#lava heron

[thecreatureawaits]

Creature Awaits #190

Each week I plan to feature an amazing creature, admiring God's fantastic artistry.  Hopefully it’ll brighten someone’s day to see something new and interesting if they haven’t seen it before. : )

Happy New Year! The Greeks were thought to have based the mythological Phoenix on the now extinct Bennu Heron (Ardea bennuides), so to kick off 2023, it feels fitting to feature a variety of gorgeous "living phoenixes" - extant herons from around the world. - 💕

(Beautiful photography by Charles Davies (top, CC BY-NC 2.0) and Patty McGann (bottom, CC BY-NC 2.0))

The Lava Heron

A.K.A: The Galápagos Heron

Scientific Name: Butorides sundevalli

Region: Throughout the Galápagos Islands

Size: About 1'1" (~0.35m) tall, with a roughly 2'1" (~0.63m) wingspan

Interesting Notes: Though sporting shimmery grey plummage year-round, during the breeding season, this beautiful heron's beak shifts to black and its legs turn bright orange in order to be more visible to potential mates (as seen in the bottom photo.) Afterward, their beaks and legs return to their usual dusty grey to better camouflage with the hardened lava found throughout their tropical home.

[somefisher]

Dungeon meshi as birds (as decided by me several months ago)

Laios : Pallas's fish eagle

Marcille: black-throated green warbler

Chilchuck: brown-headed nuthatch

Senshi: cave swiftlet

Kabru: western jackdaw

Mithrun: lava heron

Namari: rhode island red chicken

Thistle: purple-throated woodstar

[peachesofteal]

ghoap x reader / 18+ mdni / dark themes / prev here

‘C’mon, you never want to go out.” 

You rub your temples, eyes closed in exasperation. “I’m broke, Case.” 

“I’ll spot you. Come on, it’s Friday. I’ll get us into The Rook.” She pleads and pushes, tugging away your excuses and defenses until you’re backed into a corner with nowhere to run. Finally, you opt for a different tactic, lamely. 

“Doesn’t that place have a waiting list?”   

“Oh yeah, miles long. But the owner likes me.” The owner. How does she even know the owner of The Rook? 

“I don’t know…” you linger, still bent over your tiny kitchen table, back bowed and tired, “isn’t it like, dangerous?” 

“The Rook is neutral ground or something, I don’t know. It’s perfectly fine, I’ve been dozens of times.” A litany of stories exists about the speakeasy, from its origins to the current clientele, each as unbelievable as the next, and you’ve always imagined it to be this dark den of sin and debauchery, filled to brim with hitmen and lawlessness. “You have to do something other than work and sleep; you know. You’re missing out on your whole life.” She chides, attempting to launch into the same speech she repeats over and over every few weeks. 

“Alright, alright,” you look down at your torn up cuticles and sigh, “I’ll go.” 

You weren’t wrong about The Rook being dark. 

It’s hollowed out under a club, nooks and crannies and little hallways splitting off in every direction, dim lamps and flickering candlelight casting shadows to the ceiling, bartenders dressed in all black working behind a massive, burnished wood bar along the back wall. Velvet couches, high top tables, overstuff armchairs flow in the space, and Case tells you there are more rooms if you’re keen to explore, explaining in hushed tones how there’s usually a band in one, a card game of sorts in another, a pool table somewhere, all with various styles of seating, and even another bar. It's elegant, decadent, sinful. Most of the people are startlingly beautiful, high heels and skintight dresses, perfectly made-up faces, polished onyx cuff links gleaming against expensive navy suits. 

Even the drinks are licentious. 

You decidedly do not belong here. Perched on a stool next to Case, you occasionally rub your wrists, casually wondering if it would have been acceptable to wear your braces, your carpal tunnel flaring into a swell of agony. 

Wouldn’t that be a sight. 

The bartender slides her two generous neat pours of… something, and you raise an eyebrow. 

“On the house, from the boss.” He says with a wink, and she tips her head to ceiling with a bubble of a laughter, before pressing one of the tumblers into your hand. 

“What is it?” 

“Probably bourbon.” 

“Oh, no thanks, I don’t-“ 

“Just shoot it.” She throws it back with ease, showing her teeth afterwards, a hyena leering in the lamplight. 

Fuck it. Maybe it will the throbbing in your wrists will quiet down. 

It’s thick, syrupy, hot in your throat. Burns all the way down and settles like lava in your stomach, uncomfortable until the sting ebbs into warmth, moving through your bones. 

“Not bad.” You rasp, and she smiles. 

There are more free drinks. They stick to your insides like tar, slicking you in a heavy cotton, weighing your limbs down, loosening the tension in your neck and shoulders, peeling away your layers of discomfort one by one. 

You’re surprised by how at home Case seems in this place, how comfortable she is, smiling and waving to the occasional person, making small talk here and there. She practically floats in her seat, black dress taut against every dimple and dip on her body, hair artfully twisted into something that could be considered modern art. She’s a gazelle. A heron. Something graceful and gorgeous, fine feathered and fabulous.

And you’re… a tired girl in a tired dress, counting her lucky stars that there seem to be so many generous patrons buying drinks tonight. 

“Having fun?” She whispers, nudging you with her shoulder. 

“How often do you come here?” Her eyes wander, flicking past you and then back, wistful caution etched across her brow. 

“Often enough,” She sips her drink and then folds her hands together on the bar top, looking over shoulder, “Most of these people in here… are connected to organized crime somehow.” The information doesn’t surprise you, but hearing it confirmed, knowing it’s not just some story made up, some fairytale about boogeymen, makes you shiver. 

 “Like, the mafia?” 

“The mafia is Italian, but they have a presence in the city.” She shrugs, like it’s all common knowledge. Like you’re out of the loop. “The Rook belongs to Kyle Garrick.” You shake your head, unfamiliar. “Of The 141?” your mouth goes dry. 

The 141. 

The 141 were a notorious organized crime group who ran half, if not more, of the city. You knew they owned clubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels, but you were never clear on the details of their illegitimate work, and you didn’t want to know. 

You knew, for sure: they were men to be feared. Men capable of terrible things. Destruction. Death. 

