#series: rules of alchemy

[elkian]

The narrative thrust of Dungeon Meshi is basically FMA and it's cruel and unusual to keep Ed Elric and Laios separated by dint of minor problems like "existing in different universes" when they were born to be besties.

Also Falin and Al should form the "Seems like moral leashes but are actually just as unhinged as their older siblings, just quieter about it" club.

[baifengxis]

anny’s favorite 2022 asian dramas

not me the series, thailand love between fairy and devil, china my deepest dream, china seasons of blossom, south korea semantic error, south korea who rules the world, china between us the series, thailand silent, japan alchemy of souls, south korea lighter and princess, china

[halorocks1214]

For the fanfic ask game: 📥, 🏅, ⏰!

thanks for the ask! :D

📥 What is your fave fic to receive comments/messages on?

This one's a toughie since it's really the type of comments I prefer, not exactly where someone makes them. I will say, TSALP is an obvious pick but it really do be taking up a lot of my love and attention because of how much work I have put into it. Every time I'm reminded of how big its gotten I am floored lol

Also a brief honorary mention would have to be comments about OCs because you know most people don't have any emotional attachment to them outside of yourself so someone going out of their way to say something nice is just a !!! feeling you know

🏅 What is something you recently felt proud of in regard to your writing (finished a fic, actually planned for once, etc).

we make "the parent trap" 1000% funnier is something I was so happy to finish purely because I was proud of the fic in general. I thought I fleshed out the characters very well and the character arcs are decently paced etc. etc. I always enjoy writing to a certain degree but this fic just reminded me in full force WHY I love it so much :)

(And as a special note since you were the one that prompted this post, I have always had a space in my heart for 7 Times Kotetsu Helped his Friends During a Rough Time... This fic is four years old so it's not recent by any means but at the time it felt like I was one of six people in that fandom and it was so fun descending on everyone with a 13k fic lol)

⏰ Do you spend more time reading fic, writing fic, or do you do both equally?

Even when my writing capabilities are at their peak and I can pump out 10k words in two days, I think I've always read fic more than I have written it lmao. Fic is one of my biggest hobbies right now and there is just so much talent to be found in every corner of fandom! It's also really convenient when I'm bored and have nothing to do to open a tab to AO3 and story search like how one would pop open a Youtube tab and just start watching. Not a good sign if that's all you're doing to pass the time but I do get it, shit be happening

[the-offside-rule]

Charles Leclerc (Scuderia Ferrari) - The Alchemy

Requested: no

Swift Series

Warnings: not a whole pile

Soft morning light seeped through the heavy curtains of their hotel room, casting a warm, golden hue over the crumpled sheets and scattered clothes on the floor. Y/n blinked her eyes open, the familiar scent of Charles surrounding her. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the steady rhythm of his breathing beside her. She turned her head slightly, her gaze settling on him. Charles was still asleep, his face relaxed, his dark hair tousled against the pillow. Y/n couldn’t help but smile at the sight. He looked so peaceful, so different from the intense, determined driver the world saw every weekend on the track. Here, he was just Charle; her Charles.

Careful not to wake him, she shifted closer, her fingers tussling through his messy strands of hair, his head resting on her chest now. She felt his heartbeat as her other hand rubbed his back, steady and reassuring. For a moment, she just lay there, savoring the warmth of his skin, the feel of his arm draped lazily around her waist, holding her close even in his sleep. She wished they could stay like this forever, hidden away from the prying eyes of the world, where no one knew them as anything other than what they truly were — two people hopelessly in love. But reality was already knocking on the door, the clock ticking towards another day where they would have to pretend, where they would have to act like strangers in front of everyone else.

Charles stirred beside her, his eyes fluttering open. A sleepy smile spread across his lips as he looked down at her, his voice still thick with sleep. “Morning, mon amour." He murmured, tightening his hold around her. Y/n felt a rush of warmth at his words, her own smile mirroring his. “Morning.” She whispered back, her fingers tracing idle patterns on his chest. She loved these quiet mornings, these stolen moments before the world intruded. Charles chuckled softly, his voice still husky. “I could get used to waking up like this every day.” He said, reaching up to place a kiss onto her lips. “Lying here with you, it feels like a dream.” Y/n laughed softly, the sound barely more than a whisper. “Then let’s just stay here.” She teased, even though she knew the answer. “We could order room service, stay in bed all day… forget about the race, the teams… everyone.”

Charles’ smile faltered for a second, and then he sighed, knowing they couldn’t. “I wish we could-” He replied, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “But you know they’d notice if we both disappeared.” She nodded, a small, resigned sigh escaping her lips. “I know." She said, pressing herself closer against him. “But I’m so tired of pretending, Charles. I hate not being able to talk to you or touch you when we’re around the others. It feels like… like we’re living a lie.” Charles’ hand slid up to cradle her cheek, his thumb brushing gently over her skin. “I know, mon coeur-” He said softly, his eyes filled with understanding. “I hate it too. But it won’t be forever, I promise. Just a little while longer… until we figure things out.”

Y/n nodded, biting her lip. “I just want to be with you.” She whispered, her voice barely audible. “I don’t care about the rules or what people think. I just want… us.” Charles’ heart swelled at her words. He wanted that too, more than anything. He wanted to shout it from the rooftops, to let the world know that Y/n was his and he was hers. But for now, he had to be patient, even if it felt like the hardest thing he’d ever done. He leaned forward and kissed her softly, his lips lingering against hers. “I know." He whispered against her mouth. “And we will be. Soon. But for now… let’s just enjoy these moments. Just you and me, here, like this.” Y/n’s eyes softened, and she nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Okay,” she agreed. “Just us."

They lay there in comfortable silence for a while, tangled together in the sheets, the world outside their door feeling miles away. Charles traced lazy patterns on her back, his fingers moving in gentle, soothing circles. Y/n closed her eyes, letting herself get lost in the moment, savoring the feel of his touch, the sound of his breathing. Eventually, though, the inevitable moment came. Charles glanced at the clock on the bedside table and sighed softly. “We should probably get up." He said reluctantly. “Before someone starts knocking on the door, wondering where we are.” Y/n groaned, burying her face in his chest. “Five more minutes?” She pleaded, her voice muffled. Charles chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Five more minutes.” He agreed, his hand stroking her hair. “But just five.”

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Monza had been electric. The Tifosi were buzzing, a sea of red flooding the stands as they cheered for il Predestinato. It had been a thrilling race, the kind that kept you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails until the final lap. And now, as the engines quieted and the checkered flag waved, the crowd erupted into a deafening roar. Charles had done it. He had won. But among the McLaren team, a different celebration was unfolding. Lando and Oscar had secured P2 and P3, a phenomenal result for the papaya team. Y/n stood among her colleagues, her heart swelling with pride for her drivers. Yet, every so often, her gaze drifted past the orange overalls and landed on Charles, who was still in his car, soaking up the cheers of his adoring fans. She waved over shyly, her boyfriend winking back in response. Y/n's breath caught every time she looked at him. Her boyfriend. Her secret. The thought made her lips curl into a smile that she quickly hid, remembering where she was. She had become an expert at stealing these fleeting moments, at acting like nothing more than a professional strategist who just happened to have a world-class racing driver as her secret lover.

Charles, however, couldn't shake their conversation from that morning. Seeing how much she wanted everyone to know that he was accounted for, to show everyone that he was in love and he loved her, that she was his and he was her's. He finally began walking towards the small crowd of papaya, easily overpowered by the scarlet of almost everyone around them, but his eyes searched for only one person, and it was her.

He found Y/n standing by the barriers, surrounded by the jubilant McLaren crew. She looked like a dream in her papaya team shirt, a proud smile on her lips as she clapped for Lando and Oscar. Charles’ heart pounded in his chest, a mix of exhilaration from the race and the need to be near her. He weaved his way through the small but busy parc fermé crowd, making his way towards the McLaren corner, his eyes locked on Y/n. She felt her heart rate quicken as she noticed Charles heading in her direction. Her cheeks flushed, and she subtly shifted, hoping to blend in with her colleagues. But there was no hiding from Charles. Not now.

Charles reached the edge of the barrier, his chest rising and falling as he looked at her, a grin spreading across his face. He reached out his hand, palm up, a silent invitation. Y/n’s eyes widened, panic setting in. “Charles." She hissed softly, glancing around at the sea of orange uniforms around her. “What are you doing?” But Charles didn’t answer. Instead, he grasped her hand, his grip firm and steady, pulling her gently through the crowd. He didn’t care about the stunned expressions, the murmurs spreading like wildfire. He had waited long enough. He was done hiding. Y/n stumbled forward, her breath catching in her throat. “Charles, wait—” She began, her voice low, but he didn’t give her a chance to finish. He pulled her close, his other hand finding her cheek, and then, right there in front of everyone, he kissed her.

Time seemed to freeze. The crowd gasped, a wave of shock rippling through the McLaren team and the spectators. The cameras flashed, capturing the moment for all the world to see. Y/n’s mind spun. She kissed him back for a moment, her body responding before her brain caught up. Then she pulled back slightly, her hands on his chest, her eyes wide. “Charles, are you crazy? Everyone is watching!” Charles’ smile was infectious, his eyes sparkling with mischief and something deeper, something more sincere. “I don’t care." He said, his voice steady, his hand still holding hers. “I just won in Monza."

