#or rather that magic isn't mystical

[lith-myathar]

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[tizeline]

TSAU Season 2 Finale - Part 2

Click here to get to Part 1

So Leo and Raph portal to Big Mama's hotel, Raph isn't very enthusiastic about making a deal with Big Mama considering Draxum has always warned them of how dangerous she can be, but it's not like they have a lot of better options. So while Raph is contemplating how to get BM's help without completely screwing themselves over, Leo immedietly jumps in as soon as they meet her and suggests that Raph can fight in the Battle Nexus in exchange for her help! Without consulting Raph about any of this first! Uh oh! So needless to say, Raph starts freaking out a little bit about this, which is made even worse when Leo just decides to reveal that the both of them were made from Lou Jitsu's DNA! UH OH!!

So the reason why Draxum has always tried keeping his sons away from Big Mama is because just them being genetically modified super soldiers already makes it more likely that BM would wanna kidnap them and force them to become gladiators in her Battle Nexus. This possibility doubles triples quadruples if she were to ever find out that they're more or less biologically speaking Lou Jitsu's kids. Not to mention she might wanna take revenge on Draxum for stealing Lou Jitsu from her. All of this is to say, Draxum has always made it very clear to his sons that this is something they need to keep hidden from her. It's a big secret. A big secret that Leo just revealed to Big Mama. The one thing Draxum told them not to do? Yeah Leo just did it. What the fuck.

Listen, Leo's inital offer of having Raph fight in the Nexus wasn't quite enough to get Big Mama to agree to the deal, she needed an extra push, so Leo took a calculated risk and revealed their secret origins. From here on out it plays out basically like in canon, with Raph freaking out the entire time. They both get Lou Jitsu outfits cuz Raph is basically being marketed as "Lou Jitsu Jr". Then when the battle begins Leo also gets yeeted into the arena, it's revealed that he actually planned this entire thing, him and Raph defeat the enemies and Raph is confronted witht he fact that Leo may or may not be a tactical genius???

No one ever really realized just how strategic Leo can be, including Leo! Granted, he can also be very impulsive and reckless at times so it's not entirely their fault no one ever realized Leo's full potential. That being said, he can clearly be real clever with coming up with strategies and plans when he puts his mind to it, he just outsmarted BIG MAMA! No one outsmarts Big Mama! Raph had already started to learn that maybe he should trust Leo a bit more than he usually does when he found out that Leo was right about the whole Dark Armour thing, but this moment right here really cements it for him. But with this little side-quest over and done with, it's time to head back to Donnie, April, Splinter and Shelldon.

So what have they been up to this entire time? Well, again it's rather similar to in canon, they've just been fighting Shredder the entire time lol, April gets to kick ass using a crane! Mikey doesn't get to yeet that big boat this time tough :( since he's not even here. What does still happen is that Donnie almost gets his fucking shell ripped to pieces by Shredder (he's called that for a reason ig). Donnie's battle shell in the AU already isn't really armour and it leaves half of his shell exposed, and he's not even weaing it right now! THANKFULLY he has gotten good enough at using his Ninpō at this point so that he can use that to shield himself, cuz otherwise LEMME TELL YA he'd be fucking DEAD.

Finally they end up that alleyway where Donnie have managed to calculate that Shredder is supposed to appear in. That's when Leo and Raph return with the mystic collar they got from Big Mama, again the rest basically plays out like in canon, Shredder shows up and they manage to get the collar on him and he's finally defeated, yay! Big Mama shows up, sends him to some magic prison dimension and I'm sure this is definitely not gonna become a problem later on, yay again!

With that entire distaster prevented, everyone is now tired as fuck so it's time to go home. With all the drama going on in the Draxum family at the moment, Splinter suggest that Leo and Raph should stay at his and Donnie's home, if only for a few days if they don't feel comfortable going back to Draxum. Leo and Raph decline though since they feel a responsibility to make sure that Draxum and Mikey are doing okay, especially since The Hidden City authorites may or may not come after them now that all their crimes have been exposed. But Leo and Donnie promise to meet up again soon now that they're officially BROS!

Aaaand that's the TSAU season 1 finale! A lot of stuff is gonna go down in season 2, like all the Draxum family drama, Mikey's angsty teen arc, Shredder coming back and causing problems, Mikey maybe getting a cat, Donnie properly bonding with at least some of his brothers, and finding out wherever Casey disappeared to! So yeah, stay tuned for that!

Also bonus doodle vvv

[neechees]

That's actually really common with Native characters, whether they're racebends or not, but there's always this need of people wanting to connect any fantasy elements of the characters, to Native American spirituality or culture, even when the same isn't done for other characters with the same fantasy elements as them.

Like we can't just have a Native American vampire, they feel the need to make this vampire turn into a Native deity. We can't just have a Native werewolf, their lycanthropy HAS to be linked to Native shape-shifting for some reason (& I'll admit this one has the most potential, but every attempt I've seen has STILL been butchered & racist). We can't just have a Native American who is also a wizard, their magic is somehow always linked to them being a "Shaman". There can't just be like a Native version of Superman or other superheroes, their superhero powers always somehow come from or are contact with Native deities.

I think people think theyre being inclusive & clever when they do this, and sometimes it IS out of a genuine desire to acknowledge the characters' culture rather than to just ignore it, but most of the time the cultural & spiritual aspects are butchered & bastardized anyways, so it still misses the mark & hits straight into The Magical Indian trope & Native mysticism. At this point its a pleasant surprise & subversive when their fantasy elements AREN'T linked to Native culture/spirituality somehow. There's ways to include Native characters' cultures into their backstories without stereotyping them & I wish this was understood & that creators strived for it more

[ohnoitstbskyen]

What’s the difference between Ascended, Aspects, Freljordian demigods, Aurelian Sol, and whatever Soraka’s got going on? Are they all just different varieties of League gods?

Hoo boy, okay, so. First of all, Riot have been pretty adamant that there are no gods in Runeterra, every god-like being that exists in that universe is actually a spirit or just a very powerful being of some kind, but definitely no real gods, no matter how much it seems like they are definitely writing these characters to be actual literal gods.

I don't 100% know why they are so insistent on this, but I imagine it has something to do with censorship and ratings agencies, or maybe they just don't want to have to establish any actual theology on Runeterra. Volibear isn't the god of storms for real, he's just a super powerful spirit that can create storms in the Freljord, but not all of them, so please don't ask us whether every single thunderstorm in the Freljord was something he did deliberately. That sort of vibe.

To go through them point by point:

Celestials & Aspects

The Celestials are beings like Aurelion Sol and Bard, which exist as cosmic entities operating on levels of power and motivation beyond human understanding. They came into existence with the universe itself, and tend to busy themselves governing various parts of its operation. They are, again not gods (Riot is very insistent on this), but Aurelion Sol literally made every star in the galaxy, he's functionally the progenitor god of Creation.

Some of them, though, like to interfere in the mortal world of Runetera in various ways, and they tend to use mortal vessels to do it. That's where we get Aspects: Aspects are mortals who are chosen by the Celestials that live on Mount Targon to contain their power and be their avatars in the mortal world.

Leona is the Aspect of a Sun celestial, Diana of the Moon celestial, Pantheon is the Aspect of War (or he was, until Aatrox killed it, but he retains access to many of its powers), and Zoe is the Aspect of Twilight, and so on.

Soraka is another Celestial in mortal form, but she is NOT an Ascended. Rather than possess a mortal, she created a mortal body for herself and poured the whole of her being into it, which is causing her body to permanently burn up from the inside while she regenerates it with her magic. She lives on Runeterra and acts as a mysterious mystical wise guide and mentor to mortals who need it.

Ascended & Darkin

Ascended are somewhat similar in kind to the Aspects, but usually lesser in power. The Ascended are also human beings infused with Celestial magic and power, specifically with the power of the Sun, although as far as I know, that power is drawn not from the Celestial of the Sun who empowers Leona, but directly from the physical Sun itself. This means the Ascended aren't possessed by Celestials and retain full free will, at the cost (or let's be real: benefit) of being transformed into furries, which extremely coincidentally just so happen to closely resemble the gods of the Egyptian pantheon. but again, they are definitely not gods, please don't put it in the newspaper that they are gods.

I don't know exactly how canon Riot considers this anymore, but the lore was that the Aspects of Mount Targon gifted the power of Ascension to Shurima in order to produce Ascended that could serve as shock-troops in the war against the Void, which is a swarm of extradimensional horrors that are constantly trying to eat the world. Whatever the case, the Ascended DID fight the Void, and it traumatized and corrupted them so badly that they degenerated into body-horror blood monsters called the Darkin.

The Darkin fell into civil war and it got so bad that The Aspect of Twilight (not Zoe but her predecessor in the role) decided to use some magical trickery to imprison them all in their weapons, which is where they've stayed for a few thousand years, getting even more traumatized and mentally destabilized by the total sensory deprivation and solitary confinement. If any mortal touches a Darkin weapon, it immediately assimilates them and uses their flesh as a new host, and then goes on a killing rampage about it. That's where you get your Aatrox, your Varus and (eventually, once he devours Kayn) your Rhaast.

