#oath of harmony

[cagemasterfantasy]

MLP AU: Paladin: Oath of Harmony

Note this uses the 2024 rules for Paladin

The Oath of Harmony is a beacon of friendship, kindness, and balance, drawing inspiration from the magical heart of Equestria. These Paladins dedicate themselves to fostering understanding, celebrating diversity, and upholding the principles of harmony in all their endeavors. They believe that true strength lies not in brute force, but in the bonds of friendship and the power of compassion. Just as the ponies of Equestria embrace their unique talents to create a harmonious whole, so too do Paladins of this oath strive to bring out the best in themselves and others.

They are not necessarily pacifists, understanding that sometimes conflict is unavoidable. However, they always seek peaceful solutions first, and their actions are guided by a deep respect for all living beings. Whether mediating disputes, protecting the innocent, or inspiring hope in the face of despair, the Oath of Harmony embodies the true spirit of friendship and the enduring magic it brings to the world. They are the champions of harmony, the guardians of kindness, and the living embodiment of the belief that friendship truly is magic.

These tenets guide the Oath of Harmony Paladin, reflecting the diverse approaches to goodness in Equestria:

Friendship is Magic: Value bonds with others, for they are a source of strength and joy.

Embrace Diversity: Celebrate the unique talents and perspectives of all creatures.

Seek Understanding: Strive to find common ground and resolve conflict peacefully.

Champion Kindness: Extend compassion and forgiveness, even to those who have erred.

Uphold Harmony: Strive to maintain balance and prevent discord.

Spells: When you reach certain levels specified below, you always have these spells prepared they don't count towards the number of spells you know.

Level 3: Charm Person, Healing Word

Level 5: Calm Emotions, Hold Person

Level 9: Aura of Vitality, Counterspell

Level 13: Dimension Door, Freedom of Movement

Level 17: Mass Cure Wounds, Hold Monster

Choose a Sacred Path to follow you may change your path at the end of a long rest:

Path of Generosity:

Benevolent Touch: When you use Lay on Hands, you can choose to grant the healed creature temporary hit points equal to your Paladin level in addition to the hit points regained.

Aura of Inspiration: While you are conscious, friendly creatures within 5 feet of you gain a +1 bonus to saving throws against being charmed or frightened. This aura expands to 10 feet at level 7 and 30 feet at level 18, replacing the standard Aura of Harmony.

Path of Laughter:

Unexpected Prank: As a bonus action, you can attempt to distract or confuse a creature within 30 feet. The creature must make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature has disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of your next turn. 

Giggle Fit: When you are reduced to half your hit points or fewer, you can use your reaction to unleash a burst of infectious laughter. Each creature of your choice within 15 feet of you must make a Wisdom saving throw or be incapacitated until the end of their next turn. A creature that succeeds on its saving throw is immune to this effect for 24 hours.

Path of Kindness:

Soothing Presence: When you use Lay on Hands, you can also choose to remove the poisoned or frightened condition from the healed creature.

Animal Affinity: You gain proficiency in Animal Handling. You can also cast the Speak with Animals spell once without expending a spell slot. You regain the ability to cast this spell in this way after you finish a long rest.

Level 3 Shared Burden: You touch a willing creature and share a portion of its pain. The creature regains hit points equal to 1d6 + your Paladin level. You then take damage equal to half the hit points regained by the creature.

Level 7 Aura of Harmony: While you are conscious, you and any friendly creature within 10 feet of you gain advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened. At level 18, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet.

Level 15 Wings of Friendship: You sprout feathered wings, granting you a flying speed equal to your walking speed.

Level 20 Embodiment of Harmony: You become a beacon of harmony and friendship. As a bonus action, you can empower yourself or a friendly creature within 30 feet. The empowered creature gains advantage on attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks for 1 minute. This feature can be used once, regaining use after a long rest.

[danmeigirl]

Rafayel's Ardent Oath : Oceanic Harmony

[decaf-mother]

"Dead But Beautiful"

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Part 6

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OCs x F!Reader

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You are a young woman who also happens to be a witch- ending up with you in a college of mythical beings... {This story is gonna be silly chaos and will be aimed at my fellow bisexuals.}

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Warnings: Gore, Violence, Death, Angst, Hurt and Some Comfort

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What's it like to be dead?

Cassian can't remember what his heartbeat felt like... Sometimes he catches himself mimicking the pattern in which that you breathe as he watches you.

Baby blues shine in a way that seems almost inhuman in certain lighting, watch him for long enough and it's easy to see he isn't a breathing being anymore. He unintentionally mimics those who still have a pulse, a part of him craving to know what that's like again.

What's it like being alive?

It's cruel and unfair. He could have aged and lived the life of an average person. He had potential- he was going places in life.

It's unfair how he can't remember what it's like to live yet he remembers what it's like to die.

••

Crimson painting the walls in a morbid display, crying and screams that are all his own, fingers pressing into the splintered wood in an attempt to drag himself towards the still body

"Edith..."

Not like this. It can't be like this. This isn't right.

His touch graces the palm of her hand, she's so cold that it makes his insides ache. He tries to shift closer, the movement causing the bone in his broken leg to poke out further, a harsh gasp leaving his throat.

Every inch of his body has suffered and yet what hurts the most is seeing her silent and unmoving.

"Edith... Please."

The vampire bite on her neck visible as a symbol of something inevitable. The smallest sliver of hope remains in his mind that they will be found, however the raging winter storm outside states otherwise.

It was Alexi's fault. All of this. Her family. Her family did this. He trusted her.

••

He snaps out of it when he hears your voice, he didn't even realize he had began crying. Seated on the bench outside with autumn leaves drifting past, the leaves dead yet still beautiful painting the ground in an array of browns, yellows and oranges... He often wonders if he's much like the leaves- drifting past only to slowly deteriorate into soil in the end.

"Cassian...? Are you okay?"

You immediately internally face palmed- of course he's not okay. He is clearly very not okay.

"M'fine."

Usually he was much more talkative than this... He doesn't want to discuss what's going on, you can feel that from the look in his eyes. You know better than to try to pry, it's not your place and would likely only make what he's experiencing worse. Instead you offer what you can.

"Would you like some tea...? We can just sit or talk about something else. Whatever you need."

You watch his awkward shifting as he's a bit unsure how to answer, he doesn't really get comforted like this and especially didn't expect it from you. A slow nod as he wipes away his tears with the back of his hand.

"Yeah... Okay."

Hopefully Sev is okay with you snagging some of his tea bags... Eh- it'll be fine.

