#staff of creation theory

[bobauthorman]

Is it good to be the King?

Among the FNDM, there seems to be this general consensus that the King of Vale during the Great War was another of Oz’s lives, mostly due to the coloration of said king during the World of Remnant segment on the War, as well as Oz’s claims to having created the Academies. 

And while I cannot necessarily dispute these opinions, lately I have been of a different mind. Looking at Oz’s actions throughout the series, such as...

Atlas, of all nations that bears a Relic, is allowed consistent benefit from the Staff. This is explicitly a decision Oz made.

During the Great War, Mantle (The former capital of Atlas) made a point of outlawing artistic expression and enforcing repression, which in turn gave rise to the color-name rule. As stated by the CRWBY, Ozpin’s name does not follow the rule.

This is mostly symbolic, but a lot of what Ironwood does is seen by fans as an attempt to imitate Oz’s own policies and methods, with the failings a lot more evident than they were with Oz. And during the Beacon Saga, Ozpin’s only complaint about Ironwood’s militant methods was that he was drawing too much attention to it.

From this, I wonder, was Oz the King of Vale...or Atlas?

[cherllyio]

What happened to MK’s staff? - Theory

Well to figure that out, we first have to start at the very beginning: MK’s creation:

Xiangliu: “The stone MK was made from was made by Nüwa. A remembrance from the chaos beyond. “

So, MK was made (along with the other stones) to be a “remembrance” of someone/something. Which is odd, because you usually do that for dead people… huh.

But anyway- other than that, we can figure out that in some way, MK is connected to chaos. Which could suggest that MK is actually made from the Primordial Chaos.

After all he is supposed to be a “remembrance”, and it seems like the “chaos beyond”, is a much older version of the Primordial Chaos, since the Primordial Chaos still exists.

Nezha: “The pillar is a mystic energy that holds back the Primordial Chaos.”

But if MK was made from chaos, wouldn’t that make him… unstable? Why would Nüwa create him like that?

Well, that I theorize to be because that in some Chinese religions, in this case Daoism, chaos is viewed as the only thing that can create the world:

“Chaos is understood as the state of unity and completeness which precedes and makes possible the creation of the world.”

But that still leaves us with the whole” chaos is unstable”- part.

I mean Xiangliu didn’t look that stable.

Luckily though there is actually two ways Nüwa could have held MK ”stable” long enough, till he could sacrifice himself: Wukong’s stone and MK’s destiny.

Let’s start with the Wukong’s stone thing.

I theorize MK was put in there because:

1. His destiny (which I will get to in a second) but more importantly-

 2. Wukong’s stone was nourished by heaven and earth before he was born. Meaning that Wukong’s stone is just brimming with Yin and Yang energy, aka stability.

Meaning this was the solution to keep MK from exploding the world before he was even born, which then leads us how Nüwa would have kept him stable after his birth: destiny.

I say this because destiny is often viewed as the opposite of chaos. And how do you make stability in Chinese philosophies/ mythology? By mixing two opposites together to create stability/ Yin and Yang.

Meaning this was how MK was kept stable until his inevitable death, where he would fulfill that very same destiny.

And now… MK has fulfilled his destiny, yet he is not dead.

Which means that he isn’t bound to anything anymore… but it also means he has lost the only thing that kept him stable. And now, chaos is starting to seep in.

This doesn’t mean though that MK needs to get himself a new destiny! It just means he has to figure out another way to keep that unstable part of him in check. (cough therapy)

However, if he doesn’t learn that quick enough it would uhm... do I even have to say it anymore at this point?

Anyway conclusion: Therapy

[ozzgin]

Yandere!School Q&A 2

Answering some of the questions involving the Yandere School universe. Gender neutral reader, mildly NSFW/suggestive in parts.

Just curious, is there a difference between men and women in the yandere/darling academy?

Not at all. In theory, there could be a difference in uniforms, as seen from the occasional depiction of skirts, but that's really up to the student. As in, they can wear either, regardless of gender.

When it comes to you, on the other hand...I feel like they'd either ask you to wear pants, or heavily reinforced skirts. Too many creepshots and perverted attempts otherwise.

I know the yandere school verse is meant to be silly but I’m genuinely invested in the lore and worldbuilding now. What classes are taught in both schools? Do the darlings resent the yanderes? WOULD THEY BEAT THE YANDERE STUDENT’S ASS IF THEY GOT FOUND OUT??? SO MANY QUESTIONS SMFKEDKK

To be honest, I still haven't considered all the logistics!

I'm imagining a mix of both when it comes to classes: you have yandere-specific courses, and then general subjects with some practical applications. Obviously you can't do without mathematics, for example. If you don't understand double integrals, how will you determine the area you need to cover to reach your Darling who's running for the hills?

Also, I don't think the Darlings would be too upset. After all, they are studying solely to find themselves a yandere one day. What is a little baffling is that out of all the damn darlings in school, this guy ends up chasing after a ‘yandere’ student.

One of the Yanderes at Yandere Academy is bound to be a Platonic, and they're probably going insane watching every student and teacher going after the school Darling. Do you think they'd be on the staff or a fellow student?

There's plenty of platonic yanderes, both among the students and teaching staff. They make up the security brigade, ensuring your safety and keeping dangers away. If other students let their infatuation go overboard, they will be quick to correct it.

In fact, this is where their yandere skills shine most. Taking care of you.

Ohh what about yan art teacher using reader as the model for nude portraits in class?

That'd be like opening Pandora's box. What's to guarantee that the students won't go feral? Even as a regular model, removing any article of clothing within the artistic depictions is strictly forbidden. The other teachers already have to sort through stacks of confiscated fanart involving you, they don't need a boost in lewd creations.

Unless you mean a private encounter with Yan!Art Teacher for some extra credit. That's a whole different story. 👀

for your yandere school au if I was in readers situation, and I got a free full?? scholarship?/ to a fancy school?/? I no longer need to go along with family tradition I’m getting that free scholarship it’s not like I particularly needed a bunch of people to stalk me 🤷

I'm kind of hoping that Yandere School comes with a full scholarship, too. Bonus points if they offer legacy benefits. Reader comes from several generations of graduates, after all.

Not to mention, you already have a bunch of people stalking you, if we are to count the yandere family members. You'll feel right at home.

The darling is christian in some other scenarios right? What if in sex ed class, she said that she would only do that if she got married? Imagine every single yanderes trying to be a good husband material but the darling is so damn clueless about it

I don't think the religion was ever specified, but you're free to imagine it however you'd like, anon. I can definitely picture the yandere students perking their ears at such statement and taking it as a challenge. You want to wait until marriage? Then they’ll bring the marriage over right now. You have to wonder if there’s some current fashion trend you’re unaware of, as every student has asked for your opinion in rings. You’d assumed it’s a question involving their own, personal acquisitions, so now there’s a bunch of classmates fighting outside because they all got different answers and clearly only one of them holds truth.

That one teacher who got all those accidental smut submissions about Y/N is gonna be feasting tonight

I suspect most teachers have a neatly organized storage full of content involving you. Whether it's accidental submissions, confiscated doodles, illegal photos and so on. Hell, they probably trade the stuff like collectibles.

"You got the fic I asked for?" one teacher asks lowly, resting against the wall.

"Uh huh."

Another teacher swipes through a thick folder with the efficacy of someone who does this too often.

Imagine yandere school y/n slips up and accidently calls a teacher mom/dad. Or worse (or perhaps better depending on who it is), mommy/daddy. y/n is embarrassed, yandere students are jealous, and teacher is now horny.

Terrifying affair. The teacher will have to evade weeks, maybe even months of assassination attempts coming from the students and parents. Reader probably joked about it at the dinner table once, and the mom/dad has been spiraling ever since. How could such a mistake happen? Have they neglected their darling child?

“I-It’s not what it looks like!” one student will stutter, terrified to find Reader’s parent behind them.