Y/n’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She felt a mix of fear and exhilaration course through her veins. She glanced around, seeing the surprised faces, the stunned silence hanging in the air. "But I thought it'd be better kept a secret." She whispered, her voice laced with concern. Charles shook his head, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “None of it matters if I can’t be with you.” he said softly, his eyes never leaving hers. “I’m tired of pretending, Y/n. I’m tired of hiding. I want you by my side, always.”

Tears pricked at the corners of Y/n’s eyes, the weight of his words sinking in. She felt a surge of emotion, a rush of love and relief. She knew this was risky, that there would be consequences, but in that moment, with Charles looking at her like she was the only person in the world, none of it seemed to matter. A slow smile spread across her face, and she squeezed his hand. “Okay." She whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “You should probably head to the interviews now, though." Charles’ grin widened, and he leaned in, pressing another kiss to her lips, this one softer, more tender. The crowd erupted into applause, the initial shock giving way to cheers and whoops. The cameras continued to flash, capturing the moment that would soon become the headline of every sports news outlet.

With a final, lingering look, he turned and walked toward the cool down roo., his head held high, his shoulders squared. "He blew a fonal kiss in her direction before his eyes darted around to wave to the tifosi swarming the track. "Im baffled." One of the engineers said, causing an eruption of laughter around them and causing Y/n's face to grow red. Then came the podium. First came Lando, then Iscar and then there he was; il Predestinato himself. The crowd’s cheers grew louder as he climbed the steps, taking his place in the center. Her own two drivers were there too, but Y/n’s eyes never left him. He stood tall, his racing suit stark against the bright backdrop, his face lit with an exhilarated, victorious smile. The anthem began to play, and the Italian flag was raised, the crowd singing along, their voices booming. Y/n felt her heart flutter with pride as she watched him stand there, his expression a mixture of joy and awe, soaking in the adoration of the Tifosi.

When the anthem ended, the officials presented him with the trophy—a magnificent, gleaming cup. He took it in both hands, raising it high above his head as the crowd erupted in a deafening roar. He glanced down, searching for her face amidst the sea of fans, and when he found her, his smile grew even wider. With a triumphant laugh, he pointed directly at Y/N, making sure she knew this moment was as much hers as it was his. Her breath caught, and she laughed through the tears, her heart soaring. She mouthed the words “I love you" and he nodded, as if to say “I know.”

Then came the champagne. He didn't spray his champagne, he instead closed his eyes and stood still as the three others on the podium drowned him out. Y/n closed her eyes, basking in the moment, tasting the champagne as if dripped down her face. And then, as the champagne bottles were emptied, he surprised everyone by taking his bottle of champagne and running from the podium, still holding the trophy in one hand. He made his way back to her, ignoring the surprised looks from the officials and the delighted cheers from the crowd. When he reached her, he placed the trophy in her hands. “Hold this for a second?” He grinned, his voice playful yet sincere. She took it, feeling its weight, her heart brimming with emotion. “It’s heavier than I thought.” She laughed.

He laughed too, a sound of pure joy. "First time holding a winners trophy?" He joked. "I held a winners trophy three times this season, thank you very much." She replied. "Four, you held mine in Monaco too. Now-" He paused, and with a swift, bold move, he wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her off the ground slightly, and pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss. The crowd erupted into louder cheers, the sound of celebration filling the air. When they finally broke apart, he took the trophy back, grinning like a boy who had just won the world. “Let’s go spray some champagne.” He said with a wink.

[jess-the-vampire]

Professor Caduceia and Snakely

Checked out the storyboard for the deleted s1 episode "Homesick"

You can read it here : https://t.co/WpZJFWbR48

I just loved these cut villains, one whose design def seemed like it was given to raine when they got cut. (I wonder if the color palette was similar, but we don't have a reference to that so idk)

Thoughts on the cut episode below:

An episode where king and owlbert of all characters bond is kinda neat, especially since it provides owlbert himself a bit more character here.

The opening is def far different from any of the final ones we ever see in the series, in fact it feels like it should be taking place during the episode but it can't be given we see hooty from being sick to not being sick in pretty chronological order?

A focus on the healing coven was nice to see, especially since we never got that in the show itself, and get some idea of their powerset and what they do magic wise.

So Manny was an ambulance driver, and Camila was a nurse in this. People originally assumed camila was a nurse when the show started, and it makes me wonder if that was changed between seasons at some point cause clearly the crew decided to change her profession and it's unclear why.

you can use your palisman as a communicator? and an umbrella? I do think it's so weird that even at the very end of the show, they establish brand new rules for palisman. Like them being able to shapeshift into objects is straight up not explained and just sorta....happens in the show, like i feel like hunter would have no issue hiding flap if this is a thing. (It also kinda makes stringbean's ability slightly less unique) Like this is displayed in these boards, but they kept it even in the show itself, and i think palisman might need a proper rulebook.

On that same note, owlbert uses magic in this board, like we kinda knew palisman could do some magic without a witch, but this is the only time we've seen one use it to fight another witch that wasn't the batqueen. Like owlbert tries to full on blast people in this. I don't know if removing this episode makes this ability less canon in the world itself since they still can do magic in the show, it's just worth noting that palisman, according to this board, CAN fight back, even if they're not incredibly strong it seems. Certainly the kinda thing that makes you think on other episodes tbh.

This episode also brings up the idea that eda actually CAN and DOES bring human food to the BI, which never happens in the show, in fact luz implies she gets to eat very little options there, so this idea seems no longer canon?

The demon hunters at one point don't even seem to recognize owlbert as a palisman, which does not entirely make sense given they seem to be mostly common to the townsfolk, so I'm kinda glad for that plot hole being gone.

Caduceia makes it out like the emperor's coven forced her to teach? and she thought handing over a house demon to belos would get her out of teaching as if it were some kinda punishment or job she was made to do? I have questions

side note, house demons are called rare in this, like they're not common, not sure if this still applies in the final show, but yeah.

there's some very sweet moments in this with luz and eda especially, but also some funny moments, and some jokes that land a little less....i don't think we needed Caduceia to be kissing her snake like that from that angle, even if it was meant to be a little uncomfortable.

one reason i think this episode did get cut? we got a glyph in this

a healing glyph, which has some ties to water based on it's symbol

i'm guessing since they kept the main glyphs element based, a healing glyph would of stuck out and been a bit weird. Like it just heals people, it doesn't produce water despite looking close to the alchemy symbol for water, and well....we already got ice so this would be redundent.

so yeah, this episode introduced a new glyph that saved them in the end so it would of come back in future episodes, but to keep it simple that would mean cutting the entire episode as a whole just to keep the four.

Since they enjoyed Caduceia's design so much, they must've repurposed it for raine somewhere down the line.

very fun insight into a scrapped episode.

[xspeter]

☀︎︎ Luke Castellan x reader

a collection of short stories all tying together

majority can be read as stand-alones..

☼ moodboards…

- luke’s moodboard

- readers moodboard

- overall series moodboard

➾ 𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇.. You show Luke what it means to be loved and to give love.

➾ Fluff, Apollo reader, mutual pining, eventual relationship, canon divergent (luke does not betray anyone because it hurt me too much to write that.)

✵ prologue

Slow motion love potion - Luke Castellan has returned from his quest, but he refuses to see anyone. Too bad you’ve been assigned to watch over him.

✵ PART ONE

About you - You discover just how accident prone Luke Castellan is.

I keep these longings locked - You discover just how flirtatious Luke really is.

The sweetest torture - You discover jealousy.

When you know, you know - You discover these feelings probably won’t just go away.

Foolish Lovers game - You discover that Luke does remember that night.

The Alchemy - You discover that everyone at camp can tell. Everyone except for Luke.

In a world of boys (he’s a gentleman) - You discover just how easy it is to make an Ares kid angry. (And Luke looks really good when he’s bloody.)

Let the light in (Luke POV) - Luke discovers the three times he denied his feelings for you, and the one time he accepted them.

Deep fears that the world would divide us - You discover Luke’s anger towards the Gods, and maybe your own hidden anger as well.

Secret Moments in a crowded room - You discover that maybe your feelings aren’t just your own.

Is it cool that I said all that? - You discover just how hard it is to keep a secret. Good thing Percy Jackson has a big mouth.

✵ THE IN-BETWEEN

Can I go where you go? - You discover that you want Luke to come home with you every year.

Hold on to the Memories (Luke POV) - Luke discovers that maybe Christmas isn’t all that bad.

✵ PART TWO

This is me trying - You discover just how stressful things really are as The Apollo Cabins head counselor.

Meet me in the Afterglow - You discover just how much you don’t deserve Luke.

The Lakes - You discover that you enjoy the quietness that comes with love.

The Albatross - You discover that you don’t like the newest camp arrival all that much.

Is it casual now? - You discover jealousy. Again.

You’re losing me - You discover that Eliza has a lot to say.

