#swift-wind-alchemist

[thequeendomhq]

“Do you know what happens when a darkfriend betrays their oaths? Erased.... enthralled... consumed.... no more turns... no more chances. If you're lucky, perhaps you'll come back a servant... but you will not be allowed to die until your suffering has served its purpose... tell me, would you like to be Gray?” -- Kiaransalee

Progress Day, Day 3 - shortly before dawn.

From below the rippling tide of the Gulf of Taravell, the first of the dreadnoughts silently broke the surface, with black hulls that cut through the waves like knives moving through flesh. The assault began immediately as the dreadnoughts rained fire down upon the countryside surrounding Aventia. Wave after wave of explosions, lighting the sky, sending plumes of blighted smoke into the air as the Kossith left the Blight itself untouched. 

Among the varied races and factions of Taravell, there were none more prolific in the killing of darkspawn than the Kossith of Itzcoatal. 

The ballistae loosed until dawn, corralling the darkspawn into the city, pushing them from their caves, and drawing them out from underground. Iron cast bolts, thick as a man’s leg, screamed through the sky again and again. 

From the decks of the lead dreadnought, Arishok Vasaan watched in steadfast silence. His heavy-plated form was motionless, save for his breath misting in the cold air. When the ground had settled and the sun was high, that was when the darkspawn would retreat into malformed caverns, hiding from their new and ancient enemy.

That was expected. That was planned for.

When the outer defenses lay in ruin and the darkspawn were scrambling about the battered and blighted streets of Aventia, the gas ships advanced. The Kossith’s artillerists worked tirelessly, fitting great brass canisters prepared by their alchemists to the launchers mounted along the ships’ prows. One spark, one mistake, and they would all choke on their own creation - but in the art of war the Kossith did not make mistakes. 

With a hiss of released pressure, the first wave of toxin drifted over Aventia’s bones. The wind carried it deep into the broken city, curling through shattered windows, and slithering down into the tunnels where the darkspawn lurked. The screams came next. There were few sounds comparable to a darkspawn’s agony, the shrill cry of a broodmother giving birth was perhaps the only thing that matched the withering cry of a blighted beast’s flesh curling off of its bones.

These were not human screams. Not even the howls of beasts. These were the wretched, unnatural shrieks of creatures that had never feared death - not until now. The toxin was not made to burn, nor suffocate. It was crafted to kill darkspawn from within, flooding their bodies with bile, and forcing their blighted blood to curdle in their veins.

The Kossith listened. They waited. When the silence finally fell, the Arishok raised his hand.

Each landing craft cut through the tide, their hulls reinforced with steel, their warriors packed shoulder to shoulder. They hit the shore without hesitation, boots sinking into the bloodied sand.

The Tamnok, the Kossith's heavy infantry, led the march through the crumbling streets, great shields raised. Behind them were the Rahaat, the Kossith’s auxiliary forces, collared, their magic operated by the Sul’dam.

Any darkspawn that had survived the gas - few as they were - were met with steel. The Kossith never wasted bolts, nor did they engage in drawn-out battles. Every strike was meant to kill. A single, clean cut across the throat. A swift hammer blow to the skull. Those who did not meet the blade met fire or lightning as the Rahaat wove elemental threads to devastating ends, linking, and synchronizing to bring a cleansing storm to the streets of Aventia.

The Kossith was a wave upon the occupied city of Aventia, in the depths of the city, in its twisted underbelly of collapsed tunnels and rotting passageways, the last remnants of the darkspawn scrambled. They tried to flee, to burrow deeper. But the Kossith knew their ways. They had fought them before, fought them still, and would fight them forever if need be. The Kossith did not hunt the darkspawn. They buried them completely.

Explosives lined the tunnel mouths, set deep into the broken ground. The stone groaned as the charges ignited, collapsing the tunnels with an earth-shattering roar. No passage was left unsealed. No darkspawn left to rise. For whatever ghosts remained, the Rahaat sank threads of earth and air beneath them, fire and spirit, steam rose from the ground, the last ghoulish cries whispered into the midday sun - then at long last, Aventia was purged. 

But the Kossith did not leave.

On the outskirts, but still within city limits, the Arishok formed a compound as his dreadnoughts disappeared below the tide once more. One envoy remained, docked like a sword against the coast.

 A messenger was dispatched to Eterna, the contents of the letter for Queen Arethusa and the Tower Sitters alone, but word soon spread - from Nightingale to spy, to the common bard to fish merchant. Their presence was felt, clear, and understood.

Aventia is reclaimed. The Blight is purged. The tunnels are sealed. Lysara may return. Trade may begin. The city stands. We remain. The Kossith are not to be disturbed. There will be no negotiation. -- Arishok Vasaan

ooc:

Aventia has been reclaimed, players may return, the city is under Lysara's rule once more.

The Kossith have taken up residence in the most western section of the city, rebuilding it, and fortifying it. Darkspawn that may trickle down from the Spine are promptly cut down as the Kossith patrol outside their gates.

The Kossith have begun trading different alchemical regents and substances with Lysara, as well as other exotic products from Itzcoatal: rubber, coffee, medicine, and gold among them.

The following characters went missing the morning of the second day of Progress Day: Diarmad,, Prospero, and Agnes. Their survival hinges on tomorrow's session.

[syre-stane16]

OK.... I got a teensy weenie bit annoyed at 'patterns' drawn for vision users of each element in memes so....

WHY DO ANEMO WIELDERS DESERVE THEIR VISION THEMATICALLY

First things first,

What is Anemo?

Coming from the old Greek word for wind, anemo is the... wind element. In Genshin, it's associated with the concept of freedom.

In game it caused the SWIRL reaction when used alongside cryo, pyro, electro and hydro, it also transfers their effects on other enemies.

In game, most anemo users can be used as crowd control.

Now, air itself is associated with swiftness and flow. It's transparent, and we barely notice it despite its abundance.

Weirdly enough, I always associated wind with knowledge as well in a way. Due to the fact that it's EVERYWHERE, a wind God could know anything and everything spoken like advanced eavesdropping.

Now that I got all that out of the way.

SUCROSE

She's quiet, like the air, and shy. But that feels like a weak reason.

She is an alchemist. In fact the first thing she does with her vision, is to test it out by boiling it.

Anemo is one of the only two elements that has an almost universal reaction [SWIRL] the other one being geo's CRYSTALLISE, and guess what element the other alchemist wields.

JEAN

She's the head of the region. She also demonstrates extreme loyalty to Mondstadt. not much else to reason, she lives for the people of the wind and so she got the vision of the wind.

XIAO

He always stood out to me amongst the rest of the Liyue cast for reasons I'll explain in a bit.

Xiao doesn't remember how he got his vision since it was so long ago.

He was enslaved by another god and forced to commit horrible acts in his name. He was freed by Rex Lapis during the Archon War. So he could have gotten his vision because of his desire for freedom.

Another reason could be because of his illuminated beast form. The Genshin Wiki suggests two possible forms for him since we haven't actually seen him, a Peng [Large bird from Chinese folklore] or a Garuda [A Hindu diety who freed his mother from his snake headed half brothers, King of the Birds] can you tell which one I'm more familiar with? lol.

Both are birds, in a way. Garuda is a humanoid with a bird head and wings, and while Xiao is a Liyuen character, his status as a Yaksha stood out to me. In Hindu lore, Yakshas are used to refer to benevolent demons deities, so I always associated him closer to Hinduism because of this.

So while he, as a Liyuen character, has a chance to be a Peng. I'm kinda rooting for him to be similar to Garuda because of his roots.

Back on anemo, he's a bird. wind. I'm so smart. B)

SAYU

She's a ninja and ninjas are swift, it also ties in the invisibility aspect of the wind. And eavesdropping.

HEIZOU

Heizou has his own form of justice. Sara lets him get away with it because he's that good at his job, so he has more freedom with the law.. But that's weak-sauce.

The eavesdropping/knowledge aspect could work for a detective as well.

His dad's a martial artist master and he definitely learned under him a bit, so swift movements I guess.

That being said, Heizou didn't want to follow in his dad's footsteps, he got his vision when he found himself a purpose and 'broke free' from his father's expectations, unless I misinterpreted his story. Feel free to comment if so. <3

KAZUHA

Oh. My. Gods. HE IS SO WIND CODED I SWEAR TO THE EVER-LOVING HEAVENS.