“I’d say it’s pretty obvious, you’re doing a terrible job. Hand me the binoculars”, they demand in a whisper, glaring at the object of their envious stalking: the teacher.

How would the readers parents/fam react if the reader complained about the school staff or a student? [Gym teacher dress coding reader] With this as personally speaking I would be really annoyed. The yan family could also take it as an insult because I know for a fact they make sure the reader has all the best stuff. As well how they're bothering or unfairly treating the reader. And if the yan fam connects that the school is yan (students and staff) they would FLIP OUT. But that's out of the point

I’d say it depends on their relationship. Remember, Reader’s parents are graduates of Yandere School, so it’s entirely possible they were taught by the very same teachers and staff. Thus, they might be reluctant to question their authority.

“You have to understand, I had my best intentions in mind”, gym teacher will explain to the parents with a solemn face.

“No, you’re right. We’ve seen the way those kids look at our (Y/N). Who knows what perverted thoughts linger in their mind?”

The grey-haired man dabs a handkerchief across his forehead, visibly paler.

“E-exactly. It was all to protect (Y/N) from any indecent, uh, risks.”

Gym teacher prob got a forest downstairs

Only one way to find out. Better put on your adventurer's hat! 👅

Okay but like, the poor principal having to deal with the entire Yan!academy

He probably stares in the mirror every morning, noticing yet another grey hair, or that his eyebags have gotten worse. He's going to need an early retirement. "I tried my best", he mumbles to the portraits of the previous principals.

How would the yandere school react to reader being hypersexual? P.s can I be raccoon 🦝 anon? [I'm afraid you'll have to pick a different emoji, anon, as raccoon is already taken]

I mean, I can totally picture a playboy/playgirl kind of Reader who skips class to smooch one of the students in a storage room. Or Reader getting too flustered and excited and begging one of the teachers for "help" after school. I'm sure most would comply without hesitation.

Though you may have to deal with a horde of jealous partners who don't like to share. Next thing you know, you have to compile a sexy time chart and schedule the smooching to fit everyone in.

hai ! this is related to yandere school, i’m curious to know what if reader decided to accept the scholarship to darling academy? like i can imagine readers parents worried and proud while clumsy yandere is absolutely celebrating abt it :D

Knowing Reader’s luck and Clumsy!Yandere’s misfortune, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s more yandere students lurking the Darling Academy grounds. Or even worse, some darlings begin to develop intense feelings for Reader. Worry not, your clumsy best friend will always come to your rescue.

[grey-sorcery]

Suggested Reading

Threshold Theory Energy Work Fundamentals The Subtle Body Spell Design Spell Dictation Sigils: How-to Intro to Gnosis Anchors

What is a Spell Circle?

Spell circles, while they aren’t necessary, are a tool that is used as a focal point for a working. They are also very helpful in aiding in headspace via the implementation of aesthetics. Spell circles are technically hypersigils, or a complex sigil that is typically constructed of multiple sigils in tandem. They are typically constructed of three parts: Incantations, foundations, and root sigils. They are used in a ritual format, typically with each practitioner having a standardized approach to using them for spell work. 

How do they work?

A spell circle is similar to a sigil in the way that there is an incorporation of intention, energy, passion, and focus in their creation. Spell circles operate most effectively within the energetic model or something adjacent. The psychological model will be entirely ineffective; at least as I have prescribed their creation in this article. They often contain sigils as well as some other elements that serve to connect the circle to the overall working. These elements include incantations, words, phrases, symbology, geometric/organic designs, numerology, etc. 

Incantations, words, or phrases can be said out loud as part of the working (provided that doing so doesn’t break gnosis), or written out and burned into ash and incorporated into the working through that process. Though they can also be incorporated in other ways as well. As an example, you could write a song and record it and have the tablature or staff wrapped around the perimeter of the spell circle. You could then listen to the song while casting your spell using it as a centerpoint of your gnosis.

The other elements of a spell circle are used to enhance the threshold of the root sigil or purpose. Each additional element adds a node, or correspondence, to the threshold of the spell. Doing so helps refine the accuracy and potency of the working. 

Designing a Spell Circle

If you have experience working with sigils, then designing a spell circle can be pretty easy. I highly recommend using programs like procreate to make these, or drafting tools! Freehanding them can be quite difficult without any experience with technical drawing. I use my tablet to draw them digitally and then trace them onto a burnable substrate such as paper.

Incantation(s)

An incantation is a phrase that is said that astutely states the intent of the spell. It is important to have this memorized, if you use them. Without having them memorized, using them will pull you out of gnosis by disturbing your focus. Incantations are like the thread that binds the spell circle to the rest of the working, especially if you use other tools, sigils, etc. When I construct my spell circles, I use the pronunciation of my sigils as the incantation, which are all aspects of a conlang that I developed. This can be seen as a sigil chain. So long as the incantation is written somewhere on or near the circle, then it is capable of being connected to the burning of those sigils via the incantation. I find that having the incantation encircle the root sigil is the most aesthetically pleasing for me. 

Root Sigil

This is a sigil that is at the core of the circle. It should represent the base goal of the spell. This sigil is connected to the rest of the circle via the Foundation(s). Like all sigils, it is important that it is drawn while channeling its meaning through your mental state, emotions, and subtle body to be most effective.To create them, I will draw the enclosing circle first before drawing a grid within it. This grid is then used to ensure that the root sigil is centered and scaled appropriately. The sigil is always the first part that I draw. Here are a few examples of sigils I have used for spell circles:

Foundation(s)

Foundations are simple designs that each have their own correspondences. Some foundations use numerology to derive their meaning, others are given their meanings based on how they interact with the root. The foundation(s) used should also align with the purpose of the spell; but more specifically, to describe the means of manifestation of the spell to some degree. They can also be used to expand the context of the root sigil, ex. Whether it is intended to be a blessing or curse. I am always sure that when I draw them in the grid, that they appear to be a part of the sigil, yet also behind it by having the lines stop and continue any shapes that are a part of the sigil, like circles, triangles, and squares. Here are a few foundations that I use:

Associative Symbology

These symbols are things I don't really implement in spell circles myself, but include things such as astrological symbols, alchemical symbols, magical alphabets, color, and imagery. These symbols are typically incorporated in equal distribution around the circle in radial fashion, but can also be used in other configurations. The number of symbols can be implemented with numerology in mind as well. Colored line-work can also be used to further the correspondences. Imagery such as pictographs can also be used, following similar implementation as other symbols. 

Applications

Spell Circles can be used for all sorts of workings, typically in a ritualistic fashion. However, they may also be used as passive sigils, meaning that they are placed and affect a specified space gradually over time. If they are used in this fashion, they will need to be revisited and charged periodically. When using a spell circle in a ritual, place them underneath the central spell elements such as cauldrons, candles, bowls, etc. Please use discernment. Fire safety is of the utmost importance. Once the spell is in motion, use the incantation that connects the circle to the working. I highly recommend rehearsing your incantation until it is memorized so that your spell’s effectiveness isn’t hindered. I highly recommend placing a spell anchor onto your spell circle as well so that there is a direct medium holding it. This way the spell can be recharged, broken, or altered as necessary.

Ritual Closing & Disposal

As part of closing any working, it is important to close off all energy that is connected to the working other than the anchor. Part of this is disposing of the spell circle in a responsible manner. This can be through responsibly burning it and burning the ashes, burying the spell circle itself (Provided it is on a biodegradable medium), soaking it in water to dissolve the ink and then cleansing the medium, or if it is drawn on a dry-erase board you can just erase it and cleanse it. When burying the ashes of your working, try to use your discretion as to which direction it is buried relative to your sleeping place or place of casting. 

Identifying a Spell Circle

A few popular designs for spell circles have been misidentified in the past, specifically those of John Dee, who was a prolific cryptographer. These designs have a lot of the hallmarks of spell circles; however, they are enclosed with 72 latin letters, which don’t have any magical or mystical correspondences, but are very common in encryption wheels, and then are encoded through biblical reference. The influence his work had was very substantial in the development of spell circles and their design. While his encryption circles can be used for magic, like any other design drawn through intention, passion, and gnosis, it is obvious that it was not intended as such given the historical context of his life. 

