#usable herbs

[drkaranveer]

Introducing Usable Herbs: Your Gateway to Natural Beauty and Wellness

We are thrilled to announce the debut of Usable Herbs, a brand committed to harnessing the power of nature to enhance your beauty and well-being. Our inaugural offering, the Multani Mitti Facepack Powder infused with Rose Petal Powder, is a testament to our dedication to providing you with natural, pure, and effective skincare solutions. Crafted with care in our home, each batch of our Multani…

[kcrossvine-art]

hi friends! This recipe/review was delayed at first from- well it was a different recipe originally, technically bat tempura should be the next item but id like my first tasting experience of bat to be made by someone else who knows what bat should taste like. The recipe after bat tempura is living armor and id intended to use geoduck to mimic the scale. Living armor is interesting with dunmeshi as they used the suit of armor in 3 different ways; grilling, steaming, and souping.

Affording geoduck, a PNW delicacy, is a stretch for one dish, let alone 3. With my write-ups id like to offer a chance that readers will actually be able to make what we talk about. So I opted to use regular clams instead. I feel myself above the fire so we're still sticking with one dish, the dish that doesnt require a grill or a helmet-esque plating arrangement.

Today in our delicious dungeon, we're going to be making Living Armor Soup!

(As always you can find the cooking instructions and full ingredient list under the break-)

MY NAMES CROSS NOW LETS COOK LIKE ANIMALS

SO, “what goes into Living Armor Soup?” YOU MIGHT ASKThe ingredients used in the show didnt give much to work on, quoting "medicinal herb" and "special sauce".

1 lbs Mussels

Shallots

Garlic

Bay leaf

Curry powder

Chicken stock

Cream

Eggs

Its important to use cream as your dairy, the higher fat content gives you leeway with boiling and acidity to avoid curdling. Any cream should do. Still bring it to temp gently but rest assured in the moo moos protection. 

AND, “what does Living Armor Soup taste like?” YOU MIGHT ASK

A smoother, buttery-er cream of chicken soup

The mussel meat itself feels like a simplified version of chicken hearts- structurally and in taste

Its not bad. You could hard sell it to a picky eater 

Green onions would bring crispier top-notes much needed

And maybe building a roux base for the soup would fill out the low end?

I dont know what drinks would pair well with this. My heart wants to say red wine but im not a grape fan and cant get more specific than that

I think the hassle of procuring seafood is why when i ask my friends their opinions, the responses are middling to negative. You cant build a palate for it if you dont eat it enough. If i'd had fish stock i wouldve used that rather than chicken, while it doesnt turn the soup disgusting or make itself known much at all, awareness of its presence draws unfavorable comparisons to food I'd rather be eating. And eating for cheaper too (...besides the chicken hearts).

. Some mussels out of a bunch will inevitably be DOA, you wont be eating exactly a pound of them. This and waterweight are the nature of seafood. . Lay easy on the salt until the end before serving . If you have enough mussel stock left after straining, you might not need additional stock

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From deciding to cook to sitting and eating, the process took about an hour and a half. Not bad but not great, considering this dinner left me feeling full for all of about an hour after.

And the mussels were mostly usable/alive too! I discarded maybe 3 of the whole pound! Sure seafood can be light eating- youd think the dairy and vegetables would hulk it up more. The science of what makes food filling isnt entirely understood, as is most nutrition and gastro science, so i dont know what to blame. Stunning that 1lbs of mussels was not enough to keep a 110lbs person full for an hour.

If i were to make this again, i would serve it with fresh dinner rolls (or another carb). Breads and seafood are joined at the hip in my mind. You want more delicate tastes from your fish? I got just the thing. An entire family of food with varying flavors and textures that just so happen to all work pretty well with the third thing people eat often with seafood; butter.

I give this recipe a solid 4/10 (with 1 being food that makes one physically sick and 10 being food that gives one a lust for life again.) It needs workshopping beyond being recognizable to the show.

🐁 ORIGINAL RESIPPY TEXT BELOW 🐁

Ingredients:

1 lbs mussels, cleaned and de-bearded

Butter

3 shallots, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, crushed

2 bay leaf

Curry powder to taste

120g chicken stock

100g heavy cream

2 eggs

Method:

Wash your mussels. Remove any beards and barnacles. Discard any mussels with open shells.

Finely dice your shallots and garlic.

In a saucepan, brown your shallots and garlic in some butter over medium-low heat. Once softened add your stock, bay leaves, and curry powder to the saucepan. Increase the heat to medium.

Add your cleaned mussles to the saucepan, the liquid should cover them but if not add more stock. Bring to a boil, and then cover and reduce to a simmer.

Keep simmering until most/all of the mussel shells open. Discard any that still havent after about 6 minutes of simmering. Set aside the remaining mussels.

Pass the liquid in your saucepan through a strainer and return the liquid into the saucepan.

In a seperate bowl, combine the eggs and cream together. Carefully stir the egg/cream mixture into the saucepan until incorporated.

Remove the meat from the mussels, either discard or save some shells for garnishing.

Place the mussel meat on the bottom of serving bowls and pour the hot broth overtop, add your garnish (if any) and enjoy!

[tldrthor]

Promises, oceans deep - peter parker x reader

peter parker x f!reader // you said you were gonna grow up, then you were gonna come find me // based on the song 'Peter' by Taylor Swift

Summary: the misfortune of being left behind in the blip, and the consequences of aging without him.

Part two <3

tw: mention of bad eating habits/food disorder; insomnia; angst

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The night was cold, dark. The halls of the compound were as empty as they had been since the blip. That's the thing about this place - in it's hayday, it was a wonderful place to live. Laughter and camaraderie filled every corner, every crevice. There was always music, dancing, movies, games, whatever. That was before. Now, the halls were a stark reminder of everything that is lost. Every step echoed in this hollow home.

Forgive me, Peter My lost fearless leader In closets like cedar, Preserved from when we were just kids. Is it something I did?

The glow of the fridge was the only light in the kitchen as you searched for anything to eat. It hadn't even occurred to you to look earlier, when you could do something about the empty shelves. You sighed, taking the milk and setting it on the counter, prepared for another night of cereal for dinner.

"You need to eat better, (y/n)." You jumped at the voice behind you. How, when your steps were so cacophonous, were his so silent? You turned to face him, turning to pick up the blanket that had slipped off your shoulders as you jumped.

Steve. As he turned the light on, he looked tired. The bags beneath his eyes aging him by at least a couple of years at least. You had always considered him to be almost immortal, un-aging. But these past few years, you saw him looking older, much more tired. You weren't really sure if it was a result of the pain of the times, or if he really was biologically aging. The thought of either was too painful to dwell on.

"Yeah? And you need to sleep better, Cap."

He chuckled and shrugged with a small, sad smile on his face. You both knew the other was right, and also knew that neither of your words would make a difference. After two years of your comrades being missing, dead or blipped, the Avengers had stalled. So, each of you, the remainders that is, seemed to have set about to destroy yourselves in a myriad of different ways.

He walked around the counter, taking the milk out of your hands. He opened the top and gave it a whiff, visibly recoiling. "That's so out of date." He poured it down the sink before bumbling around the kitchen, bringing out a pan, some eggs and various herbs and spices. "Sit down, let me make you something substantial."

You followed his orders, knowing that if you told him that you weren't hungry, felt sick, he wouldn't believe you. You knew he had too much on his plate with all the council meetings you had long gave up on. Just tonight, you would give him the win. God knows he needed it.

There was a comfortable silence between the two of you as he crafted up a meal with anything usable he could find in the kitchen, "God, we have to get better at doing food shops." He muttered, mostly to himself.

He broke the silence as he handed you a plate of food, having made on for himself as well. He sat next to you at the kitchen island as you both ate. "So, how's school?"