Gods, Spirits & Demons

This is the category for Ornn, Anivia, Volibear, The Seal Sister and so on. The Freljordian people worship them as gods, but they are, technically, only extremely powerful nature spirits, manifestations of the nature of the Freljord itself, which draw power from the land and to a lesser extent from their worshipers. There are many, many lesser nature spirits, which might be worshiped as gods by particular tribes or hold power over particular areas, but Ornn, Anivia, Volibear, The Seal Sister and the Iron Boar are the most powerful and most widely revered.

On a similar note, Ionia is absolutely choked to the gills with spirits, because those lands are soaked in magic. They are usually not worshiped as gods specifically, but take the shape of everything from dragons to living trees to sprites and will-o-wisps and which roam fairly freely in Ionia. This includes characters like Lillia, who is the daughter of a magical tree of dreams on whose branches the dreams of mortals grow and mature, and it includes Ivern, who is an extremely powerful and ancient nature spirit formed from the soul of a magical tree.

Demons are distinct from spirits, in that rather than drawing on the power of the land or fountains of magic, they draw on the emotions of living things for their powers. The most powerful demons are known as The Ten, who get their power from the most primal emotions that living things feel. Fiddlesticks is the demon of Fear, and Nilah somehow draws her strength from Ashlesh, the Demon of Joy, whom her order has imprisoned. We don't know who the rest of the Ten are yet, but Riot seems to have that worked out somewhere in their internal deep lore.

Swain has a lesser (but still powerful) demon of secrets called Raum bound in his arm through some sort of deal, Evelynn is a demon of anguish and pain, Tahm Kench is a demon of addiction, and Nocturne is a demon of nightmares.

Besides those, there are an untold number of lesser demons, who feed on more and more specific feelings, and thus are less and less powerful because there's simply less of that stuff around to feed on. They are often called Azakana, and may be demons that feed on feelings as niche as, like, noblemen's fear of their extramarital affairs with handsome commoners being discovered. Yone hunts the Azakana and collects their mask, although even he doesn't know quite what for.

Death

This is where we place the Kindred. Technically they are merely Spirits of Death, but more than perhaps any other category of creature, Riot keeps writing them as Literal Gods of death and I don't think it makes sense to think of them any other way.

The Kindred take on many different shapes all across Runeterra, seemingly influenced in large part by the expectations of the people or creatures who are dying, but their most popular visage is that of a Lamb and a Wolf, hunting together. Lamb's merciful arrow ends your life if you accept that your time is up and go gently into that good night, but Wolf hunts you down and rips you to shreds if you resist and fight to your last breath, destiny be damned.

The Kindred are there for every death on Runeterra, they are the mediators (as far as we know) of all forms of death everywhere, and by far the most classically "anthropomorphic embodiment of universal existence" style god in the lore that we know of. Where a god like Anivia only really has power in the Freljord, the Kindred have power everywhere there is life. Only the undead escape them, and even then, only temporarily.

In Conclusion

YES Runeterra has tons of gods, it obviously has gods, you can't walk five feet in that universe without tripping on a god, but they tend to be gods with hard limitations on their power and influence, and rarely have powers on the level of bending reality itself.

Even Aurelion Sol, who literally makes stars, can't snap his fingers and undo causality, for example, or suspend the laws of physics wholesale.

Riot's weird insistence on "no gods in Runeterra" is more of an affectation, a bit of a put-on, than an actual narrative principle, and most of the gods of Runeterra can be understood very comfortably through the lens of various non-Christian religions like Norse or Greek mythology, or the hero/god characters of something like Polynesian myth.

[official-megumin]

alright

So I have seen a few people talking about uterus transplants on this site and other places.

And other than the obvious(transphobes) not fully understanding how it works, it seems to be treated as almost some magical miracle treatment we'll get one day, which almost certainly boils down to how taboo the topic is.

I have personally read up on it as much as I can(specifically to shut up transphobes spreading misinformation)

So I felt like I had to set some reasonable expectations so we don't all set ourselves up for disaster once the technology fully arrives(which it will soon)

So first off, yes. Trans women and other AMAB people will be able to get uterus transplants. There isn't some mystical "maleness" that prevents trans women from being able to have a uterus transplanted into them or from being able to get pregnant. But it does have its limits.

This technology has already been successfully performed on cis women(note plural), and there is no reason to believe it won't be able to be done on a trans woman sooner rather than later(I am no expert, but I would still hazard to guess that the biggest hurdle for that right now is public perception and bigotry)

This means that we also more or less know what it will be able to accomplish.

There has been at least one successful pregnancy borne to term with a transplanted uterus, so yes. Trans women will be able to bear children sometime in the near future.

But, there is a big caveat. You won't be able to keep the transplanted uterus post pregnancy. This has nothing to do with AGAB or anything like that, it is the exact same thing for cis women.

Unfortunately organ transplants are very complex, and even in other less particular organs, you still need to be on immunosuppressants for the rest of your life to prevent your body from attacking the new organ.

The same sadly also goes for a uterus. You will essentially only be able to have a uterus transplanted into you, go through your pregnancy whilst immunosuppressants, and then get a hysterectomy when you've given birth.

Again, this complications arrise with any organ transplant, so it has NOTHING to do with trans women not being "real women" and anyone trying to tell you that a uterus would "wither away in a male body" is lying to you.

A womb doesn't need two x chromosomes to form to begin with. There are plenty of intersex AMAB people born with uteri(myself most likely included).

I don't mean to crush any dreams or bring down the mood, I just don't want anyone to stay waiting for some ideal future that likely never will arrive.

I can't predict the future, I am not a doctor or biologist. I can't say for sure that we will never develop a technology that removes all the risk of organ transplants. It is also very possible that we develop a way to make you grow a uterus or other organs in your body after being born, or even just lab grown organs using your own DNA.

All I know is how organ transplants work currently and for the forseeable future.

[eye-may]

Any tuggoffelees headcanons perhaps? 😸

Also, I love the way you write things, it's pretty addictive to read.

tuggoffelees occupies at least fifty per cent of my mind palace at any given time so yes I definitely have hcs that Id love to share lmao. in all likelihood I could rave and gush until the end of time but I'll valiantly contain myself within the bounds of tumblrs character limit lmao

also thank you!!! ;w;

Tugger Is A Selective Ass Listener

Mistoffelees is really the only cat that Tugger unhesitatingly listens to. the latter has a notorious predisposition for disobedience and contrarianism, even, sometimes, towards Old Deutoronomy. it's more common though to witness Munkustrap telling him to do something or other, only to have to face down Tugger's bottomless pugnacity. (and that's his brother...if it's Skimble or Asparagus or Jelly or any of the elders...let alone a peer like Bombalurina...forget it lmao. they hardly even try after a certain point). however...if Mistoffelees echoes the command or chastises Tugger for not listening, or encourages him to obey...nothing gets Tugger to pipe down and comply faster. it's a mystical phenomenon that is known to many cats in the junkyard. a few of the kittens might even speculate that it can be attributed to Mistoffelees's magic, like he's using hypnosis...but the truth is, of course, that Tugger is just very, very whipped.

Vitriolic Best Frienditude

I see their relationship as embodying the "vitriolic best friends" trope in the most wholesome sense i.e., there's plenty of ribbing, teasing, good-natured spats, comedic disagreements, scathing nicknames. it's just one layer of their unique dynamic that contains multitudes lmao. in plenty of other instances, they coexist in companionable silence, especially since Mistoffelees is characteristically on the quieter side (and sometimes seemingly hesitates to talk at all). but the two of them read each other's signals so well --- the silences are never awkward, the vitriol is never genuinely hurtful.

Tashing

Tugger, contrary to his reputation, is not a "touchy-feely" cat. in fact, if you could see past the veneer of prurient mischief, you'd see a cat that's actually rather aloof...a little cagey, even. so unless the context is ✨romantical✨, he's not as likely to seek out tactile affection and cuddles per the average Jellicle. also sometimes nuzzling messes up his mane!! there is, of course, one (1) cat that can impulsively nuzzle/hug/cuddle the Tugger, even foregoing permission, and that's Mistoffelees. granted, Mistoffelees rarely seeks out those kinds of interactions (unless he's cold lmao) but there's an unspoken understanding that a physical display of affection from Mistoffelees is something that is very soothing to Tugger. there have been enough instances where Tugger gets riled up about something, only to be calmed by Mistoffelees materializing behind him, wrapping his arms around his neck, nuzzling him, purring. (incidentally, when he does this...his feet don't reach the ground lmao so he's kind of just planted on Tugger's back like a spider or a koala or smth).

on the other end, Mistoffelees isn't as guarded when it comes to tactile mores of the felinological sort. but Tugger takes certain extraneous liberties lol such as using Mistoffelees's head as an elbow rest, randomly lifting him, ruffling his head fur, etc.

