#the tale of the short spire

[nerdalmighty]

Wow! Black Spire Outpost? That sounds fun!

Batuu/Black Spire Outpost/Galaxy's Edge/Star Wars Land makes its television debut on Young Jedi Adventure's "The Tale of the Short Spire!"

[rex3o]

The Eternal Enigma

A/N: The Eternal Enigma is deeply inspired by the movie of La Belle et la Bête which I watched recently so I put two and two together and yh here we go. Also this story does NOT follow the jujutsu kaisen plot. But I hope u lot enjoy it as much as I do as I post more out lol.

Summary: In a cursed kingdom ruled by the fearsome Ryomen Sukuna, a former general turned demon king, Y/n—a noblewoman whose family fell victim to Sukuna’s wrath—is delivered to his ominous fortress. Expecting to be treated harshly, Y/n is instead met with Sukuna’s cold indifference and an outrageous demand: she must fall in love with him. When Y/n protests, Sukuna’s fury erupts, and he declares her forbidden from leaving his domain. As Sukuna storms out, Y/n is left to navigate the treacherous path of her new, dark reality.

Ryomen Sukuna X Reader

>> chp 2 / chp3

In the waning light of dusk, the land lay cloaked in a somber silence, broken only by the mournful whispers of the wind through twisted, barren trees. Once a flourishing realm of beauty and grace, the landscape now bore the scars of darkness—a kingdom lost to the curse of an ancient power.

At the heart of this cursed domain stood a fortress of eerie majesty, its blackened spires reaching toward the heavens like the gnarled fingers of a dark deity. This was the domain of the Eternal Enigma—a being whose name was whispered in fear and awe: Ryomen Sukuna. His fortress, a towering edifice of obsidian and bone, loomed over the land, casting long shadows that seemed to swallow the light itself.

The tale of Sukuna’s darkness began long before his rise to power. Born into a world already steeped in suffering, Sukuna resided in the womb of his starving mother alongside his twin. As the days of deprivation wore on, the infant Sukuna, driven by a primal instinct for survival, consumed his sibling. Even then, his existence was marked by a monstrous hunger.

As he grew, Sukuna’s insatiable drive for dominance and power led him to become a general of unmatched bravery. His prowess on the battlefield earned him great acclaim, yet it was his ambition that ultimately led him astray. Driven by a desire for eternal glory, Sukuna made a fateful pact with forces beyond mortal comprehension. In his quest for immortality, he sacrificed not only his humanity but the very soul of his kingdom, sealing his fate in a curse that bound him to a grotesque and eternal imprisonment.

Now, his form was a grotesque mockery of the noble warrior he once was: the size of a grizzly beast, with four monstrous clawed arms and four eyes glowing red with a cold, malevolent light that reflected the torment of his eternal punishment.

The people of the land spoke of him in hushed tones, recounting tales of his cruelty and the legion of cursed spirits and demons he commanded. The once-vibrant courts of the kingdom had become hollow echoes of their former splendor, their power and beauty overshadowed by the darkness that reigned supreme. Those who dared to speak of Sukuna’s name faced his wrath, for the curse that bound him extended to all who crossed his path.

On a fateful night, as the moon hung heavy in the sky, a young woman was delivered to the fortress gates. Y/n, a noblewoman of grace and beauty, arrived with a heart full of trepidation and hope. Her family, once powerful and respected, had been destroyed in a failed attempt to defy Sukuna’s dominion. Now, she was a mere pawn in a game she scarcely understood—a gift offered to the overlord in a desperate bid to placate his anger and prevent further bloodshed.

The carriage rocked as it trundled along the forest path, its wheels grinding against the overgrown roots of ancient trees. Y/n sat in silence, her pale hands folded neatly in her lap, her heart heavy with the weight of her fate. Beyond the veil covering her face, she looked upon the thick mist outside, Sukuna's fortress looming—a twisted silhouette against the blood-red sky. Her thoughts were abruptly cut short.

"They say no one returns from there," whispered the old servant who sat beside her, his voice quivering. "Once you enter the Demon King's domain, you are lost."

Y/n stared ahead, her face expressionless, though her heart pounded with fear. She had heard the rumors—stories of a man turned into a beast, cursed by the gods to rule over cursed spirits and demons. Sukuna's cruelty was legendary, but no one could explain why he had demanded her as a tribute.

The gates of the fortress creaked open, and a cold wind swept through the air as the carriage crossed into Sukuna’s domain. The once-proud noblewoman took a deep breath, knowing that her life would never be the same again.

As the carriage came to a halt, and she stepped out into the foreboding realm. The cold air bit at her skin, and the eerie silence of the fortress seemed to swallow her every step. The gates behind her loomed after her, ancient and imposing, their iron bars etched with dark symbols that whispered of forgotten sorcery.

Y/n’s eyes met those of the gatekeeper, who regarded her with a mixture of pity and apprehension. “Welcome, my lady,” he intoned, his voice trembling with the weight of unspoken fears. “May the gods have mercy on you.”

The doors creaked open, and a footman greeted Y/n as she stepped into the darkness beyond, her old servant closely following behind. Her heart pounded with a blend of fear and curiosity. She had heard the tales of the cursed king—of the monstrous being who ruled with an iron fist and a heart of darkness. But what lay beyond the shadows of his fortress remained a mystery, one she was now bound to unravel.

The footman led her through the foreboding halls of the fortress, her senses overwhelmed by the oppressive gloom that pervaded every corner. The walls seemed to whisper secrets long forgotten, and the flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows that danced like specters in the dark. The halls were deathly quiet, with servants passing in complete silence as they moved through their tasks.

In the dim glow of a grand chamber, Sukuna awaited her. His form, though majestic in its own right, was a stark contrast to the splendor of the once-great fortress. He sat on his dark and imposing throne, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality. His presence was both mesmerizing and terrifying, a paradox of beauty and horror.

As the footman and Y/n approached, her heart raced with a mixture of dread and anticipation. The Eternal Enigma, the cursed king, awaited her presence, and with it, the unfolding of a tale that would intertwine their fates in ways neither could have imagined.

As Y/n entered the grand chamber, her eyes were immediately drawn to the imposing figure seated on the dark throne. Sukuna’s presence was both mesmerizing and terrifying. The throne room was dimly lit by flickering torches that cast eerie shadows on the walls, making the scene even more surreal.

Sukuna looked down upon Y/n with an indifferent gaze, his four red eyes glowing like smoldering embers. Despite his fearsome appearance, he seemed almost disinterested in her arrival. He gestured lazily for her to come closer, his monstrous form shifting slightly as he leaned back against his throne.

Y/n approached cautiously, her heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. She had braced herself for harsh treatment or some form of ritualistic cruelty, but Sukuna’s demeanor was unexpectedly nonchalant. He could hear her heart racing and noticed her trembling form, almost chuckling at her fear. Yet, for Y/n, the lack of immediate threats or displays of malevolence only heightened her unease.

