#mask shard

[hollow-knight-wiki]

Trivia Tuesday: Mask Shard

Did you know? The music heard after acquiring four Mask Shards originates from a short sample track that was posted when Christopher Larkin was hired as the game's composer.

Read more about Mask Shards at the Independent Hollow Knight Wiki!

[hollow-knight-fights]

Hollow Knight Everything Else Fight: Round 2

[archfey-edda]

One fallen, one Falling, one Fallen.

Another midnight doodle.

[voiceofthebroken]

surprise! here's Paranoid at last since the wheel had spoken a while ago :3 (apologies for the wait)

Hunted // Cheated // Opportunist // Broken // Paranoid

(additional notes and headcanons under the cut)

the eye on Paranoid's hood are essentially holes in the fabric. the iris in the main design has static over it

in the Wraith, there's a black mist/fog surrounding Paranoid and the fabric's iris

in the Apotheosis, the eye on the cloak is closed

Paranoid wears a sort of dreamcatcher necklace, with the feathers being from the Long Quiet

there are cracks over Paranoid's right eye like how the Nightmare and Moment of Clarity's mask has cracks, which makes it so they can't open that eye. they cover it to the best of their ability using their cloak's hood

Paranoid not having a mouth is inspired by "I have no mouth and I must scream"

taking the metaphor of "color draining from one's face" literally, Paranoid's color has been drained to white while the rest of the color is faded

the more "out of mind" they are, the darker their eyes become. when they seem unhinged, they gain a mouth which sort of rips from their skin

they/them, rarely he for Paranoid :3

Paranoid has heavy eyebags from lack of sleep due to a fear of sleep paralysis after what happened in the events of the Nightmare as sleep paralysis has a similar effect to the organs shutting down

since it isn't really visible, Paranoid has shoulder length hair with the front parts being somewhat longer

[respheal]

Whatever Midori had awakened in that other time a century ago was coming. The mask wanted it to be so. The mask was calling it. Midori had to find the Sword—half remembered from the dreams but indubitably his—to stop it.

[emryarts]

The real reason i draw jason with a bunch of facial scars isnt actually dying related its cause the dumbass keeps getting his stupid helmet shattered in the same fucking spot. Like man u can only have carbon fiber shards smashed into ur face so many times before it scars

[madcat-world]

the Shard - Istrandar

[danwhobrowses]

Okay I've had a sleep, I've seen a lot of what the fandom has to say and I'm gonna just talk about my thoughts on the episode 118 stuff in more detail too.

Spoilers under the cut and it's a little bit (5 paras and a tl/dr at the bottom) long

I have never liked the Release Predathos option, but it had been very apparent - since probably as far back as the vorbing - that Matt had been pushing the narrative towards that option whether Bells Hells wanted it or not. The lack of alternatives provided meant that yes, the Hells had little choice but to deal with Predathos themselves; Ludinus was likely not dead, they were low on strength and resources even after a short rest to fight another full-strength Ludinus, and even if they caved in the core and killed Ludinus again someone else would've tried to come and release Predathos. On that I can't really fault the cast for playing ball with the DM and I can't say what the characters are doing is out of character or with bad intentions, it simply annoys me how close we were to entertaining the idea that should've been discussed earlier of putting Predathos somewhere nobody can get to. Objectively it was still a terrible idea, one that even in delivery could've been better prepared with Imogen not in range of the two saving throw buffs or having any Inspiration as she took on Predathos knowing from previous experience that a wisdom save is likely to be involved. But again, the alternatives offered up to them are sparse, nothing else in the narrative had offered a clear solution and if something did suddenly come up it would've felt too much like a deus ex machina. The Hells are not doing this because they want to do Ludinus' plan, but doing so is by proxy doing Ludinus' plan, and thus the problem as of current lies in the Plot.

Right now, they're at a very high risk of the plot not justifying a story, because why did we have this campaign if the outcome is gonna be the same? If the plan is to reset Exandria why didn't we have C3 in the post-reset era and trickle in what happened as lore? Bells Hells have often lacked agency when it came to the Predathos portions of the campaign, but even when they took agency to try and be more than what they were made to be they found themselves punished or being withheld the catharsis they needed to grow. Regardless, the plot is currently failing the characters, and thus the characters are failing the audience - to the point where some in the fandom now want them all to die or for Braius to betray them all - because we the audience don't see the appeal of the direction.

