#How to Reach Elephant Village

[elejungleride]

How to Reach Elephant Village Jaipur: The Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide

Planning a visit to the enchanting Elephant Village Jaipur but unsure how to get there? You’re not alone. This one-of-a-kind ethical elephant sanctuary is a must-see for travelers exploring Rajasthan, but navigating the route can be confusing for first-timers. Whether you're coming from the heart of Jaipur or landing at the airport, this comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how to reach Elephant Village Jaipur with ease and confidence.

In this blog, we answer frequently asked questions, provide local insights, and offer practical travel tips so your journey is smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Keep reading for the complete roadmap—because the adventure begins before you even arrive.

What is Elephant Village Jaipur and Why Should You Visit?

Elephant Village Jaipur, also known as Hathi Gaon, is not just another tourist stop. It’s an ethical sanctuary built to offer rescued elephants a better life while educating visitors about compassionate wildlife experiences. With over 50 elephants residing in the village, the experience is immersive, hands-on, and unforgettable.

Activities include:

Feeding and bathing elephants

Painting using natural colors

Walking alongside them (no rides!)

Learning about their care and conservation

And the best part? Every visit supports elephant welfare.

Where is Elephant Village Jaipur Located?

Elephant Village Jaipur is located near Amber Fort, approximately 12 kilometers from Jaipur city center. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible by road and a perfect detour for tourists heading to Amber Fort or Nahargarh.

Address: Hathi Gaon, Near Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan – 302028, India

Coordinates: 26.9897° N, 75.8506° E

How to Reach Elephant Village Jaipur: All Transport Options

Here are the top transportation methods, tailored for every type of traveler:

1. By Cab or Taxi (Best Option for Comfort)

Hiring a cab or using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola is the easiest and most direct way.

Estimated Time: 25–30 minutes from city center

Cost: ₹300–₹500 depending on traffic and time of day

Pro Tip: Choose early morning slots to avoid heat and congestion

2. By Auto Rickshaw (Budget-Friendly Option)

If you’re traveling light and prefer the local vibe, auto-rickshaws are a fun, budget-friendly ride.

Estimated Cost: ₹150–₹250 one way

Negotiate fare beforehand, as many drivers don't use meters.

3. By Public Bus (Cheapest Option)

Buses operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) connect major tourist sites, including Amber Fort.

Drop-off Point: Near Amber Fort, from where Hathi Gaon is just 1.5 km

Tip: A short walk or auto ride will get you the rest of the way.

4. By Bike or Scooter Rental (Adventurous Option)

Rental services like Royal Brothers and Wicked Ride offer bikes and scooters for as low as ₹400/day.

Perfect for solo travelers or couples wanting freedom of movement.

Be cautious of Jaipur traffic and ensure you carry a valid license.

5. From Jaipur Airport or Railway Station

Jaipur International Airport: Approx. 23 km (45 mins by cab)

Jaipur Railway Station: Approx. 16 km (35 mins by cab) Book a prepaid taxi or use ride-hailing apps for convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there parking at Elephant Village Jaipur?

Yes, free parking is available for cars and two-wheelers at the site.

Are guided tours available?

Absolutely. Many local operators offer guided packages including pickup, drop-off, and activity coordination.

Do I need to book in advance?

While walk-ins are accepted, online booking is recommended during weekends and tourist seasons for a seamless experience.

Are roads to the village well-maintained?

Yes, most roads are in good condition, especially the ones connecting from Amber Fort and major city landmarks.

Travel Tips for a Hassle-Free Visit

Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.

Carry cash, as smaller vendors and local guides may not accept digital payments.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and interacting with elephants.

Respect the animals—no rides, loud noises, or sudden movements.

Conclusion

Reaching Elephant Village Jaipur doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're a budget backpacker, a family traveler, or someone seeking a unique ethical experience, there’s a transport method that fits your needs. By planning ahead and using this guide, your journey to one of Jaipur’s most heartwarming destinations will be smooth, safe, and totally worth it.

So, get ready to explore the serene world of Elephant Village Jaipur—where memories are made, and compassion leads the way.

[commandershepardvasfuckit]

A snow day with your monster husband while visiting the kingdom where you’re from.

————

Snow.

Your monster husband had never seen snow.

He lived up north, closer to the equator and along the warm, tropical coast. Sun and sand were an everyday occurrence for him, but now he sat glued to to the window at your family’s estate watching the snow fall while the two of you visited the southern kingdom you were from.

