#promise of wizard layouts

[raincosmos]

run away! to the sun, to the comfort.

rb / like & credit if using — @9livedangel

[seiliecourt]

JUST TO FEEL ALIVE ...

like/credit if using , for @itsukimoon

[fridgemissionmaster]

I just want to say how much I loove your writing despite having found your blog only recently. The way you write the characters just makes them feel so real somehow

If I may make a request then maybe a little domestic Solomon fluff? I was rereading Nightbringer story recently and the way he's with MC in the begining just feels so cozy and warm and he's so fucking cute

I wish you a nice day!!

Ancient bones creaking, rigor mortis losing it’s grip, numbness faded away a dull and sharp pang of pain shooting through the back and neck, a deep trembling breath of life filling those collapsing lungs.

Slowly the wizard sat up. He kept forgetting how awful he felt after sleeping on his workbench. Slowly he stood, his muscles too stiff for comfort.

What time was it anyway?

Meandering across the room he paused for a moment, standing on his tiptoes, back arched, a great big yawn escaped him, sleepy dewy tears formed in the corners of his eyes, hands held high above his head as he stretched getting some of those air bubbles to make that satisfying pop sound before he continued.

Smacking face first into the wall and falling to the floor with a loud thud.

He didn’t bother to get up.

At least he was awake now, but that meant he could think again. And all that did, was make him miss you.

Even now after, what? Months? Or was it weeks? He couldn’t bother to keep track any more. Every last day at Cocytus Hall he cherished, marked down into his memory, chiseled into his heart. Although even stone eroded over time, at least he tried something to make sure that time stayed with him as long as his mind would allow.

His half hazy body still moved as if he were back there, the layout of that place, he could recall it, make a detailed map of it without a second thought, down to where you usually left your book bag or where you tended to lose your phone.

Not that he didn’t like being here with Simeon and Luke but… it just felt too sudden, leaving that paradise.

Who was he kidding, it always would have been.

He learned long ago how easy it was to simply let go and move on, but not this. He never could, nor did he ever want too. But the price was this wretched heartache.

He couldn’t help laughing.

It was so odd, to REALLY feel like he was human again. Or perhaps STILL human was a more apt wording. How could a man love such a pain so much.

Slowly he made his way out of his room and down the hall for the kitchen and living area. And since he was still dressed from last night, all he had to do was smooth out his shirt. Hopefully nobody would notice the wrinkles that had gotten pressed in from his awkward sleeping position, he didn’t want to needlessly worry his roommates over his nonexistent health… again.

Well, he heard the scrapes of a spatula or something against the pan, now all he had was to hope the scraping was for a breakfast and not a lunch or even worse dinner.

But judging by the delectable smells, it had to be breakfa

.

.

.

Cautiously he drew closer. Wrapping his arms around from behind, squeezing you close, burrowing his face into the crook of your neck. He almost couldn’t believe the feeling of your warmth seeping through his clothes.

“Hey, enough of that, I don’t need you getting a crick in your neck if you haven’t gotten one already.”

And that playful tone. “Ah, sorry. But I’m still so tired.”

He had to be dreaming, your chuckle. “Come on, now you’re sounding like Belphegor.” Turning you head to better face him, he could melt from how soft your skin was against his, your cheeks pressed together. “Now shoo, get to the table. I promised Simeon and Luke I wouldn’t let you blow up the kitchen while they were away.”

“Away?”

“You poor man, you’re still out of it, aren’t you?” No, he very well knew why, he just didn’t think they’d have left this early. But he’d take any excuse to hear your voice just a little more.  “They’ve left for some sort of business in the Celestial Realm, they must have told you about it.”

“uh-huh”

You’re really here? Right now? Just the two of you, no one to interrupt, no one for you to want to leave his side for? No one else who need you?

“But they started getting worried about you, and your recent stint of late-night experimenting.” You looked to him, brow raised getting him to shrink a little on the spot.

“Well, maybe I need someone around to remind me how late it is?”

You scoffed, no bite to it, a delicate smile playing across your lips as you flipped over another pancake. “I’m your apprentice, not your assistant.”

‘your apprentice’

A giddiness came trembling through his whole body. “Yes you are!”

“And I’m also your babysitter.”

“Eh?”

“Dude. Ever since we got back I’ve been hearing nothing but about how you’ve been working yourself down to the bone, staying up late. It’s just… a lot more than before…”

“I see.” Perhaps so.

“And here I thought you might have broken the habit, but apparently you’ve been skipping out on dinner for instant noodles near midnight again.”

“…” He couldn’t. He didn’t need to act afool in front of you again. At least then he had the excuse of alcohol making him loose lipped last time he spilled his guts.

“That depressed without me?” Not that his feelings weren’t obvious without it apparently. “Well, they asked me to keep an eye on you while they’re away.”

He couldn’t help smirking, resting his chin on your shoulder. “So, you’ll be staying the night?” Or was that too hopeful, knowing how possessive Lucifer was, especially over your ‘curfew’.

“The whole time. How else am I to make sure you actually get to bed on time? Now, go take a shower and put on new clothes. I know your tricks.”

“… Maybe I need help showering?”

“HAH! Nice try, but I already took one.”

“I can tell, this bodywash is so nice.”

“Right? I… wanted to find something similar to the one I used… in the past, but they don’t make it anymore… Anyway, get going,” You lightly shook him off, and the man reluctantly letting go. “-breakfast and coffee will be ready once you’re back. Oh,” With the spatula you pointed to the fridge. “I’ve kinda used the last of everything so we’ll need to do some shopping.”

“Alright, I’ll be back in a minuet!” And so he ran off, like some excited child about to go on a trip to the candy store.

“wait, N-NOT A LITERAL MINUET, RIGHT!? NO MAGIC, ACTUALLY SHOWER!”

…

Only because you insist. Besides maybe you’d notice he got the same bodywash too.

And when go shopping, you’d have to hold hands, after all, in this time the streets are much more crowded, it wouldn’t do for him to get separated from his adorable apprentice.

Not again.

A VERY quick, little something. Hope you like it, but if you want something little bigger you can always ask again, it'd just take a lot more time.

[theinstagrahame]

Really excited about some of the RPG acquisitions this last couple of months. Most of these are Crowdfund rewards, a few are hot off the presses. Got a big bunch of POD books, which feels kinda cool.

It occurred to me that one of the cool things I'm doing by accident with these posts is sorta doing a bimonthly retrospective of the new RPGs released between my posting (at least the ones in my orbit, interest, and budget).

(Links and gushing below the cut)

Dang. I meant to get to this sooner, but the month really got away from me. I've already got a short stack for next month's set...

Death to the Wizard Kings: The pitch is, this is a playable character creation module for building a Vat Spawn character--a fucked up little guy made in a creepy magical process. Great pitch, really elevated with Marie Enger's sense of humor and fantastic art.

The Boreal Frostlands: I haven't actually used any of the other Hexcrawl products that I've picked up from Games Omnivorous, but they're so beautiful and tactile that it's really hard to pass them up. Boreal Frostlands takes their Hex and Screen offerings to a frozen world that promises to be... I'm sorry, I can't stop it... cool.

The Far Roofs: Jenna Katerin Moran is one of those designers whose work is so cerebral and thought-provoking while also being really down-to-earth and interesting. Here, she's exploring the fables and fantasies of adventuring mice. It's hard not to compare it to Mausritter or similar, and it's definitely that with a very different vibe.

Perfect Draw: Confession: I never watched Yu-Gi-Oh, and know very little about it, but Perfect Draw just feels like fun. I love PbtA games in general, and I'm really curious to see how what I assume Yu-Gi-Oh looks like in RPG form.

Orbital Blues - The Wanderer: Y'all already know I love me some OB. The Afterburn Kickstarter included this, which is the official solo mode, which I recently got to hear on @partyofonepod, featuring Austin Walker of Friends at the Table fame. An incredible episode that really put the game through its paces, and made it seem accessible and fun. Great prompts, and a really cool Poker mechanic for the overall resolution of your Wanderer's story. Seems like it could be a really cool way to populate your OB universe between campaigns.

OB: Rogue Anthems: When I first heard about the OB expansion, Afterburn, coming to Kickstarter, I expressed some excietment, and got a sneak peek of this item (i.e., Zach DMed me on Twitter about it). This is a VHS box filled with 8 little pamphlet adventures. It's SUCH a cool idea that absolutely fits into the Orbital Blues vibe. I really can't wait to bust them open.

OB: Afterburn: This is the core book for the OB expansion crowdfunder. More Orbital Blues? Yeah, count me in. I haven't yet cracked it open, and honestly I'm slightly worried that it'll inspire me in bigger ways than the first one did (more OB zines to come? I guess I'll keep you posted...)

Zine by Moonlight: Evil Hat has been doing this more and more, where they're putting the Stretch Goal material for their books in a POD format, and honestly? I'm into it! These are the zines that came with Magical Girl RPG Girl By Moonlight.

Stewpot Dice, Dungeons, and Delicacies: Stewpot is one of those games I've read through, really loved, saw there was a new edition coming, and wanted to get it all. This book is more content for the main game, and it's gonna be great.

Fe Borg: Partly picked this up because I've generally enjoyed what A Couple of Drakes puts out, and partly because of their meme initially pitching it. But doomed fae escapades is also an intriguing pitch.

Metastasis // Firestarter: If I'm completely honest, I don't know if I'd bring Lichoma to the table. These books are an expansion of that game, but the game design, layout, and art in these books are incredible. They instantly hit you with style, and really give you some ideas.

Dream Askew/Dream Apart: I've written, but never published, multiple Belonging Outside Belonging/No Dice, No Masters games, and this book has been instrumental to the design of those games. This is one of those books I recommend for any game designer's shelf, because it's such a complete thesis of its own style of play.