FREE SPIRITED

NOMADIC

WANDERING SAMURAI

GOES WITH THE FLOW

SWIFT

FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM IN INAZUMA

ESC-FUCKING-SCAPED INAZUMA

THIS BOY COULD BE THE REAL ANEMO ARCHON AND I WOULDN'T EVEN BAT AN EYE

BARBATOS WHO?

ALL HAIL KAEDAHARA KAZUHA!

I would be burned at the stake by the Church of Mondstadt but I spoke my truth.

FARUZAN

Ok, I was worried that I won't get anything from her, but she gained her vision from getting herself free from Deshret's tomb.

She is totally justified.

WANDERER

OK

So this boy spent most of his life being bound by his betrayals. He tried to free himself from his past with a retcon, but its like... freeing yourself by taking a VERY drastic decision... I hope I wasn't the only one who read it that way...

He 'frees' himself, not by binding himself to his past, nor by 'running' away from it, he embraces it. He accepts what happened to him, and the things he's done, but he's more at peace with what happened.

In a way, he's free from his past. he's still facing the consequences of his actions and all that [Nahida's just rehabilitating him even though he's her prisoner and I think that she's the sweetest thing in the world], but he's no longer weighed down by all those emotions.

I love arcs like that. I love it when people heal. I love his arc.

LYNETTE

She's quiet, she's a spy that once again ties to the eavesdropping aspect, and she was freed, along with Lyney. I'm doing research for Lyney separately. So...

She could also be tied to the crowd control aspect in Genshin.

She's the magician's assistant. In a lot of magic tricks, the assistants draw the eyes away from what the magician's doing in the background by making a big show of unveiling a prop.

That's right, if you watch certain tricks and keep an eye on the magician and not let your eyes be drawn to the assistants waving the tablecloth, you could see the magician switching out the gun or whatever.

The crowd control thing also works with the spy aspect. So yeah.

so....

I was able to give Doylist reasoning for the elements assigned to each of the characters. However, not a Watsonian reason.

It may just be a case of Celestia yeeting random visions to anyone who passes a trial or impresses them. and it's a game of chance.... unless you can find other similarities.

Honestly, if everyone in each element had something in common with those of the same element, it could leave little room for variation in the cast. You could get creative if all anemo vision holders were people who have a strong sense of freedom, or fights for the freedom of others, but I'm glad they didn't go this route.

So... yeah, I'm gonna start resaerch on geo, and sorry about the long ass post but Genshin has a large cast.

<3

[the-whatcherof-89]

“Daddy” Daquavis the Ultimate Challenger.

CR 20 N Medium Humanoid

XP 307,200 (if used as npc for encounter)Half elf Magus(Spell dancer)20

Neutral Medium humanoid

Init +6; Senses Perception +34

AC 40, touch 21, flat-footed 34 (+6Dex, +10Armor+, +4Shield, +5Nat, +5Deflect) Hp 200 (20d8+100)

Fort +22, Ref +17, Will +18

Speed 30 ft(+10ft with Swift Obsidian Battleaxe). Melee Headsman Blade +26/21/16 1D8+11, Swift Obsidian battleaxe+20/15/5 1D8+5, Spells. RangedComposite longbow +24/19/14 1D8+5(+2 with +2Arrows), Spells.

Racial Elven immunities, Adaptability(Escape artist), Keen senses, Elf blood, Multitalented, Low-light vision(Doubled with googles of Elvenkind).

Traits Pragmatic activator, Empty mask.

Class features Spell combat, Spell dance, Arcane pool(25), Spell-strike, Magus arcana(Arcane cloak, Prescient defense, Close range, Hasted assault, Spell shield, Reflection), Spell recall, Arcane movement, Knowledge pool, Dance of avoidance, Improved spell combat, Fighter training(Weapon finesse, Weapon focus, Slashing grace), Improved spell recall, Counterstrike, Greater Dance of avoidance, Greater spell access, True magus.

Spellcasting CL20th DC20 Spells per Daily 5/8/8/7/7/7/7.

Spells known: 0-All I-Grease, Jump, Long arm, Magic missile, Mudball, Ray of enfeeblement, Shield, Burning hands. II-Aggressive thundercloud, Blur, Glitterdust, Gust of wind, Invisibility, Web. III-Air breathing, Fireball, Fly, Dispel magic, Haste, Magic weapon(greater). IV-Aggressive thundercloud(greater)Black tentacles, Dimension door, Martial telekinesis, Arcana theft, Dragon’s breath. V-Cone of cold, Cosmic ray, Telekinesis, Teleport, Vampiric shadow shield, Wall of force. VI-Chain lighting, Disintegrate, Dispel magic(greater), Flesh to stone, True seeing, Stone to flesh, Decapitate, Elemental form III.

Spells added via Greater spell access: Touch of fatigue, Resistance, Crafter’s fortune, Burning disarm, Resist energy, Flurry of snowballs, Air geyser, Spiked pit, Enervation, Emergency force sphere, Permanency, Echolocation, Hellfire ray, Contingency.

Str 14, Dex 22, Con 20, Int 31, Wis 12, Cha 7

Base Atk +15/10/5; CMB +17; CMD +33

Feats Combat casting, Spell penetration, Greater spell penetration, Quickened magic, Extend spell, Still spell, Silent spell, Spell perfection(Dispel magic greater), Penetrating strike, Cosmopolitan(Undercommon, Alko, Knowledge Local, Use magic device).

Skills Acrobatics+30, Climb+25, Craft(Alchemy)+22, Escape artist+12, Fly+14, Knowledge (Arcana+30, Dungeon+30, Local+25, The planes+25), Perception+24, Perform(Dance)+20, Sleight of hand+20, Spellcraft+33, Stealth+30, Survival+21, Swim+25, Use magical device+31.

Languages Common, Elven, Orc, Aquan, Undercommon, Alko, Draconic.

Combat gear Determined Mithral Kikko of Shadows+5, Determined Animated Mithral buckler+3, Necklace of natural armor+5, Ring of protection+5, Ring of spell mastery, Called Headsman Longsword+5, Called Swift Obsidian Battleaxe+3, Called Adaptive Composite Longbow+3, 50+2 Arrows, Adamantine dagger, Headband of vast Intelligence+6(Use magic device), Belt of physical perfection+4, Cloak of resistance+5, Boots of speed, Gloves of arcane striking, Bracers of falcon’s aim, Googles of Elvenkind, Stalker’s mask(Black and purple), Bag of holding type IV, Blessed book, Pearl of power Type IV, Efficient quiver, Tome of clear thoughts+5(Used), Manual of bodily health+2(Used), Potions(2Protection from energy, 1Heroism, 2Gaseous form, 2Displacement), Scrolls(Transformation, Summon monster VI), Wand of cure critical wounds, Masterwork alchemist lab, 4 Fuse granades, 4 Smoke pellets, Magus kit, 37GP.

Background

Daquavis, loves the spotlight but not sufficiently enough to let many bask in his radiance. He always seeks the next challenge and bathes in the thrill. He lets the peasants observe from a distance as he stands triumphant at the top. No one knows if he is a criminal or a hero, for he has accomplished actions on both sides but he loves to stand above and surpass even more dangerous odds as times pass, even from those that challenge him and/or admired him in the past. One other thing known: he challenged only one person, Dream, The Green man of the Manhunt to a duel. While the answer did not came immediately; some time later, he got his wish: "Dream will accept your challenge, all you have to do is chase him." Said the voice from the dark. "If you defeat him, you will get something in return: One wish, limited only by your imagination.” Daquavis, of course did not hesitate and he jumped right in, chasing his quarry. Now, equipped with knowledge and equipment never seen before, he has his sight set on the Green Man, ready to win, no matter the cost.

Image made using Heroforge.

[mylittledarkag3]

How many have you read out of the hundred?