You almost laughed at the mundane question. You tried to remember the last time you were asked such a question. You missed this, you supposed. The small talk, back when life was normal. Back before Thanos.

"School is... okay." You didn't want to tell him that actually, school was a constant reminder that your boyfriend and two best friends were missing, presumed dead. "It's boring, pointless."

"You graduate this year, right?" He asked.

The question made your bones go cold. You hadn't even thought about it, but yeah. You would be graduating this year. Without them. You swallowed harshly. "Yeah."

He could see the emotions written all over your face and gave your shoulder a squeeze, reassuringly.

You went back to silence.

The goddess of timing, once found us beguiling. She said she was trying, Peter, was she lying? My ribs get the feeling she did.

The day was a blur. You walked up to the stage to receive your diploma, looking out into the crowd. They were sitting in the guests of honour box, being the avengers and all. Natasha and Steve smiled at you and waved, Bruce and Tony cheered while Thor gave you a hearty thumbs up. Rocket sat on his shoulder, looking bored. You wandered across the stage in a fugue state, accepting the scroll and the valedictorian award. The school hadn't asked you to do the speech, which you were grateful for. They knew you never really talked anymore.

As you returned to your seat, the principal called out "And now, we want to take a moment to remember those that we lost..."

When his photo flashed across the screen, you were sure you were going to be sick.

And I didn't wanna come down I thought it was just goodbye for now.

"Good job, kid." Natasha opened her arms and enveloped you in a hug. You returned it, almost desperately. You didn't feel like it was a good job. It was an empty achievement without them.

You both turned to walk back to the parking lot, with Steve putting his arm around you. "What do you want to do to celebrate, bud? You wanna go out to dinner?"

While your heart screamed absolutely not, your head said that they needed the win. "Sure, yeah."

You said you were gonna grow up, then you were gonna come find me.

When you moved to college, it was almost a breath of fresh air. You felt bad, leaving Steve, Natasha and Bruce since Tony had left to live with Pepper and Morgan, and Thor had gone to settle the Asgardians into New Asgard. But the silence in the halls of the compound was chest-crushing, and only grew worse by the day.

You heaved your things up the stairs into your dorm. A single one, thank god. Being one of the surviving members of the Avengers really did have its perks sometimes. You struggled to carry things that you probably wouldn't have before, and recently you had noticed that you were so tired. You tried to hide your shaky legs and the sweat on your forehead from Steve and Natasha. But they noticed, and exchanged worried glances behind your back.

Steve obviously insisted on helping everyone else in the parking lot, ever the good samaritan. You and Natasha arranged your room together, putting up posters and decorations and trying to make the space feel homely.

You picked up a picture frame and turned it around. Him.

You said you were gonna grow up, then you were gonna come find me. Words from the mouths of babes, promises, oceans deep. But never to keep.

The assignment you were working on was rough, like, really rough. You had been conducting some research and there was just something alluding you. You ended up scrolling through instagram instead, when Steve's contact flashed across the screen. You looked at the time - 2am. Way past Cap's bedtime.

"Hello?"

"(y/n)? Were you asleep?" He asked, worry immediately flooding his voice.

You rolled your eyes. "Yes."

"God, don't... don't lie to me, kid." He sighed. "Either way, you've got to come back to the compound, it's... Scott Lang. You remember the giant guy from Berlin? He's back, we're not really sure how. It might... It might be something."

You breathed out. "What?" You squeezed your eyes closed and breathed for a few seconds. "I'll be there, I've... fuck, I've got an assignment due tomorrow."

You could hear Steve smile at the absurd normalcy of what you had said. "Hey, let's mind our language. I'll get someone to send a letter to your professor to excuse you, I'm sending a quinjet to you now. Be ready."

"Sure thing, old man. See you soon."

"See ya, kid."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From there, things moved quickly. Too quickly. Your life descended into utter chaos from writing papers in college to time travel, other worlds, alien species and infinity stones. Natasha's death.

And then there was the snap. The second one. Bruce screamed in pains as rainbow colours flashed up his arm, a thousand little lightning strikes. Steve stood in front of you, protectively. If this explodes, we're all dead. You thought, rather pessimistically.

As Bruce finally gathered the strength to snap, you were almost shocked to see he survived. Everyone ran forward to check him, Tony cooling the nasty looking burns on his arm, neck and face.

"Clint, your phone." You spoke, but it was perhaps too quiet. "Clint! Answer your phone!" You shouted, getting everyone's attention. It was the first time you had spoken in a long time, never mind shouted.

It was Laura. Oh my god. It was Laura.

Scott looked out of the windows, admiring the birds. There were so many more birds. He spun around and laughed.

And that's when it hit. You weren't even sure what it was, but then you were falling through the air. Your surroundings were crumbling and it all happened so fast you couldn't even react. Steve grabbed a hold of your arm and drew you to their chest, protecting you as you tumbled.

As you collided, your mind swarmed with so many thoughts. What the hell had happened, and was Peter back?

The battle raged. You didn't even know if everyone was out of the rubble. The battlefield was the now ruins of the only real home you had ever known. You lined up with Cap, and the others. And stared down what you were almost certain would be your death.

As the alien army marched closer, Steve turned to you. "You should run, (y/n). You have your whole life ahead of you."

You smiled, almost sadly, at him. "Cap, I don't think there is a life after this." He sighed, knowing that it was no use. You had been raised better than to abandon your family, and he knew that it was his fault. He couldn't save you.

Suddenly, sorcerer circles opened behind you and the ones you had lost came pouring in. Including him.

Are you still a mind reader? A natural scene stealer. I've heard great things, Peter. But life was always easier on you, than it was on me.

There was little time for rejoice as the army advanced towards you.

"Avengers!" Steve called. "...assemble."

And with that, you were running. You watched as spider-man flitted in and out of the hordes, doing his bit. You ran towards him, and held no mercy for any rogue soldier who dared to come near you and him. The others protected him too, and you were glad of it.

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The battle was won but Tony was lost. You stared as Pepper cried by Tony's body, his eyes open, his body and face badly burned from the impact of the stones. There was a circle of Avengers around him. Just staring. No one knowing what to do, or say.

Peter. Your Peter. Collapsed into a heap near him, his emotions taking over. It was instinctual, the way you ran to him.

"Hey," You whispered, gathering him up into your arms. "I've got you. He's resting now. He saved us." You tried throwing every phrase people had ever thrown at you, at Peter. You knew it all meant nothing to him.

You looked down at his face, and horror crossed your face as you realised how much older than him you were now.

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Steve watched his youngest team members in the puddle on the ground, the kid who had given him a run for his money in Germany, and the girl he had raised these past few years. He watched as your heart broke, and Peter couldn't even see it. He knew exactly what was going though, watching the now 21-year-old you holding a still 16-year-old Peter.

As emergency services and the military started to pull into what used to be the Avengers Compound, he knew there had to be a co-ordinated effort to resolve the tragedies they had just witnessed.

He walked over to you both and whispered softly, "Come on, kids, there's work to be done."

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And sometimes it gets me, when crossing your jetstream, We both did the best we could do underneath the same moon but in different galaxies.

"(y/n)." You didn't hear him say your name until that night. Well, the next morning, you suppose. You didn't even know what time it was.

Your face softened as you saw him. After the compound was destroyed, Clint was kind enough to bring you all to his house with Laura and the children, just until something more permanent was sorted out. It had been a couple of weeks now, and you had barely exchanged a word with anyone.

"Hi, Pete." You breathed out. He looked at your face, intently. Like he was searching for something he recognised, and couldn't find it. "How... how are you?"

"I'm alright. Um... yeah. Doing okay."

"Good, good." You hummed, sipping your cup of tea.

There was a moment of silence as the two of you looked out over the farm.

He cleared his throat. "(y/n), can we talk? I..." He faltered. "I miss you."

