#+°.balletic & phantasmal ¤°+.

[dgrailwar]

Round 9, Day 3 - Team Alter-Ego

The Alter-Ego scowled. Despite her calm demeanor, the star was pushing at her fractured psyche, drawing upon her worst ideas of blood and violence. She wanted to get scratch of the itch and get rid of it swiftly before it took over.

"Imperial Edict. Wage war.": Boosts and demerits will be doubled for the upcoming round, as part of the Imperial Edict!

The strength of Alter-Ego's Noble Phantasm has been increased by the decree!

Damage has the potential to be doubled in combat upon reaching a certain threshold!

SERVANT DETAILS

HP: 3/3

Team Alter-Ego has all 3 Command Spells remaining!

Servant Skills:

Melt Virus (EX Rank) - When engaged in a Free-for-All, inflict all foes with a -3% demerit. If Meltryllis gains 1st place in the Free-for-All by a margin of 10% or more, inflict a -3% demerit to your foes for their next round and gain a +3% boost for your next combat round.

Crime Ballet (A Rank) - When engaged in a one-on-one, increase the Alter-Ego Class Trait one-on-one boost to +5% rather than +3% (+6% if targeting a Servant that's Playing Defensively).

Saint Graph Expansion (B Rank): When engaged in a Free-for-All, gain a +2% boost. Additionally, if Alter-Ego finds herself in a tie against an opponent in a one-on-one (according to the final results, including boosts), her opponent takes a wound and a -2% demerit while she fully escapes damage and gains a +2% bonus for the next round.

NOBLE PHANTASM: Saraswati Meltout (EX Rank)

A powerful, debilitating Noble Phantasm that inflicts 2 ‘wounds’ instead of one. Meltryllis gains a +30% boost in her combat poll scores for the round, and if her target survives, they’re struck with a -10% demerit for the immediate next round as Meltryllis holds onto a +10% boost.

If the Noble Phantasm successfully kills, Meltryllis successfully absorbs the ‘Class Traits’ of the destroyed enemies.

Boost from the Imperial Edict: If the gap between scores is wider than 50%, the Noble Phantasm inflicts 3 wounds rather than 2.

-

Class-Trait:

ALTEREGO-CLASS Servants fight at their best when given a specific target. When engaged in a standard one-on-one confrontation, they gain a +3% boost. If attacking a Servant 'Playing Defensively', they gain a +4% boost instead.

[laufire]

He gathered pictures and descriptions of the occidental ballet, and began laboriously collecting programs and posters from abroad. This was more than simple fascination with the exotic and the unknown. The pleasure he found in his new hobby came in fact from his inability to see with his own eyes occidentals in occidental ballets. There was proof of this in his deliberate refusal to study the ballet as performed by Japanese. Nothing could be more comfortable than writing about the ballet from books. A ballet he had never seen was an art in another world. It was an unrivaled armchair reverie, a lyric from some paradise. He called his work research, but it was actually free, uncontrolled fantasy. He preferred not to savor the ballet in the flesh; rather he savored the phantasms of his own dancing imagination, called up by Western books and pictures. It was like being in love with someone he had never seen.

Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata.

[auburniivenus]

27.  NIGHTMARE :  for one muse to comfort the other after a nightmare.

Phobetor, the embodiment of nightmares, traverses the realm of the subconscious like an ethereal specter disguised in the nocturnal nuances of indigo. His ever-changing and protean countenance evokes the profound fears of humanity. Within the realm of dreams, he choreographs a grotesque ballet, inflicting night terrors on somnolent minds with an almost sadistic delight. Morpheus, the supreme architect of dreams, undertakes a dual function, possessing the capacity to manufacture both delightful reveries and sinister nightmares. His siblings, Phobetor and Phantasos, bring forth the phantoms of fear and surreal visions, creating a trinity that blurs the boundaries between dreamscape and inferno.

The ethereal threads of slumber wove a disquieting veil, transforming her subconscious into a theater for the phantoms lurking within the depths of her apprehensions. The moonlight, intermittently softly embracing her dormant body, now beheld the convulsions of her disoriented sleep. Tangled filaments of auburn hair outlined a visage marked by arched brows, a canvas painted with the hues of a disquieted mind. As she lay ensconced in the ephemeral sphere of dreams, a specter of unease cast its pallor upon her delicate features.

