#smuggler bazaar

[6goat6zombie6]

Oggi giuro che smetto, sta merda la detesto!

[blighted-elf]

Okay as promised, here's Ry'on's (somewhat complicated) family tree as of BG3. A couple facts: - None of the siblings have met their fathers, nor know who they are. All three are random Drow that Elryn thought decent enough to produce offspring with. There's no love between them. - Elryn works as a botanist in Menzoberranzan, and sells her plants in the Bazaar. - The older siblings were primarily responsible for raising their younger siblings. - Their family home in Duthcloim was small, cramped but cozy with bright fauna decorating the place. Trisslyn had her own room, Vorlen and Ry'on shared one, and Za'keth and Sydryn shared another. - Trisslyn is a Paladin of Lolth and is by far the most pious of all. - Vorlen is the resident scoundrel of the family. She travels all around the Underdark, often acting as a smuggler. Her and Ry'on are the only ones who are good at Sava. - Ry'on is the only sibling to have albinism, but her father also has it. It wasn't passed on to Vorlen or Za'keth. - Za'keth is the most experienced and talented with magic. - Kyslan's death was (quietly) hard on all of them, and was a big factor in Za'keth and Ry'on finally leaving for the surface and turning their backs on Lolth.

[making-me-nameless]

Time, the Updater

Got the Uncanny Incunabula from my weekly wage, and I'm almost ready for the lab. I'll buy Phosphorescent Scarabs at the Rat Market this weekend to upgrade to Memories of Light, and the rest is available from the Bazaar.

And I've got the right number of Myrrh-Scented Roses ready, too, so I'll just need the one card from the Smuggler.

[noxdont]

"the art of falling"

Cynolumi Oneshot

🌠cynolumi street performer au

🌠 3.6k words, romance

🌠 strangers to friends to lovers

🌠 love confessions

---

If one listens closely to the cautious whispers and words exchanged by merchants and mercenaries, they'd hear of the latest news about how the General Mahamatra seems to be visiting Caravan Ribat more frequently than usual. Theories and assumptions were thrown into the wind as the matra himself holds a powerful reputation. Who knows what business he was handling but if there's one thing that everyone could mutually agree on, Cyno was the kind of person that would leave ashes in his wake. Leaving no stone unturned and no crime unpunished on his trail.

Smugglers held their breaths as Cyno would walk into the town without much care despite how many eyes were glued on his back. He never visits in the mornings nor early afternoons. Only when the skies are painted in gold and the stars would slowly rise, then he'd make his appearance. Although the days he'd visit were not consistent, it still happened too often for the merchants' comfort.

"He must be handling an important business for one of the sages if he would be coming here this much?

"I heard that there was a big criminal hiding in Caravan Ribat and the General Mahamatra is taking his sweet time on hunting them down?"

"Well from what I heard, he's moving under the orders of Lesser Lord Kusanali."

Unbeknownst to them, Cyno merely has one purpose for his frequent visits. When a small crowd gathers by the stalls and a hypnotizing melody starts to play, Cyno would simply move to a more discreet location. Focusing on the subject of his frequent visits.

A golden haired woman danced as though she floated on air. Ever graceful and elegant as her body swayed in harmony to the beat of the music. The occasional jingles of her golden accessories were just as enchanting as the pink and scarlet silk which covers most parts of her body.

Amber eyes met scarlet ones. The young woman flashed him a knowing smile. Cyno held his breath just as she spun into a graceful turn, the flames' light trailing against porcelain skin.

A street performer, whose name reminded him of the evening stars, captured his attention on one peaceful night. While the desert slept and the fire burned awake, he couldn't tear his gaze away from the lone figure dancing fluidly to a familiar song. He never knew what it was called although he's heard it countless of times while passing the Grand Bazaar or walking through the lively streets of Port Ormos. He did not know much about the arts but he had thought of the song to be quite captivating, although he never expected himself to suddenly stop and watch someone dance along its rhythm, capturing its essence through polished movements and grace.

Since then, the image of her has stayed. A nameless street performer haunting even the corners of his mind until he was close to breaking while a certain forest watcher bore witness to his slow descent to internal madness.

"Why exactly are you hesitating? If it bothers you that much, you can simply just go back and ask for her name."

That had been the cause of the onslaught of visits. Cyno believed that as soon as he learned of her name then he would cease thinking of such trivial matters and things would go back to the way they were. Yet what he failed to foresee was his own actions– rather, lack thereof. Though the General Mahamatra had his fair share of troubled and frustrating experiences, it was never because he didn't know how to approach a woman.

"I hope I'm not being presumptuous but I've noticed you in the audience for quite some time now, am I perhaps in trouble? Or is there something you need from me, General Mahamatra?"

Cyno had to remind himself how the process of breathing worked when he finally snapped out of his momentary daze. Drenched in shades of blues and silver, the young performer walked up to him right after her routine before cautiously asking him that question.

"No, you're not in trouble nor do I have any business matters which may involve you." Her shoulders visibly relaxed and a pinch of guilt started creeping inside him.

Did she perhaps feel uncomfortable with him watching?

"I occasionally watched your performance, I do not know a lot of people who take on such art forms so I was a bit curious."

Something sparked in her eyes and before he could deduce what it was, she was already holding up her hand with a smile so sweet he could almost taste it.

"Lumine, although my stage name is Viatrix. Feel free to call me whichever you prefer."

Lumine. It suited her.

"Cyno." He gently shook her hand and mentally celebrated over the fact that his overdue curiosity has been finally sated.

"You mentioned you've watched a few of my performances, would it be alright to ask for your thoughts?"

"Unfortunately I'm not very familiar when it comes to the arts, would you still want to hear my thoughts despite my lacking knowledge?"

"Art has always been subjective and as a member of my wonderful audience, I would like to hear your thoughts."

"And is that all?" Somehow it didn't feel that way to Cyno.

"Hmm, maybe because I'm also curious what the General Mahamatra has to say about my dancing as well?"

He had not known the comment was playful or, in Kaveh's words, flirty until he hesitantly recounted the event to the architect who happened to be fond of different art forms. Curiosity practically oozed out from the blonde man and he even offered to provide any necessary aid if Cyno required them. The matra hadn't understood what he meant at that time.

