#must be a Rathalos rider thing

[bouncingkadachi]

Lute and Ratha1 Headcanons

Mostly cobbled together from the vibes I get from them in where I currently am in game (Geo-Fulkright), and what I hope is happening with him in the timeskip and through what's going on in MHST2.

Lute

local mountain child off the see the world (voluntarily)

His parents were craftsmen and so weren't bound to the Riders' Code of never being able to leave the village. Unfortunately, they passed away when Lute was very young, so rather than recalling the exact details of stories from the outside world that they would have surely told him, he just has a fierce longing for it that he can't quite explain properly.

Loves a good city walk whenever he gets to a new place. He wants to see all the popular spots and eat the local cuisine. His coinpurse is always a little flat from buying souvenirs to send back to his friends.

His base state of being is that of a real easy-going sort of fellow. It has somehow been amped up since living in Reverto's house in Gildegaren. This initially distressed Popola, who already has to deal with ONE Reverto, but thankfully Lute seems chronically incapable of staying home long enough to create a messy house.

Since Reverto moved to Lulucion, Lute's taken over Reverto's house in Gildegaren as his base of operations when he's in the city. You can tell when he's in town because his Velocidrome can be found at the harbor, trying to convince the sailors to slip him a treat.

"Mr. Lute can you please stable your dinosaur?" "Oh my bad, let me get on that right now." Now repeat this process multiple times a day. The Velocidrome is having a refreshing drink in the town fountain. It is what it is.

Can cook and is quite good at it!

Used to be a crybaby as a child. He doesn't cry nearly as much nowadays, but he's definitely the most open about showing when he's down when compared to Lilia and Cheval.

Lent his Viper Bite to Cheval when the latter was investigating a Nergigante in Terga. There's a decorative eye on it, see? It'll be like he's also there taking in the sights.

He does try to maintain a neater hairstyle just because he's on the go so often and it annoys him when it gets all over the place (he truly does not understand how Cheval handled it free for so long). But he's also a bit vain and didn't want to cut it all short, so he maintains a fade and lets the rest grow long enough to be tied back. Now he looks "stylishly windswept."

He looks scrawny but there's a shocking amount of weight behind his punches. Please I hope we can punch Cheval I didn't get to punch Kyle and I still feel robbed of that let me punch the rival.

Wears modified Arzuros armor if he's not dressed down in his Hakum village wear. (I am trying to see how far I can get without changing armors because I just like the look of it the best OK)

It won't be until he's older that he can freely admit that he didn't take Cheval seriously enough when the latter first started talking about leaving the village. He thought that it was in line with Lilia, who was thinking about her future options and daydreaming of the big wide world, like he did. It makes Lute uncomfortable to consider how his venture out of Hakum Village would have been like if he had been more attentive to Cheval, mostly because he's not confident that he would have looked for Cheval with any more urgency even if he had.

Ratha

The Black Blight has stunted his growth. Spending the better part of a year and a half living on his own while attempting to suppress the Blight has also upped his naturally aggressive tendencies. Fully grown, he's a small gold crown.

Always walks behind Lute's right shoulder so that Lute covers his blind side. His hearing is also a bit muffled on that side after taking Dr. Manelger's attack head on, so it's reassuring to have his Rider there.

Always curls up counter-clockwise to cover his blind side.

Occasionally plops down next to Lute when they're out camping so that he can drop his head into Lute's lap. He's making up for a year and a half's worth of lost snuggles.

Popular with the sailors at Gildegaren port, who love to rib him about that time he dropped in and caused havoc among the cargo.

Deeply distrusts Nargacuga

Enjoys making Cheval's life difficult as payback for the Incidents he'd been put through, much to Rathi's exasperated ire.

Loves a cuddle with Rathi, when circumstances permit.

[cringywhitedragon]

MHS:SC Concept: Cloudwalker Rathalos (Ratha)

A continuation for a short little idea mentioned in a prior post for Monster Hunter Stories: Stormcaller, this post is about the version of “Ratha” who would appear in this concept.

Cloudwalker Rathalos is a name given to a special form (subspecies?) of Rathalos found only within the mountainous subregion of the area where this concept takes place (Not where the starting location is as I have the village in mind be located within a thick rainforest or maybe a swampy region, somewhere that wouldn’t be super cold or hot but enough to contrast where the first two games are set in).