Me: 64/100

Reblog & share your results

1. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

2. "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky

3. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

4. "1984" by George Orwell

5. "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

6. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez

7. "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

8. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

9. "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy

10. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

11. "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville

12. "The Odyssey" by Homer

13. "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë

14. "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy

15. "The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky

16. "The Iliad" by Homer

17. "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

18. "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo

19. "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes

20. "Middlemarch" by George Eliot

21. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde

22. "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne

23. "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

24. "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen

25. "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" by Victor Hugo

26. "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells

27. "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck

28. "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer

29. "The Portrait of a Lady" by Henry James

30. "The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling

31. "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse

32. "The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri

33. "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens

34. "The Trial" by Franz Kafka

35. "Mansfield Park" by Jane Austen

36. "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas

37. "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury

38. "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift

39. "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner

40. "Emma" by Jane Austen

41. "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe

42. "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" by Thomas Hardy

43. "The Republic" by Plato

44. "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad

45. "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle

46. "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson

47. "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

48. "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka

49. "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway

50. "Bleak House" by Charles Dickens

51. "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell

52. "The Plague" by Albert Camus

53. "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

54. "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov

55. "The Red and the Black" by Stendhal

56. "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway

57. "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand

58. "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath

59. "The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoevsky

60. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

61. "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle

62. "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins

63. "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe

64. "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson

65. "Ulysses" by James Joyce

66. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe

67. "Vanity Fair" by William Makepeace Thackeray

68. "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett

69. "Walden Two" by B.F. Skinner

70. "Watership Down" by Richard Adams

71. "White Fang" by Jack London

72. "Wide Sargasso Sea" by Jean Rhys

73. "Winnie-the-Pooh" by A.A. Milne

74. "Wise Blood" by Flannery O'Connor

75. "Woman in the Nineteenth Century" by Margaret Fuller

76. "Women in Love" by D.H. Lawrence

77. "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert M. Pirsig

78. "The Aeneid" by Virgil

79. "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton

80. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

81. "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu

82. "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" by Benjamin Franklin

83. "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

84. "The Big Sleep" by Raymond Chandler

85. "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

86. "The Caine Mutiny" by Herman Wouk

87. "The Cherry Orchard" by Anton Chekhov

88. "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

89. "The Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens

90. "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau

91. "The Clue in the Crumbling Wall" by Carolyn Keene

92. "The Code of the Woosters" by P.G. Wodehouse

93. "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker

94. "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas

95. "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller

96. "The Crying of Lot 49" by Thomas Pynchon

97. "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown

98. "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy

99. "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbon

100. "The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" by Rebecca Wells

[shady-tavern]

Preview for "Sanctuary" the November Patreon Short Story

(warning for minor violence (once against a child) and implied murder, please be sure to take care of yourselves!)

*.*.*

The village you grew up in was near an ancient forest, one so old and large it had become known as the Myth Forest, for it housed many a magical creature and forgotten ruin. 

Usually, villages like yours didn't survive long near such places. Neither the creatures nor its guardians took kindly to humans and sooner or later the villages were either starved into abandonment or slaughtered out of existence.

Your home was one of the lucky few, for it had been built along the king's road and therefore mercenaries and monster slayers visited frequently. Those people were what kept your village alive, bringing coin and business. The fact that barely any of them ever came back didn't seem to deter other adventurers or blades for hire to try their luck.

You had always kept your distance to the forest, as did all the other villagers. The elders had long since stopped warning the outsiders passing through, for no one ever listened. Your home was the last one the road by the Myth Forest and therefore the last pit stop of those who wanted to venture inside, to bring back spoils and slain beasts for mages and alchemists.

"We have more common sense than them," your mother answered when you asked her about why no one in the village ever walked past that wild grassland separating the neat fields from the wild forest. Why no one ever went inside, not even when they had had a bad harvest.

"You don't return alive," your father added. "The guardians make sure of that and you'd be a right fool to cross beings a forest as old as that listens to."

"Pay attention to the winds, child," your grandmother said, knitting socks at a steady, swift pace. "The next time one of those groups goes into the forest."

It took less than a fortnight for another group of monster slayers to show up and that day you kept the windows in your room wide open. You knew what your grandmother had talked about as soon as the sun set. 

You had heard howling winds plenty of times, had once seen a storm so terrible it had uprooted trees and you had heard sharp winter winds whistle through patchy walls.

This was different. This was fury made air, it was violence and ruthlessness and the forest creaked and groaned like a thousand shrieking and moaning voices. Very faintly you heard screams so terrified it made all the fine hair on your body stand up straight.

You slammed the windows shut quickly, heart pounding and you never again asked about the forest.

You were as determined to ignore the forest and the mythical creatures within as the rest of the village. There was no reason to get close, no reason to think or talk about it as long as your home remained safe and untouched.

Right up until you stumbled across an injured, curled up child near the fields. You had gone to pluck blueberries from the bushes at the edges of the village territory and you gasped in alarm, hurrying over to the small shape. It looked to be a few years younger than you.

"What happened?" you asked, horrified when you noticed the blood and the broken arrow shaft sticking out from its side. You knew enough from the hunters in your village that that was bad. They never let any of you or the other older children play with a bow and arrow without them around.

You stilled when the child lifted it's head and you realized this was no human child. It had bright, spring green eyes and hair like spun copper and it bared sharp teeth in warning. It tried to push itself up, only to collapse back with a weak cry of pain, shaking all over.

Then it began to weep as it curled up tighter, trembling arms covering its head, muffling sobs that sounded too resigned for your comfort. As if it knew it would die. Your heart clenched as tightly as your fingers held onto your berry basket.

The monster child was going to die if it didn't get help and there was no way the village would lift a finger to aid it. Everyone was too scared of inciting the wrath of the myths and their guardians to touch it.

You glanced over at the forest. It was too far for the child to make by itself, it couldn't even sit up anymore.

Then you heard calls in the distance, men shouting and hounds barking and the child flinched and whimpered. You made your decision then and there. 

*.*.*

Would you like to read more? Head over to my patreon! The story will be posted on 1st of November, but until then, there are already three other stories available, previews to which you can read here, here and here!

[drifting-falling-star]

TF Fankid OC Quick Facts! [Asks Open!]

Compass Quick Facts! [Prowl x Starscream] -Song: Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift -She/Her -Faction: Autobots -Altmode: Police motorcycle -Colors, etc: Blue, black, white; red optics; 11.8ft -In a romantic relationship with Lunar -Guardian(s): Prowl -Voice Claim: Azula [Avatar: The Last Airbender]

Lunar Quick Facts! [Megatron x OP] -Song: Waiting On A Miracle - Stephanie Beatriz -She/Her -Faction: Autobots -Altmode: Space Infrared Telescope -Colors, etc: Blue, silver, white; white optics; 16.5ft -In a romantic relationship with Compass -Guardian(s): Optimus Prime -Voice Claim: Princess Bubblegum [Adventure Time]

Requiem Quick Facts! -Song: Propaganda! - Crusher -He/Him -Faction: Decepticons -Altmode: IBM 305 RAMAC -Colors, etc: Silver; purple optics; 19ft -Younger twin of Venture -Guardian(s): Nightlight, Megatron -Voice Claim: Edward Elric [Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood]

Skyline Quick Facts! [Skyfire x Elite Trine] -Song: DEATHWISH - poutyface -She/They -Faction: Autobots -Altmode: F-15 Strike Eagle -Colors, etc: Cyan, purple, a touch of orange; red optics 31ft -Part of the triplets: middle child -Guardian(s): Skyfire -Voice claim: Kyubey [Puella Magi Madoka Magica]

Starsweeper Quick Facts! [Skyfire x Elite Trine] -Song: It's Alright - Mother Mother -They/Them -Faction: Autobots -Altmode: F-15 Strike Eagle -Colors, etc: Red, black, flashy; blue optics; 31ft -Part of the triplets; oldest child -Guardian(s): Skyfire -Voice claim: Kyoko Sakura [Puella Magi Madoka Magica]

Sunblast Quick Facts! -Song: Centuries - Fall Out Boy -He/Him -Faction: Decepticons -Altmode: Global Hawk -Colors, etc: Dark blue; red optics; 22ft -Guardian(s): Nightlight, Soundwave -Voice claim: The Collector [The Owl House]

Venture Quick Facts! -Song: Two Birds - Regina Spektor -She/Her -Faction: Decepticons -Altmode: Mitsubishi F-2 -Colors, etc: Purple, dark blue; red optics; 25ft -Older twin of Requiem -Guardian(s): Nightlight, Megatron -Voice Claim: Historia Reiss [Attack On Titan]

Wind Chime Quick Facts! [Skyfire x Elite Trine] -Song: Sleeping Through the End of the World - PuffHost -She/Her -Faction: Autobots -Altmode: Boeing X-37 -Colors, etc: Sunny yellow, dark gray accents; red optics; 43ft -Cracked left optic -Part of the triplets; youngest child -Guardian(s): Skyfire -Voice claim: Violet Evergarden [Violet Evergarden English Dub]

[riwritingrn]

She is beauty. 

