#long post tw.

[kinlochs]

anyways here's wonderwall (2024 farewell post of cool people,)

SINCE i must return to despair at work tonight at an unreasonable time of the night once again (#airport problems) i figured id make a little appreciation most for super cool people on here! some of you haven't written with me yet but you have sick vibes and i love ur content so i will admire from afar....... im just obnoxiously happy that the da rp scene came back with a vengeance on here. it's so fun to write. it's my favorite. and it's full of great people!!!!!!

@sorrowsick bane of my existence. eternally damned to torture one another. SUPER creative and can bang out awesome plots and ocs like literally no one else!!!!

@miidnighters we've been hanging out for a while and i still can't get over how well put together your ocs are! you're so passionate about them and it makes me so soft inside!!!

@weishaupts i LOVE athera she is the loml. iconic. JUST like you. i can't believe we've managed to follow each other around on all of these different dragon age blogs this entire time,

@ofthewildes / @hallamshivanas / @7thtalon don't know how mel hasn't thrown me off of a mountain yet for our shenanigans. i cannot stress how beautiful and vivid your writing is alongside the dedication you have to your muses! it's so easy to see how much you care for them and im always smashing that like button for all of ur posts

@geracht / @gwuein high key i had never given much consideration to rowan, maric or loghain before you began talking about them, and now i'm emotionally invested and im going to kill you. not to mention how you write anders! you know him inside and out and it's amazing!

@grtivas i don't believe we've written together yet but i saw u from across the dash and i really liked ur vibe..... also im high key reading all of the crow threads like a novella. AND cackling at your follies with origins

@dcvium NIMUE.......im holding her face between my hands and squishing it!!!!! she deserves happiness. cassian is still nervous about her whole Thing but im SURE theyll work it out eventually

@cuerrvox merrill is so close to my heart it simply makes me happy to see your blog pop up on my dash whether it's ic or ooc content!!!!!

@prophetries giving me all of the religious angst im craving/clashing ideologies/slowest slow burn in existence...........im in love with evelyn

@archonoclasm WONDERFUL portrayal of dorian every time i catch wind of one of your threads i feel like dorian just started yelling at me from my screen???

@inevestigator i ALSO have to give kudos to you! you bring neve to life and i always thought she was a difficult character to nail on the head when it comes to portrayal because of how subtle her nuances are!

@tideveil alys my beloved.......... im such a sucker for multi warden scenarios. im glad that they have each other throughout it all. it's heartbreaking to see them lean on one another through such a difficult timeline

@wayan9an once again i am reading every lore drop like a book. you put so much work into your muses it's so inspiring. the attention to detail is crazy.

these are but a small small small sample of everyone i appreciate on the dash and if i didn't mention you outright PLEASE know that i am so grateful for you and your company. hopefully in the new year we'll have twice the fun!!!!!!

[drekkavacarc]

𝐀  𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋  𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊  𝐘𝐎𝐔!!!

As  many  of  you  may  know  ...  I've  been  going  through  a  hell  of  a  time  recently.  I'm  not  going  to  get  into  it  all  ,  because  that's  𝐍𝐎𝐓  what  this  post  is  about.  This  post  ,  is  meant  for  me  to  thank  some  people  who  have  gone  the  𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐑𝐀  𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄  to  reach  out  to  me  ,  &  make  sure  that  I  am  doing  okay.  It's  been  really  helpful  to  keep  my  head  up  &  keep  swimming  through  all  of  this  ,  &  you  guys  really  have  𝐍𝐎  𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐀  how  much  you  guys  have  actually  saved  me  recently.

These  people  are  real  ,  𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄  additions  to  the  rpc  ,  &  definitely  people  I  will  be  going  to  bat  for  in  the  future.  Thank  you  so  much  for  all  the  support  ,  love  ,  &  just  generally  caring  about  me.

So  without  further  a  do  ...  Lets  get  to  being  𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐅𝐔𝐋  ...

@vintertsarn  &  @scores-of-antiheroes.  We've  been  going  through  this  together  ,  &  I  have  to  publicly  thank  one  of  my  partner's  &  their  partner  first  &  foremost.  It's  been  a  good  feeling  knowing  that  no  matter  what  happens  ...  We're  in  this  together.  So  thank  you  guys  for  being  there.

@depictedmorada  ,  @wormholxtreme  &  @renownedagent.  These  people  have  been  so  giving  recently.  &  also  just  reaching  out  &  making  sure  I'm  doing  okay.  You  guys  have  helped  me  remember  i'm  not  alone  ,  &  Isabel  ...  You  sweet  sweet  flower.  You  have  been  so  so  so  helpful  when  I  just  wanna  curl  up  &  give  up.  Thank  you  so  much  for  the  extra  attention  &  being  so  giving  recently.

@halfdent  ,  @katarinawilliams  &  @urbanoath.  New  people  to  my  mutuals  list  ,  but  I  couldn't  be  more  thankful  for  you  three.  These  three  have  been  checking  in  just  about  every  day  ,  &  have  shown  me  just  how  much  people  here  still  care  about  people  here  as  more  than  just  a  blog  ,  but  we're  𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄.  There  really  aren't  enough  people  out  there  like  these  people.  They  are  good  people  ,  who  care  about  people.  &  I  swear  to  God  I'm  tearing  up  writing  this  right  now.  Thank  you.

𝐈  𝐀𝐋𝐒𝐎  𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐀  𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊  𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘  𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑  𝐌𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋  𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄!  Even  if  you've  just  liked  my  posts  ,  or  commented  on  them  wishing  me  well  ,  I  want  to  thank  each  &  every  one  of  you  as  well.  It  really  ,  really  means  the  world  to  me.  I  don't  celebrate  Thanksgiving  ,  but  I  support  the  energy  of  being  thankful  this  time  of  year  ,  for  the  people  &  things  we  𝐃𝐎  𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄  ,  &  despite  how  scared  I  am  for  my  future  ...  I  am  so  so  thankful  for  the  things  𝐈  𝐃𝐎  𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄  ,  &  it's  because  of  these  people  specifically  that  that  has  been  easier  to  do  right  not.

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌  𝐓𝐇𝐄  𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐌  𝐎𝐅  𝐌𝐘  𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓  ...  𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊  𝐘𝐎𝐔.

[kingscyrus]

WEAKNESS HEADCANON.

In the "King's Journey" verse, Cyrus Leonhardt is renowned for his incredible resilience, unparalleled strength, and unbreakable will. His immense power, both physical and mystical, makes him a nearly invincible force on the battlefield and an indomitable ruler in his kingdom. However, the legend tells of a single, perilous way to subdue this formidable King of Kings: the use of ancient bindings and high-level black magic.

