa laughed and smiled warmly, before inching her hand towards the ‘Yoink-zone’. Instead of getting snatched violently, Logan watched as Wade reached out and took her hand. Fingers threading together, and just holding her hand gently. “Things are gonna be alright Wade,” Vanessa said softly. “I’ll stop by later on if this keeps up, but Logan should be able to take it from here then. That's alright?” She felt him squeeze her hand softly before letting go, giving a thumbs up, before disappearing underneath the pile of blankets. 

She got up, one of her knees gave a pop while doing so. “Got a couple of snacks and drinks in that bag,” she gestured. “I’ll take it back next game night.” 

“Alright, ah…thanks Vanessa,” Logan nodded as he walked with her back to the door. 

She took his arm and patted it. “It’s no problem. I know Wade can be…well, Wade…but I know you’ll help him out with this.” 

“Yeah, I got it,” he nodded. They shared their good-byes and Vanessa was on her way. Logan leaned back against the door and heaved a sigh. This was probably going to be a long week. He hoped it wasn’t going to last long, but then again Vanessa made it seem like there was no real time frame for how long this thing lasted. 

He made his way back over to the pull-out. Mary-Puppins was now beside it, whining as she stared up at the edge that seemed to be too far out of her reach. 

Alright, this could be a bit mean, but then again, Wade loved the ugly thing. So maybe it wouldn’t hurt. Logan scooped her up and set her on the bed. Watching as she sniffed and toddled closer to the pile of blankets. When she was near that space-yoink!

Mary yelped as she was pulled under. Logan heard concerned shushing and small mumbling-Wade absolutely trying to appease the dog he probably spooked like that. Logan couldn’t help but laugh at the whole thing. He only proceeded to laugh even harder when one of Wade’s hands snuck out from under the blanket to flip him off. 

--

It was only the second day of this mood of Wade’s. Logan had to go out and restock on things for the merc, since the bag Vanessa brought was emptied before noon. And to be honest, Logan needed that time to be out of the apartment. 

Some thoughts were starting to rear their ugly heads again. The more he tried to push them back. Or cut them off-only to have two more replace them. Fucking hydra analogy, like the actual hydra and not the organization…though isn’t their motto something like that?

Whatever. 

He sighed as he roamed the aisles. Maybe after this he should start thinking about moving out. It’s not like he wants to-well not fully. It’s cramped, three adults and a dog all staying in a one bedroom apartment? Two over six foot men sharing a pull-out? The apartment itself definitely has seen better days-hell seen better years with the upkeep. 

Sure they could probably move-Althea included, he knows Wade wouldn’t want to leave her behind. Despite their sniping back and forth, and that godawful namesake Wade gave her, he did care about her. Shit, Logan did too. There was something about her…she wasn’t Chuck, that’s for sure. But there was just something about her. Something comforting and welcoming. She definitely filled a gap that was missing for him. 

While all moving out together sounded nice-well, alright that was the problem. It was a nice thought. A nice idea for a nice, somewhat domestic, somewhat fucked up future. 

But, if there was one thing Logan learned in his long life was this: Logan Howlett doesn’t get a nice life. 

That’s just how it was. That was why he seriously needed to think about moving out, and away from them. Because he was getting too accustomed to the idea of living with Wade. Too comfortable with the other man laying right by him. Being a constant in his day-to-day life. 

Great so much for escaping those thoughts. 

He wasn’t sure what it was with Wade, but there was something there. Something he’s been missing for years. The lines between companionship and desire were starting to blur. Fuck he’s been alone way too long to think of Wade like that. 

Then again, it isn’t just because he’s been alone for so long. Wade was different. Different then a lot of people-and he wasn’t meaning his looks or that weird quirk of him making comments to someone he couldn’t see. Wade sorta just, accepted him. The good and the bad. Wade didn’t try to change him, or make him more suitable for living with him and Althea. 

He didn’t need to be a ‘good guy’ to bring home. To Wade, Logan was fine just as is. PTSD, anger issues, alcoholism, and all. It was something Logan never even thought possible. There was always SOMETHING about him people needed to change. But not for Wade. 

So when was the other shoe gonna drop? It was gonna happen, he just knew it was. That’s why he had to be far away from Wade when it did. 

He sighed as he made his way back to the apartment, bags in hand. Well, that can be something to go back to worrying after Wade gets over this mood he’s in right now. Couldn’t last that much longer, could it? Maybe he should call Vanessa. Get an idea on how short or long this thing lasted. 

Entering the apartment, he could see the lump on the pull out hadn’t moved, but Mary was laying on the mattress just slightly out of the ‘yoink-zone’. He made his way over and sat on the edge of the bed. Mary whined, and he just gave her a quick little pet before digging out a bag of chips. 

He slid it close to the pile of blankets. It was getting easier to catch it. Wade’s hand shooting out from under the pile to grab whatever there was, and back under again. Logan chuckled softly and shook his head. 

Wade was absolutely ridiculous sometimes…and he was getting used to it. 

Mary made a small sound before she settled onto his lap. Welp, looked like he was stuck there for a bit. Could be worse. He knows he shouldn’t, but to hell with it. He knows he’s gonna need to abandon ship sometime, but for now he could enjoy this for a little bit. 

He absentmindedly pet Mary, his eyes slowly trailing back over to the pile of blankets. With his other hand he slowly slid it across the mattress. He was expecting Wade to just snatch it when it was close enough-but that didn’t happen. 

Like with Vanessa, Wade reached out slowly. Placing his hand over Logan’s. Wade’s hand was cold, despite being tucked under that pile of blankets. It wasn’t bad…it actually felt kinda nice. Logan ran warm anyway. 

“Yer gonna need to let go or I’m gonna need ta stop pettin’ Mary if you need somethin’ else,” Logan said. Wade gave a soft pat to the back of his hand before giving an ‘okay’ gesture, and retreating back under the blankets. Logan laughed and looked down to Mary. “You get so damn spoiled.” 

--

Laura and Vanessa were over. Day four of Wade’s mood. Laura got a first hand experience and witnessed the ‘yoink-zone’. She actually jumped-claws shooting out and everything. 

“Just so you know, he’s not gonna shut up when he’s over this,” Vanessa warned. 

“How is that different from normal?” Logan asked. 

“You’re mean,” Vanessa teased. “I mean that he’s gonna be dumb and talk himself dry,” she explained. “He’s a bit, out of it for like a day after all this. So just keep an eye on him, alright?” 

“Been babysitting him for four days already, shouldn’t be a big deal if another gets tacked on,” Logan shrugged as he leaned back on the bed slightly. 

“You miss him talking, don’t you?” Laura smirked. 

“Dunno what yer talkin’ about,” Logan grumbled. 

“Suuuure you don’t.” 

He huffed and shifted slightly. He was about to say something else when--

“SHIT! I forgot!” Two, scar roughed hands grabbed onto his arm and pulled-HARD. He toppled back and found himself partially under the pile of blankets. It was dark, but he could mostly make out what was in front of him and well…over him. 

Wade had this almost soft, fond looking smile on his face. The same one Logan always saw him give Vanessa-but there was something just slightly different with this one. “Got too close there Peanut,” Wade’s voice was hushed. A bit raspy from not being used for a few days. 

“Yeah, figured,” Logan said softly. “Better?”

“Hmm…a bit,” Wade murmured. “Gonna talk your ear off, cause I had a lotta thoughts goin’ through my head during all this.” 

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah,” the smile stayed on Wade’s face as he leaned down. 

It was obvious what was going to happen, but still Logan felt his breath hitch. The position was awkward, but not the worst kiss he had. Wade’s lips were chapped and scarred-but felt so right against his. He almost wanted to chase after them when Wade lifted his head. 

“...ready ta come out? Say hi ta Laura and Vanessa?” Logan asked.

“Yeah, ‘m pretty sure I’m good,” Wade nodded. 

Logan shifted and pulled the blankets back and off of himself as he sat up right. Wade pulled them back as well, but still remained cocooned in them. He shifted and shimmied across the mattress till he could comfortably lean against Logan. 

“Hey,” Vanessa greeted softly. 

“Hey,” Wade gave her a soft smile. 

“Missed ya,” she added. “Logan did a good job at taking care of ya.” 

“Hmmm he did…thanks Peanut, I owe ya.” 

“Nah,” Logan shrugged. “ Deal enough with my shit, the least I can do.” Yeah, sure, maybe this was a bad idea. Logan’s all too familiar with bad ideas. He knows that there’s gonna be a consequence for this sooner or later. But that can wait. 

Wade hummed as he felt Logan’s hand slide under the blankets. Feeling around, until he reached Wade’s hand. “yoink,” Wade said softly as he took Logan’s hand, threading their fingers together.