An alabaster nymph. 

She is the mistress of the occult sciences; an alchemist for she makes gold of my heart. She is the priestess of the skies, she writes the constellation into place. She is a pagan divinity, the world moves to her music. The world is her canvas and her every movement is as swift as a brushstroke, her every word is colored in velvet philosophy. Her eyes are clear as the glittering water and as deep as the heart of the ocean. 

She makes Aphrodite blush and look away. She would have been Sappho's muse. 

When she dies, the soil that embraces her will know what love is. 

Come back as a ghost, as a dream.

Come back as a shadow.

Come back even as the wind. 

Whatever you do, come back to me.

[amorphousbl0b]

It was the first shift of the wind that woke her, the slightest clink of coin that drew her ear, and the first scraping of hobnail against stone that raised her head.

An intruder.

She had not had an intruder in so long.

And so she drew herself up, waves of brilliant treasure cascading from her rising wings like a golden waterfall, and shook the sleep from her long-motionless scales. She slithered forth through the winding dusty halls of her lair, expecting to hear the thief’s panicked scampering, and yet none came. The morsel stood its ground at the cave’s mouth.

She stalked from the final passage, emerging into the entry of her domain, and beheld the curious little thing silhouetted in the early dayglow. It wore no shining scales and its curved little toothpick hung sheathed at its hip. It shivered in fear, certainly, but she smelled nothing of the abject doom usually born from glimpsing her magnificent visage.

With flickering tongue and teeth she spoke:

“A little thing goes skittering about my floors. It has been long on long since I have known skittering. Would you have your choice of my hoard, then? Come, come, take your pick and you may hold it before your end, I have much to spare. Come into the court of the Queen Who Brings Tempest.”

“I do not come to steal, great Monster of the Mountain’s Heart!” the morsel shouted. “I come to flatter, to pledge my service, to offer you help!”

She froze. Then her chest shook with great grumbling laughter.

“HELP!” she roared. “A little thing! What help could you, my snack, offer a Beast of a Thousand Years? Tell me more jokes. If they are all this enjoyable, I may let you help me indeed: I may keep you as my jester!”

“We humans of the valley have changed much in your time asleep, o You Who Shake the Sky, for we have grown strong. Our alchemists have devised terrible weapons that spit fire to kill at great distance. There are hundreds of men and women armed with these weapons. They muster to slay you, o Bringer of Awe and Terror.”

She rumbled in amusement once again.

“Fire is the domain of only one creature who walks or flies, and she is I and my kin. You lie. I do not humor liars.”

“L-let me show you then,” it stammered, “Undisputed Master of Thunder, what we have wrought.”

Slung over the morsel’s back was a simple stick, one she had thought did not bear mention. It brought the stick into its hands and rested the heavy club end on its shoulder, its narrow point facing the blank stone of the far wall. It twitched. There was a lightning crack and a flash and, in an instant imperceptible to even her eye, a spray of dust that left the stone cratered.

“This, Usher of Death’s Gates, is our weapon. Hundreds of us carry them. There are greater cannons, too, that can pierce fortress walls. And this is the weapon the humans of the city levy against you, to conquer your cavern and steal your treasures.”

The morsel laid the contraption on the ground at its feet. It fell to its knees. The air stank of sulfur, disquietingly like her own.

“I ask only for you to aid me. The king of the city is my enemy, and the humans of the city are your enemies. I know their tactics well, o Titan of the Air and Fire. Together we will smite them when they come.”

She, silent for some time, drew close. She took in the weapon, simple and complex at once, and the non-thief who trembled. She slithered close and relished its fear for an uplifting moment before, at last, she humbled to admit.

“Your truth is proven,” she hissed. “Deadly this weapon is. Armed with it you have bite your creatures ought not. Perhaps my ally you shall become, but I cannot let you stand beside me unleashed, and alas, I have no rope.”

The creature’s breath caught in its throat and it squeaked. Ah. There that smell was. The stench of abjection. Her play had gone on long enough.

“No, no,” she tutted. “My ally, my little thing, I shall keep you. You shall be at my mercy, where I can feel you always, where if I am displeased with one swift turn I can send you down. Cling to me and know always that you need me.”

She reared back, watched the sun break through her cavern door, let it light her wings in glorious crimson. She ruled that world once, and she would remind that world who rules it still.

“I shall carry you, little morsel, and together we shall spit fire upon them all.”

The real reason your sapient dragon character needs a "rider":

Dragons on the wing are vulnerable to being mobbed by smaller, more agile flyers, particularly in your large rear blind spot, like a bird of prey being mobbed by crows. Having a human armed with a long spear perched on your back helps to dissuade anyone from getting any funny ideas.

Breath weapons are impressive enough on the ground, but in flight they're really only good for strafing stationary targets; trying to use your breath weapon in an aerial dogfight is a good way to get fire up your nose. A real fight calls for sterner measures – and, concomitantly, a crew to aim and reload the cannons.

In today's competitive world, it's not enough to devour a flock of sheep and call it a day if you want to keep your edge. You're accompanied at all times by a qualified personal alchemist tasked with carefully regulating your internal furnace to ensure peak performance, and sometimes you even listen to them.

No dragon of any quality would be caught dead without their valet. It's not as though you can announce your numerous long-winded titles yourself when introductions are called for, can you? You suppose next you'll be expected to pick up the spoils of your conquests yourself, like a common brigand. Perish the thought!

[jafarkree]

Cw: chronic illness, weight loss, poop but not graphic descriptions of such. Also this whole thing is written as if I am a fantasy protagonist because that is how I cope.

So, as some of you know, I was gifted by whatever gods or demons with the digestive fortitude of a particularly nervous horse. My bowels often produce liquid, or refuse to pass anything at all, for days on end. Sometimes, if I have not been able to make an offering of my bodily waste upon the porcelain altar in three or more days, I use a potion from the local apothecary known as a Fleet. [The little glycerin ones, I'm not insane.] These little remedies are well named, for if you are not near a latrine when you use one, you - well, you're a very odd fool, but a fool who will become as swift as the wind to reach one. I do this because if I wait until Crohn- the vengeful god of intestinal motility, not to be confused with his cousin Kronos- finally remembers I exist or stops remembering I exist, it will be hell on this earth.

Today was one such day. Today was also a weekly weigh day, because if the alchemist's potions [my meds] start causing my once-lush form to become wraithlike [clinically underweight], I need to know. If this happens, I will have to go to the local witch-priestess [my doctor], and beg them to intercede with Crohn on my behalf. They will work with the alchemist to bargain in my name using the arcane ways [medicine dosage adjustments] for me to continue to not be subject to the full weight of Crohn's wrath, as that is what the alchemist's concoction protects against in addition to other maladies, and not perish as the cost. I am not, of course, one of Crohn's chosen, but I receive his attentions rather more than most mortals.

So I weigh myself this morning. I go about my usual morning routine, administer the Fleet, and then after I have made an offering of my body's waste upon the porcelain altar, I think, "Jesus fucking Christ that has to be one of the largest, densest shits I have ever produced in my life", and go wash my hands. As I am washing them, I realize there is a scale there.

...

"Why not?" says my treacherous brain.

I weigh myself again.

...I do not jest with you when I say that the matter I expelled from my innards weighed a pound and a half. Probably more because I chugged a protein shake between the first and second weight assessments.

[infinitecraft]

Unleash Your Inner Alchemist and Build the Universe !

Discover the endless possibilities of Infinite Craft! Learn how to play, master element combinations, uncover secrets, and create everything from "Doge" to "Godzilla" in this addictive browser game. Start crafting your world today!

Infinite Craft: Dive into the Boundless World of Creation!