These Rathalos have specially adapted for life in these high up peaks as they are much faster and even capable of flying at much higher altitudes compared to their more common variants who prefer the lowlands with their much larger wingspans..

Cloudwalker Rathalos somewhat resemble in color that of a cross between a Silver and Azure Rathalos, lacking their species usual distinctive red coloration for a much more bluish grey that helps them to blend in with both the sky and the rocky terrain of their home. Their wings also have a somewhat distinctive pattern compared to that of a regular Rathalos.

Their naming comes mainly due to their ability to fly at such high altitudes that people have sometimes described them as “walking on clouds.”

Cloudwalker also rarely come near civilization, meaning that outside of Ratha, Cloudwalker Rathalos will not be an enemy encounter or an obtainable Monstie.

This variant of Rathalos has heavy ties to that of the legend of the Raincaller, a fabled Rider of legends who on the back of one of these Monsters as a Monstie helped to chase away the cursed rains that plagued these lands long ago. A legend that years later was said to repeat itself as the Raincaller never managed to fully “banish” the very thing that brought on these strange rainstorms to begin with.

This prophecy was said to have been foretold by a sage from the Rider Village that lives in the mountains that once the Cloudwalker retreat deeper into the mountains that the rains would make a return to flood the lands leading to the start of the story and how the the Protagonist gets their hands on Cloudwalker Ratha.

Ratha’s egg was found sometime after the Protagonist left their home village after being recruited to join a joint coalition of both Hunters and Riders setting out to investigate the Rainstorms after one happened around their village, leading to them having to face a Monster driven mad by the storm as well as members of their village growing mysteriously ill, including that of the chief.

The Rider, along with Navirou and a new Hunter-in-Training Companion who was paired with them as part of a collaboration effort soon get separated from the rest of the convoy on their way to the major Hunter settlement in that region, forcing them to go on foot solo through the mountains.

During the trek, they stumble upon an abandoned nest that seemingly had been destroyed. Most of the eggs are either missing or broken save for one single one.

Navirou mentions that he’s getting a strong odor from the egg, a sign that it’s still alive and whatever the Monster is that is inside of it must be quite powerful as the Protagonist picks it up, deciding to take it with them as it was very likely the monster inside would only die out here alone as the parents had long abandoned it.

Their Rookie Hunter companion is quite terrified at the idea of just taking the egg as our feline and Rider duo assure that it’s for the best and that this Monster would grow up to be quite a powerful Monstie.

Cue some traveling, our group gets ambushed by a wild Monster and rescued by a villager from the local Rider’s Village who agrees to bring them to safety so they can rest for the journey ahead.

So the three travel to the mountain Rider Village. Where during their stay the Protagonist ends up presenting the rescued egg to the Chief. After a brief glance, the Protagonist is almost instantly told to take the egg to the Sage that lives at the highest point of the village (This village was built on a cliff side and the Sage’s home is situated at the very top in a cave.)

Taking the egg to the Sage, the chief’s suspicions are confirmed with the egg being that of a Cloudwalker Rathalos which hadn’t been seen within the region in months. Afterwards, the Sage goes on to explain the prophecy of the Raincaller and how all of these recent events appear to be matching that of the legend.

Because of all the erratic behaving Monsters and unpredictable rainfall, the Protagonist is advised to remain in the village until the egg finally hatches just to be safe.

Cue some story missions for the villagers and finally the egg does hatch, revealing a little baby Cloudwalker. Navirou suggests calling him Ratha after two other people he had traveled with in the past who also had Rathalos that ended up doing pawsome things.

And well, the crew and now Cloudwalker Ratha continue their journey to catch up with the rest of their squadron and to find a way to stop the rainfalls.

[ask-narkku-the-nargacuga]

Thanatos’ past A Monster Hunter Story

In the past Thanatos was considered a troubled child. The Alatreon was obsessed with power in many ways. His father a soldier of the great dragon war and an Alatreon as well had feared that one day his own son would become a danger to the world, but he would try to change Thanatos to be a better and well behaved Alatreon. “We should be the ones to rule father! They should fear us like the cowards they are!” Thanatos’ father wouldn’t have any of that talk. As long as he breathed he wouldn’t allow his son to do as he pleased. “I will not hear of that talk Thanatos! You will let go of those hateful and demeaning words boy. No son of mine will be growing up like a tyrant!” The Alatreon’s word was final, but this did not deter his son’s twisted mind. However Thanatos did pretend to listen for a long time.

