#sentient carnivorous plants

[keaalu]

Sundew

This came to me in that space where the alarm clock has bumped you awake and you can’t get a certain thing out of your head, but you’re not quite asleep or dreaming either? I suppose it’s sort of a half-dream. This is all you get, btw. I haven’t pinned down (and probably won’t) any of the rest like why they’re on Earth, why Zelda sent a giant sundew to the planet, WHERE it ended up, how it caught Mary, or anything.

Saw sundews on “Scotland: The New Wild” Sunday night which might have inspired it; I love carnivorous plants anyway (I have two growing on my kitchen windowsill) so it wasn’t a great leap to end up with this. Plus of course I wanted one where Hiro’s love of plants could be the bit that saves everyone! (Even in the episode where the plant was (essentially) the bad guy, AND it was all happening in their own home environment, these two idiots weren’t allowed to be the heroes without help. So. Yes I am biased.)

I am still working on all my other things. I'm about halfway to a new chapter of werekestrel, wahaha. I just needed to scribble this down.

-----

The plant looked like a giant sundew - easily taller than a human, the great spoon-shaped leaves covered in fleshy crimson spines, each tipped with a glistening globule of dew. Velvety, dusky-pink ribbons that could have been petals? or bracts? or... something... spiralled down from thickened, wrinkly bulbs like little brains at the top of the thickest stems.

The skeletonised remains of small animals and birds drooped from the upper leaves, like small treasures held in open palms to tempt in the unwary.

And at the top, wrapped in six or seven of the aggressive leaves, was Captain Falconer. It had already stolen her pistol and carried it far out of reach – not that she looked in any position to fight to get it back. Limbs slack, her head lolled backwards and her eyes were almost closed – she looked at very least unconscious, if she was even still alive.

“Oh, no, oh no no no!” 101 squeaked, alarmed. “Don’t you worry, ma’am, we’ll have you out of there in no time-!” He took up position just out of reach and drew his weapon.

“No, 101. Wait.” Hiro dropped into a hasty crouch next to him and mantled both hands over the gun. “No shooting.”

“What do you mean, no shooting?! It’s eating her!” the zeroid wailed. “We have to get her out of there!”

“And we shall do. But we will do it my way – with kindness and diplomacy.”

“Diplomacy? It’s a pla-ant!” 101 despaired. “What part of ‘it’s eating her’ did you miss, first time around? Did I not enunciate it properly?!”

“No, I understood you. I just think there may be a better solution than going straight into shooting it to pieces. Not to mention, we may injure the captain in the process.”

From her elevated vantage point, Captain Falconer watched with a sort of detached calm. The plant was obviously exuding some sort of sedative in its dew because in spite of the rash of itchy spots everywhere it had oozed through her clothing and made contact with her skin, she felt remarkably peaceful. Mostly comfortable. Not in any pain. She smiled at her two would-be rescuers and mouthed the greeting – hi – but no sound accompanied it.

101 looked up at her. “I’m really sorry, Captain! I don’t know what’s got into him, apart from it’s a plant so of course he’s having a freaking moment!”

Hiro shook his head, with a tired smile. “Would you stand watch, please? Just in case Zelda is monitoring all this and decides she needs to encourage a little more violence? I would prefer you were ready to defend us and not caught off-guard.”

“What?” 101 turned and immediately saw what the lieutenant was planning. “Oh, whoa, what? No!” His vocalisations grew steadily more frantic. “Hiro, what are you doing? What are you doing?! Oh, no, don’t you dare. Don’t you dare! You hear me?! Don’t! Oh please Hiro please don’t, I can’t rescue you both! I don’t even have hands-!”

But Hiro had already walked forwards, and with his hands up and palms out in a show of trust, stepped into the embrace of the leaves.

At first, the plant automatically grabbed him, with one of the enormous spatulate leaves covered in dewdrops, like an enormous sticky hand coming round behind his shoulders. Then-... it hesitated.

Hiro had picked out one of the long curling ribbonlike tendrils, with its coating of fine velvety red hairs. He held it in both hands, carefully, sandwiching it between both palms, before bringing it to his chest.

The other leaves that had been converging on his position suddenly all froze in place, trembling.

Hiro closed his eyes and concentrated. ~Hello, friend.~

The response was more of a series of vague impressions than actual words, but the meaning came across quite clearly. Confusion. A fading aggression. Surprise. Friend?

~I wish you no harm. I fear our first meeting has not been under best circumstances. I would like to rectify that...~

101 watched in jittery astonishment for a second or two. It... actually seemed like... maybe they were communicating?

Attempting to burn off a little of his agitation, the zeroid took to patrolling the perimeter, a slow fractious wobbly start-stop orbit. He’d do a quarter circuit, then stop, peer into the distance and check no-one was approaching, then spend just as long watching Hiro, worried. It was taking every ounce of willpower and trust in his best friend not to give into temptation and shoot the leaves off at the point they joined the plant’s thick trunk.

Hiro was still standing, though, and not because the leaf was holding him up. So it wasn’t eating him, 101 guessed. (Hoped.) Unless it had hypnotised him to be able to balance. 101 fidgeted, dismissed the thought before it could get itself too firmly established, and resumed his patrol.

He was on his sixteenth circuit when Hiro finally spoke out loud.

“Be ready to look after Captain Falconer,” the young man instructed, dreamily.

101 skidded to a halt. “What do you mean?”

“That plant is about to let her go. Please do not be in the way, but be ready to monitor her biosigns. I think she should be fine but she will probably not fully rouse for a little while.”

“What about you?”

“Well, I have successfully bargained for her release. Hopefully my new friend may be persuaded to let me go as well.”

“-hopefully?!-”

“...now, are you ready?”

“What?! Oh! Er? Right!”

The plant let Mary gracelessly down to the ground in a whispering rush of leaves; clumsy and probably uncomfortable but it managed not to let her head impact the ground as it did so. When it let her go, all the blobs of dew came away from the leaves, leaving her decorated with what looked like a thousand shimmering bubbles.

101 got round behind her and pushed her gently out of reach of the plant, then burrowed under her arm so her hand lay with the palm flat on his casing. Although any close contact was technically good enough, he could pick up her vital signs better that way; her heartbeat was slow, and soft, but steady – her breathing too. Like he imagined it would be if she’d been heavily sedated. Well, that all tallied. She was very sticky, too, but that would wash off. (He hoped it would wash off, seeing as it was all getting on him, as well. Ugh.) 

Unexpectedly, a minute or two later the plant released Hiro, as well; he stumbled backwards, lost his balance, and landed with a wince on his backside.

“Are you all right?” 101 was immediately fussing around him. “Talk to me? Did it hurt you? Are you okay?”

“I am fine.” He tolerated the zeroid’s increasingly anxious (and slightly heavy-handed) checkup for only a few seconds before pressing both hands to him with an exasperated laugh. “Argh! Owun, I am FINE! Go look after Mary!”

“At least just tell me how you knew it wouldn’t eat you?” 101 wondered.

“Well, I... didn’t, for definite. But I was fairly confident.”

“Fairly conf-...” 101 butted into him, frustrated. “...you are gonna make me blow a fuse, one day, and NOT in the good way.”