Ever dreamt of forging a universe from scratch? Or perhaps just wanted to see what happens when you combine "Water" with "Fire"? Well, buckle up, because Infinite Craft is about to become your new obsession! This browser-based game, available at Infinite Craft, takes the concept of simple element mixing and blasts it into the stratosphere of addictive gameplay.

Forget complex graphics and intricate storylines. Infinite Craft thrives on its sheer simplicity and the exhilarating discovery that comes with each successful combination. Think of it as alchemy for the digital age, where your imagination is the only limit. Ready to dive in? Let's explore what makes Infinite Craft so captivating!

What is Infinite Craft and Why is Everyone Talking About It?

At its core, Infinite Craft is a deceptively simple browser game. You start with four basic elements: Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind. By combining these elements, and then combining the resulting creations, you unlock an ever-expanding library of new concepts, objects, and even pop culture references.

But why is it so popular? Here’s what makes Infinite Craft so appealing:

Endless Possibilities: Seriously, endless. The game boasts a practically infinite number of combinations, meaning you're constantly discovering new things, even after hours of playing.

Satisfying Discovery: That "Eureka!" moment when you stumble upon a new element is incredibly rewarding. It's like cracking a code, and the payoff is a brand-new concept to play with.

Addictive Gameplay: The simple drag-and-drop interface and the constant promise of new discoveries make it ridiculously easy to lose hours to this game. "Just one more combination..." quickly turns into "Where did the afternoon go?"

Pop Culture Fun: Infinite Craft is packed with references to memes, movies, TV shows, and historical figures. Discovering these hidden gems is a big part of the fun. Can you create "Doge"? How about "Taylor Swift?"

No Installation Required: Being a browser game, Infinite Craft is accessible to anyone with an internet connection. No downloads, no installations, just pure crafting fun.

Getting Started: A Beginner's Guide to Infinite Craft

Okay, you're intrigued. Let's get you crafting! Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started with Infinite Craft:

Head to the Website: Open your web browser and go to Infinite Craft.

The Basics: You'll see four tiles representing the basic elements: Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind.

Combining Elements: Click and drag one element onto another. The game will automatically combine them and create a new element (hopefully!).

Keep Experimenting: The key to success is experimentation! Don't be afraid to try combining different elements in different orders. Some combinations might seem illogical at first, but you never know what they might yield.

Drag and Drop: You can also drag and drop an element onto itself to see what happens. Sometimes, this leads to unexpected results!

First Discoveries: Try these combinations to get you started:

Water + Water = Lake

Fire + Fire = Volcano

Wind + Wind = Tornado

Earth + Earth = Mountain

Fire + Water = Steam

Earth + Wind = Dust

Save Your Progress: You can copy your save data and paste it in a text file. To load progress, copy the save data and paste it into the import field.

Have fun!

Advanced Crafting: Tips and Tricks for Infinite Craft Masters

So, you've mastered the basics and you're ready to delve deeper into the crafting abyss. Here are some tips and tricks to help you become an Infinite Craft pro:

Think Abstractly: Don't always think literally. Sometimes, the best combinations are the ones that seem the most random.

Leverage Existing Creations: Once you've created a few advanced elements, use them as building blocks for even more complex creations. For example, once you have "Doge," try combining it with other things to see what you get.

Don't Be Afraid to Google: If you're completely stuck, don't be ashamed to look up combinations online. There are plenty of resources and communities dedicated to sharing Infinite Craft recipes. But try to discover things on your own first – that's where the real fun lies!

Keep a List (or Don't): Some players like to keep a list of their discoveries to help them remember what they've already created. Others prefer to go in blind and let the game guide them. It's up to you!

Exploit the "First Discovery" Bonus: The game rewards you for discovering new elements for the first time. This gives you a good starting point in the game.

The "God" Loophole: Many creations can be made by combining something with God. This means you can easily get powerful creations like the Bible.

Resetting: You can reset your game anytime to wipe your progress and start again.

Element Combination Recipes: Unleash Creative Recipes

Here are some element combination recipes to get you on your way to more creative element combinations!

Fire + Water = Steam

Steam + Earth = Mud

Mud + Fire = Brick

Brick + Brick = Wall

Wall + Wall = House

House + House = City

City + City = Metropolis

Lake + City = Venice

Earth + Wind = Dust

Dust + Water = Mud

Dust + Fire = Brick

Unveiling the Fun: Discovering Hidden Gems and Pop Culture References

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Infinite Craft is discovering all the hidden gems and pop culture references tucked away within the game. Here are a few examples to whet your appetite (no spoilers, we promise!):

Memes: Can you create "Doge"? How about "Rickroll"? Many of the internet's most iconic memes are hidden within the game.

Movies and TV Shows: From "Star Wars" to "Game of Thrones," Infinite Craft is full of references to your favorite movies and TV shows.

Historical Figures: Discover famous historical figures like "Albert Einstein," "Cleopatra," and "Genghis Khan."

Mythological Creatures: Unleash your inner mythology buff by crafting creatures like "Dragons," "Unicorns," and "Griffins."

The thrill of discovering these hidden gems is a big part of what makes Infinite Craft so addictive. Keep experimenting, and you're sure to uncover some surprises!

An Objective Review: Is Infinite Craft Worth Your Time?

So, is Infinite Craft worth playing? Here's an objective review:

Pros:

Highly Addictive: The simple gameplay loop and the constant promise of new discoveries make it incredibly addictive.

Endless Replayability: With a practically infinite number of combinations, there's always something new to discover.

Creative and Engaging: The game encourages creativity and experimentation.

Accessible and Free: Being a browser game, it's easily accessible and completely free to play.

Fun for All Ages: The simple gameplay makes it suitable for players of all ages.

Cons:

Can Be Repetitive: The simple gameplay can become repetitive after a while, especially if you're not actively experimenting.

No Clear Goal: The game lacks a clear objective, which might not appeal to all players.

Some Combinations Seem Random: Some combinations might seem illogical or arbitrary.

No Visual Appeal: The graphics are very basic, which might not appeal to players who prefer visually stunning games.

Overall:

Despite its simplicity, Infinite Craft is a surprisingly addictive and engaging game. Its endless possibilities, satisfying discovery, and pop culture references make it a fun way to kill time and unleash your inner alchemist. If you're looking for a simple, free, and addictive browser game, Infinite Craft is definitely worth checking out.

Tell Us Your Stories!

Have you played Infinite Craft? What are your favorite creations? What's the most surprising combination you've discovered? Share your stories and tips in the comments below! Let's build a community of Infinite Craft enthusiasts and explore the endless possibilities together.

[introverted-werido360]

Deconstruction

Edward Elric x Oc

Prologue: Transfer

Warnings: None

A soft breeze, the early light blue, the glare of the sun just barely peeking from beyond the clouds and over the horizon as the sounds of steam and metal running over metal just barely drowns out the chatter and birdsong of the early morning.

A girl sits on one of the few empty benches, the hot steam from the train blaring loudly in her ears as she holds a pocket watch intensely watching as the hands slowly pass another digit, the sound of footsteps and chatter from people passing by making their way towards her as she stares unmoving at the clock until finally, they stop just a few feet away. She huffs, closing and placing the pocket watch in her coat pocket, she finally makes eye contact with the stranger and brings out her hand palm facing away from her and quickly drops it making her wrist go limp all in one swift motion. “I apologize for the inconvenience, something urgent came up that needed my attention.” The stranger holds his hand out, strands of his black hair pushed backwards from the front of his face with the flow of the wind. “Colonel Roy Mustang, you must be the transfer State Alchemist, Lyre Passerine” He adds, the very cadence and tone gave off the hint that this isn’t new to him. She glances at his gloved palm before standing up, her back straightened out and legs together as she shakes his hand. The fabric of the leather glove she wore crinkled with the added movement. He gave a simple smile before giving his first order of many yet to come. “It’s best we get going, we have a lot to catch up on and unfortunately not much time.” He stated briefly, standing in wait for her to grab her bags and luggage before walking back from whence he came with the girl following close behind.

The beaming rays of sunlight quickly did away with the cold of the soft breeze as they made their ways down the steps, a car sat directly at the bottom across the concrete sidewalk along with women about the Colonel’s age, maybe younger, her yellow hair put up neatly and stance formal. The Colonel stopped a feet away from her and nodded, the women nodded back as if they were speaking telepathically and opened the car trunk.