Interested in my other articles? You can find my masterpost here.

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[starsfic]

Erlang Shen is Supposed to Be on Vacation

S5 theory fic: Erlang Shen is supposed to be on vacation. However, in an hour, he learns that his uncle is dead, someone is trying to do another coup, and Sun Wukong has been filleted again. The people who deliver this news, including mass criminal Master Subodhi, the duo of Ao Lie's descendant and Iron Fan's son, and the creation goddess Nuwa, make things... difficult.

Erlang Shen was on vacation.

He honestly needed one after centuries of work, both doing whatever dirty work his uncle supposedly needed and the day-to-day running of his territory. The gods of fate had been merciful, creating a summer where Jian didn’t have anything important to do until autumn. Heaven could be handled by Li Nezha or any of the hundreds of other warriors (mostly by his student because he knew how the guards could be), the training of his personal guards and army could be handled by his head guards, and any paperwork could be handled by his staff. With all that, Jian found himself luxuriously stretching in his garden, soaking up the sun. Even Xiaotian Quan stretched out, making a happy little dog noise.

His private garden was his favorite place in his palace. Most of the plants grew naturally in the Sichuan province, but the air was sweet with the smell of blossoming Flower Fruit Mountain trees. The saplings had been a gift from Sun Wukong on his birthday, and Jian found no shame in enjoying the gift.

Hm…with the thought of Wukong floating around, Jian wondered if he could invite him over. Despite their rocky beginnings, Jian enjoyed the company of his sworn brother, both platonically and in a more romantic light. He had recently heard that Wukong had also taken up a student, so maybe they could talk about that?

The summer seemed full of possibilities. 

Right now, Jian just wanted to sunbathe.

So lost in his relaxation, he didn’t notice a magpie settle on the branches of one of the peach trees, staring down at him. Xiaotian raised his head, but the magpie fluttered away before the dog could notice anything. The large hound, after a quick scan around, settled back down into the grass.

The magpie poked its head out and, deciding it was safe, flew down from the branches.

“Ahem. Prince Erlang Shen.”

He shouldn’t have tempted the gods of fate.

Jian pushed up his sunglasses.

Silver robes and a long white beard met his eyes. If he didn’t recognize that distinctive style, the feeling of the old man’s power gave his identity away. “Master Subodhi,” Jian said, sitting up. “I thought I warned you to stay away from my property unless you wanted me to fulfill my promise of bringing you in.”

Was he risking his uncle’s ire by not fulfilling the bounty on the daoist’s head for gaining immortality in an illegal way? Yes. Did he care? Eh, not really. Wukong had racked up way more charges against him in his long life and he wasn’t exactly the biggest fan of his uncle.

“Are you aware of the state of the world?”

The question came so out of left field that Erlang Shen blinked. “Uh…it’s summer?” he said, gesturing to the perfect summer day with big white fluffy clouds drifting carelessly in a blue sky. “It’s a nice day? My uncle isn’t calling to bother me?”

Subodhi raised a brow. “I can see why, considering he’s dead.”

There was a long pause.

“...excuse me?”

He…didn’t know how to process that. 

“Have you not seen the kid? Did you not see reality start to tear apart?”

Oh. That. “That happens sometimes, especially as my uncle gets older. He must’ve slipped up to have everyone see.” Erlang sighed. Honestly, the dramatics of old men. “If he died, someone would’ve told me-”

THWACK!

“OW!”

“Are you telling me that communication in Heaven has so broken down-”

“My lord!” Before Subodhi could finish his yelling or Erlang could grab and throw that stupid ruler far away, several guards marched in. “We have captured two trespassers. They insisted on talking to you.”

“YEAH!” A female voice called from the center of the huddle. “We have some questions for you.”

Erlang blinked. She sounded young and probably better than the gaping immortal, who for once looked surprised. “Allow them forward,” he called. “Let me see them.”

The guards stepped aside, revealing a girl in a green jacket- her features were familiar, although Jian couldn’t put his finger on why- and…hm. He had heard stories and seen pictures of Princess Iron Fan’s son, although he had never met him in person. He had the same dark eyes and noble bearing his former sworn sister had.

“What are you doing here?” Subodhi said, interrupting his thoughts with his baffled words. “Did you follow me?”

“Master Subodhi? What are you doing here?” the girl said. “You-”

Before she could finish, Red Son grabbed her and forced her to bow at the waist. “Remember what we talked about,” he hissed quietly to his companion. “Manners or we aren’t gonna get anything.”

“Yeah, but-”

He stomped on her foot. “Erlang Shen, Illustrious Sage and True Lord of Sichuan, we are Hong Ha-eir, son of the Demon Bull King and Princess Iron Fan, and Long Xiaojiao, descendant of Ao Jie-”

“Oh, that explains why you look familiar.” She looked strikingly like Ao Lie’s older sister…what had been her name again? Jian stood up with a sigh. “Rise, please, nephew.”

Red Son bristled at the address, but rose. Long Xiaojiao stepped forward. “Lord Erlang Shen, we came to plead for mercy for Sun Wukong, Liu’Er Mihou, and my best friend, Qi Xiaotian,” She got fully on her knees, pressing her forehead to the grass in a kowtow. “The charges leveled against them are false. None of them helped Azure Lion reach Heaven and kill the Jade Emperor. Any actions they did to help him were unwilling, done with manipulation-”

Several things stuck out at him. “Wait, what do you mean, kill the Jade Emperor?” Jian nodded to Subodhi, who’s shocked expression had been replaced by a strangely protective look. “He just told me my uncle died, but I have received no news about his death.”

“You…haven’t?” She rose up from her kowtow, looking confused. “But, you sent out a notice. He’s been dead for what, three weeks now?”

“A month,” Subodhi corrected. “I don’t know what you or your friends did. But it’s been over a month since the previous Jade Emperor was slain.”

“And two days since Heaven violated their agreement with me,” another female voice called. Jian felt himself stiffen, just in time for a hand to cup his face and lips to press against his cheek. “Shen, my dear.”

The pet name given by the goddess dressed in earthly tones only made his brow rise higher. While he had a few brief conversations with the ancient goddess at the few parties they both attended, she had never referred to him with fondness. Something was clearly up and Erlang Shen had a feeling he didn’t want to be part of it, but he would have to be.

“What brings you here, my lady?” he said, dipping into a deep bow. 

“Oh, I came here to help my son’s little friends and my son’s…master.” Nuwa’s pause on the last word felt mocking. Subodhi clearly noticed it as well, based on his snort. “I also came here for an explanation.”

Her smile was serene. Her aura was not. 

“An…explanation for what?”

“Wait, you’re Sun Wukong’s mother?”

“Wait, you’re XIAOTIAN’S MOTHER?!” Xiaotian raised his head at his name. “Sorry, puppy,” Long Xiaojiao cooed. “Not you.” The dog huffed and settled back down.

“It’s complicated and yes,” Nuwa said before turning to him. “And an explanation for the court’s recent actions. As you must be aware, when the Jade Emperor took the throne, he held up my agreement with his predecessors. Any issue with the stones of the universe must be handled by me directly.”

“...okay? Did something happen?”

That was apparently the wrong thing to say, based on Nuwa’s darkening face. Jian was tempted to deflect, considering he just received the news of his uncle’s…unfortunate passing. But that was the coward’s way out. 

Nuwa stared at him. Then she snapped her fingers. “Girl, dearest one,” she called. “Bring him the announcement.”

Xiaojiao and Red Son exchanged looks, but she stepped forward, pulling a scroll out of her pocket. “Li Jing gave us this after he put a filet on Sun Wukong’s head and sucked my best friend into his pagoda,” she reported as he took it.