The Legend of the Ancient Bindings

Origin:

The ancient bindings are remnants of a bygone era, crafted by a long-forgotten civilization that feared the rise of beings with extraordinary powers. These bindings were designed not just to hold but to suppress the very essence of their captive's abilities. The lore suggests that these bindings were forged in the heart of a dying star, infused with rare metals and enchanted by the most powerful sorcerers of the age.

Description:

The bindings appear as dark, almost obsidian chains, etched with runes that shimmer with an eerie, otherworldly light. Each link is inscribed with spells of suppression and control (in ancient and forgotten language.) designed to neutralize any form of resistance. When wrapped around a target, these chains sink into the flesh, merging with the body and sapping the strength and will of the captive.

High-Level Black Magic

The Ritual:

Subduing Cyrus requires more than just the physical bindings; it necessitates a complex ritual of high-level black magic, performed by a sorcerer of unmatched skill and dark intent. The ritual involves a series of incantations that tap into the darkest corners of the magical realm, drawing on the power of shadow and chaos.

1. Preparation:

- The ritual must be conducted during a lunar eclipse, a time when the barriers between worlds are weakest.

- A circle of power must be drawn with blood, surrounded by sigils representing control, suppression, and darkness.

- The ancient bindings must be anointed with a mixture of rare herbs and the blood of a willing sacrifice, amplifying their power.

2. Invocation:

- The sorcerer recites the incantations in a forgotten tongue, calling upon ancient spirits and dark entities to lend their strength.

- As the spell progresses, the air thickens with a palpable darkness, and the ground trembles with the power being unleashed.

- The bindings are placed on Cyrus, and the runes begin to glow, responding to the magic being channeled.

3. Binding:

- The final words of the incantation seal the ritual, and the chains tighten, merging with Cyrus's flesh.

- The runes flare brightly before dimming, signifying the activation of their suppressive power.

The Effects on Cyrus

When the ancient bindings and high-level black magic are successfully used on Cyrus, the effects are profound:

1. Physical Weakness:

The chains drain Cyrus's strength, making even the simplest movements a struggle. His once invincible body becomes frail, unable to muster the power that once defined him.

2. Suppression of Abilities:

The magical nature of the bindings suppresses his enhanced senses, agility, and resilience. His shifting abilities, the hidden power within him, are completely locked away, rendering him unable to transform or access his latent potential.

3. Psychological Impact:

The suppression isn't just physical; the magic seeps into his mind, dulling his will and spirit. The indomitable will that once drove him becomes clouded, and his unbreakable resolve begins to waver.

The Aftermath

The use of such dark and powerful magic leaves lasting scars, both on Cyrus and the world around him. The ritual itself disrupts the natural balance, leaving a lingering aura of darkness and despair. Those who dare to perform it are often marked by the entities they invoked, their souls tainted by the darkness they wielded.

Cyrus, once subdued, becomes a shadow of his former self. The people of his kingdom, who once looked up to their unyielding king, are left in turmoil, searching for a way to break the ancient bindings and restore their leader. The legend suggests that only an act of true love or a sacrifice of equal power can shatter the bindings and release Cyrus from his cursed imprisonment.

Conclusion

In the "King's Journey" verse, the tale of Cyrus Leonhardt's subjugation serves as a grim reminder of the lengths one must go to tame such a powerful being. The combination of ancient bindings and mastery of black magic represents the darkest aspects of the magical world, a testament to the boundless potential for both creation and destruction.

[vorashvan-a]

actually i need to backtrack a little from my prior post/the discussion in my tags re: geopolitical issues.

we have several hot-button issues that affect all of Thedas whether or not anyone likes it. elven-human tensions. the god-knows-how-long qunari-tevinter war. the mage-templar conflict. ASIDE from the actual events of games ie blights, rifts, etc.

we're updated by the Inquisitor on the state of affairs down south through correspondence. fine, letters from the front, okay. but... we're not seeing that come through on our screens. on our end. geopolitical issues affect everyone. while orlais, ferelden, the imperium, rivain, antiva, etc. etc. may not be BESTIES they still NEED one another whether it's through trade, farming, production, diplomacy, etc. they're all tied together.

so. orlais and ferelden fall to the blight. there is... literally nothing being said about it aside from the Inquisitor telling us this. we've seen nations irl unite over less—you're telling me that there's no coverage? no aid being sent out? there are one hundred percent allies between these countries even if tenuous and fraught with conflict. the downfall of one, let alone two, is a massive implication on the economies (and migration!) of everyone around them.

they should all be seeing an influx of refugees (like in daii, the constant flow of Fereldans coming to Kirkwall). they should be crippled by lack of trade and resources (even the slave trade ie tevinter, illegal is it is in ferelden, was lucrative underground). we don't hear anything from the newspaper stands. nothing from the nobles. even ivenci in Treviso?????

then—we have several interactions with the dalish and the elves, but there's no mention whatsoever about the tensions between elves and humans. the cruel history between them, of elves being enslaved in several places—minrathous certainly being one—and generally being treated as lesser. The fact that NONE of this is completely past them at all but it is NOT acknowledged despite the fact that there SHOULD be some semblance of prejudice, bias, etc. what have you simply because of that complicated history and the issues it raises throughout multiple generations. it is not simply a southern issue! it is also a northern issue!

the only instance i have outright seen of this is during bellara's episode of vows & vengeance when she spits something along the lines of shemlen dogs towards the Templars chasing her in tevinter.

IM SHAKING VEILGUARD BY THE SHOULDERS!!!!!!

[pitgritted]

➤                                          𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐃𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 ? RULES [ … ] Bold what applies most. Italicize what sometimes applies. Add some elaboration for the decisions made if you’d like! Repost do not Reblog.

▌ 𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑬𝑹 . [ ⟐ ]       jaw clenching, hands balling into fists, teeth grinding, yelling, going nonverbal, stuttering speech, rushed speech, slow concise speech, rambling, quiet, arms crossing, shaking head, tearing up, animated, expressionless, projects, internalizes, vents, withdraws, passive-aggressive, direct, physical outbursts, verbal outbursts.           ➥ [  ..  ;  ] SETTRIGH is both bark & bite . generally , almost anything concerning his person , his momma , or his pit ticks him off . not to mention he's always forcing a ' toughened ' front & aggressive portrayal of power . this is typically his NORMAL way of portraying himself to others socially .