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{AHAHAH- I'm so sorry. I disappear from writing for so long then deliver you this-}

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{@sofasoap @scar-crossedlvrs @anna-banana27 }

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{More Content}

[theplotmage]

Principles and Laws of Magic for Fantasy Writers

Fundamental Laws

1. Law of Conservation of Magic- Magic cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

3. Law of Equivalent Exchange- To gain something, an equal value must be given.

5. Law of Magical Exhaustion- Using magic drains the user’s energy or life force.

Interaction and Interference

4. Law of Magical Interference- Magic can interfere with other magical effects.

6. Law of Magical Contamination- Magic can have unintended side effects.

8. Law of Magical Inertia- Magical effects continue until stopped by an equal or greater force.

Resonance and Conditions

7. Law of Magical Resonance- Magic resonates with certain materials, places, or times.

9. Law of Magical Secrecy- Magic must be kept secret from the non-magical world.

11. Law of Magical Hierarchy- Different types of magic have different levels of power and difficulty.

Balance and Consequences

10. Law of Magical Balance- Every positive magical effect has a negative consequence.

12. Law of Magical Limitation- Magic has limits and cannot solve every problem.

14. Law of Magical Rebound- Misused magic can backfire on the user.

Special Conditions

13. Law of Magical Conduits- Certain objects or beings can channel magic more effectively.

15. Law of Magical Cycles- Magic may be stronger or weaker depending on cycles (e.g., lunar phases).

17. Law of Magical Awareness- Some beings are more attuned to magic and can sense its presence.

Ethical and Moral Laws

16. Law of Magical Ethics- Magic should be used responsibly and ethically.

18. Law of Magical Consent- Magic should not be used on others without their consent.

20. Law of Magical Oaths- Magical promises or oaths are binding and have severe consequences if broken.

Advanced and Rare Laws

19. Law of Magical Evolution- Magic can evolve and change over time.

20. Law of Magical Singularities- Unique, one-of-a-kind magical phenomena exist and are unpredictable.

Unique and Imaginative Magical Laws

- Law of Temporal Magic- Magic can manipulate time, but with severe consequences. Altering the past can create paradoxes, and using time magic ages the caster rapidly.

- Law of Emotional Resonance- Magic is amplified or diminished by the caster’s emotions. Strong emotions like love or anger can make spells more powerful but harder to control.

- Law of Elemental Harmony- Magic is tied to natural elements (fire, water, earth, air). Using one element excessively can disrupt the balance and cause natural disasters.

- Law of Dream Magic- Magic can be accessed through dreams. Dreamwalkers can enter others’ dreams, but they risk getting trapped in the dream world.

- Law of Ancestral Magic- Magic is inherited through bloodlines. The strength and type of magic depend on the caster’s ancestry, and ancient family feuds can influence magical abilities.

- Law of Symbiotic Magic- Magic requires a symbiotic relationship with magical creatures. The caster and creature share power, but harming one affects the other.

- Law of Forgotten Magic- Ancient spells and rituals are lost to time. Discovering and using forgotten magic can yield great power but also unknown dangers.

- Law of Magical Echoes- Spells leave behind echoes that can be sensed or traced. Powerful spells create stronger echoes that linger longer.

- Law of Arcane Geometry- Magic follows geometric patterns. Spells must be cast within specific shapes or alignments to work correctly.

- Law of Celestial Magic- Magic is influenced by celestial bodies. Spells are stronger during certain astronomical events like eclipses or planetary alignments.

- Law of Sentient Magic- Magic has a will of its own. It can choose to aid or hinder the caster based on its own mysterious motives.

- Law of Shadow Magic- Magic can manipulate shadows and darkness. Shadowcasters can travel through shadows but are vulnerable to light.

- Law of Sympathetic Magic- Magic works through connections. A spell cast on a representation of a person (like a doll or portrait) affects the actual person.

- Law of Magical Artifacts- Certain objects hold immense magical power. These artifacts can only be used by those deemed worthy or who possess specific traits.

- Law of Arcane Paradoxes- Some spells create paradoxes that defy logic. These paradoxes can have unpredictable and often dangerous outcomes.

- Law of Elemental Fusion- Combining different elemental magics creates new, hybrid spells with unique properties and effects.

- Law of Ethereal Magic- Magic can interact with the spirit world. Ethereal mages can communicate with spirits, but prolonged contact can blur the line between life and death.

- Law of Arcane Symbiosis- Magic can bond with technology, creating magical machines or enchanted devices with extraordinary capabilities.

- Law of Dimensional Magic- Magic can open portals to other dimensions. Dimensional travelers can explore alternate realities but risk getting lost or encountering hostile beings.

- Law of Arcane Sacrifice- Powerful spells require a sacrifice, such as a cherished memory, a personal item, or even a part of the caster’s soul.

[absolvement]

Tags: part 1.

[royal-wren]

A little appreciation for the domains of a deity that don't get much attention/recognition. I'm making this because I do think it would be lovely if the aspects mentioned below got more attention, and additions not mentioned are welcome so long as it's an obscure part of them. This was going to be just a few and then I got carried away and did the main Twelve Olympians

A little love for:

Apollon as the God of Foreigners (the Arcadian friendship's harmony with Hermes being the god of travelers/way-god couldn't be any louder)

Aphrodite as a Goddess of the Arts (anything love-themed falls to her by default)

Ares of Civil Order, Defender, and Of Courage

Artemis as the Goddess of Dancing and equal Leader of the Mousai

Athene as the Goddess of Carpentry, Metalwork, and Sculpting

Demeter as Friend of Peace and Law-Giver

Hephaistos as the one with a delicate touch that creates beautiful works of art (It isn't so much unknown but honestly the thing I love most and not the first thing one thinks of with his talents/image)

Hera as the Skillful Bender of Language, Bender of Oaths and Promises

Hermes, God of Peace/Diplomacy, Divine Protector of All, as well as a God of Poetry and Knowledge (rightfully the other half to Athene)

Hestia of the Earth, Earth Dwelling and Delighting in the Works of Man, The One That Made Buildings

Poseidon of Fertility, the Plant Nurturer, and Holder of the Earth

Zeus of the People, Gracious and Merciful, Of Refuge, Counsellor

[ineclipsedpast]

Love & DeepSpace Myth events- Ardent Oath

Rafayel: God of the Tides- Oceanic Harmony

Zayne: Master of Fate- Bamboo Mirage

Xavier: Lumiere- Moonlit Heart

Sylus: Abysm Sovereign- Insatiable Eye

(Tumblr refused to let me use my actual gifs with better quality wth)

[madwomansapologist]

YOU LOVE BLOOD TOO MUCH (BUT NOT LIKE I DO)

★彡 synopsis: awakened in a new era, sukuna found endless opportunities to hurt and maim others. he also found you, a sorcerer with an ever-expading soul bonded to oaths of pacifism and self-control. allured by the strength you decided to hide, sukuna realized this era could be far more fascinating.

chapter one: a blinding glimpse or the one you politely offered your heart to the king of curses in an attempt of mocking him.

warnings: ryomen sukuna, meet-cute (they're actively trying to kill eachother), hate to morbid curiosity, canon level of violence, blood and gore, near death experience, cannibalistic thoughts, hot villain covered in blood, sorcerers being clinically insane, satoru gojo cameo, fight style visual.

word count: [1.2K]

kill count: [0]

Observing it all from above, scarce stars battling with artificial lights to test his blurred vision, Sukuna realized he awakened in a distant era. One that overflow with life, he assumed.