In the nocturnal realm of her psyche, the familiar landscapes of her daily existence distorted into absurd caricatures. Faces she held dear contorted into masks of sorrow and despondency. Tatsuki’s piercing gaze bore the weight of haunting wistfulness, and Ichigo’s visage, usually a bastion of strength, crumbled into an expression of profound heartache. Echoes of laughter, once boisterous and unhindered, now took on a dissonant cadence, an incongruous refrain that propagated through the corridors of her dreamscape. The vivid hues of her environs progressively deteriorated into a more somber pallet of grays and shadows. Orihime felt the tendrils of apathy twine around her, tightening with each passing instant. She journeyed through a phantasm of her imagination that paralleled a distorted portrayal of her apprehensions, a terrain where the boundaries between reality and nightmare became indistinguishable, forming a blurred haze.

In a delicate manner, she perceived the touch of his calloused fingertips as they gently rubbed against her shoulder in a caress analogous to a whisper. The contact, tender and comforting, illustrated the essence of his implicit commitment—a pledge to serve as the protector, shielding her from the nocturnal horrors that sought to ensnare her mental state. A murmur, scarcely audible, escaped his lips—a melody woven with serene reassurance. A spectral resonance penetrated the liminal space between dreams and reality. His voice, an unwavering beacon, reached her beneath the curtains of sleep, an anchor cast into the tempestuous seas of her delusions. His grasp, acting as an anchor, encircled hers, bridging the fleeting chasm between the dreamworld and the tangible domain.

As Ichigo’s whispered assurances permeated the camouflaged sanctum of her dreams, a subtle transformation unfurled across Orihime’s countenance. The furrowed lines of distress softened, replaced by the tranquil repose that accompanies the banishment of night terrors. Like a ship navigating turbulent waters, she emerged from the depths of her horrors, guided by the compass of Kurosaki’s touch.

With a breath that mimicked the release of a held sigh, her eyelids fluttered open, revealing the clarity of awakening.  “Ichigo.” Inoue whispered, sensing perspiration upon her comely visage. She positioned herself on the disheveled bed and reflected upon him, his attractive appearance illuminated by the moonlight filtering in through the partially ajar window. The remnants of the previous war persisted within the depths of her consciousness, and occasionally fear would manifest itself in her dreams. The repercussions of the conflict would require a considerable amount of time to diminish, resembling a wound that necessitates a significant healing period. “I’m glad you’re here.” Her sweet voice affirmed as her delicate arms encircled his figure, enveloping him in a embrace. “Never, never leave.” @ikurosakii

HER LOVER, HER SAVIOR.

[calamity-aims]

28 and 35 for the sentimental ask

✨hope you have a good day✨

As a kid, what did you play pretend as?

Anything and everything but mostly a Jedi, lol!

Describe an old photograph of yourself/your parents/family that you love.

So there's this one picture of me as a kid, maybe 5 years old? And we had this gigantic black cat that just walked out of the desert one day, half-feral and refused to live inside but also refused to leave. And he was the most efficient, most vicious killer I have ever seen. Once he chased a chipmunk UP MY BROTHER. Like the chipmunk sat on my brother's head to get away from this cat.

But I was 5 and I loved pink so for my birthday I got a pink tutu and ballet shoes and pink heart-shaped glasses and I'm holding this 20-pound black phantasm of death, and the look on this cat's face is a promise to kill anyone who says a word.

[ask game here!]

[harrison-abbott]

The Oldboy corridor scene is a fantasy of male power … in my opinion.

I remember watching it in my teens, after I’d been beaten up so many times by other boys, for no reason. After my big brother was beaten up severely right in front of me when I was nine. So at the point of 15, when I watched it, I was pent up with vengeful anger. I had all of these fantasies of getting violent revenge on my assailants from the past. But I wasn’t able to do it.

So that’s what this phantasmic scene taps in to. One man versus twenty other men. And he runs at them and attacks them, and he, miraculously wins the fight. Even though he’s small and he’s been imprisoned for years, even though he was a slightly stupid young man in the past. He goes and wins it.

The choreography in the scene is just sublime. It’s like watching something out of the theatre, or even the ballet. The scene itself took three days to film – in order to get it right. It is shot so well that it doesn’t seem like a fight. And it’s not like real violence, which adds to that fantastical element.