Their ongoing war with The Shadows was the reason the city was soaked in blood. 

“Don’t worry,” she rushes out, hand on your arm, “like I said, It’s neutral here. Nothing happens in The Rook.” You nod meekly, head swimming. You’re more than drunk now, stuck in a sloshing ship, floor tilting beneath your feet. The urge to get away, to disappear slams into you like a truck, and you slip off the stool. 

“Which way is the bathroom?” She points to one of those dark hallways, and you stumble through the throngs of people like a fresh born fawn, unsteady and teetering on the edge, approaching a hallway that splits into two. 

Which way? 

You pick one, sure you’ll run into someone who can point you in the right direction, but when it zigs and zags up to a polished wooden door, you stop short, confused. The alcohol has rendered you fuzzy, and your vision spins, trying to look for a recognizable placard. 

Is this the bathroom? 

It must be. 

The first thing you realize when you push the door open, is a chorus of men’s voices, stopping on a dime. You hear them, before you see them, and immediately try to backpedal, tugging the door handle towards you, trying to close it. You’re wayward, with heavy, tired feet, and the movement is slow, slow enough that an opposing force pulls on the other side and then- 

rips. 

You fly forward into the room, dragged by your grip on the handle, spilling onto your knees with a shocked gasp, and someone curses in the background, another voice barking out a name. 

Then, the room goes Sunday church service silent. 

You gape at the table of men, transfixed in horror on the two familiar faces staring back at you, the unforgettable Scot and his marble etched partner, who was just in the shop only two days ago. They’re frozen, half risen from their seats, a cigarette burning away in an ash tray filling the air with smoke. 

There’s a nickel-plated flash, and your blood curdles. 

He has a gun. 

“I…” you croak, still on your knees, unable to categorize or rationalize why you’re seeing them here, why one of them has a gun, why any of this is happening. “I’m sorry, I was lo-looking for the bathroom.” There are many men in this room, you realize. More than just the two you’re acquainted with, and your stomach rolls, nausea creeping forward, trying to bring the too many drinks you’ve consumed up through your mouth. “I’m sorry.” You say again, more clearly. 

Obviously, you’re interrupting something. 

“These aren’t the toilets, little girl.” A Russian voice booms over your head. “Unless you’re going to piss on the floor for us?” 

“Nikolai.” The blonde cuts, Manchester accent rougher than sandpaper, and you shake your head frantically. 

“N-no, I just got turned around, that’s all.” Your brain screams at you to get up, but your body is immobile, and you look away in fear. 

A warm hand takes yours, tanned skin soft and sweet, gentle touch urging your face back up. 

“It’s alright, doe. Ye’re alright.” It’s the Scot, crooning in your ear, wrapping an arm around your waist to bring you to your feet. “Let’s get ye to the bathroom then, aye?” You lean against him, breathing in cypress and ocean spray, letting him guide you out of the room, his partner right at your back. 

“We’re not finished.” Someone calls out, and the bigger man clips out a response. 

“We are now.” 

[iwantoseeafrigatebird]

so.. the terror & erebus surgeons, but as birds! (ok if u've ever had a conversation with me for more than 5 sentences u know bringing birds to the function is abt the only thing i do.

goodsir: crested myna

stanley: northern gannet

peddie: lava heron

mcdonald: great horned owl

[milkyplier]

Linked Universe as things I’ve heard people say (pt 3)

Sky: I collapse back onto the floor and start crying

•

Legend: where are you?

Wild: Over here

Legend: you stupid

•

Malon: Well, we may be insane, but at least our eggs are organized.

•

Warriors: Together, we can tame a raptor.

•

Four: This is about to become a love 20-sided-die

Four: A 20 sided die, just like all of…none of my relationships

•

Legend: I’m gonna make it “cheeto-fueled depression”

•

Wind: [pointing at a blue heron] LOOK A DUCK

•

Wind: [eating large sour patch kids) these aren’t sour patch kids, they’re sour patch ADULTS.

Four: [matter of factly] yep. They’re all grown up.

•

Twilight: Okay Wild got covered with lava at the speed of light you have about five seconds to react what do you do

•

Wild: Also aren't takis basically spicy cheetos but like with narcissism because they think they're all that?

[firstofthenewguard]

Blood of Zeus Season 2 thoughts (There's alot of them)

I watched Blood of Zeus when it first came out in 2020 and the pandemic kept us trapped in our caves. I really liked the first season, mainly because it’s one of the few media outlets for Greek Mythology that isn’t wildly inaccurate, awkward, or just plain bad. It also set up a lot of interesting possible plotlines, and when the trailer for season 2 came out last month my hopes for those stories could not have been higher. I watched season 2 twice and… I have some notes (unfortunately)

First of All things I liked:

The entirety of episode 3

Hades and Persephone NOT being villains

Hades and Persephone being the only successful and functional couple in this show

The look of Hades’ Palace

ZAGREUS AND MELINOE!

The fact that Typhon is on a “He-who-shall-not-be-named” level and this time it actually has consequences

Other gods actually getting lines instead of just being backround characters on Olympus!

Hades using shadow teleportation, and using his bident like Mjolnir, only cooler

Other races in Hellas being acknowledged

More monsters; the Hydra being an ocean species is a very interesting take

Seraphim getting more development

Gaia and Hecate looked amazing

Problems with the Season:

Okay, a gripe I had with season 2 was Hades motive, and let me be clear I love the idea of Hades wanting to ascend the throne so Persephone wouldn't have to leave for 6 months, but to have him hate being in the Underworld seems like a stretch. In the myths, Hades knew the responsibility of ruling the dead and he did it with pride. It would have made more sense to have him hate being alone in the Underworld. They could've tied into the fact that Hades was the first to be swallowed by Kronos and was in his stomach alone for who knows how long.

Along with that, the season felt disjointed, like they were focusing on the wrong things, at the wrong time, for WAY too long. There were just some scenes that took up big chunks of the episodes and they didn't need to be that long, especially scenes with Heron. I know he's "The Main Character" but if you're going to make him that then please try to make his writing interesting enough for that much time to be devoted to his plot. I know that he's lost so much but his writing honestly felt clunky, it felt like he needed different scenes to make his choices more believeable. His dialouge also seemed stiff and I don't think his voice actor helped either.