Along the time growing up into his teen years, Thanatos had actually fell in love with a female alatreon that struggled with finding a male. “She’s the one. She’s perfect for me. If I can bring back a female then maybe father would be less harsh on me.” Thanatos then went and talked with her. Starting off as friends eventually became a relation to finally a family. His plans would have to be on hold for now, but when the time was right he would continue it and become the ruler of the world. Thanatos had no idea that the alatreon he was bringing back to his father was half Alatreon half Gogmazios. Even then Impressing Dionysis would be though tough to do. “Father, I found a mate like you told me to.” Dionysis looked at her. Surprised at the unusual look of her, he did actually approve of this. “I’m impressed Thanatos, you actually found one to mate with. However I must leave to fulfill a sacred task. I will check from time to time on you so you keep doing things to make me happy then I might let you see what I do.” Drat, Thanatos couldn’t get his father to tell him to do as he pleases. Again his plans would remain on hold until a certain time.

Adulthood had proved difficult as he had struggled to keep his ambitions hidden. “That female is pulling me away so much that I can’t focus on my plans. Fine, I’ll play along for some more time, but of course though having an offspring to carry out my plans with me would be nice.” Each day they tried for an egg, but no success until several years later when the female laid a single egg. During that time though while it was being incubated, Thanatos started working on his plans in secret. HIs goal was to build an empire and became ruler of the world. When Tiamus was born, Thanatos had very little interest towards his own son as it was his mate who named him. “He’s going to learn how to put fear in his foes.” The mate looked at him with a stern look. “Thanatos, he’s to young to even be feared let alone hunt right now! I won’t let our son be left to fend for himself.” Thanatos then growled at the female. “Then what do you expect then?! My father may have approved of you but I will make my word law in this! You will think about this for some time!” Thanatos was no longer being nice. What he didn’t like was a distraction.

Six years went by and now Thanatos had his empire made and his eyes laid on the former Ebon Riders hideout the Black Castle. “Truly what an emperor deserves, a castle and with it, I shall rule.” The Alatreon had flew into it and seen it was deserted for quite some time. Webs from spiders was on the old decor. This was perfect for his empire to make their turf. Now he wondered if his mate had made her mind up. So he flew back to the den to see if she decided. Once he arrived, nothing changed, it was still mother hunting for child. “So, she believes that she can defy me. Well, its time for her to find the ultimate punishment. Have fun hunting for food that will be more limited.” He took off and never been seen again by his mate. With his first order to his men which was made of illegal hunters, it was to cut off any food supplies to his mate to starve her into submission.

A year passed and nothing from his mate until her untimely death. “Good riddance, she defied me to the very end and it seems my son was taken by the hunter’s guild’s official. What was his name again? Lao Mein Lung? Well seems an enemy is made and of course we can likely find a Gogmazios to manipulate into thinking Lao and the hunter’s guild was responsible for something quite false. Nothing will stop me from taking Dundorma. You, Silver Rathalos! Go find a Gogmazios to send a lie to. Even if Dundorma is damaged, I’ll take over it after forcing their untimely surrender.” He then found out some humans who had done illegal hunting and poaching would be worthy of sheltering from the Guild and their knights. The Black Castle would need plenty of soldiers to defend it and the illegal hunters was perfect to be both soldiers and minions to capture monsters to do damage to the guild. This was the beginning of Dark Lord Thanatos and his ascending into the lords of chaos and mysteriously a member of a much more dangerous group.

[eridianshores-blog]

Six amiibo Never to Surface in North America!?  Say It Ain’t So!