▌ 𝑱𝑶𝒀 . [ ⟐ ]       easy smiles, fighting back grins, suppressed laughter, loud laughter, giggles, chuckling, smirks, whole body laughs, covers mouth when laughing, throws head back when laughing, slaps leg, touches people around them when laughing, looks down when laughing, softly snorting, looks for eye contact when laughing, sparkling eyes, bubbly happiness, quiet subtle happiness, obnoxious happiness, wants to spread joy, quietly savors joy.           ➥ [  ..  ;  ] this is heavily reflected in LOR's ; GLORY OF NAVORI expansion of SETTRIGH & among other champs. although SETTRIGH would be laden with anger for the invasion of his pit, it's among the days he gets to feel genuinely happy & excited . but beyond that , it's rare SETTRIGH can feel emotion beyond his aggression . sure , he smirks & has bravado in every conversation he's in , but they're always in mockery of someone else or the person he's speaking to . also like to think his ears flick backwards sometimes when his eyes form into crescents - it shows his happiness is actually real ( also when you see all of his teeth ) .           ➤ excerpt [ ; set 7 - GLORY IN NAVORI ] ./ SETT, THE BOSS .                                         "Problem with bein’ the boss is, for most, ya get soft. Your own callouses start healing, and before long you’re what you swore you’d never be. So I'm grateful for all this chaos. Finally, someone's bringing the beast outta me!"

▌ 𝑺𝑨𝑫𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑺 / 𝑪𝑹𝒀𝑰𝑵𝑮 . [ ⟐ ]       bottling it up, seeks distractions, wallows, meditates & processes, avoidance, seeks out comfort, withdraws, talks it out, internalizes it, sad smiles, depression naps, uses alcohol, uses drugs, seeks out sources of joy, fidgets with sentimental item, sits in silence, broods, gets moody, wants someone to share the misery, tries to hide negative emotions, nurtures others to make themselves feel better.           ➥ [  ..  ;  ] SETTRIGH , as mentioned , has really really bad coping habits - mental illnesses do not help these factors . negative emotion beyond anger is fuel for him to be ever the more violent & prone to outburst . he heavily uses alcohol to make him forget or numb the agonizing feeling of guilt , shame , & what have you . he's a terrible decision maker under these conditions & will often times even use sex as a means of ' numbness ' & then following he's hunched over somewhere vomiting . SETTRIGH doesn't cry -- at least not in a way someone normally would . he doesn't shed tears , but he ' dry cries ' due to heavy suppression of emotion & forced to express himself as a MAN to not appear ' weak ' . his face is contorted into overstimulation & pain & he's raggedly whining & feeling like he can't take the amount of emotion he usually keeps pent up .           ➤ extra [ MAN OF THE HOUSE ] ./ this is wrought because of the fact he had to be the stronger person of his household at such a young age . not to mention , he was still young when entering leagues of pit arenas in ionia , getting into things he shouldn't asides from the bullying he & his mother endures . further making his personality aggressive & toxic .

▌ 𝑬𝑴𝑩𝑨𝑹𝑹𝑨𝑺𝑺𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻 . [ ⟐ ]       shame, blushing, looking away, rubbing at back of head, covering face, laughing nervously, laughs it off, overthinks, lets it go, self-deprecating humor, deflects, gets irritated, smiles, withdraws, crossing arms over stomach, crossing arms over chest, hands in pockets, shoulders sinking, shrugs, falling into silence until comfortable again, talking a lot to compensate.           ➥ [  ..  ;  ] he hates being put on the spot for something he says or does . or simply whatever another person says or does in turn to him . his ears are a dead giveaway if his blush doesn't reveal it first .

▌ 𝑮𝑼𝑰𝑳𝑻 . [ ⟐ ]       avoiding eye contact, shoulders sinking low, head hanging down, crying, chest aches, lashes out, internalizes, apologizes, deflects, communicates, withdraws, grand gestures for forgiveness, accepts fault easily, punishes themselves, martyrdom, victim complex, over-active guilt complex, healthy conscience, internalizes even after forgiveness, seeking redemption, moves on easily, denial, lack of guilt/conscience, sorry they got caught more than caused harm, can’t handle knowing they hurt others.           ➥ [  ..  ;  ] this is simply just a more detailed version of his mental faculties & how he mentally packages his misfiring & upbringings as an excuse to not return sympathies to others . it's very rare he'll actually be the reassurer .

          ➤ tagged by [ : ]      @futureforged           ➤ tagging [ : ]     @windchaser , @agonizedembrace , @anomallis & @burntscars

[chillingpenalty]

◈ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐔𝐊𝐄 [ ; ] 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐗𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐃 .                                 wriothesley  began  his  career  of  fighting  prematurely  in  his  sentence  ,  committing  murder  on  the  people  he  thought  were  the  best  parents  he  could  ever  ask  for  .  being  as  young  as  sixteen  ,  the  young  wriothesley  received  his  glass  encased  vision  ,  trying  to  hide  his  favoring  of  the  gods  by  celestia  .  at  the  time  ,  he  had  no  fighting  experience  [  ;  ]  but  found  he  had  a  painful  lust  for  the  thrill  of  hammering  down  his  fists  .  they  were  concussive  ,  without  skill  &  experience  ,  his  skin  ripped  around  the  balls  of  his  knuckles  until  they  bled  .  this  only  would  be  further  influenced  by  the  sight  of  a  vision  ,  that  he  has  long  hid  from  other  inmates  &  staff  of  the  fortress  .  he’s  never  once  used  the  vision  ,  fearful  of  drawing  attention  to  himself  ,  otherwise  he  began  his  influence  in  the  penkration  ring  .  having  the  opportunity  to  combat  against  men  as  old  as  him  – &  on  some  instances  –  the  manipulation  of  binary  code  of  fortress  personnel  gardemecks  .  

                                although  having  a  vision  that  tactfully  would  have  helped  improve  stamina  &  elemental  comprehension  of  his  less  savory  fights  ,  wriothesley  never  once  used  it  for  combat  in  the  ring  .  resulting  in  obtaining  various  scars  over  the  period  of  his  teenage  years  ,  in  some  cases  so  lethal  the  infirmary  advised  him  to  wear  bandaging  until  the  scars  have  properly  healed  .  

wriothesley  had  gotten  nicked  in  the  face  once  or  twice  ,  resulting  in  the  scarring  over  his  nose  &  left  eyebrow  &  cheekbone  .  clutching  onto  his  treasured  belongings  [  ;  ]  vision  ,  wolf  pelt  ,  &  rustic  timepiece  ,  the  young  cerberus  became  a  revered  young  man  underwater  .  nobody  daren’t  touch  or  steal  his  items  while  he  slept  ,  nobody  daren’t  question  what  his  crime  got  him  there  in  the  first  place  —  lest  at  such  a  young  age  compared  to  many  of  his  peers  .