They Will Do Crimes For Each Other (deadass)

they are protective of each other in different ways. Tugger's protective streak is more archetypal, more obvious. loud and conspicuous. a threat toward Mistoffelees, verbal or otherwise, is tantamount to a declaration of war. Tugger is slower to resort to offensive combat than Munkustrap or Alonzo...but if Mistoffelees is in the picture, it's on sight!! meanwhile, Mistoffelees is more of the 'quiet and dangerous' ilk of protector. he keeps more levelheaded, which in a way...makes him more of a terror. severe slights against Tugger may result in Mistoffelees wielding his magic in ways that he never does otherwise. and I don't mean in an explosive, violent way...I mean like, he'll turn up his beguiling tactics to the utmost degree. he'll play psychological games. he'll unleash his 'eccentric confusions' in a ruthless fashion. it's...about as close as he ever comes to using his magic in a way that's comparable to Macavity's tactics.

The Incomprehensibly Fateful Initial Meeting (or: Tugger acquires a new accessory)

Mistoffelees's arrival to the junkyard constituted a formative turning point for Tugger while he had been struggling with ingratiating with the Jellicles after the difficult process of detaching himself from Macavity. their initial introduction was very emblematic of who they are as cats; Tugger, in a bad mood after he lost something as seemingly superficial as his bandana down a storm drain and being touchy/irate as a result...and Mistoffelees, that eccentric new kitten, mystifying the younger cats with his little magic tricks. Tugger was encouraged to go say hi to him, be friendly, help welcome him...and Tugger probably would have shirked such pleasantries with some hot shot kid who's got the leading members of HIS fan club in a tizzy. but the Rum Tum Tugger IS a curious cat...and he'd have been remiss to admit that he wasn't dying to know what the big deal about this new arrival was.

he approaches the group of cats and kittens who are crowded around the tux in time to see him complete a sleight of hand card trick. the small audience erupts in cheers and claps. one of the kittens, noticing Tugger's arrival, encourages him to let Mistoffelees perform one of his tricks for him (he'll be amazed!). Tugger, of course, being too cool for school, is like mmm nahhh...but the kittens BEG him to give it a shot, and Tugger, used to appeasing his fans, concedes. Mistoffelees smiles ambiguously at him, and Tugger kneels down to his height, waiting for whatever ostensibly amazing feat of trickery is coming. Mistoffelees doesn't say a word to him; in fact, Tugger hadn't heard him talk at all up to that point. instead, the tux soundlessly reaches for somewhere in the vicinity of Tugger's ear, which causes the latter to reel back instinctively. he plays off his dramatic reaction a bit with an unsettled smile, but then declares that he doesn't allow for touching of his glorious mane. Mistoffelees is visibly taken aback; he recoiled when Tugger did.

of course, the kittens come in clutch again. Etcetera most likely is particularly insistent ("aw come on Tugger, just let him!!!") and, once again, Tugger's arm is proverbially twisted into resignation. he tentatively resituates himself in such a way that allows the quiet illusionist to conduct the trick. Mistoffelees reaches, combs his paw into Tugger's hair and seems to just play with it for a minute. Meanwhile Tugger is just sitting there like O_o. but then, Mistoffelees draws back, withdrawing his paw...and, with it, comes a long beautiful strip of fabric with leopard spots that match Tugger's own fur pattern around his chest and arms and feet. the kittens, of course, are rapt...and, admittedly, so is Tugger. his disposition flips like a coin. he's smiling (a genuine smile!), impressed, his previous reservations forgotten. when Mistoffelees hands him the bandana, Tugger examines it, and even extends verbal kudos to the magician. he can't figure out how it was done!

He goes to hand the bandana back, thinking it belongs to Mistoffelees, that it's something he typically uses for such tricks. but Mistoffelees, still wordlessly, nudges it back towards him. Tugger is confused for a second, but quickly realizes that Mistoffelees means for him to keep it. he's almost sort of touched...he had JUST lost his bandana, and as if coming in clutch, this random cat he doesn't know gifts him a new, honestly cooler one...but there's no way Mistoffelees could have known that...right...?

Suffice to say, although neither of them knew...that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship lmao. I could wax poetical for paragraphs and paragraphs about why the two of them work so well together, but that first meeting was a solid representation of the essence of their dynamic. Mistoffelees is a consunmate showman, as is Tugger, but there was never an air of competition or of insecurity or jealousy or any such unpleasantries. Mistoffelees, as far as Tugger was concerned, was the only cat he had ever met up to then that had no expectations of him; no ogling admirations, no prejudicial judgments. that didn't see him as a conquest, or a celebrity, or a henchman, or a project. and Mistoffelees, meanwhile, notices the evident sincerity of Tugger's attachments towards him. he's intuitive enough to glean quickly that most of Tugger's affections are, apparently, superficial and angled...and yet, despite Mistoffelees not partaking in the fandom, Tugger seeks him of all cats out, encourages his talents, praises him even when nobody else is around...so none of it, for once, is a performance. the two can just be so organic and raw with each other Im asfafoihgope

their idiosyncrasies are also fun to compare and contrast, like...both are showmen who enjoy being the center of attention when it's controlled. both know and understand what it feels like to be used. both grapple with prejudice, with the presuppositions about their propensity for evilness (because Tugger was raised by Macavity and Mistoffelees is magical, which, in my CATS universe, has negative connotations in certain religious groupings amid pious denominations of the cat world). however, Tugger is loquacious, extroverted, gregarious...while Mistoffelees is quiet, observant, cryptic. they balance each other out aaaa it's cute idk.

A Comprehensive Guide To Dealing With the Unique Situation Of Having A Superpowered Boyfriend? Best Friend

I just like to think that Tugger is more privy than perhaps anybody else about the multitude of nuances that come along with Mistoffelees's magical powers. it's not as simple as catapulting force lightning at every wayward piece of furniture on a whim! I think Tugger was the first to know of the extent of Mistoffelees's abilities (as described before, others in the yard knew that he could perform magic, but at first he kept it to seemingly explicable illusions --- sleight of hand things that are cool, but not actually preternatural) and has learned so extensively about them from a combination of tenure and fascination. he keyed in early on to the possibility of Magic Exhaustion (tm), and to the way Mistoffelees's power levels correlate with the moon phases, and how soporific a New Moon is to the Conjuring Cat. he knows to an extent better than most others, what exactly Mistoffelees 'can and can't' do, what sorts of magic he struggles with versus what he excels at, etc. like he might know these little details like, conjuring requires more energy than vanishment. he knows that if Mistoffelees tries to transmute anything without a Full Moon, he'll probably exert himself beyond his means and pass out. he knows when Mistoffelees is 'sensing' something, like an unseen entity or if he's having a moment of prescience. he knows that Mistoffelees struggles the most with sionic/psychic magic and that he dislikes even trying it (and that every time he does he gets a splitting headache).

for the most part, Tugger is infinitely impressed by the Conjuring Cat. this is known. as an unappeasable, unsatisfiable itinerant in almost all regards, it's nigh impossible to impress and excite him --- but Mistoffelees manages to do it all the time! that being said, there are truthfully a handful of downsides. Tugger's great at putting on an easygoing veneer, so all might not be privy to the moments when he's feeling pretty anxious about his friend...like when Mistoffelees overexerts and then goes comatose. when he's unrousable for longer than Tugger expects. when Macavity and all and sundry catch wind of him and he becomes a target. when he jumps into the line of fire, aggrandized into a save-the-day sort of role by virtue of being a literal sorcerer.

Tugger, on one paw, wants to show Mistoffelees off to everyone. he wants the world to know how uncredible this cat is, wants to bask in the glory of having the rare privilege of knowing him. but sometimes, on the other paw (indecisive as ever)...he wishes he could just have Mistoffelees to himself, where he's safe and where neither of them have to worry about the supposed ramifications of being able to shoot lightning out of your hands and suchlike.

despite those feelings, I don't personally see either Tugger or Mistoffelees as codependent of possessive of the other. their relationship is so organic and natural, bereft of miscommunication or distrust or overcompensation or jealousy or any such shortcomings. Tugger is protective without being patronizing. Mistoffelees is watchful without being hypervigilant. and so on and so forth.

fellas is it queer if your relationship with your bro is so profound that it actually transcends spacetime and subversely defies the cultural paremeters of any label available in any language, thus making this question unanswerable?

idk if this is an hc at this point. now I'm just babbling. but for what it's worth I'm a SAP...a SUCKER...a slut, even....for the type of relationship between two dudes that is nebulous and layered beyond the realm of conventional categorization. the kind of thing where it's like, they'd do anything for each other. they are soothed and balanced by each other's presence. one cannot imagine a world without the other. they are both 100% of themselves and their connection does not detract from either, nor does either need the other to complete their picture. they do, of course, love each other, yes. is it friendship? romance? sexual or sensual? familial? a partnership? a domestic union? none of the above! it's somehow something else entirely! it is more than all of that, and yet the most lightweight and simplest alternative.

is it ridiculous for me to wax and wane hither and thither so philosophically over two campy fictional dancing and singing anthropomorphic cats who technically only directly interact for a net total of like ten minutes??? yes, it is! but there are worse things