Days passed and their short yet pleasant discussions became longer– venturing on to their personal interests, hobbies and eventually their lives. When Cyno wanted to know her name, he had no intentions of them being closer other than acquaintances. Though fate seemed to have other plans and in all honesty, he was not exactly against it either. Lumine was wonderful company. It's as if time became nonexistent when he was with her.

"There's no need to hold back yourself from laughing, I myself find the joke quite hilarious as well." Cyno gave her a reassuring smile just as he finished explaining the premise of the joke he had told her.

By the time he was done, Lumine's shoulders were shaking and her laughter littered the open air. Though he wasn't exactly sure if it was the joke that truly pushed her into a fit of laughter, knowing that he was able to make her smile during their time together still gave him a pleasant feeling.

~~~

Oddly enough he felt a bit nervous introducing her to Tighnari and Collei but as soon as he saw them get along so well, Cyno has never felt more relieved and ecstatic.

"When I said go ask for her name, I didn't mean that you should take her back with you." Despite Tighnari's words, Cyno could hear the smile in his voice as they prepared lunch. He liked her, Cyno could tell.

They both shared similar ideals and they were as open and unapologetic as the other. Maybe that's one of the reasons why it didn't take long for the matra to call her a worthy friend. Although the trait that stood out to him the most from their time together was the fact that Lumine was an attentive listener and freely expressed her own thoughts in a manner which everyone could understand.

"Dancing does not need to be precise and perfect all the time, it can be as simple as having fun. Although it can feel quite nerve wracking at the beginning but believe me when I say that it's normal. Here, why don't I teach you some simple steps?"

Collei looked ready to decline Lumine's offer but after a few encouraging seconds, she finally accepted. Cyno watched as Lumine patiently taught the young girl some simple steps which earned some curious looks from other forest rangers in the vicinity. One person came forward to join followed by another and another. Soon enough it seemed Lumine had gathered an interested audience as her students.

"She makes a wonderful teacher." Praises from Tighnari weren't rare but it feels more reassuring when it comes from him.

"She does." Cyno couldn't tear his gaze away. Even if she wasn't dancing, Lumine somehow manages to shine in her own way.

It didn't take too long for everyone to get up on their feet as they all swayed and danced to a familiar song in Sumeru. If Cyno wasn't mistaken, he's already seen a few people dance to this song especially on festive occasions. And surprisingly enough, even a few scholars secretly knew a few of its steps.

He watched the forest rangers dance with glee as the air filled with hearty laughter. From the corner of his eye, he noticed some rangers trying to persuade their fluffy eared watcher to join the fray. He could vividly feel Tighnari's pleading glances for help but chose to ignore it either way with a quiet chuckle. His silent amusement came to a halt when a familiar figure propped herself beside him, a knowing smile painted on her lips.

"I don't dance." Were the first words that came out of his mouth.

"We can change that." He begged to differ.

The General Mahamatra has never danced in his entire life.

"Just one dance, please?" But dear archons it was difficult to say no to her.

Lumine didn't have to ask a second time although Cyno did warn her how he knew nothing about dancing.

"Let's start with a few gentle sways then," the golden girl started, amber eyes shining in excitement as she started gently swaying them both to each sides.

Cyno tried to follow her lead and he could only assume he looked ridiculous on doing so. But soon enough, he found himself relaxing. Matching her steps while the music flowed around them until it eventually felt natural. Cyno may not know a single thing about the art of dancing but seeing Lumine's face light up in pure glee as he twirled her around and back into his arms was definitely worth all his stiffened sways and awkward stumbles.

She doesn't look down on others nor does she discriminate against those who are unfamiliar with her art form. Lumine was patient and careful when it came to explaining her love for her passion. She knew how to hold her ground and held it well. This has earned her commendable respect and admiration from multiple individuals, performers and even scholars she's come across in life. Cyno was simply one of the very few.

~~~

"You've been visiting more often, General Mahamatra, am I perhaps in trouble?" Cyno huffed at the familiar question, raising a brow towards the young dancer while she sat comfortably beside him on their usual seat by Gilded Dreams– the lone hotel in Caravan Ribat.

At this point, the question had become her usual greeting and a running inside joke to them both. The routine they've built over time was quite simple; he visits, she dances, they talk of various topics like how their day went or how their friends are doing until they need to retire for the night.

"You've done a wonderful performance today as well, a well deserved rest should be the one to greet you as soon as you're done," said Cyno while pushing the plate of Samosa towards the tired dancer by his side.

"But I love hearing your praises right after," She leans on to his shoulder before thanking him for the meal.

"If praises are what you seek then I'll simply have to compile a list and have them ready."

"I'd rather hear them directly from you." He pauses, Lumine's words echoing quietly in his mind.

Cyno never noticed when it started but conversing with her became frighteningly easy. It felt natural, listening to her voice, seeing her expressions and often getting caught off guard by her playful retorts. Lumine became a piece whom he instinctively seeks out when time permits or even when it does not. Mayhaps because she was another person he believed he could genuinely confide in without worrying about being judged. Cyno has never thought of her as anything more.

Not until he found himself wondering if her lips would be as soft as they looked when he caught himself staring at them while she rested on his shoulder. Or how he wanted to rest his arms around her when she leans in a bit closer before trailing his lips on her hair as he whispers the praises she seek.

Guilt tore through him mercilessly at such a thought and he wanted nothing more than to bury such thoughts as soon as possible. Like stone thrown into the undisturbed waters, the rippling effect caused his visits to lessen and excuses came pouring before he'd even begun to wonder how much he missed watching her dance under the starlit sky. Lumine didn't complain nor did she pry. Every time he tells her he can't go watch her for a while, he'll only see the quiet dim in her eyes before she tells him to always stay safe.

The growing distance drove him into what he could only describe as insanity. It did nothing to satiate the growing hunger to hold her closer and it stung every time she'd ask him if he'd come see her dance even just for a moment– even if he couldn't stay for the entirety of it.

Weeks passed and eventually one of them was bound to snap, Cyno genuinely thought he'd be the first to do so until Lumine finally came to approach him directly while he was dealing with a minor problem in the scorching desert of Sumeru.

"Lumine? What are you doing here? You shouldn't be traveling alone through the desert, the amount of risks and–"

"First of all, we both know full well that I am capable enough to handle a fight. Second, is that really the first thing you have to say after blatantly avoiding me for days on end?"