There is a caveat though: it's not yet over. We expect that there will be a fight between the Hells and Predathos!Imogen (we need a name for that) and possibly Ludinus swooping in with the harness to try and steal a victory, but that does mean that the theatre of imagination can come into play in dealing with Predathos itself. There is of course uncertainty whether Predathos can die, since Vecna at 0hp would've just discorporated them for a bit, but there are a lot more options for the Hells to entertain now than there was at 118, including having to kill the vessel - be it Imogen or transferring it to another like Ludinus or Liliana, being able to expel Predathos from Imogen and entrapping/banishing/killing it with the knowledge that yeah that was a terrible idea, or somehow having Imogen suppress it and remain control over herself (and hope that the same rule doesn't apply to her as it does with Delilah being free when Laudna dies), which all can involve exciting twists and turns and creative solutions befitting of a conclusion. In that hope is the opening for a more exciting and satisfying end, and while the plot has had rightful criticisms a good ending can make up for them just as much as a bad ending can ruin a good plot.

So in short; I don't like that Imogen did that, but I know why she did it. And why she did it is more the plot's fault because we never saw it as a good idea, just the only decision that was pushed to be made. There's hope though, and all is not lost, but the plot as well as the characters are gonna have to earn it.

[barra400]

June pt. 9

[linkedarena]

Official Chapter 1

(I lied this is the actual chapter. I wasn’t happy with the other one :/)

Link flinched at the sound of footsteps. He peered out of his hood and saw a piece of paper slip into his cave and then the footsteps ceased. He waited silently, unsheathing his sword before peering out. 

There was no one. 

But he had never received a letter. It wouldn’t make sense for even the princesses to send a letter to him because they didn’t know where he lived. Could it be a trap, somehow? 

He ripped the envelope open with the sharp end of his sword and saw that nothing was inside so he crouched down and picked the paper up and read it.

                       —————————

“Captain!” Someone called.

Link turned around instantly to see one of his faithful knights, Katari. “Yes?” 

“I was sent to deliver you a message from a person in a cloak. Before I could ask who they were they were gone. I suggest you regard this with caution.”

Link chewed his lip, before taking the letter and setting it aside. “Thank you. Now, return to the training grounds. We have work to do soon, the enemy camps are getting bolder.” 

“Yes, sir.”

“I wouldn’t disregard that letter, Captain Link,” Impa’s stern voice came.

“I’m not. I’m merely setting it aside for later.”

“From Katari’s description, this could be a messenger of the Goddesses.”

What? 

Link sighed. “Okay.” 

Impa narrowed her eyes at him as he picked up the letter before sinking into the shadows when he wasn’t looking. He carefully read the letter.

                       —————————

Link felt a tap on his shoulder and looked to see Malon there, an unreadable expression on her face as she held up a letter. “Someone came up to the ranch and told me to give this to you.”

“That’s weird,” Link mused, accepting the letter.

“I’m off to tend to the Cuccos, don’t make a mess!” 

“When do I ever? Those…beasts make more of a mess than I ever have in my entire life.”

“Alright Fairy Boy. Whatever you say.”

Link wiped away a fake tear at the clear disbelief in her tone and his wife rolled her eyes, heading out the door. He pulled out the letter and began to read with a curious expression.

                       —————————

“What shall we do today?” Zelda asked with a soft smile on her face. 

“Go out to town?” Link suggested.

“But you’ve already been to all the towns. There’s practically nowhere you haven’t been. In Labrynna and Holodrum too!” 

“Hytopia as well.”

“See!” 

Link laughed. “Well, okay then. What’s something new we can try?” 

“Now that I think about it, have you ever tried—“

There was a knock at the door. Zelda opened it and came with a letter, seemingly confused. “Do you know a Hero of Legend?” 