"Well, you’re here," Sukuna said, his voice a deep, resonant rumble that filled the chamber. “You remember me, yes? Your family was obedient, but your useless father had to mess things up. Such a pity he’s dead.” Sukuna smirked, his gaze disdainful as he looked down at her. To him, her father was a mere annoyance, a fly in his grand plans. “To shorten this meeting, brat—you’re staying here, in my palace.” His attention wandered, as if Y/n were a trivial matter.

Y/n blinked, trying to process his words. “You insult my dead father and then order me to stay? As a prisoner, you mean?”

Sukuna replied with a sneer, “And what will you do about it? You’re as useless as him. Whatever you do can’t surpass me, so I suggest you listen and comply.” He grinned evilly. “Prisoner? If that’s how you want to see yourself, fine. But for me, you are to be my future wife.”

Y/n stared at him, her mouth slightly agape. “You sick, cruel man… You can’t expect me to fall in love with you. You have loyal consorts who would force their daughters to kneel and beg to marry you. What you ask of me is insane!”

Sukuna’s eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. The casual indifference that had marked his demeanor vanished, replaced by a storm of anger. His massive form tensed, and with a violent motion, he flipped his throne, sending it crashing to the ground with a thunderous roar. The force of his rage shook the entire chamber, and the walls trembled under the impact.

“You dare to defy me?” Sukuna bellowed, his voice echoing through the chamber. He stormed over to her, his build overshadowing her as he gripped her face with his hand. His face, marked with deep black ink-like scars, was a terrifying visage of fury. His four demonic eyes burned into her face as he spoke, “You are forbidden from leaving my domain! You will stay here until you fulfill your obligation!” He shoved her away, causing her to fall onto the floor. Her face was scratched by the sharp ends of his nails, blood trickling down her skin.

The entire fortress reverberated with Sukuna’s fury as he stormed out of the grand chamber, his footsteps causing the ground to rumble. The echoes of his anger reverberated through the halls, shaking the very foundations of the once-majestic fortress.

Y/n lays there, stunned by the sheer force of Sukuna’s wrath. The reality of her situation crashed down on her like a wave. She had been thrust into a world of darkness and cruelty, with a cursed king who demanded the impossible.

As the echoes of Sukuna’s fury faded, Y/n was left in the cold silence of the chamber, her mind racing with fear, confusion, and a burgeoning sense of helplessness. The task before her seemed daunting and absurd, but she knew she had no choice but to navigate the treacherous path that lay ahead.

A/N: YOOOO hope u liked it lol I'll make another part soon shorly after this.

[visit-new-york]

Chrysler Building: A Shimmering Icon of Art Deco Elegance

In the heart of Manhattan's bustling skyline, one architectural masterpiece stands tall, capturing the imagination of all who gaze upon it. The Chrysler Building, a shimmering beacon of Art Deco elegance, is not just a skyscraper but a symbol of New York City's enduring spirit and architectural innovation. With its captivating history, exquisite design, and a touch of old-world glamour, the Chrysler Building continues to enchant and captivate, leaving an indelible mark on the Big Apple's iconic skyline.

The Chrysler Building, completed in 1930, was the brainchild of architect William Van Alen. Its distinctive design is a symphony of style, blending Art Deco with influences from the Machine Age. The tower rises to a staggering 1,046 feet, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time of its completion. Its crowning glory, the iconic stainless steel spire, reaches even higher, ultimately soaring to 1,476 feet. This bold architectural choice, combined with the building's tiered setbacks and intricate ornamentation, immediately sets it apart from its contemporaries.

The Chrysler Building's spire is nothing short of a masterpiece. Composed of seven concentric stainless steel arches, it seems to ascend endlessly into the sky, a testament to human ambition and ingenuity. The polished metal glimmers and reflects the ever-changing hues of the New York City skyline, giving the building a dynamic and ethereal quality. The spire's tip is adorned with a spectacular sunburst design, a symbol of hope and optimism that encapsulated the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

Beneath the shimmering façade, the Chrysler Building holds a treasure trove of architectural marvels. The lobby, in particular, is a breathtaking work of art. A soaring, marble-clad space is adorned with ornate, artful details, including intricate friezes, Egyptian-inspired motifs, and a magnificent ceiling mural by artist Edward Trumbull. The lobby's elegance and opulence transport visitors to a bygone era of sophistication and glamour.

The Chrysler Building's enduring legacy goes beyond its architectural significance. It has played a prominent role in popular culture, making appearances in numerous films, television shows, and works of literature. Its silhouette, unmistakable and timeless, is a symbol of New York City itself, representing both the city's storied past and its ever-evolving future.

Yet, beneath its polished surface and captivating design, the Chrysler Building harbors an air of myth and mystery that adds to its allure. One enduring legend is the tale of a secret spire race between the Chrysler Building and the Bank of Manhattan Trust Building (now known as 40 Wall Street), a nearby skyscraper under construction at the same time. This tale, though perhaps more myth than fact, only deepens the intrigue surrounding this architectural wonder.

The construction of the Chrysler Building was not without its challenges. The architects and builders had to contend with the limitations of 1920s technology, including the absence of modern safety measures and equipment. Nevertheless, the determination and expertise of the builders triumphed over adversity, resulting in an enduring symbol of human achievement.

As we look ahead to the future, the Chrysler Building continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and creativity. While no longer the tallest building in New York City, its timeless elegance and iconic spire remain a source of inspiration for architects, artists, and dreamers alike. Recent renovations and preservation efforts ensure that this shimmering gem will continue to grace the Manhattan skyline for generations to come.

For those who wish to experience the magic of the Chrysler Building firsthand, tours are available to explore its exquisite lobby and learn more about its history and architectural significance. Standing in the shadow of its gleaming spire, visitors can connect with the past, marvel at its beauty, and imagine the countless stories that have unfolded within its walls.

In a city that is constantly changing and reinventing itself, the Chrysler Building remains a steadfast symbol of New York City's enduring spirit, artistic excellence, and architectural innovation. Its shimmering spire reaches for the heavens, while its hidden treasures and legendary history capture the hearts and minds of all who encounter it. As an icon of Art Deco elegance, the Chrysler Building is not just a skyscraper; it's a living testament to the dreams and aspirations of a city that continues to inspire the world. It's a reminder that in the ever-evolving urban jungle of Manhattan, the Chrysler Building's brilliance still shines as brightly as ever, inviting all to partake in its timeless allure.

Chrysler Building -  Next page>

[felassan]

EA site update:

"The Dread Wolf Rises Dragon Age Day 2023 Happy DA Day to our friends across Thedas!"