He could hear it all. At every dark street and its endless crossroads kids would bid their farewells and run back home. Wind carried the hiss of kettles and brush of soles against old rugs. Sukuna reveled in the harmony reverberating inside each and every human blissfully unaware of the hungry void lurking above.

Offenses cowardly whispered, commands shouted, nauseating confessions. How many voices. So much unnecessary noise. Sukuna’s initial deduction was proven correct in a matter of seconds. Life overflows in every moldy corner. Surviving isn’t a concern in this brand-new world, and herds born for slaughter confuse not having a predator with having strength.

It truly is a perfect era to destroy, considering the reek of sorcerers nearby.

I was brought back, Sukuna rejoiced as the receptacle resisted his presence. To a world build to be torn apart, Sukuna laughed as an extravagant sorcerer dared use him as a training dummy. Nothing good will came out of this, Sukuna felt a shiver on his nape.

A thunder silenced the world. Wall after wall shattered as the impact of a lightning bolt threw Sukuna inside the building. Involved by a dense layer of dusty, Sukuna regained balance. Pearly white waves danced above his skin. The aftermath of sheer electricity.

It didn’t burn Sukuna. It didn’t hurt him at all. A basic and quick attack lacking cursed energy and strength. Sorcerers sunk to such a low level during his slumber? Pathetic, although not surprising or disappointing. He never expected them to become stronger.

A blink later and his arrogant smile oscillated. As the energy dissipated, it was all healed. Every wound and scratch. Broken ribs and cut lips. As good as new. In an instant, all the pain inflicted in his vessel disappeared. It definitely wasn’t his doing, since Sukuna haven’t decided if this maggot was worth his time.

“Don’t ruin another school,” wind carried a new voice towards Sukuna. One tender and hospitable. It reminded him of silk. “People will question it, and then Yaga will question us.”

“His brain only works against us”, Satoru whimpered, handing Megumi the bag with his future midnight snacks. “Not an ounce of trust on our good, flawless work. When did he ever let us be?”

Looking at his pout, you giggled. “And since when did we ever let him be?”

Sukuna followed after your voice. What an alluring conversation. Two sorcerers, half-complaining and half-laughing. No remnant of dread or fright. This night, no one that spoke carried the fear of someone challenging the King of Curses.

Feeling moonlight on his flesh once more, he finally saw who dared healing his vessel. And for a moment, all Sukuna could do was stare.

A pearly mist expanded with your every breath. As if haunted by a wraith, or perhaps surrounded by a still gathering storm. It shined so brightly, floating right above your skin, in an extreme contrast with the darkness of your cursed energy.

Sukuna was staring at your soul.

A shiver travelled down your nape as his gaze burned something within you. Tilting your head, you faced Ryomen Sukuna. The weight of his presence alone could make curses beg. Staring back into his red eyes, you smirked.

The double-edged long axe on your hands glistened as you imbued it with more cursed energy. Biting the tip of your tongue, a habit you never truly escaped from, you observed the ancient predator in front of you. It was time to hunt.

Crouching down on the ground, you supported your weight on your toes. A simple change of position. Enough to make stupid curses hesitate. Why crouch down while holding an axe? Why not go straight for the throat? Why put your strength on your knees when you need it on your torso?

You saw no confusion inside Sukuna’s eyes. Only amusement.

In a fluid motion, your body floated above his. The fabric of your yukata covered the wide arch of your arm. The edge of your axe came down, cutting the concrete bellow you even far away from the ground.

As you expected, Sukuna dodged it easily. By making a fuss with your robe, you forced Sukuna to move further away in order to obtain a better view of your movements. And he moved exactly where you knew Satoru would be.

“And I am the one destroying the school?” Hands inside his pockets, Satoru forced his presence upon Sukuna. You wondered who between you three flashed the most annoying grin. “That was on you.”

In the air, you three danced. Satoru and his surgically correct dodges. Sukuna’s incessant pace of physical attacks without breaking a sweat. You forcing them both to move higher in search of the upper hand. A perfect dissonance.

 “You told the kid to let him take control”, you remembered Satoru. “Everything is on you from now on.”

“How convenient for everyone else”, Satoru hissed. “And remind me who said fighting a special curse would make this day interesting? You manifested this.”

“I can take the blame if you pay the price”, you offered. Sneaking a glance at Megumi, you checked if he was safe down there. One of Sukuna’s black nails brushed against the sash around your waist. “I’ve been craving fish and-”

Hollow.

How to define inexistence properly? How to explain the palpable feeling of lacking something? The best you can do is summarize it to a single word: red. Your teary eyes, the energy growing between Satoru’s fingertips, the fist deep into your chest. Everything was burning red.

“Don’t look away from a fight”, Sukuna mocked you, tearing your chest open. There was a certain poison in his words. “And I thought you were promising.”

Crushing your heart between his fingers, blood gushed upon his lips. Sukuna laugh echoed in the midnight sky. How uncommon. Tender and hospitable. You taste just like how you sound.

If you had cried, Sukuna would be tempted to taste your tears. If you had fallen, Sukuna would enjoy the sight of a human turning into a puddle of organs and bones. If you had screamed, Sukuna would feed on your delirious rage.

But as your right hand closed around his wrist gently, Sukuna had no reaction.

“I appreciate the compliment, Sukuna-sama”, you smiled.

Grabbing your black hairpin, the golden opal gem on the end of it reflected moonlight directly into his eyes. Wind moved your hair, framing your face and carrying its perfume directly into his nostrils.

“You can have my heart.” Piercing the still beating organ, your smile turned into a cheeky grin. “I have no need for it anymore.”

 “Yuji”, Satoru called. And just like before, there was no remnant of dread or fright in his voice. “You can come back now.”

Staring into your menacing eyes, Sukuna felt his vessel taking control over the shared body. Licking his lips, he tasted you once more. Yuji Itadori regained consciousness to find himself with a heart in his hands and teeth dangerously close to it.

Fascinating, Sukuna admitted to himself. What an interesting era to ruin.

all rights reserved to © madwomansapologist | @mwalibrary @mwashelf

[apoloadonisandnarcissus]

“There is the dove, and there is the serpent.”

Or: understanding the meaning of Ellen, Thomas and Orlok love triangle in the 2024 “Nosferatu” adaptation.

“Love is the law, love under will. Nor let the fools mistake love; for there are love and love. There is the dove, and there is the serpent. Choose ye well!”