It was endearing how fascinated he was with it.

“It looks soft” he broke the silence.

“Fresh snow is” you said.

“Snow” he answered back, struggling a bit with the consonant cluster in the beginning. His human common was pretty good, though his accent was heavy and he spoke slowly in common versus his rather rapid troll. “I would like to go out in it.”

“You’re going to freeze.”

“I will be fine. It gets cold over night back home.”

“Yeah, and no one goes out at night because of it.”

The two of you lived in the orcish capital city, far from his own village. Nestled into a ravine in the desert, your husband was used to dry, sweltering days and intensely cold nights. It had been a lot of whiplash for you, troll food and customs around the house and then everything else done the orcish way in the city.

Now he was experiencing the same thing here. He drew a lot more looks here than you ever did in the orcish city. He towered over everyone and drew incredible amount of attention between his blue skin, mane of dark leafy green hair, and long elephant-like tusks. Weirdly more people seemed caught up on the fact he was always barefoot.

You looked at how he was dressed now and knew there was no way you were going to get him to put on shoes or any warm clothes, not that you had anything that would fit him anyways.

“You want to go out into the cold snow like that?” you asked.

“It will be alright, the cold is not so bad.”

“Ok” you sighed.

Out in the garden he still didn’t seem phased, happily walking out into the fresh snow and reaching out a hand to catch a few falling flakes.

“Having fun?” you asked.

“It is quite different” he said, shuffling his feet as he walked to purposefully kick up snow. He tapped at the frozen water in the fountain, peeled thin sheets of ice off the leaves, and had to touch everything. It was all quite endearing.

You had done the same thing the first time you traveled to his village. As you walked along the shore you kicked up sand, grabbed every seashell you saw, and chased crabs up and down the shore as he just smiled and watched.

You reached down and mounded together a ball of snowed and threw it at him, catching him squarely in the back. He looked around startled before seeing your smile and the evidence of disturbed snow at your feet.

He tried throwing a fist full of loose snow at you, but the powdery spray didn’t come close to reaching you. Instead you taught him how to pack it together to make a snowball, which he promptly underhand lobbed at you with a big grin on his face.

You taught him how to make a snow angle and a snowman, and occasionally he lobbed more snowballs at you whenever he thought you weren’t looking. It was always nice seeing him so relaxed. As one of the advisers to the orcish king your husband could be quit serious, though under it all he was a deeply playful person and that side of him did come out when it was just the two of you.

“It may be a bit cold” your husband said.

“Oh? It’s a bit cold?” you teased.

“I am allowed to be cold.”

“Would you like to go in then?”

“Please.”

Back up in the room the servants had already lit the fireplace before you got up there and laid out tea and a few snacks, something your husband was never fond of. The concept of having servants baffled and annoyed him, especially coming from a more communal culture. No, around your house back in the city it was just the two of you, which was big adjustment though you did like the skills you had picked up by doing things yourself.

He poured tea for the two of you while you changed out of your many layers of clothes. His hand was ice cold when yours brushed against him as you took the tea cup from him.

“So, is the cold still ‘not that bad’? you teased again.

“It may have been colder than I was expecting, but I am fine” he stubbornly insisted.

You beckoned him over to sit on the bed with you and wrapped a blanket around you both while you sipped your tea. His arm was icy where it brushed against yours.

“Did you have fun?” you asked.

“I did, it was interesting, but I do not think I would like to live where it snows.”

“So maybe trolls do get cold?”

“I did not say that.”

“You feel like ice.”

“I am alright.”

“Ok, fine” you shrugged, “Then I guess you don’t want to cuddle up for warmth.”

“I did not say that.”

“Well I just didn’t think you’d want to be under all these blankets with me if you weren’t cold. I was nice and bundled up outside so I’m not too cold, but I thought you were cold and maybe you’d like snuggle up, but I guess not.”

Wordlessly he sat his cup of tea down on the table and then gently took yours also and sat it aside. He laid down and immediately pull you on top of his chest, his skin felt cool to the touch still even if he didn’t want to admit he was cold. You squirmed to wriggle out of your pants and he quickly caught on, eventually giving up and having to sit up to get his shirt off without getting it stuck on his tusks while you finished undressing.

The two of you laid back down now skin to skin and you happily traced shapes along his chest. He felt a little warmer now. You wiggled yourself down lower, playfully grinding against his erection until you felt him roll his hips up against you, looking for more friction.

