#Classification: Metalwork

[artghutry]

元 仿古紋樣貫耳銅壺

Title: Vase with archaistic design

Period: Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)

Date: 14th century

Culture: China

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: H. 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm); Diam. 8 in. (20.3 cm); Diam. of rim 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm); Diam. of foot 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm)

Classification: Metalwork

Credit Line: Purchase, Brooke Russell Astor Bequest, 2014

[neonhellscape]

so i got ideas about mr haneumann and the local murder elf being compatible so. this is with the tone of them getting together as a couple, though theyre both insane enough they would never call eachother boyfriend yknow??

reminder ive not played the game so if i characterise them wrong or whatever please forgive that. im running off my partner's discussions and screenshots, one video of the party members chatting to eachother, and then just my own pure undiluted mental illness.

idk if this needs warning tags, like. theres some details where wow these two are freaks but all pretty par for the course with tech priests and drukhari yknow? if you're interested in that lot youre used to them being a bit fucked in the head, theres nothing startling i dont think. let me know if otherwise

wibbly wobbly keep reading link time

It was a slow discovery of his- that perhaps flesh may yeild some purpose in this life beyond being a target to strive against. Soft, squishy bits of pale meat interspersed between severing masses of silver… it was clear which he preferred.

Despite what may be presumed were he to word such observations, this was not a statement contradictory to his faith. Rather… one that coexisted, within his personal classification of it. While some permitted their metalwork to rust or tarnish, some polished it to a bright shine. He personally had tended to a delicate patina over many years- a cultivated, gentle age that took time and life to create, and became a point of pride. There was purpose to his cleaved respirator, scarred as it might be, remaining his, rather than being replaced as another might insist upon.

His skin bore the same scar as it. For weeks his reflections had considered that perhaps, by logic of his own fondness in that unique mark, his skin should be cultivated in the same tender way. Where he desired it be kept, at least. There was at least a small list he intended to act upon yet.

Leaning further into the mirror, he squinted. Then opened his eye wide. Blinking once, then looking left, then right. The lens of his optic allowed him to observe the function in entirety, not drifting in the same manner as the organ embedded in his skull. In tandem, it was optimal- a demonstration of his latest discovery. Manifestation and observation within one unit. Flesh and machine working cohesively.

A trilogy of satisfyingly tuned clicks permitted him to see closer in increasing magnification, the creases settling heavy around his eye seeming cavernous with the observational closeness. It downturned from the central point, practically heavy with itself and lending to a sadness or dismissiveness that had been inquired of cause from him numerous times- often followd by frustrated statements noting how his expressions were little showing even within the expanse of his face that remained uncovered. More recently, the frustration was instead an apparent care, expressed by a Rogue Trader keen to know his emotional wellbeing and not satisfied with the statement that his emotions could be vaulted and were already minimal in days before then.

Sparse, fine hairs darkened the border of each eyelid- he had forgotten the term for such hairs, likely so obscurely referenced and commonly known he had purged the record of it to provide space for another. Web-like blood vessels sprawled across the white of his sclera, and with the soothing touch of metallic fingers he prised away the lower lid to see where they stemmed from. With it gapping away, he could see closer inside himself than he'd found possible without wounding, a mass of veins and a… squishy casement.

Everything about flesh was squishy. There was no better word that contained both the textural description and the inherent desire to poke or squeeze. It… was gradually losing the sickening revulsion that it had previously held for him. Fascination at the intricacy distracted from the goreless yet undeniably visceral sight.

A slight pain, weak enough to be felt purely by his original nervous system rather than entering the network of alerts, appeared in his cheek. Permitting it the focus it meekly requested from him, he looked to the staples still decoratively lacing his scar, and the slight soreness between the two that had pinched together with his inspection. Pressing the cool fingerpad of the fourth digit between them, a cascade of neural connections expressed themselves in a marginally deeper, relaxing exhale through his respirator. A fascinating cause and effect.

Perhaps the Omnissiah would impart news of his yeilding to the Biologis who once argued so feverently to her cause.

Of course, there was reason to these new contemplations beyond the practically ancient conversation with a Magos of whom he could scarcely recall. A reason that he had long believed was rejected through petty ignorance, now more than ever, yet endlessly unnerved some part of him aware of repercussion.

It was no longer enough to deter him. Were he to be challenged, he would have argument enough to any wise Magos and the protections of the intriguingly considerate Rogue Trader to excuse him- a feral devout would brand him for any number of more minor transgressions, and he cared little for their opinion as a result. There was no need to justify himself to anyone lesser. With no sign from the Machine God to the contrary, he held confidence in their mutual safety.

If a threat were to emerge against those odds, Marazhai was certainly capable of defending them both. Getting him to cease and retreat when was wise instead of following the delighted urge to create more bloodshed would be the issue.

Depicted in a bloodstained memory was his smile. A sharp, taunting thing that even on recall brought a small flutter to the complicated systems that comprised his vastly spanning heart. The sensation made him feel somewhat queasy with awareness of his internals and their movements, yet… he decided to settle with that awareness, rather than seek to avoid it.

Marazhai had often mentioned such things, talking about it more casually and knowledgably than any other. Enjoyment seemed not just in tandem with the concept for him, but directly tied to it- within it, inherently part of it. The internal sensation of a pulsating circulatory organ rotating the order of contractions within its chambers at an elevated rate was apparently part of what was thrilling to him. Particularly in unison with one of said circulatory organ held in his hand. Whether it was somebody else's or his own seemed open for discussion.

Hand raising to his chest, he felt the bulky plating that simultaneously served as armour and external structural support to keep the sheer weight of his own body from punching clean through the select parts of his ribcage he had kept. Aware that concealed beneath the plate and gently threaded into it's supports was a structure of spokes of different lengths throughout his torso, at least three requiring openings be constructed through the artificial lungs that connected directly to his respirator. The various extended chambers, sub-chambers and adjoining injectors that marked the core of his circulation laced between it all like vines about a trellis, cables threading into the thick plating encasing his spine to relay fuel and power back and forth.

Slim, prising fingers had already forced their way through that casing once, nails scraping along the brittle vertibrae without the reasonable fear of the metal clamping down and crushing the spindly, intruding digits. Perhaps- 80% chance- even enjoying the thrill of the threat. One that had never manifested- it had taken diverting and shutting down a number of automatic systems, but he had remained curled up on himself for the curious touch, head bowed to the floor and back curved to keep the spacing as wide as possible without permenant damage. The most he had moved was to constrict a mechadendrite around the skinny figure looming over him, squeezing his waist in need for a grounding touch that earned shallow, gasped breaths and nails raked down the patches of skin at his sides. In sheer overwhelm, he'd forgotten himself, beginning a binharic trilling that concisely conveyed every alert, sensation of panic and pain that he'd felt. Not once had he requested cessation, and enjoyment had been interspersed far more frequently than he'd anticipated- the recall could never be misinterpreted as begging.

Marazhai's feelings on the matter required no clarification. Prising through the tubation of his respirator to grip his throat and draw his head close, hissing praise and encouragement for the sounds. Nails finding the seam where his skin had been tucked in against the metal, splitting it away slowly, sinking in to his knuckles with audible desire in his voice at the distorted screech it earned. Encouraging him, taunting him, urging him for more-

There were things that needed to be done. Recalling this before doing them was unwise.

The first step he took was with weak enough legs to sway, instinctively driving his mechadendrites into the ground to stabilise himself.

Certainly unwise.

-

It was rare to see pure, untainted anger in the Drukhari- an expression of unenjoyed frustration. The matter brought an ominous intensity to him, intimidating between his towering stature and the unusual shuffling clicks of his armour.

Turning his back, he began finalising his prayer to the machine spirit, raising a hand in a request for a moment he hoped would be respected.

With the wrenching snap of two metallic digits and the firing of a spring into some distant corner of the voidship, it was not.

"Iron mon-keigh!" his voice boomed, spinning the unit away from his task to hook a fist around the collar of his chest plating, weaponising knowledge of his precarious balance to lean him back and force him to stagger into the wall and be pinned. The snarl on his face was one of hatred, yet by that uncomplicated existence openly proclaimed vulnerability. The fact he had taken to petty name calling and careless damage only reinforced that fact.

"What am I to you?"

Hesitant to provoke him with misinterpretation, the list of potential answers was kept aside for a moment. "This unit requests clarification."

"Well, let us see. The teachings you devote yourself to demand my eradication, and yet here you are- pliant in my hands. You are taught to deafen yourself to the words of the xenos, and yet we have had any number of conversations to date. I am keen to know- am I a curiosity to you? A thing to observe while you have the chance, to prod and poke with no intention of indulging anything to completion, let alone satisfaction? Or am I perhaps here to prove to your fellow mon-keigh that their path is correct, informed by our inevitable- mutual- destruction in your idiocy." A snarled smile then crossed his face, the taunting look hollow compared to its usual enthusiasm even as his fingers flexed in a dramatic display of squeezing the main intake line of his respirator. "Or am I perhaps a contradiction that you are oblivious to, unable to differentiate between the feelings of your meat from the determination of your metal…"

Feeling his lungs seize as the automation attempted to cycle air that never came, he latched on for stability, staring into his eyes with an unchanging expression. Marazhai's pupils had contracted somewhat, revealing more of his iris colouration than could usually be witnessed.

"Remove the obstruction of the air intake and this unit will provide an answer."

With a hiss, he squeezed tighter, presumably then seeing the flaw in demanding answers while inducing a loss of consciousness. Sighing, he released the pipe, permitting a few seconds for him to recalibrate before snatching his hood. Leaning in close, sharp elbows resting on his shoulders in a way that no doubt tore into his robes, flicking the magnification lenses over his optic idly with a sickly tone to his voice. "Now, indulge me. Explain."

Briefly reducing the function of the optic to ignore the irritating distraction, he turned his head enough to compensate and maintain a direct visual contact. "The observation of the x-" he stalled, refiling the name allocation in a way that only seemed fair given context of his impending argument, noting the curiosity masked behind impatience in the face looming close to his own. "-of the unit Marazhai lends to new observational data of the unit Pasqal."

It had captured his focus, if not his approval yet- with a twitch to his eye that eluded to a smirk, he continued his infuriating assault on the magnifiers. "An unusual statement. Elaborate on… 'the unit Pasqal's' observations."

It was hard not to be irritated by the accumilating taunts, encouraging him to employ the division of such emotions from himself. Automatically announcing, "This unit has employed emotional vaulting procedures due to persistent irritating behaviour."

Had he not already removed such feelings, he'd have been annoyed further at the fact Marazhai stopped his fidgeting in response. He could've at least had the courtesy to continue after that effort. "Summary: this unit has taken note of numerous observations contradictory to it's prior stance."

"So-"

Clamping his hand over the impatient Drukhari's mouth to prevent him speaking further, he was consequently reminded of the damage dealt as the two damaged digits hung slack. Despite the damage preventing proper silencing, it enabled the same result with apparent compliance. "The prior stance concluded the teachings of the Biologis to be inferior and misguided, and that of the common attachment to the flesh to be deluded. Flesh could not be refined and moulded in the manner of metal- an inherent degredation and deterioration that cannot hope to compare. With observation…"

Despite his emotional containment, he felt dread. A combination of truth and fear combining to form an abomination assaulting his being, an internal conflict spanning a lifetime that had been entertaining to contemplate until now. Until offering it to a location it may be witnessed. The increasingly bored eyes watching him pressed him to proceed. Taking granular comfort from the nature of the man recieving the discussion and the near impossible threat of a betrayal from him, he continued.

"This unit has observed xenos processes that warrant the maintenance of flesh. Through the application of Drukhari cultural phenomena, there is merit to the study of the flesh."

"What does this mean, iron-"

Snapping, he allowed a static hiss to briefly distort his communication. "Name-calling is beneath you. Demand for cessation, communication will resume once applied." On being met with an exhausted silence that made his pulse deafening, he continued. "The statement was intended to notify an observation of compatibility in practices. This statement is not to be relayed further."

"My, my…" his voice practically purred, "your fear… Is your conviction truly so fragile in such an obscure statement?"

Allowing his eye to close, he bowed his head in a way that caused his hood to slip and obscure Marazhai from his vision. Rapidly, the fear melded into hollowness- if nothing more, he had hoped for the statement to yeild a conversation of interest to merit the risk it posed. Instead, it seemed…

"No- no! What is happening within you? This-" he trailed off in frustration, seeming to struggle articulating his feelings. "Why does your fear retreat in such a manner? Surely you had not hoped I would be pleased with this wittering-"

"It was this unit's belief that, by communicating an alteration in perception of practices, it would convey a keenness for discussion. Academically or recreationally. It would seem this statement is false, it will be logged-"

"You speak in such riddles. If I am forced to to entertain myself in the midst of further droning I will prise those sweet, shrill sounds from you once again-"

"Compliance with will identified. This will be satisfactory."

Somewhat taken aback, he allowed his weight to sway to one hip. "Satisfactory? Do you wish for me to make you scream once again?"

"Keenness to experience, observe and analyse expressed."

"…do you wish to learn from me?"

Taking his broken fingers in the opposite hand, he began inspecting the damage for repair. "An exchange. To learn and to educate."

Scoffing, the Drukhari settled his hands on his hips with an aggressive sneer. "And what could you possibly teach me?"

Extending his hand forward abruptly, he insisted plainly, "Repair." On recieving a confused look and hesitation to comply, he insisted again, "Repair."

"You mistake my intentions and my skill, I-"

"This is the education this unit will provide."

"And why would I allow a creature such as you to learn from me, let alone indulge the concept you could educate me? The nuances of my lifestyle would be lost on a mon-keigh, and there is no knowledge of value that you possess which I do not already know."

Allowing silence and contempt to build, he began the process of repair, returning his hand to primarily functional use- the loss of the spring prevented the flexing of the last knuckle on his index finger, and he mentally logged to locate a replacement for later. By the time he was done, Marazhai was leaning in to watch, some depraved concept visibly concocting in his mind.

"This is the education the unit will provide. Relay, edited: 'The nuances of my lifestyle would be lost on a xenos'. Relay end." Grasping his face with the now repaired digits, he squeezed, pressing the metal into the hollow of his cheek. "Magos is a title and knowledge bestowed to few. Unit Marazhai has previously identified and expressed keenness toward this unit's persistent suffering under the rites of augmentation. Unit Marazhai would learn to better utilise the blessed machine within his… lifestyle."

"If you intend to express yourself as my equal-"

"Equal to or greater than," he hissed, squeezing tightly enough to make him decide: part his jaw or grit his teeth and permit them to be broken. The former was selected, adjoined with a rough shake to pull free- hooking his fingers in Marazhai's mouth, he pinched behind his lower teeth and under his chin to create a steel loop that all but pierced him. Watching his attempts to wrench free at the indignity, biting fruitlessly into metal that would not yeild to mere bone and drooling as he was held, snarling as it was used to pull him down to an even height. "My lifestyle has been earned through the blessings of the Machine God and precise augmentation to craft the body into a unit even the great Marazhai has expressed appreciation and desire for," he spat, allowing a sarcasm protocol to emphasise the 'great'. "To aspire to perfection through agony is to aspire to this unit. You have much to learn. Proposal to begin education: a more satisfying purpose for that ignorant, sharp tongue."

The wording held a significantly more sexual implication than he had intended. Marazhai's eyes lit up on it being expressed- in both desire and amusement, all encapsulated in a desire to taunt. He refused to correct the implication for the risk it would be misconstrude as yeilding. A swift redirection back to the point at hand.

"The proposition is one of equal exchange. It requires mutual cessation of ignorance and mutual acceptance of equal role in varied manner or expression. It requires unit Marazhai learn to repair and maintain this unit in proper fashion and timeliness. It requires unit Pasqal learn to repair and maintain unit Marazhai in proper fashion and timeliness." Leaning closer, he used his free hand to tenderly wipe the line of drool from where it threatened to drip from his sharp jaw. "It includes a bond that, on severing, revokes all access to each unit beyond baseline social protocol. Is the proposition understood?"

Head held still by the grip on his jaw and pride, the resulting nod was felt rather than seen, followed promptly by a tongue openly dragged along the fingers in his mouth in some convoluted statement of… presumably an oddly expressed approval. Perhaps a request to speak. Withdrawing his hand before there was risk of drool seeping between the joints, he offered the opportunity, noting how Marazhai rubbed his jaw and almost hesitantly straightened- not through fear, but through something else. An unusual submissiveness.

"I will say, that was quite the experience. An intriguing proposition too, much akin to arrangements I have had before, although… I retain one question."

"Ask."

"You have not clarified what I am to you in satisfying enough terms."

Nodding, he pressed his fingertips together as he considered the best way to conclude what he had struggled to articulate. "You inspire curiosity for this unit's flesh, in ways that had been previously unrealised. In this way, in the parallells to the state of xenos, you are my flesh. A thing containing many marvels and yet neglected for a not insigificant quantity of time, now entering a period of research where it may be better enjoyed and appreciated. …does this satisfy your question?"

Seeming lost in contemplation for a moment, he finally returned to the conversation with a smirk. "Only if I am permitted to truly indulge us in our mutual education, Magos."

[technovillain]

Do you have any characterization thibgs that won't make it into the story?(little things like fears, anxieties, favorite things to do, favorite people, things they do when their relaxed/chilling out etc) I rlly love giving characters little quirks or background buzz but it dosent always make it into comics because of the plot/medium/etc so I'm curious!

OHH yes this is something I love doing!! A few of them have slowly become things that are lightly mentioned in the story because I got attached to them but yes!

I've written a lot about Calvin's family, and as far as I know, most of that will ever make it into the comic save for what was mentioned there in the end of Ep6 and another one-off mention I've put in Ep10. You can read into his family drama by following links through character relationships on the Wykowski family's toyhouse pages. [link] I also decided he has a weird hobby where instead of going to therapy, he makes weird abstract paintings about his feelings and then throws them in the trash. I will never show those in the comic lol.

Mina has made friendship bracelets/jewelry for her whole family. She's good at the metalwork/knot-tying/resin work involved in it. I was originally going to include these on her sibs and one on Ed too, but the outfits they ended up wearing would cover them. She also has an interest in sociology and psychology and has taken a number of digital courses on them recently, paid for thanks to her internship with Umbers Inc.

Edwin has a hobby involving classifying plants. It isn't really scientific classification per se. He has his own complicated system that only makes sense to him, but he'd love to try and explain it to you. He also is a huge fan of all things food (thus him being very overzealous ordering food in Ep4) despite not being able to eat food. Sometimes he will use disposable income to try and cook in his apartment. It is...questionable at best because he has to work on flavor alone and has no sense for texture. His dream would be for everyone to describe everything they are eating in great detail to him.

[cynoceph]

Cyno/Crocutacephali Spec Bio/Spec Anthropology

First, some context:

On the term "cynocephali";

I feel like the general label of "cynocephali" for the people is acceptable, regardless of whether the head is dog-like, hyena-like, wolf-like... It's more of a morphological classification meant to assist in understanding of us HERE than a genetic classification. So, within the people, heads that look like dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, hyenas, dholes, wild dogs... anything that we here would look at and say "yeah, that's vaguely dog-shaped", regardless of if it would genetically classify as canis lupus familiaris or not. Because, ultimately, the people I am from are NOT dogs, not how we here understand dogs. They aren't related to dogs of our world. They're their own thing. Thus, I may just default to using cynocephali/cynocephalic, but my own appearance would be more of a hyena than that of a dog.

What do I mean "here" and "not here"?;

I've said in at least one other post, my otherness is NOT a past-life thing, it is spiritual. I do not have memories of a past life, and I've never felt as if that was something for me to pursue. What I DO think is the case is that my people are not of this world. Not necessarily in the sense of "aliens on another planet" so much as I think they are of a different, parallel reality. They are not of here, regardless of how far across our universe we travel. They are of another plane. Another time, maybe.

I felt like those two points were important bits of context for the rest of my thoughts, which I'll put under the read-more. Or, you can read it on wordpress here. Be forewarned, this is quite lengthy.

(Above: A cynocephalus. From the Nuremberg Chronicle (1493), yoinked from Wikipedia's page on Cynocephaly)

Common depictions of cynocephali from here/this reality aren't too far off, though they tend to not include the body hair and other key aspects of biology.

Overall, the cynocephali appear similar to humans, aside from the head of course. The body is bipedal, with skin visible, though there is more body hair than one would find on the average human. The body hair seems to be somewhat coarse, but is usually fairly straight, and the texture doesn't really differ on different parts of the body. It's consistent with the hair/fur on the head. Skin varies in color, usually congruent with the fur - darker furred cynocephali having darker skin, lighter fur having lighter skin, etc.

Key differences in the body from humans, apart from the body hair, would be in the nails and the tail. Cynocephali seem to retain a tail, though it is less prominent than on an animal. The fur there is denser than on the body, but not quite to the extent that it would be on a dog. Denser towards the tip, more sparse the closer to the body it gets. Similarly, the body hair gets more dense the closer it gets to the head.

For the nails, they resemble human finger/toe nails, but are usually more hard and thicker. Not quite claws, but closer to claws than thin human fingernails.

Cynocephali CAN speak. The language tends to sound more... rough? Their vocal chords aren't quite like humans', thus the language has a more "growling" quality. Non-word sounds are common, too. A blend of word-based language and sound-based, as well as physical/non-verbal communication. Ear posture, teeth, etc.

Relatedly, the language is not just spoken; cynocephali have written language as well, which leads more into the culture.

I think the closest culture we have here in this world that could make a good parallel would be some blend of Ancient Rome/Egypt and what is commonly viewed about Medieval times? Some middle ground between the two. Written language, spoken language, agriculture and farming, animal husbandry, religion, war, art... We don't have the tech of this place. Tools aren't "crude", they're not "stone age" type of things. There's simple metalworking, clay and stone, textile arts... A parallel to humanity, though certainly not identical. I'm hazy still on much of the detail.

The culture is different, too. The social structure isn't the same. Religion seems fairly big and omnipresent. I don't think there's kings/monarchs/etc, I think it's a largely priest-run society. Very communal. Not to say it's all peaceful, but very community oriented.

(Warning: pregnancy loss, death, and body processing mentioned below)

They mummify their dead. This bit I know from a dream. It was like I was looking in through someone else's eyes, acting through them. I was with a man with the head of a black dog - my Father. I don't know that it was the memory of someone else, I think it was more a glimpse into what could have been. Father was a priest, tasked with preparing the bodies. Someone in the town had lost her litter of pups, I think from sickness in the womb. They were stillborn, and they were so... tiny. Tiny, perfect looking little pups with the body resembling a human infant and itty bitty little puppy heads. They hadn't even gotten to open their eyes yet. There were three or four of them, I can't quite recall, I had this dream almost a decade ago.

We had to open up their tummies and remove their organs. Clean them off, clean them out, so that we could preserve them. I can't recall what we preserved them with, but they were so small that we buried them in clay jars, akin to this world's Egyptian canopic jars. It was heartbreaking to see such small babies that hadn't even gotten to live, but the reverence and love with which we prepared them... the dead are loved by my people, deeply. I think ancestor reverence is a major part of the culture. Their mother loved them so much... I wish she had gotten to raise them...

Being the child of a priest is a major responsibility; a huge honor, but a heavy thing to bear, as the whole community depends on the priests.

Maybe that's why Mother and Father put me here instead...? Maybe this is to prepare me for my role later...? Humans are often cruel, and I've seen things I wish I hadn't. But maybe that's the burden of a priest; to see reality - to see other realities - and to live with the knowledge that brings. That's less about the species and more about my own journey, admittedly, but it's making me think.

Regardless, I'll make more posts as more comes to light, but this is what I have thus far.

[flowers-in-the-wasteland]

Character Profile: Izumi Sena

Character Inspiration: Ballad of Spring Tales

Classification: Ribbon Flower Spirit

Biography:

Many years ago, before corruption touched the island, Izumi roamed around doing whatever he pleased. One day, a man who could see Spirits and was entranced by his beauty sealed him in a terrarium. Izumi has only grown weaker over the years, passed into Shu's care. He longs to see the world, but his weakness is a problem...

Relationships:

Shu: He cannot communicate directly with Shu, so other Spirits act as his occasional company and relay messages. Izumi was there while the mansion was being built and remained trapped when Shu confessed he could not make an appropriate body.

Mika: While conversations are short, Izumi would rather have some company than no company. He's taken to teasing Mika just to see how he reacts, otherwise the interactions would be much too bland. He's been bored for so long, after all.

Midori: While the two meet later on, Midori is the only one that could possibly be willing to have Izumi around and not be immediately corrupted while traveling. Though the two's relationship is tense, they're making progress. Not that they have a choice.

Just a year before Izumi was sealed away, he met a Doll gifted in metalwork. The two met up frequently and spoke about the city and swords the Doll made. Though Izumi was sealed away unexpectedly without a goodbye, and it has since been about 30 years.

[starlordsonu]

Door 🚪 Handle The Collection Asian ArtHandle with Intertwined FiguresNepal (Kathmandu Valley)13th centuryThis elaborate openwork handle for a ritual vessel is composed of a five intertwined nagas, snake deities charged with the protection of the earth’s waters and its riches. The nagas appear with human torsos, snake hoods, jewels, crowns, and extended snakes bodies. As this handle likely formed part of vessel for ritual lustration, naga imagery would be highly propitious.Title: Handle with Intertwined FiguresPeriod: early Malla periodDate: 13th centuryCulture: Nepali Hindu, Country: Nepal 🇳🇵 (Kathmandu Valley)Medium: Copper alloyDimensions: H. 6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm); Gr. W. 1 9/16 in. (4 cm)Classification: Metalwork.

[atplblog]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] Product Description About Us: INDIAN DECOR is a trusted name in the manufacturing of high-quality furniture and metalworks, catering to a diverse range of industries. Since our inception in 2018, we have been committed to delivering innovative, durable, and functional solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our expertise lies in working with metal and stainless steel materials, making us a preferred partner for hospitals, restaurants, residential projects, and industrial applications. 【Orderly Classification】The countertop microwave shelf can be flexibly divided into areas, so that kitchen appliances and seasoning supplies are stored in separate areas, making the kitchen space neat and uniform. 【Strong and Durable】High quality material makes the structure stable and not shaky. All-around spraying coating process, not afraid of soot and dirt resistance, easy to clean. 【Flexible Design】This microwave rack is equipped with two removable spice rack, which can be placed left, right, up and down according to the use habits, so that it can be taken more smoothly. includes with 6 hooks, easy to hang scissors, gloves and other kitchen supplies. 【Retractable Design】Left and right retractable and two adjustable height, suitable for most kitchen appliances. Make space is not limited, more efficient and convenient. [ad_2]

[literaturereviewhelp]

Other art classification includes the Gothic art as well as Byzantine art. The medieval art in Europe was influenced by the heritage of the Roman Empire and other iconographic traditions. It was produced in many media and remains in large numbers including sculpture, illuminated manuscript and stained glass. Other artwork in the era includes metalwork and mosaics which has a higher survival rate compared to other arts that were developed before the era. In fact, the art was maintained over the years because of the base and the material used in the process. The source of the art was mixed and included the vigorous barbarian artistic culture of the northern Europe (Johnson, 2005, p. 36). The medieval art is marked with the elements of classical, early Christian and barbarian art. The formal aspects of the art are borrowed from the classical art approach while the continuous depiction of realism in the art is an indication of the survival through the Byzantine art. It also combines the energetic decorative element especially when evaluating the Western Europe medieval art. The period ended with the renaissance recovery of the skills and the maintenance of the values of the classical art. the impression left by the surviving art of the Medieval era is always believe to be religious but the truth is that the early medieval art was rare and contained costly objects attached to it. The middle ages lacked the concept of preserving the older works for their artistic merit but focused on the retention of the art based on their association with a saint or a founding figure. The medieval art was characterized by the religious subject matter. Most of the art focused on the religious figures and illustrated the impact of religion on art. The important figures in the art were displayed in large fonts and size while the non-important items were displayed in small sizes (Kessler, 2004, p. 23). In addition, the images appeared stiff with Read the full article

[chemanalystdata]

Triethanolamine Prices, News, Trend, Graph, Chart, Monitor and Forecast

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a versatile chemical compound widely used in industries such as cosmetics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and metalworking fluids. The pricing dynamics of triethanolamine are influenced by various factors, including raw material costs, supply-demand fluctuations, geopolitical influences, and regulatory changes. As the global economy continues to evolve, understanding the price trends of triethanolamine is crucial for businesses and stakeholders involved in its production and consumption.

The price of triethanolamine is largely dictated by the cost of its primary raw materials, ethylene oxide and ammonia. Ethylene oxide, a crucial precursor in TEA production, is subject to market volatility driven by crude oil prices, production constraints, and shifts in demand across different sectors. Any fluctuation in ethylene oxide pricing directly impacts triethanolamine production costs, leading to variations in market prices. Additionally, ammonia, another essential feedstock, is influenced by natural gas prices and seasonal demand shifts in the agricultural sector. When the costs of these raw materials rise, TEA manufacturers often pass on the increased expenses to buyers, thereby raising market prices.

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Supply and demand play a significant role in determining triethanolamine prices. The chemical industry experiences cyclical variations, with periods of high demand leading to price surges and phases of oversupply causing price declines. The growing applications of TEA in the cosmetics and personal care industry have been a major driver of demand, particularly in regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. With consumers increasingly favoring high-quality personal care products, the demand for triethanolamine-based formulations continues to grow, sustaining upward pressure on prices. Similarly, the pharmaceutical sector's expansion, driven by rising healthcare needs, has contributed to TEA demand, further influencing pricing trends. On the supply side, production capacities of major manufacturers, plant shutdowns for maintenance, and disruptions in raw material availability significantly impact the market. Any unplanned outages or regulatory restrictions can lead to supply shortages, subsequently driving prices higher.

Geopolitical factors also exert considerable influence on triethanolamine pricing. Trade restrictions, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions among major chemical-producing nations affect the global supply chain, leading to price volatility. The imposition of tariffs on raw materials or finished products can increase production costs, compelling manufacturers to adjust their pricing strategies. Additionally, disruptions in global trade routes, such as port congestion and transportation challenges, can create supply chain bottlenecks, further influencing price movements. Economic conditions, including inflation rates and currency fluctuations, also play a role in determining the affordability and competitiveness of TEA in different markets.

The regulatory landscape surrounding triethanolamine usage and production significantly impacts its market prices. Governments worldwide have implemented stringent regulations regarding chemical safety, environmental impact, and occupational health standards. Compliance with these regulations often requires manufacturers to invest in advanced production technologies and sustainable practices, adding to operational costs. The shift toward greener and more eco-friendly chemicals has led to increased research and development efforts in alternative formulations, potentially impacting the long-term price trends of triethanolamine. Additionally, changes in classification standards by regulatory bodies such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can influence the overall market outlook.

Regional variations in triethanolamine pricing are evident due to differences in production capacities, consumption patterns, and economic conditions. Asia-Pacific, being a major hub for chemical manufacturing, typically experiences lower production costs due to economies of scale and readily available raw materials. Countries like China and India play a dominant role in TEA production and export, often setting the tone for global price trends. In contrast, North America and Europe, where environmental regulations and labor costs are higher, tend to have relatively elevated prices for triethanolamine. Additionally, regional demand variations, such as higher consumption in personal care products in Europe or increased usage in the construction sector in the United States, contribute to localized pricing trends.

The impact of sustainability initiatives and technological advancements on triethanolamine pricing is becoming more pronounced. With growing concerns over environmental sustainability, many manufacturers are exploring bio-based alternatives and greener production methods for TEA. While these initiatives align with global sustainability goals, they also involve significant research and development investments, which may affect market prices in the short term. Furthermore, advancements in production efficiency, improved catalysts, and process optimization techniques are helping manufacturers achieve cost reductions, potentially stabilizing prices in the long run.

The future outlook for triethanolamine prices remains subject to multiple influencing factors, including market demand, regulatory changes, and raw material cost fluctuations. The continued expansion of end-user industries, particularly cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications, is expected to sustain demand growth. However, uncertainties in the global economy, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulatory frameworks could contribute to price volatility. Businesses operating in the triethanolamine market must closely monitor these factors to make informed purchasing and production decisions.

Strategic sourcing and supply chain management have become critical for companies relying on triethanolamine. To mitigate price risks, businesses are increasingly diversifying their supplier base, securing long-term contracts, and exploring alternative raw materials. Additionally, leveraging digital technologies and data analytics to forecast price trends and optimize procurement strategies can provide a competitive edge in the market. By staying informed about market developments, businesses can navigate price fluctuations effectively and maintain cost efficiency in their operations.

Triethanolamine's price trends are shaped by a combination of supply-demand dynamics, raw material costs, geopolitical influences, and regulatory factors. As industries continue to evolve, understanding these pricing determinants is essential for stakeholders seeking to optimize their procurement and production strategies. With sustainability, technological advancements, and global economic conditions playing an increasing role in shaping the market, businesses must adapt to changing circumstances to remain competitive. By closely monitoring market trends and adopting strategic approaches, companies can effectively manage price fluctuations and ensure long-term sustainability in their operations.

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[adityacmi]

Base Oil Market Key Insights: Global Trends and Growth Forecasts by 2031

The global base oil market was valued at USD 21.24 billion in 2022. It is projected to grow from USD 22.76 billion in 2023 to USD 48.82 billion by 2031, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.92% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Overview of the Base Oil Market

The global base oil market is on a robust growth trajectory, driven by increasing demand for high-performance lubricants across various industries. Base oils, the primary ingredients in lubricants, play a crucial role in the formulation of oils used for automotive, industrial, and metalworking applications. As industrial activity ramps up worldwide and the automotive sector continues its evolution, base oils are expected to experience heightened demand in the coming years.

In 2022, the base oil market was valued at USD 21.24 billion and is forecasted to expand to USD 48.82 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.92%. This growth is attributed to the increasing industrialization in emerging markets, rising demand for advanced lubricants, and a greater focus on energy-efficient solutions.

Market Definition

Base oils are refined from crude oil and used as the foundation for creating lubricants, oils, and other products, such as hydraulic fluids, metalworking fluids, and automotive oils. The classification of base oils is determined by their performance properties, with each type offering specific benefits based on application requirements. As key raw materials for a range of applications, base oils are essential to maintaining the smooth operation of machinery and vehicles.

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Market Dynamics: Key Trends, Drivers, and Opportunities

Key Trends:

Growing Adoption of Synthetic and High-Performance Oils: There is an increasing shift toward synthetic and high-performance base oils, particularly Group III and Group IV oils, which offer better oxidation stability, improved low-temperature performance, and longer-lasting protection for engines and industrial machinery. This trend is expected to accelerate as consumers and industries alike seek more efficient and durable oils.

Integration of Green and Sustainable Technologies: As environmental concerns continue to rise, there is a growing emphasis on the development of eco-friendly and sustainable base oils. The industry is witnessing innovations in bio-based oils and processes that use renewable feedstocks, reducing the overall carbon footprint of oil production and usage. This shift aligns with global sustainability goals and is likely to enhance market prospects.

Key Market Drivers:

Industrial Growth and Expansion in Emerging Markets: The expansion of industrial activities in emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, is one of the primary drivers for the base oil market. Rapid infrastructure development, increased manufacturing capacity, and growing demand for automotive lubricants are propelling the need for high-quality base oils. As industrial production ramps up, base oils will continue to be in high demand for applications ranging from hydraulic oils to industrial lubricants.

Technological Advancements in Lubricants and Oils: Advancements in lubricant technology, especially the demand for more energy-efficient and high-performance oils in automotive and industrial applications, are significantly driving the base oil market. Group II and Group III base oils, known for their superior properties, are gaining popularity due to their enhanced performance in high-temperature environments and longer service life.

Key Market Opportunities:

Expanding Automotive Sector and Electric Vehicle Production: As the automotive sector continues to grow, especially in emerging economies, the demand for lubricants is increasing. Additionally, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) presents a unique opportunity for the base oil market. Even though electric vehicles require fewer oils and lubricants, the growing market for hybrid and electric vehicles will necessitate a shift toward specialized lubricants, creating new opportunities for base oil manufacturers.

Rising Demand for Metalworking Fluids and Hydraulic Oils: Base oils used in metalworking fluids, industrial oils, and hydraulic fluids represent a significant opportunity for market growth. As industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing expand, the demand for high-performance industrial oils and lubricants is rising, offering strong growth prospects for the base oil market.

Market Segmentation

The base oil market is segmented based on type, application, and end-user industry. This segmentation helps understand the market's diverse needs and the opportunities available across various sectors.

By Type:

Group I

Group II

Group III

Group IV

Group V

By Application:

Hydraulic Oil

Automotive Fluid

Metalworking Fluids

Industrial Oil

Other

By End-User:

Industry

Construction

Automobile

Agriculture

Marine

Other

For more detailed segmentation and insights, visit: https://straitsresearch.com/report/base-oil-market/segmentation

Key Players in the Base Oil Market

The base oil market is highly competitive, with several global players leading the way in product innovation, capacity expansion, and market consolidation. The key players in the market include:

Royal Dutch Shell PLC

Exxon Mobil Corporation

H&R Ölwerke Schindler GmbH

Chevron Corporation

BP plc

Saudi Arabian Oil Co.

Petronas Pvt. Ltd.

Evonik Industries AG

Ergon Inc.

Nynas AB

Total S.A.

SK Lubricants Co. Ltd

S-Oil Corporation

Sinopec Group

Repsol S.A.

PetroChina Company Limited

Neste Oil

MOGoil GmbH

Lotos Oil SP. Z O.O.

GS Caltex Corporation

Calumet Specialty Products Partners Lp

Avista Oil AG

These companies are focusing on expanding their production capabilities, enhancing product quality, and exploring new geographic markets to tap into the growing demand for high-performance base oils.

Regional Analysis

Dominated Region: The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for base oils, driven by the rapid industrialization in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region's booming automotive and manufacturing sectors, along with increasing infrastructure projects, are fueling the demand for base oils in various applications, such as automotive lubricants, industrial oils, and hydraulic fluids.

Fastest Growing Region: North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region for the base oil market. The U.S. and Canada are focusing on sustainable technologies and improving automotive and industrial production. Additionally, the rising demand for high-performance lubricants and oils is driving market growth in this region.

Conclusion

The base oil market is poised for significant growth, driven by industrial expansion, technological advancements, and the increasing need for high-performance lubricants. With a projected CAGR of 4.92%, the market is set to reach USD 48.82 billion by 2031. As demand grows across various industries, particularly in emerging markets, base oil manufacturers are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities in the automotive, industrial, and metalworking sectors.

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[chemwhat]

IdentificationPhysical DataSpectraRoute of Synthesis (ROS)Safety and HazardsOther Data Identification Product NameTRIETHANOLAMINE BORATEMolecular StructureCAS Registry Number 15277-97-1Synonyms15277-97-1Triethanolamine monoborate10049-36-22-ethanol;boric acidBoric acid triethanolamine salt (1:1)Boric acid, triethanolamine saltTriethanolaminoborate68413-80-9EINECS 233-175-9EINECS 270-252-6Orthoboric acid, compound with 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanolSCHEMBL272394BN (CUTTING LUBRICANT)DTXSID70893103HJVAFZMYQQSPHF-UHFFFAOYSA-NTRIETHANOLAMINE BORATE (SALT)AKOS030228372AS-44365NS00091637A11467Q27260402BORIC ACID (H3BO3), CMPD. WITH 2,2',2''-NITRILOTRIS(ETHANOL) (1:3)Molecular FormulaC6H18BNO6 Molecular Weight211.02InChIInChI=1S/C6H15NO3.BH3O3/c8-4-1-7(2-5-9)3-6-10;2-1(3)4/h8-10H,1-6H2;2-4HInChI KeyHJVAFZMYQQSPHF-UHFFFAOYSA-NIsomeric SMILESB(O)(O)O.C(CO)N(CCO)CCO  Physical Data AppearanceWhite crystal Spectra Description (NMR Spectroscopy)Nucleus (NMR Spectroscopy)Solvents (NMR Spectroscopy)Temperature (NMR Spectroscopy), °C Frequency (NMR Spectroscopy), MHzChemical shifts1Hchloroform-d1500Chemical shifts13Cchloroform-d112511Bchloroform-d12513Cchloroform-d1251Hchloroform-d125Chemical shifts1Hchloroform-d1400Chemical shifts13Cchloroform-d1100.6 Route of Synthesis (ROS) Route of Synthesis (ROS) of TRIETHANOLAMINE BORATE CAS 15277-97-1 ConditionsYieldWith aluminum (III) chloride; Triethoxysilane In 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene for 4h; Inert atmosphere; Reflux;Experimental Procedure1 Synthesis of Silatrane Via BoratraneTo an oven-dried, argon-flushed 100 mL flask containing boratrane (5 mmol) in mixed xylenes (40 mL), was added triethoxysilane (6 mmol) and anhydrous AlCl3 (0.05 mmol). The reaction was refluxed over 4 h and then cooled to room temperature. The resulting solids were filtered and further recrystallized from xylene to give silatrane as white fibrous crystals. The experimental data collected are in agreement with those described in the literature. 88%. 1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): δ=3.94 (s, 1H), 3.83 (t, J =6 Hz, 6H), 2.89 (t, J =6 Hz, 6H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl3) 57.2, 51.2. IR (ATR) 2975, 2936, 2886, 2087, 1487, 1457, 1347, 1268, 1090, 1047, 1020, 926, 860, 748, 630, 591.88% Safety and Hazards Pictogram(s)SignalDangerGHS Hazard StatementsH315 (29.9%): Causes skin irritation H318 (43.7%): Causes serious eye damage H319 (29.9%): Causes serious eye irritation H335 (28.7%): May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statement CodesP261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501(The corresponding statement to each P-code can be found at the GHS Classification page.) Other Data TransportationUnder the room temperature and away from lightHS CodeStorageUnder the room temperature and away from lightShelf Life1 yearMarket Price DruglikenessLipinski rules componentMolecular Weight156.977logPHBA4HBD0Matching Lipinski Rules3Veber rules componentPolar Surface Area (PSA)27.69Rotatable Bond (RotB)0Matching Veber Rules2 Use PatternTriethanolamine borate CAS 15277-97-1 is a compound formed by the reaction of triethanolamine and boric acid. Acts as a corrosion inhibitor, preventing metal corrosion in machining fluids. Enhances lubrication and extreme-pressure properties, improving the performance of metalworking fluids and extending equipment lifespan. Serves as an extreme-pressure additive in lubricants, reducing friction and wear between metal surfaces. Improves antioxidant and anti-corrosion properties in coolants, protecting system pipelines and equipment. Read the full article

[safaaaas]

Global Vises Market Trends and Growth Opportunities in 2024 to 2034

The Vises market report offered by Reports Intellect is meant to serve as a helpful means to evaluate the market together with an exhaustive scrutiny and crystal-clear statistics linked to this market. The report consists of the drivers and restraints of the Vises Market accompanied by their impact on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of prospects available in the market on a global level.

With tables and figures helping evaluate the Global Vises market, this research offers key statistics on the state of the industry and is a beneficial source of guidance and direction for companies and entities interested in the market. This report comes along with an additional Excel data-sheet suite taking quantitative data from all numeric forecasts offered in the study.

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Key players offered in the market: OMIL OK-VISE SAV Workholding and Automation GEORG KESEL Jergens Fresmak Carminati Morse Snc Wenzhou Tripod Instrument Manufacturing Jesan Kovo

Additionally, it takes account of the prominent players of the Vises market with insights including market share, product specifications, key strategies, contact details, and company profiles. Similarly, the report involves the market computed CAGR of the market created on previous records regarding the market and existing market trends accompanied by future developments. It also divulges the future impact of enforcing regulations and policies on the expansion of the Vises Market.

Scope and Segmentation of the Vises Market

The estimates for all segments including type and application/end-user have been provided on a regional basis for the forecast period from 2024 to 2034. We have applied a mix of bottom-up and top-down methods for market estimation, analyzing the crucial regional markets, dynamics, and trends for numerous applications. Moreover, the fastest & slowest growing market segments are pointed out in the study to give out significant insights into each core element of the market.

Vises Market Type Coverage: - Mechanical Hydraulic Pneumatic

Vises Market Application Coverage: - Metalworking Woodworking

Regional Analysis:

North America Country (United States, Canada) South America Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea) Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy) Other Countries (Middle East, Africa, GCC)

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[halfbakedspuds]

I guess I should probably explain the magic system in Echoes of Shadows. Here goes then:

Clarification

So to start off: Magic and Sorcery aren't remotely the same thing.

Magic is more natural, an ability you are born with which still mostly follows the laws of the universe (matter/energy cannot be created or destroyed, the speed of light as it exists in a vacuum must be obeyed, e=mc², thermodynamics, yada yada)

Sorcery, on the other hand, involves using rituals, cantrips and sacrifices to draw on the power of some or other dark god to directly affect the world around you, and is mostly believed to be the stuff of fairy tales by anyone except for conspiracy theorists and people who have something to do with the umderground.

A little context

No one in-universe fully understands how or why magic works, but it has been observed that understanding correlates with power. As an example: the more intimately that a fireworker (A mage with control of fire and temperature) understands how heat is transferred and how combustion works, the finer and more potent their control of it will be. As a result, more educated individuals tend to also have a much higher chance of manifesting magical abilities.

This has led to a rather controversial theory among the scientific community that magic is an evolutionary adaptation to something that no longer affects humanity, and that every human has an untraceable amount of control over everything around them from birth which can be cultivated into usable magic with age.

Magic requires no study of arcane works or the memorisation of spells; just practice, understanding, and some luck-of-the-draw. The wealth of human knowledge which has suddenly become widely accessible after the industrial revolution is thought to be the reason that some 45% - 50% of the population can use magic contemporary to the book, whereas it was only about every one in every half a million people for centuries before.

Classification

Mages are classified by their 'dominion' (what they have control over) followed by the word "-worker". Ergo, a 'Bioworker' has control over biological processes, a 'Metalworker' has control over metals, and a 'Matterworker' (as rare as they are) has control over all matter at an atomic level.

Generally, the more vague your classification or the more that is included in it, the more powerful you are, (A Stormworker is considered more powerful than a Windworker or a Thunderworker since they have control over the dominions of both of the others).

Mages are ranked into orders based on their dominion, starting at order one (noticeable magic but to a useless degree) and going up as high as is needed for each specific case. The average mage falls at around order four or five, although the occasional order eight does exist (Sasha Devin who managed to temporarily bring spring to an entire Rostovan Oblast, as an example) and there is exactly one documented order twelve in history (General Artyom Maxim, a matterworker who is best known for accidentally causing the first- and only- thermonuclear detonation in this world)

Another documented phenomena is that Adrenaline tends to kick a mage's order up by several degrees, and it's not unheard of for someone that needs to strain in order to just slightly move a coin being capable of throwing a traincar at someone if their life is in danger.

Dominions also tend to bleed together substantially, and many abilities exist in a sort of grey zone between one dominion and another (Using an example from the book itself, Johan is a Metalworker who on more than one occasion manages to leech the iron from someone's blood, which is moreso a bioworker ability), so people tend to be classified more so for what they are most capable of controlling.

Public perception

Although there was a time in recent history when witch-hunts were still perpetuated, most of the world has calmed down.

The former new-world colonies such as Neureich, Mejilla, Ost-Rietland, and Zuurveldt believe that if we do not envy a carpenter their ability to work with wood when we cannot, or kill them for their skill, then what sense is there in doing so to a mage with a unique skill to offer society?

Mejilla actually has a roughly 92% magic capable population just because of how many mages fled there during the witch hunts. This is the highest magic-capable to magic-incapable ratio on the planet.

In Rostov, conscription is mandatory for any mage over the age of eighteen and higher than order three because they are seen as a great asset to their country thanks to their power.

In Tuitis, the witch-hunts still continue under the rather paradoxical belief that although many people are capable of magic, it is a sin to use it, and is deserving of a worse punishment than even murder would incur.

[blueiscoool]

Roman Faience Skyphos with a Pomegranate Branch in Relief

Roman · 1st century A.D.

The skyphos has a high cylindrical body with a straight wall, supported by a small circular foot, which was probably modeled separately and attached before firing. The two ring-shaped handles are surmounted by a horizontal thumb-piece that forms a kind of extension of the lip; it facilitates and stabilizes the handling of the vessel.

The decoration in relief (probably made using the technique of terra sigillata) includes a single repeating motif on both faces: a long sinuous branch with pointed leaves and circular fruits, in which archaeologists recognize either small pomegranates or myrtle berries. As on many vessels made of precious metal, of which this skyphos is a beautiful imitation, the use of plant branches for decoration is not rare; among the plants most frequently represented are the olive, the wild grape, and the oak. A symbolic meaning is often sought to explain them: the pomegranate, the fruit of Aphrodite, was a symbol of fertility; the myrtle, which served for the crown of a bride, was not only linked to marriage and fecundity, but was also given to underground deities and deposited in tombs during burial rites. The presence of these plants, however, might have simply been a response to an aesthetic problem, especially since these flora were so widespread in the Mediterranean world. Skyphoi are among the most documented forms of glazed terra-cotta in the workshops of Asia Minor.

Thanks to its excellent state of preservation and its fine technical and artistic qualities, this piece is an outstanding example. According to the classification of A. Hochuli-Gysel, it belongs to skyphoi of type 1a—characterized by the rounded and more slender outline of the lower part—and would be a production of a micro-Asiatic workshop based, perhaps, in Tarsus. It can be dated to the early imperial period. The ancient Near Eastern technique of adding leaded glaze to a previously fired terra-cotta vessel was adopted by several workshops in Asia Minor toward the end of the Hellenistic period. The process required a second firing to fix the glaze. This method was certainly used since it allowed a better imitation of vessels in precious metal than did the usual black figure pottery; among the most commonly attested forms, most were borrowed from the repertory of metalworking, for example, the skyphos, oinochoe, or kantharos. In the early imperial period, the competition of glass, an easy-to-work material and available everywhere, and easily reusable, prevented glazed pottery from achieving great commercial success, despite qualitatively good results and widespread distribution.

[kryptsune]

World Building Wednesday! ~Felldritch

🌼I got a request to do a WBW for Felldritch and since there have been updates to the overall world and lore I wanted to make sure this was all in a nice little package! If you have questions and want to learn more let me know the ask box is always open!  So let's get started! Oh and here is a link to the fic! FELLDRITCH

Felldritch

Classification: HorrorFELL

Cult ��Alternate “Nicknames”:

Red: Saw Boss: Corvus

Gaster: Sephtis

Asriel: Saber Toriel: Ameria

Asgore: Kirnon

Undyne: Ryx Alphys: Vesh Muffet: Carmilla Grillby: Noire MTT: Faust

Doggo: Croix

Riverperson: Bastet (Tet)

Main Plot Synop: Felldritch takes place after a pacifist run by Frisk. The story briefly goes as follows. Frisk ends up in the Underworld (Underground) and befriends the monsters and wants to set them free. It is basically a way watered down version of WTU in essence. Once reaching the end of her journey the monsters refuse to let her be that final soul. They would rather wait and figure out something else but with her Determination she promises to return to them and set them free. At this point in time she is around 18-19. Asriel sacrifices himself to that end to see her leave through the barrier only for the humans to capture the poor girl after she leaves. They conclude that she is not mentally stable due to her insistence that monsters are real and throw her into an asylum/sanitarium to be “treated”. Nearly 5+ years later and she manages to escape finding herself once again in the Underworld only it is far different from what she remembers. At this point, she is questioning whether anything is real or not. After being “treated” for so long she doesn’t quite know which reality is the true one. As Red (aka Saw) points out:

The Brothers: 

Red: The younger brother of the two. His attachment to Frisk stems into more of a relationship though he blames himself for loosing her all those years ago. This psychological state causes him to throw himself into the problem that is befalling their world. At first nothing seems to combat this intrusive forest and horrifying beasts but he learns to utilize his magic in a different way. Prior to this he is what one would think of a a Red type but after meeting Frisk he promises to not only change his heart but also the hearts of others. Instead of destructive magical ability he follows in his brothers footsteps and takes up healing practice. 

In the world he is known as the merchant, the one that tends to give out healing items in exchange for coin but the bulk of his business relies on talismans or charms to ward off the evil plaguing their home. As far as they all know these magically infused charms are powerful and have incredible protective capabilities. He runs a wagon that travels around the entire Underworld.

In the current timeline he more sympathetic and empathetic. The concept of Kill or be Killed is no longer a factor. This is mainly about survival and for the most part the other monsters are aware that working together is their best option though their heightened paranoia (validly founded btw) makes it difficult sometimes. His personality is lighthearted on the surface, making jokes, and being a good guy. In a way he reminds me of Jester who tries not to dwell on what is going on but is fully aware of the situation. Red wears a blindfold in public to keep up appearances but he has no vision or eye light problems.

Boss: After Frisk’s departure from the Underworld, Boss, takes her words to heart. Unlike the majority of Fell Pap characterization he is very soft. When he feels his brother no longer needs his guidance he begins to feel purposeless until he learns that like his brother he has the magical ability for healing. As Red is the charm merchant of the two, Boss is the apothecary. His design harkens to plague doctors back in the 17th century. He grows all his own herbs and spices but he is particularly fond of tea. He also wears a blindfold just like Red but unlike Red he does in fact have damage to his left eye socket where the teal color of his eye lights no longer inhabits. 

The two combined help their fellow monsters as much as they can but in a world of uncertainty how are you supposed to know who to trust? 

Frisk’s Mental Demons: The psychological toll on Frisk is great as she has been told constantly that she made up her time in the Underworld in order to shut herself away into a fantasy world. A world where she had a family… where she is loved and wanted. This happens frequently as the “Doctors” continuously try to refute her experiences or sensations medically.  Every time she goes to sleep in the Underworld she ends up back at the Asylum tied down kicking and screaming. 

She only wakes up again when she is sedated. Rinse and repeat. The question is… is it real? Or rather which is real. The doctors go on to state that her dark state of mind twisted her original concept behind her “family” making them this eldritch styled horror. He also goes onto explain that the reason she is so drawn and close to Red is that it is her “flirting with death”. That she is accepting that outcome because if she continues to resist treatment she will die and the moment she trusts him in her “fantasy” that will be the end. These kinds of situations happen a lot.

There are also instances when the lines between real and fiction are blurred as Frisk's behavior consists apparently of defensive aggression, auditory, visual, and olfactory hallucination, acute paranoia, anxiety, and PTSD. One such example of this is her apparent psychiatrist, Dr. Cyrus Reycroft, who happens to have an uncanny resemblance to her skeletal friend if he was human. 

The Beasts: Felldritch plays off Eldritch horror aka the fear of the unknown. As Frisk reunites with Red she is subjected to a rather concerning conversation in which he explains the situation they are in. He mentions having crossed into an upside down broken and colorless world which drew both himself and his older brother into. It is implied that the two stepped into a dimensional space that was able to then afflict those within their own dimension. Over time the inhabitants begin to go missing and great otherworldly hellish beasts begin appearing. The inhabitants come to the conclusion that these creatures can not afflict you with their corruption if you can not see, hear, or speak in their presence. This mindset has some rather gruesome implications as inhabitants become irrationally desperate mutilating themselves to adhere to the new "See no evil, Speak no evil, Hear no evil”.

The Occult World: The cult as I keep referring to it as is a group of powerful monsters. After the deposition of the King the other monsters begin to become influenced by outside sources. They begin to believe that any fallen humans are the angels of death and because of this they will kill humans on sight, of course, they want to live in denial of their horrible deeds because monster souls are supposed to be made up of love and kindness. Unlike the cult that wishes to break the barrier, the rest want to stay hidden from the beasts above believing that the humans are to blame for all that has happened.

The senses play a huge roll in this idea as the beasts are rumored to be able to use souls like puppets, as in spys, if they are corrupted. It essentially becomes like a hive mind with the main entity being able to see, hear, and speak through those it comes in contact with. It’s no secret that Red is in fact infected by this entity in some form as this is a quote from the fic:

A set of antlers snagged the velvety cape as he worked the metalwork to release its hold on the material around his throat.

Bony fingers tugged on the bunched up fabric and pulled it back, revealing a charcoal grey sweater underneath. It was soft to the touch but just hidden beneath the wool she caught a glimpse of off white colored bone. There were bits and pieces that had been chipped off, knicks, and cuts. Even before they had met Red had some scars especially around his collarbone but that was not what caused her to gasp. His hood remained over his head as if using it to shield his expression from her view, “See?” He flinched when her fingers traced some of the scars.

She didn’t want to appear like she was fearful of what she was witnessing but her fingers quivered, pulling them back toward herself. A soft whimper of a voice left her, “R...Red…” There intertwined with the magically composed vertebrae of his spine were branches. The same deep blackish red wood that plagued this entire forest. It wove itself through the bone engulfing portions of his ribs, twisting it into chilling patterns. If it was allowed to continue its infestation it would crack his ribcage open in a bloodless gaping fissure. She could just make out that gentle white and crimson glow shrouded by the wood. Was that his soul? There was no other explanation.

It looked like the branches were trying to worm their way toward that glowing heart, pierce it, and absorb it into its oily black, almost pulsating bark. That was only one singular aspect of horror that she was now subjected to. Her eyes followed the trail that crept through the bone following the knots and twists that crept up and underneath where his skull attached to his spine.

The grip that he kept on her hand only tightened while the other shifted to pull the hood off his skull. Her eyes widened, reddish-brown irises wavering within a sea of white. A hand rose to land on her mouth, now agape in a silent gasp. She could see the same strange bark that comprised his antlers exited straight out of his skull. There were fractures that radiated from above the temporal portion of his cranium in concentric circles. The same kind of patterning one would see from blunt force trauma. Only this had pushed out the bone externally rather than internally. His sockets no longer contained those ever dulling carmine eye lights as her own eyes traced the hairline cracks along his head. She could not imagine the kind of pain a transformation like that would have caused him. There were places where the bone had tried to heal and suture itself back together, forming around the bark.

Angel of Salvation (a.k.a. The Eldritch Horror)- What the cult has been working toward is summoning their “savior” with the help of the human souls they are bound to. It gives them extra abilities and power. Each within the ranks is bound to a human soul. Their leader ??? wants to use this power to summon an “angel.” It turns out that is actually an unholy amalgamated eldritch beast/god out for blood instead. Humanity will perish and the monsters will take control of the surface once more. That is the reality. (The cult including Red is told otherwise).

[yamayuandadu]

Arahsamnum 2021: Lumma

To stay within the theme of Enlil’s courtiers started with Nintinugga yesterday, I’ll dedicate today’s post to another, yet more minor one, Lumma, who was believed to function as a doorkeeper of Ekur, Enlil’s temple in Nippur The reading of his name is uncertain, though I will stick to the option “Lumma” here as the proposals to read it as “Humma” are largely tied to theories which are now not really in the vogue anymore, like the Humbaba = Humban (an Elamite god who seemingly played a similar role in the highlands as Inshushinak did in Susa, eg. that ot a source of royal authority) equation and other such doubtful ventures popular in early decades of assyriology. What makes Lumma interesting is the fact that he is frequently identified as a galla. You may be familiar with this term thanks to Inanna’s Descent, where they are described as merciless demonic entities. However, the character of Lumma was quite different - read on to find out more.

Galla were characterized as “constables” and according to Frans Wiggermann their role in the Mesopotamian underworld can be summed up as”executioners of divine will” and as  “a semi-independent civil service” of the underworld; Dina Katz is more direct, calling them “policemen” outright. Worth noting that the same term could also metaphorically function as designation of people of poor moral character, a rather funny parallel to the common modern view of many law enforcement agencies. However, while Lumma was defined as one of the galla, his key trait appears to be his love of righteousness. He was believed to reward the virtuous, and personal names attest that he was perceived as a just god of upstanding character. As expected from a guardian deity, his attribute was a mace, which he presumably used to fight against malevolent demons, as he’s invoked to expel them in various invantations. Known texts make a pretty big deal out of Lumma being an extremely low ranked god, with deities themselves generally regarded as belonging to the “divine servant” levels of the pantheon, for example the cattle god Ningublaga, described as his superiors. This of course makes sense given his classification as a member of not the god class proper but rather that of auxiliary servant creatures. There are nonetheless references to his mother being a minor goddess, namely Ninmuga, the tutelary deity of metalworkers. Curiously, it’s possible that despite his semi-demonic character Lumma was human in origin. He was commonly associated with another similar member of Enlil’s household, Hadanish, who appears to be the deified form of a king of Hamazi, a city located to the north of Mesopotamia. It has been therefore proposed that Lumma was likewise a deified human ruler in origin, with the deification being the result of the supposed real Lumma placing a statuette of himself in the Ekur temple. Dedication of figures depicting the devotee to deities is known from many Mesopotamian texts, and on top of that it does appear that Lumma was a popular personal name in the third millennium BCE, without necessarily being regarded as theophoric. Unexpectedly Lumma was also described as a farmer, in sharp contrast with the normal description of galla demons well known from Inanna’s Descent, where we learn about their distaste for vegetables: “They crush no bitter garlic. (...) they eat no leeks.”

Further reading:

Death They Dispensed to Mankind. The Funerary World of Ancient Mesopotamia by Dina Katz

Lumma in the Onomasticon and Literature of Ancient Mesopotamia by G. Marchesi

The Mesopotamian Pandemonium by F. A. M. Wiggermann