Perhaps you don’t agree with these thoughts. But I’ve always loved Oldboy as movie. Of course, the film is essentially about the futility of revenge: how vengeance eventually ends in self destruction.

But this scene taps in to that desire for violent revenge in males. At least, that’s what it did for me.

[mjgallery]

On Temporary Swap: @Kim Minju (01/02).

Meet Rue-anne Blaire, known fondly as Rue—a sublime nymph, dwelling within the enchanted realm of wildflower's chateau. Behold her celestial love story unfolding beneath the vast azure skies of Elysium.

SCENIC OF MINJU

SOOP ENTERTAIMENT ACTRESS, MINJU!

Kim Minju, the epitome of elegance and talent, graces the entertainment realm under the esteemed banner of Soop Entertainment. With an ethereal presence, she captivates audiences, seamlessly blending grace and charisma. Her journey unfolds like a mesmerizing symphony, each note resonating with her multifaceted abilities.

Beyond the glitz, she embodies resilience and determination, shaping a narrative that goes beyond the spotlight. Kim Minju, a name synonymous with Soop Entertainment, is not just an artist; she is a storyteller, weaving tales that resonate with the hearts of those who encounter her brilliance.

     📄      「  ࣪  ⑅    ⁽ instagram.com/minn.__.ju ⁾    ׁ  ₊  」 🌿

PHRASE : 𝗥𝗨𝗘

୨୧ ⠀𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗱𝗲:⠀blithe⠀is⠀instilled⠀in⠀ the⠀phantasm⠀woods⠀where⠀swan⠀lake⠀ dances⠀with⠀a⠀glorious⠀empress,⠀𝓜inju.

In the heart of the phantasmal woods, where the air is filled with an ineffable sense of blitheness, a wondrous scene unfolds like a fairytale dream. Princess Rue, a vision of regal splendor, graces this mystical realm with her presence. Here, amidst nature's enchanting embrace, Swan Lake comes alive in a mesmerizing dance with this glorious empress. Their movements, an exquisite choreography, resonate with the very essence of joy, weaving a tapestry of ethereal grace and boundless delight. This surreal ballet whispers secrets of elation, inviting all who venture into this enchanted realm to partake in the jubilant symphony of life orchestrated by the radiant Princess Rue. 🌿🦢

☙ . . . 🌸੭.     ᨦ⊂⊃ৎ 🎐 ❯ ★ꮺ        ❦    ׅ    ۫   𝓛 ֵ    ﾶ    ۫   .   ꒱

[shadowversechronicles]

Ephemeral Nightmares

Beneath the shroud of twilight's descent, Where the echoes of fear and dreams are lent. Ephemeral nightmares, in shadows they bloom, A dance with darkness, a foreboding loom.

Moonlight weaves tales, both haunting and dire, As whispers of phantoms set the soul afire. In the garden of shadows, where nightmares breed, Ephemeral visions take root and feed.

Silent specters wander through the mind, A spectral ballet, surreal and confined. Ephemeral nightmares, elusive and sly, In the depths of terror, they multiply.

Crimson hues paint the canvas of night, A symphony of horrors, a chilling sight. Through the tapestry of the mind, they weave, Ephemeral nightmares, impossible to leave.

As the clock ticks in the realm of the unreal, Phantasmal whispers the heart can feel. Ephemeral nightmares, a transient plight, In the theater of darkness, they take flight.

[palebluesunrise]

In the hidden chambers of his memory, a specter sways - a figure bathed in the colors of youthful days, bearing an allure that outshines the dying embers of light. There was a moment when she presented a mirror that cast a reflection not of his own, but of another, relegating him to the whispering shadows.

Time, the universal healer, conducts its ceaseless symphony. Yet beneath the relentless rhythm, a melody of unrequited love persists, resonating with the poignant notes of a pale blue sunset. He has traversed the breadth of diverse gardens, casting seeds of new affection into the fertile soil of his heart. Yet it's her bloom, as radiant as the day's last blush, that persists amongst the verdant labyrinth, its vibrancy unyielding.

She visits him often in the realm of dreams, a silken phantom pirouetting in joyful rhythm against the canvas of twilight. Yet, with every dawn, reality extends its stern hand, pulling him from the dance, the harmonious echoes of his nocturnal ballet gradually fading into silence. Caught between the realms of dreams and wakefulness, he finds himself yearning for a confluence of both, as they do in the merging hues of a setting sun.