Aleister Crowley, “Book of the Law” (Thelema, occult system)

“He is Infinity… Eyes shining like a jewelled diadem. Putrescence. Asphyxience. Devourance.”

(Pigeons and doves are from the same family bird)

Herr Knock eats the head of the pigeon/dove in a very graphic way. Dr. Sievers asks him why he does this. There's no verbal explanation. The occult explanation it's him not choosing the "dove" in this Thelemic dichotomy of dove/serpent ("choose ye well!").

The “Dove” is religion and its worship. Crowley saw the "law of the dove” as repressed Christian love: pure and divine. It’s blind and obedient love, taught in religious circles, but also peaceful and harmonious, like the “Holy Spirit”. It’s brotherly love, as well. This is what Herr Knock rejects, and what Ellen has with Thomas and Anna.

Thomas and Ellen share pure and Christian love, sanctified by marriage, as they made a holy oath before God (sacrament).

“Our love was supposed to be sacred.”

"Thank you for loving me.” 

The “Serpent” is Spirit with its devotion, wisdom and delight. While the “Dove” descends; the “Serpent” rises. It's the fire from below, kundalini (divine feminine energy from Hindu tantrism) ascending, it's Eros: erotic sexual love. It’s physical and animalistic expression of love. It’s ecstasy, passionate and hungry love. It’s spiritual and transformative love, the circle of life and death, and rebirth (immortality).

Ellen: “I have felt you like a serpent crawling in my body.”

Orlok: “It is not me. It is your nature.”

"My vocation is the Serpent", says Babalon (the deity Ellen is a earthly manifestation of). Which is why Orlok says "love" (as in "law of the dove") is inferior to Ellen. The “law of the serpent” is the love Ellen and Orlok share, it's beastly, sexual and ravishing love. As she tells Thomas: "You could never please me as he [Orlok] could."

But “love”, according to Aleister Crowley, is “harsh” as well, as he defines it as “love may best be defined as the passion of Hatred inflamed to the point of madness, when it takes refuge in Self-destruction.” Which explains why Ellen says she abhors (hates) Orlok: what they had was so intense and passionate “it turned to torture, it would kill me” (self-destruction) as she confesses to Thomas. 

Orlok cannot love as in the "law of dove", he loves as in the "law of serpent" (“I cannot be sated without you”). Ellen, as a manifestation of Babalon, loves both ways, because the Dove (Thomas and Anna) is love, and the Serpent (Orlok) is love, too.

“Choose ye well!”

“You are not for the living. You are not for human kind. You shall be one with me ever-eternally […] Do you accept this, of your own will? […] Then the covenant is fulfilled. Your oath re-pledged […] As our spirits are one, so too shall be our flesh. You are mine.”

“I relinquished him my soul […] I am blasphemy.” Herr Knock fanatically begs Thomas to kill him

“Set free the daemon’s [demon] body!” Von Franz tells Thomas before they open Orlok sarcophagus

More context here.

[teaandspite]

Propaganda/Who's-who below:

Finwë Brought the Ñoldor to Valinor. Good at ruling, bad at family harmony. Famously killed by Morgoth.

Fëanor, son of Finwë and M��riel Þerindë Everyone knows this guy. Made some pretty cool gems. Should probably be kept away from fire, oaths, and important decisions.

Fingolfin, son of Finwë and Indis Had to walk across the ice because SOMEONE burned all the boats. Stabbed Morgoth seven times after calling him a bitch.

Finarfin, son of Finwë and Indis Stayed home, apologized, didn’t die. By far the most sensible person on this list. Showed up to fight Morgoth five centuries late with Starbucks (the Valar).

Fingon, son of Fingolfin and Anairë Great at rescues. Went out fighting two balrogs at once.

Turgon, son of Fingolfin and Anairë Bit of a shut-in, but at least he wasn’t the most dickish ruler of a hidden Elvish kingdom.

Gil-galad, son of Plothole Is his dad Fingon? Orodreth? Is he just some guy? Nobody wants to ask, because he’s very good at his job. Died fighting Sauron with Isildur and the rest.

[morgaseus]

Sunday has you wrapped around his finger.

You love the man too much to even second guess him. Yet it is not him that you swore your oath to but to the family and the harmony. To harbor something other than disgust to a traitor, a follower of the Order at that, is tantamount to a sin, borderline blasphemous. He's always been virtuous, dedicated in upholding his duties for the family and the whole of penacony. You feel a dull aching emanating from the cavity of your chest; You'd never guessed he was the traitor all along. 

When you caught him in the middle of escaping from his cell, along with the wine purple haired woman- Kafka, a stellaron hunter, you surmised, you've seen her posters plastered in walls enough for you to recognize her anywhere. They’re recruiting him, you think. They're taking him away. Your mind tells you to uphold your duties as a member of the family. He’s a traitor to the family- to the harmony. He tried to usurped Lord Xipe! Your heart (aches to see him go, to leave you) tells you to let him go. To let him live, to experience everything for himself. 

You've always been the family's dog, always following their orders as if you were merely born for them and not for yourself. But this time, you decided to choose for yourself.

You let the halovian go. You clenched your hand, crescent shapes left at its wake. You don’t want him to leave, you never want him to leave because that would mean you would no longer see him. But if he were to stay here.. If he were to stay here, the family will capture him, hand him over to the IPC for trial (he will most likely be found guilty), imprison him until he rots in prison, until he serves his sentence. You don’t want that, you will never want that for him. Sunday has been nothing but kind to you. He treats you as if you were the most precious and fragile thing in the whole asdana system. He makes you feel, wanted, needed, loved. Even if you think his words were lies. So, you think, that is the best possible outcome.

He lived his whole life believing the sickly sweet poison instilled to him by the dreammaster (You’ve always thought there was something wrong with Mr. Gopher Wood). Nobody really sees how his left hand, that he always keeps at his back, would clench his right arm. Nobody sees how many nights he had to stay up, worrying, wondering, who could've killed his sister, why they killed her. Nobody- nobody sees his struggles. All they know is that he's sunday- the perfect, meticulous oak family leader. Sunday the traitor. Sunday the order’s remnant. He needs this. He needs another chance. So, you decided to let him go. Maybe then, he would learn to live for his sake. 

[spayki]

Here is what is happening… In this world, where uncertainty often prevails, a fragile but bright light emerges at the beginning of each year: hope. A glow that crosses continents, that warms souls, that, wherever it falls, awakens common dreams. From the largest metropolis to the most isolated corners of the earth, the birth of the year arouses a breath of fraternity, a surge of shared desire. Peace, health, love, these wishes escape from the lips of each, like a universal anthem, a silent oath of renewal. This phenomenon, this gentle and timeless magic, transcends borders and cultures. It reminds us all that optimism is not a rarity but a force that, in this suspended moment, binds humanity in the same aspiration. Through smiles and gestures, the idea that everything can change, that everything can improve, becomes a shared truth, a common language. May this light, this solidarity, this tenderness, not be just a passing illusion, but may they illuminate each day of the coming year, may they help us to get through the trials and build a more harmonious world together. I wish you a year that is, wherever it flourishes, a breath of beauty and serenity. A year where each moment would be a celebration of humanity, where each gesture of love, each act of generosity, would be a star in the sky of our lives. A year like an eternal New Year's Eve, where tenderness, wonder and the communion of souls illuminate our days, here and everywhere in the world.