Hiro patted his cowling, then grimaced at the long strands of sticky dew that came away on his fingers. “Come on. We still have a job to finish.” He gathered Mary carefully against him so she wasn’t sprawled out over the rocky ground, then ensured her palm was back against the zeroid’s exterior. “Have you raised the alarm with the others?”

“Yeah. I calculate they’re about forty-five minutes out.” 101 approximated a sigh. “Could Zelda not have at least found a plant that wasn’t gross and sticky? I am going to be completely covered in twigs and dirt by the time we get home and I KNOW Zero’ll make a big deal out of it for weeks.” He leaned against Hiro’s leg, and grumbled; “And people act like I’m weird when I say I prefer it up on my lovely clean spaceship.”

Hiro cleared his throat, delicately. “Whose lovely clean spaceship?”

“Um. The?”

Hiro’s eyebrows still hadn’t stopped their voyage to deep space.

A little huff. “Fine. Your lovely clean spaceship.”

Hiro laughed. “Our spaceship, I think? Cheer up, my friend. I will help you bathe when we get back. You will soon be your clean fashionable self again.”

The zeroid gave a satisfied little chirp and wiggled himself comfortable against his friend’s side while they waited for collection. Mary slept peacefully on, although she’d started very slightly to stir, so was obviously recovering nicely.

“So, uh. What are we gonna do with Sticky, anyway?” 101 kept looking back at the monster sundew, as if not totally convinced it wasn’t about to change its mind, get up on its roots, and come after them again.

“Oh, I think Sunny is a nicer name, do you not?” At the full-body eyeroll, Hiro smiled, and patted his sticky zeroid on the crown of his head. “It was already a terribly long way from home when Zelda found it, in a damaged, abandoned exploratory vessel. She promised to find it a new and better home. It had been alone for so long, in the cold and the dark, of course it agreed. She sent it to Earth as a spore on the side of a cargo vessel, which is how it evaded our attention.”

101 looked up at him, cocked exasperatedly to one side. -and?-

“I told it we would find a home for it, until we can work out where it belongs. It accepts that we may never be able to send it home, but... At least we can find it somewhere that we can care for it and feed it, and give it the company it desires.”

101 gave him a loaded glance. “Please don’t say you mean on Spacehawk-!”

----

Plot twist: it IS an Earth sundew, picked up in prehistory by aliens, experimented on and given sentience and size in an effort to make it some sort of ‘property defence organism’, then some disaster befell the crew before they finished and they abandoned it on their ship, just drifting, where Zelda finally found it. So it WAS far from home. It’s just... not far from home any more?

[cookiesuga55]

I have an ooky spooky one shot/prompt in the works to give you lovelies in time for Halloween <3

[genderdotcom]

why do we never get eclipses in the southern hemisphere. this sucks ass

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Yandere Plant Monsters

There’s something so sinister about Plant Monsters. Whether it’s those of the carnivorous variety or more of the spiritual protector kind–plant monsters are meant to be feared, and respected. As the most sentient of Mother Nature’s creations, they are nothing to scoff at whether you’re a mere villager or a royal knight set to travel through their territory. Even more so when they have no intentions on harming a hair on your head.

Somehow it’s just expected that the Dryad is going to be troublesome. Maybe in the beginning they were set to kill you but something about you has them holding back their violent instinct to protect the forest. These types are weirdly enough pretty disconnected from the forest. Not that they don’t feel the very seasons within their roots kind of disconnected. The kind of disconnected that allows them to easily abandon their place in the ecosystem–allowed them to become the predator or prey they’d like to be. 

It’s a compelling role for Dryads. Meaning, that Flower Type Dryads are free to leave the forest to follow you into the village. They’ll stand out sure but in the end, they’re free to follow you without restriction. They might annoy you into letting them in with their bright-colored petals and their soft small statures. They could get muscles to woo you but what would be the point when you’re already protecting them as your self-proclaimed fragile flower? You won’t refuse them when they offer to put their piston in your stamen and it doesn’t matter if you have a stamen or not they don’t care. All they care about is that you’ll always be right beside them so that you both can bloom together. Of course, there are plenty of predators that would try to stomp on the blossom of your love but you didn’t think the petals were just meant to look pretty, did you? Mother Nature is a strong believer in letting the most gorgeous of flowers have something to defend themselves with. Whether that’s a fruit they can make, a thorn they can unsheathe, or a small secretion meant to paralyze if consumed, Flower Type Dryads are demure and sweet and believe they deserve a life with you even if it means ending another’s if need be.

As cute and soft as the Flower Type may be, it’d be folly to forget the Carnivorous Type Dryads. Those who prefer not to leave the forest, choose the predator option within the forest. Luring their prey into their clutches to feast on the flesh and blood of whoever was foolish enough to fall into their trap. With their roots deeply into the ground, the carnivorous type isn’t usually one to move, which makes their desire for you all the more agonizing. Having to catch a glimpse of you through the foliage just out of their range is the closest they’ll get to you. There’s no guarantee for them that you’ll stay when they plea for help or that you’ll come to the sweet voice calling out to you. Just out of their range, you may be safe from the reaching vines and barbed arms they are dying to wrap around you. They have to rely on your compassion and wavering skepticism to get you like they want. Such great communicators they may very well be honest with you about not planning to eat you or perhaps they might prefer to threaten you with the lives of passersby on the path your family takes. There’s always a desperate sense of complete abandon to get you to drink their addictive nectar or to take their…seeds and be the perfect extension. There’s no question that without you transporting them in a giant pot they are forced to lure obstacles of their love…or they’ve begun to expand and evolve so that they can devour all who get in their way. Not including you of course! Don’t be scared. They’d hate to have to stick you with their own paralyzing agent. 

Speaking of sticking, the Plant Monsters that are less easy to spot because they are small or almost as human-like as you are the Faes and Fairies. Faes are only as different as they want you to see; masters of illusion and trickery all they need is your name before they can truly have all of you. They get close to you, hinging on the allure of the forest and fauna to be a mysterious traveler bound to be more. They don’t mind if you’re steadfast about not sharing your name they’re just happy to lend their magic to make you smile. To make you swoon because they’re conveniently everything you can hope for in a person of interest. Agreeing with all the topics you spoke about in confidence to your animal companion, they’re just so perfect! They don’t even mind that you won’t tell them your name they’re more than happy to keep calling you  Celtic nicknames of endearment. And they figure if you won’t give them your name they’ll give you theirs so that your souls are bound together for all eternity. They are ancient beings full of wisdom, and sage thoughts that will allow them to chain you to them lovingly aid you in whatever you hope to do in life. Not to forget the centuries devoted to weaponry and building immunity to various medical ailments, which will come in handy when they have to defend their dearest love! The Fae, though madly in love with you, is far beyond your comprehension and somehow is intertwined with the forest. You will never fully grasp how deep their connection is even when you are bound to their side for the rest of your newly immortal life.

