#playing to their strengths and affinities in the force

[puckinghischier]

Currently sitting here daydreaming about being on the boat with the Hughes boys. Like, just imagine sitting in front of where Jack is as his hands rest against your shoulders where he’s softly massing your bare shoulders as he’s talking with Quinn and Luke as he cheekily plays with the strings of your bikini top, but you go to playfully slap his hand away as he’d chuckle and lean down to kiss your head as he’d pull you in closer as he’d whisper, “Sorry, pretty girl. Just can’t help myself when you look so beautiful. You know what that bikini does to me.”

“no, seriously, i think he’s gonna be even better this year. have you seen the work he’s been putting in this summer? the man is basically the hulk now,” luke rambles on, talking about someone on an opposing team, the name lost on you, not having tuned in to the full conversation.

you’re too busy feeling the warm sun on your darkening skin, basking in the feeling of being on the water.

“okay, you’re exaggerating a bit. he’s definitely been working hard, but he’s only worrying about strength, not skill or stamina,” you hear quinn’s voice respond.

you’re listening intently for clues at this point, too nosy for your own good, wanting to figure out who they’re talking about, but you can’t be bothered enough to ask.

“he’s definitely gotta work on his diet, too. heard he eats nothing but sugar and junk after games. can’t be helping the stats any,” your own boyfriend chimes in, nearly being able to feel the words leave his body as you’re leaned up against him, letting him rub soothing circles on your bare shoulders.

quinn and luke both mumble something in return, but you’re distracted by the switch up in rhythm of your lazy massage. his hands creep down farther towards the front of your shoulders, brushing your exposed collar bones.

leaning farther back, letting him know how much you like the new pattern, you force yourself back into sleuth mode.

“i just can’t imagine paying that much for a personal trainer out in LA just to throw it all away with bad habits. heard he’s been partying like crazy, too,” it’s quinn’s voice that gives you the clues.

LA? so they’re talking about someone from either the kings or the ducks.

as you’re running through your mental roster of each team, you feel the small strip of fabric on your shoulder be lifted from your skin, jack’s fingers slipping underneath to caress the soft skin there.

you keep yourself focused on your train of thought, knowing trevor has an affinity for sugary snacks and junk food, but surely they’re not talking about him?

“it just seems like a waste to me. kid’s got a lot of potential, but seems like he’s throwing it away before he even gets started,” your ears perk at the sound of luke’s voice.

so they’re talking about a prospect? or a rookie?

focusing even harder, thinking back to all of the conversations of jack’s you’ve overheard concerning this season’s prospects, you try to remember any mention of a player that fits the criteria.

however, all that focus you’re channeling goes straight to the feeling of one of your thin straps loosening dangerously. snapping your eyes open, you turn your head to try and see what happened, noticing large, nimble fingers toying with the half-untied not.

you bring your hand up immediately to swat his out of the way, clamping it down to stop any wardrobe malfunctions from occurring.

saying nothing, you turn ever so slightly to glare up at him, noticing the cheeky smile on his face as he looks at his brothers.

you bring your other hand over to re-tie the knot, huffing when you feel his rough hands move to the other shoulder, already toying with the other strap.

“would you stop it? we’re on a boat with your brothers. behave,” you quietly scold so that only he could hear, not wanting to disrupt the conversation you were trying so hard to decipher.

he glanced down at you, smirking before leaning his mouth down to your ear. “sorry, pretty girl. just can’t help m’self. look so pretty in all these colors,” he whispers against your skin, letting his hot breath fan over the sensitive spot behind your ear.

you shiver slightly, craning your neck to give him access to more of your skin, the sensation making you unable to focus on anything else.

“know you wore it just for me. s’my favorite, told you that, didn’t i?” he asks you, focusing his touch on your upper arms now, rubbing up and down in a teasing manner, drawing out goosebumps on your smooth skin.

“mmm, can’t remember, did you?” you basically pant out, swallowing a groan at the feeling of his lips placing a kiss to the top of your neck, tongue peeking out only slightly to taste your warm skin. he knows how quickly you fall apart at the action, eliciting the exact reaction he wanted from you.

his chuckle vibrates through your body, but the sound is covered up by the hum of a boat speeding by your stationary one, bringing you back to the reality of where you were.

you sit up, distancing yourself from jack only slightly, eyes glancing around to make sure no one witnessed the little ‘moment’ you and jack just had.

you swallow thickly, willing every nerve in your body to calm the fuck down.

quinn and luke are too wrapped up in their conversation to realize jack hadn’t chimed in for a few minutes, so they were completely oblivious to what he just tried to do.

relief washes over you, sinking back into jack.

“don’t think this is over, sweet girl,” he speaks lowly into your ear once again. “can’t promise they won’t hear just how happy this little suit of yours makes me when we get back to the house,” he finishes, causing your stomach to drop in anticipation.

you gulp as he raises back up, going back to rubbing your shoulders as if nothing ever happened.

“what do you think, jack? think he’s got the stamina to compete?” quinn asks his younger brother, continuing the conversation neither of you were focused on anymore, not noticing how rigid you’ve suddenly become.

“oh, i don’t know. guess we’ll have to see,” he shrugs. “we all know how important stamina is, after all,” he squeezes your shoulders, letting you know his words were meant for you, not his brothers.

when you can practically feel the smirk on his mouth as he said those words, you decided that buying this bikini was both the best and worst decision you made this summer.

[highdefhoetry]

little prey.

summary: sylus finds out about your kink.

cw: nsfw!! lee!reader, female reader, tickle kink, chase/capture, pinning, pussy spanking, vaginal fingering, post orgasm tickling

a/n: i have nothing to say for myself. this fic is for me and like 3 other people who are actually into this lmaodlkfsdl. got inspired from sylus' level 25 affinity memory, and the fact that he can literally see a person's greatest desires by looking into their eyes. which means.... you know. pls enjoy dskjfhs

It was your own fault you ended up in this familiar predicament. Wrists pinned above your head, hips stuck in place, red eyes leering down at you with hands ready to attack. You had found yourself in a similar situation during the struggle to steal his crow brooch, but this was different. This time, he knew what you were playing at.

Messing with Sylus was like waving a red flag in front of a charging bull, and you had made an unhealthy habit out of doing it. For all the times he tormented you with sickly sweet pet names and unfair mind games with promising “deals” too good to be true, you made sure to pay him back in full, in your own little way. However, there wasn’t much you could really do with the massive strength difference between the two of you. Nothing besides being really, really annoying. And that was something you were very good at doing.

The current situation started off as a small touch. A brush of the hand against his stomach when you walked by him in the study, just to test the waters. He barely flinched when your fingers traced a gentle path across his abs, but he definitely took notice.

“What are you up to now?” he asked in an indignant tone. 

“Nothing.”

You put forth your best nonchalant persona, mimicking his attitude as best as you could.

“Seeking out the weak spots of your enemy?” he smirked. “Smart girl. You’re finally starting to use your brain for once.”

“Excuse you. Rude.”

At first aloof, he suddenly turned his attention to you and followed behind closely as you began to head into the hallway.

“Smart prey usually attack predators in areas they are weak to themselves.”

A jolt of fear struck through your heart, but you maintained your cool demeanor as best as you could.

“Is that so?”

“It is so,” he suddenly appeared in front of you, reaching out his hand to hover it over your belly. “Is this one of your weak spots?”

“No…!!” you wrap your arms around your stomach protectively.

“Oh, really? Then let’s prove it through actions rather than words.”

Shit.

You turned tail and started to scurry away, but he quickly caught you before you could gain any distance. With one long, strong arm looped around your waist, he picked you up and carried you to his bedroom, where he tossed you onto his bed like a sack of potatoes. You landed with a soft thump, too dazed by how fast it happened to try and get up. He crawled over you as if preparing to devour you whole, and now here you were. Immobile and helpless, at the mercy of the leader of Onychinus. 

“You’re pretty good at running away,” he croons, grinning down at you victoriously. “But I'm even better. Especially when it comes to catching little prey that thinks it can escape from me."

“Wait, Sylus-!”

“Now, let’s take a look…” he grabs your chin with his free hand and forces you to address him, leaning down so close you can feel his breath on your cheek. His crimson eyes intensify, emitting a strange otherworldly glow that compels your hidden fantasies to come forth, yanking them from the recesses of your mind. 

Images of Sylus’s hands fill your vision. Strong, elegant fingers tracing every nerve ending in your skin. Caressing your neck, ears, and collarbone before trailing down your chest. Fluttering over your taut ribcage and helpless sides before moving down to your hips, and then…

“Stop!” you cry out, trying to force the damning picture from your mind. Damn it! He was the last person you wanted to know about this little “oddity” of yours… now you would never hear the end of it.

“How interesting…” his grin widens as he runs a finger across your cheek. “So that’s what your plan was all along. I suppose I’d be a real bad guy if I didn’t go along with it, hmm?”

“Wait, hold on…!”

Your sentence is lost when you suddenly burst out laughing. A giant hand clamps onto your ribcage, pinching the soft spots in between each one with a surprising amount of gentleness. You lurch your body to the opposite side, trying to worm away, but he follows your movements effortlessly. He spiders his fingers down your side, hovering at your waist to feather it lightly. It’s like he instinctively knows where to touch and what technique to use to make it as torturous as possible. You would be screaming at him to stop if you weren’t so busy laughing.

He explores you further, dancing his fingertips over your stomach expertly, right where you had touched him earlier. The sensation is so electric that you actually squeal; he chuckles darkly while watching you buck your hips, trying in vain to get away.

“What’s the matter, sweetie?” he taunts you with faux sympathy. “Can’t handle a few light touches?”

“Fuck off!” you manage to splutter out in between giggles. He responds to your impolite words by rapidly tickling your underarms. Your laughs are starting to sound more like shrieks now. 

