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a-revised-history-of-erdas · 3 months ago

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Character Designs

At long last, here is the masterpost for the main characters' designs. This is how they appear in my head, and how they will appear in A Revised History of Erdas. So much thought (and research) has gone into this. I've taken a lot of creative liberty here, but I hope you enjoy how I envision these characters!

Conor

For Conor, I drew inspiration from Celtic and more specifically Irish culture.

He has strawberry-blond hair, as shown on the covers of Hunted and The Dragon's Eye. The colour is usually described as reddish-blond or reddish-gold because the term "strawberry-blond" does not exist in Erdas, but for clarity's sake I have named it as such here. It is slightly wavy and long enough to rest on his shoulders. Occasionally, he will incorporate braids into his hairstyle in light of his elevated status after the war. Otherwise, it is left loose. His pale skin is sprinkled all over with freckles; he has gotten a lot of them more since he left Eura, due to sun exposure. His eyes are green as described in Against the Tide.

He is chubby and muscular in equal measures. His weight is known to fluctuate due to the harrowing events he goes through on the daily, but he normally has a generous amount of extra fat all over. He started off on the shorter side, but had an impressive growth spurt during the war and the year after. His final height is 5'6.5", or 5'7" (170 cm) by rounding up, which he reaches by age sixteen. This is a little above average for Euran men.

When his facial hair starts to come in, he lets it grow, resulting in a patchy beard by the time he is sixteen. Shaving is not in a Euran shepherd’s nature.

He is physically disabled in two ways. The first is that he is missing the first joint on his left index finger from being bitten by an unidentified animal in Fire and Ice. The second is the permanent limp in his right leg from a broken ankle in The Dragon's Eye that healed badly. He uses his bond token, Pathfinder, to support himself when he walks.

Many scars crisscross his face, arms, legs and back, but they aren't easily visible against his pale skin. The ones that stand out the most are the burn scars from the fire Kovo unleashed in Sadre, particularly one running along his jaw. The spiral-shaped mark of the Wyrm on his forehead eventually shrinks and fades away to nothing, much to his relief.

His tattoo of Briggan is on his right bicep, frozen mid-run.

While not a physical trait, he has a heavy Euran accent that is comparable to Irish in the real world. At times it can be hard for non-Eurans to understand, but luckily his friends know him well enough to decipher his speech even when it is thickest.

He wears the simplest clothing of the bunch: Just a beige tunic, grass-stained trousers and a pair of warm sheepskin boots from home. His thick travelling cloak is worn over his shoulders, fastened to one side by a wolf-shaped brooch. He rarely swaps out his travelling cloak for a regular one, preferring its weight.

The head of his hand axe is inlaid with silver designs. He covers the blade with a piece of leather and keeps it in his belt by way of a special loop, with his cloak gathered over the arm that draws it.

Abeke

For Abeke, I took inspiration from the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups of Nigeria.

Her coily dark hair ends just below her shoulders. It is worn in braids that begin at her hairline and trail down her scalp in straight lines, ending in up to twenty individual braids. She often stacks wooden or green beads on the ends. This style of braids is unique to her tribe. It also denotes her marital status; Yufandi girls and women wear their hair in braids if they are unmarried, and loose or covered if they are married. She only ties her braids back when she is hunting, travelling, fighting or doing some other kind of physical activity, letting them down at times when the group is resting. She has warm-toned dark brown skin with some freckles scattered here and there, mostly on her arms and face. Her eyes are dark brown.

She is broad-shouldered but lean, with toned arms and legs. Her final height is 5'8" (172 cm), which she reaches by age fifteen. This is considered fairly tall by Niloan standards. She has been the tallest member of the Four since the very beginning.

Like many Niloans, she has tribal marks on her face. Three long, thick, vertical grooves on each cheek indicate that she is of the Yufandi tribe, and three smaller ones in the middle of her forehead indicate that she is both Marked and a Rain Dancer. Chinwe cut the latter three onto her skin immediately after she summoned Uraza, as part of the ritual. This is an age-old cultural practice, one Abeke harbours no ill feelings about.

She has a number of other scars, both from the war and from her life as a hunter in Nilo. These are quite noticeable due to her dark skin tone. The most prominent is a mass of scar tissue on her left shoulder from when Tai Li stabbed her in Fire and Ice. The wound left her with permanent nerve damage, and she still experiences mild discomfort and tingling in that area. She also experiences numbness and increased sensitivity to cold in her toes from the deep frostbite she sustained whilst in Arctica.

As a tattoo, Uraza crouches on her right forearm, claws extended.

She speaks with an elegant western Niloan accent, similar to a Nigerian one on Earth.

She prefers light, comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement. In Nilo, she wore a simple wrap made of handwoven cloth. When she joined the Conquerors and later the Greencloaks, she switched to more practical clothing for the colder environment: A long-sleeved white shirt under a length of goatskin and a pair of light pants. The triangular, tasselled thing at her waist on the book covers is a small bag, attached to her woven grass belt and used to store her personal belongings. She has leather shoes, more like slippers, that allow her to move silently. If the environment demands it, she will switch to hardier, but still graceful, boots. She prefers to wear her regular cloak over one shoulder, but wears her travelling cloak over both so it doesn't trip her up.

She uses a self bow, well-made, crafted from Niloan wood and embellished with subtle yet beautiful carvings. Lenori gifted it to her after the war, with the help of the Keeper. When not in use, it will either be unstrung (for long-distance travel) or left as is (if she needs it at the ready). In both cases, it is carried on her back, secured to her quiver.

During their stay in the Gulf of Amaya with the Conquerors, Abeke and Shane got matching beaded bracelets to represent their friendship. These bracelets are recurring items for the both of them that provide comfort and, later, anguish. Abeke stopped wearing hers after Shane's betrayal, but could never bring herself to get rid of it. Inexplicably, she thought to take it in her bag when she and Rollan set out from Greenhaven in Fall of the Beasts. When she made up with Shane, they discovered, to their shared surprise, that they had kept their bracelets the whole time. Abeke's is gold, white and black with striking geometric patterns, evoking the Huichol beading style of Mexico. It is one of her most meaningful possessions.