Sad, Beautiful, Tragic - You discover that Luke deserves better.

How did it end? - You discover that gossip spreads around camp way too quickly.

Loss Of My Life - You discover that seeing Luke around camp might be more than you can bare.

We Were Happy - You discover that while the kids may have good intentions, you will always get burned.

Hits Different - You discover that drinking while in the midst of a breakup is never a good idea.

Forever Winter (Luke POV) - Luke discovers just how hard it is to let you go.

You All Over Me - You discover why there is a no maiming rule.

Timeless - You discover that maybe you were enough for Luke after all.

You are in love - You discover forever.

[itsqwertyluvs]

･ ｡ﾟ☆: *  OCCULT BABY CHALLENGE RULES * :☆ﾟ.･

hi bffs !! so this is my version of the occult baby challenge rules that i'll be using for my sims 4 series :) (watch here)

full credit to simssav for a lot of the rules!

CHALLENGE OBJECTIVE:

have a baby with each occult type in the sims 4!

MODS I USE:

» FAIRIES VS WITCHES MOD - here

» EXPANDED MERMAIDS MOD - here

» GHOSTS CAN HAVE BABIES MOD - here

ALL OCCULT TYPES:

» ALIEN (GET TO WORK)

» BONEHILDA (PARANORMAL)

» FAIRY (FAIRY VS WITCHES MOD)

» FATHER WINTER (SEASONS)

» FLOWER BUNNY (SEASONS)

» GHOST (BASE GAME)

» GRIM REAPER (BASE GAME)

» ISLAND ELEMENTAL (ISLAND LIVING)

» MERMAID (ISLAND LIVING)

» PATCHY (SEASONS)

» PLANT SIM (BASE GAME)

» SERVO BOT (DISCOVER UNIVERSITY)

» SPELL CASTER (REALM OF MAGIC)

» TRAGIC CLOWN (BASE GAME)

» VAMPIRE (VAMPIRES)

» WEREWOLF (WEREWOLVES)

» WISHING WELL (ROMANTIC GARDEN)

HOW TO AGE UP EACH CHILD:

» NEWBORNS - pop up that it's their birthday

» INFANTS - get 8 milestones (only fine motor/gross motor/social)

» TODDLERS - reach level 3 in all skills OR level 5 in 3 skills

» CHILDREN - reach level 5 in any 3 skills

» TEENAGERS - complete their task (as seen below)

TEENAGE TASKS:

» ALIEN - level 10 rocket science skill

» BONEHILDA - level 10 archaeology skill

» FAIRY - level 5 alchemy skill

» FATHER WINTER - level 10 handiness skill

» FLOWER BUNNY - level 10 knitting skill

» GHOST - level 10 pipe organ skill

» GRIM REAPER - level 10 medium skill

» ISLAND ELEMENTAL - level 10 fishing skill

» MERMAID - level 5 singing skill + level 10 mermaid mythology skill

» PATCHY - level 10 flower arranging skill

» PLANT SIM - level 10 gardening skill

» SERVO BOT - level 10 robots skill

» SPELL CASTER - learn 10 spells

» TRAGIC CLOWN - level 10 comedy skill

» VAMPIRE - level 15 vampire lore skill + have 5 vampire abilities

» WEREWOLF - level 10 fitness skill + have 3 werewolf abilities

» WISHING WELL - level 5 entrepreneur skill

EXTRAS:

» if you don't want the challenge to be as difficult, you can change the teenage tasks to be easier. for example reach level 5 instead of level 10 skill!

» once a teenager has completed all their tasks, they have to be aged up and be moved out immediately!

» if you want to do the challenge like me, you also must kill one of each of the occult types! (it doesn't have to be the baby parents)

[felixitate]

one's elixir | lmh (teaser)

✩ pairing: lee know x reader

✩ genre/au: angst, smut, fluff? acquaintances to lovers, academic mentor, fantasy, wizard!au

✩ rating/est. wc: 18+ | around 20-22k (damn?)

✩ synopsis: you’re a walking disaster. not just in Minho's eyes but for anyone in the academy so when he was asked to supervise you, he had to agree to ensure everyone’s safety. but is it worth the risk to involve himself in something that even you can't control?

a/n: happiest birthday to my first-ever bias in stray kids! he went on live when it struck midnight here so i'm just 😩 i know you've all been waiting for so long so here's a small snippet at least

— part of the Spellbound Secrets series

"did you poison your entire class?" he starts, looking at you dead in the eyes as he drops the worksheet of potion formulas on the desk table. you're taken aback, both from his question and the fact that he's in front of you right now asking that.

"what? where did you hear that?" you almost stuttered, feeling a bit offended but thankfully, you recovered instantly. receiving questions like this isn't new to you knowing how much of a troublemaker you are.

your brain is still processing that the Lee Minho is your designated mentor. depending on the mentee, students who are chosen are seniors and graduate students.

out of all the ones in your department, it had to be him.

someone you've admired from afar for years now.

the idea of Minho having heard rumours about you fuelled further embarrassment in you. from what his friends told you about him, he never pays attention to these things unlike them.

his assumption must’ve been the result of hearing more from your professors. they know how he's like which was probably why the alchemy department sent him as your mentor.

it would definitely be effective but why did it have to be him? is he really the perfect one to possibly straighten you or were they just running out of choices?

you remember it clearly, being chosen to lead an experiment at the beginning of your potions class because of your exemplary record in your other courses. turns out, you're quite the opposite and you didn't just disappoint your professor but also endangered everyone in your class.

"i believe you have an idea already"

it wasn't like you planned it. realizing that using the wrong ingredient and missing the prescribed portion was inevitable. you didn't want to put anyone in danger.

you wonder how much Minho knows.

refusing to spare him another look, you grab the worksheets to distract yourself. while doing so, you did notice the small quirk on the corner of his lips as he sat down when you briefly took a quick glance.

a mix of emotions is bubbling inside you but you at least recovered from the shock. embarrassment, however, is still on a process since you essentially ruined your crush's first impression of you.

however, there's a small happiness in you along with an excitement of Minho being your mentor. this is your chance to know him more than what his friends have told you about him. they gave you a heads up that made you a bit hesitant at first since Minho rejected many girls before. you have no idea how to interact with him and it might end in him only considering you as one of his juniors.

you can still pursue him though so that's why you'll try to behave for now.

"you don't even know me"

"i know enough" he counters, not sparing you a look as he opens another book.

"rumours don't equate to the real me"

"regardless, i only agreed to this because you're a hazard to everyone"

hearing that from someone you admire did sting a little but it's reasonable. he's just concerned for everyone's safety but you're kinda hurt that he'd think that way even if it's technically your fault.

minho could tell that what he said struck something in you cause you never bothered answering him.

"we'll have to set a learning plan for you" he starts, breaking the awkward silence that rules between you both.

"alright, let's get this started"

.

e/n: very long fics are not my forte that's why it's taking me so damn long to finish this one lol. add that @temptaetions and i had to re-outline/rewrite most of the fics (me mostly) since posting the series masterlist because of the extra stuff added during the fanmeeting (vcrs. etc.). thank you for your patience so far, we've been writing behind the scenes to finish them all up so we can release them back to back when the time comes :)

[sister-lucifer]

Taken To Another World 

⊹₊⟡⋆A Multifandom Fantasy AU Themed 5K Celebration Writing Challenge⊹₊⟡⋆

Special thanks to @ghostboneswrites2 for inspiring this! 

Interested? Keep reading! 

There will be two prompts for each genre; a pair for fluff, a pair for smut, a pair for angst, and a pair for horror. Each prompt comes with its own criteria, so read carefully! 

How To Participate: 

Reblog this post (for reach! thanks!) 

Pick a prompt (or multiple) 

Write your fic 

Post it and tag me (feel free to send it to me directly if I don’t see it!) 

Use the tag #lucifer’s 5k fantasy challenge 

The fandoms this challenge is open to are as follows: 

Obey Me!, Creepypasta, Marble Hornets, Batman (and all related media), Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure (all parts), and any original characters/universes.

Don’t see your fandom? You’re still free to use these prompts (and please tag me if you do so I can see it,) but it unfortunately will not count as an entry for this challenge!

Rules: 

Feel free to pick multiple prompts, but you cannot enter more than one fic per prompt! 

The fics can be part of your own ongoing series, but they must be able to stand alone as their own piece without the additional context of the series 

Please state which prompt you chose somewhere on your post 

Feel free to cross post your work to another site such as Ao3, but please, do mention that it was part of my challenge 

Anyone can participate in this challenge, however I ask that minors stay away from the NSFW prompts 

You are free to bend the prompts as you wish, there is no mandatory time period or setting 

My inbox and messages are always open if you need to ask questions, consult me, or just want to discuss ideas!

The fics can be Character x Reader, Character x OC, or Character x Character; relationships can be platonic or romantic as you wish

Some prompts are written with pairs in mind; feel free to modify this to fit in as many characters as you’d like. Poly relationships included!