He holds you down like this, tormenting you without mercy, for quite some time. His attacks are calculated and brutal; he’ll tickle you softly in one spot for a minute or so before suddenly jumping to another, tickling harder just to throw you off. He pays special attention to your stomach, where light spidering seems to have the biggest effect, and your underarms, which garner more cackles from you when he digs in a bit. Once in a while, he strokes the length of your sides, relishing in your muted giggles and light squirming as you try and fail to shake him off. 

But the worst is when he touches your neck. Just a few light caresses there, and you’re begging hard. You try to block out his wiggling fingers by scrunching your shoulders and turning your head, doing anything at this point to escape from the intense sensation, but that only spurs him on. When you squirm to one side, he simply jumps to the other. Back and forth, until you feel like your mind is starting to unravel.

He pauses for a moment, for reasons unknown, and you take the opportunity to swallow as much air as you can before he decides to start up again. When you open your eyes that you’d squeezed shut, you see him gazing down at you strangely. Like he’s looking for something. It dawns on you that he’s mapping out his next strike, but by the time you open your mouth to protest, it’s too late.

His fingers take hold of your ear and rub it softly, tracing the shell and lobe with an uncharacteristic gentleness that makes you feel like you’re slowly losing it. It’s such a sensitive spot, and one that’s rarely touched. He elicits giggles and squeals by tickling both of them, one after the other. It’s mortifying. You let out tittered pleas in a weak effort to appeal to his sense of mercy. They go ignored.

He’s about to let out, you can feel his hand pinning your wrists loosen slightly. But something stops him before he does. His eyes drift down to your shorts, honing in on the small wet spot that’s appeared in between your thighs.

Shit.

“What have we here…?” he spanks your pussy, running his fingers over your swollen clit to feel the wetness for himself. You yelp at the unexpected impact, then moan when his hand rubs the length of your mound. He spanks it again, grinning as he watches you writhe beneath him. Then, without a word, he slips his fingers under your waistband and gives you what you want.

You moan as his expert hands get to work. His thumb presses against the hood of your clit, his thin fingers slip into your hole. His index and middle finger enter first, curling against your walls as they pump in and out in a steady rhythm. His thumb massages your clit, letting the sounds of your fluttery cries guide him towards your pleasure. He studies you carefully, observing your facial expressions and vocalizations with utmost focus. Each time you’re brave enough to meet his gaze, you find him staring right at you, crimson eyes boring into your soul. 

He takes his time building you up, and when you’re on the edge, he pushes you over. The orgasm wracks your body, sends shockwaves of pleasure through every nerve while your back arches and your hips thrust forward. Your vision grows fuzzy, then returns as the ecstatic feeling settles down. He pulls out his fingers, licking your juices from the tips with a demented smirk. 

But just when you think it’s over, he strikes again. He still hasn’t let go of your arms, so you’re helpless when he starts tickling you again. This time, he hones in on your sensitive hips and thighs, stroking the crease of your hip and skittering his nails on the tops of your legs. The orgasm has made you a million times more ticklish, and what he’s doing now is pure torture. You scream and kick your legs and beg him to stop, saying you’ll do anything, saying you’ll stop being a nuisance, only for him to ignore you once more. 

Fortunately, this round doesn’t last as long. He stops for good when your breathing is ragged and your voice is hoarse. He finally lets go of your arms, chuckling when you yank your arms down at your sides to protect them as you couldn’t before. You want to curse him out and hurl a plethora of profanities at him, but you’re too damn tired to even get a word out. 

“That was fun,” he teases while watching you try to compose yourself. “But just so you know, it’s pretty dangerous to reveal what you like so easily.”

“I didn’t… I don’t… ugh, screw you!”

He scoffs, then climbs off the bed and frees you for good. With his back now turned, he heads out of the room and leaves you with one last snarky comment.

“Next time you want to get the jump on your enemy,” he says, voice dripping with arrogance. “Come up with a better plan.”

[venussaidso]

𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧-𝐑𝐚𝐡𝐮-𝐊𝐞𝐭𝐮: 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦

the prominent themes of vampirism such as desire, hunger, mystery and illusions tie so perfectly with the moon and its nodes. it wasn't surprising to find the nodes dominating this genre the most, along with the luminaries (moon & sun nakshatras, but more fittingly the moon). i will not be touching on the few sun nakshatras playing vampires, as the moon makes far more sense symbolizing true vampiric nature.

So many vampire movie posters have this luminous glow to them, likely done consciously because of these creatures' affinity for nighttime, and generally being nocturnal as they're extremely sensitive to any type of sunlight.

I've once briefly mentioned, in my "Moon Dominant Themes" post, that lunar natives can operate very secretly, such as 'working in the shadows'. And the whole lore of vampires always emphasizes their ability to hide themselves while still living among humans.

Vampires undergoing periods of dormancy and resurgence is interesting as that can also be linked back to the moon's cycles of waxing & maning. The influence that the moon has on vampires, in some legends, is during certain lunar phases in which they become more active. A full moon could literally mean that their strength has enhanced, whilst a moonless night could mean their desire for blood is heightened.

Rohini Sun Colin Farrell

Claire Nakti explored, in her "TOP 3 Most Magical & Mystical Astrology Signs | Cults, Divination, & Occultism | Part 2 (Nakshatras)" documentary, on the ability of Moon nakshatra natives to brainwash/mind control/hypnotize.

daniel kaluuya is a hasta moon, not rohini.

As these natives are often cult leaders, their ability to influence the mind goes back to their lunar-rulership. The Moon rules over the mind, emotions and subconscious. A vampire's ability to hypnotize humans and other lesser beings is in parallel to the Moon's influence over the psyche and subconscious.

This illusory nature found in vampires can be connected to the shadow planet, Rahu. As Rahu is illusions, desire, hunger. Rahu is very seductive and tempting; this could tie back to some legends in which vampires lure their prey giving them promises of pleasure.

Ardra Sun Tom Cruise.

In "Interview with the Vampire", Tom Cruise plays Lestat who is an overindulgent, greedy vampire. Rahu governs desires and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. It's related to insatiable cravings that lead to greed. The lustful nature of Rahu is seen in Lestat's intense bloodlust and the chaos it brings.

Rahu's associations with eclipses relates to their ability of being hidden in the shadows. Another hint is in Rahu being a Shadow planet itself, just like Ketu is which is also related to vampires.

The story about Rahu's head getting decapitated by Vishnu for trying to get a drink out of the nectar of immortality can be brilliantly paralleled with vampirism. Due to Rahu's consumption of the drop of the nectar, he became the infamous dismembered immortal. His dismemberment a symbol of the detachment from humanity to vampirism.

Rahu is considered an entity of darkness and malevolence, preying upon cosmic forces and defying the natural order of things (such as vampirism which does defy nature itself, ie. the dead becoming undead) in pursuit for immortality. Vampires are literal parasites, and Rahu is also parasitical. Vampires feed on humans without providing any benefit in the ecosystem in return, a one-sided relationship which resembles one between a parasite and its host. Rahu is depicted as insatiable and consuming, feeding and draining one's energy. It creates a cycle of thirsting for more without any fulfillment, a predicament vampires find themselves in.

Ashwini Sun Luke Evans

Rahu and Ketu represent the lunar nodes, respectively depicted as the head and tail of the celestial serpent. Their energetic interaction can be likened to the endless chase between a vampire and a vampire hunter, villain and hero, the friction between unlikely lovers. It's obvious in how Rahu embodies the insatiable hunger for experiences and the craving for fulfillment that it can be the vampiric force in such a dynamic. Like a vampire, Rahu relentlessly pursues its desires, often leading to greed and excess. And then you have Ketu, on the other hand, which embodies detachment, spirituality, and liberation from worldly attachments. It quite literally symbolizes the renunciation of desires and the quest for enlightenment, opposing Rahu's restlessness for more. Ketu is a cutting force, and like a determined vampire hunter, is skilled in tracking down illusions and breaking free from temptations.

Although it sounds like a more fitting interplay between Rahu as the evil force and Ketu as the hunter, it's actually more seen in the other way around.

It is more so that Rahuvians are the vampire hunters, which I found so intriguing; showcasing how Rahu is both the parasitical (illusory), and also the one to be rid of parasites (disillusionment). And I have explored this particular theme in my Rahu post -- how Rahu natives experience a lot of disillusionment from their reality, wanting to cast away the illusions that drain the life force.

The reversal of roles showcases the fluidity of the nodes; their roles almost always expected to reverse, illustrating just how Rahu and Ketu are deeply intertwined with the concept of karma, representing the push-&-pull between cosmic forces of destiny.

More nodal-vampire movies, and other examples in which Rahu & Ketu find themselves on opposite sides of the same spectrum in which they are both vampires, similar to the friction seen between Louis (Ketu) and Lestat (Rahu) in "Interview with the Vampire".

In the film "Fright Night", the one who has to kill the villainous vampire is an Ashwini native. It is also interesting how in "Queen of the Damned" (above, right), the villain is a Magha native who must be stopped by her Mula lover -- both being vampires.

As mentioned in the figure image about the film "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter", where a nodal-ruled native is paired up with someone who is lunar-ruled, this is a type of pairing seen a lot in these supernatural stories.

Similarly to "Twilight", as Edward was the one to turn Bella into a vampire, we see the planetary reversal of this in which the lunar-native is the one who turns the nodal-native.

Or the film "Vamps" in which Hasta Sun, Shatabhisha Moon native Alicia Silverstone turns Mula Sun, Magha Moon native Krysten Ritter into a vampire.

It isn't a surprise that the moon and its nodes are related to the extremities of the mind. These energies can cause isolation due to how polarizing they come off in regular society (furthermore validating its relation to vampirism), so they become attracted to one another -- especially the nodal natives to the moon natives, because of how much they feel magnetized by them, and vice versa.

edit: also paul wesley could be a purva phalguni moon instead of magha, there is an unconfirmed birthtime out there + he is a pushya sun and i have noticed sun nakshatras along with saturn nakshatras in vampiric roles as well. might touch on this some time soon.