                                for  various  years  serving  his  sentence  ,  wriothesley  has  dedicated  himself  to  learning  how  to  survive  in  the  fortress  as  opposed  to  the  streets  .  while  indeed  he  had  a  bed  ,  a  roof  over  his  head  ,  the  satisfactory  of  getting  a  warm  meal  to  quell  the  rumbling  of  his  stomach  ,  the  fortress  at  the  time  was  more  harsh  .  so  he  had  to  get  into  shape  quickly  ,  mentally  &  physically  .  eating  habits  have  also  changed  ,  his  stomach  being  accustomed  to  one  meal  a  day  ,  or  the  alcohol  he  could  obtain  from  hidden  sources  of  the  fortress  to  keep  him  warm  if  the  pipes  ran  cold  at  night  .

[daecaerys]

beware that this post constaints sensitive content (!)

discussing mereen, astapor and yunkai and the plot threads of book V, not including her marriage to HIZDAHR and how awfully wrong it was portrayed in the show:

the  book  makes  some  things  quite  clear  about  the  slave  masters:  first,  is  that  there  is  no  distinction  between  the  ‘guilty’  and  the  ‘innocent’  in  a  systematic  system  of  slavery,  and  that  is  proved  by  how  the  noble  in  special  react  to  the  fall  of  said  system.  second,  that  dany  personally  hears  and  asks  the  families  to  deliver  the  responsible  for  crucifying  the  children  outside  of  the  city  and  that  it  did  not  happen  arbitrarily.    she  did  not  need  anyone  to  make  her  question  that  decision,  though,  and  did  so  herself,  coming  with  the  conclusion  that  it  was  time  the  take  the  bodies  out  of  disposal  too  and  constantly  reminding  herself  of  why  she  is  doing  it  to  begin  with  (her  terrible  decisions,  or  as  we  can  put  out,  her  acts  of  extreme  violence,  often  come  for  a  reasoning  that  leaves  her  worried  about  her  own  morals  and  the  perception  some  might  have  of  her  considering  her  family  but  as  she  often  does,  she  comes  to  the  conclusion  it  is  necessary  to  shown  straight  against  oppressors  —  though  i  believe,  personally,  that  she  shows  more  restraint  than  not  and  that  it  is  something  which  will  change  in  the  next  book  as  seen  by  her  admission  to  fire  and  blood  by  the  end  of  ADWD).  

dany  first  preoccupation  is  restoring  peace  in  mereen,  yet  the  nobles  murder  the  former  slaves  as  punishment  against  her  new  regime,  something  that  is  never  discussed  or  brought  up  in  the  show.  much  of  her  decisions  about  mereen  come  from  her  advisors  instead  of  herself,  so  we  don’t  get  a  glimpse  of  her  politics,  or  how  she  uses  religion  as  a  political  coin  to  ensure  the  rumors  about  her  dragons  are  true ( something to be discussed in another meta).

Every  morn  the  sun  rose  upon  fresh  corpses,  with  harpies  drawn  in  blood  on  the  bricks  beside  them.  Any  freedman  who  became  too  prosperous  or  too  outspoken  was  marked  for  death.  (ADWD  Daenerys  II)

These  Meereenese  were  a  sly  and  stubborn  people  who  resisted  her  at  every  turn.  They  had  freed  their  slaves,  yes  …  only  to  hire  them  back  as  servants  at  wages  so  meagre  that  most  could  scarce  afford  to  eat.  Those  too  old  or  young  to  be  of  use  had  been  cast  into  the  streets,  along  with  the  infirm  and  the  crippled.  And  still  the  Great  Masters  gathered  atop  their  lofty  pyramids  to  complain  of  how  the  dragon  queen  had  filled  their  noble  city  with  hordes  of  unwashed  beggars,  thieves,  and  whores.  (ADWD  Daenerys  I)

still,  though  her  actions  were  violent  they  did  little  result  in  solving  the  biggest  issue  in  the  slave  bay.  and  that’s  what  makes  her  even  more  stubborn  to  make  it  work  by  marrying  without  love,  yet  again,  and  constantly  sacrificing  her  views  in  trying  to  end  slavery  in  a  way  that’s  non  violent ( such as allowing hizdahr to make an agreement with yunkai and astapor, returning ''commerce'' in the city ).  but  what  does  the  universe  itself  say  about  her  crucifying  the  masters?  is  it  too  much,  a  sign  of  her  cruelty  and  tyranny?  well,  not  really.  there  are  rumors  about  those  that  speak  against  her  being  killed  violently  yet  that’s  not  true  because  it  is  established  that  collective  punishment  is  considered  fair  in  mereen,  as  show  by  the  children  themselves.  and  she  did  not  do  it  out  of  bloodthirst,  but  revenge, which she tries to justify ( of course, it is up to the reader wether the violence was justified but, in sum, it was an act made out with hurry and anger):

She  had  them  nailed  to  wooden  posts  around  the  plaza,  each  man  pointing  at  the  next.  The  anger  was  fierce  and  hot  inside  her  when  she  gave  the  command;  it  made  her  feel  like  an  avenging  dragon.  But  later,  when  she  passed  the  men  dying  on  the  posts,  when  she  heard  their  moans  and  smelled  their  bowels  and  blood  ...

Dany  put  the  glass  aside,  frowning.  It  was  just.  It  was.  I  did  it  for  the  children.

and  it  was  not  an  isolate  act,  but  an  alignment  to  her  bigger  goal,  ending  slavery:

The  cedars  that  had  once  grown  tall  along  the  coast  grew  no  more,  felled  by  the  axes  of  the  Old  Empire  or  consumed  by  dragonfire  when  Ghis  made  war  against  Valyria.  Once  the  trees  had  gone,  the  soil  baked  beneath  the  hot  sun  and  blew  away  in  thick  red  clouds.  “It  was  these  calamities  that  transformed  my  people  into  slavers,”  Galazza  Galare  had  told  her,  at  the  Temple  of  the  Graces.  And  I  am  the  calamity  that  will  change  these  slavers  back  into  people,  Dany  had  sworn  to  herself.  (ADWD  Daenerys  III)

which  is  supported  by  her  actions  towards  the  former  masters  as  they  continue  to  commit  crimes,  act  against  her  people  (though  she  considers  them  her  people  too  in  an  attempt  of  union)  and  constantly  try  to  bring  slavery  back:

“Kill  them  all  and  take  their  treasures,  I  say.  Whisper  the  command,  and  your  Daario  will  make  you  a  pile  of  their  heads  taller  than  this  pyramid.” “If  I  knew  who  they  were—” "Zhak  and  Pahl  and  Merreq.  Them,  and  all  the  rest.  The  Great  Masters.  Who  else  would  it  be?" He  is  as  bold  as  he  is  bloody.  “We  have  no  proof  this  is  their  work.  Would  you  have  me  slaughter  my  own  subjects?”  (ADWD  Daenerys  IV)

first  and  foremost,  daenerys'  crucifixion  of  the  masters  was  a  powerful  message  sent  to  the  slavers  who  had  oppressed  the  people  of  meereen  for  generations.  it  was  a  demonstration  of  her  resolve  to  break  the  chains  that  bound  so  many  innocent  lives  and  a  stark  warning  that  the  days  of  unchecked  cruelty  were  over.  by  taking  such  decisive  action,  she  not  only  sought  retribution  for  the  countless  lives  lost  under  their  rule  but  also  aimed  to  create  a  climate  of  fear  among  those  who  profited  from  the  slave  trade.  though, perhaps, it wasn't so calculated as one would think.

if  her  goal  was  to  rule  through  cruelty  and  oppression,  she  could  have  continued  her  campaign  without  attempting  to  negotiate  with  the  masters  or  exploring  non-violent  solutions.  instead,  she  chose  to  engage  in  diplomacy,  offering  compromises  and  seeking  peaceful  resolutions  through  marriage  alliances  and  other  means.  this  approach  demonstrates  her  willingness  to  avoid  unnecessary  bloodshed  and  her  desire  to  create  a  just  society.

[prtector]

           — Some would whisper that the golden age of Demacia has passed. Unless you were wise enough to adapt to it’s ever changing ideals of justice, honor, and duty… founded by surviving refugees of the Rune Wars. Using petricite to protect themselves from magic. With time, the kingdom devolved into a magic-abhorring, mage-oppressing culture. Demacia was in a harrowing state. Once a land brimming of flourishing waters, fermenting the greenery from the harbor, now turned dark and ridden of blood. A bastion of ships, that which once carried the promise of returning fathers and sons, now docked and seemingly left without pilot and devoid of travel.

Taric disliked it. He very much despised it. All the life he had so cherished in his Demacian age of youth, had all been buried between this boiling cauldron of animosity amongst themselves. Here. —- in this city so proud of their cultural heritages and lofty-ideals. His days felt like it bled together as of late. Being among the peak of Targon’s mountain that touched the heavens, tasked to govern the life and protect all that dwell within Valoran. And the world itself. Then, a young lone intrepid explorer appears in her lonesome. She was beckoned at the summit with an objective, crystalline eyes inlaid upon the protector, her voice unwavering as the chill of the mountain caress her rosy cheeks and the blonde of her hair.

Thus did she declare her name, Luxanna Crownguard, and she sought for the man who triumphed the Crown of Stone that hailed from the land of Demacia. She brought with her a talisman embedded with her family crest. Taric would describe her attitude as something between a spoiled brat and self-sufficient individual. He had quickly learnt of the turmoil that had succumbed his homeland. The upheaval of protests led by a strong man that used his shackles for power. His sudden absence led putting innocent mages all across Demacia behind walls of stone and magic swallowing cages.

This included the nation’s sudden death of the king. Whom ruled even when, he, was ranked as Vanguard. He would listen as Luxanna voiced her enigmas, before she wept into her hands in guilt. Ashamed she even allowed herself to call the very man who manipulated her a friend. He can empathize with her. After all, this branded her someone with a calling. It would seem leaving Demacia proved to be fruitful, but she acknowledged leaving it the state as it were now, would not ease her anguished heart. Her face were toiled in a grimace, delicate fingers digging into the folds of her cloak and pulling it fitly over her small frame.

❝    i have a plan, Protector.   ❞

This plan is what got him coveting for protection in a sanctuary. A temple within Demacia, a semblance of a safe-haven for the Illuminators and other mages. With Luxanna’s clever path along Valoran’s estuary and into Demacia’s harbor, they didn’t need to enter through the Last Gate. He and Lux were esteemed loyal guests of the Illuminators, both having volunteered to provide charitable work for the sick and the orphaned. Having followers whom disapproved of the persecution of innocent mages proved to be supportive of cleverly hiding said mages or any person befitting of magical abilities.

Village folk or Illuminator, they greeted them at the harbor beneath the blanket of darkness and stars. They wear hoods, their profiles lithely cascaded in shadow. Lux took the lead, explaining her return in a bated breath, as well as provide identification of himself. Taric could feel his jaw fix in on itself, his dark hairs now pooling down his shoulders and descending over the hood he wore as well. As opposed to being able to defy the notion of gravity and float with the wind.

Taric had a feeling he wouldn’t be recognized as easily as his companion would’ve. It’s been many a decade since he had stepped upon these lands. His face had become more angular and age caught up to him beautifully. He was imposing in height and muscle, a stretch from the knight he was in youth. His hair long and overgrown. Limpid eyes appeared tired but were full of resolve. Once his name was uttered, the strangers would glance at another briefly, before a look of awe flashed on one of the stranger’s face. They stared at him like they looked upon the dead. Taric lowers his eyelids, lashes kissing his cheekbones.

Nobody in Demacia ever expected his return.

The Crown of Stone. A sentence that subjected him to climb Mount Targon. Many expected he would instead go into exile, daunted by the task that lay ahead. However, he accepted the challenge, a challenge befit of a soldier that honed his skills. It was a test the Demacians did not expect him to succeed in. The climb, in succession, would reward him with redemption. His failures would be overlooked with newly born eyes of respect. He would be welcomed back to his homeland. Taric hadn’t returned. He was a different man than he was when he left. Taric didn’t want his nation’s respect or apology.

In spite of all the admirations, hostilities… Taric found his calling. He doesn’t regret what he did. He doesn’t regret what he became as a result. The stars yearned for a new vessel worthy of daunting tasks. This brought another title to his name. The Protector. He doubted Demacia would want to welcome back a soldier of exile, lest a soldier now blessed with abilities that would make him appear like some wrathful god — being in the state as it is now. His title means nothing here. This wasn’t within Targon’s power.