Absolutely NO incest OR pedophilia under any circumstances 

NO AI, NO using other people’s writing, and NO using a piece you’ve already written

Pay attention to the criteria! Prompt 1 will have a required quote, and Prompt 2 will have a required plot point/action

The Deadline is currently undecided. This will be updated soon 

Winners: 

I will choose up to 3 finalists for each prompt.  The finalists will be presented in a poll, and the readers will choose the winner. 

The winner of each prompt will get their own shoutout/promo post including an analysis of what I liked about their fic, & at least 3 fics I recommend from them and why. 

Does all that sound like fun? Good! Here’s your prompts:

Over The River, Through The Woods…

Fluff + Faeries

Prompt 1:  In a fit of rebellion, a naive royal flees from the castle and into the woods. They stumble upon a faerie who, against all they’ve ever been taught, seems rather…kind. 

Necessary Criteria: “Anyone can do a good thing if they try.” / “Well…how often do you try?”

Prompt 2: Fae don’t often leave their villages, except to gather. Unfortunately, one foolish faerie has found themself entangled in a trap left behind by a human hunter. Even worse, the human has returned to see what they’ve caught; although, they seem far more curious than hostile. 

Necessary Criteria: One of the characters teaches the other a new word in their native tongue. 

Magic Begins In Superstition, And Ends In Science…

Angst + Alchemy 

Prompt 1: The job of an alchemist’s apprentice is rarely an easy one. Magic is a fickle mistress, after all. When the apprentice’s companion tries to pull them away from their work, the argument gets heated, until the pressure becomes too much and causes an intense explosion…literally. 

Necessary Criteria: “You’re not even smart enough to understand what I do, and you think you get to tell me when to stop working?!”

Prompt 2: The alchemist’s work is starting to consume them. Blinded by their pursuit of knowledge, they recklessly decide to slip a bit of their newest experimental concoction into their companion’s meal without their knowledge. The alchemist convinces themselves this is all for the greater good, and surely nothing all that bad could happen, but soon comes to regret it. 

Necessary Criteria: A horrible transformation. 

The Tongue May Be Twice As Sharp And Thrice As Lethal As The Blade…

Smut + Swords 

Prompt 1: A rivalry between two swordsman gets a bit out of hand when the pair decide to make a salacious bet over a duel: whoever loses must play submissive to the other, starting from the moment they drop their sword. 

Necessary Criteria: “Don’t think I’ll surrender that easily.” / “Mm, I didn’t think you would…I like it so much more when you’re fiery.”

Prompt 2: A courageous knight rescues a royal from the clutches of peril, and their majesty simply can’t let their hero leave without thoroughly rewarding them for such bravery. 

Necessary Criteria: The pair narrowly avoid being caught in the act. 

Cursed Is The Man Who Dies, But The Evil Done By Him Survives…

Horror + Hexes

Prompt 1: Foolish explorers accidentally wander into a witch’s garden. One of them can’t resist plucking a berry from a bush, not giving it a second thought as they swallow it down, only for the horrific consequences of a curse to start taking form the next day. 

Necessary Criteria: “Please…you have to tell me you know how to make this stop.” 

Prompt 2: While treasure hoarding is generally frowned upon among honorable bounty hunters, some simply can’t kick the habit. This quickly proves to be a terrible mistake, though, as a cursed trinket starts to warp its owner’s mind and plunge them into a darkness that turns them on the one they love most. 

Necessary Criteria: Creative use of an everyday object as a weapon. 

Final Reminders:

Most importantly: Have Fun! 

Make sure to read the rules carefully! 

You’re always free to ask questions! 

Tag me in your entry + use the tag #lucifer’s 5k fantasy challenge! 

Happy Writing, everyone!

(even if you don’t plan to participate, please reblog and share this post so others will see it!)

[ecoterrorist-katara]

Hey bestie any zutara fic recs. I feel like I’ve read all the classics.

Hello anon! Oh boy have you come to the right place because I have read several million words of these two dorks falling in love and though I plan to read several million more, I am always down to screech about talented fanfic writers!!! Here are most of my faves, some of which you’ve probably read but my enthusiasm simply needs an outlet. No WIPs to minimize heartbreak.

In the spirit of not recommending too many classics, I’m not including anything from the first page of the Katara/Zuko tag on AO3 sorted by kudos, with one exception. Same rule does not apply to FF.net because nobody visits that site anymore, yet we mustn’t forget our roots!!! 

TL;DR of my Zutara Fic Recs: 

Half Asleep for a Miyazaki-esque adventure romance 

Southern Lights for a sweeping epic where A Song of Ice and Fire meets Middlemarch

Refraction for a swoon-worthy post-war political romance ft. Katara learning how to politick in a patriarchal world 

Stormbenders for a fun undercover romance that is a ZK classic for a very good reason 

Another Word for Alchemy and The Slow Path for hilarious yet emotionally compelling adventures with found family themes 

The Undying Fire for world-building, more Gaang shenanigans, and super satisfying slow canon divergence 

Katara Alone for our fave girl’s post-war Bildungsroman/travelogue/heroic tour

Simple Misunderstanding for a hilarious rendition of Ponytail Zuko capturing Katara and trying to not be a creep

Clothe Me in Seasons, Dress Me in Snow for a mostly canon-compliant (so, v angsty) story about the different ways that love can evolve 

And some one-shots and modern AUs I feel like deserve some more love 

Summaries, reviews, and general fangirling under the cut because holy shit this post is long lmao 

Long fics / series: 

Half Asleep, by crushinator | Rating: T | Word Count: 82,335

Summary: Five years after the Hundred-Year War, Fire Lord Zuko is hit with an assassin's dart, and falls into a coma from which he cannot wake. A week passes, and his prognosis is grim. But Katara could swear she hears him in her dreams.

My thoughts: this fic, in many ways, is novel quality. The pacing? Immaculate. The action scenes? Exciting and interesting yet super easy to visualize. The characterization? On point. Katara is peak Miyazaki heroine in this, setting out on a quest to the Spirit World to save her boy (who’s not really her boy) from whichever Eldritch horror has him in its clutches. I love the little glimpses we have of the mutual pining between Katara and Zuko, and there are no words to describe how much I love the resolution of Katara and Aang’s relationship in this story. And oh boy, is the climax of the fic super romantic. This is just a really well written, emotionally compelling, tight fic. Deserves to be a fandom classic. 

Southern Lights, by colourwhirled | Rating: M | Word Count: 769,274

Summary: A world where the Avatar has disappeared from memory. Where Sozin’s Conquest was successful. Where the unsteady order of the empire is threatened as members of the royal family are picked off one by one and lines are slowly drawn in the sand One last chance for peace forces an unlikely alliance between a homesick waterbender, a carefree Air Nomad, a runaway Earth Kingdom heiress, and the fire lord's inscrutable son. Together they must learn to shed old enmities and become the balance they seek to restore to the world.

OR:

The avatar has four heads.

My thoughts: Is it a Bildungsroman? Is it a war story? Is it a politics story? Is it a love story? Is it a friendship story? Is it a story about colonial violence and well-meaning complicity and finding justice in a world where it simply doesn’t seem to exist? Yes to all of the above, because at 700k+ words YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL. You know how Virginia Woolf once said that Middlemarch is one of the few novels written for grownups? Well, Southern Lights feels adult, not because of violence or sex or general grimness (looking at you, HBO), but because it’s fundamentally about having the courage to make choices, live with the consequences, and make more choices, and repeat that over and over again. If Katara is a Miyazaki heroine in Half Asleep, she is full on Daenarys (pre-character assassination) in Southern Lights, a heroine who gets put through her paces yet retains her unwavering resilience to find her place in the world. Katara can be pretty frustrating in this and I know a lot of the commenters on this fic wanted to smack her up the head halfway through, but I support women’s rights and women’s wrongs and her decisions make sense to me even when I also want to smack her for them, and isn’t that a symptom of good writing? I count my lucky stars that I joined the ATLA fandom after this fic is finished (which was only last year!) because I got to binge it in a few days and I have not been the same person since. Deserves classic status. 

Refraction, by caroe3725 | Rating: E | Word Count: 215,249

Summary: Making choices after the war was supposed to be the easy part. Her future decided and neatly packaged based on what everyone else wanted for her, what she should want, too. But Katara’s destiny had a funny way of being exactly what she wanted to run from. (As if anyone needed another Zutara post-finale slow burn after 15 years.)

My thoughts: YES WE DEFINITELY NEEDED ANOTHER POST-WAR ZK SLOWBURN OF SUCH IMMACULATE QUALITY. Both Katara and Zuko’s internal monologues are excellent in this, but I particularly love Zuko’s. The writer is so good at capturing his resolve, his earnestness, and his awkwardness. This is a very restrained fic — no great histrionics — but also incredibly romantic. The first kiss scene made me want to both sigh and screech. I’m also just a huge sucker for “Katara learns politics” which this fic has in spades, with a bonus of very thoughtful gender dynamics. Anyway, if you liked AJ Lenoire’s The Summit or andromeda13’s such selfish prayers, you’d probably like Refraction. Zuko and Katara are very much dumb teens in the beginning portions of this fic, which I personally like because it makes me nostalgic. Oh, and Katara is low key chaotic good in this, which is super in-character and hilarious.