Underneath the layers of artifice, an irrefutable truth throbs, a stubborn flame performing a defiant dance against the gales of denial: his heart still pulses in time with her rhythm. Ahead lies a crossroads - to persist in this twilight waltz or step boldly into the pale blue sunset, bracing against the icy memory of past rejection.

Navigating the labyrinth of her heart, his compass wavers. Is she swaying to another's melody, or does she dance alone amidst the gathering twilight? He clings tightly to a bouquet of uncertainties and a resonant melody of affection that sings as intensely, as vividly, as phantasmally as when it first echoed in the silent chambers of his universe.

Hidden within the folds of these uncertainties, however, a wish blossoms – a wish as delicate as a sunset's sigh, as fervent as a sunrise's first light. A wish to stand by her, to match his steps to hers in the dance of life. It's not only her rhythm that his heart mirrors, but also a quiet yearning— an aspiration to weave their separate melodies into one harmonious symphony.

[daughterats]

@naktergal​ wrote,      “What, no! I’m not frightened. I’m annoyed!” smth tells me the ballet girls are just pestering christine and emily today….

she does not put much stock in wild ghost stories ... unless they are absolutely, deeply horrifying or utterly, heartwrenchingly tragic and romantic. a phantasm lingering the halls of the opera house is the former of course, and emily must admit   —   she is checking every shadow that trails behind her step. well, must admit to herself, of course.   regarding christine, she will deny until it her final breath.  

“oh, i wasn’t frightened either!”   she sucks in her breath and puffs out her chest. so bold, so brave, emily did not squeak like a mouse whose tail has been stepped on. she crosses her arms and pouts like the young girl she truly is.   “if they don’t stop, i say we play a trick on them next! it’s only fair.”

[snowfallen-nymph]

¤+°. The Crystalsong Nymph +°.

+°.. My little elven fae with her ghostly wisp companions done by the ever-talented HalChroma from DeviantArt~ ¤°+.

[dgrailwar]

Round 4, Day 5 - Team Alter-Ego

"What? You said you wanted to go to the ocean, didn't you? One of you did, at least. Besides we won. That Gunner aside, we bested that MoonCancer. She and the Ruler are wounded… that's pretty solid progress."

"I don't much for emotional stuff, so, I'll just say this-- I have a good feeling about you all. Don't let me down, and I promise I won't you down. Let's win this war."

Due to accomplishing Gunner's challenge, Meltryllis has gained a new skill!

Servant Skills:

Melt Virus (EX Rank) - When engaged in a Free-for-All, inflict all foes with a -3% demerit. If Meltryllis gains 1st place in the Free-for-All by a margin of 10% or more, inflict a -3% demerit to your foes for their next round and gain a +3% boost for your next combat round.

Crime Ballet (A Rank) - When engaged in a one-on-one, increase the Alter-Ego Class Trait one-on-one boost to +5% rather than +3% (+6% if targeting a Servant that's Playing Defensively).

Saint Graph Expansion (B Rank): When engaged in a Free-for-All, gain a +2% boost. Additionally, if Alter-Ego finds herself in a tie against an opponent in a one-on-one (according to the final results, including boosts), her opponent takes a wound and a -2% demerit while she fully escapes damage and gains a +2% bonus for the next round.

NOBLE PHANTASM: Saraswati Meltout (EX Rank)

A powerful, debilitating Noble Phantasm that inflicts 2 ‘wounds’ instead of one. Meltryllis gains a +30% boost in her combat poll scores for the round, and if her target survives, they’re struck with a -10% demerit for the immediate next round as Meltryllis holds onto a +10% boost.

If the Noble Phantasm successfully kills, Meltryllis successfully absorbs the ‘Class Traits’ of the destroyed enemies.

-

Class-Trait:

ALTEREGO-CLASS Servants fight at their best when given a specific target. When engaged in a standard one-on-one confrontation, they gain a +3% boost. If attacking a Servant 'Playing Defensively', they gain a +4% boost instead.

[galina-ulanova]

Reiko Hombo, Tzu-Chao Chou, Rohan Furnell and Dimity Azoury in Timothy Brown's Nocturnal Phantasm (The Australian Ballet, 2010)

[grailfinders]

Fate and Phantasms #266: Mysterious Alter Ego Λ

That's right folks, today on Fate and Phantasms we're building the mysterious ballerina-turned-idol-turned-casino-owner Mysterious Alter Ego Λ! Her identity is truly a...