The presence of some Sun nakshatras in vampire stories is present and that could tie to the Sun's influence over the Moon despite the fact that solar symbolisms regarding vampirism don't exist, and vampires are far too sensitive to the Sun so much so that they get sunburn during the full moon where the sun's light reflects (interesting to think about). The whole point of a vampire is to lurk in the shadows or during nighttime, so the strict avoidance of the Sun could make sense in there being solar-natives in vampiric roles. It makes for an interesting contradiction, certainly.

Ketu is the body of the severed demon Rahu following the consumption of the elixir. Much like Rahu, Ketu is also associated to darkness and illusions. But it symbolizes the darker, unseen aspects of reality -- all the hidden forces and energies as I've touched on in my Ketu exploration. Ketu and Rahu are two sides of the same coin, it isn't surprising to see them share many vampiric roles/stories.

Ketu is about spiritual liberation, detachment (in this context, becoming a vampire means a harsh detachment from normality/the old life), transcendence; these existential themes are found in vampirism.

The character Louis in "Interview with the Vampire" played by Mula Sun Brad Pitt describes his existential crisis as a vampire to a Magha Sun human who interviews him.

The enhanced strength, agility, speed, hearing and all these abilities are gained after the painful transformation process, going from human to vampire. This process is seen in the film "Interview with the Vampire", Mula Sun Brad Pitt's character going through excruciating pain when turning. My mind immediately takes me to Claire Nakti's first Mula nakshatra exploration, in which she touched on the interconnection of pain and evolution for access to more powers.

edit: robert pattinson is an ardra moon, not sun. and i accidentally used jk rowling's face as l.j smith, ugh! 💔

Vampires are caught between worlds, trapped in a liminal space between life & death. Ketu can cause feelings of entrapment. The yearning for release from their eternal existence is a common theme, as Ketu wants to escape its body. Louis de Pointe du Lac is the best character as example of rejecting one's own nature and wanting to cease to exist.

Mula Sun Brad Pitt

nodals being so emo jfc

notes: colin farrell's birthtime accuracy is botched, he's definitely a mula ascendant. tom hiddleston stays a possible ashwini moon until he's not (until his birthtime is available and accurate).

[gojostan-doodles]

Local farmer/ florist, Amari Vaughn 🌸💐

As a human/ demon hybrid, Amari is gifted with immense physical abilities. When she was a kid, it was very common for her to accidentally break things since she didn't know her own strength. But her affinity for flowers encouraged her to learn how to be delicate with her hands. She realized early on that she wanted to be a florist one day. During her developmental years, she was discreetly monitored by her parents, who looked for other signs of her having supernatural powers. They were relieved to learn that Amari was as normal as everyone else (for the most part). Because of that, they opted out of telling her that she was half demon, thinking that it would only be a source of stress for her if she knew.

Amari grew up in the city without much trouble. She played a lot of sports when she was in school, but it didn't interest her that much. She enjoyed taking care of plants, but found it hard to pursue that kind of work in the city. It's too much of a concrete jungle, y'know? So for a while she gave up on the idea.

Amari worked at a construction company for about 2 years before deciding to go after the life she actually wanted. So she packed her things and took a bus ride to Pelican Town, moving into the farmhouse her grandfather left for her. Settling in took some time, but Amari adjusted to her new lifestyle. She felt right at home surrounded by lots of nature.

But of course, Stardew Valley is a really weird place. So it wasn't long before she encountered the junimos, and later Rasmodius. The "tea" she drank from the wizard not only gave her the ability to communicate with the junimos, but also unlocked her dormant supernatural abilities. She immediately gained a white streak in her hair, and while in a disoriented state, accidentally set herself ablaze and fecking collapsed 💀 Reasonably stunned, the wizard puts out her fire with magic. When she finally wakes up he apologizes, telling her that he'll look into what went wrong and report back to her as soon as he can.

In the meantime, Amari tried to return to her life as a farmer, only to be met with a new set of problems. She struggled with burning her own crops (and many, many other items). During full moons, she would undergo a physical transformation, forcing her to stay home since she stood out like a sore thumb. So yeah, her first year really sucked 🥹 It was clear by her transformation that she was half demon, but it was later confirmed by Rasmodius. Amari was really confused and angry when faced with the reality that her parents didn't bother to tell her something so important.

Things eventually got better though. Over time she figured out that being stressed causes her to combust, so she ended up burning things less often. She made a lot of lovely friends in town too, some who turned out to be just as odd as her. It was really nice knowing she wasn't alone. And eventually she married Sebastian, so things were really great for a change!

About a year into their marriage someone new showed up to the farm, a demon named Uruz. Turns out he and a few others where tasked with searching different realms in order to find Lord Wynn. He's Amari's father, and the king of the demon realm. Uruz accidentally found Amari because her aura is the same as Wynn's (and since it was the night of a full moon, it was more intense). When Uruz learned that Amari knew nothing about her powers, he took it upon himself to stay and teach her everything she needed to know. Apprehensive at first, Amari eventually agreed after talking it over with Sebastian. She felt like she couldn't rely on her dad to tell her anything. So she decided to take this as an opportunity to learn everything, about herself and the demon realm. So currently there's a menace living on their farm that they have to keep in check 😭

Since Amari is only half demon, the abilities and traits she inherited from her dad is a mystery. So when she learns about how long demons usually live, she becomes incredibly anxious about her future. But she tries not to think about it.

[comicaurora]

Did you research any sort of martial arts when choreographing the action/fight scenes of your comic, especially in regard to Tess and Falst? I've just been noticing Tess's affinity for grappling as opposed to Falst's preference for kicks and knee-strikes. I suppose this question extends to Dainix and Kendal's martial styles too.

Didn't really research it, but I've got some experience with a few martial arts and a basis in gymnastics that I draw on for the choreography.

Tess's style is almost entirely centered on her arms - her legs just get her where she's going. She's so durable that she can get away with a lot of reckless fighting, and her lightning magic lets her launch herself around at high speeds. I choreograph her with a lot of very wide stances, very drawn-back shoulders and a focus on punches or grabs. It's not a style anyone trained in real martial arts would use - even boxers keep a closed stance and protect their face and head. Tess's hands are rated E for everyone.

Falst is a gymnast with a leg up in the strength department, meaning he can launch his body weight around in a way only the smallest, densest real gymnasts can. I, like many gymnasts, reached the point where I was too tall and too heavy to fling my body weight around on arm strength alone, but Falst can get away with a lot more physics-defying tricks. Kicks are good because they keep your opponent away from your head, and his fighting style is fluid and defensive, based on quick bursts of violence followed by quick escapes - but when he's angry and off-balance he stops thinking straight and gets too into the Fight with not enough Flight.

Kendal has the muscle memory of a very dangerous warrior, but typically chooses not to use it. Every action he takes is deliberate and methodical. His fighting style is usually about how long it takes him to choose to actually start fighting. I'm actually currently learning some historical swordfighting schools, in part so I can make his weapons choreography more interesting.

Dainix is the closest to a regular human in the bunch, so his fighting style draws the most on my own limited experience. I had a good amount of unofficial tutelage in tai chi, a very soft martial art whose core movements can be fairly easily modified to integrate weapons - one of the more interesting I found being a staff. Dainix has to be versatile and mobile, but he can't leap ten feet in the air or tank any hits that are too heavy, which means his mobility mostly involves running or shoulder-rolls. His spear style is an extrapolation of the basic staff forms I played with in tai chi, which has a fluid movement and involves a lot of turns and redirection of force. Using a staff, I found the movements became wide arcs, often pivoted around the waist to build up momentum. Dainix circles his problems and tries to find the correct angle to strike. The exception is when the Crucible flares up, an anger-driven weapon of brute force that charges problems head-on.

[worldsewage]

what's the home run au?? pretty please infodump!! /genpos /nf

The HOMERUN au is what I want to call a Salmonid and Inkling swap au, but eventually became so convoluted it’s now it’s own separate thing.

I’m glad this ask exists because I will be using it as a pseudo pinned… until I get that… figured out… ⛩️ thank you! I’ll be splitting the main ideas into parts, (and chances are any unanswered questions will be answered later! I want to explore this au in little lore tidbits, so please be patient with me! But don’t be afraid to ask!)

Idol / Agent lore will be explained in mini comics and posts… :] but as for what the Homerun au actually is…?

I’ll explain everything under the cut!

THE GREAT TURF WAR:

During the Great Turf War— inklings and octolings were at a horrible stand still, resources and morale is low due to the two warring species exhausting themselves. The waterline rises high (WAY higher then canon) wiping out the lands they’re fighting for and reducing the habitable lands into waterlogged territories that are too dangerous and flood-prone for either species to survive… the war ended with Salmonids on the rise, dominating the lands, and nearly wiping out both species thanks to the ocean and the brute strength and resources they had.

Because of this inkling territory is very small— but still succeeded in claiming land, unlike the Octarian, which were forced to retreat to the wastelands— the wastelands are devoid of life, but worse, flooded and horribly weathered.

Relationships between the warring species goes as this: Politically, all of the species are enemies, but at this current state, have no real reasons to continue fighting.

Salmonoids are trying to “mend the relations between Cephalopods and Salmonids”— at least that’s what they’re saying. They make efforts such as propaganda pieces, but their biology(see “anatomy” column) Is far too different from cephalopods to properly live together. They mostly push this effort towards Inklings— half because they are the species that utterly despises them, and the other half as a power play. A few Salmonid Company’s that control the local politics have a few ideas they want to use to control inklings, but it’s no use if they’re not allies.

Octarians still see inklings as the species that drove them out, despite salmonids being the unlikely winner of the war, Inklings are the ones that claimed the only slightly habitable lands, so they are the adversary.