You looked at him, a little panicked, you'll admit. You didn't even know where to begin thinking about how to go about moving on with your relationship with Peter. You had been together for a year... but that was five years ago. That's not even considering that fact that he was still in high school and you were now of drinking age, at college. Shit, you still hadn't done that assignment.

"Peter, I..." His puppy eyes made your heart break. "I'm an adult now... it's been five years for me, and I... I changed a lot, in that time."

"Right, yeah." Tears swelled to his eyes. "You're right, yeah." You knew he was putting on a brave face.

"I'm sorry, Peter. For now, we have to go our separate ways, I think." Tears crashed down his cheeks, but he never broke eye contact with you. "I... I have to go back to college, and I won't see you for a while."

And I didn't want to hang around... We said it was just goodbye, for now

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Thank you for reading! I'm really new to posting on this blog, so any likes and reblogs are so appreciated! <3

[0ccuria]

My evidence that Halsin is the Weed Guy™ of the camp:

He is the only companion with a usable storage source at their tent where you can put things. And what is that storage meant for?

Herbs.

I rest my case thanks for coming to my TED Talk. ✌️

[buriedpentacles]

hi! since i've really leaned into witchcraft and spirituality, i became much more appreciative of the earth and i've been talking to her lots but i want to also become more sustainable in my daily life to help the environment even in small ways. do you have any ideas for simple things to do or habits to change to be more sustainable?

I do indeed!!

I think some the best things you can do for sustainable living is develop sustainable skills:

Learning to sew allows you to:

- fix holes in clothes

- adjust the height/seams/etc of clothes

- crop or add to items of clothing

Which means that clothes have a longer lifespan in general!

Learning to garden (even if its windowsill gardening!) helps you:

- spend less on certain herbs or plants (an easy way to start is regrowing spring onions in water)

- grow more native plants in your area

- encourage more insects into your garden

Learning to cook and bake can actually be super helpful because:

- you don't rely on takeaways or ready meals as often

- you can have more control over where your food is sourced and what you're eating

- you can meal plan and prep which saves time and money

- you can learn how to make your own jams, pickles, syrups etc! And you can get pretty creative with it!

Learning simple diy skills is super beneficial as you can:

- make things unqiue and suited to yourself (I.e. perfect sized shelves or a cabinet that fits perfectly in that gap between your bed and wall)

- restore thrifted furniture (staining to a preferred colour, cutting off legs to shorten it, fix the wobbly door etc)

- recycle old furniture, cabinets or similiar unused items into something else (I've turned a old cabinet into a small outdoor storage unit) rather than throwing them away

Learning basic maintenance for things you own is a money saver and:

- means you can fix your bike chain or replace your car's oil and filter without needing to call anyone or spend extra money

- can keep you safe and at a lower risk of motor accident (knowing how to do basic maintenance checks can help you see warning signs for damage)

- means that simpler things like clogged drains, non-flushing toilets, leaky taps etc no longer require calling and paying for a plumber

Of course you don't need to be an expert in any of these, I'm certainly not! But I can cook myself a decent meal, sew some new buttons on an old shirt or fix a hole in my jeans and restore an old wardrobe into something usable.

I love Pete Seeger's quote:

"If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."

Basically it's so important to be aware of your consumption - avoid overconsumption, buy quality over quantity, thrift and reuse things, trade with people. Throwing things away should be a last resort or a necessity, rather than a "I don't know what else to do with it".

And, while recycling isn't quite the saviour people think it is, it is so important to get into the habit of sorting your rubbish correctly!!

Other important sustainable habits include:

Changing your eating habits. If it's feasible for you, try:

- reduce meat and dairy consumption (including fish, as they're massively overharvested)

- prioritise locally and ethically sourced animal produce (local butchers can be a great place to start for this)

- eat more seasonally (its not really feasible to only eat seasonal foods, but try to learn about them and incorporate them more)

- reduce food waste with composting, food donations, meal planning/prepping and learn to love leftovers

- invest in a tap filter and reusable water bottle (drinking tap water is not always safe depending on where you live so research first!!!)

- use public transport (or walk) where possible!

- connect with other people near you who also care about sustainable living: trade services and items and knowledge!

- learn about your local area and ecology!! I sound like a broken record saying this, but the BEST way to start living with nature, is to understand it. You can't help your local wildlife if you don't know it, you can't take steps to protect your environment if you don't know the threats.

All of these are just a few tips and ideas, they may not be feasible for everyone for numerous reasons but it's important to remember that it's not about being perfect, it's about *trying* and doing what you can.

There's so much more I could get into here, from foraging to activism to how and what to thrift vs when to splurge on new items but I think this post is long enough! Let me know if there's anything you want expanding or going into more depth on!!!

[mcgrillzdumpinc]

sharing another preview of my jinmao fic to celebrate making it to chapter 5!!

“I didn’t know you could make mistakes with your medicine,” Jinshi says.  “Your products are usually of superb quality.”

             Maomao feels a bit tizzy under the praise.  She holds up a few of the usable products.  “I did make some good ones.  This one is an antipyretic.  You will likely experience some fevers, so I made it to be easy on the stomach.  These are all analgesics, but this salve can’t be used until your skin heals over.  And this is the anti-inflammatory drug I’m very proud of!  It took a lot of trial and error to get the ratio just right, because otherwise I would make a pill that doesn’t keep its shape or it’d be too bitter to swallow.  But now it’s perfect.”  Maomao holds up the small box with gusto.  “Oh!  You will be needing these soon, so please excuse me,” she says as she climbs over him.

             Some nobles’ beds are accompanied by a set of drawers, typically placed behind the pillows.  Jinshi has one of these, and she places several of her usable medicines on top, lined up so she will be able to immediately tell which is which.  She pulls out a few sachets of herbs from her robes and places them more towards her side of the bed, for easy access.  She moves to get out, but Jinshi catches her by the sleeve.

             Maomao sits on her knees.  “What is it?” she asks.

             He looks up at the medicine, then at her.  “You’re…working very hard.”

             “Of course I am.”  She always gives it her all when she dedicates herself to something.

             His hand moves from her sleeve then, cautiously, around her hand.  She allows the hold, relaxes her hand so her fist isn’t pressing up against his palm.  He seems at a loss for words.  Maomao really wants to get back to her salvage pile.

             “Thank you,” he eventually arrives at.  Jinshi offers her a shy, abashed smile.  “It’s easier…knowing you’ll be by my side.”  As he says these words, an intangible force seeps from him, an invisible fog that fills every space between them and cloys at her hands, her face.  She doesn't know what to call it, but she has felt it, time and again, when Jinshi looks at her like he looks at her now.

            He leans in, a request, an invitation.  She stays still, her hand wrapped by Jinshi’s.  He kisses her, careful, against the corner of her lips and, when she doesn't object, on her mouth proper.  Inexperience shows itself in the clumsy way he tries to prolong the kiss, a desperate press that doesn't get him anywhere, so she decides to teach him something she learned during her so-called courtesan training.  An easy technique, meant to tell a customer, ‘kiss me more’.  She slots her lips around his bottom one, guiding it past her gums and between her teeth.  She sucks and bites at his lower lip, careful not to hurt him, and he responds eagerly, following her every move and instruction with enthusiasm.

            A knock comes at the door.  Maomao hurries away from the alluringly soft mouth and back to her pile of medicines.  Jinshi, hanging his head, calls to the visitors, granting them entry.

[2024-grimoire-challenge]

September Week 4 - Altars and Workspaces

This week we're going to look into and design our own workspaces and altars. Look into design, function, purpose, location and more! Not everyone works with deities and has an altar in that sense, or even has a specific place set aside for spellwork and ritual work, but some of us do. Even when we don't have spaces that we can use in such a way, we tend to create a workspace with purpose when we do workings. Certain tools or items go in a certain place relative to others, things get used in a certain order and we design our work in specific manner. So let's dive in!

