#learning with Mage

[enneamage]

Greetings everyone, today I’m going to talk about Fawn™️ and Fawning.

Fawn is the people-pleasing instinct that comes from a similar place that Fight Flight and Freeze do. Talking about fawn is a bit complicated because unlike explaining stuff with “you see a bear wyd” panic responses, fawning happens 90% between people and the way it can present is as complicated as interpersonal relationships are.

A lot of the conversation around Fawn is in complex ptsd circles because of how prevalent it can become after being exposed to dangerous power dynamics where someone can’t afford to upset someone else, but the ‘ability’ to fawn is a potential in most people even if they don’t have trauma. Going back to the bear for a minute, giving the bear all your food so you stay on its good side and doesn’t attack you would be an example. Outside of the bear example you could start people-pleasing at the threat of the loss or disapproval of someone (both very subjective- this is the more textured human part) by offering things, faking agreement, minimising your own needs or bargaining/begging.

Not all people-pleasing is fawning in the same way that not all arguments or fear are fight/flight responses, so it takes some eyeballing to get a sense of when someone is fawning. Keep an eye out for situations where someone is in a (subjectively) high-adrenaline situation or under stress. On the flip side, fawning can kind of get watered down into patterns everyday life in the same way that fight and flight can in terms of traits/patterns- someone who ‘prefers’ to smooth things over (at all costs) vs someone who ‘prefers’ to get angry vs someone who ‘prefers’ to just leave.

[snuffysbox]

hello yes I love her already ngl

[unsanctitude]

⭕⬅😨THE SQUEEMERRRRRRR

[itseghost]

sketch of my warden :] really enjoying origins so far

[therestofmyfandoms]

okay but brennan describing the Rat Grinders as "level 20 features, but without the builds to back them up" when, all season long, the Bad Kids have proven time and time again that what wins their fights are not the sick ass abilites that come with higher levels, but the basic, most fundamental of cantrips and first level spells. the work that Bless has done for them is so incomprehensible to the Rat Grinders. this is why they're being fucking slaughtered. they just dont understand

[telanadasvhenan]

you see wolf & Deer symbolism and go predator & prey, I see pride & wisdom parallels, we are not the same

[mariyekos]

I like to imagine Dante's able to use some basic magic beyond just typical demonic stuff. In the opening of DMC1, a magic circle appears below Trish when Dante shoots the motorcycle back at her, so I like to think Dante knows some basic spells, wards, and the like. For the most part he uses it for little things like making a special lock for his Devil Arm vault, maybe heating up soup or a drink that's gone cold, and so on, rather than any combat things. Dante's spells are not at all refined and he doesn't have a natural talent for it, per se, but he has a lot of power he can put into things so he often ends up brute forcing whatever it is. It's not necessarily efficient, but it works, and that's all he cares about. He's not really interested in most precise or specific things.

Vergil on the other hand has a lot more control and a much greater interest in magic in general. A post DMC5 Vergil (and pre DMC3) would use magic a lot more often, and without as much prep. He spent a lot of time learning different charms etc. to use in daily life, and he's a lot more elegant about it. Some he learned when on the run and trying to hide from demons, while others he learned when trying to track down Sparda, and others still he learned for purely convenience reasons. Post DMC5 he gets a lot more into it than he did pre DMC3 when it was more a thing of survival, even if it had the convenience aspect back then too. He's the kind of person who would learn spells for the sake of knowing them, and while he prefers using demonic abilities in combat, he might try to learn a magical combat spell or two just to see what it's like. He mostly sticks to practical things though (which sit on the border of practicality, but he considers them practical, uses them often, and makes Dante's magic look like child's play).

On the magical third (regrown!) hand, Nero's absolutely horrible at magic, to the point of not being able to do basically anything. He's got the magical reserves, but unlike Vergil who can cast precise spells with relatively little effort, or Dante who gets through spells by basically overloading them until they work, Nero just can't get magic to work for him at all. Lessons with Vergil end with him stomping out when he gets fed up with Vergil commenting on how easy it should be, while attempts to get Dante to explain how he casts magic end in frustration when Dante's explanations basically start and end at "I dunno, it, it just works." Sure Nero can memorize and draw a warding sigil perfectly, but any and all attempts to get it to actually do anything end in failure.