 “This is First Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye” Colonel Mustang stated, the lieutenant standing up straight to properly greet the transfer with a nod, Lyre nodding back in response.

The girl walked over bags in hand and began to throw them in, the lieutenant made her way over to help however before she could the girl put her hand up, palm front facing, a brief look of shock spread across the lieutenants face as the girls bent her fingers into a fist leaving only the pointer finger up and raised her hand up near her head, making a slight nod before continuing to put up her luggage. Quickly as the expression came, so did it disappear as she nodded in a professional manner, making her way back to Colonel Mustang and stopping briefly as all the Colonel could give was a slight shrug before getting into the car's passenger seat, the lieutenant following close behind and sitting in the driver's seat. Few moments passed before the sound of the truck door closing  was immediately followed by footsteps and then the rear door clicking open, the girl climbing into the car with a slight huff, closing the door and clicking in the seatbelt. Her eyes quickly followed the car's rear window, the people walking by along with the guards standing at attention, the woman checked her surroundings before turning the keys in the ignition. The rumbling of the car's engine caught her ears and was soon followed by the soft running of wheels on asphalt, soothing any anxieties she held in head. Soon enough she was watching building after building pass by, Hawkeye catches the state alchemist's tired expression in the rearview mirror and reaches down towards the radio. A soft playful melody begins to play from the wooden box and echo off of the car's steel walls.

“It’s a long way ahead, I figured you could use the music to pass the time.”

The girl nods as the soft melody soothes her already exhausted mind, closing her eyes for the first time in what felt like forever.

“Well, that's it for now…” 

The Colonel sighed, turning away from the hotel desk. “If there’s an emergency you know what to do.” He stated, Lyre nodded in response.

He mirrors her nodding to the lieutenant, before returning his attention to her. “Get some rest for tomorrow, you’re going to be meeting the other state alchemists, including the ones you’ll be working with. She nods once more, readjusting the strap of her bag that hung loosely around her shoulder. Mustang mirrored her response, turning away from her and walking ahead, the lieutenant following close behind. Lyre watched as they walked away back to the entrance doors before grabbing what's left of her luggage as most of it had already been carried to her room, she thought back to what the Colonel had told her about meeting the other state alchemists and she couldn't help but feel both a little excited and worried. She was so caught up in her head that she had barely noticed that she had made it to her floor already. She walked off the elevator and into the well lit hallway, her eyes scanning each number on every door until finally she had come across hers, she put her luggage on the ground for better access as she pulled out the key and placed it into the doorknob, the second she turned the key she could hear yelling from the room a few doors down the hall from hers catching her attention, the loud cracking voice was clearly upset, however from what Lyre could understand from the muffled yelps is they were angry about…shorts? She shrugged, stating that it was not her business to know the lives of those around her, before looking away and quickly opening the door and entering her room. The screeching cutting off the second she closed her door, as she put down her bags she could practically feel the pull of exhaustion the second the bed came into view, quickly putting the rest of her luggage down the girl walked over to the bed and almost immediately flopped down on the bed with a sigh. A sense of relief and relaxation quickly rushing over her as she sunk into the plush mattress, once again she thought back to what Colonel Mustang had said, the thought of meeting new people that were just like her after many years of feeling isolated was a scary to her…and yet the idea that there's someone out there that could possibly understand what she went through and not judge her for it, was all the more reason to meet them. As she thought about all the possibilities of meeting her fellow state alchemists, she could feel the pull of drowsiness as days of uncomfortable seats and lack of sleep began to weigh heavy on her body, slowly she closed her eyes as the white noise of the hotel rooms fan slowly lulled her to sleep. 

However it would seem that meeting with the other state alchemists would deem to be a lot more difficult than she could ask for.

[caranelguild]

Our adventurers rest among the kobold corpses. Krieg idly begins stripping the scales and flesh from the wyrmling's head with the ambition to fashion a decorative pauldron. Vola sits next to a small cleft in the wall, which turns out to be a cleverly painted tapestry that is hanging a little crooked, hiding an alcove in which sits an iron chest. Quagoon happily picks the lock, revealing a small horde of gems and a few rich garments.

After treating their wounds and catching their breaths, the party moves on, following their bound kobold prisoner down the corridor whence the fire newts came. They pass through a couple empty rooms (one full of headless kobold statues) before listening at a stone door and hearing scuffling feet and draconic argument beyond. "Just the guards of the leader, you know, you'll get your answers soon enough," says the kobold, and he leaps eagerly to open the door. Vola catches him and Krieg holds him down. He sticks to his story, which results in Krieg chopping off one of his feet. At that, the frantic prisoner screams out loudly to alert the residents of the adjoining room.

Well, nothing for it, then. The door is opened, revealing a room full of kobolds.

The little dragon folk in the large room are outfitted curiously with sacks and pots and bags and many-pocketed trousers. A handful even have small cages upon their backs housing small animals! Doesn't matter - they'll die like any other minion. Battle is joined.

Vials and clay pots fly and crash, spreading acid, alchemist's fire, and hungry grubs. A few sacks are opened to liberate swarms of angry wasps, and two cages relinquish a couple of startled skunks. Vola is slapped by a scorpion on a long stick, Krieg is stabbed by daggers, and Quagoon's hireling Pip embarrasses herself by slipping in some fluorescent slime. In short order, however, the kobolds all lie dead.

Except the kobold dragonshield with only one foot, who is now crawling with parasitic grubs and in the throes of a fever.

The large room has many exits, and the prisoner is not cogent enough to give any sort of direction, so a door is chosen more or less at random and the party moves on.

After a few turns, Quagoon volunteers to scout ahead down a winding corridor.

He comes running back on silent feet, warning of running footsteps soon to follow. The party considers traps, using the pots and vials picked from the kobold corpses, but ultimately all planning is abandoned when the promised footsteps threaten an imminent meeting, accompanied by clanging armour and heavy breathing.

The gang retreats to a doorway and turn around to face the enemy. A frantic half-dragon turns the corner, dressed in full plate armour and wielding a longsword-as-shortsword in one hand and a shortsword-as-dagger in the other.

Krieg and one of the lackeys meets them in the corridor. Then Vola gets her feet under her and joins - but the half-dragon had been waiting for another foe, and bathes the three in its fire breath.

Then, around the corner, come two burly men sweating hard, their eyes wild, crossbows swinging from their backs and maces at their belts.

The combat is swift and fierce. The half-dragon is betrayed by their breastplate, which shatters at a blow, leaving them exposed to a killing strike. Then the thugs are dispatched one after the other.

Krieg spends a few minutes stripping the half-dragon of its surviving armour, which fits him decently enough.

Then it's, as always, onwards!

This passage ends between a rock (a stone door) and a hard place (an iron door). Both have swollen in the subterranean, draconic heat and are stuck in their jambs. (Speaking of the heat, some of the party begin ailing under its effects.) Vola batters at the stone door with her maul, breaking it down in ten strikes. The room beyond is an empty barracks, spread with rudimentary beds and collections of poor belongings.

The party tries a door in this room - a stuck iron door, like the one they left behind, and Vola takes a couple of runs at it before it screeches open to reveal a corridor.

In a rare move, however, the party goes back to the untouched iron door. Vola has the measure of these doors, now, and busts it open with a single shoulder-ram.

Inside is a round chamber dominated by a massive, but not quite life-sized stone statue of a dragon. Its head lies in stone dust beneath the arched neck, iron rebar protruding from its stump. A beam of sourceless golden light shines upon the statue, a reprieve from the flicking red and orange that has dimly illuminated the rest of the dungeon.

Moved by the ruin, perhaps by the light or his shared ancestry with its subject, Krieg goes to the fallen head and asks Vola and a lackey for a hand.

Together, the trio lift it above their shoulders to slot the rebar back into its slots; the head is returned and the statue is again whole. The "sunlight" glimmers upon its eyes, turning them almost gem-like.

Soundlessly, one of the statue's paws rises a foot above the floor, revealing an object in its shadow.

Quagoon withdraws an arrow made of black iron and the statue's foot returns to rest.