We could've had a scene where Hades is talking to or doing something with Zag and/or Meli, showing how he's a better dad than Zeus, but we never got that.

If your going to give Hera a redemption arc GIVE HER A SCENE/EPISODE WHERE SHE CHANGES! Instead, the second she shows back up she's already redeemed? Really?

So, The Demon problem is just over? I don't remember them burning the giant flesh, and on that note where did Seraphim and the Demons move the giant flesh?

Ok, let me get this straight, they could've imprisioned the Giants' bodies in Tartarus the whole time?!

Also the giant problem felt like it was resolved way too early.

They didn't really focus on the open throne idea, yes the 3 trials were to decide the next king, but they needed scenes showing who the other Olympians thought should be in charge, show that scene about Ares rallying others to his side, maybe apollo did the same, or there could’ve still some loyal to Hera.

Minor: I loved Hestia but she looked WAY too young

Minor: Why are Horses just always the ones pulling the Gods' chariots, that's boring! I know most divine chariots are pulled horses in the myths, but for the love of mike be creative!

Minor: The giants guarding the hidden realm looked way to human.

Minor: They kept using the forest backround when they were in Tartarus, isn't the whole place on fire? I wanted to see some lava.

Minor: The other races that showed up for the funeral should've had varying respones to Zeus' death, like Hephaestus said.

The whole Eluesian Stone plotline seemed rushed and felt like it just came out of knowhere. The show said that Zeus drawing the stone from 3 others was how he became ruler of the Heavens, but wasn't the reason in season 1 being because he married Hera who was already queen of the Heavens?

Evios and Kofi didn't really get enough scenes for their characters to really do anything.

Alexia had the same problem she kind of just went along with Heron's whole thing this season, she didn't really do much except (sorta) talk to him.

They really should've brought all of Zeus' misdeeds to the trial, Prometheus especially.

[dragons-bones]

FFXIV Write Entry #18: A Raven's Shield

Prompt: fish out of water || Master Post || On AO3

A/N: Spoilers through Patch 6.4: The Dark Throne. Probably could be considered a sequel to "An Apple a Day (Does Not Keep the Paladin Away)" from earlier this FFXIV Write.

--

The chaos of the Final Days had ushered in a wave of adventurers to Radz-at-Han, the Satrap authorizing the hiring of the Guild’s finest to supplement the Radiant Host, and as such Zero attracted little attention despite her black armor and heavy scythe. Even her bafflement over mortal norms could be easily explained away as a foreigner interacting with Thavnair’s culture for the first time. It was the best possible way to avoid any awkward questions, especially since her association with the Warriors of Light would inevitably draw more attention to her.

Though, Dancing Heron thought, it helped when one of those Warriors of Light wasn’t immediately recognized.

Heron was nearly always recognized because of her ubiquitous red and black armor, a set she had taken to wearing in the days after the first Garlean offensive at the Ghimlyt Dark. Combined with her sword and shield and her natural height, there was little question about who she was with how quickly stories were spread about the Warrior of Light. She had taken to dressing down whenever it was feasible to avoid much notice; eyes slid more easily off a roegadyn woman when she was in simple blouses and trousers rather than armor.

A dressed-down roegadyn and a heavily-armored adventurer walking together was a bit of an unusual sight, but not enough to garner more than a second glance.

Today, Heron and Zero wandered one of the bazaars in the northern part of the city, the road wide enough to accommodate a pair of gaja walking side by side even with stalls lining each side of the street. Most of the merchants here were hawking food and produce and cookware: spiced and grilled hamsa served on skewers, barrels of starfuit and langsat and persimmons, beautifully shaped ceramics and shining bronze pots. Locals and adventurers alike were out shopping, and Heron and Zero effectively vanished into the crowd.

Zero had even deigned to leave her scythe behind, which Heron had quietly cheered about in the privacy of her mind, though she had graced Zero with a blinding smile when she’d seen the other woman exit her rooms in Meghaduta without it. Zero had merely blinked and ducked behind the safety of her hat’s brim. Heron knew better than to push.

As happened most often, they walked in comfortable silence. On some of their excursions, Zero would ask questions, but today it seemed she was content to merely observe the people and things around her, sharp eyes missing nothing even as she nibbled with obvious relish on spice-laden meats or fresh mango. It was clear the half-voidsent enjoyed anything strongly flavored, from the lava-like heat of Mehryde’s special curry to intensely sour buttermilk from Corvos to the cloyingly-sweet payasam that she and Synnove would genteelly fight over, and Heron sneakily spent her gil at random stalls to treat Zero to some new taste.

She quite enjoyed how it lit up Zero’s eyes.

Horns suddenly caught their attention, and both stopped to swivel their heads to face east; more than one other adventurer in the crowd did the same. Faintly, Heron could pick out drums, too, and the jangling of bells.

“Oh, hells, that’s today, isn’t it,” the shopkeep at the pottery stall they had halted next to, sighing heavily, but a rueful expression on his face.

Heron put two and two together. “Wedding procession?” she said.

“Aye,” the shopkeep said. “Children of two of the wealthiest merchant families in the city, and all the pomp and gold that entails.”

And that was when the first of the drummers and dancers rounded the corner far down the street.

There was a sudden surge as the crowd realized they needed get out of the way, the adventurers bewildered and the locals either smiling or shaking their heads in frustration. As the press of people grew around them, Heron sighed herself, and let instinct kick in.

“Excuse me,” she said, and wrapped an arm around Zero’s waist.

“What—” Zero didn’t have time to finish her question before she yelped as Heron yanked her off her feet and moved.

Heron was the daughter of two former Sultansworn, the granddaughter and niece of many a bodyguard, and escort missions were her forte in the Adventurers’ Guild: she knew how to get a client out of danger in damned near any situation. And while this crowd was quite different from a panicking mob, some techniques stayed the same.