Monday - Creating A Workspace/ Altar

Research - Traditionally and historically, what kinds of spaces did witches work in? What kinds of altars did they have? Where did they have them? Where did they keep them? What kinds of things were used to make them? Tables, shelves and so on? Then look at your own altars and workspaces within your practice. What have you used? Where do you work your craft?

Tuesday - Altar Tools

Research - Look back historically and traditionally at the tools witches used on their altars specifically. What kinds of tools were present at all times? Which ones changed out during different seasons and for different spells and rituals? What tools do you have and which do you want to have?

Research/ New Page - Herbal Study - Pick another herb from your list and research all you can! Myth, history, mundane an magical associations! Everything!

Wednesday - To Decorate or Not to Decorate?

Research/ Introspection - This is really a personal preference and boils down to you, your aesthetic, your need to or not to conceal your altar. Personally, I decorate mine in a manner that suits the seasonal changes, with small accoutrements that get pulled out and put away for different times and purposes. How would you decorate your altar? What would be the main theme? What items would remain constant and which would change through ritual, season, and different spells? For example, I always have a statue of Brighid, three candles, and a deer statue present, at all times. Other things change in and out as specific needs arise.

Research/ New Page - Gemstone Research - pick a gemstone off your list and learn all that you can about it! Myth, legend, history, practical, mundane and magical uses! Associations and more!

Thursday - Big or Small?

Introspection - Your workspace should always be more practical than anything else. What good is a beautiful workspace if its not usable? So should you have a small workspace? One that is moveable or easy concealed? Or should you have a constant, larger workspace? Either is fine, both have their merits, and it is really dependent on you and your craft what kind of workspace you should have.

Friday - Creating Your Space

Practical - If you have a workspace, use today to tidy it, perhaps rearrange it, find new pieces or tools or decor for it. If you don't have a workspace, draw one up on a piece of paper! Design your altar setup, from the placement of things, to storage, to decorations, everything! Use today to create, clean, organize, design or decorate your workspace!

Practical - Since we have looked at our workspaces today, let's also do some work on it. Pick a spell or ritual, design a spell or ritual, and go to town performing it! Use your lab notebook to document all that you do, so as to journal about it and tweak it for reuse later on!

That's all for this week! Thank you all again for continuing to participate!

-Mod Hazel

[ashtarels-archives]

Traversing Tel'anor: Traditions of the Ancient Kaldorei

Tel'anor, perhaps translated to: Holy Earth from Darnassian.

A resting place of Kaldorei who fell before or during the War of the Ancients, Tel'anor is a memorial site now overrun by spirits and harpies; nestled in the mountains just beyond Suramar's civilized borders. Traveling through the burial site and taking a closer look at the architecture, offerings, and placards has offered some insights into the funeral traditions of ancient Kaldorei society.

Some shal'dorei still pay their respects to honor the sacrifices of their ancestors, as we see in Thaedris Feathersong's tragic story. Arcanist Valtrois also bears this sentiment, telling us in the quest [Honoring the Past] that, “We nightborne owe our unmatched grace and intellect to a noble heritage. The ancestors at rest in Tel'anor deserve proper tribute.”

The fact that some plaques here give honorifics to the heroes of the War of the Ancients could indicate that it was actually the Kaldorei of the Broken Isles, perhaps the Sisterhood of neighboring Val’sharah as an example, who created these memorials in addendum to those of the Pre-Sundering era. As the shal’dorei were confined within the barrier around Suramar city, some other group was likely responsible for these specific placards, and the subsequent upkeep of Tel’anor until the incursion of the harpies and spiritual unrest.

Lunar Headstones:

A recurring motif throughout Tel'anor are the headstones that bear lunar symbolism, likely from the prevalent influence of the Elunarian faith. An intriguing detail of the headstones is that they are reminiscent of different moon phases: some appearing to be waxing, waning, or even the new/full moon. I do wonder what their symbolism could imply: maybe this marks the moon phase they died upon, when they were interred, the moon phase of their birth, their favorite moon phase, social status, combat ranking, generic imagery in homage to Elune, or something else entirely? The graves and ornate coffins accompanying them may reinforce the idea that Kaldorei prefer to bury or entomb their dead, or at least used to in times past. There are sarcophagi and headstones both outdoors and indoors, interestingly enough. Some also bear a small glowing orb in the center that others lack, perhaps another indicator of one’s accolades in life. 

During the quest [Tools of the Trade], we learn that the deceased are dressed with sacred oils, preserving incense, and burial shrouds before their interment. The sacred oils are housed in a heavy skin that bears a strong fragrance, likely to help mask any scent from the deceased. What exactly makes them sacred is unclear, though they might derive from ingredients considered sacred; such as specific herbs, remains from honored animals, or have been blessed by a member of the Elunarian faith. The bundles of preserving incense are said to be surprisingly dry and undamaged, perhaps owing to a highly effective storage method, or especially resilient ingredients. These could have included anything in the realm of leaf, bark, and wood powders; gums and resins; herbs, fruits, seeds, and flowers; as well as wines and honey mixtures. The chest of burial shrouds is described as being sealed tightly shut and feels lightweight to hold. It is not specified what material these shrouds are made of, though protection and preservation of the body seem to have been important in ancient funeral traditions. 

Spirit Fonts:

From a gameplay perspective, spirit fonts are usable objects that, when given an offering of Ancient Mana, buff the player character with 10% haste and movement speed (called Spiritual Infusion), and transform them into a spectral model. 

Their flavor text describes them as being “unused for some time,” though they still possess a radiant magical aura and full basin. Perhaps they are filled with blessed water, the liquid fire of Elune, or some other remnants of a moonwell. It is said in the Stormrage novel that, "magi and other spellcasters can refresh their mana in these pools.” This could partially be why the Withered are so drawn to this place, given that these fonts may still hold some semblance of the moonwell's restorative cleansing properties, both on one's lifeforce, and on their mana. In Elegy, Astarii Starseeker describes that bathing in a moonwell "eases feelings of pain, weariness, and grief," an experience the mana-starved Withered likely long for. They may also be feeding upon the energy of offerings left to the deceased here, scrounging for any motes of magic that still remain.

These may be, or once were, used for spirit communion; or to facilitate offerings to the dead. The crux of using these fonts indicates a sort of exchange between the living and the dead, as offering up the crystallized mana gives us, in turn, a boon. Thaedris Feathersong recalls that Tel’anor had a sect of caretakers who performed rituals and venerated the dead, so it may be that the rites of the spirit fonts were relegated to them specifically. The fact that these bestow a spectral form for a short time has some interesting implications as well. For one, it is possible that an offering ritual shifts someone partway into the spirit realm, perhaps to better communicate with the souls of the dead. Secondly, it could be that a spirit is imparting some of their energies to the offeror, and thus briefly strengthens them in the physical plane. 

The Chimes of the Moon:

Across Tel'anor, chimes can be seen hanging in various locations and sounding throughout the environment. Near the southeastern portion lies a larger set of these instruments, reading:

"The Sisters say that Elune sings a song, notes pure and beautiful. The Chime does not ring often, but when it does, it is the same note as the one She is singing."

Singing seems to be a prominent aspect of Elune worship, perhaps in emulation of the Goddess. According to the novel The Demon Soul, Elune has "the ability to calm races engaged in battle by singing a song of peace at night, until sunrise." During the Burning of Teldrassil, Priestess Astarii begins to sing to the refugees in the temple, and Elune responds in kind by granting them a peaceful slumber so they would not feel a painful death in the overwhelming flames.

