#snow capables of produce visions...

[ladymisteria]

I'm wondering if there's s correlation... 🤔🤔🤔

[technology098]

Impact Of Sora AI on Content Service Platform

The emergence of Sora AI has significantly transformed the landscape of Content Service Platforms (CSPs), offering a new paradigm in how content is managed, distributed, and consumed. This AI-driven technology has not only streamlined operations for businesses but also enhanced the user experience for consumers. In this blog, we'll delve into the impact of Sora AI on Content Service Platforms, exploring both its benefits and challenges.

What is Sora AI?

According to the OpenAI website, Sora is an advanced AI model designed to transform brief text descriptions into elaborate, high-definition video clips that can last up to a minute. This technology is named "Sora," a Japanese term for "sky," symbolizing its boundless potential and innovative capabilities. Sora excels in producing videos of high visual fidelity that precisely follow the provided text prompts, enabling the generation of both realistic and imaginative scenes from mere descriptions.

OpenAI has released sample videos claimed to be directly generated by Sora, without any alterations. These samples include vivid scenarios such as "A litter of golden retriever puppies playing in the snow, with their heads popping out," showcasing the model's ability to create highly realistic and dynamic scenes. The quality, texture, scene dynamics, camera movements, and consistency of these videos are so refined that it becomes challenging to distinguish between footage created by Sora and actual recorded video.

How to Access Sora?

Upon its release, Sora Ai is anticipated to provide a seamless user experience, encouraging in-depth exploration of its capabilities. Users might be able to access Sora through various means, such as a bespoke platform, integration with current OpenAI services, or via specific apps crafted to maximize its text-to-video conversion potential.

As OpenAI unveils further information regarding Sora's incorporation and application usage, the precise methods of accessing it will be more clearly defined.

How Does Sora Work?

According to OpenAI's technical documentation, Sora is primarily engineered to interpret written material, transforming it into a sequence of images and videos that effectively communicate the desired narrative or message. This operation utilizes advanced AI methodologies that analyze the text to identify core themes, emotions, and narrative components, subsequently translating these elements into visual representations.

This efficient conversion of text into visual content likely utilizes advancements in natural language processing, machine learning, and computer vision technologies to ensure a fluid transition.

Impact of Sora AI on Content Service Platform

The impact of AI technologies like Sora AI on Content Service Platforms (CSPs) can be substantial, transforming the way content is managed, distributed, and consumed. Here are several key points that highlight the impact of such AI on CSPs:

Enhanced Personalization: Sora AI can analyze user behavior, preferences, and interaction data to deliver highly personalized content recommendations. This improves user engagement and satisfaction by ensuring users find content that is relevant to their interests more efficiently.

Automated Content Curation: AI can automate the process of content curation, categorizing and tagging content based on its characteristics and user interactions. This reduces the manual effort required to manage large volumes of content and improves the discoverability of content within the platform.

Improved Content Creation: With AI, CSPs can leverage natural language generation (NLG) to create content automatically. This can be particularly useful for generating reports, summaries, or even news articles based on data inputs, significantly reducing the time and resources needed for content creation.

Content Optimization: AI algorithms can analyze content performance data to identify what types of content are most engaging or effective. This insight can guide content creators in optimizing their content strategies for better engagement and ROI.

Enhanced Security and Compliance: AI can help in identifying and managing sensitive or copyrighted content, ensuring that the content distributed through the platform adheres to legal and regulatory standards. This is crucial for maintaining the trust and safety of the platform.

Efficient Search and Discovery: AI-powered search functionalities can go beyond keyword matching to understand the context and intent behind user queries. This leads to more accurate and relevant search results, enhancing the user experience on the platform.

Predictive Analytics: By analyzing user data and content interaction patterns, Sora AI can provide predictive insights regarding future content trends and user behaviors. This allows CSPs to proactively adapt their strategies to meet anticipated demands.

Click Here for More

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While the applications of Sora AI are vast and varied, its adoption comes with challenges and ethical considerations. Issues related to data privacy, security, and the potential for bias in AI algorithms are of paramount concern. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI applications is crucial to build trust and mitigate potential negative impacts on society.

Conclusion

The impact of Sora AI on Content Service Platforms is profound, offering transformative benefits in personalization, content management, and creation. However, as with any technological advancement, it is crucial to navigate the challenges with careful consideration. By addressing concerns related to data privacy, content quality, and bias, CSPs can harness the power of Sora AI to not only enhance their operations but also deliver exceptional experiences to their users. As the technology continues to evolve, the future of content service platforms looks promising, with Sora AI leading the way in innovation and efficiency.

[zeltalabs]

How the Metaverse Future May Look Like in 2030?

Introduction

People wonder what metaverse technology is. Metaverse is the result of the internet's evolution over the years. We're living through a pivotal period in human history, and the events of our everyday lives are bound to have an impact on the metaverse.

A virtual/augmented reality world that aids in the formation of virtual friendships. Neal Stephenson first used the term "metaverse" in his 1992 science fiction novel "Snow Crash," in which he described a virtual world in which users interact with lifelike avatars in realistic 3D buildings and other virtual reality settings. However, the term "metaverse" gained notoriety when Facebook, now known as Meta, used the new moniker to describe its vision for working and playing in a virtual world based on Stephenson's term. The way we understand reality is changing in profound ways. As we approach the dawn of a new era in technology, the 'real' world we live in is being taken beyond the boundaries of physics and time. In this article by Zelta Labs, a leading blockchain development company and NFT development company, we’ll look at the future of virtual reality especially the metaverse.

About the Blog

New frontier of converging technologies, Extended Reality (XR), is shaping the metaverse of tomorrow – an immersive, interconnected 3D world in which Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies will redefine our lives, our workplaces as well as the way we interact with one another.

Metaverse in Today’s World

Techies see the metaverse as a place where they're free to experience any digital world and participate in any physical reality, no matter where they are in the world. They're also free to experience anything, no matter how far away they are from the actual location.

Additionally, the Metaverse's digital economy is soaring to new levels. An individual can now buy, sell, and produce goods. You can also take virtual items like clothes from one platform to another in more idealistic visions of the metaverse. Wearing a shirt from the mall to the movie theatre is possible in the real world. As easily as you can copy your profile picture from one digital space to another, Metaverse may allow you to create a persona that you can take with you wherever you go.

While the COVID pandemic ravaged the world, the internet and the resulting Work from Home (WFH) technology aids helped businesses stay afloat and, in some cases, grow rapidly. Education and other sectors have undergone dramatic changes since the pandemic and have become increasingly dependent on technology.

By using wearable VR technology, the metaverse has the potential to impact a wide range of industries. Users will be able to access a different virtual world from the comfort of their own homes with the help of these wearables. Interaction will be possible without long commutes,

polluted air or the need to dress up for various occasions. This means that children will be able to learn at their own pace and broaden their horizons beyond what is currently possible with the traditional curriculum.

In the virtual world, post-work routines such as watching movies or socialising with friends will be available without the hassles associated with real life. In simple words, the possibilities with the metaverse are endless.

Frequently Asked Questions

What the Future Holds for the Metaverse?

Predictions about some previously unimaginable metaverse possibilities are being fueled by the promise of XR. We may be spending more time in the metaverse than in the real world by the year 2030, if current trends hold. People will use the metaverse's virtual capabilities to apply for jobs, earn money, meet friends, shop, and even get married in the future of metaverse.

What are future predictions for the metaverse?

Higher education and job training, as well as boardroom and workplace meetings, may increasingly be provided in virtual 3D settings in the coming decade. When it comes to sharing information, providing services, and co-operating, the metaverse will play a pivotal role.

Put an end to your old office setup. A new world of instantaneous virtual connections to people, places, and work settings will likely be all around you. You will be able to connect and manipulate 3D objects in a lifelike virtual environment using modern tools.

Brain computer interfaces (BCIs) that allow human thought to be tracked, recorded, and shared are expected to emerge in the 2030s and beyond. It's possible that these XR capabilities will allow us to experience moments and memories from the lives of others. Robots, on the other hand, are likely to be guided by synthetic data generated from simulated worlds in order to solve problems and replace humans in high-risk work.

How many people will be in the metaverse in 2030?

As stated in a recent report by Citi, there will be 5 billion people active in the metaverse by the year 2030. That's a "B" for "billion." Even though we don't know which sorts of properties will be most popular or which would offer the best investment growth over the long run, Citi estimates this market to be worth $8 trillion to $13 trillion.

Conclusion

We believe the gaming industry is at a tipping point due to the rapid advancement and convergence of technology that is bringing us into new virtual worlds. As more companies become aware of the vast array of new opportunities, we are witnessing a surge in investment and technological advancement. As an example, Facebook changed its name to Meta and committed $10 billion to developing metaverse technology1. Activision Blizzard, the company behind some of the most popular online multiplayer games, has been acquired by Microsoft for an all-time high price of $69 billion. There is no doubt that with metaverse development, many businesses will discover new horizons for growth.

Metaverse investors, on the other hand, have the option of investing indirectly through ETFs and metaverse firm stocks. It is still in its infancy, but with the right metaverse development tools, there is a lot of room for growth. Before investing in the metaverse, investors should thoroughly examine all aspects of investments in the metaverse stock. Learn everything you can about the metaverse and how to get the most out of it right now.

[alphasecuritysystem]

The Drawbacks of Old CCTV Security Cameras and How to Upgrade

If you have old security cameras that are outdated or don't work as well as they used to, it might be time to upgrade your system. While old CCTV camera systems can still be useful, they also come with a few drawbacks. For example, the footage might be grainy and low quality, which makes it difficult to identify incidents. Additionally, outdated systems might not have the same features as newer ones, such as night vision or motion detection. Upgrading your security camera system can help improve the quality of the footage and ensure that you're getting the most out of your security cameras.

Here are some of the reasons why you need to upgrade your old surveillance cameras and how to upgrade to a high-resolution security system that will give you the peace of mind you need.

Drawbacks of Old CCTV Security Cameras

There are a few reasons why you might not want to use old security cameras for your home or business. Newer cameras have features that older ones don't, like PoE technology, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ), and infrared night vision. Most old cameras run on analog signals and coaxial cables, which can be more susceptible to interference than digital signals. And, analog signals are not as reliable as digital ones. So, if you're looking for the best security for your home or business, you might want to consider upgrading to newer models.

1. Outdated Technology Can Lead to Blurry Images and Low Video Quality

One of the biggest drawbacks of using older surveillance cameras is that the image quality is often not as clear or sharp as newer, high-end security cameras. This is because the technology used in these cameras is outdated and can't compare to the high-definition images produced by newer cameras. In addition, analog signals are more likely to be distorted than digital signals, which can lead to a lower quality video stream.

Low-quality security footage can be a serious problem. Blurry images, poor color quality, and pixelation can make it difficult to identify people or objects, making it harder to solve crimes. Investing in a high-quality security camera system can help you avoid these problems and keep your property safe.

2. Poor Weatherproofing Can Cause Water Damage to Cameras 

Older security cameras might not be as weatherproof as their newer counterparts, making them susceptible to damage if exposed to the elements. If your camera is located outdoors and it starts raining or snowing, water could seep in and cause it to malfunction. Even if your older security camera model has weatherproof housing, it's still not as effective as the weatherproofing on newer models.

3. Limited Storage Capacity Results in Footage Being Overwritten

One of the main disadvantages of using older CCTV cameras is their limited storage capacity. This means that the footage captured by the camera will eventually be overwritten and lost, unless you save it to another storage device. With newer models of security camera systems, you can store more footage on the video recorder itself, as the storage capacity is much larger.

This can pose a problem if you need to review footage from a certain time period or if you need to keep track of someone's movements over a period of time. If the old security camera's storage capacity is full, the newest footage will overwrite the oldest footage, and you'll lose all that information.

4. Out-of-date Firmware Leaves Cameras Vulnerable

While old security cameras that transmit signals over coaxial cable don't connect to any network like IP security cameras, they are still susceptible to signal hijacking, where someone can replace the signal with another video signal. Without regular firmware updates, these outdated cameras become even more vulnerable to security breaches.

5. Lack of Motion Detection or Night Vision Capabilities 

People upgrade their security cameras for many reasons, but one of the most popular reasons is to add features that older models don't have, like motion detection, night vision, zooming, and wide-angle viewing. If you need to monitor an area 24/7, not having these capabilities can be a problem. Without these advanced capabilities, your security cameras are much less effective.

How to Upgrade to Newer Security Cameras

When it comes to security, it is important to always be one step ahead of criminals by regularly upgrading your security system. Newer CCTV cameras models are more effective in deterring crime and capturing evidence than older models. Fortunately, there are many options available to upgrade your security system to find the perfect solution for your needs.

The goal is to have a new system that is better than the old one. The practical approach to upgrading from old security cameras to modern surveillance cameras or a complete surveillance system is:

Choose between HD-CVI security cameras or network IP cameras - When it comes to choosing the right security camera for your business, there are a few things to keep in mind. HD-CVI cameras use analog signals and can be used with an existing coaxial cable infrastructure, making them a good choice for upgrading older security systems. Network IP cameras use digital signals and can take advantage of high-speed internet, so they're a good choice for new installations.

Get security cameras with higher resolution - 1080p up to ultra 4K HD makes a dramatic difference in identifying suspects and securing convictions. The higher the resolution, the more detail you will see on the footage.

Select cameras with features that meet your specific needs - Footage quality can be greatly improved by incorporating features like motion detection, vandal-proof casing, low-light recording, infrared illumination, wide dynamic range, and smart detection into your surveillance system. These features make it easier to identify suspects and bring them to justice.