Zero was by no means a small or slight woman; there was muscle in that lithe frame of hers, well-suited to swinging that monstrous scythe of hers like it was a bamboo practice staff. But Heron was over seven fulms tall and when she planted her feet, not even Tyr could get her to budge. It took no effort at all to heft up Zero, turn to the side, and go shoulder first to push through the heavy throng. Zero, thankfully, seemed to realize Heron knew what she was doing, and let herself be half-carried along with a frustrated breath that huffed over Heron’s collarbone.

There was no point in trying to get off this street entirely: the stores and houses had been built right atop one another, with no room for alleys between, and the next cross street was too far ahead. So, just need to find a free spot out of the crush…there!

A tall stack of crates was set between two stalls, and Heron unceremoniously elbowed her way through. It took but a moment to lift Zero up to sit her on one of the crates just above eye level of most of the crowd. Zero huffed again, ducking behind her hat brim, but she moved sideways and Heron easily pulled herself up to sit next to her.

“Such ridiculous spectacle,” Zero grumbled as she crossed her arms, her cheeks faintly pink.

“Wait until you see what the Ul’dahns can come up with,” Heron drawled. “The Hannish love their reds and golds, but at least wedding colors here aren’t tacky.”

As the dancers and drummers and horn-blowers neared, a white gaja turned the corner far down the street, bedecked in red and gold barding and carrying a palanquin on its back. Even from here, the tiny forms of the bride and groom waving and tossing coins and sweets out to the crowd could be seen. A cheer was going up, and. Yup. There was the gulal, in all the colors of the rainbow.

“Why red?” Zero finally said.

Heron hummed thoughtfully and said, “I know it symbolizes health, in Thavnair.” She started tapping her feet against the wooden crate. “I think it also symbolizes love and purity?” She shook her head. “I don’t know enough to say for certain. Perhaps Varshahn can tell us more, once we get back.”

Zero tilted her head to look directly at her, unblinking. “Red for health,” she said finally. “Is that why you partially color your hair red?”

Heron laughed softly. “Nah,” she said. “Nothing so grandiose. It’s just my favorite color, and I thought I looked good highlighting my natural black.” She reached up to gently tug one of her feathery locks, idly making a note to visit an aesthetician for a trim. “Just never got out of the habit.”

“You do,” Zero said, almost blurting it out. The pink flush was back on her cheeks and Heron couldn’t help but notice just how it softened her features. “Look good with the red, that is.”

Heron felt a flush creep up her own cheeks. “Thank you,” she said, her voice only a tiny bit high-pitched.

After a moment, another set of tapping heels joined Heron. Heron grinned and bumped her shoulder against Zero’s. She grinned wider when she caught a glimpse of a tiny small tugging on the other woman’s lips.

PREVIOUS || NEXT

[brutlist]

between ram's gate and old castle , and east of whitewood, there lies the Black Noch and it's Wyr Thicket , a vast and dense forest of old growth bordering the shores to the Shivering Sea --- ancient columns shaggy with thick pine and cones bigger than a man's head , and heavy as a stone . this is here the Noch resides , between wood and sea : a titanic fortress built from within , and with , the pillars of an ancient columnar lava wall . the land is old , the massive trees rumored to have been planted by giants when magic still held sway , before the first men . house heugh is survived by lord jakyb , who inherited the property after the death of his lord father , leonyrd heugh , having both his host of 650 men and himself burned and devoured by the wild dragon who has come to lay claim to the territory along it's mountainous shores , known by the smallfolk and wildling alike as ozgog . it's believed the she - dragon has become partial to the underground vents of a slumbering super volcano that dwells just beneath the fertile soil , warming the land . there is plenty of game within the Wyr Thicket due to the lush flora that springs up from it's floors , and expands far into the north western regions that reach up towards winterfell and the white knife . it is humid , but with the wind carried by the sea , temperate . the wood is deep . lore says the deeper towards it's center you go , the more endless it seems . darker . until it swallows you up whole , and leaves not even the bones . only those who descend from the first men know how to make their way out of it past the roads . with jakyb , there lives his mother , tildha , a stubborn and ferocious woman of her own means , and his four children : esra , his oldest boy of blond hair , zacharias , his second oldest boy of black hair , mable , his first daughter of black hair , and davyd , his last boy of blond hair . ozgog is an enormous and aggressive creature with a penchant for harassing travelers that broach the borders of her perceived territory , with a developed taste for horseflesh . she's been described to be a blackening green thing with great curling ebony horns adoring her bullish head amid a tangling thorny crown to crest her , and eyes as clouded as the smoking seas . it's reported a high pitched whistling sound can be heard before her flame , with a blaze that could contend wildfire . they go on to say her bottom jaw seems to have improperly healed from a terrible fight with likely another wild dragon --- some say it's a scar from ozgog making her escape at the crux of the Doom . male dragons seem to provoke her ire which she reacts with precise , and focused fury , often times prevailing as seen in evidence ; great chunks of her defeated opponents scattered across the land , and further territories . there have been only two attempts to slay the great beast , neither having prevailed , and one resulting in the death of the previous lord of the fort . jakyb presently is working on a solution . house heugh is of middle highborn status , granted to leonyrd by cregan stark . their banner is green with a grey heron with two crossed spears behind it , standing atop a golden sun . their house words are " Prosperity through Diligence " .