Stormbenders, by Fandomme | Rating: T | Word Count: 171,000+ 

Summary: S3 AU from FBM. Deep in the Fire Nation jungle, the Gaang meets a group of rogue water ninja who send Zuko and Katara on a mission to retrieve Ozai's secret battle plans.

My thoughts: I’m aware that if you asked the average ZK shipper ten years ago what the ship classics are, the answers are probably Stormbenders, His Majesty Prefers Blue, and the Sparrowkeet series. The other classics are good (classics for a reason!), but Stormbenders remains my favourite. It’s funny. It’s exciting. It’s WELL PACED. The ZK relationship grows so organically, which is a huge feat considering this fic was started before we even got The Southern Raiders. The events are a little more adult than the show, but the tone remains very ATLA. There’s a lovely little animatic of the beginning of the scene on YouTube to show you exactly what I mean about the tone and the humour. I am always weak for a well-structured adventure romance, and Stormbenders stands the test of time because it’s just such a well-written fic. 

The Undying Fire, by Boogum | Rating: T | Word Count: 534,665

Summary: "He has the eyes, Princess Ursa." They were half-forgotten words, a whisper of fears never explained. Zuko had dismissed it all as nothing to worry about—until he somehow healed the Avatar. Fire healers weren't meant to exist, except he did. He'd saved the kid's life. Naturally, he wanted answers. Too bad finding them wasn't so simple...

My thoughts: This fic is mostly Gen, and Zutara shows up in the latter half of the series. Despite being a ZK shipper I like plenty of Gen fics too, and The Undying Fire gives me the best of both worlds. I love the world building, the humour, and the slow ramp up of the Gaang friendships. I absolutely love how the canon divergence is so subtle at first and gradually unfurls into something super different, yet retains much of its ATLA charm. Boogum’s written some other bangers too, and I have to give honorable mention to Zuko’s Tiny Dilemma (where a spirit transforms ponytail Zuko into his six-year-old self, and Uncle into a teapot, and somehow it becomes an emotionally compelling 100k word saga) and Following Blue (season 2 canon divergent Bluetara with a bigger focus on romance). 

Katara Alone & associated fics by cablesscutie | Rating: T | Word Count: 86,890

Summary: The war is over, and with it goes the only life she has ever known. In this era of love and peace, the world is becoming new, and Katara is unsure of her place in it. That's okay though. Katara has rebuilt her life from scratch before, and she will do it again.

My thoughts: I love post-war “Katara sets out to find herself and also finds Zuko” fics. Katara Alone is a fabulous coming-of-age story with some good old fashioned letter flirting during Katara’s solo travels. The sequel, Lady of the Tides, has some very thoughtful depictions of Katara’s place within the post-war Fire Nation, and the accompanying story from Zuko’s POV, The Fire Lord at Home, hits all my buttons. Like…Zuko is Fire Lord Good Boy! He passes legislation! There is political optimism! Swoon. 

Another Word for Alchemy, by FanPanda 13 | Rating: T | Word Count: 108,000+ 

Summary: Five years have passed since the Avatar defeated Fire Lord Ozai, and the members of the Gaang have all gone in their own direction. But when Aang invites them all to a Peace Summit at the North Pole and tells them of his new project, for which he will need their support, the group comes together again for adventure, fun and romance. AU. Zutara. COMPLETE.

My thoughts: Now this is a fic that thoroughly crept up on me. The first 3/4 is good old fashioned fluffy, funny, fourth wall-breaking Gaang shenanigans with plenty of Zutara. But the last quarter? Oh boy does it come right at you and slam you in the solar plexus with the platonic love and found family feels and the complexities of those feelings when you’re a teenager. The impact of Aang’s loss of the Air Nomads is treated very thoughtfully here, way more so than in the show. 

The Slow Path, by TazmainianDevil | Rating: T | Word Count: 125,723 

Summary: Eight years after the fall of Ozai, Aang returns to the friends he left behind.

My thoughts: This is actually a Taang story with a great ZK subplot. But what I love about it is that the whole Gaang (including Suki ALWAYS INCLUDING SUKI) is superbly characterized. The ZK banter is top notch. I could actually hear their voices in my head in some of the scenes. Their relationship is playful but has plenty of emotional heft. And the plot is exciting and well-developed. My favourite thing, though, is how the author treats Toph’s POV: it’s very thoughtfully written, with consideration towards how she perceives the world.

Simple Misunderstanding, by ShamelessLiar | Rating: T | Word Count: 80,965 

Summary: Katara was captured by Zuko, but there was a lapse in communication. Takes place after The Fortuneteller. Fierce Katara, honorable Zuko, and meddlesome Iroh. Also, music night

My thoughts: Generally I don’t love fics where Katara gets captured, especially by Zuko (just a personal preference, not here to judge). But! I love this one, because…well, the circumstances of Katara’s capture by Ponytail Zuko are simply hilarious. Katara is suspicious and stubborn; Zuko has a one-track mind and doesn’t understand why Iroh is treating his prisoner so nicely; oh, and Aang gets into an amazing side quest with some spiritual animals. The only thing about this story is that it ends a little abruptly since the author was considering a sequel, but it still reads as a standalone fic. The author also wrote His Majesty Prefers Blue and Call Me Katto, two ZK classics, but Simple Misunderstanding is far and away my favourite work. 

Clothe Me in Seasons, Dress Me in Snow, by sadladybug | Rating: T | Word Count: 62,026

Summary: It is not the memorial she deserves, nor the one she would want. But it can't be helped. He owns no property in the other nations, and he needed to keep her close. Closer than she was in life, anyway. Zuko's reflections on a life lived and a life that could have been.

Review: sadladybug lives up to the username by creating a sadness so contagious that I have yet to recover from it, and I cope by recommending this fic to other Zutara shippers so that more may suffer like I did. (Stop the cycle? No.) Look — I think there’s something extremely beautiful and poetic about a love that changes in nature and form and expression, but not in intensity and devotion, and that’s what this fic is about. Loved it. Never reading it again. 

One shots: 

There’s a category of canon-compliant Zutara one-shots that are all extremely painful, and I cannot get enough of them: in the next life by we-were-angels, taking place right before Katara’s wedding to Aang; water can heal, water can break by crazyache, about why Katara didn’t attend Yakone’s trial. 

To combat the above, here’s a few funny, fluffy ones that make me cackle: i am older now by ama (who wrote the banger that is The Blackfish and the Dragon), an old!ZK fic that I read to counteract the emotional damage inflicted by psychedelic_aya’s we hold our hearts in silence; all good things start with tea by yodalorian, where Zuko’s hapless Disney sidekick-esque advisors try to get him a wife; And Half at One Another’s Throats by songofhopeandhonor (whose account is deleted), about Zuko’s harebrained proposals to Katara; The Dragon of the West’s Guide to Flirting by bluesunflower44, which is exactly what it says on the tin and the awkward disaster you’d expect. Waiting on a Steady Sun, by nire, is a long version of my favourite tropes: fake marriage + idiots to lovers ft. pining for your spouse. 

I generally don’t love modern AUs, but akaiiko’s talk is cheap (and i’ve got expensive taste), where Katara meets Zuko at a frat party, is a whole damn delight; my old aches become new again by jamesstruttingpotter is a wonderfully indulgent modern AU based on Our Beloved Summer. 

And finally, some season 3 character studies: don’t tell me how to feel by paintingcranes, ft Katara at the Western Air Temple being increasingly incensed at both Zuko trying to be helpful and how other people react to his helpfulness; the other side of mercy by crazyache, where Sokka calls Katara “high-strung and crazy” and that really makes Zuko think; The Silent Garden by romilley (whose WIP The Horizon is also fabulous), where Katara and Zuko avoid their feelings through a reluctant-allies-with-benefits arrangement (ft a way of depicting intimacy and sex that makes me think of Normal People); a deep delight of the blood by eruthros, where Zuko asks Katara to practice bloodbending on him out of pragmatism but also a little bit of guilt (it’s unrated, but that “Kink Without Sex” tag is there for a reason). 

Thank you for asking me for my recs, anon, because I needed an outlet to rave about fanfiction and my irl friends have heard enough. Feel free to ask me questions about specific fics that aren’t on this list: I always love talking to people about fic and I’m always looking for new ones to read!

[jetra4ivor]

I can’t get over the fact that Minecraft:Story Mode is abandonware now. After it’s removed from Netflix there will be no legal way to access the game anymore.

So much time, energy, and talent out into a game that simply cannot be played anymore. A whole generation of new Minecraft players growing up never even knowing this game existed. And even if you managed to get it working, you’ll no longer be able to see what choices other players took. Which decisions you did that other people didn’t.

And think of the performances lost? Ivor’s a delight to listen to. Lucas has one of the kindest sweetest voices ever heard. And Petra’s emotional breakdown in season 2 still gets me every time. All that emotion and effort. All that pain and heartbreak… just gone. Forgotten.

People scoffed at Story Mode when it was announced, but I honestly think Story Mode did an amazing amount of world building for the community. It took the ideas being created by YouTube personalities and animations and codified them into a coherent universe with set rules and functions. Items are flat. Blocks grow when placed down. Crafting is akin to alchemy. Ages do not exist. And even disappearing in a puff of smoke leaving behind your inventory is just how you die in this world.