Get a new Digital Video Recorder or Network Video Recorder - When upgrading old security cameras, you'll need a new recorder to store and manage the footage from your new cameras. Your choice will depend on the type of cameras you choose.

Upgrade your cabling - If you're installing network IP cameras, you'll need a high-speed internet connection to support them. However, if you're upgrading older security cameras, you may need to replace your old cabling with newer, more efficient cable. If your old coaxial cables are still in good shape, you can use them with HD-CVI cameras.

Add more storage for your surveillance footage - As your security system grows, you'll need more storage to keep all the footage. You can either add more storage to your existing DVR or NVR or choose a recorder that comes with built-in storage that you can also expand. Product managers are under a lot of pressure. They are asked to make a lot of decisions quickly and sometimes they aren't given the time to fully evaluate their options.

Ensure your new surveillance system comes with advanced video analytics - This helps a lot with monitoring and recording events of interest and can save you a lot of time when reviewing footage.

Upgrading your security cameras can feel like a daunting task, but it's important to remember that there are many options available to meet your specific needs. By following these simple steps, you can select the perfect system for your business and feel confident that you're doing everything possible to protect your property and the people you love. Upgrading your CCTV camera system is an important step in keeping your business safe.

[joomma]

Cute Alaskan Christmas Gift Dog Lover Ugly Christmas Sweater

Cute Alaskan Christmas Gift Dog Lover Ugly Christmas Sweater

What I am saying there, in line with the general consensus of Cute Alaskan Christmas Gift Dog Lover Ugly Christmas Sweater , is that the magi of Bethlehem did not really exist. There was no star of Bethlehem, which is why it was never reported outside this Gospel. The author wanted to achieve two things: i) to show that even the priests of that great religion would want to worship Jesus; ii) provide a reason for Herod to seek to kill all the infant boys, so that he could draw a parallel between Herod and the Old Testament pharaoh who sought to kill all the infant boys, and therefore a parallel between Jesus and Moses. You do not find non-Christian information about the magi of Bethlehem because there is none.

buy it now:Cute Alaskan Christmas Gift Dog Lover Ugly Christmas Sweater

Star War Sweater Darth Vader Cute Snow Star Wars Ugly Christmas Sweater

Star War Christmas Sweater Funny Star Wars Ugly Christmas Sweater Xmas Gift

Nhl Minnesota Wild Grinch Hug Christmas Ugly Sweater

Cow Pine Tree Christmas Fuuny Cow Ugly Christmas Sweater

Dabbing Through The Snow Guinea Pig Ugly Christmas Sweater

Then, are we including entertainment value, style, intonation, loudness etc.? And of course the Tropical Police Car For Button Down Aloha Hawaii Shirt variable, is, taste. What does the listener like to hear? Therefore we must also consider song selection. song selection can make or break a singers career. Therefore it must be considered in the analysis of the “best“ singer. Should we give consideration to the back up group or shall we go with a cappella to make sure that the singer‘s voice is not tainted by external sounds? And speaking of sound, shall we allow amplification. Some singers are nothing without a microphone. Then there is je ne sais quoi. Your favorite singer with your favorite band has proven to be entirely capable of making songs that just plain do not sell well. The singer did a magnificent job of singing but for some reason the song did not catch the imagination of the listening public and did not sell well. And no one is going to point to that song too prove that a person is the greatest singer of all times.

Homepage: limotees    jeeppremium  telotee

Gearbloom is your one-stop online shop for printed t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, stickers, posters, mugs, and more…High quality original T-shirts. Digital printing in the USA.

Worldwide shipping. No Minimums. 1000s of Unique Designs. Worldwide shipping. Fast Delivery. 100% Quality Guarantee. to cover all your needs.

By contacting directly with suppliers, we are dedicated to provide you with the latest fashion with fair price.We redefine trends, design excellence and bring exceptional quality to satisfy the needs of every aspiring fashionista.

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

Gearbloom is established with a clear vision: to provide the very latest products with compelling designs, exceptional value and superb customer service for everyone.

We offer a select choice of millions of Unique Designs for T-shirts, Hoodies, Mugs, Posters and more to cover all your needs.

WHY SHOP WITH US?

Why do customers come to

Well we think there are a few reasons:

BEST PRICING

Fashion field involves the best minds to carefully craft the design. The t-shirt industry is a very competitive field and involves many risks. The cost per t-shirt varies proportionally to the total quantity of t-shirts. We are manufacturing exceptional-quality t-shirts at a very competitive price.

PRINT QUALITY DIFFERENCE

We use only the best DTG printers available to produce the finest-quality images possible that won’t wash out of the shirts.

DELIVERY IS VERY FAST

Estimated shipping times:

United States : 1-5 business days

Canada : 3-7 business days

International : from 1-2 weeks depending on proximity to Detroit, MI.

CUSTOM AND PERSONALIZED ORDERS

Custom orders are always welcome. We can customize all of our designs to your needs! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

PAYMENT DO WE ACCEPT?

We currently accept the following forms of payment:

Credit Or Debit Cards: We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, Union Pay and Apple Pay from customers worldwide.

PayPal: PayPal allows members to have a personal account linked to any bank account or credit card for easy payment at checkout.

[technuter]

Google Pixel 7 & Pixel 7 Pro now available for pre-orders in India

Google announced that the all-new Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are now available for pre-orders in India. Powered by Google's next-generation Tensor G2 processor and shipping with Android 13, the Pixel 7 is priced at an MRP of ₹59,999 and the Pixel 7 Pro is priced at an MRP of ₹84,999. Both devices will be available for purchase starting 13th October. 

Limited-time launch offers for Google's Pixel 7 and Pixel & 7 Pro in India include:

₹6,000 Cashback on Pixel 7 purchase (T&C Apply) ₹8,500 Cashback on Pixel 7 Pro purchase (T&C Apply) Additional Flipkart platform offers as applicable Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are sleek, sophisticated and durable. With a 6.3-inch display and smaller bezels, Pixel 7 packs advanced features and improvements into a smaller profile. Its new zirconia-blasted aluminium feels silky in one's hand, and people can choose from three colours to suit their personal style: Snow, Obsidian, and new Lemongrass. Pixel 7 Pro has a 6.7-inch immersive display, a polished aluminium frame and a camera bar that's perfectly complemented by the three colour options: Snow, Obsidian, and a new Hazel colour. The aluminium enclosure for both phones is made of 100% recycled content.  Android 13 on Pixel 7 offers the best Android experience yet. It's fast, smart and secure. Plus, the fresh new style and customization capabilities makes it feel unique to each user. Users can recolor the look of their app icons to match the aesthetic of their phone's wallpaper, and even assign specific languages to individual apps.  Google Tensor G2 - the next-gen processor custom built for Pixel with Google's advanced machine learning and speech recognition - makes the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro faster, more efficient, more secure and even more helpful. And it delivers Pixel's best photo and video quality with next-gen Super Res zoom, up to two times faster Night Sight processing, sharper photos with Face Unblur and new features like Cinematic Blur.  Users can extend camera range with Super Res Zoom up to 8x on Pixel 7, and up to 30x on Pixel 7 Pro, helping them get sharp and quality images from a distance. The phones also offer optical quality similar to a dedicated 2x telephoto lens for Pixel 7 and a 10x telephoto lens for Pixel 7 Pro, so users have the flexibility to creatively frame their shot at multiple magnifications while maintaining high quality.  The Pixel 7 Pro also comes with Macro Focus, which delivers Pixel HDR+ photo quality from as close as three centimetres away, enabling users to take photos with full sharpness and vivid colour. Photo Unblur, a Google Photos feature coming first to Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, will use machine learning to improve blurry pictures — even old ones. Users can also touch up those photos and easily remove distractions with Magic Eraser.  Selfies should be for everyone. With Guided Frame, those who have low-vision, can capture selfies with a combination of precise audio guidance, high-contrast visual animations and haptic feedback. Videos are also getting an upgrade with the new 10-bit HDR. Record brighter, higher contrast videos with wider colour ranges. Cinematic Blur lets users shoot cinema-like videos with beautiful, shallow depth-of-field.  Google has also made updates to existing camera features making it Pixel's most inclusive camera to date. Real Tone's camera algorithms have been trained with more than 10,000 additional portraits of people of colour from image expert partners to make sure that Pixel Camera consistently renders all skin tones authentically. And Night Sight now only needs half of the normal exposure time to produce beautiful low-light images that are sharper than before.  With Pixel 7's speech recognition technology, the phone will be able to transcribe audio messages on Google's Messages app, so users can easily read them as soon as they receive them. Texting will also be more fun with Assistant voice typing, which now automatically suggests emojis that are relevant to messages. Users can also search for emojis with their voice.  Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are the most secure and private Pixel phones yet compared to previously launched Pixel phones. With Tensor G2 and the Titan M2 security chip, Pixel is built with multiple layers of security to help keep users safe and secure. Titan M2 makes the phones more resilient to sophisticated attacks. The phones also come with a faster, more secure under-display fingerprint reader and an added convenience of Face Unlock thanks to advanced machine learning models for face recognition, helping users quickly access what they need with just a glance. Read the full article

[briarworthandoleander]

Just a quick question, since it's october: what monster spooks you guys?

Meet our first choice for one of the “scariest” monsters we've ever had the misfortune of meeting. But today I’m probably going to strip most of its more frightening aspects away by explaining its lifestyle.

Morudomunto

This Elder Dragon is one of the most horrific things I’ve ever seen - and possibly not for the reason people think.

Where to start? The foul, freezing liquid it produces that instantly freezes water and creates massive spike traps? The pseudo-mouths on its wings that produce a drool-like sweat that also has the same freezing property? Or the horrific and unending appetite these beasts have that puts Deviljho to shame?

Morudomunto are mainly Tundra-loving monsters that are near literally the malformation of flesh that would come from a Gore Magala, a Velkhana, a Nergigante, and a Deviljho having far too much of a good time.

Which is to say that Morudomunto could possibly be considered the progenitor of all four species, as it has elements of its anatomy that could be attributed to all the others. This is not fact however, but a theory as to common ancestors amongst the Elder Dragons and some wyverns.

I’m sure many are curious about the mouths on the wings of Morudomunto - and while I can say clearly that you can rest assured that these are not real mouths - they are still fully capable of killing you. These pseudo-mouths and the muscles around them are for suffocation and smothering prey and competition, and are believed to be used mainly as a rather convincing defensive tactic by juveniles who need to look bigger and nastier quickly to scare off predation from other Elder Dragons or literally anything larger than them.

(I am however curious as to what ever the hell a Morudomunto finds scarier than itself.)

The freezing liquid Morudomunto produces is close to a chemical named acetaldehyde phenylhydrazone (APH). APH is essentially a form of crystal made with sugar/glucose.

In retrospect you could say that this Elder Dragon weaponizes the glucose it produces from food into this freezing secretion. APH is a strange element in that it freezes at different temperatures depending on what levels of acids and alkali it's in contact with - so it’s dependant on the chemicals the Murudomunto is producing at the time as to when and how it reacts. So while it is fair to call Murodomunto an Ice elemental Elder Dragon because it is technically freezing something, it’s not freezing water.

I am explaining this because a fellow researcher mentioned Antarcticite and after testing the raw crystal formations against the “ice” formations created by Murodomunto, they are completely different in composition. Antarcticite is just far too brittle and fragile to do anything on the level of APH. There’s also another small point I shall make about colouration of these crystal formations.

Antarcticite is white and has no colouration in or out of the light, whereas APH appears colourful when exposed to polarized light - which would explain the distinctly vivid blue colourations of Murodomunto's “ice” spikes.

Okay, I’ll stop boring you all with chemistry and tell you more about the ecology.

Admittedly, there’s not much known about how Murodomunto behaves outside of human interactions because they are highly territorial and aggresive; researchers have yet to find a way of sneaking up on one without detection - this isn’t because of naivety or inexperience on the field - but because the Morudomunto is so highly aggressive that it attacks based off any movement it sees. Any shrub or tree that shakes its branches in the wind will probably be on the ground in splinters the next second because this monster has some of the worst eyesight ever displayed, it relies purely on peripheral vision and sound. So it doesn’t really matter if you are perfectly still - if there’s a bit of snow that drops just a little bit too loudly behind you - the Morudomunto will be there to smash your face in.

This is literally the only reason why they’re successful hunters. They don’t think, they just kill.

It’s also why their numbers are probably so low, since Morudomunto can’t tell their own kind apart from other monsters and so even mating is highly violent and very likely to end with either participant dead. They have also been known to kill their own whelps in their ferocity.

- Leo Briarworth

[rinzis]

writing about my new genshin oc??? okay?????okay!!!!!! i’m on mobile so i can’t add the read more option i’m so sorry

—

details

—

name: kiyoharu misa

birthday: august 3rd

sex/pronouns: female, she/her

region: inazuma

constellation: lunam lilia

vision: electro

weapon: sword

rarity: 5*

title: princess of the kiyoharu household, moonlit swordsmaiden (unofficial)

affiliation: kiyoharu clan, the resistance

—

synopsis

—

the princess of the fallen household kiyoharu. she carries a patterned umbrella which she is seldom seen without, and within which lies her precious katana. a gentle yet influential soul, she is well known for her impressive swordsmanship throughout the resistance in inazuma.