[peekawoocc]

Cockblocked in Wano Pt.5 (final part)

Reader x Law

*sorry this took forever to write, my mental health started declining pretty bad the last couple of months. Luckily for you, that's part of the reason why I decided to finally finish this series. I need an escape and distraction ever since the election and all the crazy stuff going on lately with family and friends. If you feel the same, just know you're not alone 🖤*

CW- Smut, spoilers for One Piece, MDNI, 18 plus ONLY

It felt as if the weight of the world just shifted. Luckily for the pirate-ninja-samurai-mink alliance, it had shifted in their favor. The mission to save Wano from Kaidos control had finally been accomplished. When the Straw Hats liberate an oppressed country, you know what time it is!

Party time!

As you wandered around the festival, you began to hunt down only one man after reuniting with your crew. You had your hair down, and changed your clothes except for one kimono you had been pridefully wearing since your first night with the Surgeon of Death. You had a black bikini top with a see-through fishnet shirt on top with a pair of black skintight jeans. On top of all of that, you wore Laws kimono, open to allow your outfit of choice to be on full display. The kimono had not made it unscathed, unfortunately, but you still felt the need to ask if you could keep it. You knew you couldn't ask to be on Laws crew, no matter how much it hurt to admit. You took an oath when you chose to become a Straw Hat, and you were loyal to a fault. So, with swift urgency, and lingering dissapointment, you looked for the love of a lifetime that had graced you.

There he was. Waiting in line with Bepo for yet another treat to add to the mountain of snacks the adorable bear had already collected. Looking slightly annoyed and definitely a bit worn, Law was looking straight ahead until he felt a light tug on his yellow sleeve.

When his eyes met yours, his face immediately softened. You would never know how grateful he was that you had made it out of battle with only a few scratches and bruises. He felt relief washes over him, and even relaxed his shoulders a little.

"Hey, you wouldn't happen to have seen my husband around here, would ya?" You teased with a little giggle.

"I think I saw the smartest and handsomest destroyer of Emperors head towards that alley over there,"

"Well, perhaps I should go look for him. I was planning to have some alone time with him after all,"

"That sounds like a great idea," Law then turned to the sparkly eyed Polar bear next to his side.

"Bepo, are you going to be alright if I go take care of some things?"

Bepo was doing what he could to contain his excitement. He had never seen Law so infatuated with anyone like he was with you. Not to mention, there was only two more people ahead of them in line, it wouldn't hurt to wait a little more alone. He could easily find Shachi and Penguin causing a ruckus during the festival.

"Of course Captain!" Bepo replied happily.

"Let's go," Law turned back to you, grabbed your hand and led you towards that alley he had pointed out.

Once you got to the alley, it became apparent you both weren't the only ones looking for privacy. The alley had quite a few couples in it, some just talking, some wrapped up and limbs tangled with eachothers. This was no longer the ideal setting. Law looked up one of the buildings for a second.

"Room"

"Shambles"

And just like that, you were on the roof of the previously mentioned building.

It was a marvelous sight.

The streets glowed with golden lights, and it was so beautiful with how it contrasted to the now calm and blue starry sky. Then, the fireworks happened. As the fireworks lit up the dark sky, it made the golden glow of below and the dark above combine into a beautiful harmony of lights.

Distracted by the breathtaking view, you didn't notice Law was looking at you until he wrapped an arm around you.

"Beautiful, huh?"

"Beautiful doesnt even begin to describe it,"

Your smile beamed up at him. The scene before him made his aches and pains worth it. If he couldn't have you by his side forever, he at least wanted this to be the way he'd always remember you.

"Hey, Law?"

"Yes?"

"So I know I kinda got it torn and messed up a little, but did you want me to return your kimono?"

You pouted as you looked back down at the fabric draped on your shoulders.

"You can keep it,"

"Yeah. Gotta give you something to remember me by,"

"Oh, like I could ever forget you,"

You didn't want this moment to end. You wanted this night to last forever. It felt like the end, but it was just the beginning of the night you'd share.

"I know I can't ask you to join my crew, and I know we're supposed to go back to being 'enemies' after we all leave the island. However, if the day comes and Luffy actually does become King of the Pirates, and the Straw Hats disband...please come find me,"

His eyes yearned for you as he spoke.

"Or, if I hear news of your crew disbanding, I'll come find you. That is, if that's what you want,".

You pondered for a moment as you searched his eyes.

"You know...I was planning to do that even if you hadn't asked me to. If I had met you before Luffy, maybe things would've turned out differently. But maybe...maybe this is just how it was supposed to happen. I'm just happy I met you back on Punk Hazard. It was an unexpected joy to get to know you, and even greater that I've gotten to be so close with you,".

Law took your lips with his own. When did he fall so hard for you? When did you fall for him?

And why did fate have to seperate you after finally bringing you both together?

As the kiss started wholesome, it became hungry and hungrier. Knowing that you wouldn't have much time left, you both began to feel a certain sense of urgency. You stopped to take a breath.

"Hey, wanna continue this somewhere else. Where we're less likely to get interrupted. I think I might actually lose it if we get interrupted again,"

Law laughed at that.

"Yes, definitely. I couldn't agree more. How about the Polar Tang? It should be empty since I let the crew party tonight. Being on a sub for months makes them like being out as much as possible,".

And with that, Law got you both back on the ground, and head towards the docked yellow sub.

Once on the sub, Law led you to his bedroom.

"Promise to lock the door to take extra measures?"

"Already ahead of ya, sweetness,".

And with that, he locked the door, turned back to you and practically pounced.

Stripping down all while making out, it was messy. Far messier than the previous times before.

As Law pushed you onto the bed, he got on his knees in front of you.

"I think its my turn to return the favor to you fully now,"

And with that, he pulled down what remained of your underwear, he pulled you to his face.

He started slowly lick at your folds, wanting to taste you before devouring you. And then he lost control. Licking and sucking. You couldnt hold back the moans as he made quick work of you. Then he latched and bit on your thighs. This made you yelp a little. That just spurred him on more.

Taking two of his fingers he watched as he circled your clit. He then went back to eating you out and kept using his fingers to bring you to the edge. Right when you got close, he stopped.

"Lawwww," you whined from the lost contact, "Plea-". You were cut off as he switched the roles of his tounge and fingers, and began fingering you as he licked and sucked on your clit. You felt your release begin to wash over you. Moaning and panting as Law kept going. You saw pure white.