“So you really weren’t cold?” you asked again.

“It was not that bad.”

“So you weren’t cold at all?”

“I am alright.”

“Are you really going to lie to your wife? Especially now?” you scooted back up onto his chest and he let out a whine.

“I can be a little cold and still be alright” he defended.

“Oh, so now you were a little cold?” you teased and nipped at his chest.

“Maybe a little, but that is all.”

You knew when to cut your loses and that was going to be the closest things an admission as you would get from him. Slowly you trailed kisses farther down his chest and scooted back down until he was slowly thrusting between your wet folds. He took his time as always, never in a hurry, until you felt his tip slip into you. You let out a moan against his skin, happy that at his size that at least he was more tapered than a human.

He continued his slow pace, one of his large hands on the back of your head just playing with your hair and the other on the small of your back to hold you close. With the exception of his rut, he was slow and gentle, dragging everything out as long as possible, making sure you were completely satisfied several times over before even beginning to think about himself.

You certainly had no problem with spending the hours between now and dinner finding all sorts of warms to stay warm with your stubborn husband. And so what if you possibly missed dinner? Surely no one would notice the disheveled two of you raiding the pantry later.

[absdoll]

Hi bee:3 requesting for Abby eating out or playing with readers 🐱 with her fingers while reader is playing a game

It's all I've been thinking about lwjeuvesivdsi

hi qt ૮ ˶´ ᵕˋ ˶ა i luv this idea ! ty for requesting 🎀

cw : pervy!abby <3 my beloved ♡ // reader is playing animal crossing new horizons !

“abs! guess who just came to my island?!” you squeal as abby lifts her head from her book to meet your sparkling eyes. “hmm let me guess, the weird looking red dog?” she asks, quite genuinely.

“wh-… oh! cherry? she’s so cute! you’re mean.” you furrow your eyebrows at her, offended she called one of your favorite villagers weird looking.

your girlfriend smirks, a sigh leaving her mouth. abby gets a rise out of making her sweet doll-face frown and pout. abby knows it’s wrong to think such dirty thoughts about how innocent you are. the way your cute little butt peeks out of the bottom of your cotton shorts when you try to reach the top cabinet. when you’re all doe-eyed and curious asking her what she wants for dinner. how you sit crisscross applesauce in the big comfy living room chair, looking so small and fragile. and right now, the way you’re so giddy about a silly animal video game. she takes a deep breath as she moves over to where you’re lounging.

“i’m sorry baby, can i see?” abby rests her head on your shoulder, her right hand settling on your bare thigh. you giggle when she gives your soft flesh a little squeeze.

“it’s chai! i’ve wanted her to move to my island since i started playing!” you ramble on about your beloved blue elephant. “she’s just like cinnamoroll, look!” you tilt your nintendo switch screen in abby’s direction, biting your bottom lip in excitement, so happy you get to share this moment with your favorite girl.

abby glances at the game for a moment, then looks up at you, your eyes glistening. she looks back down at the screen, noticing your small fingers toggling with the knobs of the device. she takes another deep breath.

“mm so cute angel, i love the little teacup on her head.” abby kisses your shoulder. “i’m gonna get something to drink from the fridge, you want anything?” she inquires. you shake your head no, too focused on trying to make a good impression on your new guest.

the tall blonde stands to walk to the kitchen, stopping to stretch her arms above her head, letting out a long sigh. she turns around to give you a sweet look before she leaves the room, but her eyes fall somewhere else.

as you sit with your legs in the butterfly position, your pretty pussy on half display. abby clenches her fists, she’s resisting the urge to pry your game out of your soft dainty hands, pin them above your head, and fuck you dumb. she can’t hold back much longer.

“baby,” abby breathes, she walks back over to you, kneeling before you, elbows on your knees. “just keep playing, okay? don’t mind me.” you’re too busy cleaning up your island and making small talk with your digital neighbors to give abby any more than a “mhmm! okay bibi!” and she knows it.

abby begins planting gentle kisses to your cold thigh, humming against your skin as she sees goosebumps rise up your legs. you shiver a little when her face gets closer to your half covered heat. you move your game slightly to the left, looking down at her. “what’d i say pretty girl? hmm? eyes on the screen, don’t look at me again.” abby softly speaks through her pebbled kisses. you frown, confused, but decide to listen and be the good girl abby wants you to be.

abby’s mouth is nearing your pool of slick, you can feel the warm breeze of her breaths tickling your entrance. she uses her nose to reveal your wet pussy from your shorts.