[mettywiththenotes]

There's just something about how Tomura keeps becoming something new, shedding as a way to try and escape, or covering over something that can't be erased

His hair changing when he killed his family. The way the hands on his body almost looked like they were trapping him, and when he no longer wore them he looked much more free (keyword: looked). The symbolism of being in a cocoon and coming out a butterfly, as someone new. Shedding his own skin, as if that was also something trapping him, in order to escape possession

The way his regeneration heals his body completely EXCEPT for the scars on his face which his father inflicted on him; much like trauma, it can't be covered over or healed so easily, and it's the only thing that stays throughout every single change

[attichaos]

Rune Meanings

These are a few keywords and themes for rune symbols along with their modern alphabet equivalents.

*longer read*

Ansuz - Message, A

God, Ancestors, Revelation, Signs, Visions, Insight, Message, Knowledge, Communication

Berkana - Birch, B

Earth Mother, Birth, Fertility, Growth, Renewal, New beginnings, Creation, New projects, Creativity

Kaunaz - Torch, C/K/Q

Fire, Knowledge, Enlightenment, Comprehension, Insight, Illumination, Calling, Purpose, Idea

Dagaz - Dawn, D

Intuition, Light Within, Day, Awakening, Consciousness, Clarity, Hope, Balance, Growth, New cycles

Ehwaz - Horse, E

Twin Gods, Relationships, Progress, Movement, Harmony, Trust, Loyalty, Friendship, Assistance, Duality, Animal instincts

Fehu - Wealth, F

Wealth, Mother Rune, Abundance, Luck, Hope, Prosperity, Fortune

Gebo - Gift, G

Divine Interaction, Generosity, Partnership, Gifts, Talents, Charity, Service, Assistance, Luck, Fortune

Hagalaz - Hail (as in the type of weather), H

Transformation, Egg of Life, Destruction, Natural wrath, Uncontrolled forces, Testing, Change, External input

Isa - Ice, I

Cosmic Coherence, Suspension, Delay, Stillness, Frustration, Blocks, Pause, Waiting

Jera - Harvest, J

Earth, Right Action, Year, conclusion, Life cycle, Endings and beginnings, Abundance, Learnings, Growth

Laguz - Lake, L

Fertilty, Living Renewal, Water, Intuition, Imagination, Healing, Dreams, Mysteries, Insight, Instinct, Knowing

Mannaz - Man, M

Divine Union Manifestation, Humanity, Collective, Mortality, Community, Relationships, Morals, Values

Nauthiz - Neccesity, N

Needs, Friction, Shadow, Restriction, Disagreements, Resistance, Survival, Lacking

Othila - Heritage, O

Genetics, Legacy, inheritance, Spiritual growth, Abundance, Values, Contribution

Peorth - Destiny, P

Divination, Luck, Primal law, Fate, Mysteries, Occult, Feminine fertility, Chance, Fortune, Mysticism, Unknown

Raido - Journey, R

Solar Chariot, Rhythm, Progress, Movement, Evolution, Perspective, Journey, Travel

Sowulo - Sun, S

Thunderbolt, Wheel of Power, Success, Vitality, Inspiration, Justice, Success, Joy, Happiness, Abundance

Teiwaz - Victory, T

Masculine Gods, Warrior Rune, Leadership, Rationality, Honour, Bravery, Courage, Strength, Perseverance, Endurance

Uruz - Power, U

Primal Creative Force, Gateway, Strength, Endurance, Health, Courage, Vigour, Vitality, Force, Perseverance

Wunjo - Joy, V/W

Kinship, Heritage, Joy, Pleasure, Feast, Celebration, Comfort, Belonging, Community, Success, Festivities

Thurisaz - Thor, X, th

Protection, Polarity, Regeneration, Defence, Challenge, Danger, Attack, Strength

Eiwaz - Yew, Y

Tree of Life, Dreaming, Magic, Connection, Inspiration, Endurance, Sacred knowledge, Protection, Life cycles, Divinity

Algiz - Elk, Z

Divine Protection, Sanctuary, Protection, Guardian, Awakening, Courage, Defence, Instincts

Inguz - Fertility, NG

True Love, Music, Harmony, Fertility, Virility, Inner growth, Virtue, Peace, Harmony

Merry meet,

Atti <3

[13lunarstar]

Ardra

The sixth nakshatra

Degrees: from 6°40' to 20°00' Gemini

The ruler of nakshatra: Rahu (North Lunar Node)

Ardra signifies a journey of deep emotional exploration, transformation, and growth. The deity associated with Ardra Nakshatra is Rudra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, symbolizing the destructive forces of nature. This association reflects the nakshatra's themes of destruction and transformation, common in the life of the natives.

Nakshatra's guna: tamas (demonic)

Ardra keywords: transformation, destruction, regeneration, storms, tears, intensity, curiosity, innovation, emotional depth, research, investigation, technology, change, perceptiveness, fierceness, ambition, sorrow, struggle, penetration, sensitivity.

Symbol: A teardrop, representing sorrow and emotional depth

Ardra in various planets

Sun in Ardra: intensifies one's sense of self-expression and creativity. These individuals may possess a strong drive for transformation and may be drawn to fields involving innovation or change. They may also face challenges related to ego and identity, learning to navigate through intense emotions and personal growth.

Moon in Ardra: enhances emotional depth and sensitivity. These individuals may experience fluctuations in their emotions, ranging from intense highs to deep lows. They are curious and perceptive, often delving into the depths of their own psyche and the world around them. Their journey involves emotional exploration and understanding, leading to profound personal transformation.

Mars in Ardra: amplifies energy and ambition. Individuals with this placement are driven by a strong desire for change and may channel their intensity into pursuing their goals. They are innovative and resourceful, often finding unconventional solutions to challenges. However, they may also need to temper their impulsiveness and confront their inner conflicts to achieve lasting success.

Mercury in Ardra: enhances communication and intellectual curiosity. These individuals are analytical and investigative, keen to explore new ideas and technologies. They excel in fields requiring research and problem-solving skills, and their sharp intellect enables them to penetrate the heart of complex issues. However, they may struggle with overthinking or anxiety and need to learn to balance their mental energy with emotional awareness.

Jupiter in Ardra: brings wisdom and philosophical depth. These individuals have a profound interest in spiritual and metaphysical matters, seeking truth and understanding amid life's challenges. They are drawn to philosophical inquiry and may undergo significant inner growth through their exploration of higher knowledge. However, they may also face periods of disillusionment or existential crisis as they grapple with life's deeper mysteries.

Venus in Ardra: enhances sensitivity and artistic expression. Individuals with this placement have a deep appreciation for beauty and may excel in creative pursuits such as art, music, or design. They are emotionally attuned to their surroundings and may seek solace in aesthetic experiences. However, they may also grapple with feelings of melancholy or longing, as they navigate the complexities of love and relationships.

Saturn in Ardra: brings lessons in emotional maturity and resilience. These individuals may face challenges related to loss or hardship, prompting them to confront their deepest fears and insecurities. They are resilient and determined, capable of enduring even the most difficult circumstances. Through perseverance and self-discipline, they can transform their struggles into sources of strength and wisdom, ultimately emerging stronger and more self-aware.

Rahu in Ardra: amplifies the transformative and intense qualities of this nakshatra. Individuals with this placement may experience a strong desire for change and may be drawn to unconventional or disruptive paths in life. They may encounter significant upheavals or crises that propel them towards personal growth and evolution. Rahu in Ardra can also enhance one's investigative and research abilities, leading to discoveries and breakthroughs in various fields.

Ketu in Ardra: brings a deep sense of introspection and spiritual inquiry. Individuals with this placement may feel a strong pull towards exploring the mysteries of existence and unravelling hidden truths. They may experience periods of solitude or withdrawal as they delve into their inner psyche and past life experiences. Ketu in Ardra encourages detachment from material concerns and attachments, leading to profound spiritual insights and transformation.