I just like to think that that's the kind of relationship they have. you can't stick a neat and tidy label on it. I think in their materially planar bubbles in which they are beholden to cultural mores, there's potential for spindles made out of the What Are We? sort of threads. but like I often indulge in the imagery of it being like a sam/frodo thing where we just don't even know what to call it lmao.

all that is to say. knowing how prevalent the idea of reincarnation is in the world of CATS, I do like to think of Tuggoffelees as something of a cosmic fixture in the grand scheme of the universe. in my personal CATS canon [[I need to think of a damn title for this thing]] there comes a time when Mistoffelees has to come to terms with the fact that he's going to outlive all of his loved ones. when Tugger becomes privy to this, and to Mistoffelees's apprehensions about it, he promises (with some levity because this IS Tugger we're talking about) that he'll always find Mistoffelees in every subsequent Jellicle Life. he'll always come back to get on his nerves. Mistoffelees is incredulous; it's not like Tugger's future incarnations will remember his past lives and have the wherewithal to do any such thing. But Tugger insists that he'll always be Looking, even if his future incarnations don't necessarily know what specifically FOR, because he'll always be a restless soul (that can only be truly settled by one vital connection, as we have already seen). he assure Mistoffelees that the latter will know when future Tuggers have found him; and Mistoffelees chuckles and says he's sure that he will.

both of them know that neither of them REALLY believe that. but it's a comforting thought.

recently I've been juggling with the idea that after escorting Old Tugger to the Heaviside Layer, Mistoffelees casts a spell for which he sacrifices his voice to make it so that he can always identify Tugger's soul, and only that soul will be able to hear him speak. subsequent generations of cats will come to know the legendary Mistoffelees as entirely mute, although none will know the reason why. that's a whole other thing tho asdflkapsofi

[witchyintention]

Red Flags to Watch for Online as a Witch or Pagan

The internet is a wonderful place for witches and pagans to connect, learn, and share experiences. But just like a bubbling cauldron can contain both healing potions and questionable concoctions, the online witchcraft and pagan community has its fair share of red flags. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a baby witch just starting out, knowing what to look out for can save you from misinformation, scams, and straight-up cult-like behavior.

1. The "One True Way" Mentality

If someone claims their way is the only correct way, run. Fast. Witchcraft and paganism are vast, diverse, and deeply personal paths. No single tradition, spell, or deity is superior to another. Anyone who insists otherwise is likely more interested in controlling you than in fostering genuine spiritual growth.

2. Gatekeeping and Elitism

"You’re not a real witch unless you do XYZ." Sound familiar? Gatekeeping is rampant online, and it usually serves to boost egos rather than build community. Whether it’s requiring a specific lineage, expensive tools, or obscure knowledge, true spiritual paths welcome curiosity and growth, not exclusion.

3. Charging Exorbitant Fees for Basic Knowledge

It’s fair for experienced practitioners to charge for in-depth classes, readings, or handcrafted tools. But if someone wants hundreds of dollars to "unlock your true potential" or sell you a "highly exclusive" spellbook, take a step back. A lot of foundational knowledge in witchcraft and paganism is freely available through books, forums, and online communities.

4. Fear-Based Marketing

Beware of anyone who tells you that you’re cursed and that only *they* can remove it—for a hefty fee, of course. Fear-based marketing plays on insecurity and panic, leading people to spend unnecessary money or perform rituals they don’t understand. Authentic practitioners empower, not frighten.

5. Toxic Positivity or Love-and-Light Only Spaces

Yes, positivity is great, but shadow work and acknowledging the dark are just as important as embracing the light. Beware of spaces that shut down conversations about struggle, trauma, or the more challenging aspects of spiritual growth. True spirituality isn't just "good vibes only."

6. Cult-Like Behavior

If a group or individual discourages questioning, insists you cut off family and friends, or demands unwavering loyalty, you’re stepping into cult territory. Healthy communities encourage independence and critical thinking.

7. Misinformation and Historical Inaccuracy

Social media is full of posts that sound mystical but are factually incorrect. If someone confidently declares that "witches were burned at the stake in Salem" (they weren’t, they were hanged), or claims an ancient spell that clearly came from a 1970s book, do some fact-checking. Reliable sources and scholarly research are your friends.

8. Unverified UPG as Universal Truth

UPG (Unverified Personal Gnosis) refers to personal spiritual experiences. They can be powerful, but they’re just that—personal. If someone insists their deity *only* communicates in a specific way or that their interpretation is the only correct one, take it with a grain of salt.

9. Overuse of Fear Tactics About "Wrong" Practices

While certain precautions in magic are important, some practitioners online will have you believe that if you so much as light a candle incorrectly, you’ll be cursed for eternity. Magic isn’t that fragile. Mistakes happen, and the universe isn’t waiting to punish you for using the wrong incense.

10. Exclusivity and Hierarchies in Online Groups

Some online covens or groups try to create a hierarchy where only a select few are deemed "worthy" of deeper knowledge. While mentorship and initiatory traditions do exist, beware of groups that make you jump through endless hoops for basic spiritual insights.

11. Fake "Secret Ancient Knowledge" Claims

If someone claims to have knowledge that no one else in the history of witchcraft has ever had and will only share it for a price, it’s likely nonsense. Most magical traditions have been passed down for centuries, and while personal gnosis is valid, true wisdom isn’t exclusive.

12. Cultural Appropriation Disguised as Spirituality

Be mindful of practitioners who claim to be able to teach you "Native American Shamanism" when they have no actual connection to the culture, or those who mix and match sacred traditions without understanding them. Respect and research go a long way.

13. Demonization of Certain Practices Without Context

If someone tells you that working with certain deities or spirits is automatically "evil" without any nuance, they’re likely spreading fear-based misinformation. Not every dark god is "dangerous," and not every light being is "safe." Context is everything.

14. "Instant Results" Promises

If someone guarantees that their spell or product will give *instant* results, be skeptical. Magic, like anything worth doing, takes effort, energy, and patience. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

15. Dismissing Science Entirely

While magic and spirituality involve metaphysical elements, dismissing science completely is a big red flag. If someone tells you that "quantum physics proves magic is real" but can’t explain how, or insists that modern medicine is useless in favor of "pure energy healing," be cautious.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the online witchcraft and pagan community can be both magical and overwhelming. The key is to stay curious, question things that don’t sit right, and trust your intuition. The best teachers and communities will encourage your growth, not stifle it.

Happy practicing, and may your online journey be as enlightening as your magical path!

╔══ ∙∘𓆩⟡𓆪∘∙ ════════╗

How to Support the Blog

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[demons-art-hell]

Lore expansion on Joel's role in gbau!

Exposition: Vampires, whilst a proven fact in gbau, are still rather mystic and generally unheard of Typically, they're thought of as near exitinct, when in truth they live under the radar in secret

Those with express features such as pointed ears tend to explain it away by being Elyian (very brief overview! I will get more into how vampires function in a seperate post)

Continued under the cut

Anyway, This being the case, there is lots of prejudice towards vampires, and plenty of blatantly incorrect information, particularly of old historical and/or fictional nature

After reuniting with Grian and Mumbo (and being introduced to Scar) at an unofficial homecoming (hosted by Gem & The Scotts because they wanted to show off perform), Joel takes an interest in writing about the project they're both a part of

Whilst there, however.. He notices how strange and different Grian is

First, and most prominently, his feathers have gold bands on their edges Now, Joel isn't an expert on hybrids, let alone avians, but surely it doesn't make sense for a feather pattern to suddenly change somewhere in adulthood

Following that, not only are his wings singed gold but so are his eyes... And they seem to glow with it?

Possibly least importantly, the man isn't wearing glasses This, by itself, isn't suspicious, but knowing how Grian was in his teens, he HATED contact lenses, and Joel knows he can't see for shit without his glasses

When broached on this, Grian clams up about his wings, muttering something of it being medical, but as for his eyes, his excuse comes in the form of switching to contacts, and, while he's at it, choosing coloured ones

Joel is unsatisfied with this answer, as it doesn't explain the glow his eyes appear to have, nor does he believe Grian would ever get over hating contacts, but he doesn't press further

Later on in the night, he notices a fuss as Grian hurries out into the bathroom

When he asks, Mumbo, who'd stayed behind to make space for him to leave, responds that Grian started having sudden nose bleeds recently

Odd

This is all strange behaviour, but nothing about this sets Joel off to investigate until the day he actually goes in for his article

And sees distinct bite marks on Grian's neck Ones he flusters about and hides quickly

And the whole thing just snowballs from there

Glowing eyes in the dark? Suddenly not requiring glasses? Having 'nosebleeds' where he could be going off to do who knows what Finding someone to feed off of perhaps?

He can't explain the gold in the wings, but it sure only adds to his suspicion!