Kyrie, in a reveal that surprises everyone, most of all herself, is apparently extremely talented at magic, which she does not know until she sees Nero trying and failing to activate a warding sigil Vergil taught him, puts a finger on it so she can trace over it as she reviews Nero's work in case he messed something up, and inadvertently activates it. After that they end up doing some testing and discover Kyrie is a natural when it comes to magic. The only problem is that while casting spells, activating sigils, and the like come easily to her, her magical reserves are rather small, limiting what she's able to do. When she first activates the sigil Nero had drawn, she ends up unable to get up and Nero has to carry her to bed (which she insists he doesn't have to do, because she just needs a minute to catch her breath, but he insists on)

Nico is stoked to hear about this and ends up figuring out a way to essentially fit Kyrie and Nero with a magic converter that allows Kyrie to draw on the magical reserves Nero can't utilize so that she can use them for whatever she wants to. While Kyrie isn't someone who really cares to use magic for things in her daily life like Dante and Vergil, she does use it to make little charms for the kids, and to establish wards around the house to protect them from demon attacks and other small misfortunes. She and Vergil end up bonding a little bit as he teaches her the spells and other bits of magic Nero was never able to pick up on.

(Vergil himself feels a mixture of pride at how quickly she picks up on things with his instruction, and jealousy when he sees how good she is at things first or second try when he knows it took him a good five or ten attempts to get it down when he was first learning. Kyrie notices and tells him that he's still much better than her in the long run since he's able to use magic without needing a separate "battery" to power him, but Nero absolutely digs into Vergil about it when Kyrie isn't there. Dante meanwhile finds it all hilarious. But he and Nero are pretty proud of Kyrie too.)

[thedeadthree]

𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐆𝐄: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐄𝐈𝐋𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃 ➸ irulanne . the rook .

𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 . 𝐄𝐋𝐅 . 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐄 .

-`. template by @kanos . coloring . icons .

✧ ― 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 (ask to be added or removed or interact 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!!):

@pavus, @wlwaerith, @shadowsofrose, @grapecaseschoices, @nokstella

@queennymeria, @risingsh0t, @carrionsflower, @leviiackrman, @griffin-wood

@confidentandgood, @aceghosts, @tommyarashikage, @shadowglens, @yharnams

@anoras, @theelderhazelnut, @florbelles, @celticwoman, @pinkfey

@kyberinfinitygems, @cloudofbutterflies92, @carlosoliveiraa, @shellibisshe, @adelaidedrubman

@lavampira, @capelizabeth, @socially-awkward-skeleton, @statichvm, @unholymilf

@aezyrraeshh, @imogenkol, @aceghosts, @full---ofstarlight, @ellierenae

[mollysunder]

For now, it's about 50/50 for whether or not these mysterious people that were included in the new trailer are members of the Gloriously Evolved. For fun, I'm going to break down why these people might be entirely unrelated to Viktor.

First, their bodies are clearly inlaid with gold, which does not replace their flesh. In the brief scene we get of these people the gold works as a conduit between their melodies and the magic around them. Meanwhile hexcore has entirely transformed Viktor's hand and leg into metal.

We know that Viktor's entire hand and leg have turned completely into metal because not only do his limbs make metal clinking noises and conduct electricity, but the animators on Bridging the Rift confirm it.

I've also seen some mention that the markings on the faces of these unknown characters represent Viktor's touch when he "healed" them. Upon closer inspection each character does have a five markings on their face, but they're detailed runes rather than Viktor's hand print, implying this may be related to a more intricate ritual rather than Viktor simply laying his hand on them and transforming them with the hexcore.

Really, these people have magic more similar to Mel Medarda. Mel is the one who appears to wear magical gold embedded in her skin to serve as protection magic. What Mel is doing with magic is likely far more simple compared to these people, but it's in the same vein. And that may be the entire point.

Viktor and his cult are the outliers. Whatever Viktor has done in season 1, and what he will continue to do in season 2 is a divergence (possibly perversion) of how magic should work/be treated in the rest of Runeterra, which makes sense! Viktor literally said he doesn't know what he's doing, he just keeps going.

What's likely happening in this scene is that some sect of mages, maybe they're acolytes of the mage that saved Jayce have become aware of the magical shenanigans in PnZ... and it's bad.

Then again, I haven't seen the leaks. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think this is all worth pointing out. (This is not a solicitation to tell what happens in the leaks).

[vigilskeep]

after 12 years indoors spending your first trip outside in the darkspawn infested korcari wilds like actually maybe towers are for the best

[front-facing-pokemon]

[teeth-draws]

He’s trying to be cool about it but he shouldn’t have opened that and you should probably get out of there…

[amamozarte]

Finally caved and made a dunmeshi oc… meet Iroha :D she’s a hedonist fun loving ogre girl who’s currently traveling the world and bar hopping. She loves alcohol and gambling (enough to get exiled from the Eastern Archipelago about it) and will socialize with just about anyone.