If looks could kill, Cyno would've already been long buried under the swirling sands. He tried finding the right words to say only to swallow them back down. Lumine had every right to be angry at him. He even went as far to ask Tighnari to lie for his sake and it earned him a very disapproving lecture from the forest watcher.

"If I did or have said anything that may have offended you then the least that you could do is tell me directly. I'm your friend aren't I?"

Her angered tone softened and her gaze eventually fell.

"Or have I made a fool of myself by thinking I was someone worthy enough to be called as one in your life?"

He didn't waste a second more as he heard those words and stepped closer, a hesitant hand reaching out to take her hand only for it to fall defeatedly on his side.

"You didn't do anything wrong. I," Cyno stumbled in his words, the same way he did when he first met her. The same way he did when she pulled him up to dance. It had been so easy to find the words when he spoke to her but now they can't even reach past his throat.

"A sudden thought came to me one day and it– I didn't know what to do. I was afraid that if I acted on it then it would break something that I have been cherishing. Because if I acted recklessly then everything would be irreparable."

"Break what? Me? If you're worried about my safety just because you're the General Mahamatra then I can reassure you that it's fine. See? I'm not hurt! In fact no one has dared to harm since you came into my life. I walked through the desert without anyone to look after me and I'm fine. Cyno, no matter how dangerous you believe it would be for me to stay by your side I'm not afraid to be with you."

"But I am."

The words came before he had the chance to think twice. Fear held his heart in a vice grip and he would rather she be angry at him for a while than for their relationship to be broken just because of his selfish desires.

How could he tell her? How could he look her in the eye and tell her how much he wants to gently trace his lips on her hands to her shoulders. To hold her close– close enough for her to finally hear the yearning in his chest. To kiss her, without guilt or shame. To just be with her without having any reason to.

How could he possibly tell her?

And yet as terrifying as it was, another part of him still wishes for her to know. Despite his fear, Cyno still wanted to take that risk and let all be damned.

"I'm not afraid of the people who'd come to know that you are dear to me. Lumine it isn't other people I'm scared of. It's myself. You have given me so much that I'm afraid that I'll start asking more from you."

"Then ask. I'm not someone who's blind enough to give anyone just about everything that's beyond my power but if it's something I am willing to offer, especially to you, then just ask. Because you are as dear to me as I am to you."

He hadn't noticed her stepping closer, her fingers smoothly slipping in between his while the other cupped his cheek. He allowed himself to succumb into her touch, taking in her warmth as she softly caressed his face. And it has never felt so divine to be held by someone like this. He caught the melting dusk in her eyes before they fell onto her lips. Since the day his thoughts wandered beyond being platonic, there have been moments where his mind remained on guessing on how her lips would feel or taste. Such wretched thoughts consumed him even on days when he kept himself away from the mere sight of her. And eventually he knew they were going to eat him alive.

"Cyno, I care for you more than you think. But I can only show you if you'd let me. So please let me."

He swallowed hard yet the lump in his throat seemed to remain despite his efforts to push it down. Cyno gathered every ounce of courage he could find inside as the stars rose above them before he was able to properly face her.

"I'm sorry. For suddenly making you feel as if you've wronged me because of my own cowardice and selfishness."

Despite his desire to keep all of those feelings buried, maybe all he needed was a reason for the dam to finally break.

"When I first saw you dancing in Caravan Ribat, I've always wondered how much a person could shine so brightly. As I got to know you, I also saw how mesmerizing you are as a person even after the music stops. I respected and admired you quietly, thinking that that was enough. But days with you have made me greedy."

A look of pure realization finally struck her and Cyno wanted to run. But he knew better than to do so and held his ground, hoping that the sand would be enough to keep him from doing anything more foolish.

"You've shown me a piece of your world and now I can't seem to escape it. No matter where I go and no matter how many days would pass, the urge to run to you never dims. I want you. I want you in my life not simply as someone I can admire but as someone I can love entirely."

Cyno could practically hear his own heartbeat drumming inside his chest while they both stood surrounded by the desert's deafening silence. Lumine has not once made the move to let go of his hand just as he didn't let go of hers. At the very least that gave him a sense of reassurance.

"I won't ask for an immediate answer, I know that it would take some time for you to weigh–"

Lumine stopped him before he could even finish with the deep press of her lips against his. It didn't feel impulsive or reckless and his chest swelled at the thought. Her hands had long found themselves caressing his cheek and neck just as he realized his own response. Kissing her back as deeply before snaking his arm on her waist and tilting her chin higher. Cyno felt like he was melting; into her touch, her lips and the entirety of her.

"You have no idea what you do to me." Lumine whispered as she drew back slightly, lips still touching while amber eyes meet scarlet ones in a tender gaze.

"I could say the same for you."

It's as if all those running doubts and fear in his mind finally came to a halt. This time, Cyno didn't feel the need to stop himself as he leaned in to rest his forehead against hers. In the back of his mind, he could hear the song that played on the night he saw her shine with the stars. Cyno wasn't familiar with the arts, but he could understand the emotions it could call within a person. Since then he has sought that shining light and in turn he fell for a star that burned brightly amongst the desert sky.

[the-noted-collector]

Answering a Discord question; If your OC had a signature item you could unlock in game (like the cherry man's cane or JC's debating lessons), what would it be?

Luc: Their ball mask. A mask of red and brass, one that speaks to both infernal leanings and society ties. One that covers half the face, allowing for indulgence to be undertaken behind the facade of a different visage. It's gifted, in a copy, in a letter, in a shared sadness, or a shared need to hide. Either that, or their jewelry. Brass and rubies and opals, infernal markings embedded in most of the pieces. It's stolen, in part. Not quite the mark to sell, but nice enough to keep. The mask likely gives Shadowy, but increases Scandal (it's a....very bright red), whereas the jewelry would give...maybe Persuasive? Perhaps baroque? Bizarre, most definitely.

Adam: Hm...a very specific knife. The one he first used to kill. He was scared, back then. Unsure, new to the Game, freshly out of home and without anyone with him. He kept the blade afterward; at first as a dreaded memory, then as a small token to humble beginnings. It's found, or stolen, or taken from behind a mirror. Probably gives Dangerous and PoC, maybe Dreaded?