“Zelda,” Link urged, voice shaking with laughter. “Hero. Of. Legend.”

She had a moment of realization and laughed, a bright beautiful sound and handed him the letter. He opened the letter, Zelda peering over his shoulder.

                       —————————

Link came out of the forge, sweating but pleased with his work. He saw his father there,  talking to someone and hurried over as quickly as possible. But the person was gone in the blink of an eye. “Letter of sorts. Addressed to the Hero of the Four Sword, which is you?” Dad quirked a brow.

Link’s heart twisted painfully at the reminder of his most recent adventure and he nodded. “I’ll get to it later. I need to change and sell one of those daggers I made.” 

“Where do you want me to put it?”

“Just on the table is fine. Thanks, Dad.” 

He got to his wardrobe and paused, reminiscing of a time where he was Green, Blue, Red and Vio. He pulled Blue’s sweater on, wrapped Vio’s scarf around his neck, and pinned Red’s flower on the side of his head. His reflection shown in the mirror, green eyes meeting his. He thought he looked a little ridiculous but he didn’t care.

What a mess. 

He picked up his dagger ready to meet the customer but he saw the letter from before floating in the air in front of him. 

What.

“Fine, fine,” He took the letter into his hands and narrowed his eyes at it as he read its contents.

                          —————————

Link ruffled Colin’s hair with a wolfish grin. “‘Night Colin. Don’t forget what we have planned tomorrow.”

“I won’t!” Colin promised and hurried off once Uli ushered him away.

Rusl’s eyes twinkled. “Well, Link, it’s well time we talked.”

“What about?” 

“Ya aren’t th’ same since ya came home from that adventure ‘f yours,” Rusl explained, but his tone wasn’t accusatory, just gentle.

Link remained silent. 

“Those fangs, an’ nose are something new. I’ve seen ya behave differently. I’m worried. If it’s nothing ta’ be concerned about, lemme know, but…”

“Ya see, it’s—“

A knock. Rusl sighed. “Sorry ta’ interrupt ya kiddo.”

“Nah, ‘s all good.” 

“A letter? For th’ Hero of Twilight? Look I don’t know who this is. Does ‘e have a name other than that title?” Link overheard Rusl speaking but he didn’t hear whoever was talking behind the door.

Which was strange considering he had some special hearing. There was a pause. “I know him actually. Thanks, but who are—huh?” 

After a moment came back Rusl handed him a letter with a shrug. “Someone said this is for you, but dunno who.”

Link frowned and read the letter with anticipation.

                       —————————

Link looked proudly at the Surface village as it thrived with new buildings and people looking around at the new world with awe. He turned to Zel who rested her head against his shoulder. “I don’t think I could’ve asked for anything better.”

“You didn’t like Skyloft?” Link teased.

“Of course I liked Skyloft, but I’d already explored what I could. And the other islands didn’t hold as much. I think people will be much happier here as much as our old home was nice.” 

“I think you’re right.”

“You’re biased.”

“Doesn’t mean I can’t think you’re right. Besides it’s true,” Link carded a hand through Zelda’s hair. “Loving down here is an entirely new experience for all of us, but it won’t be a bad one.”

“You two lovebirds done monologuing or can we open the new academy?” Groose called.

Link blushed but Zelda just heaved a sigh and got up. They headed towards the building they would call the Academy. They hadn’t strayed too far from its original design but changed it enough so that they could school littler ones too. “Oh but before you go, there’s a letter for you. Something about a Hero of the Skies.” Groose tossed a letter at Link and he barely caught it.

“Letter? We haven’t set up a mailing system down here. We should do that,” Link mused.

“Just get on with it!” 

Begrudgingly he opened the letter.

                     —————————

“See ya later, I’m off!” Link told Zelda, mounting Epona, who he had found out was apparently his horse before the Calamity.

“Make sure you get some research in!” Zelda called. “Purah and I are awaiting the day you eat that frog!”

“I’m not eating it raw! Experiment or not!”

“We’ll convince you someday!” 