Jian was too busy studying the scroll to hear the shocked gasps from both Subodhi and Nuwa. 

Well, that was his seal.

Jian opened it.

That wasn’t his handwriting.

He scanned it over, reading it quickly. It was all very formal, claiming that the royal family, including the Queen Mother of the West, who was slated to rule until the next emperor would be chosen according to his uncle’s will last he checked, would be taking time to grieve at the sudden loss. Li Jing was to be put in charge for the next few months, supported by the ten kings of the Diyu. Someone had even put the Gold Star of Venus’s seal at the bottom, signifying it as legit.

Jian raised a brow. “Did any of you see the Gold Star of Venus?” he asked the Long girl. She stared blankly at him. He sighed. “Either a goddess in yellow with a cockscomb hat or an older man, about…” He put his hand to about his chin. “Yay high or so?”

She and Red Son exchanged looks. “No,” she finally said. “I don’t think so. Honestly, the only celestials we saw during the trial were Li Jing and Nezha and the ten kings. And I honestly expected to see a few peach maidens.”

Huh? “Why?”

She paused, as if realizing she wasn’t supposed to say that. “No reason,” she lied. “But, to answer your question, no.”

Something was afoot. Jian was tempted to ask if they were just pulling a prank on him, but Subodhi hated his guts, Nuwa was clearly furious, and he barely knew the younger two. Pranks didn’t seem to be in their skillset. Something popped out.

“Did you say that Wukong has the filet?”

“Yes! At least a filet! Li Jing said he wouldn’t take it off unless we got all the universal stones together and fixed the universe.”

“Which you cannot do without my help,” Nuwa said, crossing her arms with a hiss. “There was no quest needed in the first place. The holders would hand them over to me without a problem. Several Heavenly servants saw you attack Azure to defend the Jade Emperor. Nezha’s testimony alone should be evidence.”

Another thought popped into his mind.

“Where was Nezha when this was happening?”

Silence met him. Faintly, the girl sucked air through her teeth. The boy coughed into his fist. He could practically hear the words rise and fall.

A soft hand once again pressed against his shoulder.

“You know where,” Nuwa whispered. She sounded like she was laughing, even if it was silent.

Jian did.

“It seems someone or several someones have lied,” Erlang Shen dropped the scroll- he hadn’t even realized he was crumpling it- and turned. He was met with anger, but not at him. Good. It would fuel them all. “Now, let me go get changed and call my aunt.”

His vacation was over.

[anon-e-miss]

Barbarian AU - Sad Momma Prowl version

“That’s… a fair point.” Punch vented a long intake. “I’ll have a talk wit’m. In the meantime, Rico, show’m around.”

“Yes, Ori,” Ricochet replied.

Barricade did not rubbed his wrists though the gold shackles must have been uncomfortable. He rose without waiting for Ricochet to offer him a servo. Ricochet was not surprised that his progenitor had not found a conjunx for him, only a mech with a death wish would try to force this mech into his berth. Consider his brother had been not just a senator but rich enough to finance caravans, Ricochet figured their progenitor had been a wealthy mech himself. It would not have suited him to give over even his receptive creation to just anyone, they would have needed to be one of the elite and none of those elite had the ball-bearings to contend with a firebrand. How exactly he had allowed his receptive creation to become so fierce was an interesting question.

“So maybe blackmailin’ the mech wasn’t such a nasty thing to do,” Ricochet declared as he escorted Barricade out of Punch’s rooms.

“Crosscut was always a nasty sack of slag,” Barricade explained. “When we were young, when our progenitor sided with me over him on anything, Crosscut always promised to sell me to a fishmonger as soon as he got the chance.”

“A’ight,” Ricochet declared. “Mech was definitely askin’ for it.”

“I thought so,” Barricade replied. 

“‘M thinkin’ yer other brother ain’t much better since he sold ya, ‘n Prowl both,” Ricochet said.

“Sideways is forged from the same metal,” Barricade said. “Just with none of the intelligence or charm of Crosscut. He’ll blow every credit in a vorn and find himself Empurata when he can’t pay his debts.”

“Praxus sounds vicious,” Ricochet replied.

“It is,” Barricade said. “It’s a beautiful hellscape, devoid of any spark or joy.”

“Did ya e’er think o’ runnin’ away?” Ricochet asked.

“No,” Barricade replied, with a shake of his helm. “Runaways end up like Prowl… or worse. For the same crime, grand theft and treason for robbing Praxus of their fertility. I got away with my so called freedom because my house was rich. I was a source of shame, of course, but I cared even less for Crosscut’s honour than I did our progenitor.”

“I was wonderin’ if yer progenitor had a soft spot for ya,” Ricochet asked.

“Not in particular,” Barricade said. “When I was right, when Crosscut and I argued, it annoyed him that his heir was outwitted by a lesser mech. He was desperate to get rid of me but…”

“But…?” Ricochet asked.

“He did give me to a friend of his, a sort of trial run,” Barricade explained. “I strangled him with the chains I wore and he gave me back.”

“Fair ‘nough,” Ricochet said. “Mecha will try to court ya here, once they learn ‘bout ya. Ya got the right to tell’m to get scrapped. ‘N if they push it, ya got the right to make’m scrap.”

“Could to know,” Barricade replied. “We’ll see how that works in practice and not just in theory.”

“Wanna set the tone?” Ricochet asked.

He did not explain himself but let Barricade down to the arena where mechanisms where Straxus had staged gladiatorial matches.  It would be used as a showcase in the coming mega-cycles for warriors from different clans to show off their metal. Ricochet considered where Barricade might most excel in scaring off opportunists. He knew Ori was already in a battle to convince Jazz to take responsibility for Prowl, there was no way he was going to be convince he owed anything to Barricade. It should not have surprised him that Barricade would make the choice for himself. He picked up a staff and jabbed it against the training drones power button. Ricochet was caught off guard, however and he stepped back, out of range and watched Barricade dance about the drone, scoring point after point with the simple training staff. Before long, they had an audience and he began to question if this was going to work how he had planned.

“A staff?” Ricochet asked, after waving off the audience. Barricade shrugged.

“I first trained with a broken broom handle,” he explained. “I was not going to be like my originator. I was not going to be helpless.”

“What else did ya train wit?” Ricochet asked.

“Knives,” Barricade replied. “Things that you’d find in any habsuite.”

“Ever learn to shoot?” Ricochet asked.

“No,” Barricade replied. “I was never able to get my servos on a blaster.”

“I’ll teach ya,” Ricochet said. “Just not here. Better they think yer a seasoned killer.”

“Are your framekin such savages?” Barricade asked. 

“Less than yers,” Ricochet replied, without any heat. Barricade had a lot to fear. “Some’ll want ya ‘cause ya can fight for yerself, like Ori. My genitors fell helm o’er peds for ‘m when he walloped someone that got too free wit’m. Some’ll want ya ‘cause yer exotic ‘n it’ll make’em look more impressive than they are on their own.”

“I have no intention of going with anyone,” Barricade replied. “I will not be kept.”

“I believe ya.”

Punch appeared, somehow knowing precisely where to look, as he always did. From his grin, Ricochet thought he was pleased to see Barricade sparring with the drone again, this time using a small blade. It made sense  what he had focused on training himself on. A broom, a knife, chain, these were all things that would be, theoretically, in his reach if he was sold off. While he had been largely free to live how he liked, he had been smart to train for the worst possible turn of fate for him. It occurred to him Barricade may not have resisted being sold out of Praxus. He knew the fate of receptive Praxians who ran from their “duty”. He would also have known different city-state had their own ways and he likely thought his chances better beyond Praxus’ border. 

“Prowl would like to meet ya,” Punch said. 

“How badly did you have to wear him down?” Barricade asked, unapologetically skeptical.

“Not at all,” Punch replied. “I don’t quite know what he’s thinkin’. He keeps his thoughts to himself. He might just want to see for ‘mself that yer safe.”