Monsterhearts 2e: MH2 is one of the RPGs I've played the most of, it a little bit outside my usual genre, but it's such a compelling and beautifully sensitive game for its subject matter. Plus, a lot of queer folks love it, so it's easy to get a game going.

Going for Broke: Everything Avery Alder makes, including the last two books and The Quiet Year, is gorgeous. This is no exception. Again, even though sitcom isn't really a genre I go for, I do love her work enough that I was intrigued.

Brindlewood Bay Community Cookbook: This was a splurge add-on for the original BB crowdfunder, and it kinda intrigued me enough to give it a shot. Its a fun in-world artifact that players can use, and includes a couple of rules to encourage players to bring recipes to the gaming table.

Jargon + Archetype: I really like Jaqueline Bryk's work. It's raw, honest, and sex-positive in some really lovely and potent ways. I also feel a little kinship with them in that we both had religious upbringings. These two books are small settings that take all of faer interests and spin them out into factions and faiths that hate and fight each other. Also I wasn't expecting to get both when I itch-funded the physical version of Archetype.

Apocalypse Frame: I've gushed before about Binary Star Games' work, and I'm in enough Discord Servers with Binary himself that it felt like not having Apocalypse Frame was remiss on my part. This one was a misprint, so I took it off his hands cheap, saying that I love books with character.

Fabula Ultima - Techno Fantasy Atlas: I'm really getting into Fabula Ultima in general, about halfway through the core book. I've got a campaign idea I'd really like to play out in, and it seems like the game's default tone for Techno Fantasy really fits the idea I have, so I picked the book up to read through it.

Zine Club has been extremely good to us this last couple of months. Don't know all of these:

Machine Impossible

Ball Game

To Honor and Obey

The Haunting of Cliff Cove

Exquisite Biome

Haunting of Cliff Cove is a Richard Ruane book, so I already know it's going to slap.

Equisite Biome I have actually read and played before it turned into a Zine, and I love it. Caro Asercion is a fantastic designer, and this really hits the Spore vibe, while also letting you really think about how a creature might fit into its niche. Highly recommended.

(Also I believe Caro has another game coming to BackerKit soon? Last Train to Bremen)

Never really got into Blaseball, but I think that's what Ball Game is channeling and honestly, I'm intrigued.

[fantasyfantasygames]

One Hundred Wizards

One Hundred Wizards, 60th Level Orc, 2024

What might sound like a dime-a-dozen D&D5e supplement is actually an OSR game with a unique concept. All your characters are wizards, but each of you has a very specific and flavorful spell list.

The system is more or less basic D&D with some modern improvements. It's the usual six stats, AC and saves that go upward, BAB instead of THAC0, Fort/Ref/Will saves as per 4e, "got 'em or you don't" skills that give a +4 bonus, but a stripped-down combat system that's very "theater of the mind". Nothing particularly special here.

The interesting part is the classes. There are 30 different spellcaster classes. That's it. No fighter or thief. Well, some of the casters are very beefy or particularly sneaky, but everyone's casting spells.

So how about them spells? If your game is all wizards, you better have good spells.

No one gets less than three or more than a dozen. I think there's a strict word count limit on the lists, with two exceptions (the Diabolist and the Stargazer, who apparently need more guardrails).

A few of the spells match up with standard D&D stuff, especially the weirder ones. There's a Horse-Mage who effectively has Mount, Find Familiar, Animal Friendship, etc. There's a Mage of the Broken Mind with spells that line up with Hideous Laughter, Confusion, and Hypnotic Pattern (among others).

All spells are unique. No two classes share a spell.

A lot of them have names attached, like Radiment's Unyielding Windstorm or Endeleshe's Sacred Communion.

There are a small number I recognize from the List of Spells Not Worth Memorizing.

Most classes are not actually focused on a specific set of effects. They're more focused on specific ways to cast magic, like sound, gestures, rituals, or alchemy. Others seem to have a list of "This is what our ancestors found useful for the place we live." The Cliffside Magi, the Sorcerers of Sail, Those Who Climb To The Moon, the Mage (singular) of the Moving Island, and several others fall into that category. If you live on a cliffside, then spells that let you climb quickly, move things up and down, ignore wind, and speak with birds of prey become a pretty sensible set.

Ways to detect magic are likewise unique. I haven't seen a game before where one mage class has to watch patterns of carefully gathered colored sand in order to see magic, and another always sees magic even with their eyes closed. Some of them don't have any "Detect Magic" equivalent at all, and just have to guess.

Intentionally-written side effects are rare, but unfortunate implications are common. See also "you see magic with your eyes closed", which probably makes it hard to get to sleep.

There's a 5e-style concentration mechanic, but otherwise no limit on how many spells you can cast per day or have active at once.

The art is the weak point. It's sparse and generic. I think I recognize a few from stock art packs on DriveThru and Itch. Layout is mediocre. Honestly, attempting to provide character-specific art for each of 30 wizard classes would be kind of a challenge.

And yes, I know, they promised 100 but only delivered 30. There's no explanation of why the title is what it is. If anyone finds out who 60th Level Orc is, please ask them for me. I'd still play this in a second.

[itsthatpearl]

Layout idea from @secret-smut-sideblog 🩸

Previous Chapter

Astarion x F!OC

Dawn of Love

Chapter 8: A Little Death

AO3 LINK

Astarion reveals Aura something he has never revealed to anyone else.

Word count: 2.6k

Thank you Cas and Kris for beta reading <3

TRIGGERS: trauma, angst, fingering, oral (f!receiving) fluff, L-bombs, handjob, p in v sex, multiple orgasms.

----

Gale handed me a plate and smiled, probably trying to make me feel better. I smiled back at him as best as I could.

I still didn’t know if we had made the right choice when we freed the seven thousand spawns to the Underdark from Cazador’s crypts. It had made Astarion weird in a way. Numb. He said he just needed time.

Him being safe was all that mattered to me, but I still couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt from my heart. What if this is just another catastrophe waiting to happen. What if freeing the spawns was a big mistake.

“You did the right choice. You and Astarion” Gale said, taking me into a warm hug. At least my friends approved our actions.

I nodded and sighed.

“I hope so” I muttered, suddenly bursting into tears.

Gale held me even closer.

“What is is, Aura? Why are you crying? We won, Astarion is okay, you saved so many lives” he hushed.

I sobbed into his tunic wetting the deep purple fabric with my tears.

“I failed him. He wanted to ascend, and I ruined his life. And I promised the Devil I would help Astarion do it” I quavered.

The wizard soothed me by stroking my hair.

“You didn’t ruin his life. You will both see this was for the best. And what comes to the Devil, I promise he won’t be a problem” he said with a calming tone.

I nodded and after sobbing for a moment I calmed down and just listened to Gale’s heartbeat.

“Thank you. For being such a good friend” I whispered.

He took a long, deep breath in and nodded.

“Of course. You matter to me, Aura. You matter to all of us. And Astarion too” he said quietly.

“What about me?” a voice purred behind us.

I turned to see Astarion standing head slightly cocked to the side. I dried my eyes and couldn’t help but smile.

“Nothing. It’s dumb” I said and let go of Gale.

“Can I speak to you?” Astarion said softly, raising a brow and offering his hand to me.

Gale nodded, gesturing me to go. I stood up taking Astarion’s hand.

“What is it?” I asked quietly.

He gave me a playful glance and started leading me away from the camp.

“I want to show you something I haven’t shown anyone else before”

We walked hand in hand quietly. The air was warm, but I could sense we were both struggling to find the correct words in this situation.

“I guess I have to get used to not seeing the sun ever again soon” Astarion said, breaking the silence.

I stopped walking and looked at him.

“Don’t…don’t say that” I tried my best to keep myself from tearing up again. “We could still find a way to control the tadpole….or a way to cure your vampirism…or…or…” I started sobbing again.

Astarion hushed and wrapped his arms around me.

“Maybe, but even if I could control the tadpole, it’s a dangerous game” he sighed. “I’d spend every day waiting for something to go wrong. For the tadpole to find some new trick, reassert itself, and make me a slave again. Or waiting to find a cure that we might never find” he said quietly and kissed my head.

I looked up at him. His eyes were so gentle.

“Maybe never seeing the sun again is just the price of freedom” he whispered.

I closed my eyes.

“I…I don’t know what to do” I whispered back.

I felt his lips softly pressing onto my forehead.

“Me neither. But we have time to figure it out” he said as he took my hand and started walking again.

I glanced at Astarion confused. I stared at a gate that led into a graveyard.

“What are we doing here?” I whispered.

He smiled softly, opening the gate and walked in. It was quiet, as we were the only ones there.

The moon casted a beautiful, yet haunting light, that created shadows around us.

Astarion stopped in front of a gravestone. It was old, that was for sure. You couldn’t see what it said, as the vines around it had gone wild and grown all around it.

I watched the rogue in silence as he kneeled down and wiped the stone.

“Astarion Ancunín, from 229 to 268” I whispered while reading the runes written in elvish.

He came to stand next to me.

“Nearly two hundred years, and I never came back. Not since the night I woke up down there” he said while looking at his grave. “I had to punch through the coffin and claw my way through six feet of dirt. Then when I finally broke the surface, retching up dirt and congealed blood, Cazador was waiting. From that day on I was his. Until today”.

I shook my head.

“You were never his. Whatever he had, he took by force”

Astarion sighed.

“Maybe, but he did take it. There’s almost nothing left of the person I was. Just a name on a rock” he claimed sadly.

There was a long silence.

“For nearly two centuries I stalked the streets like a ghost while the person I was lay here, dead and buried. Now I need to figure out who I am. What I want” he added.

I was afraid to open my mouth, but felt like I had to say something.