You had to pull Law by his hair to get him off of you, the oversensitivity was too much to bear. He whimpered as you lifted his head. That just made you want him more. You quickly sat up to bring your face to his, he moaned into your mouth as you made out with him. Tasting yourself on him, you couldn't wait anymore. You help pull him up to his feet, turned him around and pushed his back to the mattress.

He was always a sight to see. Panting, eyes burning, he was exhausted but the desire in his expression didn't show a single sign of wanting to stop now. You held his gaze as you wobbly crawled on top of him, he snickered a little.

"What's funny?" you pouted at him a little.

"Just that we only just started and you're already having trouble moving,"

"We also just fought a freakin' war against Emperors of the sea,"

"True true. Sorry, it's fun to tease you, y/n,".

Once you were fully on top of him, you couldn't help but kiss the smugness off of his face.

Snaking your hand down between you and him, you wrapped your fingers around him, making him groan at the contact of you finally touching him where he needed you most.

You lined him up with your entrance, and at an unbearably slow pace you began to sink down on him. He broke the kiss, hissing and trying to fight back the whimpers threatening to leave his throat.

Once finally taking him whole, you began a slow movement until you found a nice rhythm. You wanted this to last and also drag it out long enough to have him begging for you. Something that had begun faster than you thought it would.

"Pl-please, please, please move a little faster,"

"Where's the fun in tha-,".

He cut you off before you could have the satisfaction of teasing him back. He dug his heels into the mattress, grabbed your hips, and started thrusting up into you with restless abandonment.

He couldn't wait anymore. Not when this could be the last time he'd ever have you like this.

You were seeing stars. Starting to lose your balance, you searched for anything to hold onto and decided it'd be best to find support using Laws chest. You leaned down to press yourself chest to chest with him. This new position allowed you to see his neck, and it looked extremely appealing. Kissing his neck turned into licking and biting, leaving marks all over his pretty tanned skin. You were so focused on ruining his neck that you almost missed the way he started whimpering again.

He started slowing his thrusts again to change positions. Now you were on your back, looking up at him. You were both sweaty, desperate messes. Taking and giving everything you had to eachother.

He looked down to line himself back up with you and made his way back to being whole again. Without taking more than a minute or two, he started back up the dangerous pace he had before.

Pulling your legs up and onto his shoulders as much as he good, he started hitting that sweet spot, causing you to arch your back up off the bed. It didn't take long for your climax to be reached for the second time tonight. Little did you know that it definitely wouldn't be the last time this very night either.

Not long after you, he followed suit, your orgasm caused your grip to tighten on him and he couldn't hold back anymore.

After painting your insides, he collapsed next to you, struggling to catch his breath.

A few minutes passed until Law spoke up.

"Thank you for looking for me. I didn't know if it'd be the right thing to see you again before we left Wano. I was worried it would just hurt worse...and it might. But, I don't regret it,"

"I didn't know if it'd really be the best idea either, but I think it was worth the risk. It's nice that there wasn't any inconveniences this time,"

"Hell, if someone does try to show up, I don't care anymore. I'm not holding back when I have no clue when I'm going to see you again,"

"Oooooo~, promise?"

"Promise,".

Law scooped you up into his arms and snuggled against you. You could both feel the beginning of fatigue creeping it's way in.

"Hey, Law?"

"Yes, sweetness?"

"I...I think I'm in love with you,"

"The feelings mutual,".

If only you could see the smirk on his face. He finally had you all to himself. If only for a short while.

[decaf-mother]

"Red Writing"

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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 5

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OCs x F!Reader

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You are a young woman who also happens to be a witch- ending up with you in a college of mythical beings... {This story is gonna be silly chaos and will be aimed at my fellow bisexuals.}

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Warnings: Angst, Abuse Mention

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Your cup of coffee is gripped tight in your shaky hands, you perhaps should lay off the caffeine a bit... It is not helping your anxiety.

Your aunt is doing her best to soothe you but the things she just told you- they could haunt your dreams for several nights in a row. Maybe even forever.

-

Your father was a cruel man- a spell caster with a heart of black. He could be quite charming to the point he fooled everyone around him into believing he was a perfect match for your mother.

The marriage was forced by their families, a uniting of power in a way. It didn't take long for the cruelty to begin behind closed doors, most of the time it wasn't even directed at your mother though... He treated the servants in such a horrible way. She couldn't stand it.

She coped with it all for so long- the crimson colors and blooming bruises along the surface of her heart. When she found out she was pregnant with you though.... She couldn't let her child grow up in such a dark place. She wanted better for you.

Leaving him was no easy task... It involved abandoning everything, it involved taking you to a whole new place. It involved pretending to be something else entirely... But she was willing to do it all.

You deserved better. She was going to give you that.

-

Tears streak your cheeks and your aunt clasps your hands into hers, the sound of birds chirping outside her beautiful Victorian style home.

"It's okay... Cry all you need to, dear... You're not alone any longer."

Your aunt felt responsible for not being able to do more, it wasn't her fault either yet she blamed herself. She was your mother's older sister and yet she couldn't save her- protect her.

So now... You are her responsibility and she'll be damned if anything ever happens to you.

"Stay strong... You have your mother's blood in your veins."

••

Your fingers tap against the steering wheel, still in park combatting several things in your mind at once. Slowly you make your way out of the vehicle, just needing time to yourself to think... That's all.

Your foot catches against a rock and you don't manage to catch yourself, simply prepping to make contact with the gravel..... Your eyes slowly flutter open upon feeling a strong arm catch you, slowly looking up you lock eyes with beautiful deep crimson ones.

"Oh-"

You croak out and scramble to gain your balance fully, pulling away from the person who caught you from behind.

It's a woman who's about 5'6, apple body shape, mocha toned skin, long curly black hair, square face shape and of course those striking crimson eyes. She's wearing a denim jacket covered in various pins, black tank top, dark jeans, black lace up boots and red heart earrings.

"Somebody's awful clumsy, yeah?"

She grins slightly flashing her fangs... Ah yes, vampire.

"Yeah. It seems I have a way of bumping into others..."

Well, that was an awkward response.

The young woman laughs as she clearly finds the situation amusing, a natural flirtiness to her tone as she speaks to you.

"Well, maybe I should stick around then... Don't want you smacking that pretty face of yours on the ground."

You try to fight the heat burning at your cheeks, quickly facing away from her in an attempt to hide it... Begging God to please not let her notice that she just so effortlessly made you flustered. Fuck, pretty woman... Crapppp...

"Mind if I walk with you?"

She wastes no time in attempting to get closer to you, eyes not leaving your form for a moment as you hesitantly nod. You allow her to tag along as you make your way back towards the building...

Getting accompanied to your room by a strange flirty vampire you just met? You certainly are on a roll lately... Seriously. Get it together.