Joel begins making excuses to remain at their project's headquarters, spinning some story about wanting to make more articles as he (not so) subtly begins digging into Grian

He notes many things like how he always seems tired, sometimes even passing out around the building, and eventually scrounges up from somewhere that he changed jobs, abandoning his own project due to 'not being able to partake in the contruction' anymore

He notes how little Grian goes outside and, when he does, how little he flies compared to when he last saw him

Perhaps the sun makes him tired? Weak enough to not fly? He certainly seems sickly enough for it

The more time passes the further into a hole he digs himself, noting how Grian appears to recover from injury too fast, how he turns to face people just a fraction too early compared to when they call him, and him knowing things he shouldn't

Such as where someone is in the building, even if Joel KNOWS he hasn't seen them all day (because he stalked him the entire day)

It gets concerning, in fact, how much he puts into this

I love conspiracy theorist Joel He's incredibly suspicious of everything Grian does now, believing it to be an evil vampire plot of some sort I will probably try and write something on the makeshift homecoming, so that I can introduce more characters and their roles/magic in this au Note on the comic: A plaster is a band aid Also I call this a homecoming, but the school system in this universe will be closer to the British schooling system than the American one. Because I don't know anything about it. It confuses me Second notes: The 'project' Grian Scar and Mumbo are a part of is a hermitcraft equivalent. Eventually I will get everyone moving into the area! starting with Joel convincing Lizzie they should start up a second branch of their cafe there And the project Grian worked on before the incident is an evo equivalent! Alright! Good day, good evening, good night!

[hd-tarot]

🔮✨ HD Tarot Fest Anonymous Masterlist ✨🔮

Below is a collection of all the incredible fic and art created under the mystical influence of the Major and Minor Arcana cards.

Creators will be revealed on Saturday, November 30th at 1pm GMT/8am EST!

· ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ Fic ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ·

🔮 Because This River Is Wild (T, 14k words) 🃏 Six of Pentacles, upright: generosity, community, help, support, sharing, gratitude Six of Pentacles, reversed: inequality, taking advantage, strings attached, extortion, unfair power dynamics Consider this, though: how do you know you’re looking at the card the intended way? Or, Harry and Draco struggle with the explosive nature of passion without trust. Card(s): Six of Pentacles

🔮 Twilight Eternal (M, 23.9k words) 🃏 Wherever Draco is, the sun sits eternally on the precipice of setting. His father feeds his peacocks on the manor grounds. Harry is the only one who can communicate with Draco. A malevolent force haunts the house, nipping at Draco’s heels. Draco intended for himself to come to this place. He only wishes he could remember why. Card(s): Five of Cups

🔮 all i need (G, 3.9k words) 🃏 What would have happened if Draco Malfoy went down to the cellar again after Wormtail seemingly disappeared? Card(s): Six of Swords

🔮 I Watch Your Light (E, 9k words) 🃏 Harry spends his nights out pretending that he isn't sitting across from Draco Malfoy. This is rather difficult to do since Malfoy won't stop staring at him. Why, oh why, did his boyfriend have to be friends with the blond wanker? Card(s): Six of Cups, King of Cups (reversed), Four of Cups (reversed)

🔮 Little Black Dress (E, 4.9k words) 🃏 Returning for a mandatory eighth year and secretly dating Harry Potter, Draco is a bit of a mess. Harry wants to go public with their relationship, but the last thing Draco needs is another reason for people to hate him. As they work on their Tarot assignment for Advanced Divination, could a change of heart be in the cards? Card(s): Eight of Pentacles, Queen of Wands, Queen of Cups (reversed)

🔮 Abstract From a Moment (E, 19.1k words) 🃏 What Draco thinks will be a promotion in the Department of Mysteries turns out to be a strange, morbid assignment. He can handle the macabre task and the slightly frightening interactions with his odd superior, especially if it means career success. Trust Harry Potter to ruin everything. Card(s): Ten of Wands (reversed)

🔮 psychopomp (E, 15.3k words) 🃏 “Do you think I deserve to live?” The words spilt from his mouth, unbidden. Potter fixed him with a penetrating look. Draco recalled the expression he’d worn when he wrenched the wands from Draco’s grip at the Manor; thought this could be the same one. You can’t hide from me, it said. I know everything about you. “I think dying is the easy way out.” Card(s): The High Priestess

🔮 A wolf at the door (T, 13.5k words) 🃏 When Harry decided to do his internship with an international Auror, he was seeking an escape from many things. He certainly hadn’t anticipated ending up questioning his sexuality, magically trapped in a Spanish house with Draco Malfoy. Card(s): The World

🔮 hugged and tugged down through this tiger’s masque (M, 11k words) 🃏 A glimpse into a period of alteration, change, and transformation. Card(s): Death

🔮 Rusty Cage (E, 20.5k words) 🃏 Harry Potter is not okay. Someone else who’s not okay? Draco Malfoy, but he's doing time in Azkaban for his heinous crimes. But what if Draco isn't as guilty as he's been made out to be? Everyone knows that Harry is a sucker for righting injustice, including Hermione, who is more than prepared to meddle in order to help her best friend. Or, when Harry visits Draco in prison and things don't go quite as expected. Card(s): Eight of Swords

🔮 Towers of glory and the hands that felled them (G, 15.8k words) 🃏 It’s been 10 years since the war and Draco Malfoy is yet to leave his tower. The Tower: a symbol for ambition that is constructed on faulty premises. The destruction of the tower must happen in order to clear out the old ways and welcome something new. Its revelations can come in a flash of truth or inspiration. Card(s): The Tower

🔮 Mirror, Me (E, 18.3k words) 🃏 Harry’s current predicament is, he can admit, rather dire. Being caught stalking aside, he thinks his nose might be broken. Humiliation licks up his rigid spine, but along with it is a prickle of ill-advised anticipation, a foolish thrill at what Malfoy might do. Harry is a little lost. His house is rejecting him and his friends and family are busy and moving on. To cope, he turns to what’s tried and true; following Draco Malfoy. The first time was an accident. Sort of. Card(s): Four of Wands

🔮 Beyond the Veil (M, 9.9k words) 🃏 Embracing his new role as the Master of Death, Harry finds harmony in the natural order of things, but can he find a balance with the new Master of Life, Draco Malfoy? Card(s): Temperance

🔮 Minor Fall, Major Lift (E, 10.9k words) 🃏 Harry Potter is telling people’s fortunes in a tent in the Atrium at the Ministry Christmas party. Draco thinks Divination is a load of rubbish. But the cards never lie… Card(s): Ten of Pentacles (reversed), The Moon, Three of Cups

🔮 The Superfluous Man (E, 24.1k words) 🃏 A child for Harry Potter is a miracle of magic. And it's the second act of Draco Malfoy's sorry little life. Card(s): The Wheel of Fortune

🔮 Care for a Walk? (G, 2k words) 🃏 “Draco,” Harry beams confidently as the gates swing open, “Care for a walk?” Card(s): Six of Cups

🔮 Skipping Stones (M, 34.7k words) 🃏 Draco receives his very own prophecy. If Harry Potter could leave him alone, he might be able to figure out what it means. Card: Queen of Swords

· ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ Art ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ·

🔮 Death (G) 🃏 Card: Death

🔮 The Strength (G) 🃏 Card: Strength

🔮 A New Light. (G) 🃏 The choices that changed us. Card: The Tower

🔮 The Moon (G) 🃏 Card: The Moon

🔮 Surrender (M) 🃏 Draco repents. Card: The Hanged Man

🔮 nine of cups (G) 🃏 Harry happy in the upright card position, Draco suffering in the reverse. Card: Nine of Cups

🔮 The Sun (G) 🃏 In the cosmos of his heart, Harry blooms not but for one sun. Card: The Sun

🔮 Crepusculum (G) 🃏 A guardian in his tower, whimsical and secretive. A corruptor in the marble manor, with mirrored flesh and soul. Two souls at the foot of a castle seeking the sky just out of reach. Held down by twisted word and lies. Card: The Emperor

🔮 Ace of Cups (G) 🃏 Sipping from the same cup. Card: Ace of Cups

🔮 Ten of Cups (G) 🃏 ten of cups joy, gratitude, unconditional love, belonging, emotional fulfillment Card: Ten of Cups

🔮 XXI. THE WORLD (G) 🃏 XXI. The World, but make it drarry. Card: The World

[dreamlovetarot]

☁️「𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑑𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑」🏹

left to right: pile 1, pile 2, pile 3

Welcome, 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝐷𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟,

as we embark upon a journey through the veils of time. In this celestial reading, we shall unveil the whispers of what your destined beloved shall hold most dear in you. Embrace this ethereal dance with an open heart, and may the stars above sprinkle their magic upon your path.

𝐼𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚𝑠, 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠,

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒚 ⁓

Enchanting Disclaimer: Let it be known that Tarot's realm, found within these pages, is one of whimsical entertainment. What transpires is my personal interpretation, a delicate thread weaving through the cards' tapestry. Each portrayal, though bathed in speculation, seeks to capture your imagination. As you tread the starlit path of this reading, the harmony between your heart's song and its melodies shall guide you. Tarot's allure, an ethereal waltz, rests upon the tendrils of choice, where your intuition casts its own spell.

꒰ 🪼 ꒱ؘ ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑒 01

The cards of your destiny: 7 of cups, child: orphan, the sentinel, the twins

Within the realm of your being, an enchanting tapestry unfolds. Your future spouse is drawn to the radiance of your imaginative spirit, finding allure in the way you perceive the world. Your ability to discern opportunity in even the most intricate patterns of life, and your unwavering understanding of choice, create a symphony of admiration.