Another with a mystifying connection to the forest is Fairies. Similar to their cousins they are known for their love for mischief and trickery. But instead of goading you for your name they’ll invite you into a fairy circle. Mythically crafted dimension full of partying and endless fun; all you have to do is eat the food and the deed is done. Everyone can never tell exactly what happens after you’ve eaten their delicacies. Some say you become a hypnotized servant, others claim you’ll be trapped within their circle for the rest of your days. Even if you befriend the flittering fiend, they’d never tell! Giggling behind their little hands and their round cheeks as they enjoy your puzzled expression. If you are wise enough not to fall into the circle a fairy won’t be deterred, more than willing to deploy an arsenal of different tactics to get your affections. Whether they rely on their charisma or the destitute life you live—a devoted fairy will not give up. Shrinking, tripping, cursing, inflicting all sorts of harrowing spells to leave you weak in the knees and perfect for the taking. Unlike their human-disguising cousins, they won’t bother to lie about their actions, proudly puffing their chest as you cry over a forward companion. The Fairy isn’t afraid to laugh as your words slur after eating a treat they’d made for you. They don’t even think for once that there’s such a thing as right or wrong, considering this is their nature. It’s right because they're doing it and it’s useless to protest with a silly notion of logic.

While Fairies may be devoid of logic the Druid is not. Likely a human or elf or even a misplaced ogre. They are truly the connection between humans and Mother Nature it’s a beautiful bond, a sacred pact that outshines everything in their life. Everything except you that is. They may worry that your presence would compromise this relationship with Nature because you consumed them. Eating away at the sanity they had left to think only of you. Even more frightening they’ve already used their power to strangle someone that dared to compliment you. It’s getting worse. The Druid knows it’s madness–their need to protect overreaching inexplicably past normal boundaries. They can’t see parallels in the mating lives of animals, no (pure) example crafted by Mother Nature does what they do. But they reason that Mother Nature in some roundabout way must approve, for they replay how you regarded them with such affection when they first met you. Not when they first joined your troupe at the guild but when they transformed into a helpless feline that was hesitant of your touch. Suddenly they are leaning into the marvelous sensation of your compassionate pets. The Druid, despite being the liaison of Nature and intelligence are helpless in the wake of their feelings for you. 

I guess the most sinister thing about Yandere Plant-Related Creatures is that there’s something inherently right in whatever they decide to do. After all for as long as humanity has existed and even long before that nature and animals have thrived following only the bare instincts they’re born with. And what part of that doesn’t include doing whatever it takes to get what they want?

[darlingpassion]

Reblogging this on my mature blog just to be safe.

If I may add onto this. Imagine that after that bastard dentist is gone, the police have all cleared the scene, and Seymore and Audrey have done their best to reassure you that everything will be ok, you get a call that night.

You expect it to be another cop, calling to ask more questions or reveal some new piece of evidence that you're not sure you even want to hear. But your mind goes blank when you hear an unfamiliar, smooth voice croon in your ear, "Heya, babydoll~"

"Who... Who is this?" You ask, brows furrowed as you try to assign a face to this strange voice as it purred more compliments in your ear (and ignore how hot your cheeks feel already- Your boyfriend just died! You can't be blushing over a stranger... Even if this mystery caller sounds so sweet. The sweetest you've ever been talked to in a long time).

Despite how you can't figure out who this person(?) Is, you can't bring yourself to hang up. You can't even explain why to yourself, but you just don't have the heart to end the call. This new voice sounds nothing like Orin's; all hard and bellowing when angry, and smug and oily when happy. No, this voice was just so smooth and velvety and... Deep. They made you feel under some sort of spell from the little time you had them on the line. And they didn't just compliment your looks (that they shouldn't have even known you had if they were somebody you just walked by on the street? Was this someone you knew?? Who???). They brought a sense of tranquility with them that you hadn't felt in so long. They told you to "Wipe your eyes, sweet thing" and that you "Deserve so much more than that dentist made you think."

That should have been your cue to hang up. You couldn't think of anybody other than Seymore and Mushnik that could have known what was going on between you and Orin, or what happened to him (could this be a friend of Seymores? He has been making new acquaintances since he became famous. But why would they call you? Especially at this hour?). But... You just wanted somebody right now. Yes, Seymore helped you feel a little better. But nothing like the way this stranger did. This was probably a bad idea, but you didn't cut them off. You welcomed their soothing presence .

By the time they're finished, they promised to call you again tomorrow night. And for the first time in what felt like forever, you look forward to a handcuff, pain-free evening.

Imagine;

(You are in the place of Audrey)

Audrey II having an added motivation to wanting Seymore to bring him Orin to feast on. Yes, the guy's an asshole and no one would miss him- but also,

Audrey II hates how he treats you. They don't let it on, only allowing a few little slips here and there of their true motivations against Orin ('If you want a rationale- It isn't very hard to see'), disguising their disdain at his treatment of you behind their all-consuming hunger and charisma, pretending like they're just appealing to Seymore's better, softer nature. They have a front-row seat though to Orin's abuse ('Smackin' her around and always talkin' so tough'), listening to you every night comin' back from your date crying and squealing (It makes them grind their teeth, pretending to be just a plant and not misbehave) and him calling you mean stuff when even a blind motherfucker could tell you're anything but-

Its fast approaching the point where Audrey II would do anything to have you for themself. Treat you right. Get to call you doll~ (cuz damn that's what you are. A sweet little doll~ And they've gotta have ya) and wrap you up in their vines for no one else to even look at again.

For now, though, until they're ready- they'll settle for swallowing that jackass dentist whole for what he's done to you.

[callum-librrry]

Uncanny Valley

Tom and Hazai were exploring a planet recently added to the intergalactic database. Navis was tasked with bringing supply packages to the sentient species there. It was all, of course, an effort to have the planet be knowledgeable of the wider community of space while attempting to keep their technological influence to a minimum. They did something similar to Earth way back when the lightwaves finally made it to the council and Humans were confirmed to be sentient themselves. Unfortunately, any attempts made were quickly swept under the rug known as secret government agencies.

 This planet seemed to be doing much better environmentally than Earth was. Lifeforms here evolved somewhat eerily. Most flora was found underground where liquid water was in constant supply. Tom had also seen a large plant with what looked suspiciously like bones in various odd places. After some confirmation with various off-world researchers, it was noted that the plants here were carnivorous. This made sense in Tom’s mind, considering there were multiple examples of such behaviour in the plant life on his home planet. This information spooked Hazai quite a bit more. She was nervous around anything with roots for the entire rest of the mission.

 They had been wandering with a vague sense of purpose for quite some time and they were yet to come across any sort of sentient life. This fact did not help the ever-increasing complaining of Tom’s muscles under the weight of the supplies. Gravity here was slightly stronger here than it was in standard conditions, which did not help the ache in Tom’s back in the slightest.

 “Hey, Hazai,” he said at last, “I think we should take a break. I can’t carry this pack any longer.”

 Hazai reluctantly agreed. She was itching to get out of the underground tunnels and back into the starlight. Nevertheless, they sat down beside a large woody plant that smelt vaguely of honey and laid down some sleeping bags. Well, Tom did in any case. Hazai liked to rest sitting upright with her feathers ruffled in a way the Human found incredibly endearing.

 Tom was almost asleep when he heard the sound of footsteps echoing off the tunnel walls. He jerked upright. Hazai had heard the sounds too but seemed less troubled by it.