"My name's Alexi by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Alexi..."

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{Oops- Angst. Have sexy vampire lady as apology. Lmao}

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{@sofasoap @scar-crossedlvrs @anna-banana27 }

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{More Content}

[theplotmage]

50 Fantasy Prompts: Cultures and Societies. Writers Save this!

1. Luminae

- A society that worships light and revolves around bioluminescent creatures.

- Gesture: Raising both hands to the sky and opening palms to signify receiving light.

- View: Light is considered the purest form of energy and the ultimate source of life.

2. Mistral Nomads

- Wind travelers who harness the power of the breeze for navigation and communication.

- Gesture: Whispering into a small vial and releasing it into the wind, symbolizing sending a message.

- View: The wind carries the voices of ancestors and guides the living.

3. Veilwalkers

- Inhabitants of the mist who can see and manipulate spirits.

- Gesture: Drawing a veil across the face to communicate with spirits.

- View: The world of the living and the dead are separated by a thin veil that can be crossed.

4. Starforged

- People born under specific constellations with unique abilities tied to their birth star.

- Gesture: Touching a constellation tattoo to activate its power.

- View: Stars are the eyes of the gods, watching over and guiding them.

5. Shadecloaks

- Masters of shadow magic, living in perpetual twilight.

- Gesture: Merging fingers into the shadows, symbolizing blending into the darkness.

- View: Shadows are protective, hiding them from danger and giving them strength.

6. Seraphians

- Winged beings who consider themselves guardians of the skies.

- Gesture: Unfurling wings in a greeting, showing trust and openness.

- View: The skies are sacred, and flight is a divine gift.

7. Pyrosages

- Fire-wielders who live in harmony with volcanic landscapes.

- Gesture: Holding a flame in one hand while placing the other hand over the heart, symbolizing passion and life.

- View: Fire is a cleansing force, both destructive and renewing.

8. Aquafolk

- Ocean dwellers with the ability to breathe underwater and communicate with marine life.

- Gesture: Creating ripples in water with a fingertip to convey emotions.

- View: Water is a mirror of the soul, reflecting true feelings and intentions.

9. Silvan Elves

- Forest guardians who blend seamlessly with their environment.

- Gesture: Touching foreheads with a leaf, symbolizing unity with nature.

- View: All life is interconnected through the roots of the great tree.

10. Necrochanters

- A culture deeply connected to the afterlife, able to communicate with and summon spirits.

- Gesture: Drawing a circle with ashes to summon spirits.

- View: Death is not the end but a transformation to another state of being.

11. Stonekin

- Rock-like beings who can manipulate earth and stone.

- Gesture: Pressing a hand to the ground to communicate with the earth.

- View: The earth holds ancient wisdom and the memories of their ancestors.

12. Aetherians

- Masters of air magic, capable of floating and flying at will.

- Gesture: Raising arms and fingers to mimic the flow of air currents.

- View: The air is filled with invisible threads that connect all living beings.

13. Chronomancers

- Time-benders who can manipulate past, present, and future.

- Gesture: Tapping a timepiece rhythmically to alter time flow.

- View: Time is fluid and can be molded to fit the needs of the moment.

14. Dreamforgers

- People who can enter and manipulate dreams.

- Gesture: Weaving fingers in intricate patterns while in a trance.

- View: Dreams are a bridge between realities, holding power and prophecy.

15. Sunseekers

- Pilgrims who follow the path of the sun, gaining strength from its light.

- Gesture: Holding a hand above the heart to swear oaths under the sun’s gaze.

- View: The sun’s light is a witness to all promises, giving them sacred weight.

16. Frostborn

- Ice-dwellers with control over cold and frost.

- Gesture: Exhaling a cold breath to signify agreement or truth.

- View: Ice preserves and protects, holding the essence of life.

17. Songhearts

- A musical culture that uses songs and sound for magic.

- Gesture: Placing a hand over the throat and singing a single note to show sincerity.

- View: Music is the language of the heart and the most honest form of communication.

18. Runecarvers

- Inscribers of powerful runes that grant various abilities.

- Gesture: Tracing runes in the air or on surfaces to cast spells.

- View: Runes are the written words of the gods, containing immense power.

19. Stormcallers

- Masters of weather, able to summon and control storms.

- Gesture: Raising a staff to the sky to summon storms.

- View: Storms are the breath of the gods, bringing both fury and renewal.

20. Plainsriders

- Nomadic horsemen known for their speed and agility.

- Gesture: Drawing a circle in the dirt with a foot to mark territory or signal peace.

- View: The open plains are a vast, sacred expanse that must be respected.

21. Mycologians

- Mushroom-like beings who can communicate through spores.

- Gesture: Spreading spores by tapping a mushroom cap to communicate.

- View: Fungi are the bridge between life and decay, recycling energy.

22. Glimmerfolk

- Glittering, gem-encrusted people who can harness the power of precious stones.

- Gesture: Touching gemstones to channel their energy.

- View: Crystals are vessels of ancient power and knowledge.

23. Thornclad

- A warrior culture clad in thorny armor, known for their fierce combat skills.

- Gesture: Clasping hands with thorned gloves to signify a bond or agreement.

- View: Pain and resilience are intertwined, symbolizing strength.

24. Celestials

- Star-born beings with a deep connection to the cosmos.

- Gesture: Drawing constellations in the air with glowing fingers.

- View: The night sky is a map of destiny, guiding their every action.

25. Inkshapers

- People who can bring drawings and tattoos to life.

- Gesture: Drawing a symbol on their skin to activate a spell.

- View: Ink and art are extensions of the soul, capable of bringing thoughts to life.

26. Mirageweavers

- Desert dwellers who can create illusions and mirages.

- Gesture: Waving hands to create illusions and mirages.

- View: Reality is fluid and can be shaped by perception and will.

27. Echoers

- A culture that communicates and fights using echoes and soundwaves.

- Gesture: Clapping or snapping fingers to create soundwaves for communication.

- View: Sound is a powerful force that can shape the world around them.

28. Ironveins

- Metal manipulators who can shape and control metal at will.

- Gesture: Clenching fists to channel metal manipulation.

- View: Metal is a living force, constantly evolving and reacting.

29. Wyrmkin

- Dragon-like people with scales and the ability to breathe fire.

- Gesture: Exhaling a plume of smoke or fire to show respect or power.

- View: Dragons are the ultimate beings, embodying wisdom and might.

30. Duskborn

- Night-dwellers who gain strength from the moon.

- Gesture: Holding a candle to their chest, symbolizing the light within the darkness.

- View: Darkness is not to be feared, but embraced as a part of the natural cycle.

31. Crystalhearts

- A society with crystalline bodies that can refract light and energy.

- Gesture: Touching their heart crystal to show honesty and purity.

- View: Crystals are the heart of their being, reflecting their true selves.