“abs!” you attempt to close your legs around her head, but she knows you, she knows your movements. she knows that you like to play this little game where you say “nooo abs! don’t wanna! too sensitive!” and then a few seconds later, you’re spread wide open, desperately waiting for her skilled tongue to plunge into your aching hole.

“cmon princess, i don’t have to tell you again, do i?” abby coos. “spread.” her voice a little huskier.

you nod and relax your legs. you resume playing, eyes glued to the screen again, quickly getting distracted by the singsong isabelle is putting on outside town hall.

abby’s tongue now inches away from your puffy pulsating clit. all she can think about is devouring every last ounce of you while you sit there, so innocently focused on something far less disgusting than what she’s doing.

your perverted girlfriend watches as your cute hole tightens around nothing, a smile forms on her freckled face. she extends her wet pink muscle and licks a gentle zigzag from fold to fold. “mm-aahh!” you let out in a high pitched moan. abby shoots you a glare, a warning, that if you acknowledge what she’s doing again, she isn’t gonna be so sweet and soft anymore.

she’s drinking your pussy, tongue circling your sensitive nub, slurping every drop of white cream that’s sticky all over her chin. abby glances up at you, “good girl, so proud of you angel.” you bite your lip so hard that you wince a little at the sudden taste of blood, but you know better than to look at abby, let alone let her know how good she’s making you feel.

abby slides one finger into your pussy with ease, your drenched entrance practically sucking her in. “so wet for me.” she’s making out with your thumping clit, curling her index finger up, the pad perfectly tapping your g-spot.

you can’t breathe, you can’t think, you’re trying to move the controls of your game, your hands shaking. all you want to do is buck your hips up to her face, shoving her tongue so deep inside of you that feel her nose touch your clit over and over and over. “you’re close princess, i can feel it.” abby hums.

she’s going so agonizingly slow, the soft sensation of her saliva mixed with the unhurried pump of her finger, you’re dying for her to pick up the pace — and that’s exactly what she isn’t gonna do.

“cum slowly for me baby, ride it out.” abby continues lapping up your slick, using her free hand to hold your legs open. “that’s it sweet girl, riiight…. there.” you’re cumming all over her face, from her nose to her chin, her face is buried in your juices.

“let me hear that pretty moan of yours.” abby’s eyes fixated on your blissed out face. finally granting you permission, you scream out in euphoria, “uug-uuuh aahh aaa-bby-y-y!”

abby removes her finger, plopping it in her mouth, eyes rolling to the back of her head as she sucks your cum off.

sliding your shorts back up your legs and kissing the top of your head, she starts to walk towards the kitchen. “you want something to drink now?” she teases.

a/n : i loved writing this ପ૮๑ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ๑ აଓ hehe if u don’t love pervy!abby then idk what to tell u , ur missing out ! 😵‍💫💕 hope u enjoyed bbs <333

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆ @whore4abby @hersweetheart @enbesbians ♡🧁

[kanyerealdaughter]

— ★ JJK MEN IN THE MOTHERLAND

characters - gojo , geto , nanami , toji , shiu , hiromi , hakari , kashimo , choso , todo. | pt II here! | all around the world event!

—————————————————————————

SATORU GOJO - walks like the sky stretches just to keep up with him, bright grin, messy hair, sunglasses sliding down his nose. but it’s different here. he still jokes, still shows off… but he keeps reaching for your hand. like he’s grounding himself through you.

safari reaction - makes loud commentary until a lion roars. he jumps grabbing onto you dramatically. “ okay, okay, respect the big kitty.”

tries to pose for a selfie with zebras, drags you in. “ look! power couple energy!”

food experience - overreacts to spicy food.. still goes for seconds. brags. “ i have the strongest stomach.” immediately coughs. you feed him from your plate. he melts.

“ marry me already.”

cultural experience - volunteers you both for a dance circle. you kill it he trips. a local woman braids part of his hair. be insists you do the other side.

“ you’re the only one i trust with my legacy braid.”

—————————————————————————

SUGURU GETO - walks like an old rhythm slow, intentional, like he’s already part of the landscape. the elders respect him. the children gravitate to you. he watches, hands in pockets, smiling softly. you’re his peace in the chaos of his mind.

safari reaction - observes everything quietly, fingers brushing yours. names animals under his breath. when a baby elephant approaches, he whispers, “ gentle giants… like you.”

food experience - eats beside you, slow and grateful. always passes you the best bits. you teach him how to eat with his hands, he’s clumsy, you laugh.