—

character story

—

character details

at first glance, people might not think that kiyoharu misa was anything special. seeing a young woman strolling through the land of inazuma carrying an intricate paper umbrella would not faze anyone. but, under this delicate guise, misa conceals both her dear katana and her vision.

the princess of the kiyoharu household is known to be a gentle soul who yearns for freedom from the raiden shogun and the tenryou commission. since her childhood, she has always been fascinated by the moon and its rays, a particular trait of kiyoharu descendants. misa earned herself the title of ‘moonlit swordsmaiden’ after combining her unparalleled swordsmanship with her illuminated vision.

story 1

the kiyoharu clan was once a widely respected and loved clan across inazuma. the household was known for its tendency to produce talented swordsmen who earn themselves visions through selflessness and helping others, and for this reason they were seen as high nobility. however, members of the kiyoharu household were reluctant in hiring many maids or servants - they believe that if one can be capable of harnessing the power gifted by gods through blade alone, one should also be able to cook a simple meal, or wash their own clothing. through this doctrine the kiyoharu descendants earned themselves unwavering respect from all citizens of inazuma, and even the raiden shogun herself - for a while.

story 2

descendants such as misa are taught from a young age to honour their ancestors, but also those who currently serve inazuma as well. misa excelled in swordsmanship, being able to wield a blade so gracefully to the point where it appeared as though she was dancing, using it as simply an accessory. the leader of the clan gifted to her a delicate paper umbrella, and he spoke to her these words: “do not mistake kindness for weakness. from dainty petals drip deadly poisons.”, and with that, misa understood her duty. she would protect the citizens of inazuma with her life, with her dainty umbrella and deadly blade at her side. she is seldom seen without either.

story 3

the kiyoharu clan were known best for the number of descendants who possess visions. thus, when the vision hunt decree was issued, the tenryou commission sought out every member of the household owning a vision. misa’s family would rather have died than hand over their precious visions. despite their unyielding fighting spirit, the kiyoharu household was overcome by the sheer numbers in the tenryo commission. there were supposedly no survivors, but it just so happened that the young kiyoharu misa was dispatched on a mission on behalf of the household the day it fell. the young swordsmaiden returned to her home in ruins, her whole life taken from her. she knew at that moment that as the sole descendant of the kiyoharu household, she would avenge her clan and return lost visions to those who suffer at the hands of the tenryo commission.

story 4

misa met all sorts of people on her journey through inazuma as a vision-bearing fighter, the most notable of all being the ronin kaedehara kazuha. she used to live a life of solitude in a small house near the edge of the islands of inazuma, but this life of solitude was changed upon seeing the rain-soaked samurai appear at her doorstep one evening. seeing each other’s visions, misa realised that kazuha was not a threat at all. the days they spent together inspired misa to venture out, to find the resistance in inazuma alongside the swordsman and reclaim justice for the fallen. and so, she left yet another life behind to travel with kazuha through inazuma in search of everything and nothing at all. nights of listening to the ronin’s musings and conversing under the moonlight unknowingly planted a blossom in misa’s heart, one which would remain there forever.

story 5

misa and kazuha’s travels took them all across inazuma. despite them both being wanted for their visions, the tenryo commission’s lackeys and treasure hoarders were no match for the pair’s skill in bladework. misa secretly yearned day after day for any sign of affection or mutuality from the young samurai, but as the princess of a famed clan she chose to remain composed and calm about the whole ordeal. however, when the ronin told the princess of his plan to leave inazuma with the crux fleet, he explained that he did not want to take this life from her. he confessed that his musings and haikus about the heart and its desires he so often shared with her were about her, and that his own heart would belong eternally to her. thus, he left her with a simple promise. “the wind will bring us together once again, misa. i will return home to you, and then will i forever devote myself to you. this i promise, my princess.”

the kiyoharu sword dance

those who have witnessed kiyoharu misa in battle often note how she appears more to be dancing than harshly fighting. the kiyoharu household drew its strength and style in battle from the moon and its light, and they channeled this into their blades during battle. misa’s god given agility combined with this graceful power leads ultimately to her captivating swordsmanship. with the electro imbued in her blade, misa is all too capable in taking down foes with ease. in the night hours, a stroll down to a clearing or open beach may lead you to find the princess honing her blade under the silver of the moon, with a sword that never sleeps. she is renowned throughout the resistance as one of the most talented swordswomen in inazuma.

the vision

misa was granted her vision during a particularly dangerous incident during her early training years. one fateful evening, she was out with other kiyoharu swordsmen, practicing her skills with her blade in the open country.

“lady misa, please remain here while we briefly survey the area. we have had reports of active treasure hoarders roaming this area, and we would hate for anything to happen to you at this time. we will be back shortly.”

and so, they left her on the path to scout the surrounding land. clutching the hilt of her sword, the very thought of being ambushed by grown men with malicious intentions worried misa, especially since she hadn’t obtained a vision yet. but alas, how wrong her fellow swordsmen were.

“well, what do we have here? the prestigious kiyoharu misa, is it? count ourselves lucky boys, it’s just the one we were after.”, drawled the advancing treasure hoarders.

her hands trembled on her sword. how could she possible deter these twenty, no, thirty treasure hoarders alone? glancing down at her sheathed blade, misa wondered if she’d see her family again.

no, why was she thinking like this?

steady yourself, misa. focus on your breathing. the dance will go on. your blade does not rest.

she draws her sword.

to the young swordsmaiden’s surprise, a new energy unlike anything she had witnessed before struck her senses. and so she danced, her blade piercing the air and with it bringing down the treasure hoarders in quick succession. but she could only go on for so long.

panting, misa retreated towards the edge of the river. the men relentlessly kept on coming, and she knew she was almost completely spent. her legs and hands quivered, and her mind raced with prayers to the goddess baal. with a small breath, she spoke these words:

“archons, guide me. i beg, lend me your strength.”

a faint crackling filled the air, before a tremendous burst of silver lightning struck the ground before her. the sword in her hands glowed a pale purple, and it was then that she realised the archons had answered her prayers. wielding this newfound power, she swung her blade with a new fervour.

twenty, no, thirty treasure hoarders lay at the princess of the kiyoharu household’s feet. the chime of a small ornament hitting the ground was the only sound after the crackling died down. at long last, kiyoharu misa’s vision had been granted to her by the gods. holding the electro vision in her hands, she whispered these words:

“the dance will go on.”

—

voice lines

—

hello

“i’m kiyoharu misa, nice to meet you! l-lady misa? oh no, please — there’s really no need for the formalities. i’m just as ordinary as you are. say, how about we travel together for a while? i’m sure your stories are bound to keep me entertained on our arduous journeys.”

chat: urgency

“a storm is brewing… let’s keep moving.”

chat: resting

“you’d like to rest? alright, want to share a quick meal?”

chat: sword

“i should really polish my sword soon…”

when it rains

“my my, it seems the heavens really have opened. let’s find shelter quickly, i’d hate to continue travelling in this weather.”

after the rain

“the lingering scent of the rain is one of my most favourite smells… for me, it heralds a fresh start. well, come on then! shall we head off?”

when it snows

“hmm… i really do enjoy the snow. especially when the moonlight casts a glimmering sheen over the world, enveloping inazuma in a soft silver. i hope we can witness it together sometime.”

when the wind is blowing

“i have a friend who adores the wind. he left some time ago, but i know he will return home to me one day. sometimes i wonder if i can hear his voice catching on the breeze, lines of poetry drifting along with it. hey, don’t give me that look! we’re just… uh… friends...”

good morning

“[sigh] i’m really not much of a morning person. i’m certainly not on my best form in the late morning hours… oh, you’re ready to leave already? r-right, i’ll be ready as soon as possible!”

good afternoon

“hmm, i’m feeling a little hungry… would you like to grab a bite to eat? no, it’s alright - there are inns up ahead that know the resistance. we’ll be just fine. and, if not, we have our blades. heh.”

good evening

“the setting sun is particularly pretty this evening. once the storm has fully settled, i hope to see the true beauty of the inazuman skies once again. i will see that vision to the end.”

good night

“you’re heading to sleep? alright, sleep well. me? well… the moon is my friend, i suppose. a little sword dance under its light helps me retain my focus. i won’t be too long, don’t worry.”

about kiyoharu misa

“my umbrella? oh, it was a gift from the leader of the kiyoharu household when i was born. i had it altered to accommodate the length and width of my sword - see? though it appears to be but a dainty paper umbrella, what lies within is a retribution sentence. it is my will given form.”

about us: kiyoharu origin

“my title as princess of the kiyoharu clan is something i will carry with me forever. despite the unjust fall of my household, i will bring back its honour. the raiden shogun’s vision hunt decree stripped my family of their lives, thus i swear i will reclaim justice. for them, and for the future.”

about us: kiyoharu motto

“the motto of the kiyoharu household is: “with grace and with fortitude.”, and i channel this saying into my sword whenever i draw it. it is the foundation for the kiyoharu way of life.”

about us: sword art

“ah, i see you have taken an interest in my fighting style. for me, fighting with a sword should not just be about the battle. it is an art, and i find myself overindulging in the grace and fluidity of swordsmanship all too often.”

about the vision

“my vision? i see it as a way of showing solidarity against the oppressive raiden shogun. i do not wish to hide that which is so dear to me, and that which forges my identity. this vision is my symbol of strength, and the tenryo commission who seeks it will be met with my unyielding blade.”

something to share

“i’m not sure how long you will be in inazuma for, but traveler - one day, i’d like to take you to a festival here. they are truly wonderful, and members of the resistance always find ourselves sneaking in to witness them as well. ever since i was young, i’ve loved them so much, and i’d love to share this memory with you as a reminder of your time in inazuma.”

interesting things

“traveler, is it true that in liyue there are gods that walk amongst the people? huh… adepti you say… so, they just co-exist with mortals peacefully? you’ve met them?! wow… it seems i underestimated your power! just what else have you witnessed since being in teyvat…”

about kazuha: relationships

“kaedehara kazuha? ahem… well… yes, i suppose you could say that we are… lovers, of sorts. on his final night here, he left me with a single promise. i often spend nights staring up at the moon with him in my mind. i will wait for him, for as long as it takes, i know that i will see him again one day. i know that he will return home soon.”

about kazuha: poetry

“kazuha would often recite haikus to me as we’d live together when he was here. i remember him arriving at my doorstep, drenched in rain from head to toe, and i hadn’t the heart to turn him away. he stayed for a while, and after a few days i decided to risk it all for him. the bond we share… is unbreakable. if you see him, let him know that i am waiting for him.”

about kamisato ayaka

“i have a lot of respect for the princess of the kamisato clan. she conducts herself in a light i admire greatly, and she and i are close friends. her swordsmanship is just as impressive, and i would love it if we could spar once more as we used to. perhaps i will visit her soon…”

about yoimiya

“yoimiya? oh, of course - festivals in inazuma aren’t complete without a firework show organised by her. i have also heard her skills with a bow are unique, to say the least. paired with her passion for fireworks, i assume the combination work… interestingly in battle.”

about sayu

“hm? sayu… you mean the ninja who resides in the forests? i can’t say i’ve seen much of her… which is odd, considering she wields that great claymore…”

about gorou

“oh, gorou! i know him very well, actually. he was one of the first people i befriended as part of the resistance. he is a sound fighter, and i believe he can achieve great things. perhaps i can see him again soon.”

about the raiden shogun

“the raiden shogun… her despicable vision hunt decree… the tenryo commission… i detest it all. to see so many people’s dreams stripped, to see the colour fade from so many precious hopes… i will see to it that this is all restored. i cannot sympathise with a god who robs her people of their dreams.”

more about kiyoharu misa i

“you’d like to know more about me? i’m flattered. i know that your journey through inazuma won’t be easy, so please don’t hesitate to drop by every once in a while. my blade never rests, after all.”

more about kiyoharu misa ii

“the carvings on my sword are most intricate. a swordsmaiden’s weapon is her will. i find myself staring at the moon night after night, and the patterns on my sword are a tribute to the power it lends me.”

more about kiyoharu misa iii

“you want to know about my title? well, moonlit swordsmaiden refers to the way i utilise my vision. the light of the moon reflects through the electro element, and i believe that through this combination i can convey the power of the resistance.”

more about kiyoharu misa iv

“i’m an only child, so the fate of the kiyoharu clan rests in my hands. traveler, i believe that through knowing you i have become a better person. i hope that you will visit inazuma once again.”

more about kiyoharu misa v

“here, this is for you. it’s a charm made from pure sea glass. the way the sun and moonlight reflects through its unique colours is a rare sight to behold. i suppose this is a thank you gift, for everything we’ve been through together.”

kiyoharu misa’s hobbies

“my hobbies? well, in the late night and early morning hours, i enjoy heading down to a secluded beach and basking in the moonlight. those hours are the perfect opportunity to practice swordsmanship, and the art of sword dancing too. besides that, i suppose i enjoy embroidery too, although i’m not particularly good at it…”

kiyoharu misa’s troubles

“i often worry about the other members of the resistance. i find myself questioning as to whether they still have their visions, or even their lives. on top of that, i hope that one day i will be reunited with my lover… i pray that he too made it out safely.”

favorite food

“my mother used to make the most takoyaki. my family weren’t so insistent on having maids running around when we could cook everything ourselves, so i would always snack on my mother’s dishes. even today, the taste of takoyaki brings back vivid memories of my mother.”

least favourite food

“honestly, i’m not much of a picky eater, but i’m not too fond of anything containing fish eggs…”

birthday

“happy birthday! it’s a special day for you today. is there anything in particular you’d like? no, don’t be silly, of course i’ll get it for you! seeing as you’ve helped me this far, it’s only right that i give something back to you! on top of that, if there’s anything you ever need at all, i’ll be sure to help you out, friend.”

feelings about ascension: intro

“my blade only grows stronger. let’s continue working hard.”

feelings about ascension: building up

“how to describe this feeling… lightweight, but more powerful. the dance will go on.”

feelings about ascension: climax

“with each passing day, my blade grows keener. the moon seems more radiant than ever before.”

feelings about ascension: conclusion

“i believe i owe you a great thanks. the moonlight that rains down on the world will forever be in your favour, traveler. both you and i will improve leaps and bounds from here on out.”

addition to party

“are we heading off?”