I have, by most standards, a fairly impressive collection of amiibo.  In fact, I have all of them that’ve been released up this point, including the 454 official amiibo cards.  (Yes, 454: 100 per series for 4 series of Animal Crossing, 50 in the new Welcome amiibo series, 3 “special” cards that came with Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival, and the single Shadow Mewtwo available with first-print editions of Pokken Tournament.)  Back in November we had a rather large bump to the Super Mario series, including the long-awaited Waluigi and Daisy, Wario in his classic outfit (much better than his updated look), and a glow-in-the-dark Boo among others (Diddy, Donkey, and Rosalina if I’m not mistaken).  Nintendo must be really excited about the upcoming Switch and the Legend of Zelda installment they have planned, because December brought us 8-Bit Link, Ocarina of Time Link, and Toon Link and Toon Zelda from Wind Waker.  

It looks like we have another wallop of Zelda amiibo scheduled for March. I guess these are supposed to work with the new Switch, because suddenly they’re more expensive.  According to Best Buy’s website (where I plan to pre-order them very soon), some of them are $15.99 and a couple are $19.99.  Best Buy even has one amiibo listed that’s not on Nintendo’s official site, which is certainly odd.  I’d tell you which one it is, but Best Buy doesn’t even have a name for it...

Between then and now, we’re going to get a very cool Poochy amiibo to add to the Yoshi’s Woolly World set and you can bet I’ve got my copy reserved at GameStop.  (It comes bundled with a 3DS version of Woolly World; they probably will make a standalone release one day, but I try very hard to stay on top of these releases.)

Overall I’d say I’m pretty “with it;” I keep up with the amiibo, try my best to get them on the first day - I know rarity isn’t the issue it once was, but it could happen and there’s no way to know which ones will be rare until it happens, so for me it just make sense to get all of them as quickly as possible.  I even started keeping them sealed in little shoebox-sized plastic boxes once I realized how they accumulated dust in all their little bends and turns.  Whether I get a Switch right away or not and by extension that new Zelda game, I’d still like to stay on top of the amiibo, for the time being at least.  The March releases will be a little pricey but not unmanageable, that is, until I found out about 6 that as of this time are not slated for any kind of North American release.

The names are a little strange; I'm just going off of what Amazon tells me...

One-Eyed Rathalos Rider (Male)

Navirou

One-Eyed Rathalos Rider (Female)

I remember whispers of Monster Hunter amiibo going back to Summer or even Spring of 2016.  And then at some point I’d spotted the first batch of 3 over on Amazon, but since they weren’t listed on Nintendo’s official American site yet, I wasn’t all that concerned and I figured I’d just wait until they popped up with a release date.  Following up on the issue, I started poking around again, and it only took me a few seconds to find 3 more damn Monster Hunter amiibo!  Wait a minute, hold up, what the hell is going on!?

Oh right, Google to the rescue...survey says...if you’re in North American, you’re shit outta luck!  Apparently these amiibo are attached to a 3DS game called Monster Hunter Stories, and there’s no word yet on when or even if this game will hit North American shelves.  There is perhaps one shred of hope...some guy said that update to New Leaf, the update that allows for integration of the new Welcome amiibo cards, also recognized the Monster Hunter Stories amiibo.

These names are even weirder. I guess there's some sort of structure to them that I'm not getting. I guess one name is the monster and the other is the rider, but I don't really get the doubled-up names.

Rathian / Liolaenus & Cheval

Barioth (Glacier) & Ayuria

Qurupeco & Dan

So...who knows?  Do I just try to grab ‘em now and get a good deal, or wait and wait and wait for possibly nothing?  It’s a tough call.  And while we’re at it, Nintendo’s Japanese site has some other weird shit over in their amiibo lineup area, namely a little block looking thing and what appears to be a pack of “Hello Kitty” cards.  Part of me kinda wants to go for it, mostly because way back, Nintendo announced the Famicom R.O.B. as a Japan exclusive.  So what’d I do?  I bought one!  Several months later it was released in the US anyway, and as you probably know, this is pretty much “the easy R.O.B.” to find since the original was packaged with the Retro Pack alongside Mr. Game & Watch (with 4 swappable figures) and Duck Hunt (don’t you love how they never even got a name..,it’s a dog and a duck and together they’re just “Duck Hunt”...).

I guess I’ll need to mull this over a bit.  One thing’s for sure though, these guys are big and detailed and colorful and easily some of the best looking amiibo around.  Well, that Navirou thing is kinda goofy but whatever.  I’ll keep you updated.  In the meantime let me know if there are any good deals or any news about these fellas appearing stateside!