#never shadowfiend

[fridka]

Some really doodly doodles, the last 2 are based on a dream I had

dota dota dota Dota

[dare-to-dm]

We’ve got the least good aligned party I’ve ever been in right now.  Our party consists of:

A sadomasochistic Chain Devil

A ShadowFiend of Possession we discovered after the kindly old man he was possessing died trying to help us (npc companion)

A neutrally aligned Kobold Rogue who we recently purchased from a Rakshasa we’re on friendly terms with

A neutrally aligned magus (me) who is primarily concerned with the gathering and preservation of knowledge

A half giant fighter with largely inscrutable motives

A Lawful Good Paladin

I was worried this wouldn’t go well because I can’t stomache roleplaying evil characters, but everyone is so polite that there haven’t been any problems.  Like, the Fiend keeps requesting to be allowed to possess people, but does not do so without consent.  The Chain Devil never tortures anyone where the rest of us can see it (and everyone they’ve tortured so far deserves it, tbh).  My magus gained the power to mentally dominate people a few sessions ago but never uses it, and she gets along great with Devils because they are Model Library Patrons.  And the paladin is also a Scholar who is writing a thesis on the Nature of Evil, so he’s just enjoying the chance to pick so many evil peoples’ brains in a nonthreatening setting.

It’s bizarre and weirdly enjoyable.

[solautumn]

6. [ Disciplined ]

“Some priests pride themselves on pragmatism. They understand that light casts a shadow, that darkness is defined by light, and that true discipline stems from one’s ability to balance these opposing powers in services of a greater cause. While these priests possess many holy virtues to aid their allies, they also dabble in the dark arts to debilitate their enemies—always exercising immense discipline to keep themselves away from the brink of insanity. Many would say the ends justify the means; scriptures both virtuous and vile should be studied and understood to protect the congregation.”

-WoW Discipline Priest Class Lore (Legion)

To believe that Solarian Autumnsong was entirely selfless and pure of heart was to be blind the cunning of the Shadow that lurked beneath his bright exterior, and that was the point. The duality of the young elf was a struggle he maintained with strict secrecy kept close to the vest. Most saw him and believed the Sin’dorei to be schooled in the holy schools of Light magic. It was often said that one could not have the Light without Shadow, and while that was true, it wasn’t often that the conflict of both sides chose one small body as their battleground. Few could sense the delicate balance that Solarian walked.

It would all be for nothing if he couldn’t hold it together, though.

It had been a week since the nightmares began again. He thought he’d had earned a respite after N’Zoth attempted to invade his mind. At first, it seemed like remnants of those mental scars were flaring up due to the changes happening with him being so close to the restored Sunwell again. His eyes began to show speckles of yellow, breaking up the solid fel green he’d had since childhood. It was a phenomenon sweeping across many Sin’dorei, and his own family exalted in the fact. Solarian believed that the Light magic within him amplified, and thus the Shadows fought back with terrifying delirium, but perhaps this was something else.

Every other night, the visions came back, feeling more and more intense. Each night, the dreams were the same. Faces he’d seen in Dalaran during the Legion’s invasion, faces he never saw in life again, whispers he couldn’t quite make out in languages he didn’t understand.

He thought that perhaps by taking a reprieve of the city with Sandellis to Suramar City, that his mind would calm down a bit. Surrounded by beauty, and air thick with arcane energy, it was like indulging in a big pile of sweets. Picking Starlight rose and walking through the lush greenery had made Solarian feel like a man renewed, and being there with Sandellis made everything even sweeter. The two shared tender moments that only deepened the feelings shared between each other, and he felt more comfortable with revealing to the Illidari more about himself-- things other people didn’t know. All in due time, ofcourse. He didn’t want to overwhelm the other with too much.

But after two nights, the night terrors came with an intensity that he hadn’t felt since the worst of N’Zoth’s whisperings. It felt like a vision.

First, it felt like he was plunged into icy cold waters. He tried to scramble to the surface to no avail, seeing shadowy tendrils from his peripheral vision. Then, the water bottomed out, and he was falling into nothingness while in someone else’s body, falling down an endless dark surrounded by cries of despair. Something’s not right. The images flashing before his eyes changed, and he was no longer falling. Instead, he was blind, but hearing the shattering of glass all around him and the clacking of bones. He could sense the pieces launching directly at him, but was unable to see or avoid them as they hit him. A shield of Light suddenly appeared in front of him, and he could suddenly see the illuminated figure in front of him.

Father...?

Purple energy swirled around him, and his vision was assaulted as he gazed into the maw of a Shadowfiend that suddenly attacked the figure. Solarian screamed, summoning tendrils of shadow magic to blast into the creature when his eyes suddenly jolted open and the visions around him disappeared like smoke after a gust of wind.

Another nightmare.

Solarian was breathing heavily, beads of sweat dampening his hairline and heart pounding hard in his chest as if he’d just been running as fast as he could.

“Sol! SOLARIAN! You’re okay, you’re SAFE.”

He felt the familiar set of strong arms holding him tightly, and after a few moments, the slender priest relaxed in his arms, face scrunching as he succumbed to quiet sobs of both fear and relief.

Light help me.