“alright, ready when you are.”

“it’s time, let’s go.”

elemental skill

“will of my sword!”

“shrouded in moonlight!”

(convergence) “cut them blind!”

(convergence) “beams, converge!”

elemental burst

“kiyoharu art: carver of radiance!”

“dance of death.”

“face my blade!”

fallen

“i thought… we’d meet… again…”

“friends… i’m sorry…”

“no… i wasn’t… done…”

—

talents

—

normal attack - kiyoharu sword art

perform up to 5 consecutive attacks with a sword.

charged attack: consume a set amount of stamina to unleash a more powerful attack, dealing physical dmg to enemies.

plunging attack: plunges from mid-air to strike the ground below, damaging opponents in an aoe upon impact.

elemental skill - remnants of moonlight

tap once: kiyoharu misa dashes quickly forwards, dealing electro dmg to enemies in her path. she leaves a thunderblade at her starting and end point of her dash.

tap again: the thunderblades converge with kiyoharu misa as the focal point, creating a triangular zone of convergence. enemies within the zone of convergence are dealt electro dmg and are knocked up. a mark of radiance is applied to enemies within the zone of convergence.

if the skill is not reactivated, the two thunderblades will converge in a line after 4s. marks of radiance last for 12s.

elemental burst - kiyoharu art: carver of radiance

kiyoharu misa leaps into the air, before plunging down and dealing a powerful slash to enemies, dealing massive electro dmg. for 3s after her slash, thunder strikes will crash down on enemies who are marked by mark of radiance, dealing extra electro dmg.

passive 1 - swordsmaiden’s revenge

enemies affected by a mark of radiance will take 15% more damage from kiyoharu misa’s normal and charged attacks.

passive 2 - thundering retribution

kiyoharu misa’s crit dmg is increased by 10% for 5s after a zone of convergence is activated.

natural passive - lightning clarity

all party members’ crit dmg is increased by 10% when kiyoharu misa is in the party.

—

constellations

—

constellation 1: tenacity of lightning

the duration of thunderblades on the field is increased to 6s, and the duration of marks of radiance on enemies is increased to 16s.

constellation 2: shredding thunder

enemies marked by marks of radiance have their elemental res decreased by 20%.

constellation 3: roots of kiyoharu

the level of kiyoharu art: carver of radiance is increased by 3.

constellation 4: fatal reunion

if there are more than 5 enemies within the zone of convergence cast by remnants of moonlight, the cooldown is decreased by 3s.

constellation 5: swordsmaiden’s unwavering will

the level of remnants of moonlight is increased by 3.

constellation 6:

kiyoharu art: carver of radiance deals 50% more dmg to enemies previously affected by electro.

—

appearance

—

kiyoharu misa is a young woman and is of average height, with light brown hair, tied half up in a braided bow and then tied at the very bottom. she has bangs which frame her face. her eyes are deep gray-purple, and she has a small scar across the bridge of her nose. her outfit is coordinated with white and lavender colours, and her paper umbrella is also patterned with lavender coloured lightning and flower patterns.

i’m horrible at art so here’s a fun picrew of misa …… this isn’t what she’d wear but it’s the closest thing to what i was imagining ig …… also the band aid is supposed to be her lil scar LOL

[thecreaturecodex]

Rimefire Anima

“I C E “ © Gilis Dominique, accessed at her deviantArt gallery here

[Commissioned by @hiswrathundoesthewicked​, who requested a CR 19 variant of the rimefire eidolon, capable of altering the spells of other casters. This commission is part of what encouraged me to move Frostburn to the front burner, which I appreciate. I had forgotten how fun some of the monsters in it are.]

Rimefire Anima CR 19 CG Outsider (native) This humanoid woman is beautiful but alien—her eyes are a solid blue, and her hands and feet are sculpted from ice. A halo of blue flames surrounds her, and annulated tendrils grow from her back.

A rimefire anima is formed when multiple rimefire eidolons merge together to create a greater being. Unlike the abstract eidolons, an anima resembles a humanoid woman, mirroring the form of their wounded goddess Hleid. Despite this, rimefire animas are physically distinct from each other, each one assuming features similar to those of mortals to whom they were or are bound. An anima can forge psychic links with multiple humanoids, and does so to encourage the worship of Hleid throughout the world.

In combat, a rimefire anima prefers to use her powerful spellcasting abilities. She can switch spells between fire and cold effortlessly, or charge them with both to produce potent rimefire effects. She can also affect the spells of others, changing fire spells hurled at her into harmless cold effects, or bolstering her allies with rimefire.

Unlike the wandering rimefire eidolons, rimefire animas are tethered to a single location, taking responsibility for a glacier that can span square miles. As icebergs calve off her glacier, they may spawn new rimefire eidolons, which function as the anima’s eyes and ears in the wider world. A rimefire anima is a potent force for good, coordinating the efforts of forces against arctic villains and protecting the warmer, more populous realms from dangers from the ice and snow.

Vestige of Hleid Although Hleid was slain, her divine spark lives on in the rimefire eidolons and anima, as well as a vestige of her power in Elysium. When she was whole, Hleid was neutral good, but her sundering has affected her mind and made her more chaotic. The Vestige of Hleid has been adopted by the azatas, who seek to help her regain her full divine portfolio and rejoin the gods as a force for both chaos and good. The Vestige of Hleid is a chaotic good CR 24 empyreal lord. Her domains are Chaos, Good, Healing and Water, and she also grants access to the Azata, Ice, Restoration and Whimsy subdomains. Her favored weapon is the trident.

Rimefire Anima    CR 19 XP 204,800 CG Medium outsider (cold, kami, native) Init +13; Senses darkvision 60 ft., detect magic, low-light vision, Perception +30, see invisibility, tremorsense 60 ft. Defense AC 33, touch 25, flat-footed 23 (+9 Dex, +1 dodge, +8 natural, +5 deflection) hp 324 (24d10+192); fast healing 6 Fort +17, Ref +23, Will +19 DR 15/cold iron and magic; Immune bleed, cold, mind-influencing effects, petrifaction, polymorph; Resist acid 10, electricity 10, fire 10; SR 30 Weakness vulnerability to fire Offense Speed 30 ft., fly 90 ft. (perfect), burrow 30 ft. (ice glide) Melee 2 slams +28 (1d12+4 plus 2d6 cold), 4 tentacles +23 (1d8+2 plus 2d6 cold) Ranged rimefire bolt +33/+28/+23/+18 or +31/+31/+26/+21/+16 touch (2d6+9 cold and fire) Special Attacks counter energy, improved rimefire spell Spell-like Abilities CL 19th, concentration +28 Constant—detect magic, see invisibility, shield of faith At will—clairaudience/clairvoyance, cone of cold (DC 24), detect evil, dream council (DC 25), greater dispel magic, ice shape, ice storm 3/day—empowered delayed blast fireball (DC 26), quickened displacement, freedom of movement, quickened solid fog, polar ray (DC 27) wall of ice 1/day—mass icy prison (DC 28), meteor swarm (DC 28), summon (3 elder ice elementals, 9th level, 100%) Statistics Str 18, Dex 28, Con 25, Int 19, Wis 21, Cha 28 Base Atk +24; CMB +28; CMD 53 Feats Alertness, Dodge, Empower SLA (delayed blast fireball), Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Magical Aptitude, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quicken Spell (displacement, solid fog), Rapid Shot, Toughness Skills Bluff +30, Diplomacy +27, Fly +38, Knowledge (arcana) +24, Knowledge (nature, planes, religion) +27, Perception +30, Sense Motive +30, Spellcraft +28, Stealth +30, Swim +30, Use Magic Device +33; Racial Modifiers uses Dex to Swim Languages Aquan, Auran, Common, Giant, Senzar, Sylvan, telepathy 100 ft. SQ improved mystic bond, merge with ward, ward (glacier) Ecology Environment cold mountains, hills or plains Organization solitary or mystic bond (1 plus 1-9 good humanoids) Treasure double standard Special Abilities Counter Energy (Su) A rimefire anima can attempt to make an opposed Spellcraft check as an immediate action against any spellcaster within 60 feet using a spell that deals cold damage or fire damage. If it succeeds the check, it can change the spell to deal cold damage, fire damage, or half of both, as it so chooses. Ice Glide (Su) A rimefire anima can use its burrow speed to move through ice without penalty, as easily as a fish swims through water. It leaves no tunnel or trace of its passage. Ice Shape (Sp) This spell functions as stone shape, except that it shapes ice instead. This is the equivalent of a 4th level spell. Mystic Bond (Su) A rimefire anima can forge a mystic link with a humanoid by taking one minute. This humanoid must be within one alignment of chaotic good. When so linked, the eidolon and the humanoid can both detect each other’s health, as per a status spell, communicate with each other as a sending spell as a standard action, and both gain a +2 sacred bonus to saves against death effects. This effect is permanent until either partner chooses to sever the bond as a free action. A rimefire anima may make a sacred bond with a number of humanoids equal to its Charisma modifier. Rimefire Bolt (Su) As a standard action, a rimefire anima can fire a bolt of energy at a range of 120 feet as a ranged touch attack. This deals 2d6 points of damage plus its Charisma modifier, half of which is cold and half of which is fire. They can make iterative attacks with this ability. Rimefire Spell (Su) A rimefire anima can change any of its spells that do cold damage to deal fire damage, or any of its spells that do fire damage to deal cold damage. If it so chooses, it can instead alter a spell that normally deals cold damage or fire damage so that it deals half cold damage and half fire damage.

[clovermunson]

my hogwarts au

after a post from @words-and-wands, @that-ravenpuff-witch, and @cleverglitteryfoxtrot, I’ve decided to hop in and make my own as well!

possible with the help of:

extended sorting hat quiz

extended patronus quiz (recommend taking on desktop)

some tumblr research lol

enjoy, y’all!!☺️💕 (rather long, so everything is under the cut!)

House: Gryffindor

“You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry,

Set Gryffindors apart”

every time I took the pottermore quiz, I’d always either gotten Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. after taking the wizardmore quiz (for the second time lmao) my results were as follows:

Gryffindor: 75% (2400)

Ravenclaw: 10% (250)

Slytherin: 10% (250)

Hufflepuff: 5% (100)

after a few times of taking the pottermore quiz and mostly getting Ravenclaw, I’d just accepted the fact that I was a Ravenclaw, until taking the wizardmore quiz, where Gryffindor vastly outweighs the other results. I’ll admit, it did take a while for me to accept that I am a true Gryffindor, but I did eventually come to terms with it and fully embrace it. huge thanks to Rosie (@cleverglitteryfoxtrot) for helping me with that!!

patronus (weighted):

top two:

Wolf (88%)

Dragon (87%)

on the pottermore quiz, I got the wolf as my patronus when I took it in November of last year, and earlier in 2020.

analysis for the wolf:

The wolf is a bit of a darker and mysterious soul, with the strength of a fighter. A person with this patronus has had a lot happen in their life, and do to that they wear a mask over their emotions. They do, however, have a very big heart that is full of both passion and fire. They have a lot of emotion within them that they are willing to give, but only once they completely trust you, and since they have been made cynical over the years this can be difficult. (via: @patron-a-bum)

I can see why a wolf patronus would be most suited for me, as the wolf usually chooses someone who hasn’t had the easier life and maybe hardships, but still overcame them in the end. I tend to bottle up my emotions and “mask” them from the world, only to save face. I’m quite cynical most of the time, as a result of some rather sour life experiences.

the dragon though, is a result I never expected. I never saw myself having the possibility of a rare patronus, but I can see where the personality qualities could match.

analysis for the dragon:

The dragon represents an inner element, one that is prominent in peoples with this patronus. The element can vary, but quite often it is fire. There is a strong passion and ambition in this person, and a fury like no other. This does not mean they are an angry person, though they do have a tendency to be temperamental, but merely that they have a drive that fuels them throughout their whole self. They can be impulsive, but luckily this is combined with good instinct and reaction, so they don’t find themselves regretting their choices very often. They tend to encase their emotions within themselves, and in that way can seem very cold and blunt. (via: @patron-a-bum)

sometimes, I am very blunt, which makes some perceive me as “uncaring” or “harsh”. I tend to be very ambitious and hold a high sense of passion for the things I love. I can also be very temperamental at times, especially if I’ve had a particularly stressful day. I’ve been quite impulsive as well, often not thinking before I act.

wand:

aspen wood

dragon heartstring core

10 3/4 inches

slightly springy flexibility

wand wood analysis:

“Wand-quality aspen wood is white and fine-grained, and highly prized by all wand-makers for its stylish resemblance to ivory and its usually outstanding charmwork. The proper owner of the aspen wand is often an accomplished duelist, or destined to be so, for the aspen wand is one of those particularly suited to martial magic. An infamous and secretive eighteenth-century dueling club, which called itself The Silver Spears, was reputed to admit only those who owned aspen wands. In my experience, aspen wand owners are generally strong-minded and determined, more likely than most to be attracted by quests and new orders; this is a wand for revolutionaries.” (via pottermore)

“Ollivander calls aspen a wand for revolutionaries; however, revolutions are never one by a single person, they are won with a group of people dedicated to the same cause. For aspen wand owners, a yearning for justice comes out as them being executors, of sorts.