“And what do you want?” my voice came out almost as a whisper. Afraid to know the answer. 

He turned to look at me.

“You…I want you” he started to smile slightly.

I felt my heart skip a beat.

“You were by my side through all of this. Through…bloodlust and pain and misery. You were patient. You cared. You trusted me when that was an objectively stupid thing to do” he smiled more. “I feel safe with you. Seen. And whatever the future holds for me, I don’t want to lose that”.

I felt a single tear drop on my cheek. 

Astarion turned and sighed.

“I should probably fix this” he muttered and kneeled in front of the gravestone once again. 

He started carving something onto the cold stone. A new year. The beginning of the rest of his life.

I sat down on my knees to look at him. The silver curls of his hair moved gently in the wind. His eyes looked determined but soft.

When he was done he moved next to me to admire his work.

“I’ve been dead in the ground for long enough. It’s time to try living again” he smiled and turned to face me. “With everything that life has to offer” he said softly while taking my hands onto his.

I looked at him and smiled softly. I could feel him slightly caressing the back of my hands with his thumbs. His smile turned into more of a coyish grin. 

“What…do you mean by that?” I asked, suddenly confused.

His grin got wider.

“If a night of passion is on offer, I…could be persuaded” his voice got lower, more seductive. But not the way it had been before. He stared deep into my eyes, smiling.

“Are you…are you sure?” I looked at him, searching for something, anything, to prove to me he wasn’t sure.

He looked away, letting my hand go.

“You know, I didn’t care for you when we first met. But I do now. Being with you is more than…lust or manipulating you into a tactical alliance” he said, turning to look at me again and stopping for a beat.

I opened my mouth.

“I love you. I love this. And I want it all” he smiled.

I stared at him in silence. 

Suddenly there was no wind, as if it had stopped just to hear this.

Astarion pulled me closer and placed a soft, lingering kiss on my lips.

I had forgotten to breathe, so when he pulled away I gasped for air.

“Astarion. I love you. I love you more than anything in this world” I said.

For a moment he smiled at me, before pushing me down onto the ground.

I watched as he moved on top of me to devour my lips once more. It felt like we hadn’t ever kissed before.

Astarion pulled away from the kiss for a moment.

“I’ve missed this” he whispered.

“Intimacy?” I asked quietly.

He nodded.

“Feeling free” he whispered before closing the space between us and kissing my neck.

I gasped and lifted my hand to grip his hair slightly.

“May I drink from you?” he said in between drowning the skin of my neck with kisses.

I bit my lip and nodded.

“Please do”.

He bit down, letting out a satisfied sigh.

I started sliding my hand down his back slowly as he drank me in. I could feel him growing hard every minute. My head started to feel dizzy, but I couldn’t locate if it was from the loss of blood, or the fact that I had to have him inside me as quickly as possible.

“Touch me, Aura. Please” he whimpered, almost pleading.

I didn’t need further encouragement.

As soon as my hand slid inside his breeches he moaned loudly into the quiet night air. He was already painfully hard and leaking precum. 

Astarion placed sloppy, wet kisses on the spot he had bit and started moving down until I couldn’t reach his throbbing cock.

“Even though I would love to have the sweet relief immediately, I am a gentleman, and won’t leave the love of my life unsatisfied ever again” he grinned while kissing down my chest, opening buttons along the way.

“You have never left me unsatisfied” I did my best not to sound out of breath. “I never want you to do anything you don’t wa- AH!” I moaned loudly and grabbed a fistful of his hair as he closed his mouth around my clit.

“Shhh, I know my sweet. Now be quiet and enjoy…if you can” he grinned and started lapping my core with his hungry tongue.

I was not going to last long, and Astarion knew it. He pushed two fingers inside me, curling them just to the right spot. He still knew every single place that made me cry out his name.

And I did, while he lapped and sucked me, dragging me closer and closer to coming undone.

The cold ground beneath my back added just the right amount of pain to the sensations my body was feeling.

“Astarion” I whimpered as I felt my orgasm building up.

I got an approving hum in return, as his other hand interlocked our fingers together.

I came while gripping his hair and hand.

I opened my eyes to look at him, catching his breath as his lips glistened in the moonlight.

“That was…” I breathed out.

“Good?” Astarion smiled.

“Even you know that would be an understatement” I giggled as I sat up, grabbed his face and kissed him slowly. “You are so good to me, Astarion” I whispered. “Let me be good to you” I opened my eyes to look at him.

Silence.

“I trust you” Astarion said, eyes closed.

I kissed him slowly.

“You can tell me to stop at any moment” I smiled against his lips. 

He answered by devouring my lips again.

I glid my fingers down his abdomen until they reached their destination. I wrapped my fingers around his length and gave it a lazy stroke.

Astarion’s breath hitched.

I looked at him.

“Don’t stop” he whimpered, brows furrowed in despair.

“I won’t” I whispered back and started moving my hand slowly up and down.

Tiny moans escaped his lips as I felt him grow even harder under my touch. I kissed his neck softly while working him closer to his climax.

“Fuck Aurora” he moaned.

I couldn't help but smile against his lips.

Suddenly he grabbed my hand, stopping it completely.

“I- Sorry I thought-” I started before he devoured my lips in a bruising kiss, which I welcomed with a soft moan, eyes closed.

After a couple of feverish kisses we both catched out breath. He placed kisses on my cheek, moving up to my ear and nipped it.

“Lay down” he ordered with a seductive tone, and as I opened my eyes, he looked at me with a hungry, desperate look.

I laid down, pulling him on top of me and kissed him deeply.

His fingers flew to toy with my clit, which made me gasp onto his lips. I was already soaking wet from the pure bliss I got from pleasuring him. 

“My my, if I knew you’d enjoy touching me this much, I wouldn't had ever prohibited you from it” he purred as his dexterous fingers drew tiny circles on my flesh.

I would’ve answered him something back, but the feeling was so intense I couldn’t do anything but moan.

“Look at you, already so close” Astarion sighed and moved his fingers up to caress my breast.

I whined, frustrated by him.

“Tut tut, I will let you finish again my love, but only if you are deliciously wrapped around me, screaming my name while I fuck you” he growled into my ear.

I moaned loudly as he slowly pushed inside me.

It had been so long since we had sex. I had forgotten how big he was. His cock slid inside with no resistance, stretching me deliciously. I bit my lip and looked at my pale rogue. My eyes were met with his. Astarion catched his breath, opening his mouth. His hand came to grip my hip softly. Then he started moving.

Slowly at first. The air was filled with quiet pants, lips and skin smacking onto each other. 

Then the pace got quicker. Pants turned into moans, kisses into gasps of air and the air was filled with sounds of Astarion’s hips snapping onto mine with a punishing pace.

“I- fuck” he started before letting out a loud moan. I felt my climax starting to build up quickly. 

“I love you” he gasped. “And also I- I- I can’t hold myself much longer” he whimpered.

I moaned before looking into his eyes.

“Cum with me, my love” I whispered.

Two more pushes and we both stumbled into the sweet depths of our shared orgasm. Our sweat dripping bodies all tangled up on each other.

I hadn’t noticed how cold the night had become. As the heat between us calmed down, I started shivering. Astarion held me tighter against him, as if it would help at all. But I couldn’t care. I was too exhausted to move. “My love, you will catch a cold” he whispered.

“How horrible would that be…spending days in your arms” I muttered back.

“Unable to save the world? I don’t think so. You would do it even if you had the plague” he giggles quietly.

I smiled and kissed him.

“Are you okay?” I whispered. 

“What do you mean my love? Of course I am okay” he smiled. “Don’t I look okay?” he raised a brow while giving a roguish smile, flashing a fang at me. “You do, better than okay” I nodded. “But I mean...this was our first time having sex after we decided to have a break from it” I stroked his cheek gently. “Are you feeling okay, do you want to talk about it?”.

He smiled and closed his eyes.

“I feel good. I want to take things slowly. This doesn’t mean we will do this every day now but…I don’t feel…used…with you” he breathed out and opened his eyes.

I smiled back and nodded.

“That is good. You set the pace, I follow” I whispered before kissing him softly.

[accihoe]

Requests

Hi there! Personally, I like double, even triple, assurance when I want to request something from a fellow writer.

Requests = Open

So here's a layout:)

Do's:

☆Fluff

☆Angst

☆Platonic

☆Basically anything you'd like:)

I'm weird irl, I love whumpee stuff. So if you want to request ☆sick fics☆ that include vomiting and stuff, I'm game!

♤Note: With whumpee and sick fics, I'm not good at writing stuff where it's Y/N that gets hurt or sick. As you may have noticed, I do prefer writing whumpee for the character of choice. But again, I'd be more than happy to try:)

Don'ts:

☆Smut (sorry:( )

☆Death

☆Weird shit (i.e. that supernatural show everyone one is suddenly into? Hell no. No demon moster stuff. I will however maybe do vampire, wizard, wearwolf etc)

¤Another note: I only write x fem reader, sorry about that.

Extras:

And guys, please don't hesitate to chat to me if you ever need anyone to talk to. I promise I won't mind, and I will try my best to respond promptly.

I love having internet friends, I prefer you guys over irl friends. I'm happy to interact outside of writing, but will respect it if you want to keep a strictly "written" friendship

Take care xx !