Octarians are still an ally to the salmonids, their industrial mega cities are often seen as “barbaric” or “frightening” to most species, but the Octarian see them as war-strong allies who they desperately need to learn off of. Octarian culture has vastly evolved to accommodate Salmonids— this has changed most Salmonid’s(within the public) understanding of inkling/octoling biology for the better. Having survived off their trade / resources, every Octarian issue becomes a Salmonid issue, and vice versa, these two groups are closely intertwined.

Inklings are enemies with the Salmonids, but due to their loss in the war they were forced to truce— Inklings are the only species that do salmon runs, so they see Salmons at their most aggressive, and in turn are taught to view them as monsters, despite the species affinity towards politics, business, and other relations they’ve made public— they only see them as language-less inkling-murdering monsters. Because of their hatred of salmonids— they yearn to rekindle the relationship with Octarians.

It’s a real “be my ally” love triangle. But truly, Octarians and Salmonids are BUDDIES!

THE MAP

Inklings are doing better, they still construct Inkopolis in this au. Inkopolis is prone to flooding, but it’s still plenty safer and operates much like it does in canon (with the same stores and such!). The city is now equipped with many functions that keep it’s citizens safe from flooding. Flooding is less common in the plaza as opposed to the outskirts of the city. Inkopolis is a staple location, proof of survival and glory, the place every kid said they wanted to move to when they got older.

The Octo-Canyon + Domes still exist here, but the surrounding area is nearly all water, so resources are scarce and its difficult for them to survive on their own. They thrive on trade, and what can only be described as “for-hire agent work” for salmonoids and other wasteland neighboring species. Their technology was forced to rapidly advance to accommodate for this.

The area right to Inkopolis, where Calimari County would lie, are sandy (sort of beach-swamp esque) farm lands. The towns are rural distant areas, perpetually flooded, sort of resembling low tidepools, it’s pretty gorgeous lands . They primarily farm seaweed here, as well as cultivating other sea animals and rice grain.

The area above New Inkadia— in the Wastelands— is similar, farm lands and small villages, but to note: more Salmonids are here, and the inklings here speak Salsegal (the language salmonids speak) and here Salmonids and Cephalopods engage in this reverse salmon run.

The Wasteland inklings cultivate and raise Zapfish, most are young and unable to power full cities, and so Cephalopods in this zone have (as a result of water damage affecting HOW they retain ink) developed a new type of ink that is able to act as an electrical current— these types of inklings/octolings are known as KRAKENS, and Salmonids occasionally enter these areas and capture this electric ink technology since it’s on their turf, and they can’t use their eggs out of respect, Zapfish are in low supply, and in turn, Inklings collect power eggs.

AC TOKYO is a city built on the idea of mending the relationships and creating a society where all species can thrive! And oddly enough, the city and decor is described as historic… due to all of the designs looking very… human. The reason for this is unknown. (Wink.) (DEEPSEA METRO rests underneath it.)

NEW INKADIA is where splatoon 3’s locations lie! Though under a different name, and a very different appearance, and ALTERNA is a secret project that has created an entirely new society that consists of both Cephalopods and Salmonids… at the expense of changing them.

Alterna is where DEEPCUT appear.

ANATOMY

How salmonids and inklings function is plenty different from canon

Inkling’s skin is incredibly paper-thin fragile, but extremely reliable, it is made up of trillions of individual parts that collapse into a thin membrane that essentially splits all of the insides into even tinier parts when coming into contact with a certain chemical signal that triggers the “transformation reaction”, allowing their skin to collapse into Ink Puddles, and as a result allowing it to reform into the Swim Form. So essentially, when Inklings are in the “puddle form”, they are a super thin nearly invisible sac carrying all of their super small broken apart organs, and reforming is just these broken apart cells very quickly attaching back together to either shape into Kid or Squid.

When a cephalopod gets “splatted”— all that’s happening is that there’s either too much stress, or too many injuries, or there’s a drastic shift in the amount of ink the subject is currently carrying, causing them to Self Destruct, as inklings are safer when the cells are broken apart, it’s harder to damage larger parts of the inkling IF they are broken into tiny parts that cant be broken apart any further.

“RESPAWNERS” aren’t actually “a place for the ghosts of inklings to land to revive”— this is a myth, and plenty easier to explain.

Respawners are attached onto the ground in inky turf grounds, and they cycle through ink at an extremely fast rate. Most turf battles have a very small layer of water or ink on the ground to allow respawner to filter ink— in doing this, the respawner are drinking in a shit tone of ink in order to suck up inkling puddles that carry near invisible flesh sacs thanks to Inkling’s weird skin membrane. And in the respawner, they’re refreshed with new ink and injected with a chemical that shakes them awake, quickly waking up a splatted inkling inside the respawner.

During Salmon Runs, the sight of Inklings who are missing limbs on the battlefield returning the next day to attend a shift with no visible injuries isn’t uncommon. As long as the cells still exist within the membrane, they can be rapidly rebuilt and regenerate.

But, despite all of this, Inkling skin is incredibly weak to water, this membrane that can carry collapsed organs, severed limbs, and gives the signal that allows inklings to transform— can melt and collapse and can permanently damage if coming into contact with too much water. Water against this skin-membrane is similar to water on a tissue, melting into it, and splatting the inkling— but because there is now a tear in the membrane— it affects how the inkling is able to heal, how quickly the inkling can recover, how much ink the inkling can now retain, or if it’s possible to transform after the injury. Membrane Water-Damage scars can vary, but they are all regarded as dangerous if left untreated too long. Since small holes can be treated and taught to heal over, but left in water, can cause these holes to grow too large for the membrane to function as intended.

In fact, even overly HUMID environments can wear on inkling skin overtime; which is a problem for cephalopods and salmonid relations.

Salmonids have gills, but are amphibious, and in the adult (not spawning, spawning Salmons have very different anatomy, I will go into salmonid life cycles below) stage of their growth, they require air to thrive. Hence, needing land, but because they have gills, they require humid environments or close by water in order to keep the gills moist. Or else they could dehydrate and suffocate.

TLDR: inklings+octolings need dry environments so they don’t die from overexposure to humidity/water, Salmonids need wet humid environments so they don’t suffocate to the lack of water.

SALMON RUNS, and the LIFE CYCLE:

During salmon runs, you collect eggs, and in the warehouse, fertile eggs are seperated from infertile eggs, and are shipped back to Salmonid cities.

In salmonid cities, the eggs are sorted, genetically tested, and are given a name— the reason why salmonids have such long names is because the eggs are named by the title of the clans of their origin, and the families then extend the titles via new names or traits.

Having children isn’t a decision that can be made on a whim, since it requires traveling to a salmon run grounds in a race to these lands that allow both parents to officially breed in what’s known as a “HOMERUN,” but unlike IRL salmon, the need to return home is NOT a requirement or a hormonal change, but rather a decision, and the transformation into spawning-forms is a result of the journey.

Most parents have hundreds of eggs, and hundreds of children, but most of the time— in salmonid culture, only those who are considered “high status” are selected to “bring glory to the clan name” and go on these homeruns, most common folk don’t.

Salmonids are in a way socially (a tad culturally) aromantic, in a way, since they don’t have any desire to find a special someone never sprung into existence, especially since relationships initially begin as a concept due to the act of having children, but to salmons, it is viewed as a business decision. So romance is nearly non existent. (Again, socially, not emotionally, but the concept is still very much foreign.)

All salmonids are orphans in some way or another due to the parents dying in the Homerun (it’s extremely rare for a parent to return, if they do, it’s most likely they won’t survive the transformation back into a non-spawning form— which is why those who do survive usually remain in homerun grounds.)

The offspring are given back to the clans of parents of the children, not as eggs, they leave them to develop and once they become “SMALL FRY” they are given to the families.

THE EGG- power eggs, power houses, even infertile eggs are still high wattage batteries.

ALEVINS- you will most likely never see these few, in the wild, they grow up in the water and feed off the power egg.

FRY- they begin to grow lungs and muscle, they start to come onto land and use their fins as hands, if only slightly. They still are stronger swimmers than they are walkers. This is the stage in which they begin to swim home, they aren’t very good learners due to this form expending all energy in strength in order to travel and survive.

AWKWARD TADPOLE PHASE! - their fins grow into hands, and they slowly learn to walk. You see this stage at around four or five years old. This is considered the most important time in thier lives, because as FRY, they were running on instinct more than anything, so this is the time when their brains truly start to develop. Their head fins sort of fray, splitting into a growing head fin and a dorsal fin.

SMOLT- The phase between Tadpole and Nearly fully fledged salmon, their hands begin to fully form, they have more canine teeth that begin to grow in as teenagers. Fingers are webbed! The dorsal fin grows in. Most teenagers are still a tad hunched, but otherwise have no issues standing upright.

MATURE SALMON- Dorsal fin is fully developed, and they stand without a hunch.

In order to have offspring, they HOMERUN, and doing this transforms them back into waterborne species to accommodate for the vast journey. Their arms turn into fins, this change is far too jarring and aggressive for the species to live long after this.

SALMON RUNS ONLY EXIST BECAUSE INKLINGS HAVE DISTURBED THE NATURAL PATH THAT SALMONIDS NEED TO TAKE IN ORDER TO HAVE OFFSPRING. They intend to enter the aggressive phase at the river, before reaching the end mid land, but because inklings occupy this land, they’re forced to remain in these aggressive stages.

The slaughter of the spawning season salmonids is not a part of the cycle that salmonids worship so thoroughly. But, Salmonids were designed to die during this phase, and they never grew to be revolted by this idea— but that is not the reason why.

A Grizzco partner company named SENSHINCORP. that specializes in Cephalopod/Salmonid Trade, Safety, and Relations has taken control of the public’s opinion of the neighboring species.