They have strong wills to act physically in favor of their moral vision (or justice), and play the role of a follower as well. They want to execute orders, and have the quick reflexes and dueling skills to do so. Their adaptability is the root of aspen’s reputation as wand of survivors (like fir). They are also minimalists who do not like a lot of clutter in their living space.

They are sentimental for only a few of their possessions. When compared to Poplar and Black Poplar, the Aspen is the least associated with death.

As such, communication comes easier for them than Black Poplar owners, who often feel detached from other people. The elemental composition of aspen is primarily fire and ice based. There is talent with charmwork, dueling, martial magics, as well as ancient rituals and magics. Silver, white, and black sparks are emitted from this wand during spellwork. Its magic smells of chimney smoke, peppermint, and snow. Aspen is attracted to cores with strong-willed and exacting natures. This wand has great precision and can perform the most delicate of spellwork while also packing a punch.” (via: @cloverywands)

wand core analysis:

“If your wand is dragon heartstring, this core as a rule produces ‘wands with the most power, and which are capable of the most flamboyant spells. Dragon wands tend to learn more quickly than other types. While they can change allegiance if won from their original master, they always bond strongly with the current owner. The dragon wand tends to be the easiest to turn to the Dark Arts, though it will not incline that way of its own accord. It is also the most prone of the three cores to accidents, being somewhat temperamental.” (via: pottermore)

I’ve always believed that an aspen wand would be best suited for me. of the three most popular cores (dragon heartstring, phoenix feather, and unicorn hair), I’ve always found I have a particular connection of sorts to the dragon heartstring core. I believe this is due to my own temperamental nature and me being a rather quick learner.

and there we have it, that’s my own personal hogwarts au!☺️ I hope y’all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed making it!

[insane-control-room]

Triple Scoop

It's winter again.

That means the lake is frozen over.

for @halfusek <3 and @obscuresprout <3

ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28671177

Joey hated winter. It reminded him of some of the worst times of his life. At the same time, he knew that memories can change and be made anew, that winter did not always have to be associated with cold and torment. Like skating, ice skating. That was a winter activity, and one he enjoyed immensely. 

Especially with a certain fellow. And another one.

He popped them into his own world in the early morning with a bow and giddy smile, spinning around as he bundled up the two confused men, giving each a kiss on the nose. He handed to Magenta the basket he prepared and then led them out of his home with hardly a word. The frozen lake was explanation enough, as were the three produced pairs of skates. It made Joy excited and Magenta roll his eyes just a tad, though they lingered to the side, memories of his own touching his mind’s eye. 

They settled Joy in the center, gliding along. If one of them fell, the other two did as well, but it was just as good-- they would laugh and flop as they tried to rise once more. Magenta and Joy took a break to build a snowman, Johan revealing the hot cocoa within the canteens that were in the basket, pulling out a bag of marshmallows to accompany the drink. Magenta gave a half wince, then looked around as if confused, and shrugging, took one to put into his cocoa-- Joy taking at least ten and pushing them all within. Johan still had not said a word, opting instead to lay back on the snow and watch the new clusters fall all around them.

It was wonderfully relaxing. The laughter of the two men beside him was worth the stress of planning this all out, just like Henry said it would be. He got up while the other two were peering through the various foodstuffs he had brought (a chocolate blueberry pie lay in a hidden warming compartment), slipping onto the ice to slide up, curve, twist. Curve, down, leap. He hardly noticed Magenta and Joy watching him, their hands interlinked. Each of the three jumps he then made kept his left foot grounded and his right sliding out, back, and slightly in. Glide back. Jump twice. Slide forward, single hand flip, and back, jump forward, move legs back together. 

Sliding away, he surveyed his handiwork with a satisfied smile. 

A heart with an arrow piercing it, three ‘j’s in the center. 

Joy’s clapping made him spin around, and his heart did a little jump. He skated over to them, settling on the blanket once more to join them in eating the squash stew he had made. 

“Did you grow these yourself?” Magenta asked, as he had seen Johan’s garden before, tapping his bowl with his spoon. Johan nodded, blushing a little and hiding it by taking a bite of soup soaked bread. “Thought so. Nerd.”

Johan merely stuck his tongue out at him, and then was surprised by a kiss immediately after. Joy grinned at his shocked expression and kissed him again, stunning him even more. Magenta laughed at him, encouraging Joy with his mirth. 

“He’s very cute when he’s surprised!” Joy announced happily, making Johan hide his face in his hands. Joy’s soft hands pulled down those thin ones, her smile in his vision again. “Don’t you think so?”

“Well, now he’s flustered,” Magenta commented dryly. 

“But you agree, yes?”

“Guess so.”

“You can be so cruel,” Joy sighed, kissing Johan’s cheek again. Johan, who found he was still holding her hand, brought it to his lips to kiss himself. “And you, mister, have been very quiet today. What’s the matter?” 

Johan bit his lip, motioning at his throat. 

“Your voice is hoarse?”

He shook his head, opening his mouth and trying to speak, no words coming out. He gave her a smile regardless, and shrugged. It was just one of those days. He signed ‘I love you’ in one hand motion, just to say it again. She appeared confused, so he finally took out the pen and paper he had brought along in case he had to say something. 

‘I love you,’ he signed again, and then wrote, ‘Means I love you.’

“Oh!” Joy’s face lit up with her name. “Like this?”

‘I love you.’

Johan felt himself melt, blushing and nodding before hiding his face once more. The snow seemed like it was melting around him due to the heat radiating from him. 

“How do you do it?” Johan peeked out from his fingers to see Joy teaching Magenta. The man caught his glance and grinned. Johan flipped himself into the snow face first. Four hands turned him back to the dazzling light. Two cleaned his glasses to let him see the even brighter smiles of Magenta and Joy. “You got snow in your beard, Jo.”

He was about to brush it out when another hand beat him to it. He darkened even more. Magenta gave a brisk laugh, before growing just a tad serious, and he signed; ‘I love you.’

‘I love you too,’ Johan signed back, his throat apparently only capable of giving a squeak. He replied the same to Joy, his heart threatening to overwhelm him. He suddenly stood to the other’s surprise, and revealed the pie, Joy delighted and Magenta amused by the distraction. 

In between a forkful, he leaned to whisper, “You’re not getting out of hearing it, you know?” 

Johan nodded, blushing even more. Mageta gave him a small kiss. 

“Love you, nerd,” Magenta chuckled. Johan signed it back immediately. 

“Hey, let me in on that!” Joy (her face covered in both purple and brown from the remnants of pie). “I love you!” with that word, she kissed Magenta, the man exploding pink and mumbling the return. “And I love you!” she did the same to Johan, who seemed to short circuit. 

Johan flopped back, smiling. 

Maybe winter was not so bad. 

[wisdomrays]

TAFAKKUR: Part 57

Seeing Near: A Blessing We Take for Granted

There are so many blessings in life, granted to us free of charge, which we take for granted. Eyesight, being able to see near and far distances, most certainly tops the list. But we do not have to be deprived of our sight in order to understand its wisdom and functioning, and to contemplate upon its true value and worth.

Years of research and hard work were dedicated to develop cameras and multi-featured objective lenses. Initially, one to three lens objective cameras were used for simple shots, whereas today, objectives with seven to ten lenses are being used to take better photographs from a snow drop falling onto a flower to a buzzing bee resting on a flower. I wonder to what extent human beings are aware of the pair of eyes that has been bestowed upon them by God, and its ability to see different colors and shapes both near and far. Unfortunately, as people who often understand the true value of things once they are lost, we understand the blessing of being able to see near after the age of forty when we cannot read the newspaper without glasses and when we cannot put a thread through a needle.

So why is it that we can still see far after the age of forty but fail to see near? In order to understand this we need to examine the structure of the eye and its functions.

The structure of the eye and the ability to see

The exterior part of the eye is made up of a translucent layer (cornea) at the front and a white protective layer (sclera) behind it. The vascular layer of the eye (uvea) is located in the middle of the sclera. The most inner part of the eye is made up of the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue responsible for converting light rays into electrical signals. The hole located in the center of the iris, the colored part of the eye, is called the pupil. Behind the pupil is the crystalline lens. For a clear vision, lights reflected from objects need to be focused on the central part of the retina (fovea). While cameras have lens systems to focus the image on the film, it is the cornea and crystalline lens that are responsible for the same function in the eye.

Refraction power of cornea is constant and around 43 diopters. The refraction power of the eye lens when resting is around 20 diopters. Light rays coming from outside refracts at a set ratio and manages to focus on the retina. The light rays coming at the retina are then coded into electrical signals. Afterwards these signals are routed towards related regions of the brain via optic nerves. Most of the stimuli relayed by the optical nerve arrive at the visual center of the brain (occipital cortex). These coded electrical signals then become vision when they reach the optical lobe of the brain.

The function of the lens and accommodation

The refraction power of both the cornea and the lens (43+20+63 diopters) is sufficient to focus an image on the retina when looking at objects farther than 6 meters. Extra refraction power is needed for closer distances in order to focus images on the retina. Mobile lens systems enable this job to take place in camera objectives. Since refraction power of the cornea in human eye does not change, this additional task of refraction is set to be provided by the ocular lens. It is built as a flexible structure without any blood vessels. Aqueous humor (lens fluid) which is secreted by the ciliary body is responsible for lens nourishment, removal of waste products and toning of the eye since the lens does not contain any blood vessels. This internal fluid has low oxygen concentration therefore the lens is made to derive its energy supply mostly from anaerobic metabolism.

The iris is positioned in a suitable place where it can change the shape of the internal lens behind the pupil. The lens in this special place is suspended into position via zonule of zinn ligaments attached to the eye as a ciliary body. The ciliary body contains ciliary muscles where zinn ligaments are attached. Only 0.5 mm of space exists between the lens and the ciliary body. Zinn ligaments are tight when ciliary muscles are resting and this enables a flatter configuration of the lens. Upon contraction of ciliary muscles, zinn ligaments become relaxed and the diameter of the lens decreases along with an increase in its thickness. Thicker lens becomes more globular and this increases its refractive power, thus enabling vision of the closer distances. This increase in refractive power of the lens in order to see closer objects is called “accommodation.” If the stimuli of the ciliary muscles expire, ciliary muscles then relax making zinn ligaments tighter, reducing thickness of the lens, making it flatter and therefore less refractive. This reshapes it to focus on distant objects for a clearer vision.

Accommodation mechanisms and loss of accommodation during aging

The vision blurs temporarily when one takes an immediate shift from staring at an object in the distance to another object nearby. As soon as this blurry image reaches the occipital cortex, stimuli generated here arrives first at the Edinger-Westphal nucleus via special nerve tracks and then to the ciliary muscles of the eye. In a very short time, this blurry vision is corrected and becomes clearer without us even noticing with optimal increase of refraction in the internal lens. In a time as short as 0.35 seconds, for thousands of times in a day, this mechanism is set to function in such a perfect manner to spur those thoughtful minds into reflection and wonder.

Accommodation ability is at its highest point in children and this feature of the eye decreases with age. Refractive power of the lens can increase up to 34 diopters with a 14 diopters accommodation power along with 20 diopters of resting refraction during childhood. This way, children can clearly see objects as close as 7 centimeters. Accommodation power decreases with age. It reduces to 4-8 diopters after the age of 40 and 2-3 diopters around the age of 50. It is widely accepted that refractive power disappears entirely after the age of 60.

In the advanced stages of aging, the eye lens loses its transparency, becomes cloudy as it develops cataract. Eye lens in this poor transparent stage is removed via cataract surgery, to be replaced with an artificial lens to carry out the refracting task. Unfortunately today, technology is still unable to produce an artificial lens that is capable of all the tasks that a human eye can perform. Artificial internal eye lenses that are used in surgeries today cannot carry out accommodation functions. Majority of these lenses can only focus on one point at a near or far distance. Newly developed multifocal lenses can utilize various mechanisms to see both near and far distances yet they are not in any position to replace the human lens completely.

Ocular motions when looking near and far

Thanks to ocular movements, we do not have to move our head constantly while looking around. The eye movement involving both eyes in which each eye moves in the same direction is referred to as version type movements. Another movement type is called vergence, and this is when both eyes move in opposite directions. Vergence type movements are a type of ocular motility coded in a special center part of the brain. It is called convergence because the eyes get closer to each other when looking at closer distances, and called divergence when both eyes focus on the same spot by directing away from each other. If eyes only moved in the same direction without this convergence mechanism, both eyes would not be able to focus on closer points and would not be able to develop three dimensional visions (depth perception).

In addition to accommodation and convergence, when we look closer, our pupils get smaller (Miosis). Light rays coming from outside objects get improved focus on the retina via this constriction of the pupils. This way, a clearer image is provided.

When we look closer, accommodation, convergence and miosis all happen at the same time in a synchronized manner to provide a clear vision. The details of these complicated chains of events have yet to be understood.

Conclusion

The fineness of refractive power of the eye with a single lens, accommodation ability and sensitive balances of ocular motility is only a few of the blessings of the eye granted to humankind. The ability to see near being at its peak during young ages when learning is most active is another dimension to this miracle. These wisdom-filled capacities given to the eye makes one ponder upon the importance of the eye for survival, in addition to being a reminder to those with an open mind and heart to gaze upon the natural world and contemplate upon the Almighty.