[fishyfishyfishtimes]

Some friends and I are planning to play a superhero-themed RPG and I'm planning a girl who has limited shapeshifting to give herself features and abilities of aquatic life. Things like octopus camouflage and tentacles, bioluminescence, electric pulses, venomous stingers, etc. And I was curious if you could recommend some really strange and obscure adaptations that could be fun to use, or a source to find information on said strange adaptations :)

Oh you’re in luck, the ocean is full of crazy and cool adaptations of animals! I’m just going to be naming any and all that come to mind in a random order because upon hearing this question I got like a million ideas at once. Stargazer fishes have both electricity impulse-generation ability and venomous spines. Hagfish are a classic, they can secrete tons of super sticky slime. Boxfish can excrete poisons from their skin into the water, and their relatives pufferfishes and porcupinefishes can have several toxins in the skin and organs. Many coldwater deep sea fishes like wolf eels have antifreeze proteins in their blood to survive in the freezing water. Some fishes that sometimes live in low-oxygen environments can respire anaerobically by producing ethanol, for example crucian carps and other carps too I think (goldfish for example). Others have specially evolved swim bladders or highly vascularised tissues in the mouth or have a special derived organ of the gills that can also take in oxygen from the atmosphere to supplement low oxygen, but likely your RPG will take place on land anyway so. Parrotfish have 15 rows of teeth that form a hard beak, the beak is formed from the second strongest biomineral in the world and the parrotfish can scrape rocks and even chew coral with it. The strongest biomineral in the world belongs to chitons, a fellow aquatic mollusk that also scrapes things off of rocks. Cone snails have a venomous harpoon-like radula tooth which they can shoot (their radula “tongue” still attached) at prey and predators alike, paralysing small prey instantly and even killing humans. They even have a radula sac where they store the rest of their radulas, ready for use! Moray eels have a second, tiny pair of jaws that help with grabbing onto prey. Tunas and billfish (and some sharks) can heat up their eyes and brain to gain superior vision while hunting. Also both can change colour — many fishes do in fact. Salmonids can smell their home river while migrating back from the ocean, which requires a phenomenal smelling ability. Besides smell many fish have taste buds all over their bodies, usually focused on any barbels and their faces, like in catfish or sturgeon. Many fishes can sense electricity via ampullae of Lorenzini, famously sharks and paddlefish. Elephantfish sense and communicate with fellow elephantfishes via low frequency electricity. Many fishes have extendable mouths, lips, or jaws, like the goblin shark, slingjaw wrasse and john dory to name a few. Seahorses are ridiculously good predators — though granted, their prey is copepods — that vacuum in their prey through their tubular mouth by jerking back their head. Cuttlefish can cause seizures in their prey by rapidly changing colour. Some squids have teeth in their suckers. Zebrafish can regenerate up to 20% of its heart. Sea stars can regenerate a whole new sea star from a severed arm. Electric eels have their powerful shock, and it is even proposed that they could be able to force their prey out of hiding by generating electricity that moves their muscles.

That’s some that came to mind! And you already mentioned bioluminescence, haha! I named so many things that it’s probably best that you go see more information about each on your own, I think sources are pretty simple to find if you just look up these things with important keywords. Hope this helps!

[astrolocherry]

"Intuition" is the typology keyword for the Fire Signs - Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. The trouble is that Fire can move too quickly to recognise and properly reflect on the natural magic happening within. This is the embodiment of genuine, clear, spontaneous, and directive 'instinct'.

Divine Will wilfully enacts through these signs, as the radar that detects ancestral archetypal patterns and directs us in toward our own inner truth. Too little resistance of impulse ends in self-destruction, and too much control ends in self-deprivation. Fire is the blood of new life ; Aries A Mother's beating heart; Leo

and the mythic hips and thighs that birthed Dionysus; Sagittarius. Though more than capable of going solo and ruling the throne alone, Fire is a melting pot of passion, gumption, and fortitude that regenerates automatically when they self-express and give these away. They are the iron striking hot, secret rituals performed in the Higher Mind that mix the powers of these ancient visionaries. And fearless in the sense that despite having fears, that make them shake and fill them with dread inside, they ultimately refuse to be controlled and willingly confront them. In the balmy sultry Aries Sun's hot Spring, the final perfumed humid days of the Leo Sun Summer, and the ceremonial celebrations bought by the Sagittarius Sun seasonal change, Fire is calling you to join Her; but she'll go it alone anyway. written by Cherry the art of Kurtis Rykovich

[jones-friend]

I PRESENT TO YOU: THE DUNGEON HORDE

Horde mode is a cooperative mtg format. 2-3 players get 3 turns before the horde takes its first turn. The horde deck consists of 60 token and 40 nontoken cards. It reveals cards until a nontoken card is revealed. The horde has infinite mana. All revealed tokens enter play and the nontoken card is cast. All creatures the horde controls have haste and must attack if able. If the horde must make a decision it does so randomly, if it makes a target it cannot target itself or permanents it controls.

Players attack the horde back and damage dealt mills from the top of the horde deck. Players win when the horde mills out entirely.

I designed this horde as a dnd or dungeon based horde, as if players are delving into the dungeon itself. There is a diverse set of tokens with “mini boss” tokens with keywords like trample, regenerate, death touch, flying. There’s a number of effects requiring dice rolls. There’s also a number of iconic dnd monsters and effects in the horde deck itself.

As its dnd themed I’ve added a number of goodies to make games spicy!

First, players may select backgrounds from a random draft based on their deck’s colors. There’s four from each color picked to fit with the horde’s rules. Backgrounds are added to the command zone whether or not your commander has Backstory.

I’ve also added The Undercity/Initiative to the game! In this format if you deal combat damage to the horde you Venture into the Undercity.

Lastly I’ve added two treasure chests to the horde deck! These do not count as nontoken reveals BUT they do allow the players to do one of two things depending on the setup.

Players may roll as if they opened a treasure chest and reap rewards and continue the turn as normal. OR. Up to 4 treasures are revealed for players to each draft one putting the card in their hand or onto the battlefield under their control.

Some treasures require more powerful synergy. Some are just good on their own.

And that’s the dungeon horde! Fully playable, cooperative, with lots of bits and bobs to make games different.

My next project is to develop horde emblems. As players deal damage to the horde the horde gets additional reveals. I want to make emblems where the horde deck gets one reveal per emblem, giving a visual indicator on the power level of the horde. Then I want to make big bad evil guy emblems: special emblems themed around dnd villains like Strahd that enhance the horde deck for optional difficulty. I’ll post when made ^^

[markrosewater]

When we see an evergreen keyword stop being printed, we normally have a replacement (hexproof instead of shroud) or at least something that fills the gap (menace giving evasion to black/red instead of fear, activated indestructible for regeneration). Would you ever just remove something evergreen? Like, something that isn't worth doing anymore, without need for a replacement.

We have in the past. Banding went away and nothing like it became evergreen. I think us doing something today is a little less likely, but not impossible.

[tamlinweek]

Prompt List, Part 2: Days 4 - 6

Welcome to Part 2! It's still January, but Tamlin Week is fast approaching. Are you feeling inspired yet? Here is Part 1 if you missed it!

Day 4: Calanmai/Happily Ever After

Calanmai

“They’re setting up bonfires—for Calanmai. It’s in two days.” “For what?” “Fire Night?” I shook my head. “We don’t celebrate holidays in the human realm. Not after you—your people left. In some places, it’s forbidden. We don’t even remember the names of your gods. What does Cala—Fire Night celebrate?” He rubbed his neck. “It’s just a spring ceremony. We light bonfires, and … the magic that we create helps regenerate the land for the year ahead.” “How do you create the magic?” “There’s a ritual. But it’s … very faerie.” ~ACOTAR Ch. 19

Calanmai was heavily inspired by the Welsh festival Calan Mai (the “First Day of May”, or May Day), the first day of Summer. If you’re interested in the history and customs of Calan Mai, here is a handy Wikipedia article summarizing it.

Calanmai in Prythian is rather different, though, as it signals the start of spring, not summer. Here are some major keywords to consider as you start planning your next project:

Fire Night

The Great Rite

The Start of Spring

The Hunter and The Maiden

Hills

Drums

Bonfire

Cave and/or Hollow

Great and Terrible Magic

Laurel Leaves

Blue Woad

Ceremony

Happily Ever After

Once upon a time, there was a magical land where it was always spring... We know what happened in the middle of the story, but what needs to happen to help us reach that fairy tale ending, that "happily ever after"?

What does a Happily Ever After look like for Tamlin?

How do you envision the end of Tamlin's story, or is it only the beginning?

Who does he share it with?

What does it mean for him and the Spring Court?

Day 5: Shapeshifter/Masquerade

Shapeshifter

“You didn’t have a mask as a beast...” “The blight is cruel like that.” Either live as a beast, or live with the mask. ~ACOTAR Ch. 7

While Tamlin's beast form was the theme of last year's Day 1, consider this quote from Rhysand later in the book:

“…Your Tamlin has brute strength and shape-shifting; my arsenal is a far deadlier assortment.” I knew he wasn’t bluffing—not when I’d felt those talons in my mind. “So you can’t shape-shift? It’s not some High Lord specialty?” “Oh, all the High Lords can. Each of us has a beast roaming beneath our skin, roaring to get out. While your Tamlin prefers fur, I find wings and talons to be more entertaining.” ~ACOTAR Ch. 38

What other forms could Tamlin take?

How could he use his shapeshifting in day-to-day life?

What does shapeshifting feel like?

What toll does it take?