[lunarsands]

ESMP S1 Fanfic: A Garden's Path - Prologue

Characters: Mythical Sausage, Scott Smajor, Bubbles the Dog, Sir Carlos, appearances by the cast of Empires SMP S1 including Xornoth, featuring blaze-hybrid emperor TangoTek, and introducing: The Children of Mythland (specific characters to be tagged when they appear in each chapter)

Relationships: MythicalSausage/Scott Smajor, LDShadowlady/Smallishbeans, Shubble/Katherine Elizabeth, Jimmy Solidarity & TangoTek

Tags: Empires SMP S1 AU, scosage, adoption, fluff, wholesome, so much wholesome fluff you would not believe, a bit of angst here and there, Sausage has a few nightmares for Plot reasons, acknowledgement of amputation (not sure how else to tag that but just in case)

WARNINGS: fantasy racism (human vs elf), loss of parent (with adoption inevitably comes orphans), minor character death in a later chapter

Summary: Having weathered a new set of trials and finding love together, Sausage and Scott look toward a whole new future and adventure together: raising some adopted children. Surely after everything else they can handle two sons, a daughter, two or three others, a foundling infant…and a handful more along the way.

Set in an AU where Scott’s sacrifice at the end of Season 1 led to the creation of an alternate timeline. Scott retains his memories of the previous version of the world – as does Sausage, due to his ability to traverse parallel dimensions.

(Also available on Ao3!)

Prologue: The Aftermath

[ A/N: This is a sequel to an illustrated story by Cynthrey! :D Since I will be avoiding some of the spoilers for that story, we’ve decided to run them concurrently. You can read The Champion of Exor AU for information on things like: Why is this scosage? What is Tango doing here? Why does Sausage have a prosthetic arm? Now also available on Ao3!]

---

It had seemed like just another of Sausage’s exaggerated theatrics when, during a Wither Rose Alliance meeting, he bemoaned being unable to properly hug anyone with only one arm. Gem and fWhip had expected a different turn to the conversation when the wizard had asked how he had been adjusting after returning to some of his kingly duties. He certainly seemed like his old self, gesticulating as he talked, although now it involved waving his left arm around and merely lifting what remained of the upper half of his right, the sleeve of his shirt neatly rolled and pinned above where his elbow would have been.

The loss of one arm hadn’t slowed Sausage down for long, aside from the initial few months of recovery. Gem’s healing spells along with some holistic elven care had him back on his feet and in full architect form soon enough. With Scott’s help, they had rebuilt the parts of Mythland that had suffered from Sausage’s own actions. This included renovations around the castle, where walls were either removed or relocated to allow for open spaces, in particular a grand garden that featured some of the new orchid varieties Sausage had promised to bring to Mythland, and artful layouts by Scott’s hand of many other flowers and decorative hedges. The combination brought some natural healing, as well, to bodies and minds.

fWhip sat back in his chair as he watched Sausage while he went on about construction difficulties. The inventor clasped his ginger-bearded chin with one hand while beginning to tap on the papers in front of him with the other. He could remember just how Sausage’s right arm would look similarly flailing around with animated speech. fWhip abruptly flipped over a piece of paper and began sketching out a rough blueprint. The movement of the quill caught Gem’s eye and she glanced over at the drawing talking shape. Her eyebrows went up, then she smiled but refrained from offering more than a quiet and intrigued, “Ooh…” to not distract fWhip. He was in The Zone though, tuning out Sausage, and even grabbed Gem’s papers to have extras to scribble more details.

Gem now made sure to throw comments at Sausage to keep him distracted after she saw fWhip write a note of ‘deadline: wedding surprise’ with a big question mark. “You can do it,” she said, which could have been taken as directed at either of them. Sausage, of course, assumed she was talking to him and he proceeded to rattle off several reasons for why he probably could not and should not be doing any extensive cave explorations just for some emerald ore, because how would he manage both a pickaxe and a shield, unless he tried strapping a shield to his upper arm, but anyway how would he switch over to a sword fast enough if there were any monsters and also he was still retraining how to sword fight with his left hand instead of his right – and so on.

When the meeting ended, Gem had thought to offer any help fWhip might need with the project, but he was off and not-literally-running, pouring over the papers as he walked with only a hastily spoken, “Mm-hm, mm-hm, see you next time.” He stopped to lean on a barrel to make another notation, then tucked the papers inside his jacket to protect them as he stepped into the bubble elevator.

They’d had to replace ladders in various places since those were a little difficult for Sausage to use at the moment, but if fWhip’s plan worked, that would only be temporary.

~*~

Although the prosthetic had a solid copper casing in the shape of an arm proportional to Sausage’s left one, the prototype was still simple and more of a rush job than fWhip would have liked, but the deadline seemed to come up faster than expected, and the salmon forge wasn’t predictable enough for such precise work. As it stood, he nearly made Sausage late for his own wedding, but he had to insist they take the time to get it working so he could not only properly hug Scott, but properly hold his hand while exchanging rings.

That thought convinced Sausage to hold still despite glances toward the clock while fWhip cinched up the metal rig that went over his shoulder to hold the prosthetic in place against the stump of his right arm, then connected a series of redstone wires between the two parts. Sausage flinched at the small jolt as the redstone fired up, but then wonder dawned on his face when he was able to slowly straighten the arm and bend the fingers partway.

fWhip did warn him to think of it as a simple tool and not a full replacement; the range of movement was severely limited and wouldn’t hold much weight, and there wasn’t enough grip strength in the fingers to pick things up, but it would serve the purpose needed for that day. Sausage thanked him for even that much ability, and after fWhip helped him get his single-sleeved dress shirt and similarly modified ceremonial doublet on, he covered the prosthetic with his cloak and they hurried out to the garden for the ceremony.

Scott, waiting with everyone else, wore exquisite traditional elven wedding robes, a circlet made of gleaming ice crystals with a short veil attached atop his head, and clearly looked like he had been worried that Sausage had gotten cold feet. Instead, he saw the grin on his groom’s face that gave away that he was up to something and Scott couldn’t help a smile of his own, wondering if that giddy expression was for more than just the fact that their wedding was even happening. The elf’s own look of surprise, then of joy, when Sausage lifted the arm from under his cloak to cup his substitute hand underneath Scott’s hand, then slip the wedding ring on, was worth the minor discomfort of the not-quite-perfected redstone signals.

And then, once pronounced man and husband, Sausage carefully put both arms around Scott to hug him the way he had longed to since the moment he had woken up after the battle and found that his love was shared.

The redstone wiring failed partway through the reception, causing need for an impromptu sling to hold the prosthetic up until fWhip could remove the rig later, but Sausage didn’t mind. It had worked for just the right amount of time that it needed to, and anything else he could do fine with just his left hand – or with Scott’s help.

There were a few more designs that fWhip tried out after that, with variations on how the redstone wiring read signals and how the assortment of gears moved. Ever the adventurous type – and maybe just eager to have two working hands again, because what was a builder with only one arm – as well as possibly an unhealthy amount of pain tolerance, Sausage made for a good test subject. He put up with the occasional shorts in the wiring that left the prosthetic hanging useless, weathered the zaps if the power distribution was off, and let fWhip tinker without being picky about how the arm looked.

During the final test of getting conscious signals from Sausage to transfer to the prosthetic, fWhip resorted to a different sort of experiment with Gem’s help that involved embedding a transmitter inside a magic crystal that was attuned to the Mythlandian’s personal magical frequency, creating a small device that fit over Sausage’s ear and could be hidden behind it. This linked up with a matching crystal inside the prosthetic, and greatly increased Sausage’s control over the parts of the arm.

From there fWhip refined the inner workings. Smaller gears, a new type of copper wiring, some of the same old redstone technology, and then a series of overlapping struts on the outside to form the shape of flexor, radialis, bicep, triceps, and other assorted muscles but retaining superior functionality. He added a few aesthetic details as well, like invoking the vambrace he used to wear on his forearm that contained a second attuned gemstone for a backup.

The rig also no longer needed to go over his shoulder, with a basket-like inner structure that fit snug against what remained of his arm and the outer struts still forming a muscle-shaped support over it. An extra, simple strap was attached to the basket that could be tightened just in case, making it easier to remove for sleep or if it was irritating him for any reason. Sausage would wear a fabric cuff to cover the end of his stump for a little padding and protection for the scarred skin, the cuff itself buttoned on one side to also offer easy removal. He could choose to either drape a partial shirt sleeve over the top half of his upper arm or do away with sleeves on that side of his shirts altogether; the only drawback to the new design being that fabric could easily get caught in the struts if left sitting against them while he was using it. fWhip offered to test out full cover casings for temporary use in future versions, but Sausage still preferred functionality over appearance.

The real test came when attempting to pick up and carry boxes of supplies and materials, and how well the prosthetic held up while actually building. Of course, fWhip also cautioned against letting too much dust or small debris get into the arm, so Sausage was still limited on that front anyway, but getting to do at least a little of his favorite hobby was an improvement, and now he had Scott to help him – and to remind him when to take a break, or keep track of how much dust was getting kicked up. Still, even just drawing up architectural designs and taking measurements was easier with two hands.

fWhip was, however, resigned to knowing that part of the regular maintenance on the prosthetic would be cleaning the internal mechanisms. Although, to look at it another way, it served just as much of a learning experience for him to see what other types of improvements he could make to protect and perfect the internal parts even more.

~*~

With such a wedding as auspicious as a king marrying an elven prince, it was inevitable that there would be other parties of a more public nature, with the nobles of Mythland wishing to congratulate their ruler, and envoys from Rivendell visiting to honor their prince now become a king regnant. Things generally went smoothly, so on one occasion Scott and Sausage separated to mingle with crowds of their respective fellows to thank them.

Scott ended up accepting a gift from the Rivendell merchant’s guild of bottles of spiced cider, the best of each’s stock, and shared one with them over some idle chatter about recent Rivendell affairs until one of them made the casual comment, “Say, good move securing yourself a kingdom.”

Scott was about to question what they were implying but another of the merchants cut in with a laugh, “Ah, yes – why else a human then, hmm? What a quaint dalliance.”

A third asked, “He only has, what, fifty years left in him? Any lucky elf in mind for when that day comes?”