So much work was done to make such an amazing series of games, and nobody is going to remember them. And far fewer are going to actually play through all 2 seasons and experience the joys of season 2’s emotional storyline. It’s so sad.

I don’t have a point to this. I’m just depressed at how this game has been overlooked, shunned, ignored, and flat out tossed aside by the Minecraft community. I hate seeing hard work just cast aside so quickly like that.

The amount of polish and effort out into MCSM was way more than it likely deserved and I’m eternally grateful that this game exists. I just want others to play and love it too.

[blueteller]

Hi, dear cool person! Do you happen to know if all magic circles in lcf are drawn on the ground or if some types can be done in the air? Do they need a physical surface for them to work? I got a little confused by that and couldn't find an explanation yet (⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠)

Hello, "dear cool person"! 😊 I admit, no one ever brought up that kind of question to me, and I think it's worth investigating!

First of all, to make things clear: TCF/LCF uses what we call "Soft Magic System". In other word, the rules concerning magic are vague, without much elaboration from the narrative – which I have to add, does NOT equal poor world-building.

People often toss around Fullmetal Alchemist as an example of good world-building (which everybody who knows me is probably aware, is one of my favorite series of all time), without understanding that FMA uses "Hard Magic System" as it plays a vital role in the story. How alchemy works is very important to the plot and its themes. While my inner nerd absolutely loves it, I must remind myself that it's not a required element for a story to be well crafted. There are many series which go into great detail about their magic systems, but that doesn't actually guarantee it will be successful in making the story enjoyable.

"Soft" or "Hard" magical world-building, what actually matters is how it's used.

So, in TCF we are dealing with "Soft Magic System", because how magic works is never actually important to the story itself; what the characters are doing matters far more than what exact tools and powers they're using. The "what" of their capabilities is always more emphasized over the "how".

Obviously, we know some of what magic can do, as we get many example throughout the series. We also know that there are multiple other powers in that world aside from mana-based magic. For example, regular magic can be used to create fire, cast illusions, teleport, levitate objects, and even for telepathic communication. Dead mana magic can be also used in similar ways, like casting illusions or creating light. There are also powers of Nature, Beast People abilities, Earth Abilities, Divine Powers, and quite a few of others.

But the question is about arrays specifically. Let's try to find a couple of examples to work with.

We know that circles CAN be drawn, at the very least. The earliest instance of an array being used was way back during the Plaza Terror Incident, when blood-crazy mage Redika tore up a teleportation scroll to escape the plaza. So we see that certain spells can be pre-made and are one-use only, which makes sense. Not everyone seems capable of teleportation, especially long-distance. Remember, Dragons are super rare and the fact that Cale has basically unlimited access to instant teleportation through Raon is basically cheating lol. I assume it's both difficult and expensive to create even a single scroll like that. It requires lots of effort and preparation, not to mention it's set for a given location – the word "coordinates" is often dropped throughout the story.

We also know that circles can be created through magic in an instance, as that's basically what Raon and Eruhaben do every time they teleport. But once again, they're Dragons, so I assume you have to be Arch Mage level to do that type of stuff without literally drawing the array. Definitely not something Redika was capable of. I also suspect Rosalyn could do that, but that's because she's a rare talent of her own – not to mention how Eruhaben taught her on top of it.

I struggle to find any example of array-based magic that ISN'T about teleportation, however. Perhaps all arrays ARE meant exclusively for transportation in TCF? Feel free to correct me if you find any evidence to the contrary. Another example that comes to my mind is when they were teleporting the Castle of Light, later re-named Black Castle, into the Forest of Darkness. We know it required a huge amount of power, which was why Eruhaben asked Cale for magic stones. We didn't actually SEE them cast the array, however, so we don't know if they literally needed to draw one around the castle, or if they used their Dragon powers again to simply make it with magic.

There are several conclusions I draw from all of this.

First, most if not all examples of array-based magic in TCF are teleportation-related. So either all arrays are about teleportation, or teleportation is a very complex brand of magic (which would make sense) and arrays are exactly for that type complex magic, so they could be also used for other things.

Second, it seems that drawing arrays is a "human method", but it is unnecessary for Dragons, as they can use magical shortcuts. So naturally, I don't think they need a solid surface to work with when they're casting spells.

Third, arrays can be either instantly used and created – if you're powerful enough that is – or they can be pre-made and "loaded", then used for emergencies via deliberate disruption. I also assume you don't need to be a mage to use a teleportation scroll, if it already contains all the magic needed.

And that's basically all I have to say about magic circles in TCF! I hope this was helpful 💖

[dailyadventureprompts]

Villain: Dreava Bleek, Gallowood Sheriff

It's a gruesome business enforcing the law, especially when the laws are written by an aristocracy who wants their subjects submissive and terrified and it's your business to keep them that way.

There have always been people like Dreava Bleek, blunt instruments that enforce the social order so those at the top needn't bloody their hands. They do it for many reasons; coin, ambition, sadism, but in the case of this villain it's misplaced righteousness: Dreava has had a hatred burning in the pit where her heart should be since she was a child, a bone deep conviction that if people just knew their place and followed the rules that the world could be a place of pace. Nevermind the powerful that abuse the system for their own gain, nevermind the starving poor who break the law only to fill their bellies. In Dreava's word there are only good citizens and criminals, and criminals will hang.

Adventure Hooks:

Dreava earned both her reputation and her title in her campaign against the Gallerwood outlaws, a band of highwaymen who were famed for robbing everyone from wizards and duchesses and who Dreava left hanging from the trees along the edge of their forest. After her little stunt folks started calling the area "Gallowwood" and speaking of how her victims still haunt the roads looking for one last take. Some others mention a secret hideout that the sheriff never found, in which the thieves kept their most valued treasures.

The two easiest ways for the party to end up in Dreava's sights are to already be criminals, or to make themselves the enemy of some belligerent noble who can accuse them (accurately or not) of some transgression of the law

Backgorund: Dreava was young when darkness was wrought upon her soul, when a series of poor harvests and overstepping officials saw her little village rise with its neighbours in a revolt against their feudal overlord. She lost her home and her mother not in the uprising itself but in the violent pillage the lord's forces were allowed after its brutal suppression.

A flip of the coin and Dreava could have been a rebel fighting against authority, but in those grim days the alchemy of terror instilled in her an understanding of just what happens when the poor overstep the place allotted to them by their betters.

Since then her life has followed a pattern. Get hired on by some lord after having difficulty with bandits or other such rabblerousers. Make a show of brutal violence that seems to put an end to the problem for good. Continue to build her reputation until she either becomes her patron's bloody left hand, making their followers just as brutal and jackbooted as she is. End up entering into the service of another lord either on recommendation or after she's ousted for some violence that not even the benefice of the nobility can forgive.

Further Adventures:

Rather than a head on confrontation, Dreava will seek to bait the party into a trap, either by setting up an ambush or going after their known associates. Coerce, intimidate, brutalize, leashed in only by the very limit of what the law might allow. If she doesn't have proof of the party's guilt she'll drag them off to a dungeon to await a sham trial (from which they might be able to escape), but if she's been given the goahead by her superiors she'll gladly execute the heroes in the field, a grim situation which has it's own escape methods.

All her life the sheriff had sworn by the goddess Erathis, seeing herself as a champion of law and civilization. What a surprise for her then after the heroes sever her soul from her body to awake in the halls of the lord of all hells.  While the other gods turned their heads away in shame and disgust, Asmodeus watched with appreciation as Dreava bent her life to punishing sinners, and now offers her the chance to do so again, this time in his service. With a new master to serve and chip on her shoulder against the party Dreava will gladly agree, emerging from her damnation with a newly fiendish form. Consider having her emerge as a surprise villain several levels after the party thought her dead, and the head of a band of fiendish cultists.

Art

[dragons-bones]

FFXIV Write Entry #22: Kith and Kin

Prompt: rencounter (free write) || Master Post || On AO3 (coming in October)

A/N: Spoilers through Patch 6.5: Growing Light, and very very very minor ones for Dawntrail.

---

Radz-at-Han was a truly beautiful sight from the air. Built atop a large, lonely plateau rising above the Thavnairian jungle, the city covered its entire surface in a myriad of brightly painted buildings, open plazas decorated with mosaics, and lush gardens on multiple rooftops. And even from this distance, there was no mistaking the crowds that bustled throughout the city and crossed the great bridge connecting Radz-at-Han to the rest of Thavnair.

Excitement bubbled up in Ehll Tou’s throat and she trilled an adventuring song as she began to glide downward in a smooth spiral.

The airship landing was easy to spot, a series of long platforms jutting out from the plateau close to the main gate. As she drew closer, Ehll Tou spotted a figure waving from the end of the westernmost dock: large and broadly built, grey skin, large ears, a sinuous trunk, and wearing a beautiful sari of pink and purple. Ah, that must be Nidhana! Ehll Tou obligingly adjusted her course.