[ozgog]

between ram's gate and old castle , and east of whitewood, there lies the Black Noch and it's Wyr Thicket , a vast and dense forest of old growth bordering the shores to the Shivering Sea --- ancient columns shaggy with thick pine and cones bigger than a man's head , and heavy as a stone . this is here the Noch resides , between wood and sea : a titanic fortress built from within , and with , the pillars of an ancient columnar lava wall . the land is old , the massive trees rumored to have been planted by giants when magic still held sway , before the first men . house wymond is survived by lord turstin , who inherited the property after the death of his lord father , thomas wymond , having both his host of 650 men and himself burned and devoured by the wild dragon who has come to lay claim to the territory along it's mountainous shores , known by the smallfolk and wildling alike as ozgog . it's believed the she - dragon has become partial to the underground vents of a slumbering super volcano that dwells just beneath the fertile soil , warming the land . there is plenty of game within the Wyr Thicket due to the lush flora that springs up from it's floors , and expands far into the north western regions that reach up towards winterfell and the white knife . it is humid , but with the wind carried by the sea , temperate . the wood is deep . lore says the deeper towards it's center you go , the more endless it seems . darker . until it swallows you up whole , and leaves not even the bones . only those who descend from the first men know how to make their way out of it past the roads . with turstin , there lives his mother , tildha , a stubborn and ferocious woman of her own means , and his sister , kriessa . ozgog is an enormous and aggressive creature with a penchant for harassing travelers that broach the borders of her perceived territory , with a developed taste for horseflesh . she's been described to be a blackening green thing with great curling ebony horns adoring her bullish head amid a tangling thorny crown to crest her , and eyes as clouded as the smoking seas . it's reported a high pitched whistling sound can be heard before her flame , with a blaze that could contend wildfire . male dragons seem to provoke her ire which she reacts with precise , and focused fury , often times prevailing as seen in evidence ; great chunks of her defeated opponents scattered across the land , and further territories . there have been only two attempts to slay the great beast , neither having prevailed , and one resulting in the death of the previous lord of the fort . house wymond is of middle highborn status , the family's titles and property granted to the former lord thomas by king jaehaerys after supporting his claim to the throne . their banner is green with a grey heron with two crossed spears behind it , standing atop a golden sun . their house words are " Prosperity through Diligence " .

[c0rpseductor]

striated heron -> lava heron animal i have become amv

[ask-no151]

Star Sending Event Wishlist

Lucifer

"Eh? I mean. 'm not really the type to do these things, but I guess if I gotta pick... somethin' quick to eat's good enough. Like, chips or cookies, or whatever. A book's fine too; can't go wrong with that."

Profile | Toyhouse

Snacks! He favors pastries that aren't overly sweet and are kind of flaky, and also likes salty snacks. Doesn't want anything that could have too overwhelming of a flavor (spices like cinnamon or super sour candies).

Book (singular). (He is small and really doesn't have anything to carry things with! Just one is fine). He likes mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy the most. He'll also appreciate books on history/mythos. A book/story your character is willing to share is also fine!

Wen

"Sure, I'll humor you. Try finding me something I can't get here- I don't exactly have the luxury of leaving, after all, and Arceus knows this dull little spot has nothing going for it but the snow and the lake. Otherwise... something I can use to kill the time. Nothing needlessly complicated or flimsy- hm. How about those little... mini pet things? Find me one of those."

Profile | Toyhouse

Specialty foods/items outside of Sinnoh (Lava cookie, Casteliacone, etc.!) or an original item (food or otherwise) you think would fit a region. Items from different universes/worlds/settings work just as well. If you don't want to work with any of that, something spicy (as in food) will satisfy him well enough. You could get him a plush of something, too (genuinely).

Little virtual pet thing (like Tamagotchi). Genuinely, not a joke, he's curious and would like something as an occasional distraction.

Heron (@skittyanswers)

"Oh! This sounds like it could be fun, uhm- how about plants? Like, not a entire tree or potted one, but a book on them, or something? I know they're different in other places, and I can't just... hop around some other Palkia's universe and take stuff. Or, you can show me something you think's interesting? Trading stories can count as a gift, right?"

Profile | Toyhouse

Book on flora/plants (They're curious about seeing things from other regions/universes. A more traditional book describing them or a book with pressed flowers/leaves with handwritten notes can work!)

Something your character thinks is interesting/a personal treasure (they'll give it back if it's important/sentimental). If it's got a story behind it, they'll gladly listen!

[mirica199]

Lava Bird Fakemon!

The moment I knew these animals existed I knew I had to make them into Pokemon!

Here's Gullava, a Fire Type who is based on a lava gull! It's a literal lava gull!

Gullava can often be found around volcanic areas, their feathers being heat resistant to protect it from the intense heat. Because they have adapted so well to the volcanoes around them, they can step on lava without being burned. It does this to fish for small volcanic rocks it eats; the rocks help Gullava’s firepower and allow it to use stronger Fire moves. It can even surface under the lava for a few minutes before it gets overwhelmed and has to fly back up to recover.

Gullava evolves into Calderon, a Fire Type based on a lava heron, so it's a literal lava heron! I know some might expect them to be Fire/Flying but not every bird Pokemon should be Flying I think :3

Calderon are perfectly adapted to life around volcanic activity, using their long, webbed feet to skim the surfaces of magma and plunge its long neck into the lava to hunt. The red tips of its wings are the hottest part of its body, and during battle the feathers can heat up to scorching temperatures. However, a Calderon will never burn anyone it trusts deliberately.

[i-am-very-heck]

gaah I have so much information bouncing around in my head about my ocs (and also some little hcs abt actual characters) .. throwing all I can put into words under a read more

Jerry

while its reckless behavior and disregard for safety may make it seem like it doesn't know what it's doing, she knows exactly what she's doing . it is fully a choice

she's very skilled at jerry-rigging things

also, she's really good at calculating/estimating what will happen if she introduces a new variable to a situation which often leads it to creating these elaborate rube goldberg machines when it's bored that work almost perfectly the first time they're run

messy coder, it usually results in her bots lashing out at her due to a bug somewhere in there, which in turn gets her hurt

if you're like 6' it can and will climb you to gain the height advantage

Ibis

he's got a bit of the cowrruption in his blood, thanks to his dad

because of this he has like, periods of intensely violent urges

the most recent of these violent times ended up with a phone booth beat the hell up, which he is not proud of at all

turned to pacifism as a way to quell the urges and has since learned some different ways to let out that energy (breaking pencils, screaming into pillows, aggressively baking, etc etc)

honestly if he had the chance he would've joined the baker boys

he's fond of goblin foods!

full of confidence

Heron

such a himbo

most of his scars post-wol are from being on the cow's side of the stampede in 1906 and he's got little stories that go along with em (which I may post later)

he had a wife at one point but sadly she died during childbirth. her name was Cherise.