Scott forced his expression to be neutral then twirled his finger in the air. He froze their drinks, then caused frost to form over their hands so they were stuck to their goblets. He tossed what was left of his drink into the face of the first offender, then he spun around with his chin held high and walked away.

Meanwhile, Sausage had been chatting with some nobles from the far side of Mythland, and after showing off the latest version of his prosthetic, was fielding reports on the land holdings plus a little trouble with zombie hordes, which he promised to look into.

One of the men kept eyeing any of the elven guests who meandered nearby, then finally spoke his mind. “So, an elf became your choice? I can’t blame you. They have such… unusual color hair. Such pretty things…”

His tone made Sausage feel cautious that this was some type of judgment. “Well, there’s plenty of other things, just like you and me. Fighting skills, magic talent—”

“I suppose,” the man droned on as if dismissing those details, “They’re not all as delicate as they look. Say, are the ears like handles for when he’s—”

Upon the word ears, Sausage could guess where it was going and began to draw back his right arm. He then cold clocked the man right in the face before he could finish the sentence, buckling a few struts and popping a redstone wire somewhere in his prosthetic. The hand went limp and he had to lower the arm by pushing on it with his left hand, but he only glared as the offender’s fellow noble tried to help him, walking him away from the enraged Mythland king.

Sausage turned away as well and stormed off through the staring crowd, whispered gossip following in his wake about what the noble could possibly have said to make their king react like that.  He found a quiet spot with fewer people and started to inspect his arm. Aside from the struts making up the back of the hand and one by the wrist, he figured whatever wire had broken was key to letting him control the hand. He could only move the elbow partway so he forced it into a folded position, then removed his ceremonial cape and hung it over the arm to make it look like he was merely holding the cape as one normally would when feeling warm.

He figured that would suffice to ward off comments until he could contact fWhip to fix it. He should probably ask the inventor about reinforcing it so he could use it for such occasions without breaking it. He did feel a little foolish, however, that he had used it instead of his left fist, but the anger had struck pretty quickly, and his right side had been in a better position to hit first…

Well, what was done was done. He wasn’t about to allow such crude comments, and now people knew it. He turned back toward the crowd – in time to see Scott stalking by looking upset. He reached for the elf’s arm to stop him. “Hey – are you all right?”

Startled, Scott looked over at him, having not noticed he was there, then promptly hugged him and explained what the merchants had said. “It’s just so… callous of them to think I only married you because I wouldn’t become ruler of Rivendell, and that I would just… wait out your time…”

“Well, you… shouldn’t have to be alone after I go,” Sausage said softly. “It’s just a fact I’ll pass first. And I wouldn’t do anything like mess with magic to extend my lifespan, that would be crazy, eh-heh…”

Scott gave an earnest but gentle smile. “You’ve already thought about that, haven’t you?”

“Ah— haha. Yup,” Sausage admitted. “I won’t though. I know it won’t end well. We have the time together that we have.” He clasped Scott’s hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss to his knuckles.

Scott then hugged him again, only to realize there was something odd when Sausage returned the hug with only his left arm. The elf stepped back and looked down questioningly at how the prosthetic, hidden by the cape, was positioned. Sausage cleared his throat and slid the cape back to show the damage to his hand. “I, um, needed to defend your honor. The condescension runs on both sides.”

Scott sighed and helped arrange the cape back over the hand. “And we thought demons were the worst of our problems…”

“I know. Turns out it’s really other people. Come on, we’ll stick together for the rest of the night.”

“I like that plan.” Scott smiled, then paused and removed his own cape, draping it over the prosthetic as well. “Look how nice my husband is, carrying that for me.” He kissed Sausage on the cheek, earning a grin, then they rejoined the crowd.

.

It was sometime later when they were approached by the nobleman whom Sausage had punched, a sizeable bruise marring his face. “I expect an apology!” the man hissed. He flicked his gaze toward Scott and began to sneer.

“No,” Sausage said calmly, then yelled, “Guards! Escort this—” He spoke a word in Elvish “—out of here!”

Scott feigned a horrified gasp. “Sausage! Don’t call him that!” He had to suppress a smile until the man was hauled away, then he burst out laughing.

“What?” Sausage asked. “Was my accent that bad?”

“You called him a tree branch.”

“Oh. Well. Close enough.”

.

The rest of the event passed without incident, and soon enough the celebrations tapered off. With life getting back to normal and quiet, peaceful days ahead of them, Sausage turned his thoughts toward the future and the other possibilities that might await there.

~*~

One night, as Scott was helping him remove his prosthetic to get ready for bed, he decided it might be time to share some of his thoughts. He felt a little nervous, however, but instead of fidgeting just tried to lay still when Scott lifted it away from the protective cuff that covered the remaining part of his upper arm, the flicker of combined magic and redstone signals tapering off from his awareness. With the utmost care Scott placed it in its fabric-lined case where it wouldn’t be accidentally knocked over if either of them got up during the night.

Sausage sat up and leaned to reach and catch the elf’s hand before he could move around to the other side of the bed. “Can I… Can I ask you something?” Yet then, hesitating, he let go of Scott’s hand.

Curious about his tone, Scott sat down on the side of the bed. “You can, although it seems like you’re not sure if you want to. Everything okay?”

“Yes, I was just, um -- Well, I’ve been wondering… What, uh, what do you think about having… children?”

“Aside from the obvious issue with that?” Scott uttered a light laugh, but seeing Sausage’s face flush a little, he rested his hand over his. “Honestly? I hadn’t thought about it much before. Between the old world and this one, I always had other things on my mind.” He went quiet as he gave it some thought now, gently caressing Sausage’s arm in apology for seeming to tease him. “I guess… I mean we could… start considering adoption. Did you have something specific in mind? One, or maybe two – son, daughter, other?”

“Doesn’t particularly matter, just, ah— whoever we find that will accept us as we are, too. I mean, I don’t know how a child might feel about a father with only one arm.” Sausage looked at him sheepishly. “I would ask fWhip to reinforce the other one so I can pick them up and carry them around and stuff. Well, if they happen to be small enough for that. I guess age doesn’t matter too much, either.”

“Probably not an infant, though. We’re not equipped for handling anyone that young, and it might be easier to adjust our lives around an older child – you know, one who would know to be careful about your arm. There is one other consideration,” he added softly, a single possible repercussion coming to mind. “…Human, or elf?”

Sausage glanced down for a moment, understanding the implication, then smiled when he lifted his head. “Doesn’t matter. Whichever we find.”

Scott smiled in return and patted Sausage’s leg, then stood to dim the lanterns before going to his side of the bed. He had just gotten settled when more thoughts started occurring to him. “What would they call us? We can’t both be ‘dad’.”

“Dad and… ice-dad,” Sausage joked.

“No.” Scott pretended to act offended.

“I’m kidding! I called my father ‘papa’ when I was little. I’d be okay being that.”

“I’ll be ‘dad’ then.” He went quiet for a minute, weighing his next thought before saying out loud, “Should we tell them who we are right away? ‘Hi, we’re the rulers of Mythland, do you want to become royalty?’”

“That could be intimidating, or influence a match that doesn’t work out, depending on the people who run the place.”

“Right… It could be a surprise, maybe?”

“Yeah, let’s do that.” Then Sausage frowned sadly even though Scott couldn’t see it in the dark. “We won’t tell them the truth about my arm. That stays in the past. We’ll…make something up if anyone asks. Or just say that we don’t talk about what happened to Papa’s arm.”

Scott sought between them for Sausage’s left hand and gave it a squeeze. “All right.” He let a silent moment of that comfort pass, then said, “I’ll go to Rivendell in a day or so and find out what options there might be.”

“Sounds good. Maybe I’ll change some rooms around while you’re there.”

“Okay.”

They fell back into silence, if not sleep, with Sausage feeling grateful that Scott had been open to the suggestion, and Scott now realizing how much more of a future was available to them. His mind went to comments made by other elves about Sausage’s shorter lifespan. The idea of children meant their marriage, and the future of Mythland, could outlast them both…

~*~

Xornoth attempted to stare at his younger brother as if he wasn’t crazy, but darn if it wasn’t difficult not to. “You would like me to what?”

“Just to help me vet a few locations, if you will? I don’t know how appropriate it would be for a former prince of Rivendell to start touring every orphanage in the realm with his human husband…”

Xornoth chuckled. “Oh, but it’s appropriate for the current ruler to do it?”

“Well, I didn’t mean for you to go in person—”

“I understand your concerns but, Scott, why don’t you?”

“What?”

“Just go! Take Sausage with you and go meet some kids! Don’t worry so much about criteria, I’m sure any place will be overjoyed to know there will be dedicated parents looking after some young ones! Remember, I’ve seen you two together and the hearts are flying between you all the time now.”

The tips of Scott’s ears burned and he stared back at him as if he had never in the world expected him to say something like that.

Xornoth went and pretty much read his brother’s mind. “What? Did you think I would discourage you? You with your former inability to control elemental powers and him being a former demon? You’ve both gotten second chances and the world is wide open. You deserve a family of your own, too, if that’s what you want.”

“Maybe let’s not mention that second part ever again. Can I trust you to not bring that up? Our one rule is going to be we don’t talk about what happened to Papa’s arm.”

“ ‘Papa’? Oh, that’s adorable.” Xornoth laughed. Scott folded his arms, indicating he was serious. “Of course, I promise – I would no sooner tell about that than I would how I was once a demon, too.” He winked, but at those words Scott knew the secret was safe. Xornoth then began chuckling again. “Wouldn’t want to make Papa sad by reminding him about his arm, no… Ha! All right,” he said as Scott elbowed him, “Let’s get out a map and find you a town or two where you might not be easily recognized.”