The arkasadora took some steps backward as Ehll Tou neared, her ears held up perked and alert. Almost to the edge now, Ehll Tou threw herself into a backwards loop—it had taken quite a bit of practice to relearn how to do that in her adult body—both as display and to slow her momentum. Coming back upright, she flared her wings as a finally braking maneuver, and landed delicately on one foot, and then the other.

[Hello!] she sang happily. [Are you Nidhana?]

“I am indeed!” Nidhana said, striding forward with surprising grace for a being so tall. She held out her hand, and Ehll Tou reached forward to shake eagerly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ehll Tou! Welcome to Radz-at-Han.”

[A pleasure to meet you as well!]Ehll Tou said. [I’ve heard so much about you and your city! Thank you so much for allowing me to attend your introductory alchemy class.]

“Oh, it is a delight to accept a student so diligent and eager to learn,” Nidhana said, beginning to walk down the pier. “I am only sorry I cannot introduce you to Master Vrtra and Mistress Azdaja, but diplomatic business has taken them to Tural and I’m not certain when they will return.”

Ehll Tou kept easy pace beside her and reached into her bag, retrieving her hat and carefully pinning it back to its rightful, jaunty place atop her left horn. [That’s all right,]she said. [There will be plenty of time to properly meet my kin! I am not in any rush.]

“Ah, the benefits of a draconic lifespan,” Nidhana sighed wistfully. “The things I could learn over such time!”

The two chatted happily as they traveled through Radz-at-Han’s streets towards the High Crucible, with Nidhana pointing out many shops and restaurants and landmarks and Ehll Tou dutifully committing them to memory as she built her mental map of the city. She drew curious looks from many Hannish citizens, though dragons had become a somewhat more common sight since Vrtra began openly ruling as satrap. The adventurers were a familiar sight, and some she even knew from Ishgard! With those she exchanged hellos and promises to meet for a snack and cup of tea.

“Such a wonderful world we now live in,” Nidhana said, her trunk curled and ears gently flapping in the manner Ehll Tou was quickly learning meant happiness. “As terrible as the Final Days were, its aftermath has brought new life to the city and Thavnair as a whole. New foods, new ideas, new friends!”

[It is wondrous to see,] Ehll Tou trilled and tapped her claws together with excitement. [I never thought to see the end of the Dragonsong War, but now I may safely travel the lands of man and learn new skills and meet new peoples, and compose songs to share it all with my kin and encourage them to travel and learn, too!]

Nidhana trumpeted a laugh. “Oh, Sisters have mercy on me, I know now why Synnove adores you so much! It is going to be an honor to teach you, truly!”

Ehll Tou chuffed, chest puffing with pride.

--

Five days later, Ehll Tou was browsing one of the markets, humming happily to herself as she examined a stall of clockwork devices. Her first days of classes had gone well and she had settled into the nest that the Alchemists’ College had prepared for her in the student housing close to the High Crucible. She was making new friends, too, and while some of it had no doubt been engendered by the allure of a draconic classmate, once her classmates realized how well-read she was, they had quickly settled into a mix of gossip and idea sharing. Such fun!

She did miss Hautdilong and Arvide, but they had encouraged her to take this opportunity, and she would be back home within the next few moons once the class was concluded. And in the meantime, she would write letters to them, eagerly await their own, and acquire some souvenirs to bring home with her!

Today was a free day and while she would later meet with her classmates to review their notes and prepare for their first laboratory session, this morning was the perfect time to shop.

Ehll Tou had already purchased some silk for a potential sewing project she had in mind, thread for embroidery in colors that made her purr, and a number of interesting snacks she could share at the study session. The clockwork had caught her eye, used as she was to Ul’dahn styles, and her perusal right now was for an item or two she might carefully disassemble to compare its construction to a Goldsmiths’ Guild mammet she was building. A watch was always a good starting point…

A flash of moving scarlet caught her eye, and Ehll Tou raised her head to spot a dragonet further down the boulevard. She blinked curiously; none of her cousins had said they would be visiting Radz-at-Han, but the dragonet didn’t quite look like any of her cousins, either. Perhaps this was a Meracydian dragonet, one that Great Mother Tiamat felt was well enough to travel beyond the safety of her restored brood? Oh, what fun, she hadn’t met any of her Meracydian kin yet!

Ehll Tou made her selections, gently haggling with the shopkeep, and shook hands once they were both content with their deal. She exchanged gil for the watches, placed her purchases within her satchel, and trotted off down the street.

As Ehll Tou drew closer, she noted that the dragonet was certainly no Dravanian but was quite pretty: her wings had feathers, and a fluffy ruff of white feathers crowned her head behind her horns! She whistled a hello, and the dragonet turned—

—this was not a dragonet.

Ehll Tou scrambled to a stop.

{Oh, look at you!} The great wyrm in a dragonet’s body swooped closer. {What a beautiful dragon you have grown into, scion of Ratatoskr!}

Her voice purred and rolled around the careful enunciations of Dragonspeak in both Ehll Tou’s ears and mind. The sound was warm and multi-toned, drums and dulcimers and heavy woodwinds, a deep contralto of age and experience and affection. In it was echoed the symphonic rumble of Kinfather Midgardsormr and the memory of the green skies of the Dragon Star; the hatching songs of new generations and warsongs of wyrms flying to protect their children; the hollow loneliness of a red moon and the dream of home.

Ehll Tou dropped into a bow, neck low and wings spread, and frantically pawed through her mental library of etiquette. Azdaja the Lost had never mothered a brood, so ‘Great Mother’ would not be the proper courtesy title, but perhaps a more mortal term would work, she could contract the layers of generations into one—

[It is my honor, Great Aunt Azdaja,] Ehll Tou trilled in Dragonspeak, though the term for ‘aunt’ translated rather awkwardly.

{Such wonderful manners, I am well met,} Azdaja said, squinting her eyes closed in pleasure. {Further formality is not necessary, little niece.}

Ehll Tou popped up from her bow, fairly vibrating with excitement. [Thank you, Great Aunt! I am Ehll Tou.]

{Yes, yes, Ehll Tou of Dravania! First of a new generation of dragons born to peace.} Azdaja’s voice had warmed even further. {My brother and I just returned to Radz-at-Han last night. How fortuitous that I met you this morning; Vrtra planned to send you an invitation to dinner so that we might properly meet and exchange songs. Would you be able to attend tonight?}

[Oh, yes, I would! Today and tomorrow are my rest days,] Ehll Tou said, fighting the urge to fairly dance in place. Oh goodness, to share family songs with two of the great wyrms! So much to learn! So much to share! She was going to be the utter envy of Zenith and Anyx Trine!

Azdaja’s laugh was a rippling sound of bells and flutes. {Might I accompany you?} she said. {I am still learning much about Radz-at-Han myself, and such excursions are always more joyous with company.}

[It would be my pleasure!] Ehll Tou couldn’t stop her excited hop as Azdaja came to hover next to her, both of their attentions caught by a samosa stall opening as the lunch hour began.

This, Ehll Tou knew, was going to be one of the best days she ever had.

[swannieluv]

.𖥔 ݁ ˖꩜ Alchemy, bombs... Family? - PLATONIC Albedo and Klee x Child!Reader

✦⸼࣪⸳𝐆𝐍!𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

✦⸼࣪⸳ 𝐖𝐜: 1,4k

✦⸼࣪⸳ 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈���𝐆!!: Mentions of injuries.

✦⸼࣪⸳A/N: Just a small concept I'd like to share. I'm planning to post more and turn this into a small series if you guys like it <3

It was no secret that Albedo and Klee were a small family. The energetic girl in red who passed by like a flickering spark; and the mysterious alchemist who looked after her. Ever since Alice left to live her adventures, Albedo has been playing a major role in taking care of the small knight.

When Klee wasn't in solitary confinement, it was because she was certainly out exploring and blowing things up. Even though she has a small stature and innocent eyes, the rule of never underestimating her always stood. When unsupervised Klee could destroy everything, no exceptions.

And unlike all her past adventures, which had ended in explosive discoveries - which were mostly made up of toasted fish and monster remains - she had made a discovery that, hopefully, wasn't harmful to society as a whole.

It was just another day of fun for the little girl, who had just been released from the tedious hell of solitary confinement. She would only go up the Dragonspine to meet her older brother, Albedo and play for a while before going back to her other activities.

"Klee's finally going to show off her new jumpty dum-"

While bouncing around quietly, she lost her balance by tripping over something and fell face-first to the ground. Luckily for her, the fall was covered by snow. After seconds of shock, she turned around to check what she had tripped over.

Well, not exactly something, but someone.

A child who appeared to be older than her was there, on the ground, covered by the snow. They weren't dressed in the same clothing citizens of Mondstadt would wear, with a thick coat and boots specially crafted

to help them get around in the snow. Even though their outfit was made for the cold, it was in shambles and their boots were completely worn out.

There was no reaction from them, which created an immediate sense of panic on the girl, who immediately thought she had killed them.

"Oh no, oh no! I’m sorry!" She looked down and then to the sides in panic. “I-I’ll grab Mr. Albedo!”