“Why would he care?” Barricade asked. “We’ve never met.”

“‘Cause he don’t wish his life on anyone,” Punch replied. “Ya might be good for’m. He’s been beaten so low I don’t think he remembers bein’ fierce.”

“My brother did the beating,” Barricade argued.

[xadianglyphs]

The Dragonscale Amulet: Theory

And finally... literally the reason I made this entire blog. Basically, back in March we had this:

Anyway, I dropped literally everything to catalog the entire breadth of writing, runes, glyphs, etc. in the series so far, all in order to figure out what the hell this means. One theory that has evolved in the meantime is that the symbol on the amulet represents an acorn or seed, but I would like to propose another.

First, let's look at the amulet and symbol, themselves.

The amulet is composed of a dragon scale (allegedly, at least... we haven't seen dragon scales separated from dragons anywhere else) that is red, highly reflective (whether naturally or polished after the fact), and about palm-sized. By that scale, it probably comes from a dragon about Pyrrah's size or a little larger, unless it was carved down to a smaller size when crafted into an amulet. The scale is anchored in a gold setting, with a shape and decorations that have a fair amount of similarity to the Staff of Ziard. (Maybe we should have anticipated an Aaravos/Startouch association.)

As for the symbol, accounting for perspective (to the best of my abilities), we have this:

The symbol is etched directly into the scale's surface. Its lines are less smooth than the ones decorating the setting, which could indicate that it was added at another time (earlier/later) with a less precise tool, or just that gouging designs into dragon scales is hard.

In terms of similarity to other symbols we've seen so far, it could come from a similar system as the symbols in Infantis Sanguine. It also has similarities to a primal rune, though the sharp, wide corners are unusual. Either way, I think this is a pictographic symbol representing an item or concept as a whole, not an alphabetic character—this isn't Laurelion personally going around with a blinged-out "L" necklace.

So what could it be? Well, I propose that it's a heart. Like so:

My initial impression had the horizontal top "crossbar" as the pulmonary arteries, and the vertical center line as the aorta/vena cava, but you could also look at the crossing vertical and diagonal lines as dividing the space into the four chambers of the heart. However, I think there's another direction to go with that diagonal, so let's put a pin in that for a moment.

Why a heart? Because there has a sizeable amount of fairly convincing speculation post-s4 that the dark space in Aaravos's chest is either figuratively or literally representing his heart having been removed. @raayllum's are a lot more coherent, but I've also done my share.

I'm sure someone had this thought before I did, if only because I was super late to the fandom. But I had it!

... okay right, back to the amulet.

Aaravos's heart is also a key part of the "Laurelion and Aaravos are the same person" theory, in part because Laurelion's heart is the center of everything we currently know about them.

Laurelion's heart was pierced by either the as-yet-unnamed Novablade itself or a piece of draconic ivory (i.e. a dragon's tooth) that was later forged into the Novablade, after which "immortal Laurelion was no more."

Aside from creating an additional connection between Laurelion and dragons, making the dragon scale of the amulet even more interesting, let's go back to the symbol in light of the whole "pierced" thing.

Now, TDP has a fair amount of Christian symbolism and imagery to it, some purely because of how deeply Christianity is embedded in western culture but some also definitely intentional. Aaravos was initially framed as a Prometheus figure, but it became progressively more clear that he's a Lucifer one—a tempter, a rebel angel, out to destroy creation. They absolutely know what they're doing with things like the *checks watch* 2019 Aaravos birthday post:

So don't think it's completely insane to take that, Laurelion's death[citation needed], and the amulet symbol, and think of this:

Depictions of the Sacred Heart don't seem to usually show the spear, just the wound, but I wasn't raised Catholic so work with me here. (If you want to get even more Catholic, there's also the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which is almost always depicted with a sword piercing it diagonally all the way through because she's... sad? Look, I don't know.) The idea is that it represents the boundless and fervent love of God expressed through the suffering of Jesus, which... whatever.

I do think it's interesting, however, that we are primed to question Laurelion's "death" and concepts of mortality/immortality, death of identity, etc. in the context of Startouch elves because while there's definitely a possibility that an immortal being stripped of their immortality is a punishment, there's also... a lot of cultural precedent for that as a willing gift of love to a mortal/mortals, whether you're looking at Jesus, Castor and Pollux, or Arwen and Aragorn. So we'll see how that plays out.

Anyway, that's my weird fringe theory: the amulet symbol represents Laurelion's pierced heart.

Probably time to worry about Claudia. (As if we weren't, already.)

Bonus:

[wkngsnds]

Fuck it, crack theory time (@justtheclippy ; semi au, semi just throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks)

Ragatha and Jax are responsible for the digital circus’s creation.

It was a project collab between departments— Ragatha in I.O Psych (industrial and organizational psychology) and Jax being a Computer Vision Engineer. They were meant to study how humans a la A.I would react towards various situations (adventures), and were in there via VR to monitor the program directly. Of course, they didn’t have their current models but instead used the mannequin stand ins. As with all things, the project was going smoothly until it wasn’t.

They both used their respective expertise to create Caine as an auto feature of the game (Bubble is the company’s program). His adventures were a little more mundane as his program was more limited— run the simulations and report back whenever Ragatha and Jax, and their team, weren’t able to do so directly.

Kinger and Queenie (who worked on the backend coding) tried on the VR to see what the error code looked like in-game, when tragedy struck and they get stuck. IRL people assume they just randomly left the company and moved away. They were grown adults, and even though it wasn’t in character for them it didn’t prompt any real investigation.

Life moves on and project is growing a bit; new interns and staff to take over for Kinger and Queenie. Some of them quit, some have their contracts expire, and some, unfortunately get stuck in game.

Ragatha is next to get stuck after wanting to enter the game alone. Sometime passes, new people come and abstract. Then Jax enters. Process repeats with Gangle, Zooble, (kaufmo at some point) and eventually Pomni.

But wouldn’t they know each other’s names? Yeah, but it’s my theory and I say they forget each other’s name too.

Ragatha did not reveal herself to Kinger and Queenie in fear of backlash from the two. Then, the guilt of watching someone abstract nearly made her confess, but she was too cowardly and afraid to come forward. By the time Jax comes around a few people have abstracted and it weighs heavy on Ragatha’s mind. Jax is freaked out for sure when he witnesses his first abstraction, but being that he’s fresh at this point he’s still in observer mode.

There’s private conversations between the two once they realize who they actually are; Ragatha does or says something and Jax says how she reminded him of his coworker. Then the connections happen and they never know peace with each other again.

There’s “not installing an exit” and “why would there be an exit if we could just take the headset off” kind of arguments.

At one point, Ragatha asks if they should confront the chess pieces and confess. Jax says no, but Ragatha is still on the fence.

Then Queenie abstracts. They witness

They both swear to take their involvement with the project, their true identities, and their connection C&A to the grave. From then on, they were also helpless victims to the game.

[quitealotofsodapop]

Sounds like we are going to get more lore about Wukong and MK's origins with those stone comments and the stuff about the Pillars. Maybe the Staff will be put back?

Seeing how it seems to be The Flood + Nüwa Patching the Sky part deux; its likely that the Staff might need to be used in some way non-violent. Like say, acting as an impromtu pillar and/or measuring the flood waters.

The two beings we see just for a second in the trailer (a blue dragon + a white tiger) are references to the Major Star Gods in chinese mythos - the Four Auspicious Beasts. Its possible that each Heavenly Stone comes from them - likely an extension of their powers over the universe. Of them are Azure Dragon of the East, White Tiger of the West, Vermillion Bird of the South (who I believe we also see for a glance), and Black Tortoise of the North.

The only one that may be missing is the representive of the Centre, the Golden/Yellow Dragon or Qilin. The entity that embodies Earth and is the boss of Houtu.

And unfortunatly we do know a certain yellow-themed lad made of earth...