 The footsteps continued. They sounded odd to Tom. They were familiar. Concerningly so. He could hear that whatever it was was bipedal. Its footfalls were also heavy. Not much could echo in such a densely vegetated area. The sound seemed almost… human.

 Almost.

 Some primal instinct was crawling its way up Tom’s spine. Something was seriously wrong here. He just couldn’t pinpoint what.

 He edged up from his sleeping bag, not taking his eyes off the slight bend in the tunnel where the footsteps grew steadily closer.

 Hazai seemed to sense the tension now. Her feathers puffed up and she raised her arms in a way not dissimilar to a threatened owl. She did look bigger, but Tom found it difficult to see the Braal as any more intimidating.

 Then, from around the bend a figure emerged. The dull light of the cave system made it difficult to make them out in any detail but Tom was still certain that there was something wrong with this alien.

 "Oh look, Tom!" Chirped Hazai in relief, "It's a Human! Maybe they can help us find--"

 Before she could finish, Tom cut her off with a warning whistle. His nerves made it a little off-key but the message came through nonetheless. Tom eyed up the approaching figure.

 It did look Human, in every way it should. It had two plantigrade legs and stood upright in the same way a Human would. It had all the key features on its face. Every part of its anatomy was undeniably Human.

 Except, for the fact that it wasn't Human.

 There is an interesting thing amongst the species that isn't seen anywhere else in recorded databases. It's a unique sense known only to Humans. Something that has been dubbed the 'uncanny valley' effect. An ability derived from the insane capability of the Human mind to find a Human face. The mind is in fact, so good at finding faces of the same species that it can impeccably recognise when a face is not Human even though all key indicators show that it should be.

 Notable comments made by various subjects in studies of the phenomenon say that they themselves cannot pinpoint what exactly causes the effect for them. Some guess it can be the way the Not-Human's mouth moves, or that its hands are ever so slightly out of proportion. Another key feature mentioned is the eyes.

 The eyes are what tip Tom off.

 "That's not a Human."

 Hazai looks at him questioningly. She couldn't see any difference between the average Human and the one in front of her.

 "I know you can't see it," Tom said as he grabbed the Braal's feathered shoulder, "but you have to trust me on this."

 Hazai hesitated for a second but complied. She’d seen enough of Humans to know not to question their instincts. She eyed the alien in front of her. She looked desperately for what Tom saw in the being. She didn’t have much time though, because soon after Tom dragged her down the winding stone tunnels. A few plants followed them with their gaping traps. They weren’t running. At least, Tom wasn’t. Hazai managed to keep up with his speed walking by hopping forward occasionally.

 The Not-Human was following them in strides slightly too long. It moved casually. It even spoke.

 “Wait,” it said, “I only want to talk.”

 Hazai had the impression they were speaking through a translator. She could hear the metallic drone behind each word. But she could hear desperation behind it. Something she’d heard from Tom multiple times before.

 “Please,” she tugged at Tom’s sleeve, “Can’t we listen? They might stop once they know we know.”

 Tom grimaced. He was thinking through all the possible ways attempting to negotiate with the alien might go wrong, but with one look into Hazai’s eyes, he complied.

 “Fine,” he groaned, “we’ll talk.”

----

 The alien sat in front of them on a mossy stone. Their limbs were splayed around them in a way that really shouldn’t be comfortable. They looked comfortable now though. The short conversation they had (which was more of a declaration that Tom saw through their disguise) allowed them to relax.

 As it turns out the alien is from a species of ‘shapeshifters’. They explained that it is mainly used as a defence mechanism but as the species became more sentient they tended to use it more for fun.

 “I didn’t mean to freak you out,” They explained, “I just thought you looked cool, and it’s always easier to make friends when you look like them.”

 Tom didn’t make eye contact. He could barely still look at the alien. He understood them, to a certain extent, but the whole ordeal still had him on edge.

 “I’m surprised you knew I wasn’t… uh Human. Generally, my disguises are pretty good”

 Tom spluttered for a second as he tried to think of an answer.

 “It’s– Um, it’s just something we’re good at? We just know when something isn’t actually human.”

 The alien hummed.

 “Don’t think I’ve heard of anything like that before…”

 “You probably haven’t. We’re weird like that.”

 The group fell into a mildly comfortable silence. Tom glanced at Hazai who also seemed to be mulling the new information over. She had a concerned look in her eyes.

 Eventually, Tom remembered the reason they were there in the first place. He handed over the supply pack.

 “It’s mainly just some information about intergalactic culture. Dos and do nots and all that. I think there's some stuff about similar planets and how to survive basic space travel,” Tom picked up a few items as he spoke. “We’re not meant to interfere with ‘the natural technological progression of a planet’, so I can’t really help you out with the getting to space part.”

 “Ah.” The alien was thinking. Tom noticed a certain pattern in the way their limbs moved when they were considering things.

 “I guess I’ll have to get this back to the rest of us,” they said finally.

 The conversation turned to goodbyes here. Tom was eager to leave the weird uncanny valley planet and Hazai just wanted to be able to see the sky without the fear of being eaten by an off-brand pitcher plant. The alien, though, seemed at home here. He explained how he hated to see the two travellers go.

 “But I guess we’ll get more now that we’re registered with, whatever the space organisation is.”

 Tom agreed and they parted ways.

----

 Back on Navis Tom and Yongrae were eating together.

 “I had the weirdest experience on that new planet we went to,” Tom said, “The sentient species there can shapeshift, it’s weird as hell.”

 “Ah,” Yongrae smiled, “like a Not-Deer situation?”

 “Worse. They looked Human.”

 “Ohh…”

 “Y’know I tried to explain it, but it’s just really weird. What even is that?”

 Yongrae thought for a second.

 “Uncanny Valley?” he said, “Like with that one guy in Rogue One?”

 Tom nodded eagerly. It had been on his mind ever since they left the planet. Uncanny Valley. It had a nice sound to it. He’d have to do more research into exactly what it was.

 “Thanks for that, man. It’s been bothering me.”

 “No problem,” Yongrae hit his shoulder, “You know what we should do now? Binge some Star Wars.”

 Tom laughed. While being an Earth classic, the movies really showed their age now. It was more like watching a documentary on what the past Humans thought about space, but it was fun nevertheless.

 “Yeah, that sounds like a plan.”