(it’s a persuasive warning shot that makes every species doubt the opinions they feel they should have. It’s the reason why new paths weren’t created for Homerun Salmonids, POWEREGGS are big buck business, and it’s best you don’t pry.)

Okay, final section:

GRIZZCO. (+SENSHINCORP.)

Grizzco functions the same, a company that thrives on exploiting desperate job hunting inklings, and exploiting a culture that relies on the glory of dying.

But, this time, Mr. Grizz remains in contact with Senshin Corp, a salmon operated company that thrives on the tension between salmonids and cephalopods.

Salmo-San owns Senshin Corp, he’s a friend. He only wishes the best.

[lunarlianna]

White Moon Selena through signs

White Moon Selena, often overlooked in astrology, is a powerful and positive force in your natal chart. While Black Moon Lilith represents challenges and temptations, Selena symbolizes protection, guidance, and beneficial energy. As the Moon's perigee, Selena points to areas where you feel intuitively guided and supported. Mythologically, Selena is the Moon goddess, bringing light and protection. Unlike Lilith’s dark, rebellious nature, Selena represents our highest, most idealized self, helping to heal and balance Lilith’s influence. In essence, Selena embodies truth, light, positive past deeds, and spiritual protection. She marks where you feel blessed and intuitively guided, counterbalancing Lilith’s challenges. Working with Selena can bring clarity and purpose, guiding you on your soul’s journey and helping you heal Lilith’s darker aspects. Ultimately, a strong White Moon Selena provides a profound sense of purpose, and embracing this path brings clarity and alignment with your true self and life mission. Astrologically, Selena shows where you connect deeply with the universe, operating beyond fear and doubt. Important aspects (conjunction, square, opposition) with an orb within 1 degree are key to understanding her influence. To calculate your natal Selena use astro.com, the code for it is h56.

WMS in Aries

You naturally embody the qualities of a leader and protector, shining as a guiding light for those around you. Your optimism and unwavering sense of purpose make you a source of hope and encouragement, especially for those who are vulnerable or facing challenges. Your nurturing instincts extend to those under your care, and you possess a remarkable ability to overcome obstacles, inspiring others to persevere alongside you. This position suggests a special affinity for fire, symbolizing your inner strength and clarity. Embrace activities that involve fire, such as enjoying a fireplace at home, to purify your thoughts and energize your spirit.

WMS in Taurus

You are guided by a profound inclination towards spiritual fulfillment rather than earthly pleasures. While you appreciate sensory delights, your true passion lies in exploring a deeper, intuitive understanding. Your connection to the earth is robust, enabling you to utilize its resources to assist others in realizing their material and spiritual aspirations. Your innate wisdom leads you to recognize what is genuine and meaningful, fostering both material stability and a richly fulfilling life. To uphold Selena's positive influence, cherish simplicity, honesty, and reverence for all living beings. Steer clear of greed and materialistic pursuits.

WMS in Gemini

You thrive on leveraging your intellect and communication prowess, finding deep satisfaction in clear and effective expression. Your ability to articulate ideas ensures you always have access to valuable information and meaningful connections. This position suggests a positive karma as a mediator, with a strong affinity for the air element, symbolizing freedom and clarity. You're naturally inclined towards innovation and societal improvement, drawn to endeavors that enrich life with vibrancy and dynamism. To uphold Selena's protective influence, prioritize truthfulness, maintain integrity in information sharing, and honor your commitments.

WHM in Cancer

You have a natural gift for nurturing others, destined to play a central role in caring for your family and community, especially children, families, and animals. Your wisdom allows you to discern when to take action and when to observe, making you a compassionate and effective caregiver. You deeply honor traditions, ancestors, and your roots, feeling a profound sense of responsibility towards your loved ones. Your affinity with the water element is profound, and embracing a nurturing and sincere approach in all your endeavors will lead you to genuine success and fulfillment.

WHM in Leo

You play a pivotal role in inspiring others to discover their creative paths. Selena encourages you to embrace your heart's guidance and freely express love and affection. Cultivating warmth, care, and generosity will nurture your own sense of stability and security. Your creative spirit radiates brightly, guiding others to uncover their unique brilliance. Stay closely connected to the fire element and the Sun, sources of cleansing and inspiration. Guard against false pride, ego, and greed to maintain Selena's protective embrace. Embrace sincerity, honesty, and optimism, allowing your inner warmth and joy to blossom freely.

WHM in Virgo

You possess a strong affinity for rational thinking, effortlessly navigating engineering and analytical challenges. Your expertise lies in establishing structure through thorough research, meticulous analysis, and hands-on application. You hold deep regard for cleanliness, responsibility, and humility, often embodying qualities akin to a healer or nurturer. It's important to maintain equilibrium by keeping sight of the broader perspective and not getting bogged down by minutiae. Ground yourself by nurturing a connection to the earth element, finding solace in natural settings. Surround yourself with soothing colors like yellow-green or blue, and cultivate an environment that promotes comfort and organization.

WHM in Libra

You have a remarkable talent for understanding social dynamics and discerning people's characters with ease and precision. Your innate charm and empathy empower you to positively influence others, fostering comfort and harmony wherever you go. You flourish in roles that uphold fairness, diplomacy, and collaboration. Your positive influence aligns closely with principles of social justice and teamwork, making fields such as law, diplomacy, and the arts especially fulfilling for you. Stay connected to the element of air for clarity and creative inspiration, and seek environments that reflect elegance and harmony.

WHM in Scorpion

You hold profound insight and a heightened sensitivity to the forces of light and darkness, making a significant impact on those you encounter. Your previous experiences have equipped you for spiritual conflicts, fortifying your spirit through formidable trials. With a noble warrior's spirit, you skillfully navigate spiritual dimensions and confront inner growth with bravery. Your path to success lies in arenas where your spiritual resilience, courage, and willingness to tackle challenges converge, be it in finance, business, or esoteric pursuits.

WHM in Sagittarius

You uplift others with your broad perspective and profound belief in the significance of existence. Your character radiates generosity, independence, and a profound affinity for nature and animals. You may have a history of roles as spiritual mentors or trailblazers in introducing fresh ideas and beliefs. Your unwavering optimism and commitment to integrity illuminate your path, encouraging a spirit of adventure and learning. Remember to prioritize physical well-being and stay engaged in spiritual and intellectual pursuits to nourish your journey.

WHM in Capricorn

You live a life guided by balance and harmony, deriving fulfillment from diligent effort and perseverance. You shine in roles that demand responsibility, persistence, and a methodical approach. Your interests may lean towards fields like history, geology, or archaeology, reflecting a deep appreciation for enduring and stable environments. Cultivate your connection to the earth element through peaceful moments of solitude, meditation, or by surrounding yourself with natural stones and landscapes that resonate with you.

WHM in Aquarius

You cherish the freedom to explore unique perspectives and progressive concepts, finding inspiration in fields such as psychology, sociology, and pioneering sciences. Your commitment to fostering friendships and solidarity is a cornerstone of your character, as you ignite social change and cultivate a strong sense of community among those who share your values. It's essential to strike a harmonious balance between independence and connection: while you thrive in the realm of ideas and innovation, remember to nurture your warmth towards others and avoid distancing yourself too much.

WHM in Pisces

You have a keen intuition that helps you sense subtle energies and gain insights that others might miss. Your compassionate nature drives you to offer help willingly to those in need. You naturally embody sacrifice and selflessness, which could lead you towards professions in fields like medicine, psychology, or the occult sciences. It's important to be mindful of maintaining healthy boundaries to protect your spiritual and creative energies, preventing any potential exploitation due to your caring disposition.

[doumadono]

Could I request some SFW headcanons for Viking Shoto and Viking Dabi? Whatever aspects you delve into, I'm all ears! 💜💜💙💙

A/N: I sincerely hope you find enjoyment in this collection of headcanons ♥

KVITRAVN - MHA VIKING AU

Viking Shoto

Shoto is well-versed in ancient runic scripts, using them not only for communication but also to unlock the secrets of his Viking heritage, often deciphering ancient texts and prophecies.

Shoto has a talent for playing a unique Viking instrument known as the harmony harp, using it to create soothing melodies that bring tranquility to the hearts of those around him. With nimble fingers, he skillfully plucks the sweetest notes, ensuring that the captivating melody not only enchants but also leaves all the females utterly captivated by him.

Shoto is a master archer, his accuracy unmatched even in challenging conditions. His arrows are tipped with special materials that make them particularly effective against his foes.

Shoto's torso is adorned with intricate tattoos, featuring a combination of runic symbols and Viking patterns believed to bring good luck.

Shoto's ambitions extend beyond mere conquest. He seeks to reshape the Viking world, envisioning a domain where fear of his name is as chilling as the ice he commands.

Shoto's dedication to his craft is unparalleled. He undergoes rigorous training routines, honing his physical strength and combat skills to perfection through discipline and hard work.

Shoto harbors a deep-seated resentment towards Touya, driven by the fear that Touya might ascend to the throne after Endeavor's demise. In Shoto's perspective, the rightful heir to the throne should be him, considering his status as the youngest and, in his opinion, the most intelligent among the brothers.

Viking Dabi

Dabi's weapons are covered with a secret mix that, when ignited, produces mesmerizing blue flames. This unique touch adds an eerie beauty to his prowess on the battlefield.

Dabi is an exceptional tracker, navigating the dense forests and treacherous terrains with uncanny ease.

Dabi's loyalty to his Viking kin is unwavering. He's known to stand by his comrades in times of adversity, earning the respect and trust of those who fight alongside him.

Dabi, surprisingly, has a talent for blacksmithing. He forges weapons with intricate designs.

In quiet moments, Dabi can be found gazing at the stars, pondering the mysteries of the cosmos. This solitary ritual is his way of finding solace in the vastness of the Viking world.

Dabi possesses an extraordinary affinity for thunderstorms - amid them, his focus sharpens. When the skies resonate with thunderous roars and illuminate with lightning flashes, Dabi's combat abilities surge, transforming him into an unstoppable force.