“What’s happening to me?“

                                                           🌱🌱🌱

[marquis-teren-kiden]

Shadow Weaving: Vol. I

[DISCLAIMER: The Book is Teren’s. The Head canons are mine. There is no expectation for anyone else to adopt these Canon’s with respect to their own RP. I am posting them as a follow up to the “Void Cosmology” Post previously posted by me, for the use of those who are participating in the Nishan Federation’s Campaign setting.

I have attempted to canon with respect to Void Magic in a way that respects the Artificers (Engineers) who specialize in Titan, Na’aru, Draenic, and Legion technologies, as well as the medical professionals of Azeroth. While I canon that Void holds much in common with the Physics of Dark Energy & Dark Matter, as undetectable by material means within the observable Universe (as principal to the Physics of Dark Energy & Dark Matter in the real world) 

I do canon that the effects of Void/Shadow on the minds (brains) and ‘absences’ (Lack of energy signature to explain damages or suffering) may lead a wise and knowledgable party to conclude that the Void/Shadow, or someone capable of manipulating Void/Shadow may have had a hand in a victim’s circumstances. To this end, I have gone to some lengths to describe in detail my own canons, the means which a Shadow Weaver (*coughs* Teren *coughs* Nishanians *coughs* Other Shadow Weavers *coughs*) might eventually be tied to events they may have had a direct hand in - if they had a direct hand in them. (*coughs*)

That said, Void/Shadow Priests are not the only subjects capable of Wielding Shadow. To greater or lesser degrees, some Rogues, Warlocks, certain DK’s and less canon-classes (Arcane/Shadow Mages, for example) are also possible candidates for such effects, and I would encourage others to consider them as potential culprits with respect to Shadow Magics for the sake of open-mindedness. The decision, however, is yours..

You are all welcome to adopt these principles of Shadow/Void magic into your RP’s as you wish. I would prefer that the book, written by Teren not be used as the source material for it unless we have discussed how a Nishanian spellbook would have arrived in your hands and arrived at a mutually satisfactory answer.

Enjoy, everyone!

                                                         Signed,

                                                               Teren-Mun]

                                 SHADOW WEAVING: Volume I

FOREWORD:

“Contained herein are the very most basic of Shadow manipulations. Until one has mastered these twenty-one fundamentals, experimentation of any kind is strongly dissuaded. Both for a nascent Shadow Weaver’s well-being, and the general welfare of those around them.”

                                     TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION ONE: Dark Matter

Shadowfiend

Shadow Mend

Shadow Word: Death

Shadow Word: Pain

Shadowy Apparitions

Silence

SECTION TWO: Dark Energy

Dispersion

Mastery: Madness

Mind Blast

Mind Flay

Mind Sear

Mind Vision

Psychic Scream

Void Bolt

Void Eruption

SECTION THREE: Shadow Weaving

Vampiric Embrace

Vampiric Touch

Shadowform

Voidform

FOREWORD:

“The prayers contained here permit a budding Shadow Practitioner to receive access to the foundational principles of Shadow Weaving. Here, we call upon the power of the Shadow through our belief, through our will, and - for those so divinely inspired and intrinsically gifted - through our prayers; just as our Light-wielding Cousins do.

Let us begin.”

SECTION ONE: Dark Matter

Shadowfiend:                                               Ranged: 40 yds

The first sentient denizen of the Void plane a Shadow Weaver will learn to call on is the Shadowfiend. These deranged carrion feeders of the Abyss are the murlocs of the Void and in sufficient number that few who ever learn to summon one will ever be found wanting.

To call such a weak entity into the material plane, is to create a physical disruption between the material plane of our world, and the demi-plane of Shadow by increasing the density of a pocket of dark matter to such a fine point that it breaches the incorporeal membrane separating the two planes and whispering for the creature to pass through.

Be swift in assigning a target, lest it be you, as these often emaciated entities are starved carrion feeders, and rarely last more than ten or fifteen seconds once separated from their native Plane.

Nonetheless, they make excellent fodder and distractions when circumstances warrant either or both and should therefore be within every Shadow Weaver’s kit of basic skills and abilities.

Shadow Mend:                                           Ranged: 40 yds.

It is said that the Void giveth, and the Void taketh away. Never is this more true than with respect to the intricate processes associated with Shadow Mending.

Here, the Void Practitioner wields the dark matter which flows in its unaltered state with less than one percent of the density of a single atom. In this manner, flow of Void matter between the atoms of the body permit nearly any wound to be closed, any broken bone to be perfectly restored without so much as a hint of blemish in the wake of this meticulous healing.

At a heavy cost, however. The process agitates the protons within the recipient’s atoms, a direct result of the dark matter interacting with the positive charge. The effect is a persistent ‘echo’ of the mended wound’s neuron’s misfiring in an unfortunate condition highly reminiscent of the pain associated with ‘phantom limb syndrome. These pains persist until the injury would either naturally have healed on its own, or until a healer able to correct the damage to the protons is able to address the latent suffering.

Shadow Word: Death:                                     Ranged: 40 yds.