My theory is that MK *is* the fifth stone/Qilin.

A Qilin you see; "is said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler."

Like say... the death of the ruler of the Universe.

Male Qilin's also have names beginning with "Qi" - example; Qi Xiaotian.

In short: MK was likely created to be universal flex tape. But something changed him - like say a certain creation goddess who thought that the universe needed a little positive chaos in the form of a monkey.

[somethingusefulfromflorida]

I've had a few people tell me that they think JD Vance will be president within the year, but I don't buy that. There are a lot of avenues for Donald Trump to leave office, and not a single one of them seems plausible to me.

He's probably not going to die of natural causes. He's about four years younger than Joe Biden, meaning he's basically the same age today as Biden was back in 2021; the fact that Joe Biden is still alive, and the fact that Trump's mom lived to be 88 and his dad lived to be 93, mean it's very likely Trump will still be alive well into the 2030s (if he matches Jimmy Carter, he'll make it to 2046... God help us all...)

He probably won't be assassinated. After the attempt in July, he's sure to get the highest level of secret security any human being has ever had. Nobody will be able to get close to him. (I'm still convinced the attempt was a false flag; he had a squib of fake blood behind his ear, the "shooter" was a patsy, and the secret service shot some random schmuck in the crowd to make it look real; but that's just a theory, a Conspiracy Theory™, thanks for watching!)

He will never be impeached because he owns the House and Senate; every single member who voted against him in 2021 is either gone or has announced plans to leave very soon. Mitt Romney was safe in Utah, but he chose to retire rather than face a primary challenge from a diehard Trump supporter. No Republican in Congress will ever defy Trump again, not when he's the one who appointed the majority of the Supreme Court (methinks Thomas and Alito may resign soon so they doesn't end up pulling a Ginsburg by dying with a future Democrat in office; if not them, Roberts will almost certainly be blackmailed/bribed to retire like Kennedy in 2018).

JD Vance and the cabinet will probably never invoke the 25th amendment to remove him. Trump is not a smart man, but he has the world's strongest self-preservation instinct. I concede that he's easy enough to manipulate because he surrounds himself with opportunistic yes men who know how to butter him up and betray him when it becomes convenient (look at the staff turnover from his first term, all the sycophants who turned around and wrote tell-all books which nobody has ever bothered to read), but I think he has enough true loyalists in his pocket to warn him of any potential schemes behind the scenes. I don't think a majority of his cabinet picks would ally themselves against him because they'd be politically crucified. The rest of the party would back him 100%; Donald Trump IS the Republican Party, so no faction within it can get rid of him, and the mouth-breathers who voted for him would riot if they tried.

I don't think there exists a single scenario in any universe across any possible multiverse in the totality of creation in which Donald Trump would choose to resign from office under his own free will. None. That will NEVER happen. He is a narcissist who relishes in having complete control over his party; he is their face, their voice, their avatar. He is not the kind of person who would willingly step out of the limelight and pass the torch to someone else. Even when he's out of office in 2029 he'll still be president vicariously through whichever successor the Democrats fail to defeat. He's never going to disappear; Ronald Reagan disappeared because he had Alzheimer's and was embarrassed of being seen in public as he deteriorated, but Trump has no shame and none of his family members care enough about him to keep him at home when his mind is gone, they'll parade his catatonic husk around until he dies, and even then he'll have enough instinct left in him to smile and give thumbs up for the camera.

JD Vance will almost certainly get Trump's endorsement in 2028 and effectively run unopposed the same way Trump did in 2024 (nominal opposition that never stood a snowball's chance in hell; Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley were NEVER going to get the nomination over Trump), but I don't think he's going to become president before then. Trump won't let him.

[project-sekai-facts]

Hatsune Miku broke space-time and here's how

a somewhat off-the-wall theory by tumblr user project-sekai-facts

SEKAI are... mysterious, to say the least. They're worlds made out of the emotions of teenagers, only accessible through a song on a phone that cannot disappear, and most importantly, inhabited by the main 6 Crypton VOCALOID characters.

So, what exactly is a SEKAI? For one, they're not magical or supernatural, as confirmed in Len's Street SEKAI 2*. According to Len, SEKAI are just mysterious, as previously mentioned. He also mentions in that card story that the Virtual Singers that inhabit SEKAI are not that much unlike humans, although they have the innate ability to help people discover their true feelings, and nurturing those feelings is at their core.

That's the thing, how are they able to maintain a humanoid form if they're not magical or supernatural, and not holograms either? Well, with magical worlds and the concept of people teleporting inside of their phone ruled out due to the phones going with them, the only option I can think of would be an alternate dimension. A parallel universe, if you will.

An alternate, parallel universe actually makes a lot of sense. Because there's still the big question of how a selection of characters came to be physical, sentient beings. It's made perfectly clear that in the world the main human characters live in, the Virtual Singers are simply Virtual Singers. They're just characters designed for vocal synth software, exactly as they are in the real world. So to me, the most likely explanation is that the SEKAI exist in an alternate universe where the Crypton VOCALOID characters exist as real "people".

It's not a perfect explanation, and doesn't really account for the fact there are several SEKAI, and several incarnations of the VOCALOID characters across those. While the SEKAI are presented as planet-like objects in a void (the "Between SEKAI"), as the game calls it, there's also the fact that SEKAI continuously grow, in a similar style to a universe. To be honest, I don't think the writers care that much about the physics behind SEKAI and the contradictions present.

They actually play with a bit of a "god" dynamic with the Virtual Singers. They aren't tied to a specific SEKAI, instead residing in the void between SEKAI and watching over "themselves" and the humans who inhabit the SEKAI.

All of that aside, how did the SEKAI come to be, and what's so special about the Virtual Singers? Why are they playing god in this alternate dimension?

Well, it's well-established that SEKAI are created from feelings. Specifically strong and unwavering ones, that have to maintain their strength in order to become a full fledged SEKAI, and not just a small fragment of what could be. But, where do the Virtual Singers come into this?

Well, it's hard to say. Considering how closely tied the Virtual Singers are to the SEKAI, I'd say it's pretty safe to say that they have an impact in the creation of them. Which places 2006 as the earliest a SEKAI could form, the year MEIKO was released. Although, considering how Miku is put at the forefront of it all, 2007 might be more likely. Perhaps the SEKAI were created by staff at Crypton, who were happy with Miku's outcome, and that's why she's at the forefront? It's plausible, though I think there's a more likely theory.

The game places a heavy emphasis on what VOCALOID means to people, the way a community has formed around it, and creators will put their feelings into music that can then be enjoyed by people worldwide. From an out-of-universe perspective, I think this provided the inspiration for the idea of SEKAI, though I think it works from an in-universe perspective too. By some reality-shattering phenomenon, when VOCALOID (particularly Miku) started to really explode in the late 2000s, the feelings that people entrusted to these Virtual Singer characters managed to create entire worlds based on their feelings. Obviously Miku being the most popular and well-know VOCALOID character ended up being at the center of it. Thousands of people conveyed their true feelings through her, and probably hundreds of those people felt strongly enough for SEKAI to be born from their feelings.

And that's all it is really. SEKAI are just a metaphor for the worlds that Vocaloid producers create with their songs, and the feelings they put into those songs, the feelings they entrust to the VOCALOIDs. It's a very literal representation of it.

[fantasygerard2000]

In Wish, the seemingly benevolent King Magnifico is initially shown to have blue colored magic. Fitting as blue is mostly associated with good.

However, blue is considered a "cold" coded color. Making it look unnatural as if Magnifico is forcing your eyes to see it as "good". And by extension, him as "good".

It is also heavily stylized as lens flares. Fitting as Magnifico wants to be as flashy as he can be in your eyes.

When Magnifico used the Book of Spells, his magic changes into a shade of green. Almost teal or cyan. It is not fully green until he temporarily sealed Star in his staff where it is a yellow green shade.