Meilin

The Han dynasty of Imperial China is where the inspiration for Meilin's character came from. Central Zhong overall is meant to be reminiscent of this period.

She has tan skin and long, straight, silky black hair which is usually styled in a topknot behind her head, with or without short plaits running down the sides (the hairstyle she is shown with on the cover of Blood Ties). Her eyes are a brown so dark they appear almost black.

Her build is stocky and well-muscled; she could not be called slender. Her final height is 5'3" (160 cm), which she reaches by age fifteen. This is the average for women in central Zhong, and makes her the smallest member of the Four.

It is perhaps a testament to her skill in battle that she has by far the least physical scars of the Four. The most noticeable are the light burn scars on her back that wrap around to her right shoulder from the fire in Sadre, and even then, those are covered up in public.

For her pierced ears, she usually opts for small teardrop earrings made of jade or silver.

Her tattoo of Jhi rests on the back of her dominant hand. She made the bold decision to get more tattoos in Jano Rion after the Second Great War: A sword, modelled after her own legendary Sword of Teng, along her inner right forearm, with a Yin Yang symbol at the tip near her wrist. These tattoos hold great personal meaning.

Though she speaks the common tongue with ease, she has a discernible central Zhongese accent, which could be likened to a Chinese one in the real world.

Her usual attire is a paofu robe (more specifically jiaolingpao) over a sleeveless white shirt and beige trousers, with a belt or sash at her waist and black leather boots. The robes she favours are knee-length, allowing for freer movement, padded for warmth and with fitted leather sleeve-cuffs to restrain the wide sleeves and protect her wrists and forearms. Her favourite robe is made of red silk and embroidered with dragons. She wears her travelling cloak over her shoulders, but is also known to don a green robe instead, especially for regular wear. In general, she gravitates to stronger colours like reds and oranges. She dresses the most vibrantly (and expensively) of the Four.

Generally, Meilin presents herself in a masculine way. Her favoured clothing, accessories and even hairstyle are more typical of men in Imperial Zhong. On top of gravitating to these styles because they are simply the most practical for a warrior, Meilin feels more comfortable and like herself in men's clothing, and enjoys dressing this way because of how confined she felt when conforming to the standard imposed on Zhongese women.

Her sword, the legendary Sword of Teng, is a jian that has been passed down through her family for many generations. In times when she needs it strapped to her, she will wear a belt instead of a sash to hold it in its scabbard.

Her trademark accessory is a small Yin Yang amulet attached to a silk thread, meant to be worn as a necklace, but often just carried by her side. It was her last birthday gift from her father, given to her on the day she summoned Jhi. This amulet later becomes her bond token, Peacefinder.

Rollan

Although the original books made it a little ambiguous, from details sprinkled throughout and especially the description of Aidana, we can conclude that Rollan is the Erdas equivalent of Native American. In ARHoE, this is an integral part of Rollan's character. For his tribe, I referenced the Algonquian (and more specifically Wabanaki) peoples of eastern Canada.

He has weathered, light brown skin and long, thick, straight black hair. In the first arc, he wore his hair loose or tied back in a ponytail. After the war, when he and his mother had the opportunity to reconnect with their tribe in Amaya after being isolated from them for so long, Rollan adopted many of their customs. He came back with his hair in two braids, a style that had been practised by the Wascow and many other Amayan tribes for centuries. His eyes are dark brown.

Years of malnourishment on the streets made Rollan leaner and lighter-built than the others, and even while living the good life at Greenhaven he remains somewhat scrawny. For the same reason, his final height of 5'4" (162 cm), which he reaches by age sixteen, is below average for northern Amayan men.

He isn't able to grow nearly as much facial hair as Conor -- just a few dark hairs above his upper lip. He scrapes off his thin moustache when circumstances allow it, in accordance with his tribe's customs.

When he was a child, he was caught stealing and had his nose slit as punishment. The scar left behind is one of his most recognisable features. He has too many other scars to mention.

Both of his ears are pierced, a procedure he had done while staying with his tribe. He owns and wears a variety of earrings, but his favourites are a pair of feathers that fell from Essix.

Essix's tattoo is emblazoned on his upper chest, her outstretched wingtips skimming his collarbones. He has a multitude of other tattoos, all of which were done during his time with the Wascow. His whole body is marked with symbols representing his tribe, spirit animal and achievements, including one for every battle he has won. The process was gruelling, but Rollan's ego has soared since getting them.

The subject of his accent is an interesting one, because unlike the other three, Rollan didn't grow up speaking the language of his people. Common is the only language he is fluent in, and, of course, he didn't grow up with a fixed person to influence how he spoke it. The result is his accent being an odd blend of speech habits from the constantly changing cast of people around him -- his mother, the people at the orphanage, the Widow Renata, his street gang and even foreign traders who spent time in Concorba. There is influence not only from different Amayan tribes in his pronunciation patterns, but parts of Eura and Zhong. Conor, Abeke and Meilin have never heard anything like it.

He typically wears a long-sleeved grey shirt, trousers and a pair of deerskin moccasins. Even though his choice of attire is rather simple, it is worth more than anything he ever owned as an orphan in Concorba. Beadwork features prominently on his clothing and accessories, including on his earrings, in patches sewn on his trousers and moccasins, and his treasured sash (which is best visible on the cover of Fire and Ice). His worn green cloak hangs around his shoulders. He doesn't own a regular one, only Tarik's travelling cloak.

The dagger he favours is a straight, mean-looking blade with an ornate hilt. He keeps it sheathed at his belt when not in use.

I thought it would be fitting to give them all a matching item. Something they carry around that reminds them of each other. Of their team. So, while in the capital of Zhong on their victory march after the war, the friends came across a collection of attraction charms and decided to each buy one. They were made of semi-precious stones, small and teardrop-shaped, attached to a little ring with a cap of silver or gold. They each chose a stone with meaning that resonated with them. Conor's is labradorite, which symbolises inner peace. Abeke's is sunstone, which stands for strength. Meilin's is amethyst, which symbolises balance. Rollan's is garnet, for clarity. The kids paired them with charms of their spirit animals and wear them in various ways -- on bracelets, in pockets, on necklaces close to their hearts. Every time they look at them, even if they are a thousand miles away from the people who keep the other pieces of the set, they think of their family.