These chimes may have been crafted in such a way that Elune responds through them, or so the Kaldorei once believed. Considering chimes are typically used before or after a prayer, it seems possible that Elune was thought to use these as a conduit of communication with her faithful. Perhaps from fervent prayers, significant offerings, a new soul passing over, or even in warning, She was thought to harken through the chimes.

Smaller, more personal chimes could be something Kaldorei carry with them, hang in their homes, or bring to places of worship, similar to the windchime item discoverable through archaeology. Or, the ones in Tel'anor could be the last of their kind - their likenesses and ancient craftsmanship no longer reproduced.

Braziers of Silver Flame:

Countless braziers glowing with silver fire still burn to this very day in Tel'anor. Given that this place is overrun by all manner of aggressive beings, there are likely no groundskeepers continually tending to the flames here. The quest [The Liquid Fire of Elune] implies that a flame can be born from the energies of a moonwell –holy pools whose waters marry nature and moonlight together– and can cleanse scourge-blighted creatures. Unless a wayward devotee keeps all of these braziers lit, the fact that these fires are still active speaks to just how enduring the magic of Elune and Her moonwells really are. It could be that the vestiges of the Well of Eternity keep these silver flames everburning, or that they have thrived off of Elune’s energies all these years.

Ancestral Offerings:

Alongside the worship of Elune, revering one's ancestors seems to be an important part of ancient Kaldorei culture, for a myriad of offerings adorn the grounds of Tel'anor. Many graves and headstones are beset with candles, vases, flowers, urns, water basins, and statues. 

Thaedris Feathersong has us gather some scattered mementos in his stead during the quest [Fragments of Memory.] He tells us that "these relics are tokens and mementos of the former lives of those interred here. They like to be remembered and these offerings keep them in their eternal peace." The Kaldorei seem to carefully select items unique to each of the dead that remain with them, and serve as anchors of the memories they made in life. The flavor text of the mementos in specific say: "These urns contain offerings, tokens, and other objects for the deceased."

There are countless seating areas with benches and fountains in Tel’anor - clearly this was a place where people spent quality time, either alone or communally, in the resting place of their ancestors.

On nearly every epithet in Tel’anor, the same message echoes in the last words.

"Anu dorah. We remember."

[lonewolflupe]

Blizzard Blend (One-Shot)

This is my entry for week 4 of The Clone Wars Winter Spectacular 2024 / @clone-wars-winter-challenge! This one's rather short, because I had a very hectic week and couldn't find the time for something more extensive (but I think this little ficlet gets the point across).

Summary: Cody is trying to finish his mission report after some intense events Rating: Teen and up Tags: fluff, codywan (subtle) Words: 556 Characters: Obi-Wan Kenobi, CC-2224 Commander Cody Prompts: First Snow / Fluffy Blanket Read this one-shot here on AO3 week 3 < | ↓ | > week 5

22 BBY, Caliban

Straight after the Battle on Caliban

Caliban was merciless at night. The wind was so sharp and cold, it felt like it ripped straight through the flesh and froze the bones. An infinite curtain of snowflakes made it nearly impossible to keep a clear visual on the surroundings.

At least the thermal tents sheltered the troops from the worst as they awaited their delayed pick-up. They had camped in the shadow of the grey stone mountains after regrouping, the frigid tundra stretched out in front of them. It was barely visible through the persistent blizzard.

Obi-Wan came hurrying back inside the tent, his icy breath shivering as he zipped down the entrance behind him, shutting them off from the freezing outside world. He took off his jacket, recreating a miniature snowstorm as he shook it clear from any snow.

Hunched over a datapad behind an improvised desk, Cody didn't look up when his general entered. He was lost in thoughts, his mind preoccupied with composing his report, determined to finish it before their pick-up would arrive - if the blizzard ever allowed it. He rubbed his cold fingers, hoping to warm them to make his work easier.

“Was this your first snow, Cody?” the General informed, his lips sliding in a comfortable smile as his moustache and beard were dripping from the melting frost. “Outside the simulations, yes,” came Cody's somewhat distant reply. Obi-Wan smiled affectionately; he knew he wasn't going to get a proper conversation out of the Commander until the report was finished. But it didn't stop him from trying anyway.

“And what are your thoughts on it?” he continued, trying to get a look into that brilliant head of his. Cody shrugged casually, still not averting his gaze from the datapad in front of him. “It was soft. And cold,” he remarked curtly, adding a few more words to his report in the process.

“I can sense some similarities right now,” Obi-Wan shot amused, Cody’s only reply being a faint grunt as the General turned around to make them some fresh tea. The Jedi was looking forward to feeling the steam warm his face and the hot liquid flow through his body. He would have liked to use some local herbs for his blend, but it seemed like nothing usable could grow on this frigid moon.

When the water was finally hot, Obi-Wan prepared two mugs and filled them cautiously, as if it was some sort of ritual. “So how’s that report coming along?” he asked entertained, but this time, there was no reply at all. With the steaming mugs in his hands, he turned around to face the Commander.

Cody’s cheek laid resting on the improvised desk, the datapad beside him still showing the unfinished report. His breathing was slow and constant, whilst his closed eyelids twitched as he was processing all the recent events in his dreams. Obi-Wan’s lips slid into an affectionate smile.

Carefully, he put down the mugs on the desk, before grabbing his cloak from a corner of the tent. He draped it around the Commander’s shoulders tenderly, thinking he deserved a more fluffy blanket, but this was the best he could do under these circumstances. “Don't overwork it, dear,” he whispered, as he tucked in the Commander, before retreating to enjoy his tea in silence.

[clangenrising]

Month 4 - Greenleaf

Early in the morning, Oddstripe reported her first contraction. She assured Sagetooth that she wouldn’t need any help, that she’d delivered plenty of kittens in the past, but Sagetooth was having none of it. She spent the morning foraging for fennel and raspberry leaves, unfortunately only managing to find a few usable stalks for her trouble. At the very least, her paw had fully recovered from the sprain, so the trip wasn’t especially difficult. 

She returned to camp and checked on Oddstripe, who had taken to the nursery to prepare her nest and get out of the sun. Sagetooth brought her a few poppy seeds and ordered Branchbark to fetch some water from the river. It had been a while since she had delivered kits and she couldn’t help but walk herself through her training over and over, mentally pacing in an attempt to make sure she did everything right. 

The whole Clan seemed to be buzzing with excitement as the news spread. The prospect of new kits was such a refreshing turn of events after the horrors they had gone through in Leafbare, a sign almost that the Clan was starting to heal. True, the kits were of outsider blood, but Sagetooth reasoned they would still be raised in the Clan and grow up knowing no other family to be loyal to. Oddstripe apparently didn’t know much about the father, and Sagetooth was certain they could convince her to let the kits be apprenticed. Yes, thought Sagetooth, these kits - three of them, she had estimated - would grow up to be strong warriors loyal to RisingClan, and she was uplifted by the thought. 

Just as the sun was starting to touch the mountains, Oddstripe went into labor. Sagetooth brought her some fennel and the one or two measly raspberry leaves she had managed to find. 

“Chew those and swallow,” she instructed, massaging Oddstripe’s spine as the queen panted heavily in the dark of the nursery. Oddstripe nodded, stared at the herbs for a beat and then gingerly took them in her mouth, grimacing the whole time as she chewed them. 

“You don’t like the taste?” Sagetooth asked. 

“Oh,” Oddstripe’s ears pressed back and she swallowed with some difficulty. “No, I’m just… very nauseated.” 

“That’s alright,” Sagetooth soothed, “that’s normal. I’ll fetch you some juniper berries in a bit.” Oddstripe nodded and shut her eyes tight, lips pursed, and focused on her labored breathing. Sagetooth gave a few calming licks to her hips and added, “It’s alright if you’re nervous, but I’ve delivered plenty of kits in my time and this should be an easy kitting. Just try to breathe and relax.” 