Dabi's role in battles extends beyond direct confrontation. He excels as a strategic saboteur, targeting supply lines and strategically weakening his enemies before engaging in open combat.

On the battlefield, Dabi sports an intimidating mask crafted from the jawbone of a wolf, covering his lower face from the nose downward.

Touya never envisioned himself as a prospective earl following his father's demise. Ruling was never his inclination; instead, he was always drawn to adventures and battles.

[adventuringblind]

Rock Gardens

Maxiel x Reader

Genre: Magical-Realism Fluff

Summary: Just because she's a low level earth elemental doesn't mean she's useless! Actually, she loves her rock and wishes everyone could see how she does. The media and fans have other things to say about it and Max and Daniel refuse to see their rock loving gremlin so sad.

Warnings: Toxic media, protective Max and Daniel

Notes: For 🎀, I hope you like it!!

Masterlist // Request Form // My Website // buy me a Ko-Fi

Her powers aren't something she likes to flaunt around to the media. They aren't flashy or give her some massive show of strength. They're still hers, though. She loves them, and that's all that matters.

Max and Daniel had stumbled across her when she first started working with Redbull as a data analyst. Her affinity for the ground helps her assess possible tire degradation around different circuits. When they hired her, it was the first time somebody had said her powers were useful.

Her office at the factory is decorated with all her rocks. Some she's found over the course of going to races. Others she's shaped over extended periods of time. Still, each one represents something. A testament to some event in her life.

Daniel and Max had wandered into her office for no particular reason other than a tour. Max felt is necessary to show Daniel all the changes that had gone on in the last four years. Her office being one of them.

Technically speaking - it was new to both of them. She'd never had direct contact with Max. She'd never needed to.

They ask her about them. Genuine curiosity lacing their voices. Which is odd to her, considering both if them are considerably stronger than she is. Max is a level six and a metal bender. Daniel, a seven, who plays with sound.

Then there is her. A level two who plays with rocks... it's shocking that they've taken an interest.

Regardless, they take such an interest that they keep coming back. Again, and again, and again... then they just stay. They let her build rock gardens in their apartment. They listen to her stories about each one.

It's certainly not what she was expecting. But when they lay together at night, limbs tangled up and usually giggling, she wouldn't have it any other way. She counts herself lucky.

As do the media, apparently. She should've known it would come out eventually - nothing stays a secret forever. She was just hoping that - maybe - the media would like her. That the fans wouldn't find any reason to eat her alive.

Oh, how wrong she'd been.

She wakes up to the news that their relationship has been exposed. The fans take on so nicely to Max and Daniel being together that there is a bit of relief. It's her that they don't like.

How she looks. How's she speaks. How her entire being is insignificant.

The EU's don't hold back their comments either. It's a constant stream of them saying her partners deserve someone with a stronger power.

It's ridiculous - is what she tries to convince herself. That the media portrays her as weak and useless in the realm of EU's.

The unfortunate thing is that it does get to her. It weighs on her more than she wants to admit.

Max and Daniel can see it written all over her. The way her rocks seem to be ridden with despair now and her gardens grow darker the longer she forces herself to stay away from them. The ridicule of fans calling her strange and useless.

Max and Daniel want nothing to do with those fans. In fact, the media in general has been grating on their last nerves.

The downfall of the media begins on a Thursday; media day. Max and Daniel have taken their respective spots on the press conference couch. It's been better for Max since Daniel started racing again. Makes these things less boring.

"Question to Max and Daniel: do you plan on making any changes to your relationship now that you've gone public?"

They both blink at the interviewer. Shock coursing through the veins of Daniel and Rage burning through Max's.

"The hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Are you-"

"Yeah, I heard the question! When your you people going to stop asking them?!"

Daniel throws an arm in front of Max before he can make any aggressive moves. Max settles back down in his place, huffing in frustration.

"How about you stop giving our girlfriend grief?"

The press conference ends there. Max and Daniel are feeling annoyed, but happy things might start dying down now.

Max and Daniel see them on social media the next few days. Some fans are going as far as to say she isn't worth it. It hurts them, obviously.

She also aches.

What did she do to deserve this kind of treatment? The answer is simple - it's nothing. Nobody deserves this treatment. Nobody saying these things even knows her.

The rocks in the garden stumble. They shake, and they rattle - until eventually, like most things, they fall.

"Love?" Oh, it's Daniel. The other set of footsteps is Max. She's learned them based on how the rocks shift when they step. Daniel’s are quicker where Max's are confident and long.

The middle of the track is certainly not the best place for her to be. There aren't any cars, though. Just her and the ground.

"Take it things were too much?" Max grunts as he gets on the ground with her. Daniel makes more of a huff sound.

"The media hates me. The fans hate me. Even the damn EU's hate me. My rocks don't hate me though."

"And neither do we."

Daniel chuckles. "Yeah, Maxy was ready to fist fight a journalist in your honor."

"Daniel wouldn't let me." He glares back. "So I made a post about it instead."

"PR won't be happy about it."

"So then why'd you do the same?"

It's entertaining to hear her boys banter back and forth about how they might defend her. How they refuse to let her rocks sit in sadness while people continue to berate. "My heroes."

"Yeah - nobody but us get to tease you."

She looks between the two boys on either side of her. "If it gets worse... will you-"

Daniel launches himself upright. "If try to self-depricate, I will personally reorganize your entire office."

Max chuckles when her jaw snaps shut. "Just let us defend you, schat. You may be a dork, but you're ours."

And we'll - who is she to argue with that?

[ivomartins]

I see many people consider Dmitry a redflag LI but to me he's a morally grey character: he finds a strange girl amidst the rift and assigns her a place in the squad instead of, you know, just taking Lane hostage when she's made it clear she's pursuing her own goals and only compels to the squad's decisions because she has to.

I understand why the interrogation episode is icky for many people but for me the devil is in details: Dmitry stops the interrogation because he doesn't want to hurt Lane further, and the whole situation can be seen as a necessary evil from the squad's pov, given Lane's actions. And at the same time, Lane doesn't deserve that shit either: she's all alone in a trust-no-one situation, and now she sees very clearly that the squad is not her friends.

To me that's what moral greyness is: different interpretations of the situation, when you can see motivation of both parties without whitewashing them.

Dmitry's conversation about turning your weakness into your strength adds another facet to his character, just like the stolen babushka gift 😭. I love the way Alexandra shows that he actually cares about Lane through him wanting to give her a chocolate bar or helping her with the work and sacrificing his sleep.

And the soulmatism of their branch is so well done. It's not "your mc is promised to this LI although you'd rather have her killed him in a cold blood" but "yes the situation we found themselves in is fucked up and bleak but at least we have each other because in another universe we'd pass each other by without looking back"

And I love how you can see Dmitry lashing out in the latest episodes, with more and more people in the squad dying, because he's responsible for their lives, he's the leader. And you, as a player, can choose Lane's reaction to his behaviour.

But the thing that truly made me sympathize with him is him telling Lane "It would be sad to lose my humanity while hunting for monsters and become one in other people's eyes. I hope I haven't cross that line yet?.."

That's how you write morally grey characters! 🙌

P.S. His latest CG fucks

i'm shook tbh that some people consider dmitry a red flag LI 😭 like yeah. the interrogation scene was iffy and lane didn't deserve that. but the world has literally gone to shit and this is a man who's been forced by circumstances to blur the lines of his morality for the greater good and the safety of the people around him ??? when we take that and the post-apocalyptic survival-of-the-fittest setting into consideration, plus the fact that lane was sus from day 1 and didn't really make any effort to prove herself trustworthy, the interrogation makes perfect sense

and like you said the morally grey nature to dmitry is the most interesting thing about him especially when it ties into the development of his bond with lane like !!!! with cain there's affinity in their position as outcasts and the apathetic nature they share, suspended above everything, untouched by what otherwise jars everyone else in the squad

but with dmitry their affinity lies in dmitry having a different nature to lane and still being drawn to her despite that, still accepting her to the point where she points a fucking gun at his head and he doesn't even flinch 😭 and doesn't even hold it against her later on like ??? there's so much devotion and unconditional acceptance to it and for me personally as someone who's on the whisper path it's definitely giving "the hero loving the monster and cherishing their blood-soaked hands" kinda dynamic

like it's "human" organic soulmatism like you called it, to balance out the otherworldly ambiguous soulmatism with cain. ugh i can't enough of it

i also love how he's been lashing out too and that not even lane has been exempt from that because he's just under that much pressure. i just adore how every single character has been written with their own role to play in the story, completely independent from lane, and they all get to develop just as much as she does as the story goes on 🥹

(and yes his cgs have been superior, even to cain, since day 1. i will die on that hill)

[hananoami]

Rafayel's Directional Orbit: Fire - Stage 130 Clear + VOD

And finally, the last 130 post clear write up on my list is with Rafayel. We cleared his Directional Orbit: Fire - Stage 130 on July 24th! This one was lowkey kinda sketchy towards the end because the game decided to suddenly freeze on me.. ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!

Rafayel's Stage 130 requires two teams. Team 01's Protofield Stellactrum is 5-Violet and 1-Ruby. Team 02's Protofield Stellactrum is 5-Pearl and 1-Amber.

Matching the Protofield Stellactrum will grant you additional bonuses to your team. By matching the colors completely you will have a ’perfect match’ which allows you to break 2 protofield shields in a single strike. This saves you time by quickly bringing those wanderers into a weakened state. You also get an Attribute Bonus (up to 30.0%) for every color you match - increase DMG boost 5.0% and DMG reduction 5.0%. Of course, you could opt to go off color and try to brute force it, but I didn't here.