Masquerade

Alis tapped on her mask, the metal pinging beneath her nails. “After that, she hosted a masquerade Under the Mountain for herself. All the courts were present. A party, she said—to make amends for what she’d done to Lucien, and a masquerade so he didn’t have to reveal the horrible scarring on his face. The entire Spring Court was to attend, even the servants, and to wear masks—to honor Tamlin’s shape-shifting powers, she said. He was willing to try to end the conflict without slaughter, and he agreed to go—to bring all of us.” ~ACOTAR Ch. 32

While this is a similar prompt to last year's Day 2 prompt: Masks, we hope that the following questions will help you explore this concept further:

How did Tamlin choose his mask?

What other shapes could Tamlin's mask take?

What exactly happened at the Masquerade?

What would the Masquerade look like if it had taken place somewhere else, like the Spring Court, for example?

Day 6: Dreams/Fairy Tale AU

Dreams

Even though the Night Court uses a lot of dream imagery (e.g. The Court of Dreamers), dreams are not an exclusive concept.

This was such a lovely dream. I’d never slept so wonderfully before. So warm, nestled beside him. Calm. Faintly, echoing into my world of slumber, he spoke again, his breath caressing my ear. “You’re exactly as I dreamed you’d be, too.” ~ACOTAR Ch. 23

What would Tamlin dream about?

Are they good dreams, or bad dreams?

Do his dreams ever come true?

Is there any meaning to his dreams? Like the Flower Language prompt, consider using an outside resource like a Dream Dictionary for specific interpretations of your ideas.

Perhaps Tamlin dreams of a happier ending to the story he ultimately got (unless you believe his story actually ended at Book 1, in which case, you're in good company!)

And speaking of happy endings...

Fairy Tale AU

According to this YouTube video featuring Sarah J. Maas herself, the story of A Court of Thorns and Roses was inspired by: Beauty and the Beast; East o’ the Sun, West o’ the Moon; and The Ballad of Tam Lin.

What would Tamlin's story be like if he were part of another fairy tale?

Consider this list of the most well-known stories for inspiration:

Cinderella

Sleeping Beauty

Snow White

Rapunzel

Little Red Riding Hood

Rumpelstiltskin

The Little Mermaid

The Frog Prince

Hansel and Gretel

Jack and the Beanstalk

For a more comprehensive selection of lesser known works, check out this link on Wikipedia from each of Andrew Lang’s Fairy Books.

We hope you feel inspired! Part 3, which covers ideas and suggestions for Day 7: Free Day, will be coming soon!

[anti-tenten]

TW for fictional nazis I guess???

Low quality scan of Rip is the only one I could find

Explanations under cut

Why two of them specifically:

Looks like a roach or a mosquito (therefore an insect (obviously))

Real treasure if you're into annoying stupid cocky bitches

Blue hair + ahoge

Nazi (adjacent)

German (adjacent)

Skinny bitch (gets called a man way too often)

Ranged weapon

Artificially buffed by a bloodthirsty boss

horny??? (not sure about Rip but there's something sus about her. Giselle is out of question here, cmon)

Fights a protagonist who is also a major cunt

Probably fun to draw but if you say you like them you will get a major side eye

And their dead set fans ARE really weird...

Rip Van anti/propaganda:

Pros:

Cultured

Can sing

Hirano put his entire ass into her design and it's noticeable

Satisfying death

Here to make Alucard look scary and she succeeds

Very androgynous which is uncommon in (semi-) mainstream anime (although seinen surprisingly has more diverse female designs overall in my experience)

We need more freckled characters ngl

65% legs which is funny

Cons:

Very much a real nazi. Like that's her fucking job description. Not some imaginary evil empire inc. A nazi that killed people during ww2 within hellsing universe

The singing gets annoying as fuck

Ugly ass outfit, sorry

Way too loyal to her shitty boss who's even more annoying and even more of a nazi. Sacrificing your life for white supremacy is fucking embarrassing

Giselle anti/propaganda

Colour scheme works well with the rest of her group

Part of a unique to bleach mean girl group dynamic

Interesting powers, especially the Vollständig design and the maho shojo transformation

Indestructible eyeliner

Indestructible herself, only killed at the last moment by a literal son of god (her boss)

Sometimes has funny moments that have nothing to do with harrassment or abuse of anybody (the keyword is sometimes)

Possibly bisexual???

Silly hat, comfortable outfit, the boots are very nice

Helps protagonists to kill her boss later

Regeneration abilities that work on herself and others

Cons:

Necrophile

Traitor. Both to her boss (based as fuck) and to her friends (gross)

Turned her friend into a zombie slave, sexually and physically abused her

Sexually harrassed protagonists

The childish behaviour mixed with very explicit sexual remarks are straight up revolting. Okay Belle Delphine

Smells bad according to one of said protagonists (possibly, maybe it was just to be mean and not true at all)

Loses most of her powers after getting debuffed.

No satisfying defeat. Fought by a creep who is just as bad as her and implied to be killed by her ugly ass boss

Only exists to make trans women look creepy and gross

[shironezuninja]

I am so enjoying Canada Day this week after the American SC fucked up.

[onyxrosess]

Pain is My Hometown

vergil x reader [multi-chapter series]

Chapter I: Prisoner of Your Own Reflection

Chapter I [you're here!] | Chapter II | Chapter III | Chapter IV | Table of Contents writers notes: hello loves! for those who didn't find me on ao3, I'm posting my ongoing book/series here! Though for those who found me on ao3, this isn't a new chapter BUT chapter four is coming out very very soon!

・warnings/tags: mature topics, drinking, endless banter (it's dmc that's all they do)

( cross posted on ao3 )

“Nero! For fucks sake pick up your tools, I almost just died again because they're all over the floor!” The hot summer day did not help your crushing annoyance, bringing a hand to your ankle, nursing the soon-to-be bruise. Hoping the children were outside as you didn’t think yelling would be a fond childhood memory. Hindsight is 20/20, what do you do anyway? 

“If you put on your glasses you wouldn’t trip over them!” Nero shouted back, seemingly in the kitchen inside the house. A frustrated grunt left your mouth, removing your helmet, little hairs sticking against your sweaty forehead. The motorcycle stood parked on the concrete, and the culprit of your trip was stuck under the tire of your bike. Stupid socket wrench, why was it on the ground anyway? Whatever, maybe Nero will stub his toe on it and see how he likes it. 

“I don’t know how Kyrie has put up with your displacement of practically everything you own.” Your eyes floated over to the bedside light on the kitchen counter. “This is my house you’re crashing by the way so I don’t see how you have any say in it.” Nero defended himself as his hands poked and prodded at the lamp, from the looks of it he was attempting to fix it. Keyword; attempt. 

“Smart ass.” Turning on your heel she left him to “fix” the lamp. Making it to your room rather; Nero and Kyrie’s guest room you’ve been hoarding, your steps became heavier the closer you got to your bed. Dragging your feet you plopped down onto the bed with a grunt you’d likely hear from an elderly person. 

Too hot. Way too hot. Peeling off the protective gear for your bike- why can’t you just regenerate limbs like Nero could instead of having to be careful with this thick-ass clothing that supposedly protected you? It, unfortunately, did do its job, just way too warm. A plug-in fan panned around the span of the room, clicking every so often, the cool air was lovely. A shower is what was needed, immediately.

After confirming with Kyrie she didn’t need the bathroom for one of the children, or herself, you have since put the metaphorical flag on top of the hill proclaiming this was your bathroom for the next hour and a half. Leaning forward into the mirror above the sink, your hands instinctively drove to your face, squeezing and picking anything you could see on your face. 

Stepping foot into the bathtub-shower combo, the cold water hit your body, not without a shiver of course. Even if you felt like you were on fire and how tingly your hands felt, damn them. Music playing from the radio was atrocious, only two of the songs were halfway decent on this channel. Your actual nice CD player had fallen into the tub a week prior, which was unfortunate because she couldn’t even be mad since one of the kids thought it was a bathtime toy. You really did need to put things up higher.

After a record time of only 47 minutes in the shower, you stepped onto a towel laid on the floor, soaking up the droplets from your hair and body. Wrapping a towel with stains from previous hair dye adventures around your body. The mirror’s reflection was obscured by the condensation, you wiped it down with the end bit of the towel. Your hair was a disheveled mess, combing through the strands, it somehow dripped with more water. 

“(Name)! Dantes calling for you!” Kyrie shouted from downstairs. Dante…Nero’s uncle- got to admit their family situation was odd. Though not far from your own. You scurried down the stairs with messy wet hair and clothes that were barely put on correctly. You held the cold piece of plastic to your ear, “Hello?”  “Hey, you wanna go out for drinks tonight? I thought it would be a change of pace.” Dante’s dancing around the subject and your history of going out to bars, especially on your birthday, was admirable. And the delicacy of the topic was appreciated.  “Will Lady and Trish be coming?” You asked, leaning against the kitchen counter, tapping your fingers. “You think they’d let you go to a bar with just me?” Dante’s smile was apparent when he was talking, almost to a chuckle. You just let out an amused huff. “I guess I could’ve answered that question myself.”