A lethal finishing assault, the Shadow Weaver calls on the Void to disrupt the neurons within an already weakened enemy’s medulla – located in the lower half of the brain stem. The result is a powerful static discharge of dark matter which negates the base autonomic functioning of critical physiological systems like the cardio-pulmonary system, vasomotor centers. Highly effective and frequently lethal if an opponent is sufficiently weakened before it is implemented.

A secondary effect occurs with this spell wherein the Void Priest is able to seize the departing soul of their enemy and transform it into dark energy for follow-on assaults or later use.

Shadow Word: Pain:                                     Ranged: 40 yds.

A persistent assault on the central nervous system of an opponent, a Shadow Weaver requires only a moment to introduce a scattered density of dark matter along their adversary’s brain stem and spinal column, disrupting motor neurons, sensory neurons and the interneurons passing messages between them resulting in sudden wracking pains which continue to assail the Practitioner’s victim for fifteen to twenty seconds after the Void wielder has continued on to the next step in their assault.

Shadowy Apparitions:

For particularly adroit Practitioners, the spell known as “Shadow Word: Pain” is frequently paired with a secondary effect. This one set on the Shadow Weaver as they call forth Void Matter to greater density around their own forms to form hauntingly accurate shadowy apparitions which not only distract and disorient their enemies, but scatter along the nerves across the length and breadth of the victim’s body, agitating every pain center all at once each time such a phantasm merges into an Adversary.

Silence:                                                  Ranged: 30 yds.

This is a principle prayer that should be studied diligently because it's power is effective across the length and breadth of every spell sphere, and on occasion, even strips those ungifted with access to the Planes mental hesitation sufficient to aid in the Practitioner's survival.

The Practitioner must capture for just a moment in their mind's eye, their opponent's brain. Along the left side of the frontal lobe is a narrow patch known as Broca's Area. One most take but a moment in mind to draw forth only the weakest strand of dark matter to disrupt the functioning of this section of an opponent's mind and impart a condition medically referred to as Broca's Aphasia.

While the effect lasts only a few seconds, during that interlude the Shadow Practitioner has successfully impeded an enemy's ability to move their tongues or facial muscles; effectively impeding both speech and casting and giving themselves opportunity to escape or attack, uncontested.

In combat, every moment counts. Remember this seemingly minor magic as it will likely save your life several times between the time it is learnt, and the time a Practitioner has become proficient enough to lash out in kind against a worthwhile Adversary.

SECTION TWO: Dark Energy

Dispersion:                                               Self

The Shadow Weaver converts their physical mass into an fluctuating scalar field orb. In this state, they are imbued with the frictionless state all dark energy which eliminates inhibiting effects such as snares, stuns, or Charms; even if one is under them at the time this is implemented; a benefit retained while in this state. Due to dissipation rates for energy in an unrestrained environment, it is highly recommended not to remain in this manner for more than a few seconds at a time.

Due to the fluctuating energies comprising this state, it is of benefit that attacks received are significantly less effective overall.

Finally, a word of caution: While in such a state, a Shadow Weaver is incapable of retaliating against their adversaries. They are, therefore, encouraged to give ready thought to the prayers one wishes to execute the moment one’s native corporeal state is restored.

Mastery: Madness:                                        Self

The more adroit a Shadow Weaver becomes, the more efficacious their spells. A properly disciplined and experienced Practitioner eventually – should they survive the haunting echoes of the whispering Void so long – is naturally able to enhance their manipulation of the Void’s energies nearly ten percent over more nascent and less studied Void wielders.

Mastering one’s self is fundamental to mastering not only one’s own potential to fall into a state of madness, but to fend off the inducements to madness born of the Void and the world around us.

Mind Blast:                                               Ranged: 40 yds

A disruptive distortion of the brain's neurons through the variance of the dark energies contained within the scalar field occupying the same space. The rather dramatic impact is a cascade disruption throughout ten of the twelve cranial nerves, resulting in searing pain throughout an opponent’s eyes, inner ear, tongue, and across the totality of the nerves in their skull. The magnitude of suffering caused by this assault frequently disrupts heart rate, balance, causes excess salivation, numbing of the facial muscles, difficulty breathing and arrhythmias. One might elect a variety of words to encapsulate the totality of the suffering caused by this particularly powerful strategic assault. Most choose 'excruciating.'

Mind Flay:                                               Ranged: 40 yds  

A targeted incitement of the void energies located within an opponent’s thalamus, basal ganglia, dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater. Taken as a whole, these disruptions create scathing persistent pain throughout the protective layers of the meninges tissue surrounding the brain and within the cerebral cortex. The more prolonged the process, the more debilitating the experience becomes for the target subject. It is important to note that this is a potentially lethal action, and one would be wise to consider the implications thereof before implementing this practice…publicly.

Mind Sear:                                            Ranged: 40 yds

This is a more complex iteration of the Mind Flay prayer whereby the Shadow Weaver targets an opponent, turning them into the nexus of suffering for their own unfortunate allies with an incitement of the scalar fields located within their comrade’s thalamus, basal ganglia, dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater.

Taken as a whole, these disruptions create scathing persistent pain throughout the protective layers of the meninges tissues and cerebral cortexes of the victims. The more prolonged the process, the more debilitating the experience becomes for them. Yes, this attack is potentially lethal.