[audionicbrand]

Unveiling the Sonic Marvels: Pakistan's No.1 Audio Brand in the Wireless Realm

In the ever-evolving landscape of audio technology, Pakistan stands tall as the birthplace of an auditory revolution. Embracing the melody of innovation, Best Audio Brand in Pakistan has carved its niche as a powerhouse in the world of wireless earbuds and Bluetooth speakers. Today, let's embark on a sonic journey, exploring the rhythm and resonance that have earned this brand its crown.

The Rise of the Titan: Pakistan's No.1 Audio Brand

Imagine a symphony where tradition meets cutting-edge technology. That's the essence of the No.1 Audio Brand in Pakistan. Renowned for its commitment to quality and a penchant for pushing boundaries, this brand has redefined the auditory experience.

Breaking Chains with Wireless Earbuds: Picture this – the freedom to move, groove, and immerse yourself in sound without being tethered by wires. These wireless earbuds, the flagship of the No.1 Audio Brand, liberate you from the shackles of conventional audio. Slip them in, and let the music flow seamlessly into your soul.

Bluetooth Speakers: The Sonic Alchemists: If earbuds are the architects of personal euphony, then Bluetooth speakers are the maestros orchestrating a communal symphony. The No.1 Audio Brand's Bluetooth speakers are a marvel of engineering, producing sound waves that dance and weave through the air like poetic sonnets.

Crafting Sonic Excellence: The Tech Behind the Magic

Behind every harmonious note lies a tapestry of cutting-edge technology. The No.1 Audio Brand in Pakistan has meticulously woven this tapestry, ensuring an auditory experience that transcends expectations.

Dynamic Drivers and Precision Tuning: Ever wondered why some notes hit your soul while others merely graze it? The secret lies in the dynamic drivers – miniature sorcerers that breathe life into every musical nuance. The precision tuning, akin to a master chef perfecting a recipe, ensures that each frequency finds its sweet spot, creating an auditory banquet for your ears.

Noise Cancellation: A Sonic Sanctuary: Life is chaotic, but your auditory sanctuary need not be. The wireless earbuds from this audio titan come armed with noise cancellation technology, whisking you away to a realm where only the melody reigns. It's like stepping into a soundproof chamber amidst the bustling noise of life.

The Dance of Design and Durability

Beyond the realms of acoustics, the No.1 Audio Brand in Pakistan places a premium on aesthetics and resilience. Their products are not just auditory delights; they're visual and tactile feasts.

Ergonomic Marvels: These wireless earbuds aren't just accessories; they're extensions of your auditory style. With an ergonomic design that seamlessly blends with your ear's contours, they become a natural appendage. It's the equivalent of wearing a bespoke suit tailored for your ears.

Rugged Resilience: Bluetooth speakers, on the other hand, are crafted to endure the elements. Picture this: a speaker that fearlessly faces the wind, the rain, and the sun, unyielding in its commitment to deliver crystal-clear sound. It's the equivalent of a musical gladiator, battling the elements for your auditory pleasure.

The Symphony of Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Unleashed

Enter the realm of seamless connectivity and boundless possibilities: Bluetooth 5.0.

Swift Pairing: Remember the frustration of waiting for your devices to pair? Say goodbye to that with Bluetooth 5.0. The No.1 Audio Brand in Pakistan ensures that the connection is as swift as the crescendo of your favorite song.

Extended Range: It's like having a musical companion that never leaves your side. With an extended Bluetooth range, these audio wonders ensure that your playlist travels with you, no matter where you roam.

User-Centric Innovation: Making Every Beat Count

In the world of audio, the user is king. The No.1 Audio Brand in Pakistan wears this philosophy like a crown, constantly innovating to enhance the user experience.

Intuitive Touch Controls: Imagine controlling your auditory universe with a mere touch. The wireless earbuds from this brand empower you to play, pause, skip, and answer calls effortlessly – all with a touch as gentle as a whispering breeze.

Multi-Device Connectivity: Juggling between devices can be a symphony of chaos. Not anymore. These audio marvels allow you to seamlessly switch between devices, ensuring that your auditory oasis travels with you.

Why Choose Pakistan's No.1 Audio Brand: A Resounding Affirmation

Still contemplating the leap into the auditory embrace of Pakistan's No.1 Audio Brand? Let the following affirmations resonate:

Unparalleled Sound Quality: It's not just music; it's a sonic odyssey. The No.1 Audio Brand in Pakistan sets the bar high, delivering sound quality that's not just heard but felt – a tactile symphony that resonates in your very core.

Affordable Luxury: In a world where quality often comes with a hefty price tag, this brand defies the norm. It offers an auditory indulgence that doesn't break the bank, making premium audio accessible to all.

Community-Driven Approach: It's not just about selling products; it's about building a community. The No.1 Audio Brand in Pakistan engages with its users, listens to their feedback, and evolves to cater to the dynamic needs of its auditory tribe.

Conclusion: The Echoes of Excellence

As we wrap up this sonic expedition, one thing becomes clear – Pakistan's No.1 Audio Brand isn't just crafting earbuds and speakers; it's composing experiences. It's not merely delivering sound; it's narrating stories. The wireless earbuds and Bluetooth speakers aren't just gadgets; they're conduits to a world where every beat, every note, and every pause is orchestrated with precision and passion.

In the realm of auditory enchantment, where tradition meets innovation, Pakistan's No.1 Audio Brand stands tall – a symphony of excellence echoing across the global soundscape.

[gobboguy]

Chapter 20: Veiled Shadows in Cairn Doom

Alden's voice, low and determined, cut through the biting wind as they stood on the threshold of Cairn Doom. "Our objective is clear," he said, his eyes narrowing with focus. "We either find the Naga's package or put an end to the Orc Lord Gelbeg's machinations. There's no room for hesitation."

Elara's brows furrowed in concern. "Are you certain it's Gelbeg?" she asked, her voice barely audible above the howl of the wind.

Alden nodded, his jaw set. "Positive. The Naga wouldn't align themselves with anyone less."

Turning to Aquata, Alden spoke with conviction. "Aquata, we need your mastery over water. Conjure a snowstorm, cover our movements, and mask our approach. We infiltrate Cairn Doom together."

With a swift nod, Aquata raised her hands, whispering ancient words in Merish. The water in the air responded, freezing into crystalline structures that obscured their presence. The snowstorm materialized, swirling around them like a protective cloak, veiling them from prying eyes.

Elara, the alchemist, distributed vials containing a potion that, when applied, transformed their skin to a brilliant, blinding white. Their forms now blended seamlessly with the snow-covered landscape, rendering them nearly invisible against the frozen canvas of Cairn Doom's surroundings.

Silently, they moved forward, their footsteps muffled by the snow beneath their boots. Orcish guards patrolled the perimeter, their movements swift and purposeful. With each step, the group dodged, ducked, and weaved through the shadows, their presence masked by the storm and their newfound camouflage.

Cairn Doom loomed before them, its massive gates standing as a foreboding barrier. As they approached, their hearts pounded in their chests, anticipation and fear mingling in the cold air. With synchronized movements, they slipped past the guards, their bright white forms melding seamlessly with the blinding snow.

They were inside the stronghold now, surrounded by shadows, their breaths visible in the icy atmosphere. The path ahead was uncertain, the dangers they faced formidable. Yet, fueled by determination and unity, they pressed on, ready to face whatever darkness lay within the depths of Cairn Doom, for the fate of the realm rested on their shoulders.

They continued along the dark entryway, slipping between armored Orc bodies and moving along. The entryway of Cairn Doom was a testament to the transformation of the Orcs, once downtrodden slaves under Count Fiu's cruel rule. As Alden, Elara, Twig, Leaf, and Aquata cautiously moved forward, their eyes widened in awe and trepidation at the sight before them.

The stone walls of darkest obsidian were adorned with intricate carvings depicting Orcish victories and ancient battles. Crude torches flickered, casting eerie shadows that danced upon the newfound symbols of Orcish pride. Massive tapestries, woven with scenes of Orcs standing tall against their enemies, hung proudly, a vivid representation of their growing strength.

Armored Orc guards patrolled the passageways with purpose, their strides filled with confidence. Their weapons gleamed in the torchlight, a stark contrast to the rusty, ill-maintained tools of the past. The very air crackled with the energy of a burgeoning army, an unmistakable sense that these Orcs had evolved from the oppressed masses into a force to be reckoned with.