burning hatred towards clowns. all his compassion goes out the window once he catches sight of one and he'll be one bad interaction away from recreating a rodeo

he loves his son so much and he's so proud of him

als when the stampede happened and all the cows went back to hell or whatever, Heron was left so far east that he had to walk back home and it took a couple months because no one would dare give him a ride home

filed down his horns when ibis was young so he didn't get hurt when playing around

still keeps in contact with gary (or at least his decendants)

S

genuinely he's like both sides of the "someone's gonna die..." "of fun!" meme

she can just shoot ppl so fast that a whole row of ppl will just drop dead once the shots are in the air

they ate a lava fava once and regretted it immediately.

when he was at gun manor things were Tense between him and florence. like she was talking about killing a ghost to a ghost ? yeah thats uncomfy

tbf florence didn't know because like, since like s was an Unnaturally occurring ghost she didn't show up on the radar thing and she didn't want to find out what that zapper did tbh

after the gun manor reckonin' they did tell florence that they were a ghost though lmao so they're all good

misc headcannons

the pencil hobo is so blorbo to me n it makes me so sad he doesn't have a name so I hc his name is Penn

als I'm hcing that the dude who works at the fission chips name is charlie because the pirate restaurant mentions how charlie (the guy above them) is hiding the true sandwiches or something

[psyknight72]

Big fat thread about an unfinished Pokédex

Admittedly, they aren’t very Grass type for a starter line. They are herons/storks that end with a “mad” scientist and windmill motif, the latter is shown better in the G-Max tho. The G-Max is a Don Quijote “Giant” and likely how Homo Floresiensis looked at Flores’ giant storks

Storks are common in Spain and I saw literally a flock of migrating herons from my dad’s car during my childhood, hence why this pick for my grass starter

G-Max Crumenill was mostly inspired in giant flower-”crest” like the ones of Petaldramon or Flowered Sectonia

Hierbill’s neck is like green heron’s neck and Crumenill’s bow tie spins when generating electricity

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The Fire starter line takes inspiration from the origin of the myth of fire salamanders, obviously axolotls/olms and San Juan’s bonfire, as well as something unfortunate about axolotls. This G-Max was the weakest design of the starter trio to be honest

The fire salamander is the most common salamander in Europe. The axolotl details were taken because they give a very good aesthetic and were easy to implement

The loose skin “coat” is meant to look short like a sorcerer cloak. The vivid belly patterns were based on Monster Hunter’s Nibelsnarf and the ones of the G-Max form are meant to look like lava

The unfortunate thing about axolotls is how their skin is damaged by staying too much time out of water. Good to find for the inspiration of this line, but the picture of the poor axolotl so crippled breaks my heart

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Yeah, the Water starter line are literal water bears, tanks in every sense of the word, but as bears with traits of the tardigrade rather than the other way around (because the other is quite overused) and with fun inspiration in spanish stuff

Bathcub’s name was prompted by my friend EventHorizontal

Aside from the Iberian Bear, the traits of diving and astronaut suits and submarines are because the first versions of the suits were made by Spanish people. In the case of the submarine it was just the first armed submarine

Tankursa takes inspiration from Mecha Bun-Bun from The Battle Cats

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The early Normal type line are just really European rabbits with a fun twist, turning into a spanish conqueror. They are super common here and a pest everywhere else, so you get the drill

Mundabitt looks like as if it was permanently startled/curious because I have never seen a rabbit directly that wasn’t like either of those

Clawqueror’s claws are meant to resemble the blades used by the conquerors, but they accurately are like how long rabbit claws are

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The low tier early Bug types are earwigs because it’s very odd that such a mundane insect hasn’t been used by Pokémon yet. They have exaggerated rear pincers because earwigs doesn’t have much else than their butt pincers

The names of both use the spanish translation of buttface combined with words to fit the whole “It thinks it’s way cooler than how it actually is” For the laughs, if I designed their stats, they would get Guillotine hilariously early 

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A regional variant! One of the many that at the end evolved into a new fakemon here. Is Pidove, but became a city pigeon by eating garbage, so it’s just really a regular pigeon

While the whole idea is about the city, domestic and rock pigeons, this character (see until 1:16) was the biggest inspiration for this https://youtu.be/cw2c4r5gkvs?t=53 

As they are Poison type and the colors of the rock pigeon fit with cigarettes, Filftdove’s color are based around these and smoke The fact that regular pigeons have both green and violet was too perfect for a Poison type to let it pass

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Another line of early Bug types that starts as a pitiful worm that decides if to protect the weak as it was or if to get revenge on those who hurt it. Based on Kamen Rider like Lokix for the bug theme (although I made these years before)

Atempupa is mean to represent a punching bag and bandages The fly hero/mosquito villain contrast was short of a joke because as a person with atopic skin, biting flies actually leave worse bites than mosquitoes

Tabanero is literally Kamen Rider. The wings are his scarf and when it goes G-Max it basically goes “Anime hero over the top stuff”, not because Kamen Rider but for fun Maldamo is the leader of Shocker, but it takes heavy inspiration from Parallel Nightmare from Kirby. In fact, Maldamo has no legs

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The early bird fodder here are based on sparrows and immediately in the second stage they are bearded vultures. Bird repeats do change to different species more often than you might think, but it’s honestly cooler to do this

Trituross takes the regular and clay-stained coloration of bearded vultures and nothing else because they are awesome enough

The Ground type was initially because the bone moves motif and added with clay to fit the concept, I didn’t know that bearded vultures ACTUALLY use clay on their feathers until much later

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Pokémon did their own Spanish Grass cat and I decided to do mine. Interestingly both take inspiration from the Cipotegato, which was a funny coincidence, although mine ended inspired in San Jorge’s legend (and the Shrek Puss in Boots) And if you think that Meowscarada is based in the Mars de Foie, you know shit about Spanish culture

The original idea was a rose Pokémon with a rapier (as it’s a Spanish sword) that turned Fairy in reference to the rose that grew from the blood of the dragon that San Jorge killed in his legend and was pretty much a Roserade clone

The concept nailing when like this: 