Mind Vision:                                         Ranged: 8 yds

Perhaps the single most subtle application a Shadow Weaver will employ during the course of their careers. One need not even be close enough for the victim to have taken note of the Practitioner in the crowd, or area in question. So long as there is an opportunity to target the designated subject’s eyes – near or far – it is possible to make use of this oft-neglected magic.

Once passing eye-contact has been made – absolutely do not stare. – the almost imperceptible floe of Dark Energies may begin the tether. It must manifest within the other party’s retina, where it intersects with their optical nerve. There, the electrical impulses delivering the victim’s visual perceptions to the visual cortex.

Due to the physiological structure of the eye, the electrical impulses deliver the image from the retina through the optical nerve inverted. It is not ‘translated’ to a functional perspective until it reaches the visual cortex. Thus, in order for this spell to function correctly, it must be initiated at the juncture of the retina and optical nerve.

The Shadow Weaver’s end of this connection must intersect at the same point within their own eyes. This allows the continuation of the shared electrical impulses to be translated to the correct perspective once they have completed the journey into the Void Wielder’s own visual cortex.

The Void’s energies, even at their weakest, create a change to the environment. The very nature of the Void is absence. It is the dissonance of nothingness.

NOTE: While this effect lasts only a single minute before most victims are able to focus their thoughts and wills sufficiently to break it, they may be used to select new targets of opportunity in the environment, and thus to facilitate investigation of fortified locations without the usual impediments of having to engage in combat to achieve the objective. As such, it makes an almost perfect means of spying on others, unaccosted by their military resources.

                                               [ADVISORY]

Mind Vision leaves no evidence of its impact on its victims or environment. It does, however, leave an absence which – while indiscernible in a static physical environment - does create a sense of dissonance in those sensitive to the use of magic.

They will, in all likelihood, sense that they are either being manipulated or otherwise used. It is their misfortune that magics intended to detect this intrusion will fail, as the Void is an absence, and not a presence.

Psychic Scream:                                      Near: 8 yards                              

This prayer allows the Shadow Weaver to expel ripples of void energy through the adrenal glands, situated just above the kidneys of their opponents; as well as to target the visual cortex of their adversaries.

In short, this assault causes cortisol levels to drop to dizzying levels, which creating a surge in adrenaline. Combined, they force a severe panic attack on the opponent which puts them into a freeze/flight/fight state, while disorienting and blinding them at the same time; a state which sends the vast majority of sentient beings into a blind dash to escape, or freezes them in place, allowing the Shadow Weaver free attack opportunities, or escape.

Void Bolt:                                                Ranged: 40 yds            

The Void Practitioner intensifies the void energies in their grasp until it forms an orb of raw Dark Energy, then casts it at the target’s sternum. The energies interact their cardio-pulmonary system, causing arrhythmias and excruciating agony with every breath taken in or released.

If the target struck is afflicted either by the Shadow Word: Pain and/or Vampiric Touch effects when they are hit, these effects are renewed, as if freshly applied. In the hands of a particularly adroit Shadow Weaver, this may in effect become three prayers in one; mores the pity for the unfortunate victim of such prowess.

Void Eruption:                                        Self

The Shadow Weaver intensifies the Void energies within their own bodies, intensifying it into a state similar to plasma and casting it outward in an eruption which transforms them into a Voidform while assailing nearby opponents with cast-off Void energies which significantly intensify the effects of anyone already suffering the effects of a ‘Shadow Word: Pain’ or ‘Vampiric Touch’ spell.

WARNING: Due to the intensely draining, dangerous, nature of this magic, it is only possible to perform this prayer with several minutes respite and recovery time. No sane person – not even a Shadow Weaver – would do this to themselves if any alternative were possible.

SECTION THREE: Shadow Weaving

Shadowform:                                             Self

This is one of the staples of all Shadow Weaving, whereby a Void wielder adjusts their own corporeal form to a quasi-corporeal state, homogenous with both practical and Dark matter. While in this state, the Practitioner is suffers slightly less damage from physical assaults, while receiving a modest increase to the efficacy of their Void manipulations and spells.

Vampiric Embrace:                                   Special/40 yds  

This is one of the two true Shadow Weaving methods for healing wounds in a manner which causes no residual suffering to the Practitioner or their chosen beneficiary. Their victim…well… unfortunate bit of business, that.

Here, the Void wielder may employ any direct assault by virtue of dark matter and/or dark energies against a chosen victim to tear free the raw materials necessary for mending the wounded. While so doing, the Void Practitioner must be certain to mimic the damages suffered by the one they wish to heal; creating a mirror of those wounds on their opponent and tearing free the practical matter of the material body with which to stitch wounds and mend tissue. The process remains subatomic, and the biological material stolen may still be altered to meet the needs of the injured ally without blemish or negative consequence.

Due to the exchange of damages in addition to the violent removal of often critical tissues, the Victim suffers damages at a much higher rate than healing is imparted, and as a consequence, is likely to die long before substantive healing takes place.

More than one victim may be required to impart the full benefit of good health to a chosen ally.