There you have it, the altered character designs for the Four Heroes! These will be incorporated into the ARHoE masterdoc when it is completed. More pivotal characters to follow!

Part two

#crawls in here covered in blood #it's finally here.#text post #character designs #a revised history of erdas #spirit animals #spirit animals books #spirit animals series #conor #abeke #meilin #rollan

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ninadove · 7 months ago

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Nina reads Dracula 🦇

June 17th

We are BACK!!!!! We are so back!!! And our friend Jonathan hasn’t been turned into a raisin yet!!!

This morning, as I was sitting on the edge of my bed cudgelling my brains —

What does that mean. What the FUCK does that mean.

[Confused French noises]

… Jonathan are you OK —

With joy I hurried to the window, and saw drive into the yard two great leiter-wagons, each drawn by eight sturdy horses, and at the head of each pair a Slovak, with his wide hat, great nail-studded belt, dirty sheepskin, and high boots.

YAY!!!!! OTHER HUMAN BEINGS!!!!!

Again a shock: my door was fastened on the outside.

Then I ran to the window and cried to them. They looked up at me stupidly and pointed, but just then the "hetman" of the Szgany came out, and seeing them pointing to my window, said something, at which they laughed. Henceforth no effort of mine, no piteous cry or agonised entreaty, would make them even look at me.

NO!!!!! OTHER HUMAN BEINGS!!!!!

Shortly afterwards, I heard the cracking of their whips die away in the distance.

🎶 Alone again (naturally) 🎶

< Prev 🦇 Next >

#dracula #dracula daily #jonathan harker #nina reads dracula

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shy-urban-hobbit · 8 months ago

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Kidfic!!

What if Lambert and Aiden met once before?

Lambert shivered, pulling his threadbare jacket tighter around himself as he sat on the stone wall he'd been gracelessly shoved onto with the growled order to wait while his new guardian (who he'd dubbed Grumpy Bastard in his head out of spite) went to deal with an endrega without a kid underfoot (naturally, it was Lambert's fault that he'd had to even consider taking the contract now he had a another mouth to feed for the next few weeks), accompanied by the threat that he'd know if Lambert even thought of running. A threat Lambert had no reason to doubt considering he'd already tried to make a break for it twice and both times had been soundly caught and dragged back to their meagre camp by his ear within minutes.

The locals paid him no mind as they went about their business around the market, apart from to throw him the odd look of pity or curiosity which he returned with a scowl. He knew exactly what he looked like; a skinny, dirty kid in too big clothes and boots which were worn and patched in numerous places, still sporting a couple of bruises from his father's idea of a goodbye. He idly noted that those who'd seen him with Grumpy Bastard seemed to be making a huge effort to not look over in his direction. Good. He shivered again; the fact that he'd been told to wait outside rather than being dumped in the nearest inn with a coin slipped to the owner to keep an eye on him (and to throw whatever food that amount covered his way if he started whining he was hungry. It was never much.) was all the clue Lambert needed to know that they'd be spending another night outside. Something he wasn't looking forward to. He thought back to cold nights with his mother, the both of them huddled in front of the hearth wrapped in one of the old sheepskins as she stroked his hair and told him stories, the both of them trying to temporarily forget the dread bought on by those inevitable heavy footfalls outside the door.

He was pulled from his thoughts by something smacking into the wall right by his foot, startling him slightly. He growled in annoyance at the pig bladder ball as it rolled to a stop just in front of him.

"Hey! Kick it back?" He looked up in curiosity at the voice. It had a lilting accent he'd never heard before, the consonants softer than he was used to. A boy about his age in clean, warm looking clothes finer looking than anything Lambert or his family had ever owned waved a dark skinned hand at him before shrugging and tilting his head in a 'well?' gesture. Lambert briefly entertained the idea of throwing the ball as far as he could in the other direction before thinking better of it and unenthusiastically kicking it back towards its owner - he didn't have the energy for a potential fight, especially against some apparent rich kid who'd probably only run crying to mummy and daddy.

"Thanks!" He called, stopping it with a tap of his foot when it reached him. Lambert grunted in response, prepared to go back to being cold and miserable until the boy smiled at him before kicking the ball back over. Lambert kicked it back a little harder this time, thinking it would deter the other but he only giggled as he jogged after it slightly before kicking it back to Lambert without even pausing. So it went, Lambert getting drawn further and further into the spontaneous game and not even thinking to second guess it when he chased after the ball after his playmate seriously misjudged a kick, the other boy following and both of them laughing as they started moving around the square, dodging merchants and shoppers alike and ignoring the yells of those they nearly ran into. The game came to a close when they made the mistake of kicking it into the front wheel of an elderly farmers wagon, the old man picking it up and driving a knife into it, causing it to deflate rapidly as he yelled something the two of them were too far away to hear. Lambert flipped him off in response, the two of them running away laughing as that seemed to anger him even further.

As soon as they'd both caught their breath, Lambert felt guilt creep in for ruining the game. It was his kick that had landed against the wagon after all, "Sorry about your ball."

The other shrugged, "It's fine, I'll just tell papa I lost it. He won't question it, I'm always losing things."

Lambert felt a jolt of something at how flippantly the other said that, seemingly unworried about any consequences, "Suppose he'll just buy you a new one, right?" He said sullenly.

The other boy furrowed his brow, taken aback by Lambert's sudden change in attitude. If he was going to comment on it though he was cut off by a voice calling through the crowd as a woman approached them, "Aiden! Time to go, we need to be on the road if we want to be at the next town on time. Say goodbye to your friend."

"Bye." Aiden said unsurely before dutifully following the woman who could only be his mother.

"Bye." Lambert returned to the empty space, watching as Aiden and his family loaded up crates of various jars and bunches of dried herbs and plants. Merchants then, he summised.

