#weird fellah

[callmekebs]

Guys calm down I think he’s gonna pop…

The grumpy guy can only handle so much be careful

[driftward]

DESERTWALKERS. A FFXIV Weird West AU, started by @scrollsfromarebornrealm with a handy masterpost-type thing here Read my lil' contribution about the goin-on's 'round the town of Stonewood in this setting, just beyond the cut

--- In the Weird Wild West there’s a little town, bustlin’ with folks from just about everywhere. The people who’ve lived here for generations just livin’ their life, miners come to make their fortune, up and comers investigatin’ rumors and and chasin’ ghosts, and the lawman and his people, just tryin’ to look after kith and kin. Life ain’ always easy in Stonewood, but it’s always interestin’.

There’s challenges out in the wild world. Like that fellah named Gaius. A lawman who rules with an armor clad fist, who rode his iron chariot out with the railroads. Not satisfied with his own township, he’s lookin’ to take over others and throwin’ his weight around, hopin’ to make an empire out of findin’ more of that blue ceruleum gold. But he’s a little too eager to grease his rails with blood, rilin’ over the native folk and rollin’ over the common folk. But the Sheriff is a good man, and his town’s an honest one, and he ain’t about to just let the Black Iron Wolf sup on his flock, as the people saddle up to deal with The Man Who Would Rule.

And from up North, we've got some dark rumors about a religious man. Now, folks got their faith, and the people of the town are the sort to let every man sort out their beliefs on their own. Not this preacher man, though. Him and his twelve disciples are making noise and making waves, but that was no problem of Stonewood’s. Not 'til people started goin’ missing. Nobody knew what was what until a Gentlelady Adventurer called Mathye the sawbones and Bylti the witch woman to the saloon with a most curious thing. One of the kidnapping victims, right as rain. ‘Least if you were willing to ignore his ranting about followin’ the one true god on his path to peace. Turns out the preacher man’s making converts… and they don’ get to have much of a say in the matter. Things are about to go badly in this case of Dire Faith.

And then there’s the strangers from the Far East that blew into town, a man named Hien and his two attendants, a samurai named Gosetsu and a woman of the shadows who goes by the name of Yugiri. The locals don’t know what to make of them, but they aren’t here to cause trouble. Rather, they're here to foretell it. They say they’re following the rumors in the wake of a man who fancies himself a hunter of gunslingers, lawmen, and anyone else who he thinks might be a challenge. Who is this tall man, dressed in black with a hunger for blood and the fastest draw in the West? Who knows what’ll happen, or how Stonewood will handle the coming Bloodstorm.

I can't tell you nothin’ for the shadows, that’s a yarn for another mummer.

But I can tell you about the black clouds as they draw over the land. Folks are sayin’ it might be the final ways, and the witches are sowing words of worry and ruin. Anyone who heads out into that blight comes back full of despair, empty of soul and lookin’ to drag everyone down with them. A mournful tune is blowin’ across the land, damning near all who hear it. Do the residents of Stonewood hunker down and hope this blows over, or is it up to this intrepid group to rise up to the occasion once more, and end the time of the Final Song?

Lotta stories just waitin’ to be told, and verses waitin' to be written. Great fortune to be had, legends to forge, but also great big dangers that’ll swallow you whole.

That’s just life in Stonewood.

[roseofithaca]

Guy holding a gun to Lenny's head: You make a move and I'll shoot your friend here. Understand?

Arthur, glaring: Oh I understand...

Guy:

Guy: That's a weird fucking tone, fellah.

Lenny: That's just the way he talks, he has an asshole voice. Arthur, tell him it's okay!

Arthur, menacingly: Everything is great.

Lenny: MAN!

[potionio]

idk mby its just bcs im swedish but i just always see vlad as a skarsgård looking fellah. yeah he is a bit weird, he lives up the hill and we just kind of ignore the weird shit he does bcs thats just the straud family! his cheekbones could kill you but so could his accent

[unluckyuncle]

Please... please don't ask how he got up there.

Groceries strung across the ground. Weird-looking pigeons pecking away at the crumbs on the ground. And the owner of the mess, Donald Duck was currently stuck in a tree along the road to the trolleys back home.

He was never not able to avoid trouble it seemed, though he wasn't exactly surprised at this point. However... this was going to be difficult to explain.

And still, while he held onto dear life at the tree's branches, he scoured the streets for someone who might be willing to help him out.

Hey! That guy is pretty tall.

[Excuse me! You in the red jacket!] He called out, waving his arms to try and get his attention, and shaking the tree. So much so that he nearly fell out of it. With a loud yelp, he clung tighter to the branches.

[Can ya help a fellah out?]

@epilvgue

[generalsmemories]

Underwater creatures like spider crabs?

funky lil dudes :D maybe it's the fact they still look like crabs to me so i can avoid those very disturbingly long legs HAHA

doesn't help that the only thing that i can think of when i imagine said spider crabs are them long legs dancing like this lil fellah

similarly to the bigfin squid - the ocean is weird with those creatures

[mostlikelytofangirl]

Hi.....Do you mind if I ask you some random thing? I used to love shounen and shoujo manga equally....But ever since I found BL manga 3 years ago, my interest in shoujosei (especially het romance) decrese a lot, and what I search for is just the dynamic between mc (male) and male lead...I don't want to read mc (female) and male lead or mc (male) and female lead...And what I want to read mostly are just mlm or wlw stories....

What do you think is happening to me? Is it really weird?

Hi there, anon!

I don't mind at all ^^. And let me tell you, this is exactly what happened to me back when I was a wee 15-16 yo or so, many moons ago XD. But then I found out about BL, I started to come to terms with my own queerness, and I never looked back lol.

It's not weird in the slightest, my good fellah, bc for starters, our tastes are not fixed and are constantly changing and evolving, so something we used to like may not be our cup of tea in the future and viceversa. It happens with everything: clothes, music, food, etc.

In the case media, one reason I found is that hetero romances are many, many times just a forced thing that shows/books/whatever add just bc they have to or something. I mean, he was a boy and she was a girl and that's it; no chemistry, no development, no proper bonding... and then they complain that ppl ship the protagonists with their same sex buddies when those two have a much more deep and compelling relationship than the by-the-numbers "romance" with the other lead.

I personally have more of an aesthetic preference for men, so there's also the matter that well, two hot fictional guys getting at it is something I just find more attractive xD. I can totally see that playing for ppl who are more into girls too. Especially given how still in this day and age 90% of most media is straight, so if we get the hetero every freaking time even without asking for it, it's only natural that we would go out of our way to find mlm and wlw. We literally HAVE to bc mainstream is just starting to catch up with the program.

I definitely don't want to assume anything about your situation, anon, but I think it's still worth remarking once more that it is not weird at all, and I fear you may have thought so at some point bc of the current unhinged wave of puritanism and gatekeeping that infuse with the fear of god anyone who is not enjoying something "The Right Way", or doesn't have the proper credentials to like this or that. You don't owe anyone a saying in what you innocently do in your free time or the type of fictional not-real media you consume, much less some rando on the internet, anon.

Go be free and enjoy whatever you feel it's right for you, or just what tickles your fancy; media is for fun and recreation, and I'd say that you should go and have all the fun with this new interests you are developing.

You're cool buddy :D

[shimmerbeasts]

Jinx grinned and excitedly slipped into her seat beside the other woman. The stranger hadn't been in Zaun for long, but she had made herself quite at home quickly. While the Loose Canon had no idea what going berserk meant for someone outside of Zaun, she always loved to see it happen. However, she also didn't know what exactly could bother the mysterious lady. She didn't know her enough for that. Nor did Jinx care to ask.

Jinx picked up Zapper, turned the pistol sideways and used the barrel a bit like a backscratcher. "It's going great", she said with a brief grin and huff, "These ravens have been acting very strange like you said. Even they noticed it."

After all, none of the ravens had ever tried to swoop across the marketplace to steal themselves a juicy fish or some other lunch. They didn't gather near those soon to die and they certainly didn't eat the carcasses. All in all, they acted very un-ravenlike. It had gotten to the point that even Mylo had leered out something about this being weird, and normally he only ever complained about her.

"So, yeah", Jinx concluded, "I've been using firecrackers to really stir those birds up. It's more fun that way. Plus, then Pow-Pow can better catch each of those black fellahs. And even if some try to escape, I still got Zapper and I never miss with Zapper." She tapped the pistol against her back again.

@shimmerbeasts

Jinx: "Lost your shit as in gone insane or go apeshit with rage. Both sound funny."

----

"As in going berserk." LeBlanc took a deep breath and got her well trained smile back to her lips. "I had a feeling you would approve both. How is your practice shooting those Ravens, my dear?" At least knowing that Swain was having a hell of a time keeping his spies alive around Zaun never failed to improve her mood.

[abutterflyscribbles]

No Mercy

“Hey, Bog, you remember our pact, right?” Marianne asked from under the blanket she had thrown over her face.

Bog nodded, entering the room with a mug in hand. “Yeah, the glitter embargo?”

“No, the other pact.”

“Googly Eye Truce?”

“The other other pact.”

“The one about me keeping you away from raw cookie dough as long as you keep me from putting habanero peppers in my sandwiches?”

Marianne groaned and shoved aside the blanket. “Okay, I will admit we need a better way to keep track of our pacts, but I’m talking about the zombie one.”

“Oooh,” Bog said, enlightened. “If one of us gets bitten the other won’t get soppy about it and performs an immediate mercy kill.”

“That’s the fellah.”

“Not really seeing relevance to current events.”

“Duh, I need the mercy kill.”

“It’s not even finals week.”

“I’m on the cusp of undeadness, set me free.”

“You have a stomach bug.”

“It’s the same concept.”

“Eh,” Bog wiggled his hand back and forth dubiously.

“You’re abandoning me in my time of need.”

“Am not. I made you ginger tea.”

“I don’t need ginger tea!”

“I also have saltines.”

“Unnecessary!”

“And your bucket.”

“. . . unfortunately necessary. Please put that next to the couch, thank you.”

“I also have this weird emotional attachment to your continuing existence.”

“We promised no soppiness!”

“Sorry, I love you.” Bog leaned over to kiss Marianne’s forehead while he handed her the mug of tea.

Marianne growled sullenly into her tea. “I’d never hesitate to kill you, you know.”

“I know.”

“Because I’m a good and loyal partner who keeps their word.”

“I’ll look forward to the occasion.”

“You make me sick.”

“That’s a per-existing condition I am not responsible for.”

“Shut up and pass me the saltines.”

[jaybug-jabbers]

Pokemon Gold/Silver Beta Pokemon: The April 2020 Leak

Look, 2020 was a rough year. So maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised that the April 2020 Gold/Silver source code leak flew almost entirely under my radar. If you Google about it, you’re find it’s very rare for news outlets to cover it. This is probably because many folks are hesitant to cover leaks. Also, the US was warming up to a truly awful pandemic around that point, not to mention other civil unrest, so it’s no surprise some people were a tad distracted. 

But the fact is, another leak turned up in April of last year, following a recent trend of huge Nintendo leaks. And this one was a doozy. I’ve only truly realized its full extent in the past few days. As such, I’d like to do a post that covers some of the new information. In particular, I’m focusing on beta pokemon that were cut or heavily reworked.

Now, back in 2018, the Spaceworld ‘97 Pokemon Gold/Silver Demo was leaked online. I made a post about some of my favorites. So, from this leak, we already knew of a while slew of beta pokemon. However, as it turns out, there were still more new faces to find-- and a lot of them! I list 45 new beta pokemon here, in fact!

In the April 2020 leak, several sprite sets were found as internal files, each at different phases of game production. The sprite sets were dated May 6, 1998, June 13, 1999, June 21, 1999, and September 17, 1999. The August 17, 1999 Spaceworld ‘99 Demo build was also found, so we have information on that as well.

Essentially, if you want to see this information at The Cutting Room Floor, then head to this page for the sprites discovered as internal backups/sprite banks. Head to this page for the Spaceworld ‘99 demo information page. And, if you need a refresher for the older leak, you can go to this page for the Spaceworld ‘97 demo build.

For this post, we will focus on the May 6, ‘98 set of sprites, which contain the vast majority of new faces. So, without further ado, onward to the pokemon!

(#300) Kokopelli Pokemon/Celebi

(May 6, ‘98)       (Spaceworld ‘99 Demo)

This first pair of sprites looks very much like Kokopelli, a fertility deity of some Native American cultures. This deity can be seen in ancient Native American petroglyphs, as a humpbacked flute player with feathers on the head. Surprisingly, we find that Celebi in the Spaceworld ‘99 Demo seems to be an updated version of this design, making Celebi’s design origins much different than expected. However, its fertility diety inspiration is still somewhat apparant in the modern Celebi, as a creature that causes plant life to flourish.

(#301) Eel Pokemon

While the sprite files did not reveal a name or other data, this eel’s sprites were numbered right beside the Gurotesu (Grotess) and Ikari (Anchorage) sprites, suggesting it once was the start of their evolution chain. 

(#304) Fire Fox Pokemon

This little fellow is a fox that seems to have a fiery tail. It’s possible this fire fox was inspired by kitsune (just as Vulpix/Ninetails were) and that it was later redesigned as Fennekin. 

(#305 - 308) Snow Bunny Evolution Line

These four pokemon seem to belong to the same evolutionary line. The second one seems to based on the Yuki Usagi, a ‘Snow Bunny.’ In Japan, these cute little critters are made in the snow (using leaves for the ears). They also sometimes make these Yuki Usagi as little marshmallow or mochi treats. So this pokemon line could be inspired by either of these. Considering the leaves and the snow, I would guess these would have been Grass/Ice. 

(#309) Elephant Pokemon

You might wonder if this chonky boy-- looking tough with horns on his head and back-- was an early version of Donphan, but Donphan and Phanpy were present in the Spaceworld ‘97 demo. Indeed, this elephant and Phanpy/Donphan both exist in the same set of sprites from May ‘98, so it was simply a case of two types of elephants. This pokemon also calls to mind a glimpse of a cut beta pokemon we saw from Generation 1 (from ‘Satoshi Tajiri: The Man Who Made Pokémon’):

Same fierce eyes, at any rate! Alas, these both never saw the light of day. However, it’s possible this elephant was reworked into Piloswine, which is not in the May ‘98 collection but does appear in the June 13 ‘99 collection (although Swinub is absent). While Piloswine and Swinub are more akin to wild boars, there is also some relation to mammoths (an inspiration more heavily leaned on with Mammoswine in later games). Then again, there’s another pokemon you’ll see a little further down this list that might have inspired Piloswine instead.

(#311) Natu/Xatu Mid-Evolution

What is clearly a mid-evolution (its file number sits between the two). Has a peacock-like tail. Honestly, I think this works really good as a mid-evolution, and I don’t know why it was cut. I want to name it “Watu.”

(#313) Drunk Kiwi Pokemon

This one is just hilarious to look at. It appears to probably be a kiwi-bird? A very crazy-eyed, loopy one. I can see why this one was cut. The goofy, simple design kind of looks like a knockoff cartoon character for children. 

(#314) Scorpion Pokemon

A pretty badass-looking scorpion, although a rather basic design. I dig the funky head, though. It seems like it has a single, beady eye and is rather menacing. This pokemon may have been later reworked into Gligar, a pokemon that first appears after this sprite set, in the June 13 ‘99 group:

Admittedly this is rather different from the Gligar we know, but it is an early design.

Or, who knows-- maybe this little fellah was later reworked into Skorupi. (If so, it’s a shame, as I don’t dig the weird accordian-like design of its limbs and its evolution.)

(#315) Quail Pokemon

A pudgey little quail pokemon. Doesn’t seem related to the kiwi pokemon. It’s a very cute little thing, and has lots of potential to evolve into something interesting, but it seems they scrapped it pretty quickly.

(#316) Music Note Bird Pokemon

Although these sprites are numbered right after the quail, and they are both birds, the designs are very different, so they seem unrelated. It seems the beta pokemon were simply blessed with a lot of birds. This little bird is in the shape of a clef, giving this bird a musical theme. It seems very likely it was later reworked into Chatot, a bird with a music-note shaped head and metronome tail.

(#319) Boar Pokemon

A cute, grumpy little boar with antlers. Probably what eventually led to Piloswine found in the June 13 ‘99 group. A bit of a shame, in my mind, as I kind of prefer this design.

(#325) Spikey Dog Pokemon

The curious thing is that this dog looks very similar to “Pudi,” a pokemon we saw in the Spaceworld ‘97 demo, which was intended to be a pre-evolution of Growlithe. But Pudi is also in this same collection of sprites!

Perhaps they were toying with the idea of re-designing Pudi (and had already scrapped a bunch of baby pokemon) and just hadn’t bothered to remove the old Pudi yet. It’s hard to say. Ultimately, these both were scrapped, but at least we still have Subbull/Granbull.

(#331) Yūrei Ghost Pokemon

This little ghost has two things that are common in Japanese folklore: the hitaikakushi (the white cloth headband it wears) and the two little balls of fire called hitodama. It is unknown why this ghost pokemon was scrapped, but perhaps they thought the little fellow wouldn’t translate well overseas? 

(#344) Viking Ship Pokemon

Look at this beauty! A pokemon based off some sort of Viking ship. I absolutely adore this one. It’s creative and charming. I hope to see it in the future.

(#349) Wooly Dog Pokemon

This canine-like creature is fluffy as all out. Honestly I think it’s a tad odd, with how tangled and disheveled its fur looks. I can’t help but compare it to the early desings of the three Legendary Beasts, since they also are very canine-like:

These three designs are present in this same May 6, 98′ sprite collection as the representations of Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. Were they possibly playing with a different design idea for the Legendary Beasts? Perhaps Suicune. The Wooly Dog is just such an imposing sprite, that I can’t help but wonder. All pure speculation, of course. 

(#350) Rabbit Pokemon

This rabbit has a rather intense look about him, and it makes me curious what the ideas were behind it. TCRF suggests it’s a possible pikachu clone.

(#351) Snake Pokemon

This cute little worm or snake seems to be wearing a feather headdress, suggesting its design may also be Native American inspired, like the Natu line. On the other hand, this could be inspired by Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent deity in Aztec culture. I would have loved to see this little guy’s evolutions.

(#352) Scarecrow Bird

A bird with a hat that kind of looks like a scarecrow. Honestly, it’s a super-cute idea.

(#353) Gargoyle Pokemon

This crouching beastie sort of looks like a gargoyle with a long, sharp tail. I can’t quite tell if those bits on the side are little wings or just a part of its legs. It would be interesting to see this creature standing in a different position-- I feel like that would give us a better understanding of what it looks like. Interestingly, there are striking similarities with Aerodactyl:

I wonder why they are so similar?

(#354 - 356) Manbō Evolution Family

The first of these three fishies was someone we already met in the Spaceworld ‘97 demo-- it was named ‘Manbō 1.′ In the demo, it evolved into  Ikari (Anchorage) and then Gurotesu (Grotess). It seems it’s now been split off from those and given a new evolution family here. While I find that neat, and I quite like the expressions on these fish, they are admittedly a little bland. 

(#360) Flying Squirrel(?) Pokemon

TCRF guesses this is a flying squirrel, and it seems to be wearing a sheathed sword. Not sure about the headgear it’s sporting. Is that a ninja star? 

(#364) Early Cyndaquil

So, this May 6, ‘98 collection is really exciting. The original Gold/Silver fire starter line we saw in Spaceworld ‘97 (Honooguma’s line) is still present in this collection (as is the water-type ‘Cruz’ line and Chikorita’s line). So, what we have here seems to be an early Cyndaquil before they decided to turn it into a fire type and make it the fire starter! In fact, those spikes might even be icicles (like Alolan Sandslash), for all we know. If so, Cyndaquil’s typing pulled a 180.

(#377) Early Furret?

Possibly an early Furret. Looks pretty awkward, not gonna lie; I’m glad it was probably refined into modern Furret, with more body definition between the head and tail.

(#378) Stork Pokemon

It’s a stork, based on the myth of where babies come from. A cute idea, although its curly ‘hair’ looks a little funny to me. 

(#380) Squid Pokemon

A squid with drills for its mantle and arms. Since that’s kinda Beedrill’s thing, I’m glad they scrapped the idea. The backsprite lacks drills so it’s probably from a different design stage. 

(#382 - 383) Early Burmy/Pineco

Burmy/Wormadam/Mothim is based off the bagworm. Bagworms are grubs that use silk and lots of bits of leaves, bark and other objects to create a camouflaged cocoon. When they turn into adults, some species of female bagworms just look like their larval stage, while the males turn into winged moths. That is why Burmy/Wormadam/Mothim have their unique evolution situation. Clearly, these two beta pokemon are playing around with the bagworm idea. They probably went on to inspire both Pineco (another pokemon based on bagworms!) and the Burmy line in gen 4.

(#386) Koala Pokemon

It’s so cool to see they were thinking about a koala pokemon this early. We would not finally get one until gen 7′s Komala.

(#387) Tanuki Pokemon

A Tanuki that is carrying campfire kindling on his back, but the kindling has caught fire. Apparently based on the Kachi-Kachi Yama folktale, which is a surprisingly violent story, but I suppose folktales often are. Who knows why it was cut, but Sentret is the closest thing we have to a tanuki pokemon for now.

(#392) Megaphone(?) Bird Pokemon

Yet another bird pokemon! There sure were a lot of beta birds. This one appears to have a megaphone-shaped beak. Or, possibly, its head is shaped like a gas mask (the strange eyes seem  to support this idea). Honestly I really dig the look of this one.

(#397) Frog Pokemon

It’s tough to tell but it has a small horn on its head. It has a long tongue and is probably shouting “ribbithhhhhh!” It’s cute, but a little plain.

(#400) Tiny Hippo Pokemon

Look at this little weirdo. I think it’s a tiny hippo? With a mohawk and a big grin and wild eyes. It doesn’t really seem to have a head, its mouth/eyes/ears are just stuck directly to a body. Looks pretty awkward, probably needed some polish. No idea what they were going for with it, but it’s interesting.

(#401) Skeleton Pokemon

A very spooky, bipedal, living skeleton beast. It has a long snout and sharp teeth, almost like a crocodile or a dinosaur-like creature. Its head and shoulders have bony spikes and the front of its snout has markings that seem to be a nasal cavity. Very detailed. It also reminds me of Missingno, as some Missingno used the fossil skeletons as their front sprites. I would have loved to have this pokemon, and it’s a real shame they didn’t use it.

(#402) Rodent Pokemon

A mouse or bunny with gigantic, spotted ears and no arms. Those are some serious ears; it almost looks like it could fly with them. 

(#403) Fly Pokemon

A bug-type!! It has a huge, creepy face, curly antenna and wings strangely really close to its head. I love it?? But it’s a bug, so of course I do.

(#404) Plant Pokemon

The Snow Bunny was likely part grass-type, but other than that, this is our first grass beta! It has one eye, a spikey head, and almost foot-like roots. I love how grumpy it looks. There’s a possibility it was a pre-evolution for Sunflora, before they had created the idea of Sunkern (which is not present in this collection).

(#405) Ant Pokemon

Another bug!! This one looks a lot like a winged ant. (Those do exist-- usually a temporary thing for mating flights) It’s possibly related to the fly pokemon above, sporting very similar wings. However, it doesn’t really seem like an evolution.

(#406) Dinosaur Pokemon

A little dinosaur-like pokemon, looking up at you. It’s unclear if that’s a tough, bony skull, or if it’s maybe a hat. The clubbed tail makes me wonder if it’s related to #415 below, but it’s probably unlikely. However, it is pretty likely that this later became Cranidos.

(#407) Early Cherrim

This clearly was a design that was picked up later, in gen 4, to create Cherubi/Cherrim’s sunshine form. I am glad the design was improved, because the lips on this one scare me.

(#412) Early Dunsparce

Dunsparce looking quite different. No wings, no drill tail, with a much more typical snake-like face. 

(#415) Dinosaur Pokemon

It looks like an aquatic version of an Ankylosaurus or something similar. It’s possible it’s related to the Viking Ship pokemon (as a pre-evo), but there’s no way to know. I quite like it, though.

(#416) Flying Fish Pokemon

This magnificent beast, this miracle of creation, is surely my favorite beta pokemon of all time. Revel in its glory. You may not like it, but this is the ideal pokemon body. What a perfect way to round off our collection of betas.

[unluckyuncle]

wha... huh? Donald had long since lost track of time since he came to this... club place? Honestly, he doesn't remember how he got here exactly. He was working earlier, but he could barely focus after everything that happened.

His nightmares had only been getting worse. Was it weird to dream about moon aliens invading your home and killing your family? It was probably only bad that it felt very very real.

He thought maybe... maaaybe he'd try and drink himself to sleep. How was he going to get home? He didn't think that far ahead, he just wanted desperately for his anxiety to shut up for one moment. He'd been struggling for a little bit, but this was pretty bad.

[hmmm?] Donald sleepily turns to whoever he thinks he just heard a voice from. He didn't the guy, but he seemed to be introducing himself. Ramen...kiosk... something?

[Oh, nnnice to meet ya. I'm... Donwald.] He held out a hand to shake, though it was the wrong one. He realized it though, and after a careful thought switches hands accordingly. [I'm-didn't take yur seat'm. Did I? Not'sure how long it's been. What.. time]

He looks at his wrist... with no watch on it. If the fellah could understand his messed up slurred speech it would be a miracle.

@theunluckiestduck

"...A duck?"

Yeah, just sitting on one of our bar booths.

"Okay, but it isn't our first time having an animal shaped being enter our facility, mm?" Romanus questions with an arch of his eyebrow.

Yeah but....he looks so sad. Sakura's fixed him her specialty and all and he's so sweet, but he is such a sad looking duck and he's been drinking quite a bit.

"Oh, okay. I see what you're getting at. Go ahead and take care of the others. See if anyone needs anything and, oh, can you let Brooke know that I'll need to speak with her? Let her know I'll come find her."

Okay, on it.

Romanus walks through the pathway that leads to the bar's booth and there he is. The sad duck. "Sakura, do you mind getting us some snacks and a glass of water?"

Not at all, Rye~.

And with a smile, she's on it. Romanus takes his seat by his customer's side and smiles. "I don't believe I've seen you around here before. I'm Romanus Rye."

[dragme2thecrusher]

fellahs is it normal to be so afraid of a nath test that your crying at almost 1 am because you know your gonna fail because youve onlu cheated onnyour other wirk and didn't bither to study so now yiur ginna fail n ur grades already really low and you kniw if you get a D youll lose all yiur electronics which us essentially your lifeline or am i just weird :)

[densetu-wolfenius]

I drew some trinkets for my MC Zarahalt, a bird skull, a pigeon feather and a gem (yep that’s a gem not a weird buttplug), tried some lineless art but freaking hate it when done with the bird skull so i kept it lined.

The feather is from Zarahalt’s pet (not familiar, that’s Fortuna) Caesar, a fancy breed of pigeon called “pouter”. These fellahs can inflate their crops to a amusing size making them walking feathered balloons. 

Lucio loves to call Caesar the “booby bird”, cause his inflate crop looks like a boob and he has the mentality of a 5 year old ...

The skull is an amalgation of various bird skulls not much to say about it really.

The “gem”(still thinking how to name it) is a signature from LaVeyan’s family, the shiny rock which helped the family’s founder drown in wealth.As stated on Zarahalt’s bio, these gems are sought by magicians and alchemist alike due to thier magic absorbing abilities.

Before the “in game time” the mines where this gem was recoleted are almost depleted of this mineral, the demand is still high so If Zarahalt really wished to sell it she could get a pretty good chunk for it. However, she won’t so instead the mineral is kept deep inside her closet as a memory of what she scape from.

Bird skull: A cherised childhood treasure found on the black beaches of Galbrada, the skull is from a unidentified species of bird. Caesar’s feather: The first feather to fall from a moulting grumpy pouter pigeon. Caesar isn’t amused to be reminded of his not-so-glorious juvenile age.

Strange gem: Found buried deep inside Zarahalt’s closet, the gem only seem to activate when magic is present. How strange . .you can’t perform magic when the gem is present.

[theartoflorcan]

Here's the felt piece I finished from a while back. It was a submission to a Tim Burton tribute exhibition, however the effing so-and-so's never got back to me. But hey, I've still got this tentacled fellah to keep me company, the largest felt piece I have done to date. 🐙 #art #3D #textiles #softmaterials #felt #thread #cotton #sewing #needleandthread #misstitched #weird #strange #freaky #horror #quirky #eyeballs #tentacles #blackandwhite #batwings #jellyfish #random #timburtonesque #timburton #multipleimages #slideleft #irishart #artistsoninstagram #lorcancassidy (at Glasnevin) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9MVq80H7ma/?igshid=db6oorq4usx5

[alphadrg]

SHIPPING INFO !! ANSWER THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR MUSE SO PEOPLE KNOW HOW SHIPPING WORKS ON YOUR BLOG.

WHAT IS YOUR OTP FOR YOUR CHARACTER?:

DISTRA/HIS DEAD HUSBAND. But seriously. They were so in love and their relationship was so important to Distra.. I mean that’s why his name is that right now!!! Fellahs!!!!!!! Is it gay to take your dead husband’s name because you’re so guilty over his death which was caused by you but you won’t admit it????? God I’m sad. Otherwise I don’t really h a v e any other OTPs for Distra? His husband was the OTP.

WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO WRITE WHEN IT COMES TO SHIPPING?:

Pretty much anything honestly. I’m more ehhh towards abusive relationships but its something I’ll write so long as I’m comfortable with the mun. But I much prefer dangerous to themselves and to others trope (cough) zenos.... obviously won’t rp any non-con or underage cause that’s fuckin nasty. gtfo

HOW LARGE DOES THE AGE GAP HAVE TO BE TO MAKE IT UNCOMFORTABLE?:

25 at the youngest I think? Distra is 31 years old and the image of him dating anyone who is 20 years old... is weird. I don’t like that. No established man should be dating a 20yo come on. As for older I don’t really have much of a preference. 

ARE YOU SELECTIVE WHEN SHIPPING?:

Yes. Especially with this character.

HOW FAR DO STEAMY MOMENTS HAVE TO GO BEFORE THEY ARE CONSIDERED NS/FW?:

If any sexual organs are brought into the mix then its NSFW. Readmore and tagged. 

WHO ARE OTHER THE CHARACTERS YOU SHIP YOUR CHARACTER WITH?:

I’ve been throwing around stuff with Lily and Helig for an OT3 around on Discord a lot but nothing actually legitimately roleplayed. But its fun, and I have a lot of feelings ;w;. Otherwise in the FF14 world I guess you can say I kinda ship him with Aymeric and/or Estinien???? The classic Elezen husbands if you will. But like (shrugs). 

DOES ONE HAVE TO ASK TO SHIP WITH YOU?:

Yeah, preferably. I mean if things just happen to naturally develop I don’t mind if it just happens. But I would HIGHLY PREFER if people come to my IMs and give me a boop about it. 

HOW OFTEN DO YOU LIKE TO SHIP?:

Shipping for me is the icing on the cake. It isn’t necessary for any RP to be a good time which is why when it happens I’m like oh! Neat! Otherwise its a here or there kind of thing.

ARE YOU SHIP OBSESSED OR SHIP MORE-OR-LESS?:

Not really? I mean if I ship with you I’ll talk to you about it... A LOT.... but otherwise not so much otherwise :p

ARE YOU MULTISHIP?:

more or less. I practice ship exclusivity because I don’t want people to get jealous. So say I ship with a Thancred. That will be THE ONLY THANCRED I ship with. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHIP IN YOUR CURRENT FANDOM?:

Elidibus/Zenos..... x_x Also runar/y’shtola is VERY NICE too. God i love my cattes.

FINALLY, HOW DOES ONE SHIP WITH YOU?:

Hit my inbox? Lets talk about it! We won’t know if it works or not if you don’t approach me about it lol! 

TAGGED BY: @andurinn tyty

TAGGING: YOU!!!

[asheewrites]

Tavern Blues

A little story after this wonderful tavern banter: 

Alfyn: That should do ‘er! Now the ale’s ready for drinking!

Cyrus: And we’re all here, right on time.

Therion: …But I want everyone to know that drinks can be enjoyed all the same in complete silence.

Olberic: Come now. Where is the fun in that?

Alfyn: I now pronounce the Official Drinking Games underway! Gentlemen, you may begin!

Cyrus: …I…I concede.

Alfyn: Giving up early, ain’t you, Professor?

Cyrus: Indeed. You must forgive me, but I’d rather drink at my own pace, or not at all.

Therion: (Out, but not down, huh?)

Olberic: (He’s a man who likes to savor his drinks, it would appear.)

Alfyn: I’ve got to hand it to you fellahs. Guys back in the village would already be under the table. 

Therion: Thieves who can’t hold their liquor aren’t long for the business. 

Olberic: I, too, oft had need to drink in my younger days. Familiarity breeds resilience. 

Cyrus: …Indeed. But there are limits. Practice and familiarity can only take you so far.

Alfyn: Well, I ain’t done yet- another round!

Therion: …All right. I’m calling it quits.

Alfyn: Hahaha. You lily-livered milksop! I’m good for another cask!

Therion: I know when to cut my losses. But I’ve got to hand it to you: you’re stronger than you look.

Alfyn: That’s what they all say!

Cyrus: (’Tis a wise bandit indeed, who puts down his glass before his agility is adversely affected.)

Alfyn: It’s just you an’ me then, Olberic!

Olberic: Haha! Let the duel commence, my medicinal friend!

Alfyn: Uh-oh…

Olberic: Hohoho…

Alfyn: (By the gods, he’s like a bottomless barrel! He’s been smilin’ and relaxed like he’s only on his third mug- what’s it gonna take to knock him out!?)

Olberic: Hohoho… (Demons take me, but I cannot seem to stop giggling… I haven’t been pushed this far in a drinking game since my contest with Erhardt- a match that I lost.)

Alfyn: (I reckon the next glass will be his last, though…)

Olberic: (Have I met my match once more…?)

Therion: All right, that’s enough, you two.

Alfyn: Wh-what d’ya mean? I’m just getting’ warmed up…

Therion: Tell that to the tavern master. 

Cyrus: I declare a tie- you are both victors.

Alfyn: Ah, shucks. Well, if they ain’t servin’ no more, I guess we got no choice…

Therion: Exactly.

Olberic: Hahaha…ha…ha…

Cyrus: It appears Sir Olberic continues to be amused. Nevertheless, what do you gentlemen say to finding another tavern that’s still serving?

Therion: (In the end, none of us can hold a candle to this guy…)

 According to the barkeep, there was supposed to be another place willing to give a few wary travellers the time of the day, even after midnight. It wasn’t a long walk. So, for reasons only known to the gods, the party decided to follow Cyrus’ inane suggestion. And here some people still accused him of being the smart one.

Ignoring my glowering stare, everyone started walking. The fresh air giving everyone the false feeling of sobering up. Again. False. Cyrus talked even more than usual – about the history of taverns, as I figured. Alfyn tried to tell us all about the effects of alcohol on one’s body – the sentences sometimes started four times, and rarely ended. And Olberic, well, he seemed equally amused by both stories, chuckling during pauses and sometimes patting his neighbors backs – they stumbled forward and he excused himself every time.

I trotted after them, kicking stones. I didn’t look forward to the headache tomorrow – I knew it was coming - and helping Olberic home would not be an easy task. Here is to hope he wouldn’t lose consciousness.

But we did reach the tavern. Old building, someone who is sure to get an offending price for terrible ale behind the counter, the floor worn out and as creaky as the door hinges. Joy.

We still settled on a table, each with a glass in front of us – Cyrus took wine, the utter maniac – and listened to Olberic talk about his youth in the army and how he was constantly surrounded by other men, he likes having that again. Alfyn almost hit the table when he got a hand slammed on his back this time. The boy contered with his own adventures with Zeph, how they I watched them drain their glasses and listened and nodded sometimes, taking in the information – a force of habit, really.

I was glad I sat on the other side of the table, though. The safer choice for my back and my rattled brain, really. My own ale got drained only in fractions.

“… and you’re still a maniac.” I said, glancing at the wine glass in Cyrus’ hand.

“Ah, but I must protest. It is the finer choice of drink, sun filled grapes filled in a glass, distilled to a great aroma and better taste. Perfect to quench your thirst, especially while studying.” He said this with a perfectly earnest expression.

I stared at his cravat, at the cloak held together by a brooch, the root-decorated vest, the belted together, poofy sleeves and said: “… that explains a lot”

To his credit, he only thought about it for a few seconds. Then: “I’ll have you know it did not inhibit my deduction or reasonable thinking in any way whatsoever. It is a very common way to preserve water. Alfyn can surely tell you all about its disinfectant properties, isn’t that right, Alfy-“

There was a thud.

Alfyn had hit the table. Or at least his arm had. His head rested against Olberic’s arm. Snoozing.

“Oh, not again…” I sighed and stood… at least this time he would get back home.

“What do you mean, again? I wasn’t aware this happened before?” Cyrus asked, because of course he does.

“You don’t have to know everything, professor… you take Olberic. He’s useless, too” Evidenced by his giggling. He giggled and pat Alfyn’s head. It wasn’t a shining moment for anyone.

With an arm around my neck – Cyrus had to distract the big man so I could grab it – I paid the barkeep before he could get nasty on top of old. And then we started our trek home.

Alfyn told me I’m his bestest best friend in slurred words and bad breath while trying to choke me to death. And Cyrus – the bastard – got carried by Olberic. Who was wholly amused by the endeavour. There was some distress on the scholar’s side when all his words did not keep the big man from running against a wall, but at least I could join into the constant giggling that way. If only for a moment. Because Alfyn laughed, too. Carrying him did not get easier.

But we moved onwards. And somehow reached the Inn.

The girls told us we smelled had to get our own room. Ophelia should not be subjected to this. Primrose was a filthy traitor this moment. And she should be ashamed.

This truly, truly was not my day. I leaned my head against the door to have a moment of rest.

Cyrus still talked. Olberic still giggled. Alfyn still slurred. And I was still done with eberything. Great.

It was late. The innkeeper already asleep. I was frustrated. The lock of the next door was picked before I could even think about it.

There were six beds in the room. At least something went right. I put Alfyn in the one closest to the door, grabbed a water skin and went outside. Maybe taverns were just too work-related by now. Not much fun anymore. Especially in groups.

Get some water in, a bit more fresh air without weird breath and extra weight and I’ll be good. So I took a few deep breaths, standing in the silent street. Felt a little more normal that way. Finally alone again.

No one to take my mind off the next target. By getting overly excited about it. Or telling me it was of historical importance. Or how it would look good in her hair. Or taking it away to go and sell it for some medicine a kid needed.

They all were against stealing, too. But let me do it all the same. Even agreed to rob the house with me. Weird, stubborn bunch of people. Didn’t know an ambush from an opportunity.

…

I hadn’t put a bucket next to Alfyn’s bed. Last time had been ugly for both of us and-

The door to the inn opened.

“You left rather fast, Therion! Our compatriots needed care before they could rest! Is something the matter?”

Cyrus. Slightly rumpled, straightening his cloak when he came out the door.

“...” I took my hand off the dagger at my side. “… needed some peace.”

“Ah, well met, the taverns were rather stuffy, were they not?”

I looked to the side – he apparently did not catch my drift.

“Anyway, a diluted wine preserves the drinkability of water, it is completely normal and perfectly acceptable choice of drink” He said, nodding resolutely.

“… are you seriously starting this again? Now?” I was not sure if I was amused or annoyed.

“You seemed to think I can not properly study with a diluted drink of whine, but I assure you it has no effect on my judgement or mental capabilities whatsoever!”

“… like right now?” Because he could have judged to leave me alone, but instead, he came here. Which contradicts everything I ever told him, really.

“Right now, we all have imbibed more than that. A lot more” He even looked a little proud of it.

“But it explains your tolerance. Must have ‘hydrated’ a lot” I really wondered why it was so fun to rile him up. Maybe because it was so easy. Easier than usual right now, too.

“I did not *drink* while studying. The alcohol is a mere preservation! We can not drink bad water! Diseases happen from that, we had enough examples on our journeys!” Really, it was too easy.

“Mmmmhmh, this preservation might have made me less allergic to academia, too, I suppose”

“I must protest this wrong assumption, truly, you can’t-“

I interrupted him: “I came out here for some quiet, can’t you just leave it?”

“I didn’t mean to say you are unfit for academia. My recommendation still stands. Any and all steps to enter the field would be very welcome, I should not have formulated it this way. I apologise.” He even looked guilty. How did I ever deal with this man.

“If you aren’t going to shut up, I’m going to make you, I’m serious.” I was, too. He was in melee range, after all.

But he smiled. Brightly. Right next to me. And continued with: “This is an idle threat! You have shown great involvement in all our well-being. You are a good friend. And you give Alfyn more work than he already has now, would y-MH!“

I kissed him. Grabbed his stupid cravat and pulled him down and kissed him. The silence made me take a relieved breath. He smelled of burned fabric and cold winter nights and of broken revenants. I kind of wanted to pull him closer.

But I didn’t. I let go. And looked into a very confused, lightly frowning face. He was silent. Thank the gods.

I patted his shoulder: “Told you”

And walked back in, there was a bed waiting for me. I could rest easy with the knowledge that Cyrus actually put a bucket next to every bed. He was a good guy after all.