The difference having a Duo R1 of any solar pair is wildly insane. Duo Rank 1 boosts Ardent Oath charge by 20%, allowing you to to equip a different beta protocore for something that is focused on either strength or expedited energy. I was totes excited to finally get another copy of [Deep Sea Promise] during the Pulse Hunter limited-time banner since for some un(sea)godly reason his [Deep Sea Riches] just loves to grace me with his presence instead -- I currently have that memory at R3.

For the first half of the fight I tried to keep all of the wanderers grouped up together. Thankfully, Abysswalker's Resonance Skill, Fantasia Shark, pulls in the enemies before it bites and burns them. I'm not gonna lie... my game play is kinda sloppy here too since I had to collect the Fish Tail beacon he dropped anytime I used his Eclipse Rend Support Skill. I also had to keep track of the marked wanderer in order to use my Abyssal Rapid Fire charged attack for more damage. It's totes easier to keep them grouped up in a corner that way Sharkie can reach all of them when pulled in.

One thing I do want to improve on are my perfect dodges. In this case for Rafayel's Abysswalker he would drops another fish tail beacon for an additional charge to speed up his Eclipse Rend support skill. While watching my clear vod again I noticed I had the opportunity for these perfect dodges, but didn't do them because I was afraid of getting hit. I should just go for it going forward, just to get more practice in.

My overall rotation with God of the Tides could have been better. I kept forgetting to press my active skill, Tides, for the small buff window before going into Rafayel's resonance skill, Surging Tides. The boss locked its HP at around 75% health on the final bar where you can't do any damage to it. So you would have to avoid the cyclones in order to not get frozen and lose out on some time. Also, this would be the perfect time to get a perfect dodge in, as seen in my clear video, hehe~

You can probably notice where my game decided to freeze during my fights in my clear vods... it was actually a real struggle that day and kinda stressed me out since this was all time sensitive content -- not that there was a rush to clear or anything. I just knew I was able to clear the fights, if only my game wouldn't hold me back with the lag. I ended up fixing by setting my graphics to the lowest setting.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TEAM 01

Companion: Rafayel’s Abysswalker [ Burst | Single-target | Pull ] Weapon: Phantasma Sands (guns) [ DPS | Single-target | Sustained ] Attribute Bonus For each matched stellactrum, increases DMG Boost 5.0% (currently increased: 30.0%) and DMG Reduction 5.0% (currently increased 30.0%). ♡ Affinity Bonus: 106 (Rafayel’s Protective Skill) When you take a fatal blow, Rafayel teleports to you, blocks a hit, and counter attacks. Enemies will be knocked back. [ HP xxxx || DEF xx || ATK xxx ] Pair Bonus [AB] -- Starting Effect: increases team DMG by 8%, reduces DMG taken by 8%, and increases Crit DMG of Deepsea Persuit by 30%. -- Duo Rank 1: boost Ardent Oath charge by 20%. When fighting together with Abysswalker, increases DMG taken of enemies inflicted with Burn by 20%.

5☆ DEEP SEA RICHES (violet/solar) Lv 80/awakened rank 2 using +15 SSR protocores

5☆ DEEP SEA PROMISE (violet/solar) Lv 80/awakened using +15 SSR protocores

5☆ FLORAL PROMISE (violet/lunar) Lv 80 using xx SSR protocores

5☆ WHISPERS (violet/lunar) Lv 80 rank 1 using xx SSR protocores

5☆ YOUR FRAGRANCE (violet/lunar) Lv 80 rank 3 using xx SSR protocores

4☆ WHALEFALL LAMENT (ruby/lunar) Lv 60 rank 3 using xx SSR protocores

TEAM 02

Companion: Rafayel’s God of the Tides [ Sustained | Buff | AoE ] Weapon: Tidal Embrace (staff) [ Sustained | Buff | Aoe ] Attribute Bonus For each matched stellactrum, increases DMG Boost 5.0% (currently increased: 30.0%) and DMG Reduction 5.0% (currently increased 30.0%). ♡ Affinity Bonus: 106 (Rafayel’s Protective Skill) When you take a fatal blow, Rafayel teleports to you, blocks a hit, and counter attacks. Enemies will be knocked back. [ HP xxxx || DEF xx || ATK xxx ] Pair Bonus [TP] - Starting Effect: increases team DMG by 8%, reduces DMG taken by 8%, and increases Crit DMG by 10% when fighting alongside Sea Spirits. - Duo Rank 1: boosts Ardent Oath Charge by 20%. The starting level of Sea Spirits rises to Lv. 2, and Sea Spirits will last for 5 more seconds. - Duo Rank 2: increases Energy Charge cap by 1. During Heavenly Rain, recovery rate of energy charge is increased by 30%.

5☆ TEMPLE'S PROMISE (pearl/solar) Lv 80/awakened rank 2 using xx protocores

5☆ TEMPLE'S SUNSET (pearl/solar) Lv 80/awakened rank 2 using xx SSR protocores

5☆ PRIVATE TRIP (pearl/lunar) Lv 80 using xx SSR protocores

5☆ TIPSY INVITATION (pearl/lunar) Lv 80 rank using xx SSR protocores

5☆ FIREWORKS VOW (pearl/lunar) Lv 80 using xx SSR protocores

5☆ UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE (amber/lunar) Lv 80 rank 1 using xx SSR protocores

signal boosting: @hunters-association

[nic-writes-sometimes]

Cherry Wine

(Alcina Dimitrescu/Reader)

Chapter: 4/?

Total Word Count: 18,880

CW: penetrative sex, g!p reader, canon typical violence, mentions of blood

[Alcina]

You're jolted awake by the relentless ringing of the phone in your room. Your lover groans softly as you slip from their embrace, the warmth of their body replaced by the morning chill. You hurriedly pull on a robe, its fabric offering little comfort against the cool air, and move to answer the call. 

“Dimitrescu residence.”, you answer sharply, you hope your tone is enough to intimidate whoever thought to call you at nearly four-thirty in the morning. 

“My darling Alcina. I’m sorry, did I wake you?”

You stiffen as you recognize the voice on the line. 

“Mother Miranda,” you reply, forcing a polite tone. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I realize it’s been months since we last spoke. Even longer since I visited. How’s my little beast doing? Not giving you too much trouble, I hope?”

“No, Mother, they are doing well. But there’s no need for you to make the long journey. We can come to you—”

“Nonsense! It’s absolutely no trouble at all. I shall arrive at your castle in a week’s time.”

“Mother—” you begin, but the line goes dead before you can protest further. The silence that follows is thick with the weight of what’s to come.

“I take it that it wasn’t good news?” your paramour asks, shifting in the bed, their hair still mussed from sleep.

You exhale, tension lingering in your every move. “No, it wasn’t,” you admit.

They reach out to you, concern etched in their features. Not knowing what to do with the nervous energy still coursing through you, you move back to the bed, sitting beside them. They wrap their arms around your waist and the pressure helps ground you in the present moment.

“Mother Miranda is coming. She’ll be here in a week,” You feel the unease tightening around your chest, the implications of her visit settling heavily in the room.

They rub soothing circles against your stomach, pulling you into their warmth. “We’ll deal with it together, Alcina. Pas câte un pas, draga mea .”

You nod, finding a small measure of comfort in their resolve.  “Your romanian is getting better.”

“I have good teachers, though I’m pretty sure Cass keeps trying to mess with me. What does ţâţe mean?”

You nearly choke, stifling a laugh as you realize what she’s been up to. “Cassie…” you mutter, shaking your head in disbelief.

“What? Did I say it wrong?” they ask, their brow furrowed in confusion.

You smirk, trying to suppress the amusement dancing in your eyes. “Not exactly. Let’s just say it’s not something you’d use in polite conversation.”

They tilt their head, but before they can press further, you continue, “It’s a word for… breasts.”

Their eyes widen in realization, and they burst out laughing, the sound filling the room with much-needed lightness. “I should’ve guessed. I now realize that Bela made a similar comment when we baked that pie.”

“Oh?” You arch an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.

Suddenly, they look a bit sheepish, mumbling, "It seems your daughters know that I have an affinity for their mother’s… ţâţe ”

“I see,” you say, your voice laced with playful teasing. “And how exactly did that come up in conversation while baking?”

They blush, their cheeks turning a charming shade of pink. “Well…I may have said that I really loved cherries. But I was talking about the actual fruit, I swear!”

“Only the fruit?” you tease, a sly smile playing on your lips. “What a pity, I had some cherries in mind for you to feast on…”

Before you can finish the thought, Lupe pulls you further onto the bed with surprising strength, their body pressing firmly against yours. The sudden shift in control sends a thrill through you, and despite your usual dominance, you find yourself delighting in the way they handle you so effortlessly.

Their mouth envelops yours in a passionate kiss, their hands pulling insistently at your robe. 

“You’re lucky I find you so charming.”

“I’m lucky you find me charming as well.”, they reply smugly

(full chapter linked below)

[thrashkink-coven]

Being a Luciferian that originated on the right side and still works with Archangel Michael and others is such a trip sometimes. Michael is so fucking intimidating all the time. Like, I know we’re cool, but lord forfuckingbid we ever aren’t. He’s extremely kind and gentle but oh so fucking authoritative and powerful. Like you can just feel it stinging off of his eyes, you know how much strength he has and how willing he is to use it if necessary. The thing i love so much about the myth of Michael and Satan is that he was said to have been far weaker than Satan in fighting prowess, but his loyalty to God made him the victor in the end. So fucking cool and scary and COOL. The idea of a soldier so fucking committed to his crown that he will fight until death to honour his God is amazing.

(my) Lucifer and Michael have absolutely no problems with each other, although Michael is always very disciplined, committed to his purpose and doesn’t entertain any none sense, he still seems to appreciate something about Lucifer. He is a guardian of truth and light, regardless of what name it holds. He appreciates Lucifer’s affinity for knowledge, but knows very well that his knowledge can be used for destruction and “evil”. He knows that Lucifer has an incredibly important role to play, but that doesn’t mean he’ll entertain any of the shenanigans that come with it. In fact, he’s dedicated to managing those shenanigans so we can all enjoy the positive aspects of Lucifer’s light. Thanks, Michael.