[artemishphm]

ARTEMIS LUNA GREY

IDENTITY

Name: Artemis Luna Grey

Nicknames: Temis, Art, Artie, Mis, Moonie, Pip, Honey, Lunetta

Gender: Female

Age: 11 - 17 (in-game, 1984-1991); 47 (present day 2020)

Birth Date: 31st August 1973

Species: Human

Blood Status: Half-blood

Sexuality: Bisexual

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Ethnicity: Caucasian/White

Nationality: Half Italian, Half British

Residence: London, England

Myer Briggs Personality Type: ENFJ-A

THE MAGE

1st Wand: Acacia, Unicorn Hair, 12 inches, pliable

Garrick Ollivander found that wands made from Acacia were difficult to match with a wizard. Acacia wands generally refused to produce magic for anyone but their owners, but conversely, seemed to withhold their full power from all but the most gifted wizards.Owners of Acacia wands were generally subtle wizards, as wands made from this wood were generally unsuitable for what Ollivander termed "bangs-and-smells magic".             

Wands with unicorn hair cores produced the most consistent magic, were least subject to fluctuations and blockages, were most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts, and were the most faithful of wands. However, they do not make the most powerful of wands (unless the wand wood compensates) and are prone to melancholy if mishandled.

2nd Wand: Laurel, Phoenix feather, 12 inches

A laurel wand cannot perform a dishonourable act, although in the quest for glory (a not uncommon goal for those best suited to these wands), laurel wands have been known to perform powerful and sometimes lethal magic. Laurel wands are sometimes called fickle, but this is unfair; the laurel wand is unable to tolerate laziness in a possessor, and it is in such conditions that it is most easily and willingly won away. Otherwise, it will cleave happily to its first match forever, and indeed has the unusual and engaging attribute of issuing a spontaneous lightning strike if another witch or wizard attempts to steal it.

The Phoenix feather his is one of the rarest core types. Phoenix feathers are capable of the greatest range of magic, though they may take longer than either unicorn hair or dragon heartstring cores to reveal this. They show the most initiative, sometimes acting of their own accord, a quality that many witches and wizards dislike.Phoenix feather wands are always the pickiest when it comes to potential owners, for the creature from which they are taken is one of the most independent and detached in the world. These wands are the hardest to tame and to personalise, and their allegiance is usually hard won.

Animagus: American Staffordshire Terrier

(Real footage of Barnaby playing with Artemis, Rowan rec)

Misc Magical Abilities: 

Parselmouth

Just like her brother Jacob, Artemis is a Parselmouth. She realized she was one when learning about Vipera Evanesca in her fifth year, a snake told her all about his life and she talked with him about her friends.

Seer

Artemis can see the future with her inner eye. She rembers giving prophecies since she was born and how she cried when she couldn’t see her brother’s future anymore, she can’t also see her own future. Artemis hates having prophecies at the most random times (example: when Barnaby was about to kiss her for the first time).

Animagus

Artemis can switch to a dog. She learned to do it with Talbott, even though they aren’t really close. She is not registered in the ministry.

Legilimency

Artemis was born with the ability to read other people’s minds.

Wandless and nonverbal magic

Artemis learned to cast nonverbal and windless magic with Rowan during their second year while they got bored during one of their sleepovers.

Boggart Form: Rowan’s dead body waking up and telling Artemis that it was her fault that she was dead.

Riddikulus Form: Rowan laughing with the fun that she bought with with Artemis 

Amortentia: (What do they smell like?) Rain, Cookies, Vanilla and Fire

Amortentia: (What do they smell?) Snow, Shepherd’s pie, Fresh Laundry and a hint of sandalwood

Patronus: Unicorn

Patronus Memory: 

Dancing her heart out at the end of the fourth year with all of her friends in the courtyard thanks to a muggle stereo Jae had managed to smuggle in the castle

Mirror of Erised:

She sees her whole family just being there with her smiling, telling her how much they love her.

Specialized/Favourite Spells:

Flipendo

Episkey

Riddikulus

Depulso

Protego

Colovaria

Arresto Momentum

APPEARANCE

Faceclaim: Amanda Arcuri

Game Appearance:

Height: 5′5 (169 cm)

Weight: 110 lbs

Physique: Slim

Eye Colour: Green

Hair Colour:  Natural: brown, but she changes it every two weeks

Skin Tone: Ivory

Body Modifications: 

Her mother pierced her ears when she was born. During her years at Hogwarts she got a lot of other piercings on her ears.

She got a septum when she was 15

She also has a small sun stick & poke on her wrist. She got it with Rowan when they were 13 & bored. Rowan has a moon in the same place.

Scarring: 

She has small scars on her fingers due to failed spells

She also had a scar on her lower belly but she doesn’t remember how she got it.

Inventory: (what do they carry on them?)

Popcorn (”you always have to be ready to watch Merula fail at duels”), her mother’s necklace, candy, eye-liner, one of Barnaby’s rings and a dugbomb (”just in case”)

Fashion:

Converse are a must, she’s always wearing them (even when she shouldn’t). During the weekdays when she is not wearing her uniform you can find her sporting an old hoodie and some sweats around the castle. When she’s outside or on special occasion she has a 90s style,

I’ll link her Pinterest style board here once I do it.

ALLEGIANCES

Hogwarts House: Gryffindor

Affiliations/Organizations: The Grey family, The circle of Khanna, House of Gryffindor, British Ministry of Magic, Order of the Phoenix

Professions:

Gryffindor prefect (1988-1991)

Auror (1992-present day)

HOGWARTS INFORMATION

Class Proficiencies:

Astronomy: Outstanding

Charms: Outstanding

DADA: Outstanding

Flying: Exceeds Expectations

Herbology: Outstanding

History of Magic: Outstanding

Potions: Outstanding

Transfiguration: Outstanding

Electives:

Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding

Divination: Outstanding

Muggle Studies: Acceptable

Quidditch: TBD

Extra Curricular:

-Duelling Club

Favourite Professors:

Minerva McGonagall

Severus Snape

Sybilla Trelawney

Silwanus Kettleburn

Least Favourite Professors:

Patricia Rakepick

RELATIONSHIPS

Brother:

Jacob Apollo Grey

He used to be Artemis’ best friend, but after his disappearance she couldn’t help but think that their bond would never be the same

Father: 

Xavier Grey

Xavier left when Artemis was 3. He never came back.

Mother:

Jennifer Bane

A very cold woman, she never know how to show her love to Artemis. After Jacob left she became verbally abusive towards her daughter.

Love Interest:

Barnaby Lee

Penny Haywood (one-sided love, 1985)

Best Friends:

Rowan Khanna

Jae Kim

Nymphadora Tonks

Tulip Karasu

Penny Haywood

Rival:

Merula Snyde

Ismelda Murk

Andre Egwu (friendly bc of quidditch)

Enemy:

Patricia Rakepick

R

Acromantula

Dormmates: (Who’s in your MC’s dorm with them?)

Rowan Khanna

Skye Parkin

Barnaby Lee (when he doesn’t get caught, sneaked in)

Pets:

Niffler named Plato

Abraxan named Achilles

Fairy named Roger

Closest Canon Friends:

Badeea Ali

Charlie Weasley

Bill Weasley

Liz Tuttle

Skye Parkin

Murphy McNully

Closest MC Friends:

Lizzie Parker ( @lizzieparkerhphm​)

Luna Powell (currently 2nd year, one of my MCs)

If u wanna be friends with Artemis just dm me! I’d love to!

PERSONALITY

Artemis is kind, loyal and funny. She’s a bit bossy sometimes but she always everyone’s best interests at heart. She would literally do anything for her friends. She’s really impulsive and that often puts her in very dangerous situations. She’s also really smart.

MISC

Artemis started dying her hair during her second year, after Tonks pulled prank on her and put dye in her shampoo. She loved so much her green hair that she decided to always change her hair color (Colovaria helped, a lot too)

None’s ever seen Artemis with the same hair color for more that three weeks. Her friends often don’t recognize her from behind when she has a new dye

Artemis and Tulip throw the best parties. They got caught only once.

There’s an unwritten rule at Hogwarts, what happens at their parties stays in their parties.

Artemis loves muggle music, especially Queen and David Bowie.

Even though Snape is always pretty harsh, he’s one of her favorite professors (and deep down he has a soft spot for her).

Rowan and Skye found her during OWLs week at three am crying her heart while singing “love of my life” to a piece of paper where she had written “outstanding OWLs” and a bowl of ice-cream, probably stolen from the kitchen. They never talked about it.

Artemis is in love with the moon. She doesn’t know why, but she’s always felt connected to it. That’s why you can often find her in the astronomy tower just staring at the moon.

She ofter sneaks Barnaby in her room because the feeling of his arms around her helps her ease her nightmares and, when she has her visions, he’s able to calm her down almost instantly.

When Rowan died, he slept with her for two months. None of the professors said nothing.

Thanks to @hogwartsmystory​for the template <3

[monster-huntologist]

Monster Ecologies: Barioth

Entry 26 - Barioth

Name: Barioth

Aliases: Frost, Ice Tusk Wyvern, Beriorosu

Classification: Mammal, Pseudo Wyvern

Biology: Barioth are polar Pseudo Wyverns, mammalian in nature with some reptilian traits. It shares a close genetic relation to both Nargacuga and Tigrex, indicating that the three of them may have split off from one common ancestor. Its body is covered in white scales and fur with small spikes on its neck and spine. Two massive amber tusks jut out the sides of its mouth. It uses these alongside its sharp claws and larger spikes on its wings and tail to easily traverse its frigid habitat, stabbing into the ice to prevent slipping. They have excellent vision, but their eyes often appear squinted during the day. This is really just an evolutionary compensation to protect its eyes from the blinding glare of strong sunlight reflecting off the ice and snow. Thanks to its relation to Tigrex, Barioth possess a strange and unique ability. The two Pseudo Wyverns share the same complicated respiratory system, but the one found in Barioth has evolved differently. Rather than an explosive roar, it can expel powerful bursts of air. This is combined with sub-zero liquid generated by specialised sacs in its body to produce miniature icy cyclones. They are also capable of secreting this subzero liquid from the centre of their tail tip, allowing them to create small patches of ice on the ground.

Behaviour: Highly aggressive and protective of their territory, Barioth will attack any large monsters that enter its domain. They prefer chasing away threats rather than killing them, but will fight fiercely if they do have to choose the latter option. They are diurnal creatures and can be active during the day or night. During the breeding season, males will show off their impressive tusks to attract potential mates. Some of them will even go so far as to invade the territory of a female in order to mate with her. The females will always attack these persistent males however, whether it be because she has already found a partner or simply annoyed by the constant advances. Raised in icy caves by the father while the mother goes out hunting, Barioth cubs are born covered in fluff to help keep them warm.

Habitat: Barioth exclusively live in snowy habitats, so in the New World they can only be found in the Hoarfrost Reach. They primarily stick to the caves and ice sheets, but will venture out of them in order to feed.

Diet: Barioth are carnivores, sinking their tusks into any herbivores they can find. Their diet primarily consists of Popo and Anteka, but on rare occasions they will go after juvenile Banbaro. While the do eat the regular meat of their prey, Barioth have a particular taste for the internal organs such as the heart or liver.

Attack Method: Fitting the genetic relationship between the trio, Barioth posses both the finesse of Nargacuga and the ferocity of Tigrex. It uses its claws, tusks and spikes to slash and stab as it swiftly moves around Its muscular tail is often used like a club and pounces are common to hit opponents with the full force of its body. Its icy cyclones are mainly used as projectiles, but Barioth will occasionally use them to obscure its opponents vision and then strike when they least expect it.

Place in the Food Chain: Barioth are the apex predators of the Hoarfrost Reach, diligently protecting their territory from intruders. Beotodus pose no danger to it whatsoever, so Banbaro and Viper Tobi-Kadachi are the only native creatures that are capable of challenging it. The main threats a Barioth has to worry about are invading nomads. Spars with Tigrex, Fulgur Anjanath and Deviljho are common and each side has equal chances of winning. Appearances of Ebony Odogaron are less common, but just as much of a threat as the other. Barioth have recently gained another enemy in the Legiana that have mass migrated to the Hoarfrost Reach. The two creatures will leave each other alone from a distance, but will often begin fighting if the two of them are in the same area.

This has been a report on the Barioth. Thank you for reading.

[katsukikitten]

Ice bath

A/N this is my first Todoroki one shot. So hopefully it is to my Katsudaddy standards. Enjoy!

You dodge a fiery explosion a second too late, the explosion burns your left arm harshly as you grit your teeth.

Katsuki really wasn't holding back today as you roll to dodge another. You swallow your nervousness as hesitation will get you killed, still your eyes shift to Aizawa Sensei wondering why he's paired you with one of the top three fighters in class.

Hell, you were struggling to stay top three of the bottom let alone fight someone who was more than capable of being a pro hero by strength alone.

You're waiting to use your quirk at just the right time as it takes more than half of your energy for just one shift.

You were a late bloomer and hadn't found out you were a shape shifter until middle school and by complete accident!

So much so that you shifted into your crush midsentence while talking to your best friend.

It was only when your voice deepened to his did you realize, screaming and scaring yourself back to normal.

You dodge another explosion, snaking to the left before you decide now is the time to strike.

You will your body to change, holding back your scream as your body broke it's own bones, ripped its own muscles just to rearrange themselves again.

Your mentor said the pain would go away the more you used your power but you had your doubts as the pain still rang through your bones as four powerful paws hit the floor.

You snarl a feral growl, earning a smirk from Katsuki. His blood red eyes dance over your new form, black fur and all.

You slink towards him, feeling the rush of power as you waft his sweat, the adrenaline in his veins smelling temptingly sweet but he lacks fear.

You're not sure he knows fear even as he stares down 300 pounds of pure muscle.

You lunge and he dances around your attacks, barely dodging as your sharp claws slice through air and when they miss they marr the stained gym floor, splintering the wood in deep grooves.