Voidform:                                              Self

The Voidwielder uses their own body as a foci to draw raw void energy into their cells, suffusing them until a critical capacity is reached and they experience a metamorphosis, transforming into a being comprised entirely of Void Energy and Dark Matter.

While in this Voidform, their access to the Void is nascent and they are able to manipulate its forces to their ends with greater speed and potency; though at a significant cost. During this state, the Shadow Weaver’s mind is assailed by Whispers from the Void Plane, and their mental faculties are compromised by visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations and delusions until they return to a less subtantive Void-state. As a direct consequence, few if any such Practitioners are able to maintain this state for more than a few short intervals.

Vampiric Touch:                                Touch

This is one of two true Shadow Weaving methods for healing wounds in a manner which causes no residual suffering to the Practitioner.

Here, the Void wielder’s touch at any point intersecting their chosen victim’s body permits the Shadow Weaver to use tear free the practical material body of their Subject’s physiological form in order to replace the Shadow Weaver’s own damaged tissue. As victims of this magic are likely to resist, it is highly likely that additional damages pertaining to subjugation and restraints – both Dark energy and Dark matter – will lead to an opponent suffering more than twice the damages being mended by the Shadow Weaver and potentially resulting in a premature death.

As such, more than one victim may be required to impart the full benefit of good health to the Void Practitioner. This exchange damages the victim both in terms of the recreated wounds, but also due to the violent rate of removal of that tissue.

[kellerkins]

Yellow-bellied

Monster Prom was only three weeks away and Oz knew exactly who they wanted to ask! Now, as for the actual asking part, the approaching her, the saying words to her... Oz cleared their throat, ready to practice, but even alone with the thought his throat seized up. They hung their head in shame. Going stag wouldn’t be so bad. Right?

“Polina, I don’t have time,” Vera gripped from around the corner.

“No! Hear me out! You will literally die!” 

Oz’s heart nearly beat through their chest. Polly! Oh God. She’s coming. She’s going to see them! Oz closed their eyes and with a whoosh became one with the shadows. From the darkness, he watched Vera and Polly walk by.

The gorgon was glued to her phone, typing away. “...I don’t see that being fun.”

“What?! Dying is the new thing! After the first time it’s like ‘Whatever! LET’S DO THIS!’”

Vera’s phone chirped and the incoming text infuriated her. “Idiots!” She dialed some number and chewed out whoever was on the other end. I feel sorry for that guy.

Polly paused in front of the lockers while her friend stormed off, turning to squint. “Wait a second... Oh. Em. Gee.” Polly leaned closer. Oz started to panic. She could see them?! “Is this my locker?” 

She reached for the combination lock and then thought “Fuck that! I don’t remember!” and went through the metal door instead. Oz tried their hardest not to shiver. Polly’s hand emerged with a flask.

“Alright! I thought I lost this.” She took a swig, winced, and shook her head. Her smile beamed like the sun and her eyes sparkled like stars. “WOO! That is some good shit! Vera! You’ve got to try this!”

Once Oz was sure she was gone, they became corporeal again. How much longer were they going to do this? Polly would never say “Yes” if she didn’t know Oz existed! The shadowfiend on their shoulder squeaked in agreement.

[jbarnes101]

Shadowfiend

What’s up guys and welcome back to another blog post by yours truly once again but today I have some unfortunate news. As of today this’ll be my last blog of my semester, I know I know it’s really shocking and upsetting to you all I get that and in all honesty I’m pretty sad myself that this is my final blog post because I really enjoyed connecting, sharing my thoughts, and gaining feedback from you guys, you guys are amazing and thank you for sticking by my side til the end. But anyways this blog is really gonna bring your spirits up as this one is my number one favorite and this is really different from the rest of the blogs I’ve done in the past because today I’m going to be creating my very own superhero. That’s right guys, I’m going to be creating my own superhero for the very first time in my life and this is going to be exciting for me because when I was little I used to pretend I had super powers and of course I was in a superhero film after watching so many X-Men films and shows, literally the X-Men franchise was hands down my favorite superhero films growing up and to this day I still support the new X-Men films even though a few of them were a flop but I still show my support. Hopefully one of these days someone or a friend of mine could make my hero come to life through artwork, that would literally be awesome.