"[Mark] Dragon Age has always been a franchise about characters. Characters to fall in love with or to learn to loath. Those characters need a place in which to live, to fight, and to love—a place that shapes them and the events they find themselves swept up in. Today we explore the place they call home that forms the stage for everything that you do: Thedas. Corinne and the Dragon Age: Dreadwolf team have created a game that celebrates the rich and varied past of the franchise while crafting new experiences and stories. It has been incredible to come back to BioWare and see all of the progress they’ve made, and I’m excited for some of that world to be shared with all of you today. [Corinne] Thank you, Mark! I fondly remember playing each entry in the Dragon Age franchise, being completely immersed and enamored in the world you all had built. It amazes me to be here now, working alongside you and the team, to bring new stories and characters (not to mention a few returning characters) to all of the fans of the franchise. Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the product of hard work and love. We know how much this world means to all of you, how these experiences stay with you. We want to get it right, so we’ve taken our time. We're so excited to join in this celebration of all things Dragon Age and the incredible fandom that surrounds it. Within the dev team, we’ve been eagerly awaiting Dragon Age Day as the enthusiasm, stories, charity, and artwork you share motivates us to be our best and create new experiences for all of you. To celebrate DA Day, we’re sharing a look at a few of the in-game locations you’ll explore on this new adventure (and perhaps a little more for those who listen closely). The stage is set. The Dread Wolf is ready to make his move. Oh, and one last thing before I go… In summer 2024, we’ll be fully revealing Dragon Age: Dreadwolf to you! We honestly can’t wait. See you all in Thedas, — Corinne Busche, Game Director & Mark Darrah, Sr Production Advisor"

"You’ve visited the lands of Thedas thrice before in our games and many more times in comics, books, art, and short stories. This time, you’ll be venturing to places unseen and returning to places from long ago. To celebrate Dragon Age Day, we wanted to show you some of those sights. [link to new trailer] We stand on the precipice of change. This is a world brimming with stories and characters waiting to meet you. The fate of this world teeters on the edge of a knife. In past games, you only got to see a slice of the world. In Origins, it was Ferelden—a land ravaged by war and Dark Spawn. In II, it was Kirkwall and its locales—festering with corruption and a dark underworld. And in Inquisition, you ventured across much of Orlais—facing down political intrigue as often as combat."

"This time, however, much more of Thedas is yours to see. The desolate, beautiful badlands of the Anderfels with curtains of distant mountainous spires. The twisting canals and gleaming towers of Antiva, where Crows may lurk in any shadow. The turquoise seas of Rivain with its rushes of greenery and hardy sea-faring people. And of course, there’s more."

"We felt this was best for the tale we wanted to tell this time and we hope you enjoy it as much as we have! It’s allowed us to create many more locations than past games, including both some you’ve longed to go to…and some you’ve never heard of before!"

"To help capture the wonders of Thedas, we partnered with three wonderful artists from our exceptionally talented community and gave them an early look at what you’ve now seen. We’ve always been so fortunate to have such an incredibly skilled community of artists, and getting to work with these three was a true joy! We asked each of them to create a vista of one of the three regions in the video based on their interpretation of it in their own unique styles. Please enjoy their wonderful work, and be sure to send them some love when you check out their personal channels for more of their art!" [link to art]

"Turning our focus to your closest kitchen, if you’re looking for a fun gift this holiday season or want to try some Thedosian dishes yourself, we’ve got you covered with Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas from our partners, Insight Editions! This project was lovingly crafted by the author, Jessie Hasset, as well as members of our team who have an affinity for the kitchen and a love of cuisine."

"The cookbook features recipes suited to all skill levels, but we know that jumping in may be a daunting task for some. To help you out, we’ve partnered with MisoHungrie, a wonderful YouTuber who specializes in cooking, with a particular knack for video game and entertainment-related dishes. If you’re looking for a place to start on your culinary journey, check out his video and follow along. And be sure to let us know what you think of these Thedosian delights! In addition to this, there are two giveaways you should keep an eye out for! For the first, our friends over at Insight Editions are giving away five copies of the cookbook on their social channels, so be sure to check them out. And it doesn’t end there. For those of you who decide to try your hand at making a culinary delight from the book (including one of the ones we’ve released separately), be sure to follow our own Dragon Age social channels for the second giveaway. Keep an eye out for the opportunity to submit your creation for a chance to win a BioWare Gear Store package, including the brand-new Morrigan romance bundle! Details on that giveaway will be posted next week."

"As we mentioned earlier this year, we’ve partnered with Dark Horse to create a digital package of all their comics for Dragon Age and Mass Effect on Humble Bundle. Visit the Humble Bundle page to find out how our partners are working to support Child’s Play, an organization that seeks to make the lives of children in hospitals more comfortable through the enjoyment of games. There’s no better time than the holidays to bring a smile to someone’s face. BioWare is also supporting a few local charities this month that focus on helping the most vulnerable in our communities via food banks. This includes the Edmonton Food Bank, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Les Banques alimentaires au Québec, and the Central Texas Food Bank. All of them provide food to thousands of people each month and rely on kindhearted donations and volunteers. If you’re wanting to give back this holiday season, please consider supporting Child’s Play or donating to your local food banks. Many communities also accept non-monetary donations of canned, dried, and packaged goods, clothing, and other useful supplies. However you choose to support those in need, know that every bit helps and can make a big difference in someone’s life, whether they’re in your community or around the world."

"An insult that he took as a badge of pride. An insult to inspire hope in his friends and fear in his enemies. That is what Fen’Harel, the Dread Wolf, truly is. Not a man who sees himself as evil, but someone who believes he’s fighting for a good cause and is willing to get his hands dirty. This long-awaited chapter of Dragon Age is fast approaching—the time close at hand. We’ll see you next summer with answers to your questions, including ones you have yet to ask. With that will come our full reveal including new trailers, gameplay, and—of course—the long-awaited release date. The Dread Wolf will rise once more and we’ll have much more to share with you as we approach Summer 2024. Please keep an eye on our social channels for all the latest information on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf’s reveal and beyond. Know this, though: The Dread Wolf has not been idle these past years. His reach is far, and soon his plans will come to fruition—a cataclysmic rejoining of magic and realms hundreds of years in the making. Will you be able to stop him? We hope so. Always believing in you,             — The Dragon Age Team"

[source and full post]

[creaturefeaster]

Is there anything that can harm a mime? I assume the usual bashing and stabbing and slashing, etc., but what about liquids? Can they drown? Burn? Can acid harm them? Can a mime crack? Is there anything that would harm them but not harm the usual human?

Their vessels are varyingly durable. Imagine the sturdy rubber of the bottom of a shoe, but much thicker and denser. It is very hard to hurt them through impact/bashing alone. They can be tossed down a mountain with little consequence, so long as they're not unlucky enough to hit a jagged spire on the way down.

Stabbing is effective in the short term, but with such a dense shell it is difficult to produce enough of a bleed before they heal up, to deal any major harm to them. Cutting chunks out of their torso is a better solution, but difficult to achieve with thicker shells.

They cannot drown, as they do not breathe. Fire is attractive, and harmless to their extremities, but can damage their vessel through long term exposure. They are not particularly flammable however. Heat can also excite their hemolymph and make the mime more volatile, so I personally wouldn't try and set fire to them.

Harsh acid is particularly harmful to them, and has peculiar effects to their hemolymph as well. In fact, there are particular spots in the world where their initial impacts exposed pockets of acid-- something that is a problem in many places on Theia-- and so some mimes have taken the time to clean up these hazards/put the material to better use. It's that dangerous, so they'd prefer to get rid of it and not take their chances.

A mime cannot crack perse, but with enough pressure or brute force to the head or torso, they can begin to split. This is harder to achieve the thicker the vessel is.