Coming Next: Chapter One – The First Princes

[kashishwrites]

Discovering Bhangarh Fort: India's Most Haunted Place

Nestled amidst the rugged Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, Bhangarh Fort stands as a testament to both architectural grandeur and mysterious folklore. Often referred to as the most haunted place in India, Bhangarh Fort attracts adventurers, history enthusiasts, and paranormal investigators alike. Let's delve into the intriguing tale of Bhangarh, exploring its history, legends, and the eerie aura that surrounds it.

History and Architecture

Bhangarh Fort, located approximately 83 kilometers from Jaipur, dates back to the 17th century. Built by Raja Madho Singh, the fort and its precincts once thrived with life, boasting palaces, temples, and intricately designed structures typical of Rajput architecture. The fort is protected by two prominent gates, the Lahori Gate and the Delhi Gate, each offering a glimpse into the fort's erstwhile glory.

The layout of Bhangarh Fort is marked by ancient temples dedicated to Hindu deities like Gopinath, Someshwar, and Keshava Rai. These temples, along with the royal palace ruins and marketplaces, speak volumes about the vibrant past of Bhangarh as a flourishing town.

Legends and Folklore

Despite its historical significance, Bhangarh Fort is shrouded in dark legends and eerie tales that have become part of local folklore. One of the most popular stories revolves around a curse cast by a wizard named Singhia on the fort and its inhabitants. According to the legend, Singhia fell in love with the beautiful princess Ratnavati of Bhangarh. In an attempt to win her love through magic, Singhia was killed, but not before casting a curse on the entire town, leading to its abandonment and desolation.

Locals and visitors alike claim to have experienced paranormal activities within the fort premises. It is believed that the curse still lingers, preventing anyone from inhabiting the fort after sunset. The Archaeological Survey of India has even put up a signboard warning visitors against staying inside the fort complex after dark.

Visiting Bhangarh Fort

For adventurous souls and history buffs, Bhangarh Fort offers a captivating journey into the past and the supernatural. The fort opens its gates to visitors during the day, providing an opportunity to explore its historical structures, temples, and the scenic surroundings of the Aravalli hills.

The fort's eerie ambiance and its picturesque setting have also made it a popular destination for photographers and filmmakers. The crumbling ruins, overgrown with vegetation, create a hauntingly beautiful backdrop against the backdrop of the surrounding hills.

Conclusion

Bhangarh Fort stands as a testament to Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage and its intriguing blend of history and mystery. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Bhangarh Fort promises an unforgettable experience. Explore its ancient ruins, immerse yourself in its legends, and marvel at its haunting beauty — Bhangarh Fort is sure to leave an indelible mark on your journey through India.

[full-stackmobiledeveloper]

AI Meets UX: How Generative AI is Revolutionizing Mobile UI/UX Design Services in 2025 for UI/UX Design Companies

It's 2025. If you're still designing mobile apps purely by hand, you're missing out. Generative AI is no longer just a cool concept; it's a game-changer. It's completely reshaping how we dream up, build, and refine mobile app experiences. This isn't just about automation. It's about a powerful partnership where AI works with us, speeding up innovation and pushing the limits of what great user experience (UX) can be. This is a crucial development for UI/UX design companies everywhere.

Forget endless manual wireframes and tiny pixel tweaks for every change. Generative AI is here to make mobile app design smarter, faster, and incredibly more personal. From the first idea to the finished app, AI is now part of every step, promising new levels of efficiency and creativity. This is particularly vital for startup companies looking for UI/UX designers and established UI/UX design companies aiming to stay ahead in delivering top-tier UI UX design services.

AI: Your New Design Partner for UI UX Design and Development Services

What is Generative AI? Simply put, it's a technology that can create new, original content. This includes text, images, code, or even full app layouts. It learns from existing patterns and your instructions. For mobile app design, this means a huge shift from rigid, step-by-step design to dynamic, intelligent, and flexible processes. Designers aren't just using tools anymore; they're collaborating with smart assistants. This collaboration fundamentally transforms the way UI/UX design services are delivered by any ui ux design services company.

Discover how Generative AI is reshaping mobile app design in 2025 by revolutionizing every stage of the development process, a key focus for UI UX design companies:

Here's how Generative AI is making its mark, transforming key stages of the mobile app design lifecycle, impacting all UI UX design companies and startup companies looking for a ui/ux designers:

Faster Ideas and Prototypes – Sparking Creativity in UI/UX Design

Imagine this: You describe your app idea to an AI. "I want a simple e-commerce app for eco-friendly fashion. Make it dark-themed with a quick checkout." Instantly, the AI doesn't just give you one idea. It generates many different, ready-to-use design suggestions. Tools like Wizard, Visily, and Google's Stitch (formerly Galileo AI) are leading this charge. They can turn your text, rough sketches, or even screenshots into editable mockups and interactive prototypes in mere seconds. This is a game-changer for UI UX design and development services.

This drastically cuts down the time spent brainstorming. Designers are freed from repetitive tasks, allowing them to explore far more ideas and test them much quicker. This means the best solutions are found earlier. It also makes design more accessible, letting non-designers visualize their concepts fast. This is a huge benefit for UI UX design services companies aiming for rapid iteration and for startup companies looking for ui/ux designers who need quick prototypes.

Super-Personalized User Interfaces (UIs) – Apps That Adapt to You with UI/UX Design Services

The idea of a single design for everyone is quickly disappearing. Generative AI creates UIs that truly adapt and personalize for each individual user. How? By analyzing real-time user behavior, stated preferences, device type, location, time of day, and even subtle emotional cues (like hesitation or fast tapping). This level of personalization is a hallmark of advanced UI/UX design services.

Apps can now dynamically adjust layouts, content order, colors, fonts, and even show or hide features on the fly. For example:

A banking app shows investments to traders, budgeting to new users.

An online store tweaks product views based on your browsing to boost sales.

This leads to apps that feel uniquely tailored, boosting user engagement and satisfaction like never before. It's a prime example of how modern UI UX design services companies are leveraging AI.

The old friction and communication gaps between design and development teams are fading away. Generative AI can now translate detailed design mockups directly into clean, efficient, and production-ready code snippets. This is a core offering for top UI UX design and development services.

This capability significantly speeds up the development cycle, as developers don't have to manually code every UI element. It also ensures the design looks exactly as intended in the final app, reducing errors and rework. Designers can now create components that come with ready-to-use source code (like HTML/CSS, React Native, Flutter, Swift UI, Kotlin), which developers can integrate directly into projects with very little manual effort. This builds true teamwork and helps apps get delivered faster, making it a cornerstone for efficient UI UX design services companies and all ui ux design companies.

Predictive UX – Apps That Know What You Need in UI/UX Design

AI isn't just reacting; it's becoming powerfully proactive in anticipating user needs. Mobile apps powered by generative AI can guess what you'll do next, based on millions of previous interactions. This advanced predictive capability is a key differentiator for UI/UX design services.

The app can intelligently auto-fill forms for you.

It can pre-load content it thinks you'll want to see.

It can suggest helpful features or shortcuts before you even look for them.

This ability to predict reduces effort and makes the app feel incredibly smart and easy to use. The app transforms from a simple tool into a truly intelligent helper, setting new standards for intuitive UI/UX design offered by leading UI UX design companies.

Emotionally Smart and Accessible Design – Apps with Empathy in UI/UI Design

Generative AI helps apps understand user emotions. It can pick up on small behavioral cues – such as scrolling speed, tap rhythm, or prolonged pauses – to infer a user's emotional state or potential frustration. If signs of struggle or annoyance are detected, the app can intelligently adapt its tone, simplify the interface temporarily, or offer direct assistance. This demonstrates true empathy in UI/UI design.

Furthermore, AI is making apps inherently more accessible by dynamically adjusting interfaces for users with diverse abilities. This includes:

Generating natural language voice commands for the visually impaired.

Offering gesture-based navigation for those with motor challenges.

Providing high-contrast themes for users with low vision.

Real-time, context-aware translation is also becoming standard, breaking down language barriers and making apps truly global. This pushes the boundaries of inclusive UI/UX design and is a critical aspect of modern UI UX design services company offerings.

The often tedious and time-consuming process of testing is also being transformed by generative AI. AI algorithms can now automatically create comprehensive unit tests, integration tests, and UI tests based on the application's codebase and design specifications. They can simulate a vast array of real-world user interactions, stress tests, and edge cases to find problems, performance bottlenecks, and bugs incredibly fast. This is a major advantage for UI UX design and development services.

When bugs are found, some advanced AI platforms can even suggest and, in some cases, implement potential fixes, drastically shortening the debugging cycle. This leads to more robust and reliable apps, significantly fewer user complaints, and a continuous cycle of optimization driven by AI's insights into user behavior and performance metrics. This automation is a game-changer for UI UX design services company aiming for perfection and efficiency.

Challenges for UI/UX Design Companies and Why Humans Still Matter in UI/UX Design

While generative AI brings amazing progress to mobile app design, we must also acknowledge the accompanying challenges. Data privacy remains a significant concern, as these sophisticated AI models often rely on vast amounts of user data for their learning and personalization capabilities. Robust ethical frameworks and stringent data governance are paramount to ensure responsible use. Furthermore, ethical considerations around algorithmic bias in AI-generated designs (potentially perpetuating existing societal biases if not carefully trained) and intellectual property rights/content ownership are still evolving and require careful navigation. These are critical considerations for any UI/UX design company and for startup companies looking for a ui/ux designer.