“ i’ve conquered curses, but this stew humbles me.”

cultural experience - a grandmother blesses you both with ash on your foreheads. he bows low. you help children weave bracelets he learns just to surprise you.

that night, he wraps it around your wrist.

“ for protection… and love.”

—————————————————————————

KENTO NANAMI - moves like the earth trusts him. straight-backed, neatly rolled sleeves, quiet reverence in every gesture. you walk beside him, your steps sync’d like always. he doesn’t smile much except when he looks at you.

safari reaction - points out details others miss. a cracked hoofprint. Shifting wind. you lean into his shoulder as he says. “ nature has no waste. he tucks your hat back when it blows, murmuring.

“ careful, love.”

food experience - ensures you’re served first, always. you insist he try something new he does, for you. “ this isn’t in my comfort zone.” he says, then adds. “ but you are.”

cultural experience - helps rebuild a broken fence with local men you bring water, cheer him on. that night, the village gathers for storytelling. becomes the neighborhood father literally.

you rest your head on his lap. he strokes your hair and whispers. “ i’m glad it’s you i’m experiencing this with.”

—————————————————————————

TOJI FUSHIGURO - walks like danger disguised as ease. he moves through the dust and heat like he was born in it. locals nod to him out of instinct not fear, but respect. but when his eyes find you, they soften. the only thing grounding him in peace is you.

safari reaction - squints up at the vultures.when a lion stares directly at the truck, his hand finds yours, wordless.

“ this place… it knows how to survive. I like that.”

food experience - eats with his hands, *fucking fatty* justs sloppy and no shame when eating. you tease him he smirks.

“ i’ve had worse on bounties.” he mutters, taking another bite. you feed him something sweet, he licks the sugar off your fingers. *he can lick something else sweet*

cultural experience - a child tries to climb him, he doesn’t flinch, just lifts them with one arm. sits beside elders, listens without speaking. they see the scars, nod.

later, alone under the stars, he tells you, “ this feels… real. thank you.”

—————————————————————————

SHIU KONG - steps like every grain of sand owes him a favor. dressed in white linen and expensive glasses, he looks out of place until he smiles at a local vendor and buys a handmade bracelet. then he slides it onto your wrist. “ don’t forget who you belong to.”

safari reaction - complains at first the heat, bugs, his shoes. but when he sees a cheetah sprint?

“ that… that was worth it.” wraps an arm around you, murmurs. “ you’re the only luxury i need out here.”

food experience - turns his nose up until he tastes the grilled meat. stares.

“ they don’t play around. This seasoning? criminally good.” orders more, tips heavy, pulls you into his lap mid-meal.

cultural experience - has his shoes dusted by kids pays them like royalty. lets an elder paint a mark on his cheek.

“ for strength.” she says. shiu kisses you in front of a drum circle, slow and reverent.

—————————————————————————

HIROMI HIGURUMA - moves like a man trying to repent with every step. the land doesn’t judge him only you do, with soft eyes and a hand that never lets go. out here, he starts to breathe differently. like the air forgives what the courtroom never did.

safari reaction - watches the horizon in silence. you lean into his arm. when a herd of elephants walks past, he exhales. “ they move with purpose.”

“ like you.” you say, he doesn’t reply, just kisses your knuckles.

food experience - tries everything respectfully. doesn’t waste a single bite. thanks to each cook with both hands over his heart. you tease him for being too formal, he says.

“ gratitude is never too much.”

cultural experience - joins a fire-lit discussion about justice and land. you translate softly. one elder holds his gaze and tells him. “ you carry too much.”

“ you’re my redemption.” that night, he cries in your lap.

—————————————————————————

KINJI HAKARI - walks like he owns the horizon. sliver chains glinting, shirt half open, every step a flex. but around you, he quiets. he holds your hand just a little tighter when the air shifts, like he knows money can’t buy moments like these.

safari reaction - he shouts loudly “ yo, is that a rhino?!” and nearly drops his phone. brags about being able to wrestle a lion, until one growls.

you wrap your arms around him as you says.

“ okay okay… maybe not.”

food experience - “ what is this? fire.” eats five servings, praises every chef like they’re a celebrity chef. wipes your mouth with his sleeve.