I can't do this. It's Meltryllis. It's Meltryllis in a penguin suit, with a penguin. That's it. She doesn't even have a new gimmick. She's still an Aberrant Mind Sorcerer to liquefy herself and anyone else she wants to, but now that she's focusing on her dance moves more than her sadism she's a Lore Bard to make some penguin friends.

Check out her build breakdown below the cut, or her character sheet over here!

Next up: That's the weirdest suppository I've ever seen.

(Appropriately enough, this post is glitching for some reason, so the formatting isn't quite what I'd like it to be. We'll try to fix it later.)

Race and Background

Even though she's out of cyberspace, Melt is still a Water Genasi, though this time she gets +2 Dexterity and +1 Charisma. She also gets Acid Resistance, and can master the water thanks to being Amphibious and having her own swim speed. She can also Call to the Wave because she knows the Shape Water cantrip, and at level 3 she can cast Create or Destroy Water once a day. She's also still A Inheritor, so that's Arcana and Performance proficiency. Again, computers probably don't exist in D&D, but if they do in your campaign, it probably runs on arcana.

Ability Scores

You're a master of ballet, so your Charisma and Dexterity should be as high as you can get them. After that is your Intelligence, since running all the pools in Las Vegas is a complicated business. Your Constitution's also above average- turns out it's hard to cut water. Your Strength isn't anything to write home about, but we're dumping Wisdom. You thought working with Kingprotea was a good idea.

Class Levels

Bard 1: Bards are cool, they can do just about anything. You start off with proficiency in Dexterity and Charisma saves, which is nice considering you're technically not from the material plane. You also get proficiency in any three skills of your choosing, like Animal Handling, Acrobatics, and Deception. Oh yes, this casino is perfectly harmless, don't worry about how tired you're getting, just keep losing at slots! You can also use Bardic Inspiration to help an ally, giving them a d6 they can add to a d20 roll they make for a minute. Giving one away takes a bonus action, and you can do this Charisma Modifier times a day. I know it's not in character to actually help people, but don't worry this'll turn into something better in a bit. You also learn some Spells that use your Charisma to cast, like using Blade Ward to partially liquefy yourself for resistance to physical attacks, or True Strike to jab your heel into someone's throat. You can also use Animal Friendship to play with penguins, Bane to suck away someone's life force and reduce their attacks and saves by a d4 for a minute, Longstrider for extra maneuverability, and Silvery Barbs. I know I use it a lot, but weakening an opponent to make yourself stronger is literally Melt's deal.

Bard 2: Second level bards are Jacks of All Trades, adding half your proficiency to any skill check you make without proficiency. You also get a Song of Rest which isn't in-character but honestly it almost never is. You also get Magical Inspiration though! Now your inspiration dice can help with magic damage and healing too! You can also cast Color Spray now, and it'll blind your enemies if their current HP is less than the amount you roll. Have you ever got chlorine in your eyes? Shit sucks.

Sorcerer 1: Yep, you're still an Aberrant Mind sorcerer. For the sake of time, we won't cover any Spells here that didn't change from the last time we did this. And yes, you have spells. They use your Charisma, and since we're multiclassing spellcasters check the PHB for how your slots work. You get Psionic spells as freebies, and you can swap them out with divination or enchantment spells if you want. You can also use Telepathic Speech to speak to creatures with your mind as long as they start within 30' of you and stay within Charisma Modifier miles. It lasts Sorcerer Level minutes, or until you use this feature again. Since we picked up blade ward from our bard levels, now we're grabbing Dancing Lights for more of a stage presence.

Bard 3: Becoming a Lore bard makes you really skilled. Literally, you get three more skills of your choice. Pick up Persuasion and Perception to get more people into your casino and pick VIPs out of the crowd, and then pick up Stealth so you can disappear into the water. Like literally, you're mostly water already, it's not hard. But I know what you're saying: "Whoever's making these things, that's not enough skills!" First off that's very rude, we've known each other two years and you've seriously never thought to ask my name? It's Kris btw, but more importantly we have you covered with Expertise doubling your proficiency bonus in two skills, like Performance and Acrobatics for dances that will knock their socks off. You can also funnel your inspiration into Cutting Words, spending your inspiration dice to reduce a creature's attack, check, or damage roll by the amount you roll. This doesn't say enemy by the way, just in case you want to play to character. Why would you do that to an ally, you ask? Because you're the star of the show, and everyone will know it if you cast Enthrall. That gives the creatures you hit with the spell disadvantage to notice anyone other than you for the duration if they fail a wisdom check.