“Where are we going anyway?” “A new bar opened up recently— Trish and Lady seemed to enjoy it so, whatever they say.” You hummed in agreement.  “I’ll see you at 9 then.” Dante agreed and hung up. Quickly rushing back upstairs to finish drying your hair, hopefully, you didn’t drip water all over the kitchen tile like a wet dog.

The sun was still visible, illuminating the sky with its brightness and awful heat. You walked out from ‘your’ room, where Kyrie was cleaning dishes with her cute little apron on, how domestic. Nico, who was originally the one who was the oddball staying in Nero and Kyrie’s house has since been promoted to slightly less odd since you’ve crashed their house. Nico opened the door to the garage, walking inside with grease covering her hands and some spots scattered around her arms and face.

“Who’s got you all dressed up?” Nico gave her a sly smirk, wiggling her eyebrows as obnoxiously as it sounds. “Well first off, I’m barely dressed up, and secondly just Dante, Lady, and Trish.” Nico let out a huff, hoping for something new, not Dante . Officially stamped the worst flirt signed by Nicoletta Goldstein.  “Fine, at least Lady and Trish know how to have actual fun.” Nico walked to the kitchen sink, luckily it was big enough for both her and Kyrie. “Do you wanna tag along?”  “Shit!- I mean” She realized how loud she cursed, “I got work to do on the stupid van, Nero did somethin’ to it. He just doesn’t know how to speak mechanic like I do.” Nico dried her hands on a towel on the counter. Kyrie just chuckled at her comment, Nero did have a history of being a cheap mechanic. He knew the basics but you would never let him touch your bike. Not since you made that mistake the first time. “Enjoy yourself, (Name), call me or Nero if you need anything.” Kyrie looked over her shoulder as she scrubbed plates. That woman was sent from heaven, you were fully convinced. “I’ll be alright Kyrie, thanks though.”

Stepping into the garage the socket wrench has since migrated from under your bike, Nero definitely stubbed his toe on it. You chuckled to yourself as you put on your helmet, you were not above being safe, but you were going out, and the shop wasn’t too far from here so your protective- hot ass gear can stay. 

The sun wasn’t quite setting but the sky was still vibrant,  driving a little above the speed limit when driving through the streets. Subtly tapping your foot to the beat of the music drumming in your ears. Weaving through familiar streets, you turned down the alleyway behind Devil May Cry. You kicked her bike stand down, making sure the thing didn’t fall- your precious child. Luckily you didn’t get sweaty on the ride over so your hair was mostly intact. 

Walking through the back door, to hear Dante and Lady playfully bickering, as always. Trish leaned against the counter of the kitchen, “Look who made it!” Trish announced to Lady and Dante who were up front. Trish greeted you with a hug and Lady also followed suit. Dante just slapped you a little too hard on the shoulder, he has to know he’s strong, and that sometimes leaves a mark. “I’m surprised I didn’t get a message saying I’m in bed, maybe another time.” Dante interjected, “That’s only happened a few times okay?” You just rolled your eyes. “Cut her some slack Dante, you’re a party animal, and she actually ages unlike you. At least in a meaningful way.” Lady defended you. Dante just held up his hands in surrender. You weren’t that old you just got into your 30’s… 5 years ago. God Lady’s right.

“Mid-life crisis aside, let’s go drink, shall we?” Trish urged as she started walking out the front door. The rest tagged along quickly, and you trailed behind. And this bar that was “close to the shop” was like 4-5 blocks down the street. Of course, the demon hunters had no problem walking a ways but you were quite frankly out of shape, nowhere near as strong as you used to be. Walking up to a storefront with a flickering neon sign that said “Eddy’s Bar” with a logo next to it. 

Upon entering the building, many voices began to jumble together into one noisy building, masking the music that you could barely hear even if you tried. Dante of course b-lined it for the bar, Lady and Trish ventured off into the crowd, for some reason, they usually get drinks first. You just shrugged mentally. Dante sat down at the bar stool, man spreading per usual, his gloved hands resting on the countertop. Why he barely changes his attire besides his shirt and pants- which all looked the same to you- still puzzles you a tiny bit. You joined Dante, sitting next to him on the neighboring stool, he motioned for the bartender. 

“What could I do for you two?” The bartender questioned, preemptively going for an empty glass. “Brandy Alexander,” Dante answered, panning over to you.  “And for the lady?” The bartender looked at you- the lady? You suppose Dante and you look like a couple right now, gross. You shook it off with a slight tug at your lips. “Midori Sour, please.” Fidgeting with your hands, the bartender nodded, within a minute he handed you and Dante your drinks and wandered off.  “The lady , huh?” Dante smirked, smug bastard. “Yeah, the lady apparently.” You just shook your head, putting your glass to your lips.  “Where did Lady and Trish go?” You tried searching for them with your eyes, or if you could hear one of them.  “I dunno, maybe they were looking for fun.” Dante mimicked you, sipping from his glass. “Us four were supposed to go out, not just me and you.” You sighed, holding your drink in your hands which sat on the counter.  “Wowww, I’m hurt.” Dante dramatically faked his ‘hurt’. “Well I get to talk to the girls about girl things, you wouldn’t get it.” Still trying to locate the two women, it’s not like they were too short that they sunk into the crowd. 

Dante clutched his heart, again, what a drama queen. You would’ve thought he was a theater kid if you didn’t know any better.  “Nothing against you Dante- but I would much rather save my dignity than talk to you about girl things.”  “Oh, you have dignity left?” Dante’s face had a sly smile plastered on his face. Reminded of an unpleasant memory of your past adventures with Dante going out to bars. Never again, even if the memory was just fragmented because you were so so so drunk. “I was more drunk than I had ever been in my entire life- my drink at that point could’ve been laced with an aphrodisiac.”  Dante just chuckled, “Yeah whatever you say, with your dignity .” This smug little bastard, not a doubt he remembers the entire thing. Hell, he could probably drink an entire bottle of Everclear and only be tipsy. 

Through the crowd came Lady and Trish, Lady was practically dragging Trish. Their faces said it all. “(Name)! There is a smoking hot guy over there, like seriously, even for your standards.” Lady exclaimed, very proudly. She and Trish had been almost searching for men for you, since your last outing with a man ended up with trauma and far more physical scars that reminded you. But now is not the time to be drowning in that side of your past.

“I need more alcohol to speak to any man right now.” You sighed, still having your current drink in your grasp. “I guess that's better than nothing.” Trish sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. Dante ordered a round of shots, vodka, of course. You lift the shot glass to your lips and the liquid burns as it goes down your throat. You definitely made a face. Squeezing your eyes shut and opening them back again, you realize the half-devils barely even feel alcohol like a human does. Ugh, whatever, more for you. 

Trish and Lady drag you out to the floor of the bar, slipping through the crowds of dancing people, trying not to bump into too many people without a ‘sorry’. “You look so stiff, just relax (Name). You have the best demon hunter and best man-eater here protecting you, all three of us will kill anyone who tries to do anything to you. You have my word.” Lady spoke over the music, trying to soothe your bubbling nerves. You just nodded as she let go of your hand, like sending off your child to college. Taking a step backward, your back collided with something, namely, someone. You turned around immediately to apologize for your clumsiness, even though that's the name of the game in this mess of a bar which at this point, it seemed more like a mosh pit.

The man you bumped into was a little taller than yourself, he just smiled. “No problem.” He went and walked off somewhere else. You cursed at yourself, that would’ve been a smooth way into a: “You wanna dance with me because I’m lonely”. Sighing you retreated closer to the edges of the crowd, you need another shot. Dante still perched on the seat you left him in. Weird, he’s usually quite the party animal, always has been, according to Lady.

You approached the corner of the bartop that you and Date were sitting at earlier, leaning against the counter, “I need another shot.” You said with a small exhale.  “The smokin’ hot guy is too much for you? You seemed to handle me quite well that one time.” Dante is too good at this, if you were in your 20s again, Dante’s clumsy attempts at flirting would definitely be working. “That one time was strictly one time.” You quickly ordered another shot from the bartender, Dante called one for himself as well.  “And yes, the ‘smoking hot guy’ was too much for me to handle with just one shot in me.”

Dante barely gave a response before tapping the shot glass on the table twice with you before the two of you downed the rough liquor in unison. You shook your head slightly, whispering a curse. It had definitely been a while since you drank. “I’ll scream if I need your assistance, Dante.” With that, you bid him farewell and wiggled your way through the crowd at the center of the bar. You had seemed to lose Lady and Trish at the moment, in your haste, your shoulder collided with another. You turned to face the person and attempted to apologize and continue your search for the man from earlier.