He couldn't help but feel a little gratified when Aiden's head popped out of the back of the covered wagon as they drove off, giving Lambert a wave when he spotted him in the exact same spot he'd left him. Lambert returned it enthusiastically. He hadn't fucked things up after all! Feeling a little warmer from something besides the recent physical exertion he returned to his original spot on the crumbling stone wall to continue waiting and wondering idly if he'd be able to catch up with Aiden and hitch a ride back to his mother if Grumpy Bastard tragically got eaten or something on this contract.

Over the years he'd sometimes find himself wondering what had become of the merchants son who had made his journey to this hellhole a little less lonely, even if it had been for just one afternoon.

#the witcher #the witcher fanfiction #lambert/aiden #aiden/lambert #witcher aiden #witcher lambert #lambert

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bardic-tales · 2 months ago

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Nurturing November: Day 5: character design

Throughout this month, I’ll be sharing character-building exercises that I have completed that will bring out my ocs’ more tender sides. This can be anything from snippets to oc questions to character analysis.

For Bianca’s winter look, she wears an oversized, chunky-knit sweater in grey. The longer sleeves add to a cozy feel when paired with her cable-knit mittens. She wears cream-colored slacks. Bianca trades in her signature cream-colored trench coat for one that has a detachable faux-fur collar and cuffs for extra warmth.

Her makeup is soft. She uses a rosy blush and a neutral eyeshadow base with a wash of light champagne or ivory on the eyes. She uses a few coats of mascara, giving her lashes a natural lift. Her lower lashes feature a silver eyeliner. Bianca applies a fine silver glitter to her eyelids that shimmers when the light hits her just right. For her lips, she uses a soft, nude pink gloss. Finally, she finishes her makeup with a light dusting of glitter across her cheeks.

Bianca’s accessories include her mirrored sunglasses that she always has on and a woolen beanie with a fluffy pom-pom. She wears sheepskin boots with fur trim. When she is inside, she wears thick cabin socks. She still styles her hair in a half-updo, securing it with the white ribbon that symbolizes her bond with Sephiroth.

She wears a necklace with a black angel wing trinket that serves as a reminder of Sephiroth around her neck.

#nurturenov #nurturenov2024 #nurturenov: fwc #oc: bianca moore - ff #fantasy worlds collide #fwc: ff #cd: character design #otp: bianca / sephiroth #oc x canon #sephiroth x oc #my ocs #nuturenov: day 5: character design

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tr-new-beginnings · 1 year ago

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Here is my application! I'll be using @floofgryph to participate in this year's Tumblronpa.

Name: Joachim Ó hIfearnáin (real name), Morrígan (preferred name), Judith (name used amongst her gang)

Ultimate: Ultimate Gang Leader (fake), Ultimate Social Worker (real)

Birthday: October 13th

Age: 19

Personality: She possesses excellent interpersonal intelligence, a creative mind, an ambivert attitude, trust issues, and suicidal tendencies. She also possesses a charismatic, yet menacing presence and a rebellious, charitable, leisure-loving spirit. She tries her absolute best to treat people with fairness, strongly believing that everyone deserves equitable treatment. Joachim also tries to be fairly tolerant, but will act out when someone is unfairly mistreating another person or harming/threatening those she deeply cares about. She can be ruthless and aggressive, but that’s often targeted towards those she despises for a reason. She’s prudently watchful, street-smart, and persuasive, and she’s often considerably thoughtful about her words and actions around other people. She isn’t afraid to take on new challenges and potential risks, and she’s unflinching in the face of danger or difficulty. When it comes to new people, she’s timid and not very talkative at first, but she eventually shows more of her extrovertedness when she feels comfortable enough to do so. Despite being an ambivert, Joachim has more introverted tendencies, often spending her time alone, being reserved, and interacting with small groups of people.

Appearance: She has shoulder-length, curly golden copper brown hair that’s often tied into a ponytail and reddish-brown freckles on her face, neck, and chest. She has top scars and a healed slash across her face from the right side of her forehead to the middle of her cheek. She also has scars on her lower legs that she often tries to keep covered, pale ivory skin, greyish-blue eyes, and four black moles: one the right corner of her upper lip; one above her left eyebrow; one near her right wrist; and one on her left outer thigh. Joachim dons her father’s duck blue leather biker jacket with azure mist sheepskin outlining and hidden compartments. On the back, it depicts a white decapitated Gorgon’s head crying blood with hair of ten purplish, vermillion-eyed serpents and the Latin phrase “NATURA NON CONTRISTATUR” (nature is not saddened) above in shimmering gold. She has a barn red T-shirt, dirty brown, high-waisted jeans, and mid-calf black boots with bronze eyelets, teal blue laces, and silver spikes. She has silver snake bites, pink opal stud earrings, a left gold orbital conch earring, and a brass Celtic cross necklace. She also has an aquamarine hololith bracelet on her right, and her nails are often painted a yellow-orange.

Gender: Female

Pronouns: She honestly doesn’t care what people refer to her as in regards to pronouns, but she often goes for she/her and they/them.

Likes: Riding her motorcycle at night, creative writing, reading dark fantasy, psychological horror, adventure, and cyberpunk manga and novels, stargazing, nature, mythological and legendary monsters, exploring abandoned buildings, tattoos, stuffed animals, and going to the beach.

Dislikes: Predators, oppression, cold and wet weather, watching and reading romance and purely exploitative media, being yelled at, people who harm or threaten her loved ones and friends, sexist remarks directed at her, massive social gatherings, manipulation, and most of her childhood.

Any extra info: She’s part of a nerdy, yet fearsome delinquent gang called the Lackadaisical Holofernes and they partake in vandalism, dangerous driving, street fights, and drug dealing. She attended Hope’s Peak Academy in order to obtain a proper education, meet real friends who would appreciate her as a unique and creative person, and find a potential partner. Joachim is half-Irish and she’s very interested in philosophy, mythology, ancient history, astronomy, art, religion, and biology. She secretly carries around a switchblade, pepper spray, her grandfather’s Desert Eagle pistol, and a package of .50 Action Express. She doesn’t like to acknowledge her real Ultimate as much, so she often uses her fake Ultimate to mask it and it’s quite conceiving.