Sorcerer 2: At second level you become a Font of Magic, giving you sorcery points each day equal to your sorcerer level. Spend points to make slots, spend slots to make points. Easy. This also means you can get Mage Armor, utterly nullifying the whole reason we went monk back in the first build by giving you an AC of 13 plus your dexterity.

Sorcerer 3: Third level sorcerers learn Metamagic to customize your spells. Turn acid to water and water to acid with Transmuted spells, letting you swap their damage types. You can also melt down your foes' defenses with Heightened Spells, giving a creature disadvantage on their first save against a spell.

Bard 4: At fourth level bards get their first Ability Score Improvement. Bump up your Charisma for stronger spells and more inspiration. You can also cast Mage Hand to pull things around with a bit of water, or use Kinetic Jaunt to liquefy yourself further for additional speed and so you can ignore attacks of opportunity.

Sorcerer 4: Fourth level sorcerers also get an ASI, so pick up the Elemental Adept feat to supercharge your Acid spells. You now ignore resistance to acid, and you always deal at least 2 damage per die, which is huge on acid spells since those generally use a lot of small dice instead of a few big ones. We're also picking up Ray of Frost instead of Green-Flame Blade. You left your feet knives at home, but you can still splash people if you wanna.

Sorcerer 5: Fifth level sorcerers can use Magical Guidance as a reaction, spending a sorcery point to re-roll a failed check. You know, in case the expertise and advantage from Enhance Ability wasn't enough for you.

Sorcerer 6: Sixth level AM sorcerers can perform Psionic Sorcery, letting you cast leveled psionic spells by spending sorcery points instead of a spell slot. If you do so you don't need verbal, somatic, or unconsumed material components. Most of your spells are just subroutines you can perform, no need to make a fuss. You also get Psychic Defenses from your Core of the Goddess, giving you resistance to psychic damage and advantage on saves against being charmed or frightened.

Bard 5: Fifth level's still good for bards, even if they get it six levels later than usual. This is the level your inspiration grows to a d8, and you become a Font of Inspiration giving you your inspiration dice back on short rests instead of long ones. You also pick up Nondetection to keep meddling wizards from discovering your slots are cursed until it's too late. It'll also be handy in hiding Kingprotea, because let's be real she is not hard to find otherwise.

Bard 6: Sixth level bards get disappointed with Countercharm, but if you're a lore bard this level isn't a total waste since you still have Additional Magic Secrets to look forward to? (Is is really "additional" if we're not getting the regular secrets? Anyways.) You get two spells from any spell list- use Tidal Wave to sink your opponents, and Summon Beast to give yourself a penguin with the "Beast of the Sea" option. I know, it's a travesty that they don't have penguins in 5e, but we'll carry on. You can also Bestow Curses now with your melt virus. Basically any effect is possible if your DM signs off on it. In a couple levels we'll have ninth level slots, so you can make these little demerits permanent if you want to.

Sorcerer 7: Your normal fourth level spell is fine here, but we are gonna mess with your psionic spells a bit. Since you're more Leviathan than Sarasvati, we will be keeping Evard's Black Tentacles for that kraken style takedown. We're still replacing Summon Aberration though- pick up Charm Monster instead to convince your "sister" to be your bodyguard. KP's a great bouncer for your club, and she can probably survive your tidal waves, right?

Sorcerer 8: Eighth level sorcerers get another ASI, and let's get a little more Mobile to keep up with your Alter Ego self. This gives you an additional 10' of movement, and you can ignore difficult terrain while dashing and opportunity attacks from creatures you're fighting against. Water's slippery, who knew?

Sorcerer 9: Ninth level sorcerers get fifth level spells, and the big difference here is we're keeping Telekinesis. If watery sphere can lift people up, so can other spells. Just call it a big ball of water, and you're good.

Sorcerer 10: Tenth level sorcerers get another Metamagic option, so let's get some Subtle spells so you can use that Psionic Sorcery benefit on any spell you want: no muss, no fuss, no verbal or somatic components.