“You keep bumpin’ into me like that, it's gonna make me think you’re into me.” The voice came from next to you, and your body froze. Well, you found him. That was your opening— for fucks sake live a little, trying to push yourself. “Maybe I do.” You just smiled, yup the alcohol was hitting a little. The man looked quite frankly handsome under this lighting, the occasional flashing lights of random colors and the haze that clouded your better judgment. “Stay for a little, if you’ll indulge me.” His words were sickly sweet like honey. But the fog in your brain melted, and now like a spider claiming its prize, he wrapped a gentle hand around your waist. Closing the gap between you two, and now you were smelling him, a sweet smell of dark chocolate and fresh rainfall swept into your senses. How a man can be so bold and yet so sweet was an experience you’ve yet to have up until this moment.

And how the night went on, with risqué moves rather than dancing. And without a doubt, a couple more shots. His hands wherever they migrated to, it was a ghost of a touch, it was gentle, surprisingly so. He pulled you away from the crowd, with a hand around your wrist, and occasionally glanced over his shoulder to check if you were still with him. You landed at the other side of the bar with him, thank god, far away from Dante, but you knew he could see you. Very clearly. 

“What kind of shots do you like?” The man- whom you didn’t get the chance to know the name of, quizzed you. “Vodka.” You answered plainly, a glaze over your eyes when you looked at him. He ordered another shot, he sat down on a stool. You sunk the familiar taste, yet the feeling was yet to fade. You hoped you didn’t scrunch your face too much, setting the glass down, he looked at you, not saying a word. At this height, you didn’t have to crane your neck to see his eyes were beautiful, a dark green, seeing the speckles of yellow across his iris. He stayed silent until you realized how awkward of a staring contest this was and turned away to meet the other side of the bar. 

A thumb and an index finger pulled your chin away from your musings. You were back at his eyes again, the glittering flower field on a spring day, yet the fierceness of a flowing river, the undercurrents sweeping you under into its grasp. A breath fanned over your lips. Now you were completely submerged. His lips were soft against yours, so soft, but pulling you closer, enough to keep you reaching for more. Your hand perched itself against his chest, the button-down he wore was opened slightly. The kiss continued, it barely felt like you had to do anything as your hand moved slightly to connect with his bare skin. Your other hand played with the hem of your shirt, the only place to exile your excitement because going full throttle into this kiss didn’t seem like the appropriate move. 

You broke away from his mouth, finally getting your head above water. You could feel the heat in your cheeks and the racing of your heart, working unpaid overtime.  “I liked that.” Your words came out before you had a chance to proofread them. A smile formed on his lips, and slight stubble moved with the skin. “I liked that too.” Matching the simplicity and honesty of your words.  “I didn’t expect you to be so gentle.” You admitted, for why? You had no idea. “Why is that?” He asked you, if you were sober you wouldn’t have been so easily fooled by his question, which was obviously just to stroke his own ego. “I guess it’s the way you smell, and maybe the stubble.” Your hand reached out, connecting with the side of his cheek, the rough hair touching your palm. His expression morphed into a more surprised one, then softened again.  “I did ask, so I can’t be surprised with the results.” Your hand left his cheek, did you offend him? You certainly did not have that intention,  “I mean in like a good way- I noticed how you smelt when I got closer to you. It wasn’t anything bad, it was really great actual-“ Your sentence was quickly brought to a halt when his lips met yours again, but this time it was more like a raging river with the rain thundering down on top of the water. Both of his hands now pulled you closer, meeting your bodies. You stood between his legs as his hand covered your lower back, slipping under your shirt just the slightest bit. His teeth caught your lower lip, and your eyes fluttered open, to see him looking directly at you. The embarrassment was too much, you closed your eyes, letting your tongue invade his mouth. Thankfully it seemed to have been received well as you became dancing, metaphorically of course. His hands did not wonder, much to your disappointment since you were at the bartop. Oh my god, you were having a make-out session- at the counter of the bar, where people were sitting close to you. 

He separated from you- maybe he felt your face heat up like a tea kettle. He just looked at you and chuckled, before your embarrassment could not exceed its limit now you shoved your face into his chest and collar bones. A laugh that vibrated his chest escaped him. “What did you get so embarrassed over?” He asked as you made your retreat from the safety of his chest. “I-“ “I think I need another shot.” Was all you could mutter without your head spontaneously combusting.

So many rounds after another, really it was only a couple of rounds. You downed another shot, did you count how many? Nope, and did you care? Also no.  “It feels awkward now, but, what's your name?” You sheepishly asked, as you now sat at the bar stool next to him. “It’s Kane, and no it's not awkward.” He tapped a finger on the counter. You tested the name out on your lips; “Kane.” He responded with a hum. “How do you like it?” Kane asked. “It’s simple, and gentle, like you. I like it.” Your sentence was a little jumbled from your brain frankly being jumbled from the alcohol too.  “Do I have to ask the question now?” Kane chuckled as he spoke.  “What question?” You tilted your head- oh right. “What's your name?” Kane asked, not without a laugh. You smiled, jeez you were slow right now. “(Name).” You responded, more calmly than the racing thoughts of your mind.  “Then, (Name), would you mind exchanging phone numbers with me?” God, you felt like you were back in high school again asking your crush out for the spring dance. You nodded, “I didn’t think I’d be able to leave without it.” 

Kane reached for a napkin, and clumsily found a pen, with barely any ink left in it. You grabbed the pen, trying not to punch a hole through the papery fabric. You re-read the sequence of numbers to make sure it matches. “I have roommates— if you want to call them that, so they might answer instead.” Kane nodded. “One more drink?” You asked as he shoved the napkin into his back pocket. “I thought you’d never ask.” 

That one more drink pulled the two of you back into the pit of swarming people, it was all moving so fast, and now the two of you were actually dancing- well dancing as in; the clubbing type of way. His hands moved far more freely with the alcohol running through his veins. And you definitely moved more smoothly with the same alcohol. 

And now you were being pulled to the side again by Kane’s hand on your wrist. Peaking through the veil of the crowd, you saw Trish and Lady speaking to a couple of guys at a booth. Kane stood in front of the table, holding you like he had just caught you cheating on the chem test. “These are your friends right (Name).” He barely asked, less of a question more of a confirmation from Trish and Lady. He still had his wits about him, you however barely had anything intelligent left in you. Lady couldn't bear to hold in her laugh. The two men that were talking to them excused themselves, Trish whispered something to the man you didn't quite catch.  “I am far too gone myself to take her home, and the two of you look like a safer option.” Kane basically was asking them to take you home, he was leaving. “Yeah, she does look pretty fucked up.” Lady admitted, not without a ‘hey’ from yourself. “We’ll take her home,” Trish spoke up.  “Thank you.” Kane turned to you and let go of your wrist, “I’ll call you okay?” You just nodded as you leaned your weight against the table, Kane walked off and it felt like you’d never see him again- would he even call you- would he abandon you? Just like Treyvon did? Tears pricked at the corner of your eyes. Trish quickly stood next to you as you now shifted your weight onto her. Not without a quick sniffle of your nose, Dante wandered over and regrouped. “Yeah, she’s just gonna have to stay at the shop tonight.”

Thank you for reading! I hope you will stick around for my bullshit :) - onyxroses

Next Chapter

[nastyavolk-cp]

MY DEAREST - YANDERE!PLATONIC!ARTEMIS x “reader” (3/3)

Trigger warning: Physical violence, insulting, pure angst, psychological abuse.

Read part one and two.

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Enjoy the story.

[ May 18th, 2023]

Alexia had finally developed a plan to escape Artemis and her Huntresses, she had thought and pondered for three months and a week to finally prepare her escape. She knew it was risky for her to try anything as she knew that Artemis was a born hunter and no prey would be able to escape her, but Alexia herself had learned a lot from the hunters and she herself was exploring their skills.

Of course, she wasn't a perfect hunter, but she had evolved a lot by then and that gave her more confidence to execute her plan to escape from there. What was in her favor was the fact that she had the trust of the other Huntresses, including Xenia, and she would even go so far as to say that she even has Artemis's.

However, a problem she was facing that could make it difficult for her to perform is that her body began to suffer from strange pains, in addition to that she felt that there was something strange going on inside her, it was a feeling that her bones they break but regenerate in a matter of minutes but in reality that didn't really happen and she was fine physically.

Because of this, she wasn't taken on intense hunts with other hunters, but instead stayed in the cave, often accompanied by Maia who was always checking to see if she was okay. Even with Artemis' orders that the Huntresses not treat Alexia like a baby, Maia indirectly circumvented this rule as the albino Huntress felt a connection with her and Alexia felt that the two had a genuine bond and that if she wanted to, she could take Maia along with her.

But Maia's loyalty lay on Artemis and not her, at the end of the day Maia would remain a huntress and would never think of running away from the pack, from her family. But Alexia was not like Maia, she held a grudge against Artemis for taking her away from her family and that she would never forgive her for making her and her parents suffer for her selfishness.