Frustrated from not catching your prey you begin to lose count of the ticking minutes that have rushed by but Bakugou has not.

He's watched you, as he's watched everyone for their weakness and he knows you can only hold a form for roughly eight minutes and he knows you only have five seconds left.

5

You pounce, ready to use this black pather's body to your full advantage with all the ill intent to fuck Bakugou's hero suit up at the very least.

4

You slowly come down to your target.

3

Right paw raised.

2

Claws extracted to full length ready to slice through cloth and flesh alike.

1

Your body twists and contours to normal. Your body still mirroring how the big cat's body language as you fall into Bakugou's trap.

The ash blonde has a shit eating grin as he holds his hand to you palm out.

His sweat ignites threatening to swallow you whole, all you can do now is protect your face as you prepare yourself for a point blank blast and pray to Kamisama you still have enough of the panther's blood flowing in your veins to land on your feet.

That is until the blast never comes and nether does the gym floor.

Instead you're met with a strong arm holding you agaisnt him as if you weigh nothing and his right arm outstretched, frosted fingers glinting in the harsh gym lights.

His eyes are ever cool, frozen even as his icy gaze settles on a glaring hot head through an astonishing amount of ice.

"You should go easy on Y/N." His normal even tone has a slight darkness to it, causing your heart to race before it jumps to your throat in shame, "She doesn't quite have her quirk down yet."

Your face burns hotter than any flame Todoroki can produce as the lump in your throat thickens.

His heterochromatic eyes glance to you in his arms, flashing with emotion so quickly that you do not catch it.

Cannot catch it as your vision begins to blur from the horror of your current situation.

All you had managed to do was get burned by Bakugou's explosion and the words of your crush.

"Ah...Th..thank you Todoroki-sama. I appreciate the help." You fake your best smile as you fight to keep the tears at bay. Pushing against his toned chest lightly to which he easily releases you.

Eyes colder than Castillo are glued to you, clouded with confusion as they watch your form shrink into the girl's locker room.

"Tch, you always make her cry, Icy Hot" Bakugou growls, "Even when you know she fucking likes you."

"She what?" Shouto inquires, dark tone saved only for this arrogant blonde that dares to char her pleasantly smooth skin.

"You're so fucking dense." Katsuki hisses as he places his hands behind his head before walking to the boys locker room.

Days pass by and you avoid Todoroki like a mule does Monday.

Whenever the gorgeous blood red and fresh snow haired boy would approach you would make an about face move, shoving your way past people to steer clear of your normal study sessions with him. Always missing his crest fallen face as you meld into the sea of bodies that flood the hall.

But what should it matter that he was feeling something other than his deeply embedded apathy?

After all he only thinks of you as the weak and stupid little girl.

Why else would he have offered to help you study in the first place?

You were nothing but a charity case. A good mark for his application to a pro hero agency.

Nothing less and *never* anything more.

At least Bakugou didn't hold back on you and he always criticized your fighting but that was all to help you.

He was right you'd never make it as a pro hero if you didn't practice with someone at full speed.

So to a fiery hot head's, and icy gaze's, surprise you approached Bakugou after the final bell, cheeks burning with blush.

"Um excuse me Bakugou-sama." Todoroki's gut clenches at the honorific, sama, really, that brute?

"Whaddya want ya damn extra? You're gonna make me late to practice." He snarls as he looms over you, glaring with an intensity that you cannot meet.

"Ah..about that." You blush furiously, "I was wondering if you could maybe....help me?"

Your voice squeaks at the end and Bakugou reacts oddly. His body goes rigid for a moment before a smirk flashes on his face.

All the while the wood from the chairs in the back of the class room groan from the rapid temperature change of scalding to freezing.

You shiver when you finally meet Bakugou's gaze, he leans closer his face inches from yours.

"That's if you can even fucking keep up." His smile is too wide as it seems to curl from ear to ear in unsettling malice.

You nod furiously.

"I can." You declare as heterochromatic eyes burn into your skin.

For weeks Bakugou pushes you past your limits daily as you train with him and the results are amazing.

You can hold your form over twenty minutes, almost tripling your original time limit and the pain from shifting has subsided greatly.

You hold your knees and huff as Bakugou calls out rapidly what to change into and how long to hold it.

"Cat, five minutes."

"Mouse, four minutes."

"Aizawa Sensei remainder of your limit." He barks like a drill sergeant though he too is drenched in sweat from his own training.

"People are a bit harder, I need see them a lot." Your protest is met with a scalding gaze.

"Do you not sit in the front fucking row? The seat right in front of his lecturn?" He asks darkly before tossing you a water bottle.

"Yes."

"Yes what?" He pulls his shirt up to wipe the sweat from his face as he speaks, revealing and that would give Adonis envy.

You swallow desire.

"Yes, sir." You blush, liking the dominance that Katsuki exudes, "But Katsuki-sama I avoid looking at Sensei. He makes me nervous."

Bakugou looks at you with even eyes before giving them a slight roll.

Unbelievable how shy you are.

"Then why dont you shift into someone you look at most often." He grunts, stretching his arms above his head, the hem of his shirt rides up and you hope to get another glance at his sculpted body.

"Like you, sir?" You blush again heart pounding and you wonder if you have always been this flippant about your feelings. Scarlet orbs flick over your shoulder unbeknownst to you catching an icy set of eyes staring before he smirks wildly.

"Yea, like me." He almost purrs and you half melt.

You shift, bones cracking and growing to accommodate your new stature before Bakugou Katsuki is staring at his own shit eating grin.

You mimic his scowl perfectly and he laughs.

"Damn I look mean." He says before becoming serious, "Sixteen minutes and when your muscles start to scream I want you to speak in an even tone. No matter how much it hurts."

You nod as he jumps to grab onto the overhanging bar, pulling himself up effortlessly.

Time feels as if it slows, your muscles scream to shift to something, anything else as they can no longer keep this form. You force yourself to focus on the feeling in your chest.

The one that makes your heart skip a beat and your stomach flutter with anticipation.

"Y/N how ya feeling?" He taunts back still to you as he some how has the endurance to continue his regime.

"Fucking great, you pleb." You growl in his voice and he drops to his feet. Coming closer to inspect you, his nearness has you nervous as he approaches. His gaze fixated on a point behind you before he begins checking details, his eyes narrow.

"My eyes are red." He comments, he fingers your hair, "And my hair is always spiked up. You're shifting."

"I'm not." But your voice is no longer his fiery hot tone, it is even, cool, somebody else's. Someone's who you've hadn't heard in quite sometime, someone's who's voice still had your heart racing.

Bakugou seems to shrink an inch shorter as your perspective changes, body temperature cooling and yet heating as red and white bangs fall into view.

All the while Katsuki wears a small smile of triumph.

Your body heats too much, you've pushed yourself too much as you overthink why you would be turning into him of all people and of all times.

Your body rapidly changes from Todoroki to Katsuki to mouse to cat. All in a vicious cycle and you scream in pain as your body finally withers back to it's own form. Hair damp with sweat and plastered onto your steaming body.

Face paled as a cool hand is placed on the nap of your neck, your limp body is pulled to a cool surface. You sigh and let your vision fade in and out.

"What did I tell you?!" A snap of heated dark emotion, "You push too hard!"

"Tch. I pushed enough. She's strong she just thinks too much. She's the one who couldn't decide whether she wanted you or me." Katsuki's tone is harsh, "Had you more faith in her than maybe she would have asked you to train instead of me. "

"Quit standing there dumbass. She's gonna need an ice bath." He snaps as you finally drift beneath conciousness. Snuggling into the cool body that you're pressed against.

"How are we?!" Todoroki is alarmed, shielding you from blood red eyes. That roll so hard one would think he was having a seizure.

"You put her fully clothed in the tub." Katsuki stalks into the dorms. Todoroki stares down at your flushed form, his own cheeks dusting with shame as he wonders how many times he has upset you with his callousness.

He cannot help his frozen heart that you've seemed to melt.

He cannot help that he wasn't raised as a child only sharpened like a weapon.

Bakugou has the cold bath water running by the time Todoroki enters the small room.

"Alright icy hot, add some ice cubes in there and set her in."

"I'm not like the dispenser on the fucking fridge." He bites, small explosions skitter on Bakugou's skin. After he exhales through his nose he answers.

"Yea yea. Same damn thing." As Todoroki eases her into a slightly frosted bath. His brow furrows with concern as Katsuki sucks his teeth.

"She'll be fucking fine. She'll be awake in five minutes, don't let her drown." He says ducking out the door, "And d on't fuck it up this time."

He wonders how many times Bakugou has pushed you to this point and how many times he's held you to his body.

How many times you've snuggled into his chest with such a small smile on content like you had with him.

He seethes but watches you carefully.

He cannot believe he is going to even think it but maybe Bakugou was right.

Maybe if he had believed in your abilities a bit more you wouldn't have turned to a drill sergeant that makes you say yes sir or yes Katsuki-sama.

You should only be that submissive for him.

"Shouto." You murmur and two toned eyes flick to you to see you still sleeping.

He grips onto your head, heart heavy with guilt and worry.

He sighs and counts the minutes.

Sure enough your eyes begin to flutter as you come too.

Cheeks somehow flushing even in the ice cold bath as you pull yourself into a sitting position. Covering your breasts as if they were exposed causing a deep rage to settle in his chest.

"Ahh Todoroki. I...I...where is Bakugou-sama?"

His eyes freeze over and you jerk back, long moments of silence stretch between you.

"Has he seen you naked before?"

"Wha...what?" Your heart hammers into your chest and a shiver runs along your spine.

"Has that vile Bakugou Katsuki stolen a look at your heavenly form?" His tone some how darker, colder as steam leaves his lips. Part of his body begins to freeze while the other begins to ignite.

"N...no!" Your teeth chatter now as this is the time Bakugou would normally drain the cold bath and leave you to a scalding hot one.

"No what?" Todoroki bites out, harsher than Bakugou has ever asked. Still you automatically answer after having been trained.

"No sir." You slap your hand over your mouth, embarrased that that reaction was so normal. Todoroki smiles a cruel smile.

"Just no sir?" His eyes meet yours, as he comes closer with his warm hand. He presses it to your cheek, thumb tracing over your blue lips restoring their color slowly, "If you answer right I might just heat your bath for you. Or I can warm you up in other ways if you'd like."

Your core burns suddenly at the closeness of him, of his tone and words. A shudder runs through you as you're somehow drawn closer to him, mouth parting to kiss, but he pushes your face back gently. Thumb pulling at your bottom lip.

"N...no Todoroki-sama. No one has seen me naked before." You blush at the thought of anyone seeing you so vulnerable.

"Good because this..." He moves his heated hand slowly down your body. Sliding too damn slow down your cheek, throat, down your sternum, over your stomach and stopping in the water betwern your legs, you let a small moan slip from your lips. The water becomes steaming hot but the bath is not what has you panting. He's hardly touched you and you two haven't even spoken in a month or so and yet here you are a needy mess just for him.

"Is all mine and mine alone." He removes his hand from the water, sure to let his fingers slide over your inner thigh before standing, leaving you with thoughts for only him in mind.

@my-todoroki-academia since you picked icy hot bae let me know your thoughts 😊

[eyesfixedonthesun22]

Spark

Summary: There was no particular cause for celebration, no world threat thwarted, and no one’s birthday. The Avengers were relaxing.  Pairing: Stoner!Bucky x Gender Neutral Reader Warning(s): Drug Use: Marijuana, Cursing, Smut (18+), Voyeurism Word Count: 3,126 Gif Credit: @vivacite Beta Reader: My darling honey bun, @supersoldiersruined-me​ Notes: This is my entry to @barnesrogersvstheworld 4K writing challenge. My prompt was “Come over here and sit by me.” Thank you so much for hosting this, Attie! I’ve had a fascination with the idea of stoner!bucky for months now. Can’t wait to write more for him. 

Rooftops made you smile. It didn’t matter if it was a rooftop club, sprinting across various buildings to catch the villain of the moment, or the hidden perch you’d made at your childhood home. Being high above everyone, in your own little universe, made you smile. The Avengers Compound had the best rooftop. Technically they had the best of everything, if you asked Tony. Screw the rest; as long as you could keep the rooftop.

In the winter, the climate control dome was raised against the elements; giving off the feeling of living in a temperate snow globe. Once things started warming, the dome was lowered, and the rooftop became a mecca for the entire team.

The roof was expansive with plenty of nooks and hideaways to enjoy a good book, sunbathe, or relax undisturbed. It was littered with greenery. Flowers of all shapes and colors dotted across the shades of green. The east end housed the large garden area that was a favorite of Wanda’s. The west end had a brilliant sparkling pool half-shaded by a large wooden pergola. In the center was a large fire pit surrounded by earth toned bricks. That’s where the outdoor kitchen, bar, and lounge were all situated. It frequently hosted team get-togethers and summer barbecues. Triangular slivers of canvas stretched tight between supports to form a stunning geometric pattern around the firepit. They allowed the heat and smoke to rise undisturbed while anyone lounging below remained shaded from sun or rain.

Tonight, the entire team was gathered. There was no particular cause for celebration, no world threat thwarted, and no one’s birthday. The Avengers were relaxing. The evening was perfect for it. The sky was dusky purple; not yet revealing its stars. It was comfortably warm without making you swelter and sweat. Clint had manned the grill while Nat and Wanda helped prepare the side dishes. You were stuffed and your mind wandered to dessert.

“S’mores time!” Tony singsongs as he navigates from the elevator over to the lounge with a huge tray filled with supplies.