Gunshots and spears-- things that impale easily or create gaping wounds-- are most effective. These are more difficult to heal from, and can be especially fatal the lower the wound is on their torso. After all, it has more to do with the loss of hemolymph than the damage of the body.

Heavy impacts to the head can also be fatal, so if you drop a boulder or an anvil on their head a la Wile E. Coyote, that can be an insta-kill. Smaller, more acute damage to the head is not nearly as effective; Hence TyV suffering a gunshot to the head, losing the ability to see in one eye but otherwise living on to tell the tale.

As mentioned in a previous ask, extreme cold can shut their vessels down. They have no body heat, so personal insulation does not assist in keeping them warm. The cold cannot kill outright, as it merely freezes their hemolymph-- the stuff that keeps them functioning-- and can reliquify once they are warmed back up. However, because they are inanimate and vulnerable in this state, it makes it much easier to kill them.

Magic with darker elements can prove to be harmful to them, even if the magic itself is not cast with the intention of harm. Darkness in general weakens them greatly, generally weakening their vessel's shell as well as thinning their hemolymph, causing quicker loss in any case of bleeding. However, death-type mimes are not typically hindered by darkness, so even that method can be a gamble.

There are a lot of things that can hurt or weaken them, and many more things that cannot. Some (thinner, weaker vessels) are more susceptible to damage than others. Some do not heal as quick, and the amount of hemolymph they have plays a factor into this as well.

As for anything that could kill a mime, but wouldn't kill a living being... um, Michael I guess? He's a pacifist, but if it comes down to protecting the living, I'd wager mimes aren't covered in the fine print of his pacifism.

[the-trinket-witch]

The City of Altus

(Lore post! YAY!)

In the Age of the Gods, there were tales of a city -a civilization- of people who had harnessed and controlled a mineral that emitted its own magic. They used these crystals to build machines and vehicles beyond the scope of their peers. It was said, as well, that their discovery and advancement was an affront to the gods. For it, they were banished to the bottom of the sea.

Altus is a coastal island sitting not far East of Pyroxene. Most that live on the mainland tout that the island just 'sprang up' out of the sea about 300 years ago. The island itself consisted of packed spires and temples, along with tiered swaths of land once the ocean fell away. Along with them, the inhabitants of the island had brought impressive technology saved from a bygone era. It was noted that the resource powering their machines was finite; their exile below the waves seemed to make the new neighbors keen to how their influence might affect the world at large.

The leaders of this island, a native royal and scholar supposedly from the Queendom of Roses, still wanted to share their knowledge with the world. So in a bid to open commerce, they began to build. They built boats to fish, homes to house, and opened their arms to the rest of the world. Altus, as it began to call itself, thanked the Queendom of Roses for their outreach and assistance as they gathered materials to make good on their promises.

News of mechanical testing intrigued minds across Twisted Wonderland. Many flocked both to observe the pristine time capsule of an island, with just as many finding themselves rising to the challenge of reverse-engineering this crystalline technology. What Twisted Wonderland's greatest minds found most effective was wind and steam power.

Surrounded by ocean, they had an endless supply of pressure. Salt accumulated from machine filters would go back into the economy or an early form of Reverse Electrodialysis, and steam would continue the water cycle. As for the heat to build said steam: algae biofuel and hiring fire fairies. The fire fairies are compensated appropriately, and the algae is almost never outpaced in its growth vs harvest. And with how blustery the island could get, wind energy was never difficult to come by for more stationary purposes. This is all to say, Steam power and magic made this once ancient technology accessible to the rest of the world.

Modern Day Aspects of Altus:

The outermost ring consists of the train system, delivering people and cargo from one side of the island to the other. The circuit halos the ports, which frame the innermost residential and urban areas.

The largest building is actually the central hilltop that most Airborne Afternoon's festivities take place. It sits protected by the soil, and serves as a community center, city hall, and disaster shelter.

Flying above the urban areas is the one remaining dirigible of Altus' early air fleet: the S.A.S Admiral. It currently serves as the city museum, accepting and letting loose tourists with each lap around the island. You'll hear locals call it 'Old Admiral Boom', namely for the decommissioned front cannons still mounted on it.

The further towards the east end of the island -facing out to open sea- houses a large population of merfolk. Altus hosts one of the few 'Land Camps' offered across the world for mero to integrate towards land living. Schools, in turn, offer language classes in the more common forms of the mero language. (This is how Albert learned Azul had asked the Twins to keep an eye on him)

Whatever forces of nature allow it, Altus finds itself with an almost consistent schedule of their most windy day. That couple of days has so far been predicted with accuracy, so scheduling Airborne Afternoon has not ever been very short notice. Many theorize that its the literal Winds of Change blowing summer away to usher in autumn.

TAGLIST:

@ceruleancattail @squidwen @thecosmicjackalope @vaporvipermedia@writing-heiress

@oya-oya-okay @k-looking-glass-house @thehollowwriter @rainesol @cyn-write

@heartscrypt @honey-milk-depresso @br3adtoasty @jackiecronefield @ruggiethethuggie

@hoboyherewego @achy-boo @oreoskys @oseathepebble @oathofoaks

@tunabesimpin @hamstergal @fumikomiyasaki@valse-a-mille-temps

@hallowed-delights @kimikitti @plutos-hell @thetwstwildcard @atwstedstory

@comingyourlugubriousness @ice-cweam-sod4 @twst-the-night-away @nammanarin @scint1llat3

[watchnrant]

A Discovery of Witches: Season 1 – A Bewitching Journey through Romance, Mystery, and Magic

Supernatural dramas often teeter between guilty pleasures and forgettable fluff, but A Discovery of Witches defies these expectations with a spellbinding narrative and captivating visuals. This isn’t just another tale of vampires, witches, and the occasional werewolf vying for screen time. No, this series takes the genre by the throat and elevates it, delivering a first season that’s as much about unraveling the mysteries of the heart as it is about ancient manuscripts and spell-casting.

Visual Mastery: A Feast for the Eyes

The cinematography in A Discovery of Witches is nothing short of lavish, transforming each scene into a sumptuous visual feast that rivals high-budget feature films. From the sun-drenched spires of Oxford’s Bodleian Library to the almost unbearably romantic gloom of Matthew Clairmont’s ancestral home, Sept-Tours, every frame is meticulously crafted to draw you into its world.

Take those scenes in Oxford, for instance. The camera doesn’t just capture the scholarly majesty of the place; it positively revels in it, lingering on each stone column and every dust-covered tome like they’re the most precious things in the world. It’s not just scenery; it’s a mood, a vibe—an atmospheric hook that digs into your soul and refuses to let go. With its gorgeously shot, centuries-old secrets, Sept-Tours feels less like a setting and more like a character in its own right.

While this detailed visual analysis is crucial to conveying the series visual splendor, the focus remains on maintaining the shows momentum. This ensures that the richness of the insights is preserved without overwhelming the viewer.

Performances: Spellbinding Chemistry

Matthew Goode’s portrayal of the enigmatic vampire Matthew Clairmont is sharp and intense, perfectly balancing menace with a surprising vulnerability. His performance is pitch-perfect, walking the fine line between menacing and magnetic while also showing a depth that makes his character deeply compelling.