1- The Tomatina is a well known Spanish tradition that involves a plant

2- Tomatoes and roses are related and their fruits are similar

3- One of the Tomatina’s origin comes from the legend of a harlequin with a cat mask

4- The Shrek’s Puss in Boots is a Spanish cat that wields a rapier

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My Pikaclone here is a shrew because they have an unhinged metabolism and because they were perfect for an Electric/Poison fakemon. Also because with this I could make it more comfortable for my designing style

Originally it didn’t have the white Pikachu-like cheeks, but after Fauxlens suggested these to make it look more like the other Pikaclones I considered and finally used it

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These weren’t for dog Pokémon fodder but more because I wanted to make a literal spanish water dog. While water dogs has been done fittingly as mop dogs, I wanted a different take that ties to poodles as they are hunting dogs

When you think in poodles you usually don’t get the picture of a hunting dog adapted to water, so that’s why I wanted to go in this vein

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This Paras line is just free of harmful fungi and instead have benign symbiotic edible mushrooms. As child I always saw Parasect as a crab-spider thing rather than as a stylized cicada, so that’s why Matantis is like a mix of mantis and oil beetle with some fun in the mix

Certain oil beetles in Spain are called Aceiteras, which translates as oil container. Although subtle, the long body and nose are meant to be like a bottle of cooking oil

The mantis part is because the mushroom “buns” were inspired from Monster Hunter’s armor piece Chaos Cap, which is based in Chun-Li clothing

It isn’t Fighting because it was originally going to be Normal type and since it looks like an ugly Chun-Li and mantises just do fighting moves for bluffing, it was fitting

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These Timburs use sacks instead of their regular tools to steal things from others. It’s based in a rural sport called “Smuggler Race” that involves carrying sacks like these Before you ask, yes, I played the chorizo pun and yes, Chorerurr is just a politician

The chorizo thing is a pun because we use chorizo for the sausage but an old term for “to steal” was “chorar” and thus saying “ser un chorizo” equals to “to be a thief”

The Dark type was initially a bit forced in the most early versions but aside from the Smuggler Race, the sacks that they use were going to be the shed skin of another fakemon based on the man of the sack, a version of the spanish boogeyman, which was Dark type

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Making an ice skating Surkist’s evo isn’t mindblowing, but I wanted to do my own take because it’s fun

Skice’s design takes inspiration from the main character of the Nitrome games’ Frostbite and its Spin Off Thin Ice, mostly on the latter

In fact, its lore would have involved sinking opponents by cutting circles in the ice just like that character

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My first shiny ever was a Yanma in Platinum. As I lost the game eons ago, I made this to tribute it. This Yanma is a dragonfly nymph and the evolution, aside from the overused dragonfly pun, is based in a damselfly, which in Spanish they get the name of “Horses of the devil”

Damselflies’ Spanish name inspired some pretty cool pictures like this and became the main inspiration for Diablanma

Since it’s “horse”-like, it was intended to be a flying Poke Ride

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This Tynamo line is all about love and passion, two things that lampreys absolutely don’t have. They bite and thrash to make babies, so for this absolutely anti-romantic fact I wanted to make this joke

The palette was inspired by the Spanish dish of lamprey cooked in their own blood and the Tinto River and the “burning passion” idea came because male lampreys have a special cord that heathens by pyrocells when reproducing

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This variant of Rolycoly is quite literally the Ave trains because in Shinaipa they breed Rolycoly to not use coal and be more ecologic. They served me for years to see my father after my parents divorced The penguin part is because ave means bird and because an inner joke about how the train stations in where I live are very cold

The idea for the G-Max was going to be the full train but as a goofy vertically elongated penguin which move would be called G-Max Delay This, combined with Stall as a possible ability, is because these trains basically always get late

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At this point these last lines didn’t get any lore because I was approaching the burnout of this dex, but for context, this one is based on the Gamusino. Essentially a fictional animal to prank strangers and kids Likely, I would have made its lore being a non legendary Pokémon so rare that people often doubt that it actually exists despite being recognized in the Pokedex

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Based on the cases of witchcraft and witch-hunting in Zugarramurdi. They became vengeful wraiths after being burnt to death and use the fire that killed them to cast fireballs. Zugaruja’s eyes aren’t usually seen, but when you see them, you can feel the deep hatred of it This is what happens when you don’t expect the Spanish inquisition

This line went through many many concepts around the same basis and while I didn’t bother in making Zugaruja’s G-Max, it would have been based around Drawcia Soul

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These variants are based on the Gaizkin, a mythological vasque creature that sickens sleeping people by putting under their beds rooster heads made with feathers. You likely won’t find much about them because for some reason the info about these has become somehow more scarce through years

Their lore is that they were evil creatures that were ridiculed with chicken-like bodies as a punishment

The last evo, just like Grimmsnarl, is actually way thinner than how it looks due the feathers making its bulk Its G-Max would have been roughly in the giant bird of The Claw (1957)

Baba Yaga ideas would have been fitting but very odd to use on this and not in Zugaruja’s one

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The last two lines that were going to make into the dex were based around two ice poles we have here, starting kinda goofy but turning awesome for no reason. In this case they were based on Dracula poles

The pre-evo would have been able to sneeze icicles and the evo would have gotten an ability that boost 30% damage when hailing/snow, basically having recoilless Life Orb and a free item slot in hail/snow The more I think about it, the evo is quite literally ice Noivern. Btw, this is the ice cream I’m talking about

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These are based on the Frigo Pie, an ice cream that looks like a foot, for some reason Anyways, these go from red footed boobies to a short of mix of animals aiming for something like an owl bear because I wanted some short of abominable snow monster

I really mixed design traits to make the evo look cool, but I think that I was really thinking in some of the Frostbite’s creatures in my unconscious when doing this one

And this is the weird Frigo Pie

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These didn’t convince me at the end, but these are the only ones of the good bunch of non-designed ideas and concepts that got a design We have in Spain the legend of the Black Hand, a ghostly severed hand thing. Since I wanted to make a sock puppet for fun, I thought in making a counterpart since in Pokémon we have the White Hand

Aside from the ghostly hands inspiration, they are also themed on Master and Crazy Hand. In fact, the Crazy Hand one’s glove isn’t patched by needlework, it was added with staplers

The Crazy pre-evo is meant to look like that disgruntled Kermit’s face

 Oh and yes, those translucid parts are bones. Of humans? Yes and no, but I will just leave that in the air

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And that’s it. Thank you if you went through the full thing

[moltandlava]

Best Websites for Men's Streetwear

In the world of fashion, streetwear has carved out a niche that blends comfort, creativity, and cultural relevance. Men's streetwear has evolved from a subculture to a mainstream phenomenon, attracting the attention of fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike. But not all streetwear is created equal. For those who are looking to invest in high-end streetwear clothing and designer streetwear, finding the right online stores can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned streetwear collector or just starting to explore this style, here are some of the best websites that offer premium options for men's streetwear.