You should get up to help him but you’re far too comfortable. You and Bucky share an oversized cushion near the fire pit. Your back rests against the small retaining wall behind you while Bucky lays with his legs casually draped in your lap.

“Need me to explain to you what a s’more is, old man?”

Bucky may have glared at you, but you only feel the retaliating pinch. “I’ll have you know s’mores were invented before my time.”

“Impossible. There is no time before you. You’re ancient.” Another pinch. This time you tickle the sole of his foot causing him to squirm away. You regret the tickling.

Bucky walks over to the dining table and rummages through his various jacket pockets. When he’s found what he was searching for he plops down once more, head resting on your lap. He shakes an orange bottle vigorously in front of your face.

“Let’s make the s’mores s’more fun.”

“What the hell do you mean?” The rest of the team has come to gather around the fire. Nat assesses the seating arrangements and cocks her brow at you. Your return expression couldn’t say mind-your-damn-business more if you wanted. The casual intimacy you share with Bucky is nice, but it’s never progressed. Everyone was aware of the dance you two were doing except Bucky.

Bucky shakes the bottle once more demanding your attention. “According to the DSM-5 and my lovely therapist, I have depression, anxiety, PTSD, and I’m sure a whole litany of other diagnoses. One positive is that I qualify for my medical marijuana card.”

“Thank god. I’m sick of you pilfering my stash!” Clint chimes in.

“As I was saying,” he huffs, “I used my card to stock up on some ‘special chocolates’. I thought we could use some of them in the s’mores.”

“Weed works for you?” Bruce asks, clearly curious about the inner workings of super soldier metabolism.

“Shocked me too. But yes. Just need a higher dose. I’ve been smoking for years before it was legal.”

“Bucky Barnes, The Winter Stoner,” you chuckle. Your joke earns massive cackles from the entire team.  Another affectionate pinch to your side.

“I won’t share with you if you keep teasing me!”

“I don’t want any if I can’t tease you!”

Some of the team welcome the special chocolate to their desserts, others opt for cocktails. You hesitate when faced with your own decision.

“What’s wrong, doll?”

“I haven’t…”

“Never?”

“I have before. But back in high school. I took a couple hits off a friend’s bowl and had such a bad asthma attack I vowed never to touch the stuff again. Not to mention how unsettling it can be for my type A personality to feel out of control.”  

Bucky quirks his lips into a contemplative smirk. “I’m not forcing you, but I think you’d like this. I got an Indica strain.”

“Meaning?”

“Indica. In-da-couch.” Your face remains blank. “It’s relaxing. Other strains can give more of a head high, paranoia, and that out of control feeling you don’t want. Indicas help me turn my brain off and relax.”

You hesitate for a half beat longer before reaching for the chocolate.

“Hold up, darlin’.” He snatches the handful of chocolate from you. “You should probably only have one square of the special and two of the regular on your s’more. Don’t want you loopy high. Just relaxed high.”

“Don’t feel like babysitting loopy me?”

“Only looking out for ya, doll.” He kisses your temple before carrying the marshmallow clad skewers over to the fire; leaving you to grab the plate with the rest of the supplies.

**************************************************************************************************

The night buzzed. Everyone on the team was either tipsy or stoned; content and bubbly. The summer stars were hidden from view. A large storm had blown in during the past hour. It didn’t seem to bother anyone. They all knew full well the fire pit area was sheltered allowing the festivities to continue unhindered.

The team had dispersed to various parts of the rooftop. A group was enjoying a nighttime swim while another splintered off to the grill for more snacks. You hardly paid attention. You watched the thunderstorm intently as it rolls across the grounds of the compound. Thunderheads collapse into destruction only to be remade higher and darker than before as the storm inched closer and closer. You took a deep breath and realized how happy you are. It wasn’t some out of control stupor but a delicate boost of your mood.  

“Someone’s feelin’ it.” Sam’s voice cuts through your revere. You hide your face in Bucky’s shoulder unable to contain the giggles. He rubs gentle strokes up and down your back.

“You okay, doll?” He whispers low enough only you can here.

“I’m great, Buck.” You gaze up at him. “Certainly capable of kicking some asses at cards.”

You abandon the shared cushion and go investigate Sam and Steve’s card game. If you’d looked back, you would have seen the disappointment on Bucky’s face from losing your proximity. There’s plenty of chairs near the boys but the marijuana has made you overly social, so you plop right on Sam’s lap.

“Hey there, Agent.” Sam purred seductively. One hand holds his collection of cards and the other rests on your hip. Steve glances over at Bucky knowingly.

“Deal me in, gentleman!”

**************************************************************************************************

Sometime during the fifth hand, the storm officially arrived. The patterns and strategy which usually come naturally to you are muddled and poorly formed while stoned. A card shark you were not. The symphony of rolling thunder and lightning crackling was distracting you anyway.

Those of the group that had gone swimming had called it a night with the first flash of lightning. Your group of four were all that remained on the rooftop in your little oasis. Bucky had been feeding the fire, content to read his book while you played poker with Sam and Steve. He glances over at your face as if sensing your straying focus. You smile warmly at him and declare you’re folding this hand.

“It’s not even your turn!” Sam scoffs.

“Let it be, man.” Steve says noticing how Bucky’s looking at you.

You rifle through the large storage cabinet and dig out your favorite blanket before walking over to Bucky. He had collected the majority of the outdoor pillows creating a massive personal lounging nest beside the fire.

“Darling,” he acknowledges you; looking up from his book and setting it aside. You smile back and hold up the blanket like a suggestion. “Come over here and sit by me.”

He’s reclined against the mountain of pillows at his back, but his large frame manages to occupy most of the floor cushion. He pats the area between his legs.

You’re unsure if it’s the weed or Bucky’s own natural high he seems to impart on you, but you’re acutely aware of his body as he embraces you; your back to his chest. He reaches for the blanket, forming a cage around you with his arms as he fluffs it out to cover you both. You settle in against him, seeking his warmth. The storm has dropped the temperature and you have far too much skin exposed to fight off the subtle summer chill.

“How you feeling, doll?” The words are mumbled against your scalp. It sends a cascade of tingles through you. “Is it too much?”

Is he talking about the weed or his proximity you wonder?

“I’m actually plateauing? It’s not as nice as it was a couple hours ago.”

He reaches out of your field of vision producing a multicolored glass object. “I was gonna take a hit or two. Wanna top up? Your call, love.” With that one word you almost felt as though you had already taken one. He can’t see your face, so you nod. “What about the asthma?”

You feel the rumble of laughter reverberate out from his chest behind you. “I haven’t had an attack since I was eighteen, you ass!”

“Better safe than sorry, love.” That pesky word again.

He wraps his arms around you, holding the glass bowl in front of your face. His warm breath tickles your ear as he narrates his actions.

“Now I’m gonna do the hard part for you; so you don’t have to worry about that. I’m gonna hold the lighter to the bowl. You can start inhaling. I want you to squeeze my leg when you’re almost done inhaling.”

“Why?”

“See this little guy here? This hole on the side is called a carb. It helps clear the smoke from the bowl. When you squeeze my leg I’ll move my thumb off the carb, giving you a full hit.”

You wondered if anyone else explained getting stoned like a mission briefing. Probably just Bucky. “Got it.”

You lean forward placing your lips around the mouth of the bowl. Despite the mild anxiety, it doesn’t escape you Bucky’s lips have been on this same spot. The lighter sparks and he brings it towards the edge of the bowl. For a moment, you forget to inhale and simply watch the flame lick the sides of the glass and burn a corner of the green herb. You inhale gently, filling your lungs with smoke. You squeeze his thigh and see his thumb move. A rush of smoke fills your lungs to capacity. You hold it for a handful of seconds before sputtering-fuck! You can’t stop the coughing fit.

“It’s okay, honey. Coughing is normal.” His warm palm strokes soothingly up and down your arm.

“Is losing an entire lung normal?”

“Guess that asthma is still hanging around.”

Bucky smugly takes four more hits cough free while you recover. You turn your body to watch his hands move with practiced grace over the glass. He blows smoke rings on his last hit.

“Showoff.” It’s your turn to pinch his thigh. “Gimme another.”

“I don’t know, doll. We don’t have an inhaler up here and I really don’t wanna explain to the med staff why you’re in respiratory failure.”

“Don’t be an ass, Bucky.”

You’d never know but every time you say his name tingles fizz at the base of his neck in admiration.

“I have an idea.”

“Uh oh.” He continues on ignoring your sass.

“Have you ever heard of a shotgun?”

“The sawed-off form lives in my thigh holster.” Your sentence sent sparks straight to his jeans. How dare you be so unaware of his pain.

“As much as I adore your sarcasm, a shotgun is when I take a hit and pass it to you. It makes it less intense and could save your lungs a bit.”

“Pass it from where?”

“My mouth.” You could swear Bucky’s face held a subtle flush.

Agreeing to the shotgun plan, you scoot to be on your knees between his legs. Face to face. The blanket draped over your shoulders like a cape.

Spark, burn, inhale.

Bucky places his hand on your jaw, thumb against your chin; guiding your face towards his. His palm on the sensitive skin near your neck ignites you.

You part your lips and lean in to meet his but stop short. The distance between you both must be razor thin. He exhales gently. You inhale. The smoke is mellower this time, smooth and tingling. You take everything he gives you, hold, and exhale. Neither of you have pulled away.

“How do you feel?”

It’s a whisper. Your lips still parted. You feel his flutter against yours as they form the words. Lightning crackles in a spiderweb design followed by a delicious rumble of thunder. Bucky moves a hand to rest on the back of your neck.

“I feel like that. Lightning and thunder.”

Bucky closes the final distance between you. His lips press pillowy soft against your own. He’s timid. It’s as if he has no idea you’ve wanted this since you joined the team. You deepen the kiss pressing him back into the pillow nest. He tastes like s’mores. Smokey marshmallow and chocolate and something entirely his own.

“Fuck.” It’s barely above a whisper but the tone is sinful. “Babydoll, we can’t.” Your expression flips between shades of disappointment and hurt. “Doll, no. I want this. I want you. God I wish you knew.” He cradles your face, blue eyes meeting yours. “Sam and Steve are right there.”

“Where’s your sense of adventure, Barnes?”

His eyes glint; awoken by your challenge into some feral state. The responding kiss was bruising and deep but no less tender. You felt your insides thrum in turn. Bucky’s nips onto your bottom lip and neck only stoked your ravenous need for him to be closer.

Your legs straddled his lap, all prior sense of hesitation abandoned. You’re vaguely aware of Sam and Steve still engrossed in their game across the fire. The pouring rain swallows the heavy lewd breaths shared between you two.

“You’re killing me, darlin’.” Bucky sighs his words into the crook of your neck. He can’t bring himself to remove his lips off your skin. You pull back anchoring yourself with his eyes. His bottom lip is tinted from love bites. His previously tamed hair is tousled and knotted in your hand.

“I want you, Bucky.”

“Show me.”

The command falls from his mouth; his tone brown sugar sweet. You lean to taste him once more-

“Fucking hell-” You attempt to match his suave delivery, but it comes out a strangled moan. Bucky’s placed one hand on your hip and one on your ass. Using his leverage, he had pressed and pulled you against him. The new friction had your head reeling. You couldn’t help but think back to something you had read as a child in a weather book.

Lightning is a violent electrostatic discharge.

Your clothed core makes the trip down his body again while he suckles behind your ear.

Two electrically charged bodies temporarily equalize.

On the return drag, you feel the pressure of his erection against your own burning desire. The clothing between you two doing little to quell the want.

Lightning usually occurs during a thunderstorm.

This may as well be lighting. Bucky’s firm grip on the flesh of your hips had set a languid pace which ignited a molten plasma deep in your belly.

Push. Pull. Lightning. Thunder.

Each pass between the two of you creating your own storm while the real storm raged around you. There was no frenzy of ecstasy. Delicious sparks of pleasure are delivered to each of you with every collision of your hips. Your release rolled in slow and steady but powerful, like the thunderheads had earlier in the evening.

You’d have laughed if you were able. The two of you dry humping beside a bonfire while your friends sat not ten feet away. It was the stuff of horny teenagers, but you couldn’t help yourself. You were caught up in the storm and the chase to your own release.

“Bucky, I-” the declaration died in your throat with a particularly firm grind of his hips up into you.

“I know, darlin’. Me too.”

Something so simple shouldn’t be able to ignite you like this; yet it felt like charged particles danced along your skin each place Bucky touched with them all pooling low in your abdomen searching for the chance to explode.

“More.” It’s closer to a choked moan then a word. His lips never leave yours as he rolls you gently below him. The friction delivered from his weighted frame grinding against yours is better than before.

He ruts once more against you, grounding you. A lightning show explodes behind your eyelids, vision going white. Your core quakes with the aftershocks of your release while Bucky rides out his own.

Your hips still against his no longer searching for friction. The air around you feels moist and suffocating. You can’t be sure if it’s from your actions or the humid storm air. Regardless, you shimmy the blanket off stealing a glance over at your teammates. Sam and Steve appear to have switched games and are engrossed in rapidly flipping their cards over; occasionally slapping the pile and cursing at one another.

“Inside?” You jerk your head to the elevator. “It’s all sticky and gross.”

“Well I’m sorry! It’s not my fault I-” You purse your lips, struggling to maintain a straight face. “You meant the weather?”

“I did. But knowing I can get you all hot and sticky is always fun.” His eyes go wide. “Let’s go grab a shower, Sargent. Help you cool off.”

“Something tells me you’re gonna have the opposite effect.”

You grab his hand, eyes glinting as you tug him towards the elevator. Maybe he was right.