Sorcerer 11: Eleventh level sorcerers get sixth level spells! Since you left your... "skates" at home, we'll go on the defensive instead with Fizban's Platinum Shield. This gives you half cover for an AC boost, resistance to elemental damage, and evasion, reducing half the damage from dexterity saves off the bat. You can give this to other creatures, but why would you?

Sorcerer 12: Use this last ASI to max out your Charisma. The most inspiration, and the best spells possible, what more could you want? Stick around for the last two levels and find out.

Sorcerer 13: Wow, nineteenth level and you're still using a 4th level spell for your NP? Let's fix that: did you know putting a Whirlwind over water makes it a waterspout? It'll look like your NP, even if this doesn't change anything mechanically. It creates a little tornado you can move around each turn, sucking in large or smaller creatures that fail a strength save. While they're stuck in the vortex they take damage and are dragged higher into the air, and even if they succeed on their save they'll be launched in a random direction up to 180 feet away.

Sorcerer 14: Fans of Melt already know about Revelation in Flesh, it was her ultimate technique in the first build too. For the newbies, you can spend a bonus action and up to 4 sorcery points to transform for 10 minutes, picking one bonus for each point spent. In order of most to least in-character: Your body and equipment becomes pliable, letting you slip into 1 inch gaps and escape restraints and grapples with 5 feet of movement. You get a swimming speed of twice your walking speed, along with minor visual effects. You can see invisible creatures, and gain minor visual effects. You can fly and hover, with minor visual effects. Moving just about anywhere is a great capstone, and it's pretty cheap for 10 minutes of liquidity.

Pros and Cons (Compared to the original)

Pros:

Ironically, you're a lot more flexible than the original, with plenty of non-acid spells to use for damage variety, and other magical effects in case raw damage won't help the party.

You're also great at crowd control, in more ways than one. Use Enthrall or Enhance Ability + your performance proficiency to become the star of the show. Or use Watery Sphere or Whirlwind to keep crowds of minions from hurting the party.

Speaking of skills, let's keep doing that. Bards are good at skills, and lore bards are even better. With tons of proficiencies, half proficiency in everything else, and magical guidance and Enhance Ability giving you three rolls to get it right, you've got a ton of talent off the battlefield too.

Cons:

Unless you're using spells, you're a little slower than the OG Melt, and you're not much better at taking hits than she is, so keeping your distance is important.

We also dumped wisdom instead of using it for our AC, so you can get hacked pretty easily. Most computer programs don't react well with the real world, or water.

You're way less physical than the original, with less strength and dexterity, plus no weapon focus for melee fights. But hey, that's what you're controlling Kingprotea for, right?

[stxrmqueen]

PHANTASMIC ▶▶ A DOCTOR STRANGE FIC

In 2012 Nikki Sato was living her dream life in New York City. She had started her first season as part of the prestigious New York City Ballet company, a job she dreamed of having since she was a little girl. And then aliens attacked. Her apartment building collapsed, with her still inside. The doctors had been able to save her life, but at a price. Her right leg had to be amputated, and her dreams of being a professional ballerina were over almost as soon as they had begun.

After months of struggling with the loss she was offered a chance to heal, a chance to become more. An invitation to Kamar-Taj, the training ground of the Master’s of the Mystic Arts. She trained relentlessly, mastering magic like none before her. Over time she grew to be the greatest among the Apprentices training there.

After three years she is nearly ready to ascend to Master of the Mystic Arts, to finally finish her training. Or to finally go back to her normal life. The choice hangs heavy on her heart. Master the Mystic Arts or return to the life she knew finally healed, spiritually if not physically. The sorcerers won’t make her choose, but she can’t ascend unless she knows it’s what she wants. So she sits in limbo, waiting for a sign to make her choice easier.

And then she meets him.

Dr. Stephen Strange. He’s arrogant, cruel even, and cares for no instruction from anyone. She doesn’t know why she decides to help him even as he spurns her aid; perhaps she sees just the tiniest bit of herself in him, broken pieces needing gentle hands to mend them. So she reaches out, even as everyone else pulls away, and eventually he reaches back. But something darker lurks behind the magic at the center of their budding friendship. A power greater than any the world has faced in millennia and a memory Nikki has all but forgotten.

With the universe at stake, will Nikki finally be able to make her choice?