“Thank you,” Oddstripe swallowed, glancing back at Sagetooth. 

“I’ll be right back with those herbs,” said Sagetooth warmly. She stood and padded out of the den before increasing her pace to a brisk trot to fetch some juniper berries. 

“How’s she doing?” Ospreymask fell into step beside her. 

“Fine,” Sagetooth said curtly, not interested in wasting any time. “Make sure there’s some prey ready for her when she’s done, and tell Branchbark or someone to fetch some more water.” 

“You got it,” Ospreymask nodded and peeled off to see to it. Good, Sagetooth thought. At least she knows how to behave when it matters. 

The kitting continued throughout the night. Oddstripe was young - just over two years old - and strong, and within the hour, the first kit was born. Sagetooth nipped the birthing sac open and gave the little white and grey tabby tom a few firm strokes of her tongue to get him to start breathing. He took a deep breath and wailed immediately, causing Oddstripe to look back in worry. 

“He’s fine,” Sagetooth soothed, lifting him by the scruff to set him at Oddstripe’s belly. “A healthy little tom. You’re doing great.” Oddstripe nosed him gently and gave him a few licks around the face, eyes wide. He squealed and looked blindly up at his mother, wobbling as he tried to burrow closer to her warmth. 

“He’s so small,” Oddstripe breathed, holding him close. Sagetooth chuckled. She could see something complicated going on behind Oddstripe’s eyes, but even still the wonder at seeing her first born son shone through. Sagetooth always loved that look.

Less than thirty minutes later, Sagetooth was placing a quiet white-furred she-kit beside the first, and an hour later, a tiny brown tabby tom came out tail first. Sagetooth called Ospreymask in to drop off the rabbit she had selected and to take away the kitting mess. Before she left, the young warrior couldn’t help but fawn over the kittens mewling at Oddstripe’s belly.

“They are so precious!” she cried softly, leaning in to get a closer look. Sagetooth nipped at her sharply with a warning growl, sending Ospreymask dancing back towards the exit. 

“You’ll have time to see them later, get out of here and let their mother rest!” Sagetooth hissed. 

“Oh, it’s fine, r-really,” Oddstripe said but Sagetooth would not budge. 

“It’s not. The last thing you need right now is stressful distractions,” she said. “Now eat.” 

“Yikes,” Ospreymask laughed, giving Oddstripe a playful glance, before picking up the birthing mess wrapped in moss and slipping out of the den. Sagetooth settled down and looked the new mother over. Quickly, as if she would be scolded, Oddstripe took a bite of the rabbit, only to let out a moan of pleasure at the taste and begin scarfing it down. 

Sagetooth let her eat in silence for a while, just watching the kittens nuzzling in to nurse. The first kit was definitely the loudest of the group, pushing his sister out of the way to get to her teat. He would make a great warrior, she was certain. When Oddstripe finished eating, she sighed and curled tighter around her litter, grooming their pelts gingerly. 

“Have you thought about names?” Sagetooth asked after a bit. 

“A little,” admitted Oddstripe. “I was mostly waiting to see them.” 

“I can help you, if you like,” Sagetooth said. “I’ve helped name plenty of RisingClan kits.” 

“I was thinking… Barley?” Oddstripe tried, “for the girl.” 

Sagetooth nodded. “Barleykit is a great name.” 

“Sorry?” asked Oddstripe, tilting her head in confusion. 

“Oh,” Sagetooth realized her mistake. “In the Clans, all kits have the word kit at the end of their name. When they reach six moons, they switch it out for -paw, which marks them as apprentices, and when they’re grown, they’re given a unique name to honor them as warriors. So, for instance, I was born Sagekit. When I reached six moons, I was named Sagepaw and apprenticed as a healer, and when I proved myself, I was given the name Sagetooth.” She chuckled a bit, “for my sharp tongue.” 

Oddstripe nodded slowly, considering this information, and asked, “So… I should name my kits that way then?” 

Sagetooth could tell she was unsure and very carefully said, “You don’t have to, of course, but if they’re going to be apprenticed and become warriors, it would be much less confusing for them. They would probably feel out of place if they were the only ones named differently.” Oddstripe frowned and looked down at the squirming balls of fur, pain clear on her face. 

“I wouldn’t want that,” she said fervently. “Barleykit it is then.” Sagetooth resisted the urge to smile proudly. Oddstripe continued. “Do you have any suggestions for the boys?” 

“The brown one strikes me as an Acornkit or Sparrowkit,” she said, “Maybe Stagkit if you want something grand.” 

“Oh, Sparrowkit is lovely,” Oddstripe purred. “He does look like a little sparrow, doesn’t he?” She brushed her tail over him with a fond smile and he mewled weakly. 

“As for the oldest,” said Sagetooth, “I feel like a strong, bold name is in order. Lightningkit, Stormkit. Riverkit, maybe.” 

Oddstripe hummed and said, “What about Floodkit?” 

“That’s perfect,” Sagetooth nodded, surprised and pleased that the outsider had caught on so quickly. “A good name for such a strong kit.” Oddstripe smiled and shifted her weight, causing the kits to squeak in protest. She pulled them closer, urging them to nurse again with a few licks. Sagetooth stood and said, “I’ll give you some time to get to know them. Just yowl if you need anything at all.” 

“Thank you,” Oddstripe said tiredly. “For everything.” 

“Of course,” said Sagetooth with a dismissive flick of her tail. “It’s no trouble at all.” With that, she stepped outside to give the new mother some privacy and nearly ran into Ospreymask who was hovering near the door.

“Are they-”

“You can visit them tomorrow,” Sagetooth snapped. “Leave the poor queen alone. Go, shoo!” She swatted at Ospreymask and bared her teeth a bit until the young warrior relented and bounded away to talk with Smokyrose and Songdust. Sagetooth sighed. At least there were new kits in the nursery. Kits were always good news.

UPDATES:

Oddstripe gives birth to Floodkit, Barleykit, and Sparrowkit.

[hollowslantern]

having pre-mixed garlic herb butter on hand and literally a few seconds in the microwave from being usable is a power I am not using wisely

[weskrrr]

HERBS ANALYSIS - HOW THEY WORK, COMBINATIONS AND ORIGINS

Notes: 

T.P.I: Temporary Poison Immunity

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The original herbs in the resident evil franchise originate from Arklay Mountains in Racoon City. However, Umbrella has created its own herbs from inside the Umbrella laboratories.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Combinations:

R + B - resolves poison and T.P.I

R + G - restores large amount of health

G + G - restores more than one green

G + B  - heals small amount, cures poison

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

G + R + Y - restores a massive amount of health, increases max health

G + G + Y - restores moderate amount of health, increases max health

G + G + G - almost fully heals

G + G + B - heals more than 1 green, cures poison

G + R + B - fully heals, cures poison, T.P.I

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Singular uses of herbs:

Red herb - not usable alone

Green herb - restores a small amount of health

Yellow herb - not usable alone - increase max health

Blue herb - resolves poison

[emptymanuscript]

One of the essays sitting and percolating in my brain is about how much (and more importantly WHY) I loathe the idea of Hard vs. Soft magic systems and how terribly these concepts are for thinking about magicbuilding.

While also in no way objecting to Sanderson's 3 Laws of Magic which I actually love because they are so clever and usable. I'm all for them.

It's a dialectic. Sue me. I just don't think that the 3 laws actually necessitate the hardness scale of magic. At all. And in some ways the two ideas actively work against each other.

I just know it is a HUGE essay, involving a lot of work and data gathering. And I feel like I can't be bothered to expend that much effort within even the medium term. So... it just kind of sits there and occasionally I'll run into something that reminds me: oh, yeah, I kinda wanna do that. Like, this is pretty good but it would be ten times as brilliant if you weren't hampered by the idea of a hardness scale of magic.