Character triggers: Excessive alcohol, her private parts being touched, discrimination in general, suicide, and stalking.

This Student Application is approved and is on the list.

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guardianofwonder · 1 year ago

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Many influences come together to make my Nicolas Nicolas.

“It was said that he once defeated an entire regiment of calvary with a bent steak knife-while he was eating.” - William Joyce

“He’s a wild man,” Ramsey says. “An adventurer, a warrior, a dynamic force. A big guy who takes over every room. He has two gigantic swords. He kicks down doors. The core idea was, what would a guy who can fly around the world in one night be like? He had to do this with sheer force of will. So we wrapped that dynamo around a guy who loves making toys, whose whole existence is bringing generosity to the world.”

INFLUENCES: Slavic myth, Norse myth, Christian myth, Violent Night, William Joyce’s The Guardians of Childhood and The Man in the Moon, Rise of the Guardians (2012), historical connections to Santa Claus, this amazing webpage outlining information about Veles, & the Rankin/Bass Claymation films.

My Nicolas is very inspired by Nicholas St. North, but the idea of him also being the Slavic god Veles was so interesting to me: I wondered what would come of the muse if I combined them?

NAME: Veles, Nicolas.

ALIAS: Nicholas St. North, Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Odin, Wodan, Welnos, Volos, Saint Blaise, The Devil, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Sinterklaas, Krampus, Father Christmas, any & every name for Santa Claus.

TITLES: The Guardian of Wonder, the Spirit of Generosity, The Greatest Thief & Bandit Who Ever Lived, The Cossack, Toymaker.

AGE: Indetermined. Very old. Jokes that he’s seen the beginning of time.

GOD OF: fertility, boundaries, order, mischief, magic, invention, cattle, water, earth, the underworld, the dead, music, wealth, trickery, forests, oath-keeping & treaties, retribution, farming, vengeance, psychic ability, the hunt, power, & poetry.

SPIRIT OF: generosity, nature, & invention.

GUARDIAN OF: wonder.

WEAPON: two swords & a spear.

SACRED ANIMALS: bear, wolf, snake, dragon, owl, any farm animals & black birds.

ASSISTANTS: yeti, Leshy, reindeer, & elves.

DOMAIN: Nav/Nawia (The North Pole). In Winter, Nav/Nawia changes from a forest and farmlands to the North Pole, and returns back to its forest-y appearance when Spring arrives.

ABILITIES: shapeshifting (into a dragon or bear or other animal under his domain), using snowglobes to transport himself + others, master swordsmanship, the power of wonder, master craftsman, master inventor, master magician, master toymaker, the gift of the silvertongue (can communicate with all beings + can articulate clearly),

STRONGEST ABILITY: The Power of Wonder. North has an ability to find the wonder in everything around him which helps him in his creation of toys and inventions. It also boosts his faith in others and resolve, and helps him be jolly and a little childish but gives him a unique insight. His shapeshifting ability is an extension of his Power of Wonder.

APPEARANCE FC: David Harbour in Violent Night (during Winter).

Eric Balfour from Haven (all other seasons).

VOICE FC: Adam Baldwin in Rise of the Guardians.

EYE COLOR: blue, crystal blue.

HAIR COLOR: always has black eyebrows.

white + long, curly hair and beard (during Winter).

dark + short cropped (all other seasons).

red (as Kris Kringle).

CLOTHING: Black fur hat, a long red coat with black trim, black boots, black sheepskin pants, and thick, black gloves (in Winter).

Hawaiian shirt + jeans with tennis shoes and white socks (all other seasons.)

HEIGHT: 6'6".

WEIGHT: 270 lbs.

BODY SHAPE: Big boy. It’s cuffin’ season. Chunky but also muscular.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: When appearing as Nicolas, he has tattoos on either arm featuring Naughty + Nice, all sorts of Celtic + Slavic symbols on his torso, arms, and back. Right on the center of his chest + ribs is his Veles snake. Blue eyes, no matter the form.

If he reveals his true form, as Veles, he will have golden antlers protruding from his long, brown, & curly hair.

NATIONALITY: N/A. Appears Slavic, as that is one of his favorite places, Nicolas has an indistinct Slavic accent that can sound very Russian at times.

GENDER: Masculine. Uses he/him.

SEXUALITY + ROMANTIC IDENTITY: Bisexual and demiromantic.

MORALITY: Chaotic Good.

PERSONALITY: Nicolas is a warrior with a heart of gold. Fierce, demanding and impulsive, everything about him is larger than life. For him, nothing is impossible as long as he believes in it. He is inventive and witty, sarcastic and curious, and immensely willful. He will do whatever he can to save others. He is also fearless, mysterious, caring, and full of wonder.

BIOGRAPHY: Veles had been alive for what feels like all of Time, guarding the border between Yav (the mortal world) and Nav (the underworld). When his worship + power started to wane due to Christianity’s influence across all of the world, and his reputation was tarnished as the Devil, the Man in the Moon offered Veles a new job: become the Guardian of Wonder.

He took the name Nicolas, and decided to embody an aspect of himself that he enjoyed a great deal: Santa Claus.

Nav became the North Pole, its fertile fields turning to snow-encapsulated tundra when Winter struck. No mortal can dare enter the North Pole, not without special permission.

Souls who pass under the Slavic banner end up residing in Nav for all of eternity, and when Nav turns into the North Pole, those who live within Nav can volunteer to help with Santa’s duties, or opt to just enjoy the wintery aspect of the realm. Those who are favored by Nicolas can become Santa’s Helpers, and he sends them all throughout the mortal world to act in his stead.

Leshys patrol the space, so no souls leave without permission. Elves assist in toymaking. The Yeti assist in overseeing all functions within Nav, and act as managers, while also covering all other duties that the others fail at.

Every December 24th, he delivers gifts to good children and leaves coal for naughty children. He has also been known to still deliver to adults.

Using his Globe of Belief, Nicolas makes sure that the children of the world believe in the Guardians. Whenever crises arrive, Nicolas is there, blades at the ready, spear strapped to his back, and is ready to kick a w ho-ho-ho le lot of ass.