[drbtinglecannon]

Really getting into the doomed human/elf relationships lately

[wordy-little-witch]

CoS Incorrect Quotes hours the brain rot is rotting the brain lmaoooooooo

P.S. While spoilers are limited, I also Refuse The Ending and so 95% of stuff is in my own little made up parallel reality bc ShepNax Sparks Joy

Kana: What's the most illegal thing you can do with one gold?

Shepherd, running on VERY little sleep: Exchange it for a hundred coppers, put them all in a sock, and then beat someone to death with it.

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Professor Clayton: Your smug self-assuredness is revolting.

Sarnax: I think we need to validate self confidence more, lest you end up angry at others for having even a sliver of it. I have done nothing wrong and I have a heart of gold.

Victoria: I think this message is extremely valid, but also Sarnax has implied wanting to set off the Yellowstone supervolcano, so what's the truth?

Sarnax: I want to set it off.

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Victoria: Let’s not Professor this into a worse situation than it already is.

Clayton: Did you just use my name as a verb?

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Shepherd, completely deadpan: Well, needless to say. Uh-oh Spaghetti-os.

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Professor: A mosquito tried to bite me and I slapped it and killed it.

Professor: And I started thinking.

Professor: Like, it was just trying to get food.

Professor: What if I went to the fridge and it just slammed the door shut and snapped my neck?

Victoria: Are you ok?

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Victoria: We need a way to lure in Vistani assistance

Kana: Perhaps we could arrange an entertainment event.

Sarnax: We could give them Shepherd's bath water.

Shepherd: ABSOLUTELY NOT!

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Kana, to Shepherd: You drink too much, swear too much, and your morals are highly questionable.

Shepherd: …

Kana: You are everything I’ve ever wanted in a best friend.

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Shepherd: I like to think of myself as a semi responsible adult here.

Kana: Sarnax is 70% of your impulse control and you know this Shepherd.

Sarnax: I feel like Shepherd is the more responsible one of us two though.

Shepherd: We are both 70% of each others' impulse control.

Sarnax: that is a fair assessment

Shepherd: Just two bastards in pinwheel hats spinning on the merry-go-round at dangerous velocities, holding each other’s hands so the other doesn’t fall off.

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Professor: I refuse to apologize for being weird or off-putting. That’s actually your problem. I’m having a fantastic time!

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Sarnax, to Victoria: you are harboring a deep wickedness....

Shepherd: whooooa, buddy, I didn't expect this from you!

Kana: yes, Sarnax, I had not expected you to be homophobic.

Sarnax: wh- no? I am not homophobic!

Professor: sounds like something a homophobe would say - especially after such a blatant call on her rights to love who she wishes!

Sarnax: ...... I do not care if you enjoy kissing women, love is love, but I draw the line at Strandanya

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Victoria: In my defense, I was left unsupervised.

Kana: Wasn’t the Professor with you?

Professor: In my defense, I was also left unsupervised.

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Shepherd: I like to play this game called nap roulette. I take a nap and don’t set an alarm. Will it be 20 min or 4 hours? Nobody knows. It’s risky and I like it. There might be dragons.

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Shepherd: If I say yes am I joining a cult?

Sarnax: From a certain point of view.

Shepherd: I’m in.

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Victoria: Hey, aren’t you Professor Clayton?

Professor: You a cop?

Victoria: No.

Professor: Then yes, I am.

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Sarnax: Honestly, I am so ominous and off-putting. So full of dark, cultish knowledge. I feed on the souls of the enemies I strike fear into -

Kana: You cuddle with a lantern nightlight to sleep.

Sarnax: Gherix is a protective and warm God, you're just jealous.

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Shepherd: Life keeps fucking me and I can't remember the safeword.

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Victoria: You don't need my blessing to go kiss Sarnax. In fact, I was pretty sure you were already kissing Sarnax!

Shepherd: Nope.

Victoria: In that case, as the archbishop of Shepherd's fully awakened gaydom, I give you my blessing to immediately leave and rectify that as soon as possible! Go now, my child, and kiss Sarnax right on the scaley lips!!!

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Victoria: Do you have any skeletons in your closet?

Professor: Literally or figuratively?

Victoria: I have to specify?

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Shepherd: alright, anything you'd like to add, Sarnax?

Sarnax: there are several things I would like to add-

Shepherd: -anything not involving Gherix?