1. SSENSE

SSENSE is a go-to destination for those who appreciate a mix of high fashion and streetwear. This Montreal-based online retailer is known for curating an impressive selection of designer streetwear from renowned brands like Off-White, Balenciaga, and Fear of God. The website’s sleek interface and easy navigation make it a favorite among fashion-forward individuals. SSENSE also offers exclusive collaborations that are often difficult to find elsewhere, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their streetwear collection with unique pieces.

2. End Clothing

End Clothing has established itself as a leading retailer for premium men's fashion, including high-end streetwear clothing. With a vast range of brands like A Bathing Ape, Nike, and Stone Island, End Clothing offers something for every streetwear enthusiast. The site is particularly well-regarded for its limited-edition drops and collaborations, which often sell out quickly. End Clothing's blog and style guides are also great resources for those looking to stay updated on the latest trends in streetwear.

3. Farfetch

Farfetch is a global marketplace that connects shoppers with luxury boutiques from around the world. For those seeking designer streetwear, Farfetch offers a wide array of options from brands like Heron Preston, Palm Angels, and Vetements. The platform is known for its exceptional customer service and fast shipping, making it a reliable choice for purchasing high-end streetwear. Farfetch also provides a unique opportunity to discover emerging designers who are making waves in the streetwear scene.

4. Molt & Lava

When it comes to combining luxury with streetwear, Molt & Lava stands out as a brand that effortlessly bridges the gap between high fashion and urban culture. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, Molt & Lava offers high-end streetwear clothing that is both stylish and timeless. Their collection features everything from statement hoodies to sleek joggers, all designed to make a lasting impression. Whether you're looking for a bold piece to complete your outfit or a versatile staple, Molt & Lava has something to suit your taste.

5. Grailed

For those who love the thrill of the hunt, Grailed is an online marketplace where users can buy and sell pre-owned luxury and streetwear items. This platform is particularly popular for finding rare and vintage designer streetwear pieces from brands like Supreme, Rick Owens, and Raf Simons. Grailed’s community-driven approach means that you can often score deals on items that are hard to find anywhere else. The platform also offers buyer protection, ensuring that your purchases are secure.

6. Kith

Kith has become synonymous with modern streetwear, thanks to its innovative designs and influential collaborations. The brand's online store is a treasure trove for anyone looking for high-end streetwear clothing that is both functional and fashionable. Kith frequently collaborates with other top-tier brands, resulting in exclusive collections that are highly sought after. From graphic tees to luxury sneakers, Kith’s offerings are perfect for those who want to stay ahead of the curve in streetwear fashion.

7. Hypebeast Store

Hypebeast, originally a streetwear blog, has grown into a major player in the fashion industry with its own online store. The Hypebeast Store is a curated selection of the best in designer streetwear from both established and up-and-coming brands. Here, you’ll find everything from bold graphic tees to limited-edition sneakers, all embodying the spirit of street culture. The site also features exclusive drops and collaborations, making it a must-visit for serious streetwear aficionados.

8. MR PORTER

While MR PORTER is primarily known for its luxury menswear, the site also offers a well-curated selection of high-end streetwear clothing. With brands like AMI, Officine Generale, and Acne Studios, MR PORTER provides a more refined take on streetwear, catering to those who appreciate quality and craftsmanship. The site’s editorial content is also top-notch, offering style advice and trend insights that can help you put together the perfect streetwear look.

Why Choose High-End Streetwear?

Investing in high-end streetwear clothing is more than just following a trend; it's about owning pieces that reflect your personal style and values. High-end streetwear is often characterized by superior materials, innovative designs, and limited production runs, making each piece a unique addition to your wardrobe. Brands like Molt & Lava are at the forefront of this movement, offering collections that are not only stylish but also durable and ethically produced.

Conclusion

The world of designer streetwear is vast and ever-evolving, with new trends and brands emerging all the time. By shopping at the right websites, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your wardrobe is always up-to-date with the latest in streetwear fashion. Whether you're looking for the latest drop or a timeless piece to elevate your style, these websites offer the best in high-end streetwear clothing. So go ahead and explore these platforms, and don’t forget to check out Molt & Lava for premium streetwear that truly stands out.

By following these recommendations, you'll be well on your way to building a streetwear collection that is both stylish and enduring. Happy shopping!

This Blog Is Originally Published At: https://moltandlava.blogspot.com/2024/08/best-websites-for-mens-streetwear.html

[ailurinae]

Nah, that's a lava heron, and I don't buy it being a subspecies of striated heron. Some groups already recognize it as a full species, also there is a thesis from 2023 arguing for elevation to full species

Week of 06OCT2024 Answers

Answers hidden under the cut.

323 - Northern Parula by @nohriantomatoes

324 - White Wagtail by @etchif

325 - American Robin by @strawberrygiorno

326 - Turkey Vulture by @dryad-lesbians

327 - Striated Heron by @yellow-octopus

328 - Ring-billed Gull by @taszzer

329 - Canada Goose by @strawberrygiorno

How many birds did you get right? Consider adding correct birds to your WTB Life List!

As always, birding is a cooperative experience. Help your fellow birders out by discussing key features that help identity and distinguish a bird in the notes.

Finally, let's give a feathery thank you to this week's submitters.

Keep the game alive! Submit a bird HERE