#mobile access.

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teneguine · 2 years ago

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ultimate shadow mirage!

A number of you are sent straight to Fhirdiad to warn King Rufus, only to arrive too late. The guards say that he is with two young princesses, a “Celica” and a “Corrin”, and are naturally aghast when they find out the truth. That said, this must be dealt with carefully: the king’s, nay, all of House Blaiddyd’s reputation is on the line, and an embarrassment of this magnitude would shame the family for generations to come. There is only one option: to don a variety of disguises as you follow after the king’s date night through the market district and separate him from the ‘princesses’. [Grants Heavy Armor +1]

Odin can hardly believe that the king actually bought a Corrin wearing shoes.

But deep down, he knows not everyone can be a master of disguise. Managing to wangle the costume back into his hands, he’s donning the garb of his lord Leo for the second time now: a task he always wanted to perform again, but was never given the chance. And, to his credit, it’s actually a convincing outfit. His facial structure and locks of snipped blonde are easy to pass off as the prince’s, and though there is a slight height difference to the two men, it’s negligible to the untrained eye. No, where his charade often... Falls apart, is in his ability to act with the same cynicism and pragmatic curtness as his liege. Odin is, simply put, a much different breed.

It’s worked in Nohr, though. So here’s hoping it’ll fool Faerghus.

“At last we arrive!” he announces, like himself and not at all like Leo, and with a flaring pose to boot, “Hark, for this is the stuff of legends! Two brave heroes, going undercover in the guise of night to liberate a mighty monach from the chilling woes of an imposter! Aren’t you excited, Laslow?” His old friend’s face is sought out for the same kind of excitement that shines on his, but quickly realizing his mistake, Odin fumbles his words to correct himself, “Er, I mean, Definitely-Not-Laslow, for I am the umbral Prince Leo, here to reclaim mine beloved maiden of yore... And I love tomatoes!”

Is he selling it too much? He’s definitely selling it too much.

‘Bad’ is a generous way of putting things. But if Rufus is so easy to trick with that shoddy Corrin and lackluster Celica, there is hope yet for our Avenger of Righteous Justice. The three are just in view now, striding across the bustling market scene to peruse some of the Kingdom’s vendors. In spite of the time of day the streets are packed, likely due to the excitement of bearing witness to the very trio that Odin and Laslow are tailing now. Craning his neck around the people in front of him reveals to Odin that they are taking their time with some pelted furs--likely an early winter preparation. He’d laugh were he not trying to pass off as cool and mysterious, for even in the frigid ice tribes of his second home, Odin’s raging blood was all he needed to keep warm.

Regardless, the stage is set for the duo to make their entrance. As the merchant puts on his most suave face and smooths his hand over a sheepskin like puffy clouds, the King’s finger comes to rest at his chin. It is evident that he’s thinking about something, and likely to seek the second and third opinion’s of his celebrity entourage. It’s perfect. All Odin needs is the confirmation from Laslow that he is ready, and he’d make his way over posthaste.

//starter for @laslow

#IC #THREAD NO. 18 LASLOW (ULTIMATE SHADOW MIRAGE!)#LASLOW #leocorrin #//do we need to tag that for this thread?#//ain't sure so i'm playing it safe #//feel free to make your own judgements though

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sassypotatoe1 · 1 year ago

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If you use a gas or ventilation system heater put a bowl of water before the vents/flame. If your air dries out, though it might look like you would want that, your nasal canals dry out. If they dry out they crack and you're like 5 times more likely to catch a cold. If there is a ton of moisture in your house this isn't necessary, but get a cheap greenhouse humidity monitor and watch that shit.

If you make wood or coal fires, bar checking the chimney, properly clean out all the ash between fires, and have proper ventilation in the room the fire is in. Carbon monoxide kills, do not let it catch you unawares. You need a proper and strong flow of air going through the room. There's a myth that carbon monoxide is heavier than air. This is not true, it disperses evenly throughout the air most of the time. If you can get a carbon monoxide sensor installed, do it.

Vacuum seal windows and draw blinds and curtains at night. There are kits for this I believe, it doesn't get too cold where I live so we don't have them, but I believe it's like heavy duty cling film sheets that you tape down around the window frame, then you vacuum out the air. Vacuums are fantastic insulators, and if you can create them around your house by sealing the windows? Great.

Use the sun! If you have south-facing windows in the northern hemisphere or north-facing windows in the southern hemisphere those puppies are completely uncovered during daylight. No blinds, no curtains, not even sheer curtains. Get as much heat from the sun into your home during the day as you can.

Hot water bottles are good, but if they puncture or burst you're now not only burned by the hot water, you're also wet and rapidly cooling. At worst, get a moisture absorbing cover, at best switch to bean bags or if you can afford it ceramic bead heat pads. You can heat them in a coal or wood stove, or in a microwave if you don't have blackouts. If you're shivering, focus it on your core. Stomach, chest, pits, back, neck, crotch. If you're not shivering but your extremities are cold, put them on your hands and feet.

If you have to walk somewhere or bike somewhere in the cold, get sheepskin boots and jacket, waterproof that shit. It's gotta be wool pointing in suede pointing out. You can waterproof it yourself by rubbing beeswax all over it, especially in the seams, and using a hairdryer or heat gun to melt the wax in. You will have to redo the wax. If you're vegan, though I will disagree with you on the ethics and sustainability of using pleather over real animal skin, pleather outer is fine, waterproof on its own even, but just seal the seams. Be quadruple sure that the synthetic fur or fleece is hollow fiber.

Sheep fleece doesn't have to be attached to the skin to be effective, it can be sheered off the sheep which does not harm the sheep and actually benefits them. Same goes for any fleece. The warmest is alpaca, sheep is pretty high up there, while cotton, linen or bamboo fleece is not an animal by-product but much less effective at retaining heat. Felted fleece is more dense and therefore more effective at retaining heat, but it is heavier, uses more of the fiber and often scratchier. Natural. Fibers. Shrink. If you knit or felt or weave your own stuff you probably already know this, but just in case you don't wash natural fibers in cold water, and air dry. You can iron them without issue but don't tumble-dry them.