Asha refers to Magnifico's true colors as "shades of green". Magnifico is seemingly jealous of Star's power and vows to take it for himself, making him a green eyed monster.

His dark magic resembles flames. As Magnifico wants to be as bright and flashy as possible, he will burn everything just to let people know his presence.

In contrast to Magnifico, Star's magic is colored yellow. Unlike Magnifico's cold blue magic, Star's magic looks and feels natural. And also unlike Magnifico's green flames that emit fear, Star's gives the feeling of warmth and happiness.

Star's magic is represented as sparkling dust. Whenever they fly or move, they briefly leave a trail of stardust. Magnifico's star decorated cape mimics Star's dust trail.

Speaking of dust, Star informs of Asha, via animal singing, that everyone and everything is made from star dust. A nod to a scientific theory involving the creation of the earth and life on it as coming from the same origin.

When Asha is given a wand, it's magic is colored white. White being considered as purity, perfection, honesty, cleanliness, and beginnings, as Rosas is restarting with a clean honest slate.

Her magic being similar in style to Star's dust and her wand having a yellow gradient is a reminder to whom this wand was gifted from and as a reminder about her values in helping others achieve their dreams.

[kselemini]

I came up with an idea for a Henry Stickmin fan game (or fan animation). This idea is based on the banal fan theory that Henry Stickmin is an experiment created by the Center for Chaos Containment. I decided to develop this theory, and this is the concept I came up with:

The action takes place in the Center for Chaos Containment laboratory. A scientist and her assistant, in order to learn the maximum abilities of the CCC, created an organism that should cause a high level of chaos. From the DNA of a dead criminal, they created an organism codenamed "78TC20" that has a very high level of luck, bad luck, and desire for adventure. The scientist and her assistant decided to see if the organism they created could cause chaos by leaving it in an empty room with some objects. Eventually, "78TC20" escaped from the room with the help of one object, trying to find a way out of the lab in a panic. But it didn't succeed, it was caught by the CCC staff, and the same scientist happily said that her creation was "chaotic enough" and put it to sleep. Then, with the help of all sorts of neurobiological technologies, all the organism's memories related to the CCC laboratory were erased, adding instead false memories that it had a hard childhood, and that it was a poor and unemployed man who decided to rob a bank. This organism was given identity papers, an apartment for which it "hadn't paid in a long time." This organism was given the name "Henry Stickmin."

Yeah, this is the prologue to Breaking the Bank (prologue to prologue, lol). Write your opinion on this idea.

[lyquynhnhu]

Opinion after episode 5

From the preview I thought the Sailor Moon reference would have been the main Natsuko’s creation of this episode. But it turned out I was totally wrong.

Also, we learned that one of the Nine Soldiers already died before the story. Does that mean Luke, Unio, Memmeln, QJ and Justice are the only one alive? Or the others defected like Justice? That’s why none of them appear in the opening (I’m of the opinion that the opening should show all the characters, even as silhouettes)?

By the way, Natsuko seemed to accepted very easily that the story is moving differently from the movie. However, her bad tendency to do everything alone is manifesting and she meets her first failure.

In the meantime, we meet Justice and we will learn more of her backstory in the next episode. And it seems there will be a “love triangle” between Natsuko, Luke and Justice. Maybe love triangle is not the right definition, but Luke is definitely jealous and misunderstood that scene between Natsuko and Justice.

Also, it was very brief, but the suspicious bird of last episode says that it doesn’t matter how many time Natsuko will change the story, nothing will change.

I like how the episode was well balanced between funny and serious moments, introduced bit of backstory, some lore, touch Natsuko problem of doing everything alone and slowly develop Natsuko and Luke relationship.

But, I thought that there would be an episode for everyone of the Nine Soldiers. But supposing the others are all dead, this ruin my theory. Also, after studying the trailers, where it was shown the deaths of Chingosman and Admiral (the mermaid), I thought that happens later in the original film. However, from the staff interview it seems that the remaining heroes have some secrets that will be revealed in future episodes. So they must be alive.

The one who died, Ganger, was a golem. Maybe golems don’t “die”, he is just inactive but it’s unknown how much time it’s needed to be activated again (?). I mean, all heroes voice actors were already announced. They don’t usually announce in advance the voice actors of minor characters who appears only in flashbacks.

Also, in all this kind of reincarnation isekai, the story never follows the original source and there is always a bigger mystery to be revealed.

The more I think about it, the more I want this anime to be 2 cours. Since they didn’t resolve the thing with Justice this episode, we have less episode to cover the others characters.

For me, they could do cour 1 about Natsuko overcoming her problem of doing everything alone, while introducing the members of the hero party, their backstory and relationship (for example we know Luke admired Justice), with a cliffhanger at the end of the first part introducing the main antagonist and it’s objective (suspicious bird*). And cour 2 about world building, lore and mystery (for example, what are the voids? Why did they appear in the world?). In between some filler episode for more character relationship development and Natsuko understanding love (her flaw to do everything alone isn’t her only problem).

I like the anime as of now and probably the remaining missing heroes won’t be relevant, so no backstory for them. The story can be closed in 12 episodes, it’s just me who prefer slower pace and more characters developments and just want more. Also, I’m really curious about the choice of 9 heroes instead of fewer if they don’t intended to introduce all of them. Maybe because “Seven Soldiers” sounds bad?

*When watching the trailers I noticed the bird in a scene where the city was burning. And I’m also suspicious of Baobab because of the trailer and episode three (her gaze when asking Natsuko how she know the future).

[dragon-prince-6-3]

I do have a theory what aaravos plan is ( not some random thing, but build on infos we got from the other seasons )

His plan is to get dark magic and use it on the star council who killed his daughter. Killing all star elves which is in his eyes justice and a good thing for humanity. If the writers want him to be punished or be forgiven afterwards by the main crew is up to them.

How did I come to this conclusion:

Aaravos never used dark magic. He can possess others who used it but he himself never did it. When he possessed Viren he used fire and ice spells. When Viren absorbed zym it was Viren who was doing the spell ( even if the caterpillar spoke the words it is not aaravos, nor is implied that it’s magic got used only that it knows the spell ). Claudia performed all dark magic spells afterwards. So maybe aaravos only knows how to perform dark magic and teach it but not use it himself. He can however get connected to it which is why he is dark but not corrupted. This would make sense why he is so interested in dark mages before he got captured ( made the staff beforehand and set up a war ). It would also fit that humans are not born with magic but can learn any kind of magic as counterpart to elves who are born with theirs but unable to learn more. Aaravos could be born with all arcadiums or star magic is connected to them all, but dark magic is not an arcadium.

Aaravos needs dark magic since it could be the only thing that kills multiple star touched elves ( will be later his undoing because of callum ). After all stars can be absorbed by black holes. To archive this aaravos needs to be a black hole but lacks the ability to become a true dark mage. But he found a way to steal the ability of someone else. After all dark magic is the progress of stealing magic from something else so if he connects to the source he should be able to take over that magic for himself. Star magic is portal and connection magic so it is logical that he learned this part without having used dark magic himself. He was only able to possess dark mages throw their magic but not take it from them. Until Viren.

The ritual and creation of sir sparklepuff was never for Viren benefit. But to make a bridge between them ( Viren and Aaravos blood ). The plan was for the bridge to grow and than perform the dark magic to switch the ability. The progress of dark magic is finding a magic source what can be used for your needs ( caterpillar who started by being inside aaravos and started to grow after it was inside Viren ), kill the thing so the magic is inside the user ( even if Claudia killed it, it was connected to Viren so the bridge magic is inside him ). Than the user has to release the dark magic by performing a spell and the magic leaves his body. In this case once Viren performs any kind of dark magic it will all leave him and go to aaravos who can than grow it himself.