I only really call upon Michael if I need some serious help with cleansing or protection. He’s the guy to call if you need to be kicked in the ass, staring a new and daunting project, trying to get fit. He is damn efficient at what he does and he doesn’t stop short. If you call upon Michael you better be damn prepared to get what you asked for.

As a Luciferian that embraces the left hand path I’ve always felt as though Michael looked at me as someone he always wants the best for, but he also may disagree with some of my methods. He’s never considered or treated me like I was one of those evils to be vanquished, but rather, he knows very well what ways I could improve myself and would purify me if he was given the opportunity. But he’s also aware of the inherent flaws of humanity and doesn’t force us to improve unless we ask him to.

In some hypothetical scenario where Lucifer and I broke up (don’t tell him I said this) Michael would definitely be the guy I’d call on for help. i appreciate him a lot and I am very grateful for all that he has ever helped me with. I love the role he plays as the ultimate older brother of all the other angels. He watches over them and ensures that they’re safe at all times. Ready and happy to lead his family towards truth and light.

I’m very happy he doesn’t hate me lol. It’s something I worried about a lot as a kid, but when I finally got the opportunity to get to know him I learned that he doesn’t really hate anyone. He’s so much more than just an angel to carry out violence against his unjust siblings, in fact I’d say that’s one of his least proud roles, something he doesn’t really enjoy doing. He is a protector of children and a reminder that strength should always be used to help those without it.

plus, in one of the only dreams I’ve ever had about him, his armor was magnificent. Michael is probably one of those dudes that you absolutely should not lust over but… he looked real good just saying.

[theconfusedacorn]

Alright, FINE

I've made a tf2 OC (who is 100% a shameless self insert. Shut up).

This is Engi(neer) 2 (or, as Scout calls her: Hobo), the resident Canadian. She's around 22, SLIGHTLY taller than Scout, and doesn't like talking about her past.

She is SUPPOSEDLY Engineer's neice, though according to Medic, they share NO blood relation.

After being kicked out of university because she was quote: "failing miserably." (at least thats what she says is the reason), she was recruited at request of Engineer.

She's a filthy mongrel of a woman, often getting so lost in her work that she forgets to shower or eat for weeks, not uncommonly working until she starves herself and wakes up at respawn. Medic has absolutely HOUNDED her for abusing the respawn system, and more importantly, HER BODY in such a way. She doesn't see the issue, but he has INSISTED on setting curfews and meal times for her, which Engineer (and the rest of the mercs) are quite strict on enforcing. She's pissy about it, but doesn't have much of a choice.

Ms. Pauling was a little pensive about a new merc being added to the team, but her tune changed once she met her. Ms. Pauling hangs around Engi 2 whenever she can, much to Scout's annoyance. Engi 2 is DECIDEDLY not straight, but she is UTTERLY OBLIVIOUS, and doesn't read Pauling's subtle flirting as as flirting.

Fun fact:

Despite not being trans, she did have Medic preform what was effectively top surgery the moment she was recruited. Truthfully, she was just tired of the back pain and wearing bras, so Medic was more than happy to chop em' right off at her request. She was OVERJOYED.

Much like her "uncle," she has an affinity for severing limbs and replacing them with robotic ones, except she does this whilst out on the battlefield.

Doing this will ALWAYS cause her to bleed out within a couple of minutes, a little longer if she can get Medic to tag team with her, but can give her a RANGE of boosted abilities from strength, speed, defense, more gun power, and just about everything else.

Note:

These alterations aren't permanent, as after death, respawning replaces the severed limbs, leaving little more than the occasional scar. Truly a WONDER of modern science!

Relationships:

Engineer: Practically family. Father/daughter vibes. They play music together sometimes (her on violin, him on guitar). Love building stuff together.

Medic: Close friends. Medic is constantly trying to fix her jacked health and force her to take care of herself. The results have been mixed.

Heavy: Friends. They make sandwiches together sometimes; it's one of the only things Engi 2 eats, and doing it with someone else makes it easier for her to remember.

Demoman: Friends. They drink together sometimes and love discussing ways to improve Demo's explosives. They also have deeper conversations, but they usually don't remember those.

Pyro: Friends (?). Pyro is odd, but in a good way? They like fire, and so does she, so she supposes they have that in common.

Sniper: Friendly. She thinks he's cool. They have a mutual distaste for social situations. Don't talk much aside from the occasional "good job out there".

Soldier: Neutral. She doesn't really interact with him and, frankly, avoids him so that she doesn't get dragged into one of his workout regiments.

Spy: Dislike. She respects his abilities, but it pisses her off that he is continually digging through her past. She's not the sharing type and has, more than once, punched him for bringing up things she never told him. She never wins these fights, but that doesn't stop her from trying.

Scout: Dislike (?). She doesn't really have an issue with HIM, but he DEFINITELY has an issue with HER. She's not sure why, maybe because she somewhat rudely turned him down early on (she had thought he was joking), or maybe something else, but most of their interactions are untamed yelling. She honestly thinks it fun, up until a point at least. Scout can get pretty mean.

ALRIGHT, THERE

That's everything about Engi 2 for now, but there will PROBABLY be more

Anywho, thanks for sticking with me! :D

[vaporgutz]

SOLARE GARCÍA

The Holy Light Mage

Solare is for a Mage the Ascension TTRPG played with friends. I just started, first session, and I'm already so invested!! His stats WILL change as the campaign progresses, so these stats aren't set in stone.

---

I'm going to describe Solare like people have knowlage on World Of darkness, specially Mage. So anyone who doesn't know, enjoy the art and any lore to pick up.

---

Solare is a light mage who has the merit of True Faith. Currently, he has one dot of True Faith, and will build in RP. His powers revolve around light, and seeing the holy light within all things of God's creation, pulling from that.

Forces (affinity): 3

Matter: 2

Prime: 3

Arete: 4

Willpower: 10

Legistics and in the bounds: With Forces 3, Matter 2, and Prime 3, Solare can conjure and manipulate light with damaging properties. He can make the light into something physically usable using Matter 2, conjure and manipulate light for actual damage use with Forces 3, and can inflict the damage with it using Prime 3.

---

Main attributes (all 4/5 dots): Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Appearance

Weakest/avarage attributes: Manipulation, Charisma, Stamina, Perception, Wits

Talents (highest): Alertness, Athletics, Awareness, Brawl, Intimidation

Knowlages (mid): Academics, Cosmotology, Enigma, Esoterica (Christianity), Occult

Skills (lowest): Firearms, Meditation, Melee, Stealth

---

☀️ More info on him in later posts ☀️

[talonabraxas]

Xochipilli : The Flower Prince

Xochipilli, alternatively recognized as the ‘Flower Prince,’ holds a prominent role in Aztec mythology. As the deity presiding over art, games, dance, flowers, and song, he represents a departure from the stern and often bloodthirsty nature of his divine counterparts. His name derives from the Nahuatl words xōchitl (“flower”) and pilli (interpreted as either “prince” or “child”), thus encapsulating the essence of “flower prince.” In contrast to his more severe peers, Xochipilli’s dominion extends to realms characterized by laughter, music, and the intoxicating pleasures inherent in the tapestry of life.

Physical Traits

Xochipilli is frequently portrayed as a youthful figure adorned in distinctive regalia. His headdress, crafted from feathers, graces his head, and he is often depicted donning a mask while enveloped in flowers sourced from psychotropic plants and hallucinogenic mushrooms. Notably, he wears a talisman called an oyohualli, a teardrop-shaped pendant fashioned from mother-of-pearl. The vibrant imagery continues with his face painted in a radiant yellow hue, symbolizing the golden sun and the vibrancy of life.

Around his neck, Xochipilli wears a necklace fashioned from shells and jade, symbolically representing both the earthly bounty and the abundance of aquatic realms. Atop his head, a feathered headdress takes center stage, adorned with bells that resonate with each movement, echoing the joyful melodies he is associated with. However, perhaps his most distinctive feature is a wide, mischievous grin, reflecting his playful nature and deep affinity for life’s pleasures.

The iconography surrounding Xochipilli accentuates his strong association with pleasure and euphoria. Depictions of the deity often showcase him with a joyous countenance, engaging in activities such as playing musical instruments or participating in dance. This visual narrative underscores his pivotal role as a patron of the arts and revelry, symbolizing the exuberant celebration of life’s myriad joys.

Powers and Abilities

Xochipilli’s influence extends far beyond the realm of brute force, manifesting in the enchantment he effortlessly weaves through his touch. Possessing the remarkable ability to kindle creativity, spark passion, and infuse hearts with unbridled joy, he governs the intoxicating realms of art, music, and dance. In his presence, mortals find themselves transported to dimensions of ecstatic bliss, captivated by the alluring magic he bestows.

Central to Xochipilli’s dominion is his unique connection to flowers and hallucinogenic plants, granting him the power to unlock concealed pathways of perception. In doing so, he reveals profound truths and inner landscapes, broadening the horizons of those touched by his divine influence. With a mischievous playfulness, Xochipilli possesses the ability to conjure laughter and dissolve tensions through lighthearted pranks. His true strength lies in the profound reminder he offers – that beauty and joy are inherent in every fleeting moment of life.

Revered as one of the Ahuiateteo, gods of excess, Xochipilli’s domain transcends mere mortal desires. He is intimately tied to dance, painting, creativity, and festivities, embodying the essence of indulgence. Xochipilli’s profound connection to the souls, fertility, and the abundance of nature symbolizes the intricate interdependence of life’s myriad facets. As a bestower of fertility, he oversees the procreation of new life and the flourishing growth of abundance, weaving a tapestry of vitality and interconnectedness within the fabric of existence.

Xochipilli by Talon Abraxas