The reason I know these things despite living in a warmer climate is because one, I have a shit heart so my circulation is shit and with it my internal heating system, and two, I'm poor as shit and can't afford an electric or gas heater. I had a gas heater my parents loaned me when I was away at varsity, but my landlord threw a fit about the fire hazard so I had to figure out how to stay warm using my clothes, heat pads and blankets.

COLD WEATHER TIPS FROM SOMEONE WHO LIVES WHERE IT’S COLD:

I always see posts about layering clothing, but there are so many more creative ways to help keep you warm if you don’t have a lot of warm clothes. But first, a note on layering clothing:

-Your underlayer is your WICKING layer. That means it is a layer specifically to absorb the moisture your body produces. DO NOT USE COTTON AS A BOTTOM LAYER. Use merino wool if possible, but other good substitutions are nylon, polyester and rayon.

-Your middle layer is for insulation. You want AIR POCKETS in there, NOT tight fitting clothes. This is where you want to put your fluffy sweaters, your fleece, down, fur, flannel, or vests. If you do not have these, you can substitute with multiple layers of long sleeve shirts.

-Your outer layer is for keeping the cold away from your body. If you do not have a jacket, you can put on your thickest piece of clothing and then a raincoat over it. Windbreaker if you have one.

ALSO

-Jeans are the absolute worst at holding heat. Use only as a last resort.

-You can’t really ever have too many layers on your feet. Alternate tucking your layers of pants into your layers of socks to keep your ankles warm!

-Wear a hat OVER a hood if it will fit! This will keep your ears warmest.

TAKE OFF/OUT ANY AND ALL JEWELERY/PIERCINGS

-If you have a medical bracelet, DO NOT REMOVE IT. If you can, tuck a layer of clothes between it and your skin.

NON-CLOTHING TIPS:

-Raid your recycling. Gather all cardboard boxes and break them down so that they are flat. Put them on the floor to add more layers between you and the cooling house. Newspaper will also serve the same purpose.

-In an emergency, you can also layer newspaper between clothing layers. Don’t worry about looking stupid if you’re staying warm.

-If you have a tent, set that sucker up in whatever room you have decided to stay in. Stay in it and keep it zipped shut as much as you can, but do NOT cover the vent at the top. You can put the rain fly up, but make sure there is circulating air for you to breathe.

-You are probably not going to feel very hungry at times. DO NOT STOP EATING OR DRINKING. Digestion produces a lot of body heat and the food will give your body energy to keep itself going.

-The best foods are heavy and full of carbs and proteins. Eat nuts, eggs, pasta, meats, and beans. If you are on a diet, now you’re not. If you’re vegetarian… bulk up on those pastas and nuts.

-Try not to sweat. If you are finding yourself getting damp, take off the outer layer just until you start to cool slightly. Then redress! Your bottom layer should dry quickly, and being wet is dangerous.

-On that note, STAY ACTIVE. You are probably going to want to hunker down and snuggle up, but that will make your muscles cramp. Every 15-20 minutes do something that gets you up and about. Walk circles in the room, do a couple jumping jacks, stretch, whatever. Just enough to move some blood around your body. Don’t get sweaty or out of breath, it’s just a little movement.

-CHAPSTICK. ON YOUR LIPS. ON YOUR NOSE. ON YOUR EARS. ON YOUR KNUCKLES. Don’t let your extremities get dry or cracked.

SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA:

-Uncontrollable shivering -Slurred speech -Confusion or memory loss -Dizziness or lack of coordination -Inability to be woken from sleep

CHILDREN AND INFANTS!!!! I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

-Children WILL get colder before you. Make sure they are properly bundled up.

-If you need to breastfeed, put a blanket over the both of you and wait a few minutes for the air to warm before removing or shifting your clothing.

-DO NOT COVER AN INFANTS FACE. ESPECIALLY WHEN SLEEPING. Keep them tucked inside your own clothes when possible. As close to your heart and stomach as possible.

-Put chapstick on children’s cheeks and clean their face often if they are crying or wiping at their nose. This will prevent cracked skin and irritation.

-Make sure your children are staying as hydrated as you! They are going to fuss and not want to drink cold things, but they NEED liquids.

SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA IN INFANTS AND TODDLERS ARE DIFFERENT:

-Shortness of breath -Cold, red skin -Lethargy or listlessness

Finally:

CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS. CHECK ON CHILDREN. CHECK ON THE ELDERLY. STAY SNUGGLED. STAY SAFE.

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cleverhottubmiracle · 8 days ago