Crucially, it's imperative to understand that Generative AI is not replacing UX designers; it's profoundly empowering them. The human designer's role is evolving from that of a meticulous pixel pusher to a strategic visionary and an orchestrator of intelligent systems. Designers now focus on higher-level problem-solving, defining the "why," the core user needs, and the overarching "what" – the app's strategic direction and emotional resonance of the product. The AI, in turn, handles the "how" – the rapid generation of variations, optimizations, and technical implementations. Designers guide the AI, refine its outputs, and ensure that the final user experience retains that crucial human touch – empathy, a nuanced understanding of human psychology, ethical considerations, and the spark of pure, unadulterated creativity that only humans possess. This collaboration is what makes a UI UX design services company truly exceptional, differentiating it from other ui ux design companies.

The Future of UI/UX Design and Development Services: Designed Together

In 2025, the synergy between advanced AI capabilities and human creativity is the undeniable driving force behind groundbreaking mobile app design. Generative AI is streamlining workflows, boosting efficiency, and unlocking unprecedented levels of personalization and adaptability in mobile app experiences. For businesses navigating this rapidly evolving digital landscape, embracing this partnership means:

Faster time-to-market for UI UX design and development services.

Delivering exceptionally richer and more intuitive user experiences.

Achieving a lasting edge in today’s crowded app market.

The future of mobile app design isn't just about crafting aesthetically pleasing interfaces; it's about intelligent, adaptive, and deeply personal experiences that anticipate needs and truly delight users. These experiences are co-created by the brilliance of human minds and the boundless, ever-learning potential of generative AI. For startup companies looking for a ui/ux designer and established UI UX design companies alike, this isn't just an evolution; it's the new standard for UI UX design services.

Are you ready to lead this exciting, collaborative change in UI UX design and development services?

[raincosmos]

🎃 may your halloween be filled with wizards!

rb/like + credit if using!  ━ self indulgent

[udaipurwebdesigner01]

Why WordPress Is the Best Platform for Websites

Launching a business in today’s digital-first economy requires more than just an idea — it requires a strong online presence. And at the heart of that presence is a well-designed, functional, and scalable website.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a tech wizard or hire an entire IT team to make that happen. With WordPress, entrepreneurs can take control of their brand online and create websites that are both beautiful and powerful — without complex coding or hefty budgets.

In this guide, we’ll explore how WordPress enables business founders, freelancers, and startups to launch websites with ease — and why working with the right professionals helps you maximize that potential.

Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Website

Before diving into the technical how-to, let’s address the “why.” A professional website helps you:

Build credibility and trust

Reach a wider audience beyond your local market

Showcase your products or services 24/7

Create a platform for lead generation

Rank on Google search and other platforms

Integrate your business with social media and eCommerce

Without a solid online presence, even the most promising startup idea can get lost in the noise.

Why WordPress Is the Best Choice for Entrepreneurs

Among all the website builders and CMS platforms, WordPress stands out as the most flexible and entrepreneur-friendly. Whether you’re a solo founder building a personal brand or a startup launching your MVP, WordPress offers unmatched value.

Here’s what makes it ideal:

Free to Use: WordPress is open-source and free, keeping startup costs low.

No Coding Needed: Use drag-and-drop editors like Elementor or Gutenberg.

Thousands of Themes: Find a design that fits your industry and brand.

Scalable: Start small, grow big — add features as your business evolves.

SEO-Friendly: Built to help you rank higher on search engines.

eCommerce Ready: With plugins like WooCommerce, you can start selling anytime.

Whether you need a portfolio, a blog, an eCommerce store, or a lead-gen landing page — WordPress delivers it all.

Designing a Startup Website That Converts

Looks matter. But on a business website, functionality matters even more. A cluttered or confusing design can push away potential customers.

Essential Features Every Entrepreneurial Website Should Include:

A Clear Value Proposition: What you offer and why it matters

About Section: Introduce yourself and your story

Services or Product Listings: Detail your offerings clearly

Call-to-Action (CTA): Buttons like “Book Now,” “Get a Quote,” or “Shop”

Testimonials or Reviews: Build trust with social proof

Contact Form: Make it easy for customers to reach you

Mobile Responsiveness: Your site must look great on all devices

You don’t need to do it all yourself. A trusted web design company in Udaipur can handle the layout, design, and branding so you can focus on running your business.

Top WordPress Plugins for Startup Success

One of the biggest advantages of WordPress is its plugin ecosystem. These tools add features without needing custom code. For entrepreneurs, these can be especially helpful:

Elementor – Build beautiful landing pages

WooCommerce – Set up a full online store

WPForms – Create contact, lead-gen, or booking forms

Yoast SEO – Improve visibility on search engines

UpdraftPlus – Keep regular backups for security

LiveChat – Offer real-time customer support

MonsterInsights – Track your site’s performance with Google Analytics

However, installing too many plugins or the wrong combination can slow down your site. A skilled WordPress Development Company in Udaipur can guide you through plugin selection and setup based on your startup’s exact needs.

Step-by-Step: How to Launch Your WordPress Website

Launching your first site might seem overwhelming, but with WordPress, it's a manageable process. Here’s a simplified roadmap:

1. Choose Your Hosting and Domain

Pick a reliable hosting provider (like Bluehost or SiteGround) and register a domain that matches your business name.

2. Install WordPress

Most hosts offer one-click WordPress installation.

3. Select a Theme

Pick a free or premium theme that fits your brand. Premium themes offer more features and flexibility.

4. Customize the Site

Use Elementor or Gutenberg to drag, drop, and edit your pages.

5. Add Essential Pages

Include Home, About, Services/Products, Contact, and Blog.

6. Optimize for SEO

Use plugins like Yoast to add meta tags, sitemaps, and keyword-rich content.

7. Launch and Promote

After testing responsiveness and speed, go live and start sharing on social media, email, and business directories.

The Long-Term Benefits of a WordPress-Based Startup Website

Building your business on WordPress doesn’t just help you launch — it helps you grow. Here’s how:

Content Marketing: Start a blog to drive organic traffic and engage with your audience.

Lead Generation: Use lead magnets and opt-in forms to grow your email list.

Sales Automation: Sell products or services directly through your site with automated payments.

Third-Party Integrations: Connect with CRM tools, payment gateways, booking apps, and more.

Data Ownership: Unlike platforms like Wix or Shopify, with WordPress you own your content and data.

Your website becomes more than just a digital brochure — it becomes the center of your business strategy.

When to Bring in the Professionals

Although WordPress is beginner-friendly, every business reaches a point where expert help can save time, improve quality, and increase ROI.

Here’s when you should consider professional help:

You want custom features or animations

Your current site is slow or buggy

You’re planning a product launch or campaign

You need SEO optimization and digital marketing

You’re overwhelmed with updates, backups, or plugin conflicts

Hiring the right professionals ensures your website runs smoothly, ranks well, and delivers a consistent brand experience — 24/7.

Final Thoughts

In a world where first impressions are made online, your website is your most powerful business asset. And no platform serves entrepreneurs better than WordPress. From budget-friendly design to enterprise-level functionality, it’s flexible, scalable, and built for growth.

[pimpyourworld]

Harry Potter Marauder's Map Rug

Step into the wizarding world and bring the secrets of Hogwarts to your home with our enchanting Marauder's Map Rug. This isn't just a rug; it's a key to unlocking a world of imagination, a cozy haven for plotting mischief, and a personalized piece of decor that will make any witch or wizard feel like they're truly at Hogwarts. More than just a decorative item, this rug is a catalyst for imaginative play, encouraging cognitive and emotional development in young fans of the beloved series.

Why Our Marauder's Map Area Rug is a Must-Have for Every Potterhead:

Adventure-Ready and Built to Last: Crafted from 100% polyester chenille, this rug is incredibly soft underfoot, yet tough enough to withstand the most spirited of magical adventures. The durable, coated backing with dotted rubber plastic and oxford fabric ensures the rug stays firmly in place, providing a safe and stable surface for reenacting your favorite scenes. The hemmed edges prevent fraying, promising endless fun and a long-lasting addition to your personal chamber of secrets.

A Size for Every Common Room: Whether you're decorating a cozy nook or a spacious playroom, we have the perfect fit. Choose from a variety of sizes, including 114"x39", 84"x60", 84"x39", 63"x48", 60"x39", and 31"x20", with horizontal and vertical options to suit any room layout. Plus, it's easy to roll out and set up, so you can solemnly swear you're up to no good in no time.

Easy to Clean for Busy Witches and Wizards: We understand that even with magic, messes are a part of life. That's why our Marauder's Map carpet is designed to be stain-resistant and easy to clean. A quick vacuum is all it takes to keep it looking pristine, and for those tougher spots, a gentle carpet cleaner will do the trick. This feature is sure to bring relief to busy parents and magic-makers alike.

The Perfect Personalized Gift: Make this rug a one-of-a-kind treasure by adding a name, a special incantation, or a short, inspiring message. It's the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, or simply to show your favorite Potterhead how much you care. Ideal for witches and wizards of all ages, this rug encourages hands-on, screen-free play.

Create a magical and adventurous atmosphere where you can manage your mischief and explore the halls of Hogwarts from the comfort of your own home. This Marauder's Map bedroom rug is more than just a floor covering; it's a gateway to a world of fun, imagination, and a touch of magic.

[theinstagrahame]

Another month and a bit, got some more great games coming through! It's time for the indie/small press RPG mail call round-up!

Die - Bizarre Love Triangles: I generally love Rowan, Rook and Deckard's work, and really enjoyed the roughly half that I read of The Wicked and the Divine by Kieron Gillen. So, the original book was a match made in heaven for me. The promise of a Collectible Card Game adventure for it? Done. Sold. I'm there, and sign me up.

Inevitable: I think a lot of people had similar reactions when they pulled Inevitable out of its box: Whoa, this is big. The last few books have been closer in size to the middle row of books, but there's apparently too much ruined Western Arthuriana for one book to contain. Played this on a stream, it's good.