Your essence weaves dreams into reality, infusing purpose into each step you take. There's a delicate magic in your willingness to dream without restraint, to paint your life with the hues of possibility. This mystical aura you carry isn't tinged with negativity, but rather a sparkling optimism that kindles fascination.

Yet, beyond the ephemeral, your independence shines like a distant star, guiding you to gather knowledge on your own terms. You're a self-sufficient learner, a wanderer across the cosmos of wisdom, and your partner cherishes this self-reliance.

In your stride, your beloved sees a warrior spirit. Your unwavering faith in yourself and your capacity to conquer any challenge bestows you with an aura of courage and resolve. This inner certainty sets you on a path of endless possibilities, a journey your partner deeply admires.

The Twins card whispers of your multi-dimensional nature. You're a puzzle with pieces that delightfully don't always fit together. Your unpredictability paints your journey with intrigue, offering a constant sense of discovery to your partner's heart.

This fusion of dreaminess and autonomy creates a unique alchemy. You master the art of emotional balance, a dance between grounding and flight. Your independence is the armor that shields you, and your dreams are the wings that let you soar.

In this cosmic dance, you embody a spectrum of hues, and your beloved admires everything about your essence, encompassing green, beige, and even the occasional red flag. You are an enigma with layers that continue to captivate. As you navigate your journey, remember the charm that emanates from your fusion of dreams and self-reliance, as it is casting a spell that keeps your partner forever captivated.

꒰ 🪼 ꒱ؘ ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑒 02

The cards of your destiny: the moon, angel, the aspirant, the runaway

In the tapestry of your future, your beloved finds fascination in your intuitive nature and your profound self-awareness. Your thoughts, akin to twinkling stars, intrigue their curiosity. They are drawn to your emotional transparency, where you fearlessly share your worries and anxieties, offering a glimpse into the depths of your soul.

What truly enchants your future partner is your selflessness, a trait that shines with a brilliance of its own. Your willingness to extend your help without seeking anything in return casts a radiant glow upon your being. You embody a magical essence that radiates empathy and compassion, pulling them into your orbit.

But you're more than an angelic presence; you're a dreamer with aspirations that stretch toward the cosmos. Your ambition and tenacity in pursuing your dreams are evident. Even in the face of challenges, you approach them with open dialogue and a spirit that marches forward undeterred.

The Runaway card, cloaked in mystery, adds a layer of intrigue to your essence. While you're resolute in facing difficulties, there's also a yearning for personal freedom. Your desire to keep certain parts of yourself hidden imparts an air of enigma. This doesn't hinder your ability to connect; rather, it adds a layer of complexity that draws others in.

In your journey, you may momentarily retreat from challenges, but your determination never wavers. Your reliability shines through, especially in supporting others through their tribulations. Your partner is captivated by the unique harmony you embody, a symphony of strength, compassion, and an alluring aura that casts a spell upon their heart

꒰ 🪼 ꒱ؘ ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑒 03

The cards of your destiny: ace of wands, warrior, the heir, the enchanter

Within the enchanting dance of your destined union, your future partner is captivated by the radiant bloom of your creativity. You are a wellspring of inspiration, a vessel brimming with untold possibilities. Like a star yearning to blaze brighter, you embrace growth and new horizons, ensuring that every moment shared is a tapestry of exploration.

In your presence, the strength of galaxies twinkles. Your spouse admires your unwavering fortitude and adeptness, where discipline and unyielding determination harmonize effortlessly. An aura of power surrounds you, untainted by the trappings of ego, allowing you to navigate both your internal landscape and external connections with an elegant grace.

Your self-awareness casts a gentle glow, illuminating both your strengths and vulnerabilities. The Heir card alludes to concealed potential, a treasure trove of abilities awaiting discovery even by you. This interplay between modesty and untapped gifts weaves an enchanting allure that draws your partner closer.

Occasionally, hesitation may cast its delicate shadow upon you. Doubts may cloud your perception of your talents, questioning whether you truly measure up or possess the necessary capability. This humility, coupled with a touch of uncertainty, forms an irresistible magnetism that pulls your partner into your orbit.

In your essence resides the art of transformation, a symphony of alchemy. Your mastery lies in transmuting the mundane into the extraordinary, crafting new dimensions from the threads of everyday life. This isn't manipulation in the conventional sense, but a kind of enchantment that breathes fresh life into situations, relationships, and your artistic pursuits.

Be it as a designer, an artist, or a weaver of light, your innate talent to manipulate and shape scenes entrances your future partner. They're captivated by your ability to reshape perspectives, inviting others to see the world anew through your unique vision.

In their eyes, you shine like constellations in the velvet sky, a mosaic of brilliance. Your creativity, your potential, and your artistic flair are celebrated and cherished. They stand as your most ardent supporter, unwavering in their belief in you. In their gaze, your essence swirls like stardust, a mesmerizing fusion of potential and artistic magic.

© dreamlovetarot 2023 — where every right is held in delicate embrace 🤍 I kindly ask you not to appropriate, replicate, alter, or disseminate my ethereal content.

[fae-cookie-run-madness]

If It's not too overwhelming, can I ask few questions?

Did Mystic Flour tell Dark Cacao about the true nature of Strawberry Jam Sword?

With Dark Choco low self esteem issues as a byproduct of his time with the SJS and COD, do Mystic Flour's Maternal instincts just go haywire with how he neglects himself?

What plan's did Dark Enchantress had with Dark Choco's powers? Did she wish to exploit them in some way or just wanted the power but didn't know for what purpose?

Does Capsaicin Cookie is still Burning Spice's son in Tied to Fate? If so what happened to him?

What is the situation with Tiger Lily in Children of the Beasts?

oooo so many questions!!! I'm going to copy then and sort of answer them one at a time.

Did Mystic Flour tell Dark Cacao about the true nature of Strawberry Jam Sword?

Yes! That is actually what caused Dark Choco to turn violent. Mystic realizes something was off right away but approached it calmly, asking to see the sword like any parent does when their child brings them something new. However, when Dark Choco didn't hand it over like he normally would (he's always been a mama's boy) Dark Cacao got concern. Mystic told him that there was something wrong with the sword. That's when the sword, realizing it have been found out, possessed Dark Choco and tried to attack Mystic, Dark Cacao jump in front to save her.

With Dark Choco low self-esteem issues as a byproduct of his time with SJS and COD, do Mystic Flour's Maternal instincts just go haywire with how he neglects himself?

Oh absolutely, remember Mystic didn't want her son being a warrior, she would have rather him be a healer like her. And just all the pain this path has brought him, and now him neglecting and making it worst, it drives her insane. It isn't just Mystic ether, Dark Cacao feels a horrible mix of guilt and fear, guilt for not realizing the sword was magically earlier and taking it away and fear that he will lose his son again.

What I'm saying is once Dark Choco is back in the Dark Cacao kingdom he likely has three watchers assigned to him at all times. It drives Dark Choco insane, but he can't exactly run away again, as the light of Volition (now bonded to the boy) will rat him out.

What plans did Dark Enchantress had with Dark Choco's power? Did she wish to exploit them in some way or just wanted the power but didn't know for what purpose?

Dark Enchantress truly wanted Dark Choco's power, both his natural power from Mystic and the Strawberry Jam Sword. Dark Enchantress is fighting a war, and Dark Choco nearly kill his father, an ancient (a being who should be immortal) who would have died had his wife not been by his side. That sort of power is exactly what she wants sense she's going up against other ancients, legendary guardians and witches.

Dark Choco powers from Mystic are the powers cookies have nightmares about. With just his hands, Dark Choco could reduce an enemy army into flour. Could threaten the most powerful of monster and cookies alike with an early end. Mystic's powers were the main reason Dark Enchantress didn't target the Dark Cacao Kingdom as much as she did the others, as Mystic doesn't enjoy fights like Spice, she would reduce everyone to flour.

As for the Strawberry Jam sword, it has shown to increase the uses natural power by tenfold, Dark Choco is strong but not strong enough to pierce his father's armor. She can sense powerful dark magic from it. Dark Enchantress is trying to find a way to possible tear away the dark spirit but keep the benefits. If she can it would be given to Red Velvet. But right now, the spirit that haunts the sword is clearly still there and a problem.

Does Capsaicin Cookie is still Burning Spice's son in Tied to Fate? If so, what happened to him?

Yes, Capsaicin Cookie is still Burning Spice's son, however he isn't Golden Cheese (or Cream Cheese)'s son. Capsaicin was made during the 100 years or so that Spice grieves his love. He took some of his dough and life powder and crafted a child, just thinking and praying that he would shine and smiley brightly like Cream Cheese. And he did, Capsaicin was a happy baby, always laughing a smile, the same infectious laugh Cream Cheese had. However, one time when drops him off so he can go pray at his friend's tomb, the cookie doesn't come back. Rumors start spreading about a horrible Spice cookie destroying everything. So little Capsaicin, only a toddler, was locked away.