[lindsaydenniberg]

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#happyhalloween #favoritehalloweenthings #scoobydooandtheghoulschool #monster #ballet #mummy #wolfman #dracula #phantasm #offspring #phantasma @blairwithab -when #scrappydoo says me, a #tutu I still #losemyshit

[hermeticimp]

Thoughts On The Gods - Ares

Ares is fully supportive of self-defense for everyone and occasionally drops by various types of classes to teach some of the techniques he’s used over the years. 

Every time someone says “Fight me” or “Square up”, Ares sheds a tear of pride. 

Ares can be found in the ferocious battles of war, the well-aimed hit of a boxer, the repetitive strikes on a punching bag, the surge of adrenaline when you’re in danger, and the fierce stares of those who have had to fight to survive. 

Ares cherishes the kids who have have dealt with abuse by growing stronger to defend themselves and others. He watches over the kids on the streets who get by doing any and everything they have to in order to make it through another day. 

Ares is compassionate to those suffering from PTSD, whether they’re soldiers, abuse survivors, or those dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy. He knows full well how the horrors of the battlefield and phantasms of the past can haunt you. 

If you don’t think Ares would totally kick back and watch some kickass shounen anime like Dragon Ball or One Punch Man, you’re sorely mistaken. XD

Ares acknowledges that there are all kinds of battlefields, not just the ones in war. From the playground dealing with bullies to your inner demons to those fighting off life-threatening illnesses in the hospitals, they’re all valid. A battlefield can exist any and everywhere, so he will stand behind you no matter what. 

Violence can be the answer to some things, but even the god of war can acknowledge that pacifism has its uses. 

Athena and Ares aren’t diametrically opposed. You can’t have one without the other: war without reason is just a massacre while strategy without those willing to do what it takes is useless. 

Ares is the type of person who’d pull up to a random person for a drag race, then take them out for a beer, regardless of who won. 

Ares feels a kinship with animals that get a bad rep just for their breed, like pitbulls and rottweilers, since he knows exactly how they feel.

Thinks that ballet dancers are pretty hardcore, given the lengths they go to in order to perfect their craft. Sometimes he hangs around after a performance or two to discuss the show and compare battle scars. 

Hates the fact that veterans end up with the short end of the stick after returning home. It infuriates him to no end to watch the people who sacrificed everything for their country be treated like shit in return. 

 Loves the energy at a heavy metal concert or intense parties. They’re refreshing to him when he wants to get away from things on the divine realm. 

That scene in Marvel’s Thor where Thor and Selvig go out drinking and smash mugs, then sing drunkenly together on the way home (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kAwzX3A4XQ) ? Totally something he and Dionysus would do. 

Has a bike and car that he enjoys maintaining with his own two hands.

Sometimes, he enjoys taking long drives on abandoned stretches of road. Hermes will join him when he has the time, allowing the brothers to enjoy the scenery and sound of engine drowning out the rest of the world. 

Could definitely see him watching and engaging in plenty of MMA fights. 

Visits the sites of war memorials across the globe to pay his respects for those who fought and served with everything they had. 

He has a massive amount of respect for military families, as he realizes how much they have to give up in order for their loved one to serve. 

He rallies beside those who fight for what they believe in, supporting them and inspiring their determination to continue

Watches over military beats, helping protect and uplift them during the separation from their family members on tour

Red, black, and brown are colors associated with him

Enjoys watching Deadpool. The self-awareness and immortality makes him find him relatable

Often plays chess matches and other strategy games with his family, especially against Zeus, Athena, Hermes, and Dionysus

Plays RPGs as a change of pace from the role he typically plays. Prefers to play cleric or mage for this reason

Bloodstone, onyx, obsidian, ruby, garnet, smoky quartz, and tiger's eye are crystals I associate with him

Ensures that POWs are well-treated both while in capture and incessant they've arrived home. Helps expedite the latter process as he understands the stress and trauma being one has on the person

Doesn't condone torture or sexual assault on the battlefield. Soldiers are meant to fight, but not to act inhumanely

Helps Athena, Themis, and Nemesis with making sure that war criminals get their just desserts

Doesn't condemn desertion as not everyone is built for war

Supports the effort to end sexual assault in the military

Finds the virtual reality technology that helps people overcome PTSD fascinating. Helps Apollo, Hephaestus, Hermes, and Athena with advancing it to assist as many as they can

Major history buff. Happy to study the past of countries around the world and isn't choosy about the topic