[powdermelonkeg]

Important rules/tips I've learned as an adult that helped with anxiety

If people are mad at you, it's their responsibility to tell you, not your responsibility to guess

If they're mad at you in secret anyways, they're the ones in the wrong, not you

If people don't like what you're doing, it's their responsibility to tell you

If they say it's fine when it's really not, they're the ones in the wrong, not you

People are allowed to be wrong about you

If they are wrong about you, wait for them to bring it up, because if you try to, you will inevitably overcorrect

Some people are committed to misunderstanding you. You will not win arguments against them. Yes, even if you explain your point of view. They do not care. Drop it

The worst thing that will happen from a first-time offense is being told not to do it again. Maybe with a replacement if you broke something

You can improve relationships and gauge willingness to talk to you by giving compliments. It's like a daily log-in bonus and nobody thinks twice about it

Most things are better after you sleep on them

Most things are better after you have a meal

Most things are better after you shower

Your brain makes up consequences that are irrational. If the worst DOES come to pass and someone acts like they do in your head, they are overreacting, and you are entitled to say "what the fuck"

If your chest hurts after you feel like you've made a social error, that's called rejection-sensitive dysphoria. It means your anxiety is so bad that it's causing you physical pain, which is a good indicator that you're overreacting. Tense yourself, hold it for 20 seconds, let it go, then find a distraction

If you're suddenly angry at someone after you feel like you made a social error, that's also rejection-sensitive dysphoria. You are going to feel annoyed about it for awhile, but being genuinely pissed off is your anxiety trying to find something to blame to take the responsibility off your shoulders, and getting scared because it can't justify itself. Deep breaths, ask yourself how much you ACTUALLY want to be angry at that person, then find a distraction

"Sour grapes" is more healthy for you than stewing. Deciding you don't like someone who's perpetually annoyed with you, won't talk to you, etc. makes letting go of anxiety over them easier

If people don't like you, they will find reasons to be annoyed with you when they otherwise wouldn't. If people do like you, they will find reasons NOT to be annoyed with you when they otherwise would. People do not ping-pong between the two

You DO have to make a conscious choice not to think about something. If you're having trouble circling back to it, say out loud that you're done thinking about it and why. Then find a distraction

When you're upset, part of you is going to want to make false bids for attention (suddenly texting differently, heavy sighs, etc. but when someone asks you about it, you tell them it's nothing). Do not listen to it. You gain nothing from it except more misery

People like to help people they care about. It makes them feel good about themselves

If you think you're insufferable for needing help, see above. Yes, really. They get a serotonin kick from it

If you think you're insufferable for mannerisms you have, you either have to consciously choose not to do them, or accept that they're part of the package that comes with you. Being apologetic about existing does nothing except make you more miserable

If you do things you don't like when you feel meh about it, it makes it easier to do them when you hate it

If you avoid things you don't like when you feel meh about it, it reinforces and magnifies how bad it feels when you hate it

Seriously. Read those last two points again. If you can make yourself make a phone call when you've got nothing to lose, you will slowly lose that panic you get when you have to make a phone call you haven't prepared for. You do have to CONSCIOUSLY take that step

Hobbies that make you care for something get rid of that nagging feeling that you're not doing enough. Go grow some rosemary

If you don't engage with your hobbies regularly, you will feel miserable, and anxiety will spike

Hobbies are things that give you a bit of happiness. They do not have to be organized or named to do that. Go be creative in something. Play with coins. Make up lists. Start a new WIP

No one cares what you look like

If people point out things they don't like about how you look unprompted, they are being rude. You are entitled to say "what the fuck"

People who like you will find you pretty to some degree. Minor things about your appearance go completely unnoticed. Literally, scars and dots and blemishes do not register to someone who likes your company

You looking at yourself in the mirror is 10x more closely than anyone is going to look at you

If you're anxious about your body type, and you're creatively inclined, make/write an oc with that same shape. Give them nice things and make other characters love them. Put them on adventures. You'll start to see yourself in the mirror more kindly

You care about wording and perfect lines/colors way more than anyone who views your work ever will

Sometimes when you're upset, you're going to feel like not eating. Do not do that. Not eating makes you more miserable

Same with things you normally enjoy. Denying yourself helps no one. You are punishing yourself for being sad. Stop it

Both of these will take conscious decision to break the habit of. Make yourself do it anyways, and it will slowly get easier

And again, to reiterate: If someone is mad at you, it is THEIR responsibility to tell you, not your responsibility to guess

[glumby]

how do you compete with an angel? become one yourself

[kinlochs]

i keep thinking about the dead poet's society and that scene where they all stand up on the desks saying "o captain my captain" to robin william's character. and i think it's so... warden coded. i don't know. i just feel like it fits perfectly with cassian as the grey warden. in those final few moments before the final battle--where they could die, where anything could happen. the party is there. everyone is there.

o' captain, my captain. o' warden, my warden.

[gongyussy]

deepthroating a gun without breaking eye contact...... he put his entire gongyussy into that | SQUID GAME 2

+ the video because the sound he makes when he puts the gun in his mouth? [redacted]

update: he improvised that. the man really said i'll go full slut.

[kingscyrus]

Eldritch Lion Form

Cyrus's transformation into his eldritch lion form is complex and awe-inspiring. It is not merely a physical change but an unleashing of primal power.

 1. Triggering the Transformation

The transformation is often triggered by extreme emotional states or dire circumstances. Intense rage, overwhelming grief, or the dire need to protect those he loves can serve as catalysts. Alternatively, a deliberate invocation of ancient incantations or rituals, often whispered by his ancestors in dreams, can initiate the change.

2. Physical Manifestation

As the transformation begins, Cyrus's body undergoes a series of rapid and intense changes:

- Eyes: His eyes glow with an otherworldly light, shifting from their natural color to a luminescent, eerie hue that pierces the darkness. - Musculature and Bone Structure: His muscles bulge and contort, bones reshaping to accommodate a more massive and formidable frame. This process is both painful and exhilarating, a testament to the raw power being unleashed. Height and Size: Cyrus's entire body grows in size, towering over others as he transforms into a giant, fearsome beast. Standing on his hind legs, he can reach up to 120 meters, his size becoming immensely imposing and almost godlike. He can manipulate his size, depending on the environment. - Skin and Fur: His skin darkens, taking on a shadowy, almost ethereal quality. Thick, dark fur sprouts from his skin, covering his body in a protective, menacing coat. Claws and Teeth: His hands and feet elongate, and his fingers and toes transform into powerful, razor-sharp claws. His teeth grow longer and sharper, designed to easily tear through flesh and bone, or the strongest material; it does not matter.

3. Eldritch Features

Unlike ordinary shapeshifters, Cyrus's Eldritch lion form includes several supernatural and fearsome features:

- Tentacles and Tendrils: Dark, shadowy tendrils emerge from his back and shoulders, moving with a life of their own. These appendages can be used for combat, ensnaring enemies, or instilling fear. - Aura of Dread: An oppressive aura emanates from him, inducing terror in those who dare to approach. This aura can paralyze foes with fear, making them easier prey. - Eyes of Madness: His glowing eyes have a hypnotic quality, capable of driving those who look into them mad with fear or causing hallucinations.