Samantha: Her parasol. She keeps it with her doing anything. Be that sitting with a client, rich and obnoxious, trying to sell a medicore painting, a smuggling job where jail was on the line, or when she creates grand, blazing fires of the Bazaar's influences. Not a big thing, no, but enough. Orange and black and maybe a bit of Gant inbetween. The symbol of a woman who's given her life to a cause, and yet has somehow found happiness. It's gifted, like a package from a old friend, when she decides to get a new one. A strikingly similar piece, but a tad bigger now. It gives....maybe Respectable.

Endemannus: A particularly old journal. One that was with them during their most difficult time. Their most telling story. One unshared in English, written in Chakhar and blood. Waterstained pages have just barely managed to preserve the scratchy, messy writings of the dreaded captain's past, and the path that led them here. It's shared in hope. It's shared in fear. Perhaps it's shared even in a odd sort of affection. Increases Nightmares buildup, or gives nothing but a nice description.

Conley: A piece of webbing. Fought for, earned, exchanged for something else. Taken in a escape. There's nothing special to it to them. Simply another piece of another cacoon. But it's a story of one survival. Bizarre.

Edward: A radio. Not exactly his, no, never, but one similarly made and modified by him. A lovely gift, for a helper. One that isn't ridiculously overpriced by smugglers and the less savory of the unlawful. It works perfectly well, and has a special notch in it's casing near one of the knobs. His place on the radio frequency. Gives Shadowy (good communication, private), likely Bizarre to a degree, and increases Suspicion buildup (they're not exactly. Legally here).

Gale: A old candle, with a odd letter. A old one, to a lover turned sour. They're trying to get rid of it, you see, and her gifts. Your trusted not to do anything with them that might spell out badly for them. The candle is citrus, melted a bit at the sides. The letter has some....questionable details to it. Gives...I dunno. I dunno for any of these. I am guessing.

Sal: A candle. Not like the ones they give to her cast-off lovers, like a parade line, no. This one is special. One she always loves to use in their parlor, a mixture of rose and citrus and something you can't quite place. Apparently the last to have one isn't quite the same anymore. Let's hope that's not due to the candle itself. Given in a hopeful affection. Given in a very frightening amount of affection, with a growing pile of other gifts.

Mary: A old, worn pen. The ink dried up years ago, and it's a tad bent. It brings up memories of a trio gone sour, of a madness, of descent and all that came with it. Of scars, of damage that can not be undone. The pen itself is not special. The memories are. She is trying to move on. She gives it to you in the hopes that you will not follow her footsteps.

Grace: A poison. A vial of the poison you helped to create. How the two of you managed to get cosmogone in it is anyone's guess. Why it has the additional warning of sunlight is even more confusing (and worrying). It's sent in a package, a small little box. It has a note of the warnings, and to thank you for your help. She's quite excited to see what happens in further testing and application. You don't want to know what that means. You don't want to think about it anymore.

[bizarrebazaar13]

stolen kiss....?

stolen kiss: if you could add one canon spouse option to the game, who would it be?

the once-dashing smuggler would be cool, the story kind of just ends abruptly and then you can only see him in the tomb colonies on a opportunity card. let me be his legally bound pen pal or something. he was so fun to hang out with.

on the other (and much less realistic) hand, I want to marry Lilac. you have to hang out with her for multiple feasts of the rose to build up a quality called Lilac’s Affections or something, and then when it hits a certain point, you can get her as a companion and then a spouse. it would have to be called “Second in the Heart of the Lady in Lilac” or something because of her whole thing with the bazaar but I’d be down.

oh you know what would fuck severely. I understand why this isn’t a thing, I can only imagine the complaining, but! ambition exclusive spouses. bonus points if there are extra for nemesis and light fingers. we need more tie-ins.

…that’s definitely more than one lmao. if I was going to pitch one of these, it would be the smuggler, though.

[strawberrystepmom]

kendall as a former Star Wars Blogger i am begging you to cast me in this au, please utilize all of your immense and ethereal wisdom to place me where i belong uwu

you travel with a band of smugglers who don't want to put you in the middle of their dirty work but know you're very capable. you're known across the galaxy as being a part of their gang yet no one would dare toss you out of a single cantina or bazaar

[jalabharmooton]

THE GENERATIONAL EMPIRE OF HOUSE MOOTON LED AND ORGANIZED BY THE RULING MOOTON

Current Master; Lord Qorban 'Jalabha Qo' Mooton. Current Second; Wanted Connection LADY __ MOOTON, age 27, sister of Qorban Brothel Boss; NPC Chanta Xaaqu, 45, Priestess of Maidenpool runs the many brothels operated by house Mooton in the Red District with 5 women who work under her at the other locations. Smuggler; Wanted Connection MOOTON COUSIN, age 30, trades in illicit goods and smuggling

The Brothels:

The Swooning Cage - Highend Brothel, rooms, serving girls, menus. There are no signs this place is a brothel and has the look of a highend Inn. Reputation proceeds this place.

The Pink Bazaar - Knights prefer this place, warriors, and guards come here. Price range and specialized cilents allow for more information to come out in pillow talks.

Chased Bird - Inn and Brothel frequented by merchants and traders who can't afford The Swooning Cage.

Spiced Hare - Bar, standard brothel.

The Sinking Hole - The establishment matches the name.

Upon being informed of the raid on that will take place in Oldtown, Qorban sent word to his sister in Maidenpool. 'Unlock the cage and shutter the bazaar. Let them serve meals and ale, no more or less. Rooms and no curtains. Pluck the bird clean. Skin the hare. Let the hole sink.'

NOTE: If and when these warriors pour into the Red District they will find few lords of the Riverlands to embarrass in establishments owned by the Mootons. This will be a hit to their income but with smuggling and secrets Qorban believes this will give them a chance to get by until they can rework the most important members of their spy ring.