Sarnax: in that case, no.

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Shepherd: *banging a pen on the table out of frustration*

Sarnax: Do not do that, Shepherd. How would you feel if I banged you on the table?

Shepherd: I—

Shepherd: I don’t know the correct answer to that question.

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Professor: Respect my trans homies or I’m gonna identify as a fucking problem.

Shepherd+Victoria: :)

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Professor: Who hurt you?

Shepherd: *snorting* What, do you want a list?

Professor: ...Yes, actually.

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Professor: HYDRATE OR DIE-DRATE!

Professor: *aggressively throws water bottles*

Sarnax: Uh... what is the professor doing?

Kana: He us attempting to yell mental health and wellbeing into us.

Professor: I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU!

Victoria, crying: It's working.

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Kana: It's pretty cold outside.. wanna hold hands? We should stay close.

Victoria, blushing: Okay.

Professor: It's fucking summer.

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Shepherd, trying to comfort Victoria: What's the problem? Anxiety? Low self-esteem? Obsessive thoughts of random arson? I've been there.

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Victoria: Well, if you're not at least a little bit gay for your friends, then what kind of friend are you?

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Shepherd: Do you support gay rights?

Victoria: I’m literally gay.

Kana: She's avoiding the question!

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Shepherd: To be honest, I'm kinda pissed that I'm not asleep in bed next to the love of my life in a cottage with no obligations other than waterin' my vegetable garden and tendin' the herds.

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Arabelle: so I saw a bunch of older kids running around and being weird, will I be like that when I get bigger? Is that what puberty is?? Puberty is weird if that's what it's like.

Shepherd: puberty is really weird, kid, take it from me - i did that shit twice.

Clayton, choking on his tea: OHMYGOD-

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Tommy, upon learning his dad Shepherd is trans: oh. Can I ask a question?

Shep: yeah buddy, what is it?

Tommy: so if you're a man but had to make yourself comfy like this, then can I get horns like you? The same way?

Shep, mildly emotional: ah, not quite like that. But we can certainly make you a headband, bud.

Tommy: YAY

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BONUS

The Doc: I've only had Silas for a day and a half but if any of you fuckers come for him, I'll burn this whole gods damned continent to the ground.

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Shepherd: *trying to buy a Father's Day card*

Shepherd: Excuse me, do you have any that just say "You are my dad"

Associate: Well, I-

Shepherd: How about "You're stuck with me"

Associate: No...

Shepherd: You know what, I'll just get a blank one.

Shepherd: *writes* You are a father. This is a day. Here is a card. XOXO no refunds...

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Doc: Yes, I'm adopting Shepherd and you cowards can't tell me no!

The townsfolk: Doc, you can't-

Doc: WATCH ME

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Shepherd: whatever doesn't kill me vetterstart running, because now I'm fuckin' pissed

Doc, who taught him everything he knows: THAT'S MY BOY

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Baby Shep: I made this friendship bracelet for you.

Doc: You know, I’m not really a jewelry person.

Baby Shep: You don’t have to wear-

Doc: No, I’m gonna wear it forever. Back off.

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[demonic0angel]

Log #3 of Damian’s letters to his grandfather (click for clarity)

Inspired by this.

[Dear Alfred,

Thank you for letting us use your contact! We had a safe journey to Sea Town :) Damian loved the pony, even if he won’t admit it and he got super attached, but we managed to give it back anyways.

Don’t worry about your fabric! It should arrive to you along with this letter in the next week or so. We also included some books that we found that we thought you’d like. Damian chose the ones with the blank covers and the ones in other languages, I got the one about gardening. We hope you enjoy them.

Our lead in Rowan City was another bust. I’m afraid that Damian is distraught. His nightmares are getting worse and I worry that my powers can’t help him further. I found that our lead may have been another dead end but I remembered smelling fish on them and clues led to us to believe that they may have been in Sea Town before entering Rowan City. We plan to investigate rumors there for the Laughing Demon so it’ll be another month again.

We’ll be late again, sorry Alfred.

In your next care package, can you also include that bread you made for us last time? I’ve been craving it for days but mail takes so long to come to us, even with Damian’s birds :(

Thanks, Alfred!

Sincerely,

Danny

P.S. Damian misses you but he says that he doesn’t. I think the next time we see you, you should reteach him some honesty :)]

(A hastily scribbled on note is at the end, written in Damian’s handwriting)

[Alfred, do not listen to him he is a liar and he wishes to make me suffer for eating the last of the bread please ignore him I am very honest I assure you]