I ran into somebody today trying to talk about a pyramid of magic users that was partly dependent on this idea of a chart of Magic Hardness on the Y axis and Diversity of Magical Expression on the X axis. For four fundamental quadrants of Hard Diverse, Hard Same, Soft Diverse, and Soft Same. The last of which he couldn't think of any examples of and I'm just sitting here thinking: yeah, because one of your axes is wrong and its getting in the way of you saying something brilliant.

Think instead of several diversities: Sources of Magic, Types of Magic, Expressions of Magic, and User Variability as a 4D model. Each converging at 0, no magic. Each going to ∞, meaning each kind is entirely individual to the caster and is measured by the number of casters instead of the number of magics. And useful numbers for fiction falling somewhere in the relatively low range of numbers.

So, for the favorite Hard Magic (grumble) example, AtlA, you would have 1 source of magic: Chi. 5 types of magic: Water, Earth, Fire, Air, and Spirit. Then 2 basic expressions of magic: Elemental Control and Spiritual Control. And finally a relatively low (numbers aren't very useful but expectations are) amount of user variability in that expression. This can be shown to the audience with any level of clarity, without altering the system itself.

For the favorite Soft Magic (still grumbling) example, LotR, you would have an unknown number of sources of magic because it is never really delved into. However, it is possible to count what actually appears, and that is a low number, with some possible overlap: There's magic in the race you belong to, there's magic in the divine plan, there's magic in words and speech, there's magic in things sublimely crafted, there's magic in your intent, there's magic in birthright (not your race but your family lineage), there's magic in herb-lore and nature, there's magic in corruption, and there's magic in knowing/wisdom. It is possible to divide all those into separate categories or to unify all those into the singular Divine Will with many offshoots. The types of magic, again, are not enumerated and delved into but can be counted. There seems to be mostly the use of (un)natural phenomenon, communication/command/seduction, knowing/wisdom/fortune telling/working with fate, crafting things to do magic for you, necromancy/corruption, and oaths. Again there is overlap or not depending on opinion since the story doesn't delve into it. And user variability is fairly high in that it isn't particularly useful to know what one magic user can do in order to predict what another magic user can do. And this is really what makes it a "soft system" that whatever rules underlie the system are not only not communicated to the reader directly but aren't communicated in such a way that the underlying system is deducible. It is entirely possible to make a "Hard Magic System" (just ugh) that would produce exactly what we see in LotR. What makes it soft is the information we get, not the system itself.

And that really is my basic issue with Hard/Soft Magic as an idea. It conflates multiple different bits of information into a single bit that isn't dictated by any one of the original bits.

The Idea of Hard vs. Soft Magic relies on the idea that the perception of the Magic System is the same in the Imagination of the Author, their Expectations of the Audience and that Audience's Reception, their intentions, the Encoded piece of Art - the text itself, the Consensus Audience's Interpretations, the Individual Audience's Interpretations, AND the cultural interpretation of story as applied to this whole mess.

While literally none of that has to be true.

It is (accidentally?) doing the precision opposite of what the Artist Philosophy does at its worst. It is elevating the audience experience of Story over every other factor. It is essentially saying that every other position on the map must accept "my" interpretation and play to it. It's flipping the script - ex: men are good so women are bad but now we've had our glorious revolution so now women are good so men are bad - instead of actually addressing the problem inherent in the script - one gender is portrayed as superior to another.

BUT that's like two examples out of... hundreds? Thousands? Per year! >_<

Two texts aren't a sufficient corpus of material to talk about these sorts of things. Neither is one figure to illustrate the issue out of one textbook. And I just DON'T want to deal with that level of work. Especially since no one will really particularly care. And the minority that would be interested are generally pretty happy with the Hard / Soft divide because they're the readers whose views are being reflected. So...

:/

No point.

And this is why I shouldn't write essays anyway. I just wrote an essay about NOT writing an essay >_< I have issues >_< it's just... so much thought on how to do things on the back end (writing and worldbuilding advice) which is growing excellently right now would be so much better without that Hard-Soft conceit which is just... *sigh* an entire essay on why it is an issue. With half probably devoted to soothing egos and rough reactions of 'but it works for me.' Which is the point. The entire point.

And ugh.

And I'm probably only putting work into this in this way here so I won't feel the need to lash out at my sister quite so intensely. Again >_< I have issues.

And thanks for reading / sorry for writing. You know. Me and essays :/

[kiastirling-fanfic]

Its SatFriday which means DADWC time :D I humbly submit ‘  are  you  so  eager  to  be  eaten  ?  ’ for Hamin Surana

Thank you!!!

Here's some Hamin & Solas in the Hinterlands.

wordcount: 694 Rating: T Content Warnings: references to people getting eaten by bears

@dadrunkwriting

If Hamin never saw another bear in her life it would be too soon. And statistically unlikely, the longer they remained in the Hinterlands.

Hamin thanked the Creators she had signed on as a Requisition agent rather than a scout. She was in her element picking herbs and rendering their kills into usable parts, and she was safely away from any bears as Lavellan and his team were surprisingly adept at slaying any beast that showed any ill-intent. Following in their wake as they broke through towards the next camp site was messy business, but quite probably the safest place to be in all of Southern Ferelden for now.

Or it was until they reached said new campsite. Hamin had happily shrugged off her pack and helped unload the small cart of pelts and meat her team had collected on the way while camp was being set up, looking forward to the stew that was already being thrown together at the central fire. A large circle of wards had already been woven about the camp, and with it piles of burnt herbs that would further dissuade anymore bears from encroaching.

She should have had the night off to relax, take in the rather pretty view from the camp’s vantagepoint, and enjoy some bear stew and hard tack. Maybe write a poem, if the ghost wasn’t too keen on singing with her again.

But that view was interrupted by what was becoming an all too familiar scene. Solas creeping away from camp on his own, using his staff as a walking stick.

Fenhedis.

Hamin set off after him before the siren song of sitting down became too strong. No bears she could see for now at least, but best not to tempt fate.

“Are you so eager to get eaten?” she growled on her approach, not unlike the bears she was keen to avoid.

“Are you?” Solas’ retort left much to be desired. “No, I saw hints of a ruin nearby and wish to investigate. But as you no doubt saw in camp yourself, the Herald is already taking a nap. I thought it would be better to go on my own, given the new… policy.”

Three patrols they’d lost to the bears already. They were ravenous this early into spring, just woken from hibernation and lacking the usual wariness that made them avoid noisy humans and the like. The scouts had been ordered to either move in larger groups or alone; a pair was too few to fend off one of the giant grizzlies that called the valleys in the south of the region their home, and pairs also tended to get attached to one another.

If one fell, the other went back for them. And then they were both dead and a vital point of contact severed until someone else noticed. Conversely, a lone scout unburdened by sentiment could more often than not escape with their life.

“So you consider looking at ruins so pressing you need to walk into danger alone?” It was a less foreign notion than Hamin was likely to admit. Perhaps Solas did have some proper apostate’s instincts to do such things alone, even if they were competing with his basic survival instincts.

“Only when the circumstances justify it, I assure you. I do set wards, you know.”

“Against bears?” She’d heard of wards of course. The Kinloch Circle had been coated in them, according to her lessons, but apprentices didn’t learn how to make them. They were meant to guard a dreaming mind from demonic interference, but she hadn’t heard of them protecting from any physical dangers.

“Among other things.” Solas had a small smile as he spoke. Probably amused that the big bad Circle-trained mage knew less than him about something again.

“Do those other things include templars? No?” Hamin sighed when his smile froze on his face. Maybe he really didn't have a proper apostate's instinct after all. “I can keep watch while you poke around then. If you promise we’ll be back in time for dinner.”

At length, he agreed. And Hamin found some Crystal Grace on the way, so she couldn’t complain too much.