[jessaerys]

it's prohibitely expensive to eat ethically euthanized meat and cruelty free dairy/eggs etc which is why im making an effort to eat less animal products and ideally go vegan which is not the same as considering all meat eating to be unethical. i'm just broke. it's evolutionarily natural as we are ominivores is a compelling argument. to me. but i know not-insane people (ie. not the "kill all obligate carnivore natural predators" weirdos) do argue that as ethical thinking beings that can survive without meat we have an obligation not to kill if it's not necessary for survival. which i can understand even if i disagree but my reasoning is that i think we will eventually discover and are discovering that plants possess forms of sentience (wherein sentience is not the same as but a primitive form of consciousness), memory, intelligence, observation skills and social behaviors (forests for example keep alive certain respected members of the community after they've been felled thru root sharing, as well as communicate and even depend on social networks of underground fungi. there is a plant that mimics the leaves of the plant it is climbing over through some form of vision, as experiments show it will even mimic plastic plants) then what is a bitch going to do. eat rocks. i already dislike the sentience hierarchy that exists within animal classifications. id rather bc ok with ending some sentient lives as morally neutral when done without cruelty than have a crisis in 2075 when we discover plants have feelings. legitimately can't tell how fringe this is but i think it has internal logic at the very least. they need to invent an as-seen-on-tv countertop machine that easily spears lobsters in the head japanese style. sorry i forgot where i was going with this

[empyrealoasis]

An In-Depth Guide to World Building for Shifters 𓍯𓂃𓏧☾

This guide is designed for individuals who find scripting challenging and are looking for a thorough, step-by-step approach to help bring their desired reality to life. It aims to cover a wide range of essential elements, providing detailed prompts and questions to encourage creative thinking and help you craft a unique, immersive, and well-rounded script. Whether you're a beginner or someone who wants to refine their scripting process, this guide offers plenty of ideas and suggestions to ensure nothing important is overlooked. *Character Design Guide

1. The Foundation of Your Reality

Name and Significance:

What is the name of your reality?

Does it have a deeper meaning?

Who named it—its creators, the first settlers, or an external observer?

Shape and Structure:

Is your world a sphere, a flat plane, or something unconventional (e.g., a ringworld, floating islands)?

Does it exist in a single dimension, or does it span multiple dimensions or planes of existence?

Existence and Origin:

How did your world come into existence? Was it created by a divine force, a scientific anomaly, or natural evolution?

What events or forces shaped its current state?

Purpose of This World:

Why does this world exist? Is it a sanctuary, a testing ground, a haven for life, or something else?

Universal Rules:

What are the governing laws of nature (gravity, time, physics)?

Are there any unusual or contradictory rules (e.g., time flows backward in some regions)?

How is reality itself maintained? Is it fragile or robust?

2. Geography and Environment

Global Layout:

How many continents or landmasses exist? What are their names, and what defines each one?

Are there unique planetary features (e.g., floating continents, endless oceans, underground realms)?

Terrain and Landscapes:

What are the major biomes (e.g., deserts, forests, mountains)?

Are there distinct geological phenomena like volcanoes, crystal caves, or floating mountains?

Weather and Seasons:

How many seasons does your world experience?

Are weather patterns predictable, chaotic, or controlled by external forces?

Are there unique weather events, such as glowing auroras, rains of gemstones, or storm systems with sentience?

Natural Resources:

What resources are available (metals, magical crystals, exotic plants)?

Are these resources renewable, or is scarcity a driving force?

Flora and Fauna:

What types of plants dominate different regions?

Are there bioluminescent forests, carnivorous trees, or crops that grow overnight?

What creatures inhabit this world?

Are they based on Earth animals or entirely new creations?

Do any creatures have unique abilities, like shapeshifting or teleportation?

Are any species sentient or capable of communication with humans?

3. Societies and Cultures

Civilizations and Nations:

How many civilizations or nations exist?

What are their defining characteristics (e.g., technological, magical, or cultural)?

Do they have alliances, rivalries, or a history of conflict?

Cultural Diversity:

How do cultures differ across regions?

What are the dominant values or ideologies (e.g., honor, freedom, progress)?

Traditions and Celebrations:

What holidays, festivals, or religious events are celebrated?

Are there seasonal or celestial events that inspire rituals or ceremonies?

How do people mark milestones like birth, coming of age, marriage, or death?

Daily Life:

What does a typical day look like for an average person?

How do people spend their mornings, afternoons, and evenings?

Social Hierarchy:

Are societies egalitarian, hierarchical, or merit-based?

What determines social status (birth, wealth, achievements, magical ability)?

Languages and Communication:

How many languages are spoken?

What are some common greetings, idioms, or phrases?

Are there unique ways of communication (e.g., sign language, telepathy, or written symbols)?

Economy and Trade:

What is the primary form of currency (coins, barter, energy)?

What are the main exports and imports?

How do trade routes function, and are they safe?

Art and Expression:

What forms of art are popular (music, painting, sculpture)?

Are there unique styles or materials used?

Are artists respected or marginalized?

4. Technology and Tools

Technological Level:

Is the technology futuristic, medieval, steampunk, or something else entirely?

Are there advanced machines, or is everything handcrafted?

Energy Sources:

What powers technology (electricity, magic, sunlight, emotional energy)?

Are energy sources renewable or finite?

Transportation:

How do people and goods travel? Examples: flying ships, teleportation gates, sentient mounts.

Are roads, waterways, or air routes the primary mode of transportation?

Weapons and Defense:

What weapons are used in combat (swords, plasma guns, enchanted bows)?

How do people protect themselves (armor, force fields, magical wards)?

Everyday Tools and Gadgets:

What devices simplify daily life?

Are there any tools unique to specific professions?

5. Conflict and Tension

Global Conflicts:

Is the world at peace or in turmoil?

What are the sources of conflict (land, power, ideology, survival)?

Factions and Alliances:

Who are the key factions (nations, guilds, rebel groups)?

What are their goals and motivations?

Are there neutral groups or individuals playing both sides?

Villains and Threats:

Is there a singular antagonist or multiple threats?

Examples: a tyrannical ruler, an ancient curse, a rogue AI.

What motivates these threats, and are they sympathetic or purely evil?

Natural Disasters and Catastrophes:

Are there global events like earthquakes, super volcanoes, or dimensional rifts?

How do societies prepare for or respond to these events?

Internal Tensions:

Are there class struggles, political corruption, or religious divides?

How do ordinary people cope with these tensions?

6. Magic or Unique Elements

Magical Laws:

What is the source of magic (nature, gods, ancient artifacts)?

Are there limits to its use, or does it come at a cost?

Unique Elements:

What sets your world apart from others?

Example: A sun that whispers secrets to those who listen at dawn.

Artifacts and Relics:

Are there legendary items with immense power?

What are their origins, and who seeks to possess them?

7. Geography and Aesthetic Details

Architecture and Urban Design:

What do cities and villages look like?

Are buildings made of stone, metal, wood, or unconventional materials like glass or bone?

Fashion and Clothing:

What fabrics, colors, and patterns are most common?

Are clothes purely functional, highly decorative, or symbolic?

Cuisine and Food:

What are the staple foods in your world?

Are there exotic dishes or drinks with unique effects?

How are meals prepared, and what utensils are used?

8. Time and Progression

Calendar and Timekeeping:

How is time tracked? Are there hours, days, weeks, or unique cycles?

Are there celestial events that mark time (e.g., eclipses, comet passes)?

Aging and Lifespan:

How long do beings live?

Are there rituals for different life stages?

Historical Eras:

What are the major historical periods?

Are there legendary figures or events still celebrated or mourned?

Future Vision:

How do inhabitants imagine their world will change over centuries?

Are there prophecies or predictions about the future?

9. The Metaphysical Nature of the World

Spiritual Layer:

Is there an afterlife or spirit realm?

Can living beings interact with the spiritual plane (e.g., through rituals, dreams, or certain locations)?

Are ghosts, spirits, or other ethereal entities common?

Soul Mechanics:

Do beings in your world have souls or life energy?