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Imagine covering yourself in a jacket that feels like a cloud-soft, warm, and luxuriously comforting. That’s the essence of sheepskin leather, where nature meets the essence of craftsmanship. When the wool is left intact, it’s known as shearling, offering both softness and warmth. Without the wool, the skin becomes lamb leather—soft, lightweight, and smooth to the touch.It stands out for its comfort, durability, and luxurious feel. Often used in jackets, gloves, and boots, it’s more than just stylish; it’s an experience of warmth and luxury. Despite its softness, it’s incredibly durable, making it a go-to for those seeking both function and luxury.In this guide, we’ll explore what makes sheepskin so unique, answering key questions and revealing why this leather remains a symbol of timeless elegance. Ready to discover true comfort? Let’s look further! How to Identify Sheepskin Leather Specifying it can be detailed once you know what to skim for. Its lightweight and satiny feel are the first indications. It is the most delicate among all commercial leathers, making it the most loved for men’s and women’s leather jackets. The grain is fine and soft, contributing to its signature smooth texture, and it has evenly spaced pores that are seeable to the eye.The Smell of Sheepskin LeatherA well-processed sheepskin leather has no odor. Poor-quality leather, however, may articulate odors from the fats and chemical processing used during tanning. So, when shopping for men’s or women’s fur and shearling jackets, a neutral smell is a fair indicator of quality.The Weight of Sheepskin LeatherThough it is slender and light, so it is perfect for making outerwear that wouldn’t feel heavy or bulky. This makes it a go-to for people who only wear lighter jackets during the cool and warm seasons, respectively. In addition to this, lightness is a result of a finer grain, which also gives it a fashionable and classy look that is also long-lasting.The Grain of Sheepskin LeatherThe fine grain of this leather contributes to its lightweight feel and gives it a smooth, almost soft consistency. Many people love this soft texture, which allows for comfy wear directly on the skin in both men’s sheepskin leather jackets as well as women’s sheepskin leather jackets.The Softness of Sheepskin LeatherThis is so fine that most people wear it right over the vest without distress. Combined with this, the lightness of the material results in sheepskin leather becoming suitable for clothes, and additionally, it remains comfortable even after hours of wearing.The Durability of Sheepskin Leather Despite its warm and cozy touch, when cared for, it is one of the longest-lasting leathers out there. Although it is not as stiff as cow leather, it bears well under standard conditions. As hinted above, buying a well-finished sheepskin jacket will last for decades, meaning it will justify the price differences between men’s and women’s sheepskin jackets. Proper supervision makes the jacket long-lasting and maintains its durability, thus making sheepskin a reliable investment for people who aspire to be fashionable and comfortable.Colors of Sheepskin Leather Earlier, it was only made in browns; however, the coloring has now been added. This leather comes in different colors, ranging from black to blue, red, yellow, and white. You can customize it in any color of your preference. Sheepskin delivers flexibility in all styles, whether you’re selecting a traditional look or something more contemporary.Price of Sheepskin Leather The outstanding features of this leather come at a higher price tag than other leathers. Is sheep leather expensive? Of course, the purchase is pleasingly worthy regarding the comfort, durability, and luscious feel that sheepskin offers. This is why men’s leather jackets and women’s leather jackets stand more scornful than jackets made from further materials.How is Sheepskin Leather MadeUnlike different types of leather, it is tanned with wool while keeping it intact. The tanning process yields a stable hide that is resistant to decomposition and qualifies for coloring and dyeing. The wool side is normally used as the internal lining in jackets and boots, delivering insulation, while the leather is used for the body and the outerwear.The Quality of Sheepskin LeatherIs sheepskin leather good quality? Let’s talk sheep leather—it’s not all made similarly. The major thing? Whether the pelt (aka the back of the hide) shows or not. If you can notice it and find the tiniest seed contamination, congrats – you’ve got the right quality! Seeds from briars and plants get clung in the wool and can even leave blemishes. Here’s a rundown from seed:No visible seedWith no visible seed contamination, it delivers the finest quality with fresh wool and spotless leather.Light seedLight seed contamination is present, mainly confined to the belly area. This type of contamination is minimal and hardly impacts the general quality.Medium seedMedium seed contamination affects portions of the belly and leg regions, although the leather remains mostly intact.Heavy seedHeavy seed contamination is evident throughout much of the wool, especially in the leg and belly areas, affecting the overall quality grade.BurryThis severe level of contamination entangles hard-seed particles implanted in the wool, which, when not released during the fleshing process, can potentially sabotage the leather.The Advantages of Sheepskin Leather The list of advantages is as follows: Due to its light and airy constitution, it is versatile, insulating you during winter and cool during hot weather. The natural lanolin (also fou bd in human skin) present in the wool also gives it antibacterial effects, which means it needs less regular cleaning. Lanolin also helps to recover exposed or inflamed skin, which is naturally found in sheepskin. Besides, it is flame-retardant, providing extra protection in particular environments.The Disadvantages of Sheepskin Leather Like various other materials, sheepskin leather has disadvantages, but not many. One of the biggest disadvantages is its ability to stretch over time, which causes the jacket to lose shape.It’s also more prone to staining and tearing easily than cow leather or calfskin, requiring proper maintenance. Lastly, while it can repulse light moisture, it is not waterproof.Is Sheepskin Leather Waterproof?A frequent question is, “Is sheepskin waterproof?” Although the sheepskin can withstand minor moistness, it is not entirely waterproof. More water exposure can impair the leather, making it essential not to wear it in heavy rain or snowfall.Products Made from Sheepskin Leather Sheepskin is typically used to make jackets, gloves, and coats. Its soft texture counts as a luxury component of any item, whether fur and shearling jackets for men or women fur and shearling jackets. Besides, its elasticity makes it perfect for wallets, purses, and dresses.Is Sheepskin Leather Durable?People may wonder if sheepskin is durable. Yes, it is! Regardless, it is more delicate than other types of leather, like cow leather or calfskin. You may notice it stretching with time and becoming sensitive to wear and tear, so it is important to take additional care to maintain its lifespan. Sheepskin Leather vs Cow LeatherThus, the obvious distinctions between sheepskin leather vs cow leather lie in terms of general weight, smoothness, and durability. However, cow leather feels plumper, firm, and grounded. Meanwhile, sheepskin provides swathes in softer, more relaxed-feeling apparel. Cow leather is suggested for rugged appeal, while sheepskin gleams with its softness and warmth.Sheepskin Leather LiningHowever, one of the significant parts of the sheepskin is the lining used in the product. What is sheepskin lining? It’s the woolen piece of the hide that offers better warmth and luxury. This lining makes products from sheep skin, such as jackets and coats, suitable for cold climates, yet the wool will keep one cool in the hot weather.ConclusionSheepskin holds nobility, softness, comfort, and class and is hence used more frequently for outerwear such as jackets. When comparing to other types of leather, such as sheepskin leather vs calfskin, sheepskin leather vs pu leather, or sheepskin leather vs goatskin, it is clear from the softness, lightness, and breathability that this offers. Though it requires maintenance, it is much worth the investment to those preferring quality, elegant leather accessories that will last a long time.FAQsIs sheepskin leather real leather?Yes, it is real leather made from the hide of sheep.What are the disadvantages of sheepskin?There is no such list of disadvantages; however, a few include stretching over time, being prone to tearing and staining, and not being totally waterproof.Which is better sheep or lambskin leather?Both are alike, but lambskin is typically slightly soft and more light than sheepskin.Is sheepskin leather waterproof?No, it is not entirely waterproof, though it can resist a slight amount of moisture. Source link

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norajworld · 8 days ago

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