Then there’s Teresa Palmer, who takes on the role of Diana Bishop, a witch who’s been denying her powers her whole life. Palmer’s Diana is no damsel in distress. She’s curious, intelligent, and cautious but never weak—just the kind of protagonist you can root for. The chemistry between Palmer and Goode is electric, the type of slow-burn romance that makes you want to scream at your screen for them to kiss already. But when they do? It’s fireworks—undeniably the series’ emotional core; their relationship keeps you returning for more.

Supporting characters also get their moment in the spotlight. Malin Buska’s portrayal of Satu, the witch with a dark side, is particularly noteworthy. Satu’s relentless pursuit of Diana creates tension, making every episode feel like a powder keg. Meanwhile, the delightful dynamic between Diana’s aunts, Sarah and Em, adds a layer of warmth and grounding that keeps the series from getting lost in its supernatural grandeur.

Storytelling: A Tapestry of Intrigue and Emotion

A Discovery of Witches doesn’t just lay all its cards on the table from the get-go. No, it plays the long game, slowly unraveling its mysteries like a well-worn novel—just enough to keep you hooked while leaving plenty of threads dangling to pull you into the next episode. The series is a masterclass in world-building, introducing you to its magical universe in a natural and almost organic way. You don’t get bogged down in endless exposition; instead, you discover this world alongside Diana, which makes the journey all the more immersive.

Thematically, the show’s depth lies in its exploration of identity and heritage, which is woven seamlessly into the narrative. Diana’s journey of self-discovery as she uncovers the truth about her lineage is not just a plot device; it’s the beating heart of the series. Her struggles resonate on a personal level, offering viewers a reflection on the often tricky path to self-acceptance. These themes also parallel broader cultural conversations around identity and self-discovery, making the show’s exploration of heritage and acceptance particularly resonant in today’s society. Matthew’s battles with his nature as a vampire add another layer of depth, turning what could have been a standard supernatural romance into a poignant meditation on embracing one’s true self, flaws and all.

A Few Hiccups: Pacing Pains

If there’s one chink in the armor, it’s the pacing. About halfway through the season, things start to speed up—almost too quickly. The pacing, particularly in the second half of the season, accelerates at the expense of crucial character development, such as the rushed transition from Diana’s abduction to her rescue. These narrative shortcuts dilute the emotional impact, leaving specific plot points feeling underdeveloped. This rush disrupts the overall narrative coherence and affects the emotional connection to the characters, making it harder for viewers to invest in their journeys fully.

Final Verdict: A Supernatural Triumph

A Discovery of Witches Season 1 is a triumph of supernatural storytelling. It’s a show that doesn’t just ride the coattails of its genre—it reinvents it, offering a sophisticated, emotionally resonant narrative that’s as enchanting as it is exhilarating. Sure, the pacing could use a little fine-tuning, but that’s a small price to pay for a series that delivers such rich rewards in terms of character, theme, and sheer visual splendor.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of supernatural romance or someone who appreciates intricate character development and lush visual storytelling, A Discovery of Witches stands out as a show that casts its spell early and never lets go. It’s a series that promises not just escapism but an emotionally rich and visually captivating journey that leaves viewers eagerly awaiting the next season.

[disneytva]

Disney Networks February 2024 - Highlights

Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur

The Great Beyond-er! SEASON PREMIERE 2/2

Suit Up! 2/2

Belly of the Beast 2/10

Ride or Die 2/10

Kid Kree 2/17

Wish-Tar 2/17

Make It, Don't Break It! 2/24

The Devil You Know 2/24

Kiff

Fun Uncle Pat; Kiff Escape 2/3

Beach Day ; Sun's Out Buns Out SEASON FINALE 2/10

Chibiverse

The Chibi Couple Game 2/14

Playdate With Winnie The Pooh

Tigger and the Bouncy Hunt 2/10

Piglet, Rabbit and the Picnic 2/24

Pupstruction

Pizza-struction ; Baby Builders 2/2

Firebuds

Balancing Act ; Monster Truck Piston 2/9

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures

AfterShock ; Feather Frenzy 2/7

Best Friends ; Happy Trails, Nubs 2/9

The Tale of the Short Spire ; The Team Up 2/10

The Caves of Batuu / Finders Keepers 2/24

Spidey And His Amazing Friends

Now You See Me, Now You Don't ; Meet Squirrel Girl 2/16

Car-Tastrophe ; Sandman and the Tortoise 2/23

Alice's Wonderland Bakery

A Heart-Filled Harmony ; Happy Cheshire Day! 2/12

[sasslett]

A Night Beneath the Stars

I got to borrow Rowan from @tallbluelady for my FFXIVSwap partner, and so I made her a lil' drabble and some gpose to go along!

“Pray tell, where dost thou intend to go?”

Rowan merely flashed Urianger a grin, gently grasping his hand and tugging him towards Revenant’s Toll’s aetheryte. 

“You shall see soon enough.” Raising her palm, she channeled her aether, feeling for her destination, a place beyond mortal means, yet familiar all the same. In a flash, the two were gone, their feet hitting solid ground once more upon the white-carved platform of Zenith. 

“The abode of the great wyrm Hraesvelgr…” 

Of course, she hadn’t been surprised that Urianger knew where they were - well, not terribly surprised, for the gods themselves knew the man was nothing short of a mystery, even to her. 

Yet, she loved him all the same. 

She turned to see him staring at the great, white spire in awe, shining in the light of the moon above. But it wasn’t the architecture - nor the great wyrm - for which she’d brought him there that eve. 

“This way.” His hand still safely tucked away in hers, she gently tugged him down the aged, broken steps, away from the aetheryte and through the ruins dotting the landscape, until she reached her destination - the very edge of the land, nothing but clouds beneath and stars above. 

“Look at them,” she murmured in wonder, plopping herself down on the ground - for there was nowhere else in all of Eorzea that rivaled the view of the heavens, each star twinkling so bright, she felt she could almost lift her hand and caress them. 

“A brilliant sight to behold,” Urianger agreed, settling himself down beside her. “Recognize thou the constellations?” 

Slowly, she nodded, her eyes flickering across the sky - admittedly, she was quite inexperienced in the ways of astrology, thus far, yet there were a few clusters which stood out in her memory. 

“That one,” she pointed above, “that is Nymeia, is it not?” 

“Indeed. The goddess of fate, ever watching. And see you Althyk beside?” Urianger motioned above, Rowan’s eyes moving to trace the familiar sigil in the sky. “Her dearest brother, guardian of space and time. Yet thou knowest full well the wisdom of astrology relieth not upon the guidance of the Twelve, but the gifts they have given to the star. To wit, recalleth the Bole - planted by Nophica, raised by Althyk in all their wisdom, to which giveth life to the star.”

This, she knew, of course - the earliest of her astrology lessons, the foundation upon which it was built - yet she was content to let him speak regardless, tilting her head as he continued on, studying his handsome features, illuminated only by the moon above… So lost had she been in his beauty that she’d scarce noticed he’d concluded his tale; only when he cleared his throat did she shake herself from her stupor, meeting his golden-eyed gaze to find him grinning softly at her. 