Yazeba's Bed and Breakfast: I honestly can't wait to dig into Yazeba's, because it seems like the kind of game we need more of. It's that Found Family experience, the whole character-based gameplay that people love, but also designed to really keep things fresh even on repeat playthroughs. I'm really curious to finally dig in.

Wickedness: This was offered as an Add-on to the Yazeba's Backerkit, and I was intrigued by the pitch: You and two other players form a coven, and you do queer witch stuff. It's a beautifully made book, and I've got a lot of friends who I think would dig it.

Songbirds 3e: I picked up an earlier edition of Songbirds in an Itch Charity Bundle, and was really intrigued by the game. Snow does amazing things with layout and vibes, and is a really excellent game designer. I really wanted that edition in hard copy, but never found it, so a third edition was an instant get.

Kids on Bikes 2e: I know KoB mostly through the Brits on Bikes podcast, and I really enjoyed the system. I love systems that make use of all the dice in interesting and fun ways, and I really couldn't wait to see what a new edition would look like.

Apocalypse Keys - Doomsday Delights: I've recently been reading the Hellboy comics, and thoroughly enjoying them. I also already have Apocalypse Keys, which does an incredible job of making the comic even more queer, so completing the set with the fun stretch goal books was kind of an obvious call.

The Wolf King's Son: Vincent and Meguey Baker make amazing games, including the engine that runs so many of the games I like. I've been following their recent series of zines, and this popped up in that feed. I haven't checked out Under Hollow Hills, but even based on what I've seen from this, it's a must-have.

Pitcrawler: Wizards are the 1%, and we Pitcrawlers, disposable adventurers, are here to rob from the rich. It ticks all my boxes, and it looks good doing it. The campaign also hit while I was about halfway through my Magnus Archives listen, so it was an instant back for me.

Outliers: Everything Sam Leigh makes slaps, so yeah. Weird corporate science horror? Solo adventures? Hell, even the Far Horizons Co-op association really got me.

Here we Used to Fly: Picked this up also because of @partyofonepod, who played a really beautiful and bittersweet episode with the creator. I have always been a little too anxious as an adult to consider breaking into an old theme park, but I definitely have my share of fun memories of them as a kid. I'm also starting to envision other games this would pair really well as an epilogue to, should I ever get back into the AP scene.

Another game has arrived in the mail since I started this, but that's gonna be next month's first game, I guess!

[scriberat]

In this occupation, it was inevitable that someone would die. Even as Ruuta grouched about the coffee maker, Nel was calling an exorcist. An engineer haunting the coffee though... Nel thought on who it could be but came up short. And none of them had noticed a single thing before this

"You sure it's haunted?" Dmitri asked, handing over his own mug. What a pal, Nel thought. She got through on the line.

"Hello? Yes, we have a possible haunting here. One complaint from a wizard, but he does deal in souls," Nel explained. The exorcists promised to send someone over.

"Of course it's haunted!" Ruuta complained, downing the coffee. He put the mug back on the table. "First the pot was impossible to move, then it let go so suddenly that I flung the thing across the room! And then my repair magic refused to work."

"Is it still broken?" Nel asked.

"Yep," Ruuta said. He flopped into a chair, which broke under him. Dmitri and Nel looked at him, then each other.

Nel went to fix the coffee pot. All the while, as the glass came back together, she had a good think on possible explanations. While the office departments were fairly separate from the engineering departments, they did still share some spaces, and she knew Ruuta had a superiority complex that he wasn't careful about.

She fixed the pot, then started for the engineering departments.

It was never really her thing to be an investigator, but someone had to put some pieces together, right? They didn't need Judiciaries swarming the place, that was for sure. So what if their magic pinpointed perpetrators? They were so cold...

Nel shook her head and reached the floor she wanted. Here, the layouts were different. Cubicles abounded, sure, but there were tools and spare parts for functional prototypes until the factory could make something that looked sellable. And then she and her cohorts would be shown the new gadgets and asked to sell it off.

"Yo, Phaes," Nel called to one. He was hard at work on something, but turned to her when she called. Malmud, but lovingly known as Hephaestus here for his incredible inventiveness.

"Hm?"

"Who didn't clock in this morning?" Nel asked.

"Who didn't...?" He looked around, then went to the time sheets, spider chair clicking fast across the floor. Nel jogged to keep up.

The engineers refused the modern programs in favor of punch cards. Nel didn't get it until the servers went down and she couldn't punch in for the day. The engineers had perfect proof. Her boss had tried to be slippery about late employees—and gotten Judged for it on the spot.

"We've got a haunting upstairs," Nel said, as Malmud looked through the day's punches and sorted the missing ones.

"Oh?" Malmud raised an eyebrow.

"Ruuta's being haunted. I'm looking at obvious possibilities first, but the dude's unpleasant. If it's not an engineer dead, it could be literally anyone in this city—or beyond. Where was he from again?" Nel struggled to remember, but when you want to avoid someone, you get good at it. Oops. At least she was sure she was alive.

"Couldn't say. He dislikes spiders and loud feet," Malmud said. Nel laughed. She took the missing punches and looked them over.

"No calls?"

"That's them. A haunting needs dead people. No call, no life."

"Malmud, you're a genius," Nel said. Malmud smiled, then skittered away to his project.

By the time Nel made it back to the breakroom, a war had started, with multiple shots firing everywhere. She noted that Dmitri had thrown a shield over the architecture and sighed, sitting in the protected breakroom to keep the current evidence safe. Two engineers unaccounted for.

The exorcist arrived, wearing the distinctive green. "Where is it?" they asked. If the Judiciaries were cold like ice, the exorcists were cold like a wall.

Nel pointed to the coffee maker. "I'll get Ruuta."

"The coffee maker is not haunted."

Nel and the exorcist went through the halls between cubicles, where mages were ducking their heads out on lookout for the enemy. The exorcist looked around, then raised their hands. In an instant, the place was freezing and magic stopped.

"You said he is Ruuta?" the exorcist asked. Nel nodded.

"Ruuta." The exorcist's voice rang on the air. Ruuta emerged from his hidey hole and came forward. As if possessed, the exorcist grabbed one of the punch cards and analyzed it, then looked past Ruuta.

"What business have you?" they asked. Ruuta opened his mouth to answer, but the exorcist raised a hand to silence him. A magic circle drew itself onto the floor, of a configuration Nel had never seen, and soon trapped a soul within its grasp. Ruuta was pushed from its bounds.

"What business have you?" the exorcist asked again, softly this time. The soul shimmered as it took form. When it stopped moving, the exorcist turned a baleful eye to Ruuta.

"His car. The trunk."

They found his car in the garage. Nel had grabbed Malmud, who had his tools with him.

"I'm not opening my trunk!" Ruuta declared.

"Thought as much. Mal?"

Malmud shoved a crowbar into the gap and, with a shove, broke the lock entirely. None of them got a good look before an unearthly scream resounded across the parking garage. In an instant, a Judiciary appeared, and Ruuta was bound. Malmud glanced into the trunk before exiting with Nel.

"What...?" Nel watched the three disappear.

"Nick's little sister. She was dating Ruuta," Malmud said.

"... Was...?" Nel felt shaky, weak in the legs, and swallowed. Malmud pulled her onto his chair and got away from the scene, just as more of the Justiciaries appeared.

“ok, which of you arcane dickheads taught the engineers how to haunt machines? Because there’s a soul in the break room coffee maker, and I’m ready to fire some morons into a fucking volcano!”

[islandwizards]

What’s New in WordPress for 2025? | Insights by Island Wizards

As we move into 2025, WordPress continues to evolve, offering more robust features, improved performance, and user-friendly updates for developers and site owners alike. Here’s what to expect in WordPress for the coming year, presented by Island Wizards, your trusted source for headless and custom WordPress solutions.

1. Improved Site Performance and Speed

WordPress 2025 promises enhancements to its core, focusing on speed optimization. With more advanced caching mechanisms and reduced code bloat, WordPress is set to deliver faster, more responsive websites.

2. Expanded Block Editor Capabilities

The block editor (Gutenberg) has seen rapid development, and 2025 will bring new blocks and customization options, making it easier for creators to build complex layouts without touching code. Expect enhanced support for advanced block design and templates, helping users create unique pages with minimal effort.

3. AI-Powered Features for Enhanced User Experience

WordPress is integrating artificial intelligence tools to streamline content creation, optimize search functionality, and automate tasks. AI-assisted writing and image generation tools will help bloggers, marketers, and site admins make their workflow more efficient.

4. Headless WordPress Solutions

As headless CMS continues to gain traction, WordPress is investing more in its headless capabilities. With support for faster API response and better integration with various front-end frameworks, WordPress is making it easier for businesses like Island Wizards to create highly customizable, decoupled web experiences.

5. Enhanced Security and Privacy Tools

WordPress 2025 will step up its focus on site security and user privacy. Improved two-factor authentication, more customizable privacy settings, and regular security updates are planned to ensure your website stays protected.

6. More E-commerce Features

WordPress’s e-commerce plugin, WooCommerce, is set to see significant updates, including more payment options, streamlined inventory management, and support for AI-based product recommendations. This will make online stores more user-friendly and efficient.

7. Customization & Multisite Enhancements

WordPress 2025 will offer expanded capabilities for multisite management, making it easier to handle large networks of sites with diverse needs. Improved theme customizers and options for global settings will give more control over how websites are managed.

ConclusionWith all these new developments, 2025 is set to be an exciting year for WordPress users and developers. Island Wizards is here to help you take full advantage of these new features, whether you’re considering switching to a headless WordPress solution or simply need guidance on optimizing your site for the year ahead.Stay tuned for more updates from Island Wizards and start preparing your WordPress site for 2025 today!

Explore more about our service…https://islandwizards.com/services/ https://islandwizards.com/portfolio/