4. Mental Transformation

The transformation is not just physical; it affects his mind as well:

- Predatory Instincts: His senses heighten, instincts sharpen, and he becomes more attuned to the hunt. His thoughts are dominated by a primal urge to dominate and destroy. - Ancient Memories: He taps into the collective memories of his ancestors, gaining knowledge of ancient battles, forgotten magic, and hidden strengths. - Loss of Humanity: While in this form, his human emotions are suppressed, replaced by a cold, calculating ferocity. Compassion and mercy are foreign concepts to him in this state.

5. Duration and Reversion

The duration of his transformation can vary. In moments of extreme need, he can maintain this form for extended periods, though it takes a toll on his body and mind. Reverting back to his human form is often accompanied by intense exhaustion and lingering traces of the primal rage he felt.

 6. Aftermath

After returning to his human form, Cyrus often experiences a period of vulnerability. The physical and emotional strain leaves him weakened, and the memories of his actions in the Eldritch form can haunt him. However, with time and reflection, he learns to harness this power, becoming more adept at controlling the transformation and the dark power within.

This transformation is a testament to Cyrus's deep connection to his lineage and the ancient magic that flows through his veins. It is both a blessing and a curse, a source of immense power that comes at a great personal cost.

[samwisethewitch]

Homemaking, gardening, and self-sufficiency resources that won't radicalize you into a hate group

It seems like self-sufficiency and homemaking skills are blowing up right now. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the current economic crisis, a lot of folks, especially young people, are looking to develop skills that will help them be a little bit less dependent on our consumerist economy. And I think that's generally a good thing. I think more of us should know how to cook a meal from scratch, grow our own vegetables, and mend our own clothes. Those are good skills to have.

Unfortunately, these "self-sufficiency" skills are often used as a recruiting tactic by white supremacists, TERFs, and other hate groups. They become a way to reconnect to or relive the "good old days," a romanticized (false) past before modern society and civil rights. And for a lot of people, these skills are inseparably connected to their politics and may even be used as a tool to indoctrinate new people.

In the spirit of building safe communities, here's a complete list of the safe resources I've found for learning homemaking, gardening, and related skills. Safe for me means queer- and trans-friendly, inclusive of different races and cultures, does not contain Christian preaching, and does not contain white supremacist or TERF dog whistles.

Homemaking/Housekeeping/Caring for your home:

Making It by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen [book] (The big crunchy household DIY book; includes every level of self-sufficiency from making your own toothpaste and laundry soap to setting up raised beds to butchering a chicken. Authors are explicitly left-leaning.)

Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair by Mercury Stardust [book] (A guide to simple home repair tasks, written with rentals in mind; very compassionate and accessible language.)

How To Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis [book] (The book about cleaning and housework for people who get overwhelmed by cleaning and housework, based on the premise that messiness is not a moral failing; disability and neurodivergence friendly; genuinely changed how I approach cleaning tasks.)

Gardening

Rebel Gardening by Alessandro Vitale [book] (Really great introduction to urban gardening; explicitly discusses renter-friendly garden designs in small spaces; lots of DIY solutions using recycled materials; note that the author lives in England, so check if plants are invasive in your area before putting them in the ground.)

Country/Rural Living:

Woodsqueer by Gretchen Legler [book] (Memoir of a lesbian who lives and works on a rural farm in Maine with her wife; does a good job of showing what it's like to be queer in a rural space; CW for mentions of domestic violence, infidelity/cheating, and internalized homophobia)

"Debunking the Off-Grid Fantasy" by Maggie Mae Fish [video essay] (Deconstructs the off-grid lifestyle and the myth of self-reliance)

Sewing/Mending:

Annika Victoria [YouTube channel] (No longer active, but their videos are still a great resource for anyone learning to sew; check out the beginner project playlist to start. This is where I learned a lot of what I know about sewing.)

Make, Sew, and Mend by Bernadette Banner [book] (A very thorough written introduction to hand-sewing, written by a clothing historian; lots of fun garment history facts; explicitly inclusive of BIPOC, queer, and trans sewists.)

Sustainability/Land Stewardship

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer [book] (Most of you have probably already read this one or had it recommended to you, but it really is that good; excellent example of how traditional animist beliefs -- in this case, indigenous American beliefs -- can exist in healthy symbiosis with science; more philosophy than how-to, but a great foundational resource.)

Wild Witchcraft by Rebecca Beyer [book] (This one is for my fellow witches; one of my favorite witchcraft books, and an excellent example of a place-based practice deeply rooted in the land.)

Avoiding the "Crunchy to Alt Right Pipeline"

Note: the "crunchy to alt-right pipeline" is a term used to describe how white supremacists and other far right groups use "crunchy" spaces (i.e., spaces dedicated to farming, homemaking, alternative medicine, simple living/slow living, etc.) to recruit and indoctrinate people into their movements. Knowing how this recruitment works can help you recognize it when you do encounter it and avoid being influenced by it.

"The Crunchy-to-Alt-Right Pipeline" by Kathleen Belew [magazine article] (Good, short introduction to this issue and its history.)

Sisters in Hate by Seyward Darby (I feel like I need to give a content warning: this book contains explicit descriptions of racism, white supremacy, and Neo Nazis, and it's a very difficult read, but it really is a great, in-depth breakdown of the role women play in the alt-right; also explicitly addresses the crunchy to alt-right pipeline.)

These are just the resources I've personally found helpful, so if anyone else has any they want to add, please, please do!

[the-stove-is-on-fire]

After School Ghost Theory 101 with Professor Fenton

Switch to light mode or Classic Blue to get the full transparency effect!

[Image ID: A four page comic that starts with Danny Fenton standing in front of a whiteboard holding up a white cat. "Question: Do ghosts purr?” 

Tucker: “Danny when was the last time you slept?” Danny: “Irrelevant.” 

Danny info-dumps: “The answer is yes, but also no. Technically, all beings that possess a core are constantly "purring", a.k.a. Core Vibrations. Core Vibrations are a nonverbal, emotion-based communication system between Ghosts, similar to how some living species use pheromones to communicate. The exact tone of each ghost is different the same way people's voices are different. Humans can only hear these vibrations when the frequency passes through their audible range (20Hz - 20KHz), hence the 'purring' sound. When the range dips into infrasound (16 - 20Hz) it can cause feelings of fear and unease in humans that they often associate with ghosts and the supernatural. Also known as the ‘Heebie Jeebies.’”