“Yet, for all their beauty and wisdom,” he murmured, reaching up to gently wrap his hand around the back of her neck, pulling her close, “their brilliance pales in comparison to that of thine, my fabled Warrior of Light. For even in the darkest of nights, thine light shines in my heart without equal, and so shall it always, for the rest of my waking days.”

[noddytheornithopod]

Just thought of a potentially sad Barriss Offee idea.

So in Rebels, we see the Spire on Stygeon Prime, and how it uses Luminara Unduli to lure in surviving Jedi only to kill them. They just have recordings of her, and all that's left there is her corpse.

It's probably obvious where I'm going here - Barriss hears about this somehow, and tries to go and save her old master. She probably feels guilty and thinks this could be a way to redeem herself, and even if there's complex feelings, they're clearly reconciled by the final short in Tales of the Empire.

So yeah, she tries to break in to the Spire, only to see the horrible truth. Even if you want to argue Luminara's stricter by the book teaching style had negative effects on Barriss, she would still be crushed by this. Luminara was clearly close with her padawan. But of course, she'd honour her and do the Jedi thing and not let this loss destroy her, she'd honour her memory by continuing to re-embrace her Jedi teachings even if she doesn't consider herself one, etc.

IDK if anyone would be into this or if it would be angst for the sake of it (which is why I tries to add that last part), I just think it would be interesting to see Barriss react to her master's death and all the complex emotions that come from it, and how she goes back to remembering her fondly.

Bonus: She faces off against the Grand Inquisitor when she escapes, who is pissed at her because she was his "inspiration" to turn dark. She just tells him to fuck off, and then GI is annoyed about her getting away, and he probably wouldn't tell Fourth Sister in case it distracts her from her actual missions.

[demifiendrsa]

Thedas Calls - Dragon Age Day (2023)

A full reveal for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is scheduled for summer 2024.

Latest details

Thedas Calls

You’ve visited the lands of Thedas thrice before in our games and many more times in comics, books, art, and short stories. This time, you’ll be venturing to places unseen and returning to places from long ago.

To celebrate Dragon Age Day, we wanted to show you some of those sights.

We stand on the precipice of change. This is a world brimming with stories and characters waiting to meet you. The fate of this world teeters on the edge of a knife. In past games, you only got to see a slice of the world. In Origins, it was Ferelden—a land ravaged by war and Dark Spawn. In II, it was Kirkwall and its locales—festering with corruption and a dark underworld. And in Inquisition, you ventured across much of Orlais—facing down political intrigue as often as combat.

This time, however, much more of Thedas is yours to see. The desolate, beautiful badlands of the Anderfels with curtains of distant mountainous spires. The twisting canals and gleaming towers of Antiva, where Crows may lurk in any shadow. The turquoise seas of Rivain with its rushes of greenery and hardy sea-faring people. And of course, there’s more.

We felt this was best for the tale we wanted to tell this time and we hope you enjoy it as much as we have! It’s allowed us to create many more locations than past games, including both some you’ve longed to go to…and some you’ve never heard of before!

The Places You’ll Go

To help capture the wonders of Thedas, we partnered with three wonderful artists from our exceptionally talented community and gave them an early look at what you’ve now seen. We’ve always been so fortunate to have such an incredibly skilled community of artists, and getting to work with these three was a true joy!

We asked each of them to create a vista of one of the three regions in the video based on their interpretation of it in their own unique styles. Please enjoy their wonderful work, and be sure to send them some love when you check out their personal channels for more of their art!

—“Rivain” by Gabriela Isache

Upon eastern shores and sunkissed sands, the Lords of Fortune no longer hold dominion over the coasts of Rivain—not when dragons are growing bolder and laying waste to their ships.

—“Antiva” by Nipuni

Ever the pinnacle of mystery and intrigue, the Crows watch from the deep shadows of beautiful Antiva. Something, however, is amiss, and they are set on uncovering the source.

—“Anderfels” by Solelle

To the far west, three Grey Wardens patrol the Anderfels. Tremors have been creating disturbances of late. Their cause is unknown. Upon the distant horizon, a storm of ominous intent brews and darkens the skies.

[nerdalmighty]

So this is Black Spire Outpost? It's even more exciting up close!

Black Spire Outpost as featured in Young Jedi Adventure’s “The Tale of the Short Spire!”

[mekatrio]

2024 VIDEO GAME WRAP UP!!!! for fun here are my rankings and short reviews for every game i played this year... well not every game but every new game i played and completed that i spent at least 10+ hours on 😚 also no major spoilers yayyy!!! ranking from least fave to fave woohoo

9. aa3

a waste of my goddamn time... not just the worst game i played this year but also the worst game ive ever played PERIOD.... i spent like a good 3/4 months complaining abt it so i wont do that song and dance again, but to summarize it rq... this game does a whole lot to just essentially say 2 things: which is 1.) "minors are capable of seducing adults and can be held liable for doing such" and 2.) "abuse victims do not deserve ANY grace when considering the actions they take against their abusers". if my words were waterdrops i could turn a desert into an oasis with how much i have to complain abt this piece of shit.. anyways FUCK THIS GAME! AND FUCK SHU TAKUMI! 🖕

8. aa1

I DONT hate this game in fact w the exception of aa3 i enjoyed all the games ive played, basically low ranking =/= bad game, but aa1 is down here bc well hmmm it was a good game thats for sure (tho some of its game design was frustrating and could stand to be better; a lot of aa1 was revisting locations again and again to find a story trigger), but it wasnt.. super remarkable to me 😗 at least compared to how excellent aa2 and aa4 were. the homosexuality was sooo delicious tho like trust i still hate phoenicolas wright but i love his derangedness too.. i have a very love hate relationship with aa. ANYWAYS!

7. aa2

i still stand by my opinion that 2-4 is the best case of the first four games like that was a MASTERPIECE in pacing and drama and THEMES AND RAHHHHH I STILL LOVE IT SO MUCH but sadly i cant let one case alone carry my entire opinion on this game, cuz as good as 2-4 is i cannot ignore how weak the other cases were... especially 2-3. i rly dont have to say anything abt big top now do i 😑 but still 2-4 was good enough for me to rank this game above aa3 & aa1.. franziska i love you 4EVER

6. slay the spire

this game really fucking possessed me at the start of the year wrsjdkbxks and i just checked my total amt of game time i played it this year and my god i played fucking um. 200+ hours..?!#? 😭😭😭 so yeah i Truly enjoyed this game i think its so super duper fun and ADDICTIVE and its just a tried and true roguelike that allows sooo much experimentation, its great!! its quite low on my ranking tho cuz ive fell off quite a bit w how busy ive been but also i guess i played it so much that it started to feel repetitive to me HAHHH but thats also after 200+ hours sooo.. its still a pretty damn good game?! but anyways yeah im looking forward to the sequel very very much <3 <3