Can souls be transferred, trapped, destroyed, or reborn?

Are there beings without souls?

Fate and Destiny:

Is there a predetermined fate or free will?

Are there entities (oracles, gods, etc.) that oversee fate?

How do people view destiny—something revered, feared, or ignored?

10. Communication Across the World

Long-Distance Communication:

How do people communicate over vast distances (messenger birds, magical crystals, telepathy)?

Are there communication hubs or networks, such as magical relay towers or ancient devices?

Media and Information:

Are there newspapers, magical projections, or digital networks?

How is news spread—by word of mouth, official channels, or clandestine organizations?

Are propaganda or misinformation prevalent?

Secret or Forgotten Knowledge:

Are there lost languages, forbidden texts, or ancient knowledge hidden in remote places?

Who guards or seeks these secrets, and what are their motives?

11. Ecology and Environmental Balance

Ecosystem Dynamics:

How do species interact in your world? Are there predator-prey relationships?

Is there a balance between nature and civilization, or is one dominating the other?

Environmental Hazards:

Are there toxic zones, cursed lands, or areas where the laws of nature break down?

How do inhabitants adapt to or avoid these regions?

Conservation and Exploitation:

Do societies in your world care about preserving the environment?

Are there organizations or individuals dedicated to protecting endangered species or sacred places?

12. Entertainment and Recreation

Games and Sports:

What are the most popular games or physical activities?

Are there unique sports or competitions tied to the culture or geography of the world?

Storytelling and Literature:

What forms of storytelling exist (oral traditions, books, holograms)?

Are there legendary tales or epics passed down through generations?

Performing Arts:

What kinds of music, dance, or theater are popular?

Are there magical or technological enhancements to performances?

Leisure and Pastimes:

How do people relax—hot springs, meditation, board games, or hunting?

Are there communal spaces, like taverns or virtual reality lounges, for socializing?

13. Health, Medicine, and Healing

Healthcare Systems:

How do societies manage illness and injury?

Are there healers, clinics, or magical remedies?

Diseases and Cures:

What are the most common illnesses or ailments?

Are there unique diseases that require special cures, rituals, or sacrifices?

Mental Health:

How is mental health viewed and treated?

Are there unique psychological conditions tied to the world’s magic, technology, or history?

14. Cosmic and Celestial Elements

Astronomy and Sky Features:

How many moons, stars, or celestial objects are visible in the sky?

Are there constellations with cultural or religious significance?

Space Exploration:

Is the world aware of other planets or galaxies?

Do inhabitants explore beyond their world, or is it a mystery?

Celestial Beings:

Are there deities, angels, or cosmic entities tied to the heavens?

Do celestial events (eclipses, meteor showers) have magical or prophetic significance?

15. Economics and Labor

Workforce and Professions:

What are the most common jobs or careers?

Are there unique professions tied to the world’s magic, geography, or history?

Trade Networks:

How do goods and resources move across regions?

Are there monopolies, trade guilds, or underground markets?

Currency and Wealth:

What is the currency, and how is wealth measured?

Are there alternative economies, like magical exchanges or something unique to your world?

16. Education and Knowledge

Education Systems:

How is education structured (schools, apprenticeships, guilds)?

Is education accessible to all or limited to the elite?

Libraries and Archives:

Are there grand libraries, hidden archives, or magical repositories of knowledge?

How is knowledge preserved or restricted?

Teachers and Scholars:

Who are the educators and intellectuals in this world?

Are they revered, feared, or ignored?

17. Personal Identity and Expression

Names and Naming Conventions:

How are people named? Are there family names, titles, or unique traditions?

Do names have symbolic or magical significance?

Fashion and Appearance:

How do people express individuality through clothing, hairstyles, or accessories?

Are there cultural taboos about certain colors, patterns, or styles?

Identity and Status:

How do individuals define themselves (by lineage, achievements, or beliefs)?

Are there cultural markers of status, such as tattoos, jewelry, or magical auras?

18. Laws and Governance

Types of Government:

Are there monarchies, democracies, theocracies, or something unique?

How much power does the government wield over individuals?

Legal Systems:

What are the major laws, and how are they enforced?

Are there courts, trials, or magical truth-telling devices?

Crime and Punishment:

What are common crimes, and how are they punished?

Are there vigilantes, bounty hunters, or corrupt officials?

19. Dreams and the Subconscious

Dreams and Their Role:

Do dreams have significance in your world?

Can people share dreams or enter each other’s subconscious?

Nightmares and Fears:

Are there entities or forces that prey on people’s fears?

Can nightmares manifest physically?

Dreamscapes:

Are there alternate realities accessible only through dreaming?

Can dreamers control or manipulate their dreams?

20. Time and Memory

Perception of Time:

Does time flow uniformly or differently in various regions or dimensions?

Are there time loops, anomalies, or portals to other eras?

Memory and History:

How is history recorded or remembered?

Are there people or artifacts that preserve memories?

Can memories be altered, stolen, or erased?

[waeirfaahl]

Aku's favor to insects

Recently I noticed interesting trait in Aku's relationships with insects. He despises humans and other mortals, sometimes referring to them as insects (or worms/grubs). But at the same time, surprisingly, his robot armies have the look of exactly insects. So, why?

Well, if you notice, Aku's robot insects are either predators or parasites — mosquitos, mantis, wasps (also Aku himself always took forms of either carnivores or omnivores, not to mention that Aku himself, looking at especially his blood, is actually a parasitoid-like lifeform)

and... suddenly scarabs, which actually feed on dung. Well, mostly. Scarab beetles also eat carrion (decaying corpses of living organisms) and decaying plants/fruits and sometimes even other insects, so scarabs are technically omnivores too. Plus, they are known as cleaners of Earth, they keep the planet clean, so this aspect also can be the reason of why Aku chose exactly the look of scarabs for his main robot army.

As I pointed out once, Aku respects animals, but despises sentient organisms.

[dooblebugss]

being inspired by dungeon meshi to think about bugs is valid because thinking about fictional food is always fun.

like i always thought it was vaguely funny that Bugarians don't eat meat, but there is also a decently large population of living plants. like, is their herbivorism a moral, cultural, or biological thing? like is zasp aware that he's a carnivore, for example, because wasp?

would Bugarians eat mosscreeps? would they be ok with it if they did not know that mosscreeps are like, little animals?

are seedlings and their like partially bugs or are they more like ambulatory plants?

and then theres the Hallownest folks, who seem to have little qualms about eating even sentient bugs- altho sometimes I wonder if that little "cannibalism" thing is a little overstated since a.) the hunter's journal may not be the best representation of Hallownest atittudes about sentient bug consumption, and b.) the dire situation of the City of Tears during the infection might have lead them to drastic measures.

then again, Willoh considered eating Ghost (and the corpse above her alcove was afraid of being eaten too), Deepnest absolutely eats basically any bug they kill, sentient or not, I doubt the Mantis tribes would have any problem eating sentients either... the leaf and mushroom tribes wouldn't even consider it canniablism cuz they're not made of meat, etc.