What is the situation with Tiger Lily in Children of the Beasts?

So, Tiger Lily is still a princess, the child of Royalberry and Jungleberry, the only really difference is she was mostly made with Jungleberry's dough considering her father's wings.

Basically, the story goes is that Jungleberry and Royalberry have a child, and while they announce it, they decided against taking her to any parties or showing her the public, just planning to let her grow up a little. However, the little princess goes missing, sending most of the royals into a panic, first Hollyberry and now the new princess, the kingdom will descend into chaos.

However Eternal Sugar had just finished making Royalberry's little sister, and her powers are going haywire, and she needs to leave. So, they make the painful decision to raise Sugerberry (Princess) cookie as their own and present her as the princess.

So basically, she is still around in game, living in the wilds with Butter Tiger. Princess Cookie is searching for her.

[tizeline]

The thing I probably love about your Tiz Sep Au is that Mikey is this powerful young mystic apprentice (or whatever his actual title is xD) and he genuinely doesn‘t like humans?? Like?? In every other au, Mikey is usually the one to be curious about human nature/culture, which is absolutely fine dont get me wrong, all those aus are so fun to read!! But in yours he doesn‘t and that‘s so fun to see!! He genuinely believes all humans are evil and deserve to be eradicated and he‘ll happily do so

Lmao yeah I felt like it would be a really fun diversion from the norm to have Mikey of all people be the most enthusiastic about the evil plan. At the same time, I think it makes sense in the context of the AU for Mikey to be the way that he is?

Mikey has a very strong moral compass and wants to do good, it's just not always easy to know that IS good and what isn't. In TSAU Mikey was told his entire life that yōkai are good and humans are evil. And like, he's still very young, he still has a rather naive and simplistic world view, a world view where humans are evil simply because they want to, and Mikey and his family are good guys because they have good intentions and that's all it takes to be a good guy!

Also, whenever Mikey has been shown in the AU so far, he's usually acting hostile towards humanity or something similar, and because of that he can come across as rather hateful, I guess? And I wanna emphasize that Mikey isn't a hateful person. Or- Well- maybe a little bit lol, he hates humans, but his hate towards humanity very much comes from his love towards yōkai-kind. Because whenever he's interacting with yōkai, Mikey is a LOT more similar to his canon counterpart, he's very kind and caring towards yōkai. He hates humanity because he's convinced that they're gonna eradicate his people, the people that he loves, really Mikey just wants to protect them.

And I'm not quite sure what exactly Mikey's title would be? He's definitely strong enough to be called a mystic warrior, but Draxum might still insist that Mikey remain in the apprentice-role for now. Mikey's powers are definitely a double-edged sword, he's a bit too powerful for his own good and as such risk hurting himself if he can't keep control of his magic. Because of that, Draxum would probably not let Mikey graduate from his apprentice-position until he's absolutely sure that Mikey can use his mystic abilities without turning himself into glitter confetti lol

[vyriadurav]

(Edit: using this as a pinned post about all my books for now in lieu of another one. This was formerly for International Lesbian Day but now is a one stop shop for all my books) For starters, consider checking out

Catnip Amazon | Itch.io | Alternative Ebook Sellers | Audiobook For all his life, Sol has believed he's only worthy of affection as long as he's useful--and he intends to prove his ultimate use by restoring a colony on Venus as a new home for his friends and lovers. But upon arriving, he realizes there's more here than he bargained for. For one, the resident artificial intelligence wants to make friends with him. For another, the nanites want to completely change his body... and in the process reveal her true self. Stuck (or perhaps blessed?) with a new form, she must find out what it means to live, to be loved for who she is rather than her work. Catnip is a cozy space exploration novel about a trans woman's journey to find herself and what it means to be loved for who she is, with the help of her polycule and a lesbian AI. If Sci-fi isn't quite your speed, you can also check out

The Hatchling Amazon | Itch.io | Alternative Ebook Sellers

Sarric dreamed of dragons all his life; such flights of fancy captured his imagination at a young age and sustained him through the cruelty of the hunters that ruled the isolated mountain town of Rivermist. One day, a real dragon appears before him, dazzling him with her beauty and an answer to the unease that's afflicted him for as long as he remembers. He's eager to take what she offers--but the greedy hunters, driven by tales of treasure hoards, will do everything in their power to destroy her. The Hatchling is a fantasy about a trans woman's journey of accepting her identity and her new found family.

If you want something a little spicier, consider reading Wyrmheart Itch.io exclusive

A mage without home or family seeks to establish a legacy for herself so that her name might ring out through the ages.

An assassin is charged with striking at the heart of a draconic cult that surely hides some greater evil.

Wyrmheart is a story set in Maria Ying's Those Who Break Chains universe and tells the story of trans women making their way through life in this fantastical world.

You can also take a look at my Patreon where I am currently writing several things, but primarily

Forged in the Light of New Stars

Forged is a t4t lesbian isekai story about a closeted trans woman and a repressed, rotten egg (in the trans sense) who find themselves transported to a vibrant, magical world filled with advanced technology, mysteries to discover, and most importantly: a place where they can their truest selves. Follow Gwen as she strives to take control of her life, to be the woman she's always known she could be, and find true happiness.

Follow Brian as he struggles to cast off the chains that his family has bound him in, to undo the bigoted messages they poured into him constantly, and find out, deep down, who she truly is.

Watch them fall in love with each other and with the mystical world of Tellara and all the new friends they make along the way. See them uncover secrets about the connection between Earth and Tellara and their purpose as travelers between worlds. Magic, alchemy, and queerness collide in this otherworldly journey.

[monsterblogging]

Fuck JKR: How To Create A Harry Potter-Esque Aesthetic Without Any Harry Potter In It

So I saw a few posts from people mentioning that a reason people might be into Harry Potter is because of the aesthetic or atmosphere, and ya know what? I can't even argue that, because if there's one thing about HP, it's that it Sure Does Have Aesthetic And Atmosphere.

So! I'm gonna tell you how to STEAL ITS LOOK! Because:

JK Rowling considers ANY support of her work to be support of her politics.

Fan content/fan merch is still free advertisement for Rowling's work. YOU might not choose to give her money, but you can't be sure you won't pull people into the fandom who will.

Everyone should create more things that aren't tied to corporate-owned IP, period.

So. Most things in these films have an aged, antique look. You'll see a lot of brown hues, both on sets and on people's clothes. There's a lot of near-blacks (especially charcoals and walnuts) and lighter grays on the sets, especially from the third film onwards. (Wood is more often than not stained dark, while lighter hues are often provided by bricks or plaster.) The last two films use a lot of stormy blues and grays. Prisoner of Azkaban also emphasizes contrast between tones, which heightens a sense of texture. True black also appears throughout the films, such as on students' uniforms and many Death Eaters' outfits, and on the chairs in Malfoy Manor. White appears occasionally, especially on Hedwig, students' shirts, or during winter scenes, but pure white isn't otherwise really common. Paper or parchment is usually warm beige. There's also a lot of silver, gold, and brass, often appearing on things like dishware, tools, trinkets, Christmas baubles, and so forth. Bronze also comes up occasionally.

Reds, yellows, blues, and greens are pretty common throughout the films, even outside of Hogwarts, though you'll see just about every color somewhere. For example, orange is often found around the Weasleys, and orange, maroon, and purple feature in the divination classroom. Teal features prominently in Grimmauld Place (contrasted with saffron yellows).

Most colors aren't really super bright; a lot of the time they look a little faded, or like they're colored with natural dyes. If you use medieval illustrations to source your colors, or aim for earth tones and jewel tones, you'll be about right for a lot of what you see in the films. Bright colors are pretty rare; some of the brights we do see are in Honeydukes, Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes, and certain magical effects, such as Floo fire.

A lot of light is provided by candles, torches, or fireplaces, which cast a warm yellow/orange light. Moonlight is represented by blue light in the first and second films. Blue light is also used for the Goblet of Fire and the penseive.

Another thing you gotta have in there is clutter. It should look kinda antique and give off a kind of magical or mystical atmosphere. Think books, storage jars, orreries, crystal balls, old lamps, antique clocks, vintage glassware, antique mirrors, old teapots, and little metal trinkets. (If you're trying to decorate a physical room, your stuff doesn't have to actually be antique, of course; antique-styled is fine.)

Texture is also very important, which can be represented with full or top grain leather book covers, stone walls, dents and scratches, cracks, embellishments, and embossing. Additionally, all damage and wear gives a sense of oldness to things. Stains and variegated colors also add interest. (If you're decorating a physical space, you might look into aging/distressing/antiquing techniques.)

If you want a space to look cozy, you don't really want bare or blank walls. Shelves, paintings, tapestries, and wallpaper can all help with that. Again, use brown, rather than black. Warm, yellow lighting will also help. If you lean toward blacks and cool lighting, you're going to have a colder-looking space.