Link scrunched his face up as he galloped out of Hateno. Those truffle-hunters were still out there. Honestly, he’d never seen them leave. At least they weren’t being attacked again. He hurried off the path once they reached the bottom of the hill and let his hair flow in the breeze. He grinned. It was so good to live in a world that was no longer haunted by Calamity Ganon, no matter how ruined it remained.

Suddenly Epona stopped, refusing to move when Link pushed. He frowned. Why…? That’s when he saw a figure in a white cloak standing there. “Letter for the Hero of Wilds…or you.”

He didn’t let go of Epona yet, getting ready to hop off and unsheathe his weapon. “Say, I have some bananas in my pouch. Would you like some?” 

“I do not want them. Now, here,” The cloaked figure handed him the letter, which he took carefully.

Before he could say anything the figure was gone. He just opened the letter, after soothing Epona who was still a bit shaken. 

                        —————————

Link felt the salty ocean air on his face. Tetra came over and scoffed. “Still have that eyepatch?” 

“It was a gift from my sister, I’m not going to not wear it.” 

“Yeah, and she gave you a telescope and you kept that stuffed away. I don’t see the difference.”

“How, pray tell, am I going to wear a telescope, captain?”

“I dunno, I don’t handle those things,” Tetra said dismissively. “Also I told you not to call me captain! That’s Tetra to you!” 

Link just grinned cheekily. The moment was over quickly though. “Captain! An intruder climbing onto the boat,” Alphonse yelled.

Tetra pulled out a sword and pointed it at the intruder, who didn’t do anything but pull out a letter. “For the Hero of Winds.” 

“Who the hell is that?” Tetra demanded.

“Link. Give it to him.”

Then as soon as the letter was out of the intruder’s hands, they were gone. Tetra held the piece of paper, blinking rapidly before sighing and tossing him the letter. “I wasn’t just seeing things…right?” 

“Aye, captain,” The voices of the crew resounded, including Link’s.

 “Well, read it! We don’t have time to waste.”

Link rolled his eyes and obliged.

                        —————————

“Ugh, I can’t figure this out!” Zelda exclaimed. “Why do things have to be so complicated. This is about trains for goodness sake.” 

“If I may,” Link walked over, peering over her shoulder to see the paperwork. “I would suggest seeing how many people agree with the statement, and deciding if it helps the kingdom and its citizens in any way.”

“When are you this helpful?” Zelda pouted playfully. 

“What, I can’t help you? Let’s just say it’s for going on that train ride with me.”

Link couldn’t help put notice the faint pink that dusted her cheeks and wondered why. He didn’t have that much time to ponder because soon a letter slipped under the door. Link picked it up and it was addressed to The Hero of Trains and more handwritten, beside it said, Link.

“What is it?” Zelda asked.

“A letter to me apparently.”

He began to read, feeling the princess’s eyes on him.

                         —————————

“Hylia I accept!” All of the heroes called once they had finished reading the letter.

Hylia heard their approval and thanked her messenger before sending rifts to retrieve Her heroes. “Farore, they all accept.” 

She heard the goddess’s smile even though she didn’t look. “Good.” 

                        —————————

Link stepped through the rift and immediately found himself in an empty arena. There was room to fit an audience, and two entrances. He heard a voice and realized he wasn’t alone. “Hero of Time, I expected to see you first.”

He turned around to see a woman, long blonde hair flowing behind her, the whites of her eyes completely golden, while her pupils were only a slight shade lighter. She wore a yellow and white dress that bore feathers and a shining crown lay upon her head. He raised a brow. “Who are you?” 

“I am the goddess Hylia, the name listed under the information on that letter. The others shall soon arrive.” 

Sure enough, nine other people came along, some looking like kids, other teenagers, other adults. Link sighed. He was already missing Malon. 

“I am the Goddess Hylia, I apologize for informing you of this on rather short notice. However, I understand that you know why you are here. To fight in this arena, and possibly obtain the Triforce. The fighting will not start right away, you have plenty of time to prepare. There are rooms along the hallways just outside of this arena. Each has Hero Titles engraved on the doors. If yours is on one of them, head inside and you will eventually meet your partner. I trust you read the details.” 