[daemonya]

The Misty Archipelago

From the Imperial Chronicler's Records

GEOGRAPHY & TERRITORIES

NATURAL FEATURES

Perpetual fog banks

Volcanic islands + hot springs

Treacherous reefs + whirlpools

Hidden coves + sea caves

Bioluminescent coral

Underwater ruins

Geothermal vents

Sacred waterfalls

NOTABLE TERRITORIES

Ghostlight Bay (sacred lighthouse)

Leviathan's Maw (whirlpool)

Pearl Kingdom (merfolk capital)

Shipbreaker Coast (graveyard)

Dragon's Steam (volcanic range)

Whale Road (migration path)

Smuggler's Haven (hidden port)

Mirror Lakes (ritual sites)

Singing Cliffs (resonant caves)

Coral Forest (underwater maze)

SETTLEMENTS

MIYAKO-JO (Capital)

Floating castle-city

Lighthouse Pagoda + Navigation Guild HQ

Pearl District (merfolk embassy)

Mist Gates (tidal barriers)

Storm Bells (warning system)

Silent Market (night bazaar)

Whalesong Temple (sacred site)

Fog Gardens (meditation grounds)

Salt Quarter (preservation district)

Shipwright's Row (construction docks)

KEY SETTLEMENTS

Stormhaven (weather station)

Pearl's Rest (merfolk colony)

Tidewatch (coastal fortress)

Mistweavers' Academy (fog magic)

Whale's Welcome (hunting port)

Hidden Harbor (secret dock)

Shell Palace (summer court)

Storm's Eye (monastery)

Coral Heights (underwater city)

Driftwood (fishing village)

SOCIETY & GOVERNANCE

DEMOGRAPHICS

Humans (surface dwellers)

Merfolk (underwater realms)

Spirit Folk (fog dwellers)

Storm Giants (sea lords)

Mixed bloodlines common

Clan-based society

High nautical literacy

POWER STRUCTURE

Shogunate + noble clans

Navigation Guild

Storm Priests

Merfolk Council

Trading Houses

SPECIES RELATIONS

Human-Merfolk treaties

Spirit Folk advisors

Storm Giant protection pacts

Mixed-species crews

Underwater embassies

Surface trade agreements

CULTURE & LAW

VALUES & CUSTOMS

Maritime supremacy

Ancestral worship

Weather divination

Fog magic mastery

Naval discipline

Trade secrecy

Storm ritual cycles

Marine conservation

Navigation rights

Clan honor codes

ISOLATIONIST POLICIES

Restricted harbors

Fog barrier maintenance

Foreign ship quotas

Trade regulations

Lighthouse permits

Navigation licenses

Cultural preservation

Marriage restrictions

Knowledge control

Port quarantines

CURRENT TENSIONS

Surface-Underwater relations

Foreign influence fears

Storm Giant tribute

Trade route control

Fog barrier weakening

Piracy increase

ECONOMY

Shipbuilding

Pearl cultivation

Whale products

Navigation services

Exotic seafood

Weather forecasting

Maritime insurance

MILITARY

Storm Caller ships

Merfolk scouts

Fog barrier patrol

Giant squid cavalry

Weather mages

Underwater fortresses

Tidal artillery

[xasha777]

In the neon-drenched streets of Neo-Istanbul, beneath the glowing signs of cybernetic enhancement parlors and exotic spice markets, Cassandra found herself at a crossroads, not just in the labyrinthine alleys of the city, but in her life. Dressed in a leather outfit adorned with gears and arcane symbols, she was more than just a passerby. She was a renegade clockwork sorceress, wielding ancient magics meshed with futuristic technologies, on a mission that could alter the fabric of reality.

Her destination was Tavşan Islet, a mysterious artificial island floating in the middle of the Bosphorus, shrouded in rumors and digital fog. It was said that the islet housed the Quantum Keystone, a device capable of bending time and space, which had recently caught the attention of the city's shadowy factions.

As Cassandra ventured deeper into the city's underbelly, she was followed by drones, their cameras flickering in the humid night air. Evading them through crowded bazaars and over rooftops, she finally reached the water’s edge where her contact, a cyborg smuggler named Eren, awaited with a stealth boat.

“The Keystone must not fall into the wrong hands," Eren warned as they skimmed across the dark waters towards Tavşan Islet. The city’s skyline receded behind them, leaving only the sound of waves against the hull and the faint hum of the boat's electric motor.

Arriving at the islet, they found it abandoned, or so it seemed. Cassandra’s senses tingled with magical energy pulsating through the air. They navigated through a network of derelict buildings and high-tech security systems, remnants of a bygone era when Tavşan Islet was a hub for experimental tech.

Deep inside a forgotten laboratory, they discovered the Quantum Keystone, not much larger than an ancient tome, its surfaces etched with glowing runes and circuitry. As Cassandra reached out to it, the air crackled with electricity.

Suddenly, they were ambushed by agents of the ChronoSyndicate, a powerful cartel that had been manipulating events across timelines. A fierce battle ensued, blending spellcraft and technology, Cassandra’s sorcery against the agents’ time-distorting weapons.

With quick thinking and Eren's aid, Cassandra activated the Keystone. A wave of energy erupted, enveloping them in a temporal shield. The agents’ weapons backfired, caught in their own time loops.

As dawn broke over Neo-Istanbul, Cassandra and Eren escaped with the Keystone, the city unaware of how close it had come to chaos. They knew the battle was just beginning, for with the power to change the past, every choice could reshape the future. And Cassandra, with one foot in ancient myths and the other in a world of tomorrow, would be at the heart of that storm.

[onlygamemedia]

Hearthstone Battlegrounds Patch Notes 28.2.3 Exciting Updates and Adjustments

Hearthstone Battlegrounds Patch Notes 28.2.3 Hearthstone Battlegrounds welcomes a new wave of updates with Patch Notes, introducing exciting changes to spells, heroes, armor, minions, and more. The meta remains healthy, but adjustments aim to balance overperformers and provide extra support to Quilboars, Murlocs, and Undead. As we move into the new year, continuous monitoring and adjustments will ensure a dynamic and engaging experience for players. Click the link for the different game’s patch notes!