Alexia didn't feel safe anywhere, not even with Maia she was so much like her mother, keyword: similar. The albino would never be the same as Ekaterini, her smile would never be the same as hers, her words would never calm her the way Ekaterini calmed her, Maia’s touch would never be the same as hers. Maia was not Ekaterini and Ekaterini can never be replaced. And the girl missed her father, his words of encouragement and reassurance, how he would tell her stories from Romania when he put her to sleep, the smell of Romanian food he cooked for dinner and all the times he assured her that he loved her.

Her parents could never be replaced by anyone and their every memory was cherished and cherished safe, always livid in her mind and their smiles would never be erased. Every night she imagined them with her, their phantom hands running a hand through her dark brown curls and she could smell the woodsy scent of her father's favorite cologne and the sweet floral scent of her mother's shampoo.

But the girl will no longer need to fantasize because soon she will be able to have them back. She will make sure that she gets what she wants back and that Artemis would never again disturb and haunt her dreams.

[Hours later]

Alexia knew it was dawn and it was time for her to put her plan into action. She slowly gets up from her makeshift bed and cautiously takes her bow and arrows, without making any noise she manages to leave the cave without attracting anyone's attention and without waking the hunters who were plunged into a deep sleep, including Artemis.

The Greek girl took a deep breath silently and still aware of her surroundings she walked in the middle of the forest, she couldn't run as she would draw too much attention from any wild animal and she could risk getting caught faster if she wasn't cautious enough. enough. But as she walked away, her heart was pounding and agonizing, but why? Why did she feel this pain?

It was then that she suddenly felt drops of water fall from the sky and then a loud roar of thunder echoing from above. As the drops of water increased until it became an intense storm, Alexia's instincts immediately screamed for her to go back to the cave, where it was safe, where she could find comfort in her sisters, where she could be with Artemis.

What? What are these disgusting thoughts? She would never think so, but why had they come so suddenly? Why did she feel this feeling of wanting to feel safe in a group where she never felt security or affection?

Just when she thought about not giving in to her instincts and just moving forward, in front of her was a man. He was a tall man by Alexia's standards who was only 152 cm, maybe 190 cm, he had a well defined and muscular body, he had curly brown hair with white streaks and he had a big beard equally curly, he wore fancy clothes from Greece Ancient, his clear blue eyes along with his powerful aura told Alexia who he was.

Zeus.

“So you are my daughter's dearest doe? Her champion? Alexandra herself.” Zeus with his deep voice said followed by a loud sound of thunder. Alexia immediately grabbed an arrow and placed it on her bow, but Zeus held up his hands as if he were surrendering. “Calm down, Alexandra. I didn't come here to do you any harm, I was just curious why my darling daughter's most precious prize is wandering around on a stormy night like this.”

Alexia knew from her tone of voice that Zeus was mocking her and her anger at him only increased as she did not lower her loaded bow, the arrow aimed directly at the King of Gods. She wouldn't hesitate to throw it if necessary and she wouldn't risk letting her guard down, especially around a deity like Zeus who Alexia was aware of every horrible thing he ever committed, every sin he ever committed that he would never pay for him being the most powerful god on Olympus, no deity who knew his worth would dare to go against him.

“I will shoot if you come near!” Alexia threatened the god in a voice of pure hatred and spite, which surprised Zeus but he still maintained his calm and relaxed composure, which Alexia did not expect from a god who did not tolerate any disrespect from a mortal.

“There it is, just the way my little daughter likes it. You know, Alexandra, I see a lot of Artemis in you, I swear you two could be mistaken for sisters very easily!” Zeus continued and Alexia angrily shot him but the god's supernatural reflexes made him manage to catch the arrow even before it pierced his chest. The king of gods looked at her in shock and surprise, he didn't expect that she would actually do that, but she did.

Instead of feeling anger, as he normally would feel for someone daring to try to hurt him, Zeus let out a loud laugh which mixed with the powerful sound of thunder caused Alexia to startle. If she didn't already have a good impression of Zeus, now she got worse with the god laughing and laughing.

“Even the way you react to these things is so much like her!” Zeus continued to chuckle, but now his chuckles had quieted and he slowly regained his composure. “She saw herself in you and I can see that she is very close to making it.”

Alexia immediately frowns when he says that, what does he mean by that?

“What are you implying?” She questions him as she lowers her bow slowly and cautiously. Zeus's smile grew as he realized that she had no idea what was really going on.

“You know Alexandra, my daughter is very demanding and she has been wanting something that she could have all to herself for a long time, but it was only a while ago that she managed to have it. Which is you." Zeus said and Alexia let out a tired sigh, this was nothing new but she knew he had more to say so she allowed him to continue. "But she didn't just want a Huntress to complete her pack, but a sister. She wanted to have a sister to share things with but be hers alone and that no one could have her and steal from her. I think you didn't realize that in reality she had wounded you with her blood."

"What do you mean?"

“I heard that Artemis wounded you with an arrow when you went to reach your parents, in that arrow there was Artemis's own blood. As soon as you recovered she started feeding you small doses of ambrosia, tell me Alexandra, have you ever noticed anything odd about yourself?” Zeus asked with a cocky smile and Alexia felt her heart pounding too hard, it was a suffocating feeling and she swore she was barely able to breathe. “But there's nothing to worry about, Alexandra, knowing my own daughter, I know she'll take good care of her new sister, isn't that right, Artemis?”

Immediately Alexia looked back and her brown eyes met the cold forest green eyes of the goddess Artemis. The goddess walked towards them and Artemis's hand caught Alexia's arm with crushing strength, on the verge of almost breaking on the eyes of the Greek girl who stared at the auburn haired goddess in panic.

"I never thought you’d do anything useful, or even care about my sister." Artemis said in a cold tone, bordering on anger, but Zeus offered his bastard daughter a cocky smile and just disappeared without another word. Alexia felt the rain getting harder and harder if it hadn't been before and she could feel Artemis's cold gaze staring at her, not saying a single word but that her eyes meant so many things.

Then suddenly Alexia felt a strong burning sensation on her left cheek. Artemis slapped her very hard across the face and if it weren't for her hand holding her tightly, the girl would have easily fallen onto the wet floor. Artemis's anger could be felt down to the girl’s bones who was now muttering apologies but which were not heard, as Alexia was taken by Artemis who was silent the whole way, the grip on Alexia's arm became stronger and the girl's eyes began to weep in pain.

When the two got close to the cave, all the hunters stared at them, especially at Alexia. Most looked at her with mixed looks of betrayal, pity and disappointment.

“Go back inside, girls. Let me have a serious talk with Alexandra.” Artemis said, trying to sound calm, but her anger wasn't so easily contained. The huntresses agreed and then entered the cave again, leaving Alexia and Artemis alone.

"HOW DARE YOU?!" Artemis screamed and gave Alexia another slap in the face, this time she let go and the girl fell to the wet floor abruptly. The Greek girl began to cry, suffocated by anguish and fear, but this only provoked even more the uncontrollable and animalistic anger of Artemis who began to kick the girl and attack her.

“I GAVE YOU ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! A HOME, A FAMILY, LOVE, AFFECTION!” Artemis' words were increasingly aggressive and loud as she continued her aggression against Alexia, who was crying a lot and begging for it to stop.

"Please stop!" Alexia cried but was ignored completely.

“BUT YET YOU DECIDE TO ESCAPE?!! RUN AWAY TO GO BACK TO THOSE USELESS MORTALS?!” The goddess of the hunt stopped her aggression but her words were still poisoned by hatred, Alexia started to cry even more, especially because Artemis had insulted her parents. “AM I REALLY GOING TO PUT IT UP IN YOUR DUMBASS HEAD THAT YOU ARE MINE?!!!”

But Alexia didn't answer, just curled into a ball and covered her face with her hands as she sobbed louder and louder. Artemis huffed in anger and now it looked like she was regaining her calm.

“Alright, if you want to stay outside so bad, stay here and die.” She said coldly and entered the cave, leaving Alexia alone crying. The Greek girl then crawls over to lean against a nearby tree and hugs her aching legs, buries her face in her arms and continues to cry as her body throbs with pain.

She has never felt so humiliated, attacked and wronged. Her chest burned with anguish and she just wanted her parents to be there to comfort her, but the mere image of them made her feel more pain and cry more. She didn't want her to see them like this, crying like a little child over being beaten like she had never been beaten in her life.

Alexia never imagined that Artemis was so cruel. The rain hit the Greek girl's body harder, not helping her aching body at all. The girl closed her eyes, wanting to believe that all this was all a nightmare, that in reality she is at home, with her parents comforting her from this nightmare and that soon they would eat her favorite breakfast.