Nobody spoke but Hylia didn’t seem to mind. “Go on,” Was all She said. 

Link walked out, obliging, and walked along the doors until he saw the Hero of Time on the door as well as the Hero of Legend. He opened the door and saw the room had two beds on opposite sides. It was pretty much empty. He closed the door quietly and set the bag he packed down, sitting on the bed. Soon, a kid with pink hair came inside, noticing him and quickly looking away once Link met his gaze. The kid set his stuff down but didn’t acknowledge Link. “So what’s your name?” Link asked.

It couldn’t hurt to get to know this pink-haired hero if they had to be a team in this. The kid didn’t answer.

“I said, what’s your name? It’s not like I’m going to hate you for a name.”

“Link.”

Never mind. This sucked. 

“I’m Link too.”

The pink-haired Link gave him a raised eyebrow and Link shrugged. “Guess we need nicknames.”

“…What do you have in mind?” 

“Uh,” Link paused to think, glancing at his bag and trying to think before he spotted some of his masks peeking out of the bag and quickly shoved them back in.

Pink-haired Link noticed and then said, “Masks.”

“…Masks.”

“Yeah,” Pink-haired Link—you know what he was just gonna call him Pinkie. Pinkie said sounding borderline defensive. 

“Now, what about you?” 

Pinkie started off into space for a bit, fidgeting with a ring on his finger before he shrugged. “Reverie,” Masks decided. 

Reverie looked confused for a moment before accepting the nickname. “Call me Rev for short, though.”

“Alright. Now, do you have any idea what we’re supposed to do to prepare?” 

“No, but it might be a good idea to train sometime soon.”

Masks nodded along. Maybe this won’t be too bad. 

[whatudottu]

Given that a lot of characters in Ben 10 speak their language without being translated into English, do you think that their language is so common that it's assumed you - supposedly an intergalactic traveler - have whatever language it is as part of your first, second or other languages that it was an oversight (depending on if the Omnitrix has a universal translator or not, one even Azmuth overlooked because something something that one comic about 'the basics to an expert look like advanced knowledge to a newbie') to not include a translation pack for those languages?

Like imagine if Sotoragg (or whatever specific Sotoragg language SixSix and the copycats speaks) is like one of the more common language, if not the MOST common language, of the interplanetarily recognised languages. Whether it's predominantly first language or someone's second language (Mandarin beats out English on first language alone, but countries that predominantly speak English are also predominantly monolingual, English has more second language speakers that pulls ahead), I don't know, but if Tetrax Shard - one of if not the last petrosapien - can understand SixSix while we as the viewer stuck without the knowledge of whatever Sotoragg language he's speaking, maybe it had to be one of the languages he had to learn because guess what Petropian languages aren't very lively now are they!?

[asleepinawell]

I've got conflicted feelings on this one and I'm curious to know how other people feel:

by remaining ascians I mean the shards of the convocation members (like altima, halmarut, pashtarot, etc) that the unsundered raised up

[hollow-knight-fights]

Hollow Knight Fight Round 2, Wave 1

Submit your propaganda here or in the tags/comments/reblogs!

Like what I'm doing? Give me a coffee!

[wildflowercryptid]

thinking about kieran carrying on his family's craft of mask-making in the future... i think that'd be really cute.

[twilitgaming]

I know a lot of the story beats from ARR to Endwalker are being put behind and are completed but I do hope we see at some point, whether in Post-patch Dawntrail or further down the line in future expansions, we see the remaining ascians that we haven't encountered already

We have Deudalaphon, Altima, Halmarut and Pashtarot still around, their locations being unknown, surely they'll be brought up at some point because when the realisation hits for the WOL and the scions that there are still ascians out there, it's going to be an oh shit moment.

We don't if they are still loyal to their cause and have found other ways to go about it since Zodiarks defeat and the aversion of the Final Days, or if some have completely deserted and would be willing to be allies with and help the WOL.

The question I'm asking myself is: Will there be a divide amongst the remaining sundered ascians and will we be getting some as allies?

[adhdvane]

very happy about the dlc i'm glad i had the forethought to take this pic for my trainer id while i could