She ran off, desperately up the mountain. Her eyes filled with tears as she hurried to the Albedo Campsite. Klee ran so fast that even the hilichurs scattered around the site were confused.

When Klee finally reached her destination, she started screaming to call his attention. It worked, since he seemed to have heard her.

"Mr. Albedo! Mr. Albedo!"

There he was, fiddling with his little notebook while making some sketches (which would be left completely unfinished). When Albedo turned his gaze to her, he couldn't help but notice the hot tears flowing from her eyes.

"Klee? What happened?"

He crouched down next to her and put his hands on her shoulders, the sketchbook already abandoned in some corner.

"K-Klee hurt someone! But it was an accident, I swear!"

His face darkened, but not in a way that frightened her. If what Klee really confessed was true, she would be in serious trouble. Solitary confinement would be silly next to the consequences she could receive, since her bombs are quite powerful. He feared he wouldn't be able to help her out of this situation this time.

"Did you... hurt a person? Take me there, quickly please."

She began to guide him down the mountain. The two of them with distressed faces racing against time to get to where Klee had found the injured person. When they arrived, the child was still there.

Albedo knelt down next to them and cautiously measured his pulse; there were signs of life. He let out a relieved breath as he checked.

"Are you sure you hurt them, Klee?"

He asked before cradling them in his arms. There was no trace of destruction at the scene or any wound that looked like it had been caused by a catalyst, Klee's weapon. This indicated that perhaps there had been a misunderstanding there.

"I was running and then... boom! I fell!

"When I looked back, they were lying there! But Klee promises it was just a little accident!”

"Got it." He looked at her, seeing her eyes full of guilt. "But maybe you didn't hurt them. Don't think about it too much, okay?"

"Okay..."

The two made their way all the way back to the Campsite, where Albedo treated the wounds and warmed the child with blankets. It wasn't too difficult to raise their body temperature when you had Klee around; the girl herself was already a walking heater due to her pyro vision.

"Hm...?"

They opened their eyes, taking in their surroundings and the two people in front of them. Two blonds with big eyes, at least in their point of view at the moment.

"Wait a minute... where am I?"

"You're safe.”

They sat up and looked directly at Albedo. However physically unstable, they were in a state of alertness around the two of them. Who wouldn't? Waking up in an unknown place with unknown people when you just passed out. It’s definitely a weird setting.

"Safe where exactly?"

"Mondstadt! The city of freedom!" the youngest exclaimed with her hands up to the air and a big smile. "Although we're on the Dragonspine... but it still counts, I guess."

"Mondstadt..." They looked around in confusion before their eyes widened and they started looking all over the place for something.

"Looking for this, perhaps?"

Albedo held out his hand to them. A slightly dirty anemo vision met their eyes, calming their racing hearts. There was still hope while this gem still shone.

"Oh, for the Archon..."

"From your clothes, you don't look like you come from Mondstadt." Albedo returned their gaze, placing it in their palms while offering a friendly smile.

"I don't know... I can't remember anything."

"What do you mean you don't know? Can you at least remember your name?"

They tried to answer, but soon gave up. Their faces bore an expression of confusion that made it clear that they were completely clueless.

"I don't know if I even have a name-"

"Then can I give you one?"

Klee watched them with a smile on her chubby face. The joy in her eyes was evident.

"I think... you can."

Klee then put her hands together and began to think of various name ideas. Perhaps allowing a child to choose a name is one of the worst decisions possible. But Klee was too cute to deny it. It would be cruel to shatter her heart when she was so excited.

"Dodoca...? That way you have a name that matches dodoco’s."

"What?"

The two of you stared at each other for an uncomfortable second. They were completely speechless. What kind of name was that?! They were young, of course. But even so they knew it was a bad choice.

"Klee... I think it would be better if you choose from a list instead of creating a name."

"Why?" She put a finger over her lips, thinking about the option on offer.

"Wouldn't it be better to have several options instead of just one? You might think of a better name later and regret having thought of this one."

Albedo spent a few minutes thinking and writing down some options on a sheet of paper. When he had finished, he presented them to Klee. Some were popular names in Mondstadt and others more unique. He seemed to have written down more than twenty options.

Klee went through them one by one, looking at the other child a few times to try and find one that matched.

"What about... [Name]?"

She pointed to one name in particular, drawing the attention of the other two to herself. It was a cool name with an even cooler meaning.

"I think it's a good name, but the final decision is up to the one who'll receive it."

"I... I like it!" Their smiles widened a little, causing Klee's to widen even more. Perhaps Klee had finally found a new friend to whom she could introduce Qiqi and Diona.

"So it will be [Name] until your mind remembers your real name."

Albedo smiled and patted both their heads gently. His hands, even with gloves, were cold; but that wasn't a problem at the time. His touch was gentle and gave a sensation of safety.

"Welcome, [Name]."

✦⸼࣪⸳♡ BONUS:

"So... you blow up the fish?"

[Name] was holding some of Klee's bombs cautiously. He was looking at the lake in front of them, where shoals were calmly passing by.

"Yes! Do you want to try?"

"Of course."

And that's how the first double solitary confinement in Mondstadt's history was carried out. The Intendant Grand Master's headaches were far from over.

[gx-gameon]

Since it was mentioned in a few posts that Seto was not informed of Banner's death, I can only imagine how he reacts to the FULL LIST of people that need to be replaced. Jaden: Yeah, so the janitor, a security guard, and the secondary nurse were actually Shadow Riders-slash-Duel Spirits, our Alchemy teacher-slash-Occult history teacher and head of Slifer Red was a Shadow Rider too and he was in a homunculus body so I might be having nightmares from finding his mummified corpse, oh and the Superintendent was the leader of the Shadow Riders and was in this weird life support system before he got young and swole so yeah you need to replace a lot of people. Seto: **trying to figure out how he's going to replace 5 positions over the course of a summer because they need to be good duelists too** Joey: ...I'll check with Mai to see if she's still in touch with Valon and his crew. Vivian too; they were close in the tag battle circuit. Yugi: Thank you Joey. I'll see if Bakura wants to replace Banner. I'm sure he would love to teach children about the Dark Arts.

You are correct. Seto sits Jaden down and is like okay the head of your dorm is dead. Who else is gone? *Insert your whole conversation here* Seto breaks something. That’s so many people to higher.

And you’re so right Bakura with his occult deck would be all over teaching children about the Dark Arts. He’s offended he wasn’t the first choice.

And I love Joey being like “we know people! Competent people!”

I was thinking about (and I can’t take full credit for this because I saw it floating around like 6ish years ago) Joey taking over as the head of the Slifer Dorms. Who beater than the king of the underdogs, who has the most growth in his series, to take the Slifer’s and raise them up. He’s the third best duelist in the world he’s got the credentials for it.

But I don’t think I can do it in this au because you know Joey would hear “there’s and evil cult in school grounds brainwashing people to join it” and he go, “not this crap again” as he struts across campus to handle this. Jaden and his gaggle of friends following behind thinking “omg we’re going to see Joy Wheeler duel!” And it turns into “omg we’re watching Joey Wheeler physically beat cult leader!” Joey, and exclent duelist and could win said I’m doing what I should have done the first time, and beats the crap out of Sartorius.

Sartorius: “ah Mr. Wheeler have you come for a duel” think he’s about to get Joey under his control.

Joey: rolling up his sleeves “not quite”

So ya Joey can’t be then head of Slifer dorm because season 2 would not happen or it would be greatly altered. Aster Phoenix shows up talking trash and trying to duel Jaden, ya no uncle Joey I mean Professor Wheeler said no.

They blow Jaden’s identity in a week because Joey watches Jaden win a duel and yells “that’s my nephew!!!!” Everyone looks at him “I mean my student!!!!” Everyone knows but Jaden and jeoy keep acting like they don’t.

Honestly this might have to be an au of my own au or I’ll make a new cannon where Joey is in charge of Slifer dorm from season 2 onwards (in a world where it’s cannon Jaden maybe??)

But the idea of Mai, Valon, Raphael, Vivian or Rebecca coming to teach is very fun.

It makes me want to add more of the cast in

Obviously Bakura is the occult teacher (wild that’s a job)

Maybe Serenity comes to work as the nurse (going into medicine after her eye surgery)

Duke teaches game making (an actual track the kids at duel academy can take)

Mai takes over the girl dorms and force them to allow more girls in (why are all girls automatically Obelisk? Do they only let in the best of the best girls and the mediocre boys can get in? You can’t convince me Mindy and Jasmine are the “best of the best” honestly I need someone to give me the enrollment rules for this school. Because I feel most of obelisk blue bought their way in and then there is everyone else. The red and blue uniforms being made girl and boy uniforms in 5Ds makes way more sense then what ever enrollment and ranking system is going on in Gx)

Also I’ve always loved Valon and Raphael and having them come in as security guards or something could be hilarious because the students are used the the security being pseudo military. Someone breaks the rules in season 2 and are expecting the military security but instead these three jacked bickers show up at their door. Because those three are not wearing any uniform.

I don’t know if any of this will be cannon but having Serenity on campus would actually be really fun. I wish we had more of her in cannon and her being the nurse puts her in an “active role” for season 3