Fashion in the wizarding world is extremely all over the place, ranging from stereotypical fantasy witch and wizard clothing, to pretty normal vintage clothing, to some wacky vintage-inspired looks, to the kind of fashion that would be put under the cozycore umbrella, to ordinary modern clothing. One thing that's absent is subculture fashion as we know it. (Bellatrix Lestrange does look kinda goth, but it's less a subculture thing, and more a "yeah we're putting our bad guys in fancy black stuff" thing.)

If you're trying to lean into the whole eccentric/quirky/old-fashioned kinda thing, you'll want to pass over the more modern and obviously synthetic type stuff. Also, patterns, textured fabrics, knits, mixed colors, lace, and other embellishments can add interest to outfits.

Architecture is also all over the place. Hogwarts is pretty medieval, while places like Diagon Alley give more Victorian vibe. The main thing is looking old fashioned and quaint.

To try and summarize all of that:

Browns. Lots and lots and lots of browns. Blacks and grays, too. Contrast between light and dark browns and blacks/grays.

More beige and gray than pure white; more charcoal gray and dark walnut brown than true black.

Among other colors, mostly earth tones and jewel tones. Very limited brights.

Polished metal and glass also add shininess.

Old-fashioned. Vintage. Antique.

Clutter, texture, patterns, variegation. Minimalist/clean aesthetic avoided.

Aged and distressed.

Lighting often yellow/orange due to coming from fire. Blue/teal light often coming from moonlight and certain magical light sources.

Now, here are some things we actually don't see. I'm not mentioning them to discourage you from using them if they're what you really want, but to inform you about them so you can consider whether they might throw off the vibe for you:

Green/purple/black combos.

Purple/silver/black combos. Pink/purple/teal combos.

Pink/black combos.

Orange/black combos.

Green/orange/purple combos.

Red/black combos.

Basically a lot of combos commonly associated with Halloween, witches, or vampires.

Big raw crystals. We see crystal balls now and then, but that's it.

Other natural items used as decorations - feathers, pinecones, sticks, etc. The one exception I can think of are the shells embedded in the walls of Shell Cottage.

Crushed velvet. Lots of fantasy uses this, HP films don't.

If you need inspiration, go look up medieval and renaissance diagrams and illustrations of stuff like the four elements, the zodiac, the solar system, and all that. Go look up alchemical symbols and emblems. Search up pre-WWII vintage ephemera. Go look up Victorian clipart. Look up stuff like botanical, zoological, and astronomical books and art from the 17th-19th centuries. Look up vintage wallpaper and fabric patterns. Look at vintage-style crafts. Research period architecture and fashion. Research European heraldry.

If you're wondering what exactly you're going to design around without Hogwarts and the Four Houses, here are some suggestions:

The four classical elements (earth, air, fire, and water)

The four seasons

Card suits - Tarot, French, whatever you want

Holidays - Halloween, Christmas, whatever

Fairy tales

Flowers

Mythical creatures

Bugs

Birds

Any other animals you like

Ecosystems

Your own original worldbuilding

So yeah, there ya go. You don't need to keep participating in HP to indulge in the aesthetic.

[NOTICE: Anybody who clowns on this post by making this about them and their childhood, patting themselves on the back about their chosen means of "ethical" participation, praising the fandom, or adding any other form of irrelevant bullshit is getting blocked. Also, I don't want to hear about PJO or Earthsea again for the millionth time, either.]

[civilotterneer]

So if Lye is a Mage of sorts and Livic is a Demon clone - does Civ ever feel left out because they're seemingly the only non-magic being/user?

Or maybe you consider Engineering as a kind of "magic" also

Hehe, engineering isn't 'magic' it's math! The only magical things about it are the cool things we can do with it, like build skyscrapers and design billions of miles of roadway across the United States!

But you are right, sometimes being a magicless amongst all these cool magical people can be a pain, can't do all the fun adventuring or kobold slaying when the town's in danger.

Or can I?

May I introduce yall to the most mystical thing in my possession:

A firearm!

I know guns are a touchy subject for some people, but for someone like me who doesn't have any way to defend themselves against monsters, and never had the time to learn the way of the sword or some other defensive weapon, the modern firearm is the most user friendly tool to do so.

This guy, just a .308 hunting rifle, has seen pretty limited use, but it was pretty important those limited times. Whenever I leave the protection the Municipal Shield System around the city, this guy goes into the truck with me. You never know what monsters might try and make my quick, easy trip to the valley a not-so-quick, not-so-easy trip.

Otherwise, Lye is the better person to combat monstrous threats. Her magics kept me pretty safe the few times it's happened. It's pretty cool to see her casting, she's a pretty powerful mage.

Livic, well, I've seen him use his devil fire magic, but not in like a combative scenario yet. According to Lye, however, he seems like a great CQC fighter, and mixes magic into it.

Sometimes it does make me feel left out, not being able to cast anything, but alas, it's not like I have a choice. Being a magicless just means that's the fate I have. It'd be so cool to have a magical servant help clean my room, or have the power of the stars at my clawtips, or even just be able to clean the dishes with the snap of a finger.

Instead, I just get to be a mundane little guy. Besides, I make a better driver and note taker than a combat person. I'm kind of a scaredy cat (or scaredy otter), but I've driven Lye out of some bad situations! Turns out she thinks I'm a pretty good driver! Add to that I've found things she just didn't see at first, and I make an okay adventuring partner, just one who needs a bit of protection rather than participating in the combat.

And I won't lie, I'm a pretty good shot. Not like Sniper Elite or like I'd win any awards at a gun show, but I'm good enough to keep a group of kobolds from chewing on me.

Now, if I WAS to learn one of those cool melee defense weapons, it'd have to be a gunlance! Those guys who parade around in big sets of armor and wield heavy shields and gunlances? That'd be awesome!

Alas, that's a pretty hard training school to get into. Luckily for me, the 'school of Winchester' takes all applicants.

[ghostfish-cookie]

Welp guess who's back again. Simultaneously took longer, and shorter than intended, but I've got something in the works, but have something to show for it now at least!

It's an AU that is.. yet to have a name, but the basis is that all cookies have animal features! :]

With that in mind, here's the two designs I've got so far!

(Putting them under a cut so the post isn't too long, lol)

Pure Vanilla, a sheep with warm wool, and an equally warm smile. The king of the Vanilla kingdom, he's a gentle and calm healer, and though he has incredible expertise in magic of all kinds, retains healing and protection as his specialties. He really likes his space and his privacy, despite how friendly he is.

I'm not sure about the staff I gave him, but we'll see... It still has the same functionality as his usual orchid staff, just.. a couple more flowers that are much, much smaller. His usual outfit is the one on the right, which is basically his canon outfit, but with the addition of lotsa fluff, hehe! The left is an alternative outfit inspired somewhat by the Pastel Blue costume, because I love it a lot hehehe!

Shadow Milk Blueberry Milk, an eccentric and theatrical rabbit who lives in Pure Vanilla's dreams, quite literally. His situation is somewhat of a mystery to Pure Vanilla, but he knows the rabbit is rather lonely without him. Blueberry Milk is full of jokes, excitement and energy, making every night entertaining through a handmade stageplay, or an intriguing conversation. He's incredibly intelligent despite his chipper and lax attitude, which shows clearest in deeper conversations.

His design is very inspired by the statue seen in Episode 7, though also with definite use of Shadow Milk's current design, and referencing his sprites a little, especially for colors. He might get some design changes over time, mostly adding some details perhaps? His outfit feels a little too plain for him methinks... haveta think about it I suppose :3

In Pure Vanilla's dreams, he'd made a friend unlike any other, and they ended up becoming closer and closer to each other after years and years of talking each and every night. After all, Blueberry already knew Vanilla's deepest secret, so for once, there was nothing for him to hide... which I'll get into later. ;]

I will note, some other characters and their animals have been figured out but not too many. I have most of the other ancients, and some of the other beasts though!

(EDIT: SOME DETAILS LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN RETCONNED ALREADY... SORRY ABOUT THAT.(When I have a masterpost, I'll be so powerful...))

Dark Cacao: Moose Golden Cheese: Bird(Wow, shocker.. still haven't figured out what kind yet though, because it will be more specific than 'bird') White Lily: Mantis(Possibly Orchid Mantis) Hollyberry: I'm trying to decide between Draconic or a Bear.. hmm...

Mystic Flour: Spider Burning Spice: Lion Honestly don't know enough about the other two beasts to decide for them quite yet methinks..

Here's some more loose ideas I have for other characters:

Werewolf is going to be a wolf, obviously. Cream Ferret, Fig, Kumiho and Cream Unicorn are along the same lines for obvious reasons. Crunchy Chip will also be a wolf most likely(unless I get a better idea(unlikely)) I think Rye should be either a cow or horse I would like the faeries to be bugs, specifically along the lines of butterflies and moths The mer cookies like Crimson Coral, Sorbet Shark, Frilled Jellyfish, Squid Ink, etc. probably will mostly remain how they are, and same with the dragons. Chili Pepper might be a raccoon, or a weasel because I think it'd be funny Strawberry I think is gonna be some kind of cat. Not sure about Wizard and Gingerbrave right now though

Anyway, I'll be back later, Fish out ✌️