“ gotta keep my baby pretty.”

cultural experience - volunteers to help move supplies with locals, lifts like it’s nothing. kids swarm him for piggyback rides. he gives every single one. later he whispers to you.

“ they don’t care who you are. just how you show up.”

—————————————————————————

HAJIME KASHIMO - moves like thunder wrapped in quiet. he doesn’t talk much, but his eyes burn, absorbing every sound, smell, movement. he doesn’t belong here, but he’s not trying to. he just wants to understand… and you’re his anchor.

safari reaction - stares at a herd of wildebeest like it’s a battlefield. resting against the railing, he lets you lean on him without a word.

food experience - accepts whatever is handed to him. doesn’t flinch, doesn’t pause. shares the last bite with you.

“ if i’m gonna die, might as well be from you.” you laugh, and he smirks, just a little.

cultural experience - joins drumming without needing rhythm, follows feeling instead. learns a few words from the local boys. keeps repeating them to you.

“ you deserve a place where the earth doesn’t ask you to fight.”

—————————————————————————

CHOSO KAMO - walks like grief taught him patience. his gaze lingers on children, on food, on warmth, like he’s still surprised it exists. but with you beside him, he starts to believe maybe this time, he’s allowed to hold onto things that won’t leave.

safari reaction - eyes widen at giraffes. “ they don’t look real…” keeps you between him and the edge protective even in peace. you touch his wrist, and he whispers.

“ thank you. for bringing me here.”

food experience - eats lowly, savoring. watches you more than his plate. you catch him smiling when you lick your fingers.

“ this is the kind of meal i used to dream of you know..”

cultural experience - quietly joins in weaving mats with the women. doesn’t ask questions, just learns. a toddler falls asleep in his lap. he doesn’t move for hours. later he tells you.

“ i never thought I’d feel full in life … but i do.”

—————————————————————————

AOI TODO - walks like a one-man party. loud, confident, shirt off by noon. but when the beat of the drums starts, he doesn’t dance to be seen, he dances because he feels. and he always pulls you in with him.

safari reaction - shouts animal facts like a tour guide. “ that, my love, is a kudu!”

names every lion “ takada” until you tell him to shut up. eventually you both just watches the sunset, hand on your thigh.

“ you’re the real view.”

food experience - acts like he’s on a cooking show. reviews each dish out loud. feeds you with his fingers, dramatic praise and all.

“ this fusion of flavor is only rivaled by your perfection.”

cultural experience - joins dance with full energy. locals cheer. you can’t stop laughing. ends up teaching kids a bunch of random stuff he pulls you aside later and says. “ this? this is living, baby.”

𖣂 KANYREALDAUGHTER SPEAKS - NO IM NOT DOING SUKUNA i do not like him.

words - 1.5k

» , ᴀ ᴋᴀɴʏᴇʀᴇᴀʟᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ

copyright ©️. ᴘʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ . «

[anti-dazai-blog]

miniseries -- BSD Characters as Musicals

part 1 -- ADA

see rules for what musicals qualify for this

this is not meant to be taken too seriously. this miniseries is mostly a joke. ha ha.

Part 2 -- The Port Mafia

Chuuya -- Wicked

why? -- because he's.... defying gravity.

actually it's because it's a powerful person who's taken advantage of and then framed or accused of betraying everyone

but ultimately it's because he's

---

Kouyou -- Water for Elephants

why? -- Kouyou 🤝 Marlena: trying to escape an abusive work environment with bf, and boss keeps giving orders to kill everyone. boss orders bf's death. sad. tragic.

I mean at least Jacob survived in the end. Water for Elephants is the good ending Kouyou never got

---

Ace -- The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals

why? -- no deep reason. I just have a feeling this guy would not like musicals. he's the titular Guy.

(I'm so sorry Paul you don't deserve to be compared to this guy. Paul my beloved <3)

---

Akutagawa -- Carrie

why? -- It really do be like Getting abused gives you stronger magic powers!! If people mistreat you enough, you'll become powerful enough to kill them!! anyway good for them, go do violence!

---

Higuchi -- Legally Blonde

why? -- somehow has a high ranking position in the mafia.. seemingly so she could stick with this one guy. She's really out here reaching ranks her subordinates could only dream of going "what? like it's hard?"

also she's blonde.

---

Hirotsu -- Heart of Rock and Roll

why? -- I