"Why? Why…?" The girl mumbled and then she kept crying until finally her body got tired and no more tears came out of her eyes, then exhausted she fell asleep as she prayed that she could be spared from further suffering.

[Hours later]

Maia knew she was tasked with taking care of Alexia, even without saying a word to her, her Lady’s forest green gaze was enough to tell her that she was going to take care of Alexia as the goddess decided to go to who knows where.

The other Huntresses were tense even after Artemis was gone, but some showed anger at Alexia, especially Xenia who wasn't happy about it at all.

“Who does this girl think she is? She only causes problems, I already felt that.” The nymph said and a good part of the hunters agreed, but Maia and Ophelia knew that the girl was suffering, but they chose to say nothing. Maia ignored the other hunters and left the cave with a first aid kit in hand, she covered her eyes so that the sun's rays would not blind her.

As soon as she got used to the light, she went looking for Alexia which was a matter of a few minutes as she spotted the Greek girl sleeping against the tree. As the albino hunter approached, her stomach turned when she saw the poor girl all covered in bruises and bruises. She knew that Lady Artemis was very violent and aggressive when she was angry, but she couldn't help but feel sad to see Alexia hurt in this way, for in the eyes of the eldest Huntress, she was just a child.

With just a touch on Alexia's arm, the brunette girl woke up in an instance, fear and desperation in her eyes, which made Maia pull away a little.

“Alexandra, darling, it's me.” Maia said in a reassuring tone, but the girl started to cry again, her bruised face being once again stained by her tears as she sobbed once more. The albino huntress then put the kit aside and gently pulled Alexia into a sitting position and hugged the crying Greek girl into her shoulder.

“There, there, it’s over, it’s over.” The albino said, trying to calm Alexia using her hand on the girl's back, making light and delicate massages so that the Greek girl in tears would relax.

“It hurts… Mommy… I want to wake up… I want to go home…” Alexia murmured as she cried, Maia knew that Alexia was thinking that she was seeing her own mother and that everything she was experiencing at that moment was just a nightmare.

“Come, let me tend to your wounds.” Maia said and then took the first aid kit, asked the girl to lean against the tree and she began to take care of every wound that her Lady provided on Alexia's still aching body.

The wounds didn't hurt like they used to, but it caused the Greek girl a lot of anguish to look at. It was a reminder that this was not a dream, but a bitter reality.

“Here, it’s done.” Maia said and stood up, then held her hand out to Alexia. “Let's go inside, you have to rest properly.”

“No… they all hate me…” Alexia mumbled and Maia shook her head.

“They won't do anything to you, I promise, it'll just be the two of us in there. Let's sleep together if you want, I'll make sure you rest better.” The albino insisted and the girl reluctantly agreed. Then Maia helps the girl to her feet and the two go to the cave, where all the hunters, except Ophelia, stare at her with judgmental and even hateful looks, but no words are spoken.

Then the huntresses leave the cave, leaving Maia and Alexia alone. The albino pulls her makeshift bed next to Alexia's, she helps the Greek girl to lie under the bed and she settles in next to the new goddess.

“It's going to be alright, Alexandra. Sleep tight, I'll be here when you wake up, I promise." Maia murmured and Alexia closed her eyes again, hoping her dream was more merciful than Artemis's hateful words.

[comparativetarot]

Eternity. Art by Ed Buryn, from The William Blake Tarot of the Creative Imagination.

∞ / 00 The Eternity card has no equivalent in other Tarot decks. Its dual numberation (double-zero or infinity) indicates that it transcends numbers. This image is from the painting called Jacob's Dream, based on the book of Genesis, showing Jacob and his ladder to heaven. In Blake's myth, this is Albion asleep on the Rock of Ages. His Zoas have divided, and he lies stricken in spiritual limbo. Fallen from eternity, he is now a mortal man, and his four "eternal senses" — the four divine arts of painting, science, music, and poetry — have become his body, head, heart, and genitals. Albion represents our own sleeping consciousness, dreaming eternity as our ultimate potential. Albion remains asleep throughout the soul's journey, unable to awaken until his divided soul is regenerated and his Zoas, the "four faces of man," are reunited. However, his vision of eternity is very much alive in his dream — and Albion's vision is what this card is about. Eternity represents mankind's hopes for divine spiritual consciousness, and for living in a world of shining imagination and everlasting truth. For Blake, eternity is an exciting intellectual realm filled with the "fury of poetic inspiration," from whence "all the passions emanate uncurbed in their eternal glory." The sheephook in Albion's hand represents his mortal innocence. Exalted beings carry symbols of the arts (spiritual sustenance) upon a celestial stairway that literally represents the arts as man's connection to eternity. The luminous, numinous sun is the "divine imagination," the god in every human, which shines within us day and night, the ultimate reality from which all things are created. This card is always significant in a reading, because its declaration of spiritual reality and creative imagination is meaningful in any context. Eternity can be a wake-up call to a spiritual issue in the reading, a promising opportunity to try something new and imaginative, an announcement of a something wonderful happening, a prophecy of angelic or artistic communication (perhaps via a dream or daydream), the advent of a serendipitous occurrence or heavenly 'coincidence', or a sudden awareness that life is a spiritual adventure, and not just a material process. This is always an auspicious card, even when reversed, because eternity is irreversibly divine. KEYWORDS: AWARENESS OF SPIRITUAL DESTINY • ARTISTIC POWERS • A HEAVENLY OUTLOOK • IMAGINATIVE OPPORTUNITY • PROPHETIC PORTENTS. SPIRITUAL ELATION • THE SOUL'S JOURNEY: The Blake Triumphs tell a story about the spiritual progress of human consciousness. This is the Soul's Journey, which now begins... The Cycle of Matter: This cycle consists of eight cards, of which the first introduces the seven that follow.

[jasper-pagan-witch]

what advice do you have for beginners of MTG both in the game itself and for magical/divination purposes?

(it’s okay if they’re the same advice)

please and thanks dear wizard

Overall:

Find a color that suits you mechanically. Each color, at its core, is good at a few things:

WHITE: life gain, damage prevention, vigilance, untapping permanents, combat, protection, enchantments, toughness increase effects, creature tokens, exiling, board wipes

BLUE: card drawing, counterspells, stealing permanents, library destruction, mimicry/copying, shapeshifters/morphology, power reduction, returning permanents to hand ("bouncing"), tapping and untapping permanents, evasion/unblockable/stealth, illusions/nonreality, technology/"artifacts matter", time manipulation, taking extra turns, hexproof

BLACK: discarding, reanimation/digging in your graveyard, evasion, first strike, regeneration, lifelink, sacrifice, life loss, creature destruction, weakness/power and toughness decrease effects, parasitism, removing counters

RED: card draw, combat, direct damage, firebreathing/power increase effects, haste, sacrifice at the end of turn, land and artifact destruction, mana ramping, randomness (such as coin flips)

GREEN: animating artifacts, anti-flying, artifact and enchantment destruction, enchantments, card drawing, creature tokens, fight (not related to combat), land destruction, luring/making things block your attack, mana ramping, playing additionall lands, mana fixing, shroud and hexproof, regeneration, temporary growth/power and toughness increase until end of turn effects, trample, uncounterability, untapping, venom, poison, deathtouch

Any color can do just about anything, but that doesn't mean it's good at it. Generally, when you're first learning, you want to stick to what two overlapping colors are good at.

I recommend taking a browse through the Color and Multicolored pages on the MTG wiki (but using a Breezewiki mirror so that Fandom isn't so damn hard to read) to see what appeals to you most. It'll also let you learn more about different mechanics and keywords. I recommend keeping it simple to begin with.

I also recommend immersing yourself in a pod of MTG players. If you can't access any in person, then feel free to come join us in the Magecraft Discord server! We're willing to help out.

The game itself:

Were this back in the mid-2010s, I'd recommend picking up a 60 card precon deck. Nowadays, all of the precon decks are Commander, which is a very popular format but not necessarily beginner-friendly.

Start learning the vanilla game (60 cards, no more than 4 of the same name except for Basic Lands, etc; we call this "Kitchen Table Magic" and it is not an officially-sanctioned format, but it's how most people play the game) and then get into more specific or different formats from there. If you're just starting out, you don't really need to worry about what cards are banned, but that gets a little more important when you get into formats like Limited, Commander, Pauper, and so on.

NEVER learn the game through the official rulebook. That is objectively the worst way to learn.

Magically:

*opens jaw and my MTG resource post falls out*

*reaches into a hat and pulls out @strixhaven-biblioplex and sets them down in front of you*

*points at literally any resource that talks about using literal cards, such as tarot, oracle, playing, or Clow, in magic and divination*

In short:

There's a lot to learn when you're coming into this game. I'd even argue it's one of the most overcomplicated trading card games out there once you get into the hot mess that is "any creature with more than three lines of rules text".

If all else fails, Murder is a great go-to card.

~Jasper