Now that I have all of your divided attention, let’s take a look at your next future hero in development. We’re gonna take a bit of a look into the life of Cayden Garcia, a Filipino-Puerto Rican mix also goes by the name known as Shadowfiend. His name may sound villainous to some people but trust me he has a good heart with a bit of a rebellious side to him. Cayden is mostly affiliated with the X-Men but his life before discovering his mutant ability was much more different before leaving past life behind. Growing up in the suburbs of New York wasn’t always easy for our middle class 18 year old teenager as he navigates through life in High School and life at home but that’ll all start to change soon. Moving towards the life at home, Cayden was the son of Dion and Vannessa Garcia, with his father being an entrepreneur and owning his own business and for his mother being a nurse at their local hospital. Cayden also has a 13 year old little sister named Angelina and they get along somewhat well but Angelina always gets most of the good attention and she gets to do whatever she wants. As for Cayden he never really got that type of attention even when he was little, his parents always pushed him to pursue what they wanted for him and it was never what he wanted in life. His parents would also teach him on how to behave a certain way around others even if it means to keep him out of trouble and they’re also super religious as well. Cayden would also have quite the imagination when he was younger as he’d always wished he had a brother, mostly a twin. He decided to make up an imaginary twin brother so whenever he felt lonely, he would play along with his imaginary brother. When it comes to life outside home, Cayden had a part time job at a boutique store in their town. Cayden didn’t really have any friends at least not anymore. When he was little he had only one friend named Darwin and they would always spend time with each other from Elementary School to the beginning years of High School. They were really close but as they got older, Darwin started to distance himself away from Cayden and hang around with his new group of friends after rumors we’re spreading accusing Cayden and Darwin for being a couple and since then, Cayden chose to be a loner but how can a good looking guy like Cayden stay all alone? Of course for every High School story there’s always gotta be a school bully and that bully is the school’s jock Ivan. Ivan would always harass Cayden for being so weird, teasing him about his sexuality, and for not having any friends. The harassment would go even as far to physically beating up Cayden and insulting him for being a homosexual even though nobody knows. The school, his peers, and not even his own parents would step in to help him as much. Cayden would also soon start to realize and come to terms about his sexuality because of how often he’d feel some type of way around other guys that he finds attractive and start developing secret crushes but little did anybody know was that one time Cayden had his first kiss and it was with a boy from his school and Cayden enjoyed every minute of it. One night as Cayden got off from work he decided to walk home and as he was walking he ran into Ivan and his friends. Cayden would try to avoid them but Ivan and his group would soon catch Cayden walking all alone so they decided to walk towards him but that signals Cayden to start running. Ivan and his group would start pursuing after Cayden and they managed to catch up to him. Ivan would soon tell Cayden that he knew his secret about the boy he kissed because the boy ended up being Ivan’s cousin and the whole kiss was a setup. Ivan and his group would soon start yelling out homophobic slurs towards Cayden and they would start to beat him while he lied on the ground helpless. Next thing you know, a shadowy figure appears behind Ivan that would soon throw him along with his friends to the ground. Ivan and his friends cower in fear as they all saw the shadowy figure standing before them which made them all back up and run away. The shadowy figure would soon turn his attention towards a shocked Cayden and would resume to walk towards him but Cayden would slowly back away. The shadowy figure meant no harm to Cayden as it would offer a hand to help him up. Cayden would notice something familiar about the figure's appearance as the shadow would have the same curly black hair and the same athletic body type as Cayden but the shadow looked more like a dark shadowy figure with white soulless eyes more than an actual human. Cayden would soon realize that the shadowy figure was himself. He couldn’t believe that his own shadow would come to life but it seems as though his shadow would be much more like a twin he had hoped for but the only problem is that the shadow couldn’t speak. Cayden would secretly start to bond with his shadow and one thing he learned is that the shadow was more of a rebel than himself. The shadow and Cayden spent so much time together that Cayden never bothered to show up to school after the whole incident with Ivan which sparked Dion and Vanessa’s suspicion after they found out Cayden hadn't been in class and him sneaking out. One night as Cayden decided to sneak out again, Dion and Vanessa caught him and demanded an explanation for his behavior lately. Cayden tried to make up a small little lie but they could see right through him and started interrogating him and demanded the actual truth. Cayden wanted to tell them about his ability but he knew how they’d react so he decided to do the unthinkable in order to protect his secret. Cayden inadvertently came out to his parents that he was gay and told them he going to see a boy. Both the parents were shocked but not in a good way as Dion was furious and that he never raised his son to be that way but as for Vanessa, she cried and said how disgusted she was towards her son. Cayden grew even more furious and started an all out argument with his parents but with one wrong word, Dion ended up slapping Cayden which made someone even more furious. The shadow appears and starts to choke out Dion but Cayden manages to calm the shadow down and tells him to let his father go. Cayden’s parents stood in fear of what appeared in front of them and that was when Cayden decided to tell them about his power and the shadow. Dion and Vanessa were even more appalled by their son and accused him with dealing with the devil’s work and the shadow was possessing him. Cayden would deny his parents but they didn’t wanna listen as they threatened to exorcise the shadow out of him. As Dion and Vanessa left without saying another word, Cayden made the decision to pack all his things he needed and run away from his life and from his family along with his shadow. A distraught Cayden never wanted to look back.