I just love the vibes that Hallownest bugs, while sentient, are still closer to an insect's mindset than ours. with how much of their roads, homes, and equipment are made of old dead bugs or bug parts, it certainly isn't a stretch to imagine they eat their dead, too. Why not? then again they do have graveyards. hm.

anyway sorry for the long post. i love the implications of fictional races and their food culture. I have similar thoughts about pokemon consumption.

I also believe its a matter of circumstance; Bugaria has a surplus of food so massive that they literally use it as currency. They have farms and livestock and a sort of economy. They can afford to be picky.

Hallownest is all about survival. There are no farms, no livestock. There's only plants you can gather and prey you must kill. Until Ghost stopped the infection, you were on your own, so to speak.

[chaifootsteps]

one of the biggest (smallest?) things about stolas' writing that i find really "good-if-only-this-was-written-by-someone-else" is how little he does to make himself happy.

i don't know how much of this is fanon, but if i recall, he likes reading and plants. he has an entire greenhouse full of sentient carnivorous plants a-la morticia addams. stolas is so obsessed with blitzo that he's regressed to watching telenovas in his dressing gown and eating sugary cereal — he's content to wallow in his "heartbreak" instead of engaging in other activities — his own beloved hobbies! its so morbidly fascinating and unhealthy... if only that was the intention, and his behaviour wasn't played off as a joke.

also, weird aside, but — i think this might just be an aesthetic choice on viv's part, but why do so many high-profile characters such as alastor and stolas have ripped clothing? especially alastor, who explicitly makes a visit to a tailor and still has gouges taken out of the ends of his coat. stolas' cape and dressing gown are shredded. why do blitzo's work clothes look tidier than these characters who are so much better off than him?

This is another point major point in Instagram Stolas's favor. He was constantly reading, hanging out with his daughter, tending his plants, having cocktails on the beach, sharing selfies because he thought he looked cute that day. He had a happy life outside of Blitzo and wasn't pinning his entire future on the possibility of a relationship with him.

Series Stolas is content to mope in the dark, blaming his problems on Blitzo.

[lightwise]

Random TBB Thoughts - S3 E1-3

I didn’t do full immediate reactions to the premiere episodes, so here’s some of my random thoughts about them now that I’ve rewatched.

- In Confined Omega asks Emerie where her brothers are—Emerie says she doesn’t know. Omega doesn’t know at the beginning that they managed to escape after being captured. She must find that out eventually bc otherwise she wouldn’t have known to send a message to Hunter and Wrecker when she and Crosshair finally escape.

- Emerie has no access to the outside, but all the other female scientists do (to the landing platforms). As a clone she’s very much a prisoner just like the rest of them even if she doesn’t fully categorize herself that way.

- Paths Unknown is very Lord of the Flies.

- Tech’s goggles 🥺🥺🥺

- Also seriously Hemlock, you thought creating a semi-sentient carnivorous plant creature WASN’T going to backfire on you??

- Why is Scorch the only clone commando who has kept his old colors? And where is the rest of Delta squad?

- Omega was dressed like Nala Se in season 1, now she’s dressed like Emerie.

- The music so far feels more like a soundscape and less like a soundtrack. It’s really beautiful (of course).

- These data pads everyone uses on Tantiss seem wildly inefficient and very large/cumbersome to me. How many times has somebody dropped one trying to pull it in and out of the wall slots??

- Batcher - such a good girl

- Crosshair - such a good boy (okay but seriously he’s never been hotter. Even in those uniform pajamas. The blue ones brought out his eyes better though).

- The snark. All of the snark. The sibling dynamics are at their peak.

- I would actually bet a lot of money there’s dead Jedi bodies in those capsules in the vault.

- I kinda wanted to see Omega steal the Emperor’s shuttle 🫣

- “Of course he did” sobbing forever.

[melabea]

ceparnient!

a species term for sentient carnivorous plants!

etymology; “cepaea” latin for ‘herb’, carnivore, sentient!

symbol from here (link)!

tagging; @radiomogai, @specieschive, & @seasulfur!

[ekat-fandom-blog]

Personal canons are the canon everyone has created based on the canon and fanon content they've consumed.

Expansion not necessary. I just wanted to add my thoughts.

1. Examples range from wanting to wrap his drinks in a web before drinking them to wanting to fall asleep curled up in the back corner of his closet. No, it doesn't matter which Spider-Man.

2. This one is just my perception of the two. There's nothing I can actually tell you about this other than the vibes seem to match.

3. The headcanon of Poison Ivy eating mostly meat is fun. (Not fully carnivore because I think she'd also eat plants because it's necessary to eat both to be a healthy human and can be healthy for the environment if done in moderation). I decided to combine it with Danny Phantom for this because I haven't seen anyone do it before. So, Ivy being mostly carnivorous and Sam being ultra-recyclo-vegetarian would be appalled at each others diets.

4. Cyborg's connected to a supercomputer created by a more scientifically advanced society, while Barbara is a human (I specified her because she's the best Bat at hacking.) Her being the best hacker in the universe is a stretch at best. There's gotta be computer languages she's unable to decipher because it's so different to any on earth. (I don't think anyone from earth should be able to hack cyborg or the mother/father boxes.) If your supercomputer can be hacked by the equivalent of a preteen with a 2010 samsung who doesn't even recognise the coding language you used, then you didn't create a supercomputer. (Mother/father boxes are sentient, autonomous computers btw.)

5. Young Justice was good. Great. It just seemed to stop caring as much about having the new audience learn about the characters after season 2. I wouldn't know who Razer is if I didn't watch Green Lantern: The Animated Series. I stopped having emotional connections with the characters by season 4 and they stopped wrapping up storylines in an emotionally fulfilling manor after season 2. As someone who never read any comic books except for Spider-man/Deadpool and a few green lantern ones and one batman and spider-man crossover, I don't care about the characters they shove into the show and expect everyone to care about.

6. I get it. The "he won't stop if he does it once" was only in one comic (apparently) and the comic was written by someone that (apparently) most of the fandom doesn't like. I don't care. Every reason he has for not killing is valid and coexists. He collects reasons to not kill like it's gold and he's a dragon. The only reason that is invalid and can't coexist is that he doesn't care enough about the people that could get hurt or killed to permanently stop people like Joker, Bane, or Scarecrow.

7. It makes sense if they were the two to get touch starved easily. Dick grew up in a circus where everyone was presumably pretty tight knit and Tim grew up in a home where appearance mattered more than feelings. But also they happen to be the characters I like to torture.

8. Strange is petty and I 100% believe that Tony started it. (Stephen is finishing it though.)

9. Freddy Freeman can't walk without crutches and flies in the comics. (I haven't read them, tho) I feel like it's erasing disabled peoples' struggles when they just give him the ability to walk in his hero form. Let him be a little flying guy who never touches the ground.

10. It's a comic thing again. I just think it's more interesting. (I found pages of captain marvel comics in google images and tumblr.)

[fluffle-writes]

I imagine in the first few months (6 max) Yuu is sticking to Ace and Deuce side almost all the time (+Grim). Maybe even Jack.

Because they are very scared and still getting used to it.