32. Skyforgers

- Builders of floating cities and airships.

- Gesture: Hammering an invisible anvil to craft objects from thin air.

- View: The sky is a forge, and they are its smiths, creating wonders from the air.

33. Leafkin

- Plant-based beings who can photosynthesize and communicate with flora.

- Gesture: Placing a leaf in the palm to connect with nature.

- View: Leaves and trees are the lifeblood of the earth, nourishing all.

34. Sandshapers

- Desert people who can control and shape sand.

- Gesture: Drawing patterns in the sand to communicate or cast spells.

- View: Sand is a canvas for their magic, constantly shifting and changing.

35. Moonshadow Elves

- Elves who live in the shadows of the moon, skilled in stealth and night magic.

- Gesture: Casting moonlight on their face to invoke lunar power.

- View: The moon is a guide and protector, influencing their magic and lives.

36. Bloodrunes

- Warriors who use their own blood to inscribe powerful runes.

- Gesture: Pricking a finger to draw blood and create runes.

- View: Blood is the essence of life, and through it, they gain power.

37. Dreambinders

- People who can link their dreams to reality.

- Gesture: Twining fingers together to weave dreams into reality.

- View: Dreams are powerful forces that can shape and change the world.

38. Thunderclans

- Tribes who worship and control thunder and lightning.

- Gesture: Stamping feet or clapping hands to summon thunder.

- View: Thunder is the voice of the gods, a call to action and power.

39. Feywilders

- Inhabitants of the fey realm with unpredictable and chaotic magic.

- Gesture: Dancing in a circle to invoke fey magic.

- View: The fey are mischievous yet powerful, their magic a blend of chaos and beauty.

40. Mirrorborn

- People who can step through and manipulate mirrors.

- Gesture: Touching mirrors to travel or communicate.

- View: Mirrors are portals to other realities, reflecting infinite possibilities.

41. Wispwalkers

- Ethereal beings who guide lost souls.

- Gesture: Holding a wisp of light to guide lost souls.

- View: Wisps are guides and protectors, leading them through darkness.

42. Frostweavers

- Ice artisans who create intricate and magical ice sculptures.

- Gesture: Weaving ice crystals into intricate patterns.

- View: Ice is a delicate and beautiful force, capable of great power.

43. Starwardens

- Celestial knights who protect the realms from cosmic threats.

- Gesture: Drawing star maps in the air to invoke celestial power.

- View: The stars are guardians, watching over and protecting them.

44. Emberkin

- Fire-dwellers with control over embers and ash.

- Gesture: Snapping fingers to produce sparks and embers.

- View: Embers hold the remnants of fire’s spirit, representing both the end and beginning of the flame.

45. Oceanborne

- Sea nomads who can control the tides and waves.

- Gesture: Drawing water symbols in the air to summon sea spirits.

- View: The sea is a vast, living entity, a source of mystery and power.

46. Windwhisperer

- Communicators with the wind, able to send messages across great distances.

- View: The sky is a living entity, responsive to the voices of those who respect it.

- Gesture: Moving gracefully to mimic the flow of the wind.

47. Etherseekers

- Gesture: Holding out their hands to draw ether into themselves.

- View: The ether is a vast reservoir of magic, accessible to those who seek it.

48. Twilight Guardians:

- Gesture: Holding a lantern to light the way through twilight.

- View: Twilight is a sacred time, a bridge between day and night.

49. Windwalkers

- Gesture: Moving gracefully to mimic the flow of the wind.

- View: The wind is a messenger of the gods, carrying whispers of destiny and change.

50. Eclipsewatchers

-Gesture: Covering one eye while the other remains open to signify balance

- View: Eclipses represent the merging of light and dark, a time of balance and reflection.

[chthonic-cassandra]

hello friend! i have been trawling through your goodreads shelves as i so frequently do, but i have a specific request for recs that i think you might have some answers for and thought i'd go to the source: do you have any book recs for nonfiction about ancient religion?

I do indeed and am glad you asked! I only feel really qualified to recommend books on Ancient Greek religion specifically, but on that topic I have quite a lot:

More general/foundational

foundational to the field at the turn of the century and very important context for the framing of subsequent conversations about Ancient Greek religion is Jane Ellen Harrison. You may want to read more modern things first/instead, but her Themis: A Study of the Social Origins of Greek Religion is sort of where it all begins

Karl Kerenyi is also quite an important voice in the field, and though there are places where his scholarship is notably dubious I think there are things to be gained from his work. Probably try The Religion of the Greeks and Romans

Sarah Iles Johnson has done a bunch of accessible, solidly useful scholarship on ancient religion more broadly, and I think might actually be a realistically good place to start, though her work doesn't feel as intellectually exciting to me personally as a number of other things on this list. Her edited essay collection straightforwardly titled Ancient Religions may give you a lot of what you're looking for.

Yulia Ustinova is another contemporary scholar who has done a bunch of really solidly useful but not stunningly intellectually innovative work in this field. Divine Mania does some useful multidisciplinary stuff.

Roberto Calasso, The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony - this is really a book about mythology and not religious practice, but I mostly just want people to read it.

Marcel Detienne & Jean-Pierre Vernant, The Cuisine of Sacrifice Among the Greeks - I had mixed feelings on this, but it's quite important in the field and probably the Detienne & Vernant mostly concretely focused on religious practice

More specific and fun

Joan Breton Connelly, Portrait of a Priestess: Women and Ritual in Ancient Greece - my younger self was so very excited about the release of this book. It's not the most substantive work, but it has a special place in my heart

Barbara Goff, Citizen Bacchae: Women's Ritual Practice in Ancient Greece

Giulia Sissa, Greek Virginity - this is a history of sexuality book rather than a history of religion proper, but of course it's a lot about religion and also I had roughly a dozen revelations about things while reading it

there should be some Nicole Loraux on this list but I'm not sure which. Maybe Born from the Earth: Myth and Politics in Athens, which is useful particularly on the way the political and the religious were entwined, though you in particular I think should read The Experiences of Tiresias

Bonnie MacLachan, The Age of Grace: Charis in Early Greek Poetry - this isn't really so relevant to your question and is only useful after doing some exploration of the lyric poets first, but I love it and really can't help but recommend it

Georgia Petridou, Divine Epiphany in Greek Literature and Culture - same as above; this is more a literary study, but I just personally loved it

Andrej Petrovic & Ivana Petrovic, Inner Purity and Pollution in Greek Religion

Alan Sommerstein & Isabelle Torrance, Oaths and Swearing in Ancient Greece

Kathy Gaca, The Making of Fornication: Eros, Ethics, and Political Reform in Greek Philosophy and Early Christianity - I think you in particular should read this

I have other more specific recommendations on particular deities and religious centers, but those tend to be drier and this list is long enough. I hope you enjoy this exploration!