This would actually explain a few things. Why aaravos spent so much time bringing Viren back ( he was still connected and could not make a second blood pact with Claudia since the mirror was broken or unaccesable ( it needed a rune on both sides )). Why he only left katolis after Viren performed a dark spell even if he saw that all people where now safe ( he didn’t care about killing katolis people ). Nor why he didn’t check if Viren was alive or death ( he obviously survived the fire spell, aaravos is close enough to see him and others be immune to fire especially after he teached it to Viren himself, but he couldn’t know that Viren used his own hearth and will die anyway ). I think he didn’t plan to kill Viren but attacked specifically to get Viren to perform dark magic, if Viren lived or died afterwards is unimportant to him so he left. This is why the sun elves plot made so little sense. Aaravos wanted to get an army but sacrificed his forces in exchange to attack an katolis with no one important inside it. He even healed his arch enemies the sun dragon just for this moment otherwise he could have killed his weakened opponent after he was freed. It also explained why Viren corpse wasn’t corrupted. Viren true form is his dark form which he only hides behind illusions. That he was not in this form all along was because he was death ( freed from it ) and than didn’t use it except this one time beforehand where he rejected it. So now that he chose to use it for a second time shouldn’t the corruption remain ? It doesn’t because it got transferred into aaravos. Aaravos would have preferred to increase Viren magic beforehand ( getting zym or letting him rule over zadia where are endless resources) but it isn’t necessary. Now he got it and can start on his plan to kill all star elves.

It would make sense that if you want to absorb / kill something so strong you need close enough power dark magic wise ( a beginner can’t use dragon parts etc. ). That is why aaravos wanted to grow it beforehand but is willing to increase his new power on his own. And luckily for him there are enough magic creatures in Zadia to absorb from. Heroes be aware ore else you could end up feeding aaravos. He already tried this before by swallowing people but now he can actually absorb them. What do you mean he is a villain ? He only does what is necessarily to kill the evil star elves. There are always elves dying so who cares, he isn’t even touching humans who stay out of his way. It will be better for all if he gets the power up completed and than steals the rest power from the stars. His goal isn’t technically to become a god who killed a lot of innocent for his own power boost to get what he wants. You heroes just don’t understand that is all for the bright future of the world ( plus revenge ). Claudia can’t understand why her former friends desperately try to stop aaravos from killing more creatures, aaravos is nice and says the same thing as her dad so why not trust him ?

This theory explains a few things and can be finished in one season. Start explaining, go hunting creatures, everyone battles, aftermath. It is not what I would have wanted ( big conflict about moral questions ) but it is the only logical thing with set up I can find we could actually make work.

[vandalyssm]

Theory: Merlin's Recent Publicity and its Correlation to a Possible Sequel/Revival/Reboot (+Eoin Macken's Pseudo Merlin Project)

'Ello. Fancied sharing my thoughts on recent developments regarding BBC's Merlin.

Fair, firm warning: I'm only sharing speculations and my personal opinions on the matter, and I do not advertise them as fact whatsoever. Consider them musings (or delusions, your choice). You can use this to further fuel your hope of the slim chance that this beloved show will see the light of day once again or maybe make theories of your own. Dispelling it is also an option, as I cannot assure my arguments would be free from flaws.

Right. Without further ado...

Revival of the Official Merlin Twitter Account

Let's put this into scenario.

Imagine a dated piece of media, previously well-known worldwide and had its own golden age for a time. This media launched the last of its contents over a decade ago, yet it gained a loyal, devoted following that persisted to grow and continued the legacy of the franchise over the years. Though there were highs and lows, the community remained alive for an impressive amount of time, steadily producing art, fiction, and creations dedicated to the media, despite not having anything new to work with. This devotion is acknowledged by those from an outsider's perspective, including the creators of this media (cast, staff, and distributors alike).

To put into context, the community was left unsatisfied with how the media ended, and many wished for the media to return. Articles were written, petitions were signed, comments left on the cast' social media accounts, and even questions were asked directly to them. Although different in wording, the inquired notion remained the same: Will there be a possibility of a sequel/revival/return/reboot? The answers range from a neutral, vague reply to a more resounding no.

This cycle persisted, but the people were immovable; they were visionaries and their dream lived on in their hearts. And this did not go unnoticed.

So it continued... until one of the media's social accounts made a sudden return. Out of nowhere, without a warning. They're back for good, the account announced. It sent the community into a frenzy. But if you took a step back from the excitement, you'd notice that it's strange. Why would a media ended over a decade ago suddenly be promoted again?

Now, I'm going to explore two possibilities; pragmatic and idealistic. The previous hypothetical scenario lays the general principal of Merlin's relevance (duh).

I'll make the pragmatic perspective brief. FremantleMedia saw the opportunity to make some bucks from Merlin because of the loyal fanbase, using a no-cost yet effective method to keep us tuned in; hoping. OMG, what does this mean? Does this mean they're going make a sequel?! Holy shit, they're teasing us, aren't they? I can't believe this is happening, it's a dream come true! And so on and so forth. Evidently, it works and numbers are growing. The official Merlin twitter account is racking up more followers and likes with each post. In this possibility, there's no such thing as a sequel/whatever it is the fanbase hopes for; just a reanimated corpse doing the same silly tap dance while we holler at it, dumbly hoping that they bust out new moves.

Now, the fun part. The idealistic version!

I'm going to use a real life example for my theory: the upcoming release of Dragon's Dogma 2. With a quick Google search, you can learn that Dragon's Dogma 2 is the highly awaited sequel for its well-liked predecessor, Dragon's Dogma.

For some time, Dragon's Dogma was on sale on Steam (with a decent cut too). This was done to gain the attention of...

1. those who haven't previously dived into the franchise. It's to make them think 'Wow! This game's so good. Oh, there's a sequel of it that's gonna be released soon? With even better graphics and gameplay? Sign me the fuck up!'. You liked Blueberry Cheesecake, so it'd make sense that you'd be more open to buying Double Blueberry Cheesecake, Premium Ingredients Addition, with 2 additional paid toppings.

2. Veterans and nostalgic fans. 'They're promoting the game I liked years ago... Oh, well, it won't hurt to play it again, just for the nostalgia. It never really left my mind anyway."

In other words: hype! hype! hype!

If using this principle, then the possibility of a sequel/revival/reboot/new content exists. It's either being processed (wishful thinking, not as likely) or being considered (more likely). If it's the latter, then they're testing the waters to see how much people still care/how much money they'll make. The more attention and hype it gets, the higher the likelihood.

Simplified:

P (old media pushed for publicity) -> Q (hype built)

Q (hype built) -> R (new content)

Eoin Macken's Pseudo Merlin Project

If I recall correctly, Eoin Macken first announced a pseudo Merlin project in late 2020. It's first teased to be released in 2021, but nothing came out of it so far (at the time of writing this) except if you count the small handful of times Macken hinted it over the ongoing four year period.

Now, I understand his position. First and foremost, he needs the legal rights to actually produce anything and it's no easy feat when you're dealing with a massive company. Then there's the issue of costumes, props, sets, and equipment. A lot to consider. To put it simply, he must offer the company something worth more than the show itself or contribute in their favor in some way. Macken seems like a charming and capable guy, so he can make it work. Probably.

I lean towards the spin-off theory because a cast reunion would not take four years. As far as I know, Macken is close with the knights and they could get together at any convenient time. If the project was a zoom call or a recorded get-together, it would've been released already. To compare, by using the average of 385,000 babies born each day during the last three years, we have 421,575,000 newborns before the Pseudo Merlin Project.

I want to tie this in with the previous theory, but eh. It can connect, but not really. I don't have any further explanation or evidence since Macken hasn't given any news.

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Anyways. That's enough of this. I hope it made sense, at least it did to me. I'm entering my third year in the fandom, so I'm relatively new and still hopeful. (Though I try hard to keep my feet on the ground while I stare up at the clouds.)

To end this post, I'd like to say: keep hoping. Hope is such a stupidly beautiful thing, and it should be nurtured. Turn that feeling into art, into efforts.

There are franchises revived 2-3 decades after, and Merlin is no exception.