5. tales of vesperia

TALES OF FUCKING VESPERIAAAAA im still not done picking apart this game yet but god what a fucking. game. thing. EXPERIENCE... is it mid yes. definitely. but also like.... not entirely. like idk after playing i was definitely frustrated with several story aspects but as i was playing through the game itself, especially during the beginning and the middle of the game, the writing was sooo fucking strong and engaging and compelling and that does count for something to me. in spite of Everything i still really enjoyed it. also this game was gorgeous. and i loved how unexpectedly funky the music was. and the combat was soooo fun even tho i was complete ass at it. mediocre game and i mean this in the kindest heartwarming way ever with ALL the love in my heart. i hope yuri lowell gets hit by a car

3 & 4. aa4 and 999 zero escape

i cannot decide which one i like better so fuck it theyre both on the same ranking. ill talk abt aa4 first. although um its a bit hard to talk abt what makes aa4 so awesome without spoilers.. but essentially apollo and trucy >>>>>>>>>> phoenix and maya. in so many ways. i love apollo. and trucy. and their dynamic. also klavier was an extremely compelling prosecutor. godot was a joke and edgeworth was kinda just a tsundere with trauma (franziska is a queen tho), but klavier was veryy rich and interesting in both his actions and his motivations. ok im starting to make myself sad again thinking abt aa4's lost potential WAHHH but yeah its still a gem even if it kinda fell on its face at the finish line. def my fave aa out of the four and also easily my MOST FAVORITE soundtrack too. not just of aa games but of every game i played this year I LOVEEE the music of this game. so much. mwah. also fuck whatever the haters say i loved every case of this game. yes 4-2 and 4-3 were good idgaf

now onto 999 zero escape... another game with absolutely amazing art direction. the music and the backgrounds and the dreary and tense atmosphere is soooooo fucking good. also this is another game thats hard to talk about with spoiling everything. fuck. its ok tho we move. but yeah the [REDACTED] aspect of the gameplay was sooooooo Wowww and WOW and intriguing and there is something sooo so wrong with junpei so it was so fun to play as an absolute weirdo and also the writing was solid enough where i was able to predict a good amt of plot twists which was super satisfying and rewarding like this was a damn good game. its a shame that certain elements were dropped and werent as fleshed out but in spite of this it was still an incredible experience. and yas i cried at the ending that was heartbreaking and GOOD.... great experience. have you heard of the crystallization of glycerin

2. style savvy

STYLE!!!!! SAVVY!!!!!!!!!!!!! i was not expecting to love this game as much as i did but wow it is AMAZING... like first of all the music. gorgeous and chic and fun and popping. and then THE VISUAL AESTHETIC.... this game is incredible. it looks so good and it is so charming and the fashion outfits are great and despite being 10+ years old the models aged sooo well and also i love the skin color diversity too its so fab..!!!! and the gameplay WOWW im in love with how unexpectedly strategic it is like the game wont tell it to u but once you figure out what clothings are from what brands then Thats The Key.... thats how u ace the customers requests on ur first try! and then the limited storage makes buying outfits strategic too and its a balance between having enough to sell but selling enough to buy more later like i loveee love this game so much 🩷🩷🩷🩷

and last of all 1. tales of the abyss

My Game Of The Fucking Year...... goddd where do i even begin. but seriously this game saved me cuz i was experiencing a dangerous level of brain damage from playing 4 ace attorney games in a row like shu takumi's bullshittery was POISONING me so to play abyss when i did was like Ohhh... Ohhh my god Thank You. but like really wow this game is really.... something very special to me. like i dont think the dungeon design is very great. and the combat was probably very good but this was my first tales game and they dont really tell you anything so i was fumbling through the entire thing. and i also played the 3ds port which has so many framedrops and the audio mixing on cutscene was practically non-existent. but the story and writing was so incredibly amazing that i could bear through all of this games weaknesses so easily. this sounds a bit crazy bc a video game shouldnt only have its strength in one aspect but im exaggerating a bit hereeee cuz like the game used its synopsis and in-game scenes to tell its story very well too and the pacing was amazing and solid throughout the game except a few parts in the middle where it faltered a bit, but it was still very strong!! but imo abyss' strength truly lies in its character writing like Oh my goodness this was really.. REALLY something special. there are so many characters and so many of them are so fleshed out and have so many nuances and compelling motivations and connections to one another and its like.. so crazy cuz they almost feel like. real people??? as in yes the game has its share of anime bullshittery and typical story tropes ofc it does, but yet at the same time so many of their reactions and responses to events both past and present felt very incredibly grounded?! this game is an incredible experience that was not only very heart-breaking but also veryyy very moving. and like honestly for a while i had been feeling worried that maybe i wont ever find a game so perfectly catered to me the way mm and ffix were again cuz like ive tried many many games but none of them were hitting the same way... but finally abyss arrived and its. just wow. i love it very very much 😭

AND YEAH this was a great game for video games!!!! TALES OF THE ABYSS GOTY WOOHOO!!!!

[planet-of-the-machines]

Burying the Hatchet I

(Level 3)

*N is walking out of Hound’s residence all dressed out, with the green HD in question following him.*

Hound: “Are you sure this was necessary?”

N: “Absolutely. I talked to my classmates and, uh, they told me to… what was the human saying… dress to impress! Besides, It’s not like we do stuff like Prom at JCJenson.” 

Hound: “What do Disassemblers do for recreation? Aside from the killing sprees and genocide?” 

N: “Other than adding the drones we kill to the corpse spire? Not much, really. I would’ve liked to use my spare time to learn to draw better, but J wouldn’t–” 

*He’s interrupted by V flying past the two so fast that the resulting draft of air following her blows N’s pilot cap off his head. It takes a short moment for him to realize who just flew by, and remember his last visit.*

N: “…IthinkIneedtogonowBYE!!!” *deploys wings and starts flying in V’s direction*

…

Hound: “Finally. Now I can get back to my garden…”

MEANWHILE…

(Level 4)

*A certain red HD continues searching around the residence section of the level for Doll’s house.*

Hot Rod: “Darn it, there’s only so many dwellings on this level–”

*He is promptly frightened when something crashes into the door behind him from the other side. Turning around to look, he sees N’s face squished against the door window, this one in particular leading to a staircase. Hot Rod hesitantly presses a button to the side, causing the door to open and the Disassembler to comically fall onto the metal floor.*

*And then shoot right back up on his feet.*

*The Disassembly Drone leans in uncomfortably close to the Heavy Drone’s face, he begins… talking, if too fast and panicked to understand. Eventually, the larger drone pushes N an arm’s length away, as the latter stops talking to cool down his processor [AN: in human terms, catch his breath].*

Hot Rod: “OKAY, I don’t know what the fuck is going on to get you into a frenzy, but you aren’t Blurr…” 

N: “Listen… V’s broken out of the brig. I don’t know where she is but I think she’s going to Prom and kill… who knows who!!!”

???: “Does it involve an alpha bitch and her Russian-speaking serial killer of a beta by any chance?” 

*They look aside to see Uzi, covered in oilstains, arms folded across her chest and with a half annoyed, half exhausted look on her face.*

Hot Rod: “Uzi! I’m so–”

Uzi: “I know, I wasn’t expecting Lizzy Bitchface to take me to Doll’s place either, but…” *signs* “Those two are up to something. Don’t know what, but Ms. Cheer Captain has been visiting your sister over the past few weeks, so it might be involved with her little jailbreak…” *turns to leave* 

Hot Rod: “Wait, you’re really going against the genoci– N’s sister by yourself?”