Like fully hugging Ace if someone surprises them (Floyd) and using him as a shield (he’s big, I read in one of your posts they are 7 feet tall or smth, best shield around to even a big size human)

That is UNTIL the prefect starts bringing an iron pan or something similar everywhere for protection, maybe a spray with a lighter for any plant-boy that tries them. Just in case anyone assumes they can be an easy snack.

Also, are the guys willing to eat sentient things? Does that mean cannibalism is a very heard of occurrence?

And on the topic of Yuu getting traits from each OB after they defeat them, I guess some respond more to emotions, like sprawling flowers from their scalp (Ace ate one and said it tastes very sour) when angry or feeling violent. Maybe their hands (or their whole body) starts to glitch if they get too anxious (after book 6)

Yeah, Yuu would definitely be sticking to anyone they may feel even a little bit safe around! I made a quick chart to show how I kinda perceive the height difference between humans and the Weirdcore guys - with Idia as one of the taller guys and Ortho and Grim being two of the shortest. Ace is the perfect height to hide behind for a human if any height lol.

(Fluffle is me :D)

Something to take note of is the fact that their heights can fluctuate a bit at times - simply because the weirdcore world warps more easily. Height may change due to emotions, force of will, or magical energy concentration. This is more pronounced with Riddle, who grows a foot or two when he's super angry, or Lilia, who can concentrate his magical energy to make himself look taller when he feels protective of his kin.

Ace, Deuce, and Grim will all be VERY protective of their human friend if they ever think that Yuu's being threatened or are feeling anxious. The problem is, many of the Weirdcore beings may perceive the human as being objectively adorable and may try to approach to get a closer look at them.

Unfortunately, having a giant inhuman creature cooing in a distorted voice at you can be quite a frightening experience - especially if they're like Floyd and fuckin RUN at you.

Once Yuu starts bringing tools and weapons of their own to ward off unwanted approaches, most keep their distance (and particularly observant ones may wave hello like they've seen the human do!) although some may not be quite as easy to deter - like Floyd, who just tanks any damage to squeeze his favourite lil guy.

As for cannibalism! Yes, it can happen - although it's much more common in areas where the wildlife is more dangerous, and resources are more scarce. This means that places that could be more dangerous to weaker beings could be the lower depths of the Coral Sea, the dark forests in Briar Valley, or less prosperous areas of the world.

For example, Jade, Floyd, and Azul may have stronger prey drives than Leona or Trey - who grew up with more access to food without needing to hunt as much. It's less likely to happen at the college, since the different dorms are often stocked with prey animals for anyone who has a stronger prey drive to sink their teeth into when they're hungry. Some students may 'go missing' if they make the wrong enemies though - people learned very quickly to not mess with the Leech twins, for example.

As a sidenote, most of the guys at NRC are either omnivores or carnivores - with herbivores being more common at RSA. It's much rarer outside of the plant-like guys, but some (like Kalim) may be able to photosynthesise. Consuming food is a much more efficient way to gain enough energy for day-to-day life though.

As for the OB features! Yes, that'd align with how the Weirdcore guys have features like their heights or Cater's 'face' can warp depending on their emotional state :D

Yuu's flowers would probably give off a scent that can cause disorientation in someone who might threaten them! And their teeth and claws could become longer and sharper when they get defensive! The idea for them to get sorta glitchy after chapter 6 is genius! I can imagine them glitching particularly badly when they're nervous or anxious!

As for their flower flavour... I feel like something that would induce emotions could work - like how sometimes you smell something that reminds you of your childhood, their flowers can have a taste with that same effect!

Weirdcore AU Masterlist Here!

[the-faramir]

Today seemed like any other day in the town square of Willowside. Townspeople milled about the shops, buying whatever foodstuffs and supplies the merchants had to sell.

Suddenly, calliope music started playing from one of the side streets. People turning to look saw a parade approaching the town square. At the forefront marched Midori, a kitsune woman with a red fox fur pattern and red hair, dressed in a green circus ringmaster's outfit complete with a green top hat. She carried a short staff resembling a stick of multicolored candy with a head resembling a snake's which she shifted up and down with the beat of the music, keeping the constituents of her parade in step.

Once the ringmaster stepped into the center of the town square, she gestured dismissively with her free hand and the entire parade faded into a green mist, leaving only Midori standing there as the calliope music continued.

She spoke with a magically amplified,  booming voice, reaching all in that part of town as if she were standing next to them.

"ANNNNNNND NOW, because we sailed all the way from Kerrick and we aim to entertain, we proudly announce tonight's performance of the only island-hoppin', xulgath-defeatin', carnivorous-plant-mulchin', demon-slayin', dinosaur-extinctin', ghost-bustin', aeon-stone-repairin', extinction-curse-liftin' circus in the Inner Sea, including THEEE VERRRY HEROESSS who brought Mistress Dusklight of the Celestial Menagerie to justice and freed those under her control: the CIRCUS OF WAYWARD WONNNNNNNDERRRRRS!"

Midori began to twirl her staff faster and faster in front of herself, finally tossing it high into the air and catching it deftly in her hands before it could hit the ground. She thrust the base of the staff into the ground, magically transforming it into a candy-striped ball python that started dancing to the music which began building dramatically as Midori prepared to sing.

🎵🎵🎵

Step right up, don't be shy, take a chance, Join the Circus of Wayward Wonders, be part of the dance. The ringmaster calls, with a voice so bold, "Buy your tickets now, let the marvels unfold!"

Come one, come all, to the grandest show in town, Where wonders await and smiles replace every frown. A spectacle of colors, where magic and reality blend, Axel's birds take flight, with sweets they descend.

The Dwarven Throwers, stout and brave, They soar through the air, the audience they crave. Elizia's serpents, a dance so divine, With Mr. Tickles, they twist and entwine.

Hear the music, feel the beat, in your heart, Magical Myrrie plays her part, a symphony to start. The Mystic Artists, with strokes so fine, Your dreams on canvas, in colors that shine.

In the center ring, the lights shine bright, Every act, a story, every performer a knight. The circus is more than a mere delight, It's a world of wonder, taking flight.

So gather 'round, the show's about to begin, The Circus of Wayward Wonders, where dreams spin. The ringmaster's song, a call to all who hear, "Come join the wonder, come join the cheer!"

🎵🎵🎵

Once the music had stopped, a few people in the square clapped politely. Midori took an over-exaggerated bow, picked up her snake, changed it back into a staff, and then meandered through the town square to sell tickets.

Surveying the crowds for potential buyers, Midori's attention caught on the brightly colored tail of...well, Midori wasn't quite sure. She—Midori initially thought the being was a "she," but rethought "perhaps 'they,' because it's better not to assume with an unknown being"—they certainly did not appear to be a local. Definitely, a sentient person of some sort as their eyes—all four—had a look of intelligence about them as they glanced about the town. They wore a humanoid-style top on their humanoid torso but had a snake-like tail similar to a nagaji's or lamia's. They also had horns, which were not unknown in the various forms of nagaji found across Golarion.

Midori sauntered over to the being to strike up a conversation. "Why hello, my good being! Not to be rude, not to make assumptions about you, but you appear to be from out of town. May I ask from where do you haii?" Midori's eyes widened as a grin crossed her face. "Are you in town for the circus? Have you heard about us in your homeland?"

@llixulia