Hearthstone Battlegrounds Patch Notes

Hero Updates: - Tae’thelan Bloodwatcher: - Old: Passive. Every third Tavern spell you buy costs (0). - New: Passive. Every third Tavern spell you buy costs (1) less. - Lich Baz’hial: - Old: - New: - Fish of N’Zoth (from N’Zoth’s Hero Power): - Old: After a friendly Deathrattle minion dies, gain its Deathrattle. - New: After a friendly Deathrattle minion dies in combat, gain its Deathrattle. Armor Updates: - Heroes like Murloc Holmes, Heistbaron Togwaggle, and Xyrella now have less Armor. - Others, including Tae’thelan Bloodwatcher, Lich Baz’hial, and Professor Putricide, now have more Armor. Minion and Spell Updates: - Whelp Smuggler: - Old: 2/5 - New: 2/3 - Bronze Sandspewer: - Old: 2/2 - New: 1/1 - Nether Drake: - Old: 2/5. At the end of your turn, give your Dragons +1 Attack. - New: 2/4. At the end of your turn, give your other Dragons +1 Attack. - Ignition Specialist: - Old: 2/2 - New: 8/8 - Mystic Sporebat: - Old: 4/1 - New: 5/1 - Sprightly Scarab: - Old: 5/2. Choose One – Give a Beast +1/+1 and Reborn; or +4/+4 and Taunt. - New: 2/1. Choose One – Give a Beast +1/+1 and Reborn; or +3/+3 and Taunt. - Spellbound Seafarer: - Old: 4/5. After you buy 3 cards, get a random Tavern spell. - New: 4/6. After you buy 4 cards, get a random Tavern spell. - Trembling Trolley: - Old: 0/9. Avenge (3): Get a random Tavern spell. - New: 0/10. Avenge (4): Get a random Tavern spell. - Lighter Fighter: - Old: 5/1. Deathrattle: Deal 5 damage to the lowest Health enemy minion twice. - New: 4/1. Deathrattle: Deal 4 damage to the lowest Health enemy minion twice. - Humming Bird: - Old: 0/5 - New: 2/4 - Niuzao: - Old: 6/5 - New: 7/6 - Bazaar Dealer: - Old: 3/6 - New: 2/4 - Imposing Percussionist: - Old: 4/4 - New: 6/6 - Utility Drone: - Old: 6/7. At the end of your turn, give your minions +1/+1 for each Magnetization they have. - New: 4/5. At the end of your turn, give your minions +2/+1 for each Magnetization they have. - Swampstriker: - Old: 1/4 - New: 1/5 - Heedless Hoarder: - Old: 5/6 - New: 4/5 - King Bagurgle: - Old: 6/4. Battlecry: Give your other Murlocs +2/+3. - New: 6/3. Battlecry: Give your other Murlocs +3/+3. - Moon-Bacon Jazzer: - Old: 2/5 - New: 1/3 - Paint Smudger: - Old: 5/3 - New: 3/2 - Geomagus Roogug: - Old: - New: - Snarling Conductor: - Old: 5/5. At the start of your turn, discard a spell to gain 3 Gold. - New: 4/5. At the start of your turn, discard a spell to gain 4 Gold. - Bristlebach: - Old: 2/10. Avenge (1): Play a Blood Gem on all your Quilboar. - New: 3/10. Avenge (2): Play 2 Blood Gems on all your Quilboar. - Reef Riffer: - Old: 1/2 - New: 1/1 - Nerubian Deathswarmer: - Old: 1/3 - New: 1/4 - Mummifier: - Old: 3/2 - New: 5/2 - Moroes, Steward of Death: - Old: 6/2. Reborn. Deathrattle: Give your Undead +6 Health. - New: 6/1. Reborn. Deathrattle: Give your Undead +2/+6. - Grave Gobbler: - Old: 3/4. At the start of your turn, destroy the Undead to the left of this to gain +4/+4. - New: 4/3. At the start of your turn, destroy the Undead to the left of this to gain +5/+5. - Archlich Kel’Thuzad: - Old: 7/4 - New: 10/8 - Motley Phalanx: - Old: 5/5. Taunt. Deathrattle: Give a friendly minion of each type +5/+5. - New: 4/4. Taunt. Deathrattle: Give a friendly minion of each type +4/+4. - Lantern Light: - Old: - New: - Staff of Enrichment: - Old: Minions in the Tavern have +2/+2 this game. - New: Minions in the Tavern have +1/+2 this game. - Fleeting Vigor: - Old: Give a minion +5/+5 until next turn. - New: Give a minion +6/+6 until next turn. - Echoing Roar: - Old: - New: - Armor Stash: - Old: - New: - Buddy Up: - Old: - New: - Developer Comment: Additionally, Piloted Whirl-o-Tron has been removed from this pool. - Sacred Gift: - Old: - New: Minion Pool Updates: - Felfin Navigator has been removed from the minion pool. - Coldlight Seer, Sore Loser, and General Drakkisath have returned to the minion pool, with Coldlight Seer now in Tier 2 instead of Tier 3. Bug Fixes and Game Improvements: - Boomboss Tho’grun has undergone a text-only update for clarity. - Various bugs in Titus’ Tribute and Upper Hand have been fixed, returning both to the Tavern Spell pool. - Silas Darkmoon’s hero power bug triggered by Ritual of Growth has been resolved. - Minions no longer lose buffs when locked in hand by Maiev Shadowsong's hero power. - Strike Oil now works correctly with Ambassador Faelin. - Annoy-o-Module no longer gives an additional buff when Magnetized. - Tavern Spell visual sigil effects now work correctly from the opponent’s perspective, regardless of how they were obtained. With these comprehensive changes, Hearthstone Battlegrounds promises an enriched and more balanced gaming experience. Embrace the meta shift, experiment with new strategies, and may your battles in the Tavern be filled with excitement and triumphs! You can check the Hearthstone Patch Notes official web site! Read the full article

[house-of-mirrors]

I too had a rough time understanding it and I'm hoping it was just rushed and not intentionally obtuse. (There were SO MANY TYPOS I cri.) Remaining optimistic.

From what I understand, we went to meet with the elder starved people to ask what was causing rain. The elders were afraid of this winged guardian/scribe that wanted to destroy London, and the elders were locked in the throat with this guardian and thought everyone who went to war on both sides were dead

The residents of the throat learned people lived and tried to drop that stalactite on the bazaar but some weird neath magic happened that erased the whole stalactite from the present and past to keep it from falling (chthonosophy is in part the study of beginnings and we got the stat from the action, probably related to unwriting the beginning, idk). The guardian escaped to report to a senior scribe who seemed to be a source of fear for it. Only you and the duchess remember it happening, the guardian escaped to a different place where higher powers lurk, and we still don't know where the water is coming from.

Small details at this point seem to suggest Storm and Salt may be involved. Salt is related to the White, whose involvement also seemed to be suggested by the winter woods in the dream of following fire. The Last Duchess is French and comes from the era of the War of the Roses, and I am reasonably confident she's Mary of Burgundy. She had the same dream of following fire that we did, right before her city was lost.