[kozykricket]

so recently i tried calamity mod out, and... ive gotta say, i respect it for existing, but it definitely hones in on mostly the bosses and. well, i appreciate terraria for more than just the bosses. if you asked me when i first played terraria, i'd have said yeah the boss fights are the best part definitely, and i want more of that but... as ive grown, and as the game has grown -- and as i have thought more about what makes me like games, and as terraria has felt more complete than ever with 1.4 and such ...well, ill just say i know that what makes me love terraria is Everything that it is, and... i think calamity doesn't really go into expanding on everything. it feels like it kinda wants me to rush past a lot of vanilla things, but... taking my time earlygame is something i kinda appreciate. i know a lot of people shit on terraria for it being Grindy and RNG as hell for certain things, but am i crazy for believing that thats part of the charm? the exploration feels like... the same sense of doing a run in a roguelike. you arent always gonna find what you want, but its still... exciting! to find things! i know i have a few posts worth of "what i disagree with in terms of how calamity mod designs itself" but im just going to focus on how it ... tiktokifies terraria? in this post like, okay. from least egregious to most egregious, calamity:

Reduces the respawn time

Increases base mining speed

Increases base movement speed and capabilities

Gives a starter bag with tons of really nice early game goodies (why? thats just skipping like. 10 minutes of fun for no reason?)

Puts a giant structure above spawn with free planter boxes and all the herb seeds in a chest (also, you can just farm blood moons for making any potion. with blood orbs. oh no its post skeletron that certainly makes a huge difference) (I really don't get why people use alchemistnpc when calamity makes it insanely easy to get potions on its own)

Lets you craft a lot of accessories, from radars to blizzards in bottles.

Makes boss summons repeatably useable* (and notably, their FIRST boss has a bag within a bag, that gives you tons of fishing related items, without having to engage with the angler, so i guess forget the fishing gameplay loop. idc if you think its boring, because i do too. its still just completely moving the gameplay over to fighting a boss which is weird)

so overall i can tell calamity like, wants you to get moving to the later stuff. i get that; it has a LONG progression, and ... they rightfully want to get you moved towards the stuff that they've put the most effort into: the bosses. which i will admit are really fun and really cool, and *i actually do understand why they make boss summons re-usable in calamity, because of the increased difficulty of bosses.* plus theres still the fact you're gonna end up having to make new potions for every new attempt... at least, every retry when you're at the stage where you cant just sweep the floor with the boss. but uhm, that goes to my point on potions being pisseasy. its fine that theres free herb seeds, im fine with that really, because its not like they're that hard to get. you can get all the herb seeds in herb bags in the first 10 minutes. or just by exploring. it just really feels like ... it ADDS to the list of small but subtle little things where calamity hands me things that id normally go adventuring for. like what even is there left for me to adventure for wtf... i was thinking oh i'd really like a blizzard in a bottle and ice boomerang, but instead of needing to explore and spelunk for chests (which is EASY anyways in calamity with the increased mining speed and free spelunker potions) they just ... let me craft both of those?? using just some BLOCKS from the snow biome?? why. do you want me to engage with *anything* that isnt killing stuff, game?? and yknow the increased mining speed is cool, hell even FTW in vanilla does that, but it feels like even less reason to use mining potions and ... less incentive to go on a fun journey for the ancient chisel through the unique challenge of the underground desert. again, yes, its something that can be quite fast in vanilla. you can get hermes boots really easily if you're lucky, and so i understand..?? why people would want to just be able to craft hermes boots; to be able to have a consistent way to get them, instead of going on that gold-chest-gamble. but like... i like that part of the game! i like the early game finding of stuff. and hell sometimes later in the game ill decide hm i wanna go get this early game thing i never got because its for a crafting tree for this big accessory im making. but in calamity its just "ah dw you have all the materials for it now anyways" heck even FISHING is like. yknow, as i said, easier in calamity due to the desert scourge dropping potions for it and such, and its an alternative way to get stuff like a cloud in a bottle or an aglet, or even something like feral claws. so its something easier by calamity, but its also meaningless because you can craft so many things you'd normally either adventure or fish for so all in all, i understand that some people just wanna play terraria for the boss fights, and they dont really care too much for the interludes of roguelike-vibes-exploration between the bosses where you go on RNG hunts and take some time preparing via fishing, but. well i appreciate them darnit oh also its really funny calamity just, makes the magic mirror faster. like. is that even necessary. the base movement speed increase i think is weird when food buffs and stuff like magiluminesence exists. or yknow, boots. especially considering you can just craft the boots. if they want to make sure the player just inherently has more to work off of, then. i dunno, buff the swiftness potion? make a new potion? or make a new accessory? and ive heard they nerf a lot of vanilla things despite the fact that they dont even compete that hard with the calamity stuff. so... yeah, calamity makes some weird decisions. but also, i don't hate the mod for existing; in fact, im glad it exists. its an entirely different experience and yknow what? its valid for it to exist, and it... helps keep the people who want a game like calamity ... content, yknow? keeps them happy.

[yourfriendlyneighborhoodskykid]

Just had the coolest Sky dream, and I've never been so mad to wake up and realize something wasn't real

TGC did some sort of mini-season that involved finding some pots and pans and such scattered around ruined places in the the realms. At the end of it, the spirit we were helping, with her kid, memory-led us through a hidden river cave in Prairie, filled with tiny jellyfish and little glowing sea slugs on the walls in places. At the end was a big cave grotto, with natural stone pillars and small stones in the water to jump across. There were ledges to rest on the walls to rest on and a larger stone in the water had a spot you could sit down and kick your feet in the water. The water was deep enough to dive in and filled with tiny glowing minnows and a few axolotls

Anyway, this spirit was now a permanent fixture in the game! There was a little restaurant carved into a corner of the cave, which the name was in Sky script but I think some quest had called it the Hidden Diamond or something. I think at certain times, other game spirits would hang out and sit at the counter like they do at the trees. You could sit up there too if you wanted!

This spirit, first of all, sold her outfit. Which was really cool. It was sunset orange and purple, with gold accents. Not just the cape, the whole outfit! There was a cape, pants, hair with golden accessories in it, and you could also get a pendant and earrings from her. She had a usable accessory that was a cast frying pan

But the big draw was that she introduced and sold things for a fun new mechanic! You could trade her unwanted spells (each having a set value in her currency), and she'd offer cooking ingredients. It unlocked a new tab, similar to the spells one, that held your ingredients—normally you'd have to be at a designated cooking spot or ruins to do this, but the frying pan I guess let you cook meals for yourself and friends almost anywhere. It was also kinda neat because the ingredients gave us a bit of incidental lore about plant life and such in the world of Sky—glowberries, luminous mushrooms, skysugar cane, glowmatoes, bird eggs, etc. Some you could also find in certain places in the realms occasionally

Some ingredients were base ingredients like tomatoes and bread and such. Others, like herbs and garnishes, provided certain special effects... kind of like a spell. Stuff like 'constantly, slowly recharges light energy slowly', 'slows light loss due to darkness', 'increases your luminescence'. You could cook meals with them, or sometimes leave them out just to make a fun snack for friends without using your effects up

I think it mightve been like Breath of the Wild where they didn't give you a recipe book, but when you opened your cooking menu in the pan item it would show you the recipes you had the ingredients for highlighted, with others grayed out. I think the recipes were like music sheets where future spirits and events could offer them, but you could buy some starters from the cooking spirit (her restaurant menu I think) and find some in places where spirits used to eat. They all had a very Sky feel to them, like lavender tea bread, prairie salad, soups, breads of various kinds, etc.

Idk, how useful it was but I found it a lot of fun! Kind of satisfied the urge to have food with your online friends bc your skykids would all sit around eating and being cozy. You had a lil prompt to take a bite/sip/piece :)