Danny, wiping off the whiteboard: “Any questions before we move on?"

Danny’s audience consists of Wes Weston, Tucker Foley, Sam Manson, Danny’s clone Ellie, and Dash Baxter in a classroom. Wes is seated at a desk at the front taking notes. Tucker is sitting on Sam’s lap playing on a Switch, Ellie is sitting on a desk behind them. Dash is asleep at the back of the room.

Ellie, now holding the cat: “Is this Vlad’s first cat!?” Wes: "Could you tone down the floating eyes before the next part? They're kinda distracting." Danny: "What eyes?" Wes: “Please stop gaslighting me.”

A transparency trick on the last page reveals dark shadows and eyes all around Danny when viewed in dark mode. /.End ID]

An Extended Image ID is available under the read more because it’s over 1k. Side by side light and dark mode versions of the transparency trick is also available under the cut.

[Extended Image ID: The post contains a four page comic. The first page shows two comic panels with white borders. The top panel features a bedraggled looking Danny Fenton from the waist up holding a disgruntled fluffy white cat. There are bags under his eyes, his hair is messy, his arms are covered in bandaids and cat scratches, and his nails are painted black. He’s wearing a white shirt with red sleeves and a red oval on the front. In a large green text bubble he says “Question: Do ghosts purr?” A small orange text bubble under it asks “Danny when was the last time you slept?” “Irrelevant” Danny replies. 

In the bottom panel Danny is standing on the far left side of the panel in front of a whiteboard in a classroom with the cat under his arm. He’s wearing baggy jeans with holes in the knees and his classic white and red Converse shoes. The whiteboard behind him has partially erased doodles around the edges including some flowers, stars, and Phantom’s DP symbol. There are a few balls of paper on the floor. Partially out of frame on the wall behind Danny is a poster of  Einstein and above it a clock. Pointing at the whiteboard with a marker Danny says “The answer: Yes but also no” His words are written on the whiteboard. Under the words is a drawing of a stick figure and a green bedsheet ghost with a circle between them. The circle is surrounded by green squiggly lines radiating out from it. Under the circle, an arrow is drawn pointing to it with the words ‘core vibrations’ written on the board. A green text bubble in the space under the whiteboard says “Technically, all beings that possess a core are constantly "purring", a.k.a. Core Vibrations.”

On the second page there are two blocks of text, each followed by a drawing. The page background is a pale, greenish-grey with subtle scuff marks imitating the look of a whiteboard. The first block of text at the top of the page reads “Core Vibrations are a nonverbal, emotion-based communication system between Ghosts, similar to how some living species use pheromones to communicate. The exact tone of each ghost is different the same way people's voices are different.” Under the text, imitating the look of dry erase marker, is a drawing of two simple ghosts smiling and waving to each other. They both have a small green circle drawn on their chest area with green squiggly lines radiating out from each ghost. Between the two cores, two parallel arrows are drawn, facing opposite directions. Under the arrows is the text “core to core communication.” 

Under the ghosts is a second block of text reading “Humans can only hear these vibrations when the frequency passes through their audible range (20Hz - 20KHz), hence the 'purring' sound. When the range dips into infrasound (16 - 20Hz) it can cause feelings of fear and unease in humans that they often associate with ghosts and the supernatural. Also known as the ‘Heebie Jeebies.’” Under the text a red arrow points from the words ‘heebie jeebies’ to a simple drawing of Dash Baxter holding a flashlight and looking scared. There is a cobweb with a dangling spider drawn to his right and a bunch of green blob ghosts behind him to his left. In blue text the blobs say “you forgot to update your mailing address with the IRS” and “you filed your taxes incorrectly.”

The third page once again shows two comic panels. In the top panel Danny takes up the centre. He’s stretched across the whiteboard in a dynamic pose erasing the drawing of frightened Dash with a big swipe. One hand is braced on the board as he looks over his shoulder and asks “Anyone got questions before we move on?” If the image is viewed in dark mode, there are five, messily drawn eyes of varying sizes surrounding Danny. If viewed in light mode, the eyes are absent. 

The bottom comic panel reveals Danny’s audience to be Wes Weston, Tucker Foley, Sam Manson, Danny’s clone Ellie, and Dash Baxter. In the bottom left corner, Wes sits slouched at a desk at the front of the classroom with papers and an open notebook spread out over his desk. He’s wearing a red zip up hoodie with white sleeves. His hoodie is unzipped showing a green shirt underneath that matches the colour of his eyes. At the desk beside him Tucker and Sam share a chair with their focus on Tucker’s Switch and not Danny’s presentation. Tucker is sitting in Sam’s lap with her arms around his waist and her head resting on his shoulder. Tucker is wearing a red beanie with short dreads, goldenrod yellow turtleneck sweater, green cargo pants, and white shoes. Sam is wearing a black crop top with a fishnet layer over top, purple pleated plaid skirt, artistically ripped purple leggings, and black combat boots with bright green laces. Tucker has the tips of his dread dyed green and purple. Sam has streaks of purple, green, and orange in her hair. Ellie is sitting cross legged on top of a desk two rows behind Sam and Tucker. She’s wearing a cropped hoodie with the same colours as Danny’s shirt and black track pants with white and red shoes. Her hair is tied in a high ponytail and she is holding the squirming fluffy white cat up in the air. At the very back of the classroom behind Wes’ left shoulder Dash can be seen asleep slouched over his desk. Wes has one hand resting on his desk holding a mechanical pencil the other partially raised with his hand open. In a beige text bubble with red text he replies to Danny’s question with an unimpressed look on his face “Could you tone down the floating eyes before the next part? They're kinda distracting.” Under his text bubble a small blue text bubble from Ellie asks “Is this Vlad’s first cat!?” If the image is viewed in dark mode, there are three visible floating eyes off to the side of the panel. If viewed in light mode, the eyes are absent. 

The final comic page is a single, full body shot of Danny standing in front of the blank whiteboard. He’s looking over his shoulder, slightly turned with his back mostly towards the classroom and the eraser in his hand. He has an incredulous look on his face. If the page is viewed in dark mode, the background looks dark and Danny is surrounded by dozens eyes of in all different sizes. If viewed in light mode, the eyes are absent. In a green text bubble Danny asks “What eyes?” In the bottom left corner Wes replies “Please stop gaslighting me.” /.End ID]

[pitgritted]

          " you know ... people'll won't recognize 'ya just cuz' you got sum' makeup put on 'yer face 'n' expensive coat . "

          " you gotta prove it to 'em . show 'em who's boss ‘round here . that's what i plan to do . "