The party exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the formidable challenge they faced. Cairn Doom, was an Orcish stronghold of power and ambition. As they moved deeper into the fortress, the echoes of their footsteps mingled with the distant sounds of Orcish drills, a chilling reminder of the formidable force that awaited them within the heart of the mountain.

As they moved along Twig, distracted by the oppressiveness of the stronghold, accidentally bumped into a nearby Orc guard. The Orc dropped his weapon in surprise, causing a clatter. Aquata, distracted by the clatter lost her focus and her snow spell was lifted.

As the snowstorm's veil lifted, revealing the intruders, panic rippled through the Orcs like wildfire. One of the Orcs, caught off guard, stumbled backward as Twig accidentally bumped into him, his invisibility shattered. The Orcs bellowed in surprise, their guttural voices reverberating through the cavernous halls.

Aquata gasped, realizing their cover was blown. "We've been discovered!" she exclaimed, frustration etched on her features.

Alden's voice cut through the chaos. "Run!" he commanded, his eyes blazing with determination as he faced the onslaught of enraged Orcs.

With fear gripping their hearts, Twig, Elara, and Leaf turned and fled down the nearest hallway, their footfalls echoing off the stone walls. Twig's cries for his father echoed in the corridors, his desperation palpable. Elara and Leaf strained to pull him away, their eyes wide with terror and sorrow.

Meanwhile, Alden, valiant and unyielding, fought back the surging Orcs. Swinging the sword Eleanor with unparalleled skill, he conjured thorny vines that snaked along the ground, impeding the Orcs' advance. The twisted flora slowed their pursuit, providing a momentary respite for his fleeing family.

But the tide of Orcs proved overwhelming. A powerful blow knocked the sword Eleanor from Alden's grasp, and he was captured, surrounded by the jeering, triumphant horde. In the dim light, Twig and Leaf dashed back, snatching up the sword Eleanor with trembling hands, a glimmer of hope in their desperate eyes. But when the turned around to join their mother and Aquata, they found to their dismay that the hallway was being blocked by a crowd of huge, stinking Orcs. Choosing a new path they fled, slipping into a dark hallway, Twig grasp the sword tightly. With adrenaline coursing through their veins, they sprinted through the shadowed halls, their eyes scanning for any signs of safety.

Their hearts pounded in their chests as they fled, separated from their brave father and captured mother. The sense of isolation and fear weighed heavily upon them, driving them onward through the foreboding depths of Cairn Doom, their only solace the hope that they might reunite with their family once more.

[windsfavored]

he  drains  the  rest  of  his  cup,  not  really  caring  how  the  liquid  scalds  his  tongue.  ❝  i'll  be  able  to  manage. ❞   the  wanderer  reassures  him.  he  doesn't  feel  the  need  to  elaborate  on  why  —  surely  the  alchemist  will  see  soon  enough.  his  eyes  do  narrow  at  the  mention  of  the  fatui,  however.  ren  doesn't  see  them  as  a  THREAT,  of  course.  (  even  the  mere  suggestion  is  as  laughable  as  it  is  irritating.  )  yet  it  does  give  him  confirmation  that  they  continue  to  infest  the  mountain  like  ants  crawling  on  a  mound  of  DIRT  —  just  as  he  suspected.  how  troublesome;  ren  regrets  not  inquiring  more  about  their  machinations  regarding  dragonspine  when  he  had  the  chance.  unfortunately,  the  balladeer  never  cared  much  for  missions  not  involving  his  own  personal  goals;  he  simply  followed  whatever�� orders  he  was  given,  swift  and  efficient  in  the  manner  only  immense  APATHY  could  lend  itself  to.  he  knows  that  it's  of  some  interest  to  them,  knows  that  they  were  conducting  their  own  experiments  —  but  that's  really  where  his  knowledge  ends.

ren  makes  a  mental  note  to  keep  an  eye  out  for  them.  not  out  of  concern  —  but  rather  because  he  would  like  to  take  the  opportunity  to  beat  the  answers  out  of  that  group  himself.  (  surely  they  must  have  ORDERS.  perhaps  even  the  written  sort  he  can  steal.  )

stepping  out  of  the  cave,  he  gives  the  cliff  a  rather  UNIMPRESSED  look  —  as  if  even  the  mere  thought  of  climbing  is  beneath  him.  eyes  slip  closed;  a  soft  exhale  of  a  sigh  —  then  the  wanderer's  kasa  dissolves  once  again.  the  markings  faintly  visible  through  the  sheer  fabric  of  his  bodysuit  begin  to  glow  with  anemo's  light,  as  if  the  wind's  power  flows  through  his  very  being.  ren  ascends,  head  circled  by  a  lotus  halo,  each  movement  characterized  with  grace  that  seemingly  contrasts  his  brusque  outer  shell.  he  flits  over  to  the  edge,  hovering  in  midair  and  crossing  his  arms  —  an  almost  playful  exaggeration  of  his  IMPATIENCE.  ❝  like  i  said, ❞  he  repeats,  eyes  lit  by  that  same  bright  light,   ❝  i  think  i'll  be  able  to  manage. ❞

though  while  he  waits,  he  does  take  the  opportunity  to  scan  the  horizon.  the  ribs  jutting  from  the  mountain  are  ominous  —  marking  it  as  the  dragon's  grave.  most  of  the  landscape  is  a  blur  of  white,  occasionally  interspersed  with  bits  of  ice  and  stone.  he  does  spy  a  bit  of  smoke  —  a  camp?  must  be  the  fatui.  (  now  how  does  he  slip  away  to  pay  them  a  visit ...  )  ❝  you  really  don't  like  visitors,  do  you? ❞   the  wanderer  says  aloud.  gaze  briefly  flicks  to  the  broken  bridge,  as  if  to  draw  deliberate  attention  to  it.  another  subtle  attempt  at  humor;  reclusive  as  he  is,  ren  has  no  place  to  BLAME  HIM.

albedo is a little confused about the sudden hurry. though from his perspective, he's USED to the heart and the beat that thrums throughout this area. he's listened to it, studied it up close, and fallen asleep to the faint beat many, many times. it wouldn't be surprising if ren is excited by the concept. albedo still knows little about the wanderer in the first place, still unsure as to what drives or motivates him. evidently, the concept of a giant heart is something to witness immediately.

he stares at his tea regrettably. he'd been hoping to have a longer chat about the nature of durin, giving ren a brief history lesson as to who durin IS to albedo, but that topic, he supposes, can also be put to rest for the moment. ren seems to be not so above most other humans when it comes to research. they always seem so eager to get to the meat of it all, rather than take their time studying it before hand. not to discourage ren of course, since albedo HAD invited him here to see the heart in the first place.

albedo supposes he just places more value in the study of something, as well as the history, rather than the object itself.

"very well," albedo says, taking one last, long drink from his tea. it won't be any trouble to re-heat the drinks up later, and he's not worried about them being messed with in the pair's absence ― even the local wildlife doesn't dare venture into this lab.

getting back to his feet, albedo nods his head toward the exit. "if you'll follow me then, we have to climb down a little ways." he points out toward the large, what resembles a ribcage. "we're heading that way. i have ways of getting down, if you need assistance." come to think of it, albedo isn't entirely sure how ren got here to begin with. albedo's lab is very out-of-the-way, not set on any human-safe footpaths. he'd kept it that way on purpose. while it's possible for people to get here, albedo prefers to be a guide to keep them SAFE. also, to keep anyone out. this entire area as a whole is very unsafe for anyone to get too close. what with broken bridges, miniature cliffs, and steep slopes to climb up and down. even with a vision (as he notes ren DOES have), it's still generally dangerous territory.

albedo isn't bringing any research notes with him. those, he can show to ren later on, after they'd seen the heart in its entirety. "please, stick close with me as well. i recognize you may be durable and can withstand most things, but durin's heart isn't the only thing to worry about in this area. there are also quite a few fatuus lurking around. i'd rather avoid a fight with them, if possible." with that warning issued, he begins leading the way out of the lab and toward the small cliff leading downward.

[daffyenvit]

Inktober collaboration, part 1