Uzi: *irritated* “I was implying that you would help out in some way! It’s not likely V knows who your classmates are, you stupid… NASCAR driver… wannabe…”

N: “I’m helping too. But, uh, you probably don't want me…”

Uzi: *Turns to face the Murder Drone* “No, that’s– …you’re her brother, so you can maybe talk her down from doing too much of a killing spree.”

N: “Eh? B-but I-I nearly killed you!!!”

Uzi: “And I shot your head off with my railgun. Morality calls it a draw.”

N: “True… but I still screwed up.”

Uzi: *wearily smiles* “The same way you’re going to fix it?” 

*The two drones look at each other for a moment before N smiles too, wagging his tale like a dog*

Hot Rod: “I hate to interrupt this moment of pivotal character development, but, uh, don’t we have a massacre to mitigate?”

[ratinasuitproductions]

#002 - The Sun Bleaches the Bones

So in the last month, it has been a mixed bag as I look back over it. It started exceedingly hot here in the UK. Far, far too hot. Though thank the gods it is now slightly cooler, so I feel less like I am going to burst into flames. Secondly, I only did some things I said I would do in the last one of these. Hopefully, the predictions I make this month will be more accurate. I really hope my prediction to turn into an even cooler dude comes true. 

What have I been creating?

Well, since the last newsletter, I have published 2 (that's right, 2!!!) projects. 

"Dinner at Blair Castle" is now live for you to enjoy, and I hope this little project is to your liking. Making the artwork for this was great fun, though the best piece of art is definitely an image one of my friends drew that makes me feel wrong in just the right way. 

The other project I published this month is “Tales from the Tracks, which is a collection of six one-page adventures for The Trains of the Glorious Republics of the People. I enjoyed working on the project a lot, and something about setting a limitation on myself—in this case, 1 single page for each adventure—really gets the creative juices flowing. As part of this project, I got to run the adventures for my friends, and the highlight of that was one group deciding their train engine ran on “communism” and fed the engine the body of an ACC agent who had died while aboard. 

Also, I was published for the first time in this zine. It was my first time doing something like this, and I think I will sign up for more things like it in the future. 

What have I been consuming?

My dual-wielding of books has come to an end as I finally finished Down and Out in Paris and London, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Though I am no closer to finishing my collection of short stories by that fucker Poe. Hopefully this month I can finish a few more of his stories. I think I will start a new book so I can offset Poe’s goth kid vibes.

I also finished Fallout 4, a game I can best describe that I played. Finishing it was like cleaning that section of the house that you have been ignoring. Now some friends and I have been sucked into Minecraft and I have been constructing many great works. No real thoughts have been occurring about this other than I have this animalistic desire to keep building monuments that offend the gods. 

On the TTRPG front, I attended a local convention and made 3 glorious purchases which I hope to one day run. 

Wild Duelists: The Ballad of the Bastard and the Tinkerer. Which involves a pair of animal folk traveling to a cinematic location to have a good old-fashioned dual. 

TROIKA!  A fun game where you play as a group of weirdos exploring a science-fantasy world. Very 80’s sci-fi and looks like a great laugh 

Spire: The City Must Fall which is a wonderful large book a friend got for me. Where the party is a bunch of dark elves trying to overthrow the government.

And finally, I also was a player in a TTRPG called Eat the Reich which was great. Nothing says having a good time than driving an Italian sports car like you stole it (which you have)  into a concert hall and slamming it into a Demon Nazi with the solo from free bird playing on loop. 

What is to come? 

So for the next month, I have no set plans on what I am going to make/work on. I am currently working on a high-energy ttrpg about adventures after the end of the world. It's going to have big Mad Max Fury Road/Borderlands-style vibes. 

My plans I had to run a Monster of the week campaign fell through due to the biggest threat to running TTRPGS time management.

I have started to plan a spire campaign as I have some plans to make it so it isn't just the same group of players for every session. I may share more details when the time is right.

What to conclude?

Another newsletter has reached its end and as always I hope you enjoyed reading my word vomit. If you want to support me so I can buy cool new items to inspire me please take a look at Tales from the Tracks and share it with your friends. 

The next one will be in a month and I look forward to writing to you then.

[hawthorn-j]

Of Askerren

The thing about dragons, is that they are never generous without reason.

When Asakarren, The Untarnished arrived in the small fishing hamlet of Agel, and announced he was claiming the area as his territory, the villagers rejoiced. Agel had been struggling – the fish had been growing shyer of their nets, local farms had struggled for crops, and many of the townsfolk had moved further afield, to the village of Tint in the West and to the towns further beyond. In short, Agel was a town with it’s days numbered. Asakarren’s arrival changed that.

For a start, the sheer magical aura exuded dragons of Asakarren’s size tends to attract mages and while Agel did not have much in the way of further magical interest, it’s two taverns did appreciate the extra custom. The keen eyes of the dragon searched the new arrivals, and took stock. The village grew.

Then the fishes returned, and the arcanists were unnoticed amongst the wagons that came back and forth from towns further afield. The town had much more than it needed, and the steady supply of trade grew as the villager’s nets returned ever closer to bursting. The village grew.

A small child discovered flakes of gold in a nearby river. Upon digging further, a seam was discovered, and a mine was quickly dug. The new bounty of riches swelled the dragon’s hoard, but enough fell into the coffers of the populace for Agel to prosper ever further. These riches were enough for the town to establish two more taverns, as well as construct a separate building for the arcanists that stayed. The village grew.

And a miner’s guild was established, and a brewer’s guild, and a writer’s guild when the presses for the arcanists turned their spare capacity to imagination instead of information. And the writer’s guild spread word of the arcanists, and the brewers, and the riches being dug out of the earth, and more came from afar to see the town that Asakarren had raised from sheer poverty. And the village grew. And grew. And grew.

A spire was erected. The town hall expanded, and was eventually rebuilt in stone. The mages established a formal guildhall, numerous taverns were opened, more and more flocked to a village that was starting to be known as the jewel of the South Coast. A castle was erected at it’s centre, as well as a statue to herald the dragon that many saw as the leader of Agel’s new dawn. Songs were sung of Askerren, and how even in his absence, the town seemed to flourish. The townsfolk waved him off when they saw him ascending to the clouds, sure that the town would be safe until his return.

Until the demons came.

The horde had torn free of the abyss, and was busy rampaging through the coastal cities at a pace. The townsfolk of Agel rubbished the tales of the horrors to the West, and stayed in their homes, confident that Askerren, by now titled the Guardian Untarnished, would see any monsters off. They were still confident when the demons reached the perimeter.

The demon horde, ravenous to the point of starvation, had not found satisfaction in any of the towns they’d torched so far, and Agel was spread out like a buffet before them. They relished the shouts of offence and jeers they heard as they approached, and gorged on the screams of terror they turned to as they tore limb from limb, ripping into the very fabric of the city and drinking in the violence of it’s destruction. It took them a day before they had their fill, and continued on towards Bellecar, first of the Seven Free Cities.

It gave them time. As Askerren had hoped it would.