Next we have to go to another part of the roof, frequented by smugglers, to gather more info.

hey can someone who is better at reading than me give me a quick summary of what happened in the first chapter of firmament??

i played it but. i could not follow the events that were happening due to me being a big thicky bo-bo who can't read good

[somethingusefulfromflorida]

Story Idea: The Great Silk Road Heist

An Arabian trader tries to smuggle silk worms westward from China, and becomes the known world’s most wanted man.  May or may not include a scene where he’s being chased through a bazaar and knocks over a tray of spices.  Bonus points if he pawns off the worms onto an unsuspecting merchant who gets dragged into the international intrigue against his will.  They’re on the run from imperial soldiers, and just need to make it over the mountains to freedom

[arden-in-the-garden]

If you're out there Failbetter Games, I can't believe your list of marriage candidates don't include some of the most marry-able characters??

The Jovial Contrarian? Feducci? Any of the Masters?? Any Devil or Deviless?? THE ONCE-DASHING SMUGGLER????? WE HAD AN ENTIRE STORYLINE OF DATES WITH HIM I CAN'T BELIEVE HE WASN'T INCLUDED

Anyway @ FBG hire me as a writer for some new PoSI marriage candidates

[moonfishcake]

yandere! Zhongli headcanons

A/N: A little character analysis piece with my thoughts on how Zhongli might behave if he was a yandere. I didn’t manage to fit everything in so might make a part 2!

Warnings: Yandere themes, unhealthy relationships

Luckily for you, Zhongli is not the type to jump into any kind of relationship head first, so his obsession isn’t going to come as a startling surprise. No, Zhongli is meticulous, rational and composed, maintaining an emotional distance even with those he considers to be his closest associates. It’s a defence mechanism he’d developed over the years, after watching how tragically humans succumb to the passage of time.

He is especially reluctant to indulge in a relationship of a romantic nature - I personally headcanon that he and Guizhong did have a deeper relationship, and her passing had left him particularly distraught. How could he possibly live through another heartbreak? How could he possibly open his heart up for a mortal, far, far more fragile and temporary than Guizhong had ever been?

...And yet Zhongli desperately strives for connection, a way to quench his loneliness. While he might blend in effortlessly now that he has a body made of flesh and bone, his ancient mind is restless. There is no escaping what he truly is at the core - a great, but lonely God. After all, what mortal could ever sympathize with the pain of a God? And how can a God relate to the struggles of common folk? In the land of his own subjects, he is but a stranger, a welcome, but a temporary guest.

Your relationship would start off on a basis of a contract, inevitably. It would probably be innocent at first, with barely any red flags (other than the fact he’s broke). He’d tempt you in with his outlandish stories of wars, adventure and the affairs of Gods, which would provide you with the much needed respite from the monotony of your life. In exchange, you’d tell him of your trivial woes, daily trips to the bazaar, bothersome smugglers lounging at the harbour.

He is generous - giving you his full presence at all times, lending a listening ear, offering advice (in form of largely convoluted idioms that you struggle to decipher) and showing you around the city. You offer to guide him and help him learn more about Liyue, and indirectly more about himself.

"Ah, has today been exhausting, my dear? Please, tell me more... Even if a little, I would be ecstatic to help relieve some of your troubles. Hm? ‘Only trivial matters’? Surely you must know by now that nothing’s trivial in my eyes when it comes to you.”

Your bond is built on friendship, which makes it so easy for you to ignore the warning signs. How entranced he grows with you, eyes glossing over every time you speak, how he starts offering you advice on matters you never brought up with him, how his presence grows more commanding, imposing. To him, you offer a sanctuary - he had stumbled across Liyue like an infant, every day more exhausting than last, and he was beginning to think he’d never grow to call this place home, but here you stood before him, with your trivial struggles, your small, cramped world that never saw evil, that lit up whenever you saw fresh fish at bazaar stalls or ritual decorations plastered across the streets.

He may have sworn off his status as a God, but old habits perish hard.

He worms his way into your life gradually; even he does not realize, or recognize the sinister desire to dominate your life, and have you devote yourself to him. He’s a humble God, but a God nonetheless - he feels entitled to your time and presence; but at the same time he is far above everything else, so he makes sure to reciprocate.

He is a friend, a wise ancient God, a kind, well-mannered gentleman, and the poor little naive you cannot even fathom he might have any ulterior motives when his visits grow more frequent, when your conversations become more personal. You both soothe and ignite his loneliness, and Zhongli wants to possess all of you - starting with your mind. And in order to do that, he needs to learn everything about you, from your little dark secrets to your intimate desires. He knows better than anyone how powerful knowledge can be.

Zhongli is patient, so I don’t see him as someone who would kidnap you. He’s willing to wait until he has stripped all of your lines of defence, until he has settled deep into your mind, to the point you do not feel confident enough making decisions by yourself. While it might have not been his intent, you do feel small whenever you’re around him. He’s a God after all, with an overwhelming amount of experience and knowledge. He knows better. It feels suffocating having him around, but it would surely be even worse without him, right? Even when you’re frantic, he’s always calm and collected, and he always has a solution. He always knows a way, the best way. After all, he is the one who’s got more experience, the one who lived through more pain, and loss, and suffering. Can’t you see he’s just trying to spare you the pain? How did you even live your life before him?

“I gave you my word before, dearest, to always be there for you if anything were to happen. After all, I have been on this land for a time, and have come to know a thing or two. It would be my greatest honour to use this knowledge to save you this grief.... Ahh, my darling, please, do not cry. It breaks my heart to see you like this.”

While he may be patient, he is the God of Contracts, after all, so he ropes you into a contract in regards to your relationship sooner or later. It doesn’t necessarily have to be marriage - though he would prefer - he just wants something as proof that you are bound to him, and the expectations from both sides of the party. And as soon as you’re in, a more sinister side of his personality rears its ugly head.

He takes rules, agreements and contracts very seriously, and expects that same kind of attitude from you too. I don’t see him ever being violent with you or anyone else really, but he makes it very clear that breaking any of the clauses of your agreement will have consequences. I think he would rely mostly on mentally taxing punishments, like isolation. In particular, he’d want to isolate you from the rest of the world, your friends and family. It would not only make you two grow closer, in his sick and twisted mind, but would also afford you more sympathy for him - after all, this is how he has been feeling before he met you. Maybe now you will understand his suffering, his impossible yearning for you? Maybe now you will remember your duties as his spouse, and act accordingly... Unless you’d prefer to spend another couple of months alone in the cellar? He’s not sadistic, so it does greatly sadden him to separate from you. If you continue to cry and scream, he’d probably not be able to carry on, grief eating away at him day after day... And yet he is stubborn. He knows he is helping you learn, so he cannot give in.

“My love, I’m only asking you to abide by the contract, the guideliness we both agreed on. It is not a large request. If you continue to disregard our agreement, how can there be any trust between us? I am your husband, dearest, and I know in my heart you did not intend to deceive me. You only need time to think about this, to understand... It saddens me to part from you but this has to be done for your own good.”

On a separate note, if you push Zhongli’s buttons a little too much, you might be met with something far more terrifying than you could have anticipated - the Wrath of a God. I do believe that Zhongli has a deeper layer to his personality, one that we don’t really see in game. It is heavily implied that during his days as Morax, he had a very different disposition to present day Zhongli. Venti describes him as “brutish blundering buffoon”; and some of his gentlemanly, knowledgable mannerism was due to Guizhong’s influence. It’s probably not something that Zhongli would want to revert back to, but if you push him past his limit, you may come face to face with a brute of a God that had no qualms for destruction... (i might expand on his more in another post cus its actually interesting)

His treatment of you really depends on how you treat him as well. He is a firm believer that fairness is the foundation of all contracts, as well as relationships - so it’s only natural that if he gives you something, you give it back in return, right? If you refuse to reciprocate and continue to throw tantrums like a child, he will treat you like one, and keep you under house arrest. If you are kind and soft towards him, he will act the same way towards you. Zhongli is surprisingly easy to manipulate despite his years of experience.

Making memories with you is very important to him, so whenever he plans something for the two of you, he expects you to be on your best behavior. He actually plans quite nice dates all around - to operas, plays, restaurants, trips around nature - yet he regrettably rarely asks for your opinion. Partially because he knows best, and partially because he knows what you like. He’d been poking around your brain ever since the two of you met, and you’re convinced he knows you better than anyone else in your life. It still feels dehumanizing, but even if you bring it up, he’d fail to understand your emotions. He loves you - he wants to spare you the headache of making these choices!

“You are so sensitive, so fragile, my blossom. Why would I ever trouble you over such menial matters? After all, I am your husband, and I am more than happy to spoil my dearest spouse. Have I done something to upset you on this occassion? If you prefer, we can stay in... No? Well, then you best start getting ready for our outing - I cannot wait to see how splendid you’ll look in your new attire...”

As the two of you spend more time together, he does open up to you, at least to some degree. He grows sentimental on autumn evenings when Liyue’s trees bloom in gold - he tells you about all of the recipes, fashion fads, books and paintings that have been lost in time... And how much he wishes he could go back sometimes. The two of you still share conversations - after all, he loves your mind, and he soaks up every word you utter.

As a God, he definitely has his power freak tendencies. He wants to be in control of every aspect of your life, and he wants you to depend on him entirely. Having that kind of power over you is exciting and addicting. You will probably thrash and struggle at first, hating how he imposes his own choices and wishes upon you. But he is persistent and patient, and his efforts will ultimately dull away both your agency and your will. Was Almond Tofu always your favorite thing to eat, or has Zhongli forced you to start liking through his silent determination? Did you always like wearing golden jewellery, or did Zhongli force you to wear it for so long you forgot? Ultimately, it becomes difficult to separate what you were to begin with, and what Zhongli wanted you to become.

He justifies his tendencies by his desire to ensure you stay so lovable and innocent - but in truth, he wants to make sure your world stays simple and completely under his thumb. He wants to become your pilar, even for the most menial and mundane tasks. His controlling tendencies ultimately spill over to intimate facets of your life such as the type of literature you read, the food you eat, the clothing, perfume and jewellery you wear, the daily routine you follow. It’s humiliating, not being able to make any choices of your own. It’s humiliating to feel as though you are his pet, with no agency of your own.

Your mortality is one thing that absolutely terrifies him. When he’s not busy over-controlling every aspect of your life, he’s trying to find a way to ensure you can stay by his side for as long as he lives. At least partially his obsession with your diet is to ensure you do not succumb to any illness - after all, mortals are so fragile. He is not ready to part with you, ever, so he visits all of Teyvat’s wisest men, alchemists, apothecaries, libraries. Your own desires do not really factor into this decision, unsurprisingly. I’m 100 percent certain he would find a way to keep you around with him, and that it would likely be something less than ethical. One particularly sinister idea would involve him trying to recreate something akin to Qiqi with his darling. You’d forever stay young, with a poor memory (becoming a bit more lenient to his ‘mistakes’), require constant care to ensure your body does not get stiff, and abide all orders from Zhongli. You would essentially become a completely dependent living doll for him, and believe me when I say that he’d thrive in his role as your protector.

“You look so beautiful, my love. Now please, smile for me - there, just like that. You truly are perfect, so safe in my arms like this. What’s the matter? You can’t... ‘remember’? Hush now, my darling, there is no reason to be upset. I’ll tell you all you need to know. You trust me, correct? So just relax, and follow my lead...”

And even though he may initially force you to depend on him, he’ll sustain you a comfortable living, perhaps even more comfortable than you could have achieved on your own. That’s why escaping him will probably only ever be a thought in your head, a distant fantasy - because in reality, you know you cannot survive without him. He had corrupted your mind to the point you’re not sure you’d even be able to eat without him by your side.

It’s a debilitating realisation - you can no longer function as a human being.

But it’s alright, Zhongli reassures you.

Because he will always be by your side ♥

[swan2swan]

Another Star Wars planet concept:

A world of 30 billion people, largely urbanized, with a moon of 2 billion. 

There’s a primarily-agrarian planet closer to the sun, populated by about one billion people. About every six standard months, the inner planet swings out close to the primary planet. During that time, a mass exodus from the farming world takes place--thousands of space farmers with non-hyperspace-capable freighters making an enormous trip at sublight, taking several days to a week to reach the primary planet with their wares. 

All along space between the planets are bazaars, fairs, hotels, diners, colony stations, and a massive security satellite that keeps traffic flowing and enforces a no-hyperspace rule to keep smugglers, pirates, and other ne’er-do-wells from interfering with this interplanetary farmer’s market.

The whole premise of this being that we still haven’t explored sublight culture and space stations enough in Star Wars.