Cayden may look like he was on his own but the only person or thing that stood by his side was his own shadow. For being on the run, that gave Cayden and his shadow the perfect opportunity to bond and learn a little more about his ability. As they jumped from train to train, our 2 runaways ended up in another town called Chester and eventually upon arrival, Cayden started to feel hungry. Cayden spotted the town’s local diner and felt so much relief after smelling the delicious food after walking in. He was eventually seated and he couldn’t take his eyes off the food from the menu but he decided to order a simple meal in order to satisfy his cravings. The wait wasn’t really long judging by there weren’t that many people in the diner and once the waitress delivers the food, Cayden started to chow down like there was no tomorrow. Nothing was left on Cayden’s plate and he started to feel full but once the check came back to him, he soon realized he didn’t have enough money and once the waitress found out she had no choice but to alert her manager and call the police. Cayden starts to panic and proceeds to run out of the diner. While running away as quickly as possible, Cayden would happen to run into a man in a wheelchair but he doesn’t pay any mind to him and just proceeds to run. While coming to a stop, Cayden would rest in a peaceful forest within the town. After a few minutes of rest, Cayden would eventually hear a noise coming close by which made him stay on high alert but he would soon come to realize that it was the man in the wheelchair who followed him. The man wished no harm on poor Cayden and would take notice that he’s been through a rough patch. The man would introduce himself as Charles Xavier and that he was the headmaster for Xavier’s School for gifted Children also known as The X-Mansion. Xavier would go on to tell that Cayden was born with a gift, a genetic trait called the X-gene. Cayden couldn’t process what was happening or how Xavier found out about his abilities but Charles would explain that he has been watching Cayden for some time with the power of Cerebro, a machine that detected mutants all over the world. Xavier has been searching for Cayden and he wanted him to come join his school but Cayden felt a little reluctant on why Xavier would help him. Xavier would go on to tell him that he has abilities as well and he would show him that he could communicate with Cayden in his head notifying that Xavier is a telepath and he would also go on to tell him that there are other students at his school who are just like Cayden with different abilities looking for an education and also learning on how to control their abilities. Cayden would agree to travel with Xavier back to the school and once they get there, Xavier promised Cayden a clean shower, a room, fresh clothes, and food as well. When they arrived at the school, Cayden couldn’t believe the amount of kids his age younger and older were just like him but of course he had to be cautious on what he was about to walk into. While given the grand tour Xavier introduces another mutant by the name of Jean Grey who was also a telepath and she manages to have a talk with Cayden encouraging him to stay and explaining on what to expect at the school, some mutants would have the opportunity to go on missions, and what they would do to help him understand and control his ability. Cayden for once felt like he belonged somewhere and made the final decision to stay at The X-Mansion. Through time while Cayden was given the education he was promised, he manages to get better with his classes while also training up on his abilities as well. Cayden even started to learn sign language after it was given to him as a recommendation in order for him and his shadow to communicate better. Cayden even realized after so much learning he has the power of dark manipulation as well as teleportation and he would soon come up with his very own codename called Shadowfiend. Through time, Cayden even got the help from Charles Xavier to design his own X-Uniform. The uniform would consist of a full body sleeveless suit with the colors of red and black on it along with black leather gloves with of course an X on the front part of the suit plus a personal touch by Cayden a black leather jacket to go along with it to wear over the suit and black boots. After training up on his abilities, Cayden was finally invited to go along on his first mission with another group of mutant youngsters called The New Mutants. Cayden couldn’t believe after all the hard work he’s put into the X-Mansion really paid off and now his next new move is to help protect others and even help other mutants that are out in the open world struggling to make it through life just like he did. Cayden also wanted to set an example and send a message by explaining “no matter who you are or what you are, there will be a place where people won’t accept you but if you keep moving forward and work hard, there will be a place where people are just like you and you’ll feel more loved and welcomed”. If something were to ever happen to Cayden/Shadowfiend, he knows he would’ve left behind a legacy of proving that anybody could be accepted anywhere no matter what you look like or who you chose to be in life. Always choose the right path and don’t let anyone dictate your life on who you want to be.

Well guys what do you think? I know it looks pretty long but that’s just the fun of it on what creative ideas came up in my mind and plus I wanted to send you guys off on a long blog post anyway just so you guys don’t feel upset as much since this is the last time you guys will ever hear from me. For Cayden I wanted to create a superhero that looks like me so that way I didn’t have to think on appearance as much and as for his ethnicity and sexuality, I felt as if there wasn’t much on Filipino superheroes or even LGBTQ+ superheroes as well so why not create another character to fit into that sort of category but also Cayden’s life would be much more different from mine. I also made the decision on making Cayden’s powers which is inspired by one of my favorite Mortal Kombat characters, Noob Saibot. Well guys that’s the end of the road for me again thank you guys so much for sticking with me on this short blog journey. Hopefully this’ll inspire others like you guys to write something creative as well like I did. On a final note, stay safe and stay creative. Love you guys so much. Thank you and goodnight!

[unfocusedwill]

Build: Battle Priest (DPS)

I’ve spent most of this tier running dps builds during farm. Many bosses in TEP have such wonky healing requirements that it’s often possible to drop a healer or “.5″ heal with one healer dpsing for most of the fight. Traditionally this was the 3x Igneous Potential battle shaman, but the introduction of essences and Mechagon in 8.2 has made it possible for many healer specs to successfully be a “battle healer.” This is a post on the builds that I ultimately settled on running.

Disc vs. Holy

As of 8.2, disc is about 5-10k dps higher than holy running full dps setup and doing no ramps. Schism affecting Cyclo and Crucible is a major factor. Note that this is being nerfed in 8.3 (as it should be).

Other differences between disc and holy from a .5 healer context is that holy can scale their healing output more flexibly while disc brings DR/EHP from barrier/LB and PS.

Best Battle Healer?

Personally, I think disc is actually the worst choice if your raid is running a battle healer. This is because whether it’s a mini ramp or big ramp, disc still has to commit to windows of atonement healing. If part of that window is unneeded overheal, it’s created an inefficient overlap. Other specs have an easier time of easing off the healing as soon as it’s not needed. The whole point of running a .5 healer is to optimize the raid comp by converting extra hps into dps that helps kill the boss faster, without sacrificing the safety net of having healer CDs or additional healing if needed. I ramble more in depth about optimizing healer dps in this post.

Disc dps also shares a lot of build similarities with a standard raiding disc setup because you already want to buff damage as part of disc healing. You would gain less dps by having the disc priest go full dps than you would by having another spec go full dps. At the time of this post, looking at WCL for Mythic Azshara (a fight that commonly see the use of a battle healer) you could gain about 15k from a disc going full dps, 20k from paladin, 20k from hpriest, 20k from druid, 30k from shaman, and bench your mistweaver (sorry). These are rough estimates based on the difference between top dps and 75th percentiles for each spec. Note that for a paladin dpsing really just means putting your holy shocks into the boss instead of on your allies!

The reason I’m using top dps for this estimate as opposed to 90 or 95 percentile (to lessen the effect of outliers caused by padding) is because some non-meta specs, such as holy priest, are so underplayed at Mythic endgame that the sample size is too small to draw from a lower percentile. Out of 192 publicly logged holy priest Azshara ranks, only 3 have dps above 10k. THREE. Anecdotally it doesn’t feel difficult at all to reach 10k dps while healing normally if you have any dps essence and/or trinket, so take those logs with a grain of salt.

Anyways, back to actual builds before I get too off topic.

Battle Disc

As mentioned earlier dps disc is very similar to regular disc. In fact, it’s likely that you’re already running the correct gear, talents, and trinkets.

Stat Priority: Crit/Vers > Haste > as little mastery as possible. Vers is good because trinkets and essences scale off vers and they are a big part of your dps. Haste is relatively less important.

Talents: No change. If you don’t need to do any Evang ramps, you could even consider taking LB. (I don’t recommend LB on Orgozoa.)

Trinkets: The biggest Cyclo you can get, and a Lure.

Essences: Crucible major, C&S minor, and choice of Vision/ERT minor. ERT procs off healing - so ERT is only a good choice if you intend on weaving in some healing semi frequently. I prefer Vision because the Shadowfiend CDR is impactful on its own, and the flat vers provides a constant benefit. I do not recommend Lucid because its vers proc can be pretty random and might not line up well with your Crucible/trinkets. Based on my own logs Lucid’s vers uptime is 20% or less, which actually makes it less average vers gained than Vision as well.

Azerite: Anything that buffs damage - preferably some combination of Undulating Tides, Death Throes, M+ traits, and inner rings. UT is in theory the most damage outright; whether it’s worth stacking (namely, whether to use Incubator’s Bellcap) would depend on how well you’re able to keep your health above 50%. For example, Za’qul is notorious for proccing UT!

Important tips:

(Until 8.3) Always combine Schism with Cyclo and Crucible. After 8.3 nerf, use them outside of Schism.

Never cap on Crucible charges.

Wait for the first Crucible DoT to expire before casting a second charge of Crucible on the same target.

If you’re not going to cap on Crucible charges, it could be worth waiting for C&S stacks before spending your second charge.

Use Penance to spread PtW where possible.

Halo is arguably valid if you can time it to hit multiple adds. However I’d say this is a case by case basis and borders on padding; PtW is better single target or sustained multidot.

Holy Nova can be the play if there’s enough adds in range, but unless it’s an insane number of adds (e.g. Azshara’s Devoted), you’re probably better off prioritizing Schism’d single target over Nova spam. I’m sure there’s a mathematical breakpoint at which Nova is “more dps” but again as per the padding discussion, it might not be the most beneficial for your raid.

Battle Angel (Holy)

(I hope you don’t actually turn into an angel during the pull otherwise you’re doing it wrong.)

Stat Priority: Crit/Vers > Haste > as little mastery as possible. Same reasoning as disc.

Talents: Halo. Apotheosis if Salv isn’t needed anywhere.

Trinkets: The biggest Cyclo you can get, and a Lure. Even without Schism Cyclo is still great.

Essences: Same as disc. Maybe Lucid minor. Vision isn’t as standout for holy because the CDR is for Hymn, but the raw vers is still good if you don’t want the rng of Lucid procs. (Or if you want to Hymn more frequently, I guess.)

Azerite: UT and M+ traits. None of holy’s spec traits improve damage, so you’re pretty free to just go for whatever stat proc or damage proc universal traits you’re able to get your hands on. Note this means that at least one of your outer rings per azerite piece won’t contribute to dps, which is ok. Try to go for good healing traits in those rings so they’re useful for those moments where you do need to heal.

Important tips:

Prioritize keeping Holy Fire at 2 stacks over anything else in your rotation, but don’t go out of your way to fish for HF resets.

If you’re already at 2 HF stacks you can be conservative and wait for pandemic before refreshing.

Use your trinkets and Crucible charges before entering Apotheosis.

Halo can be delayed to hit more targets.

Holy Nova can also trigger HF resets. In a 4+ target situation that means you can fill with Nova while maintaining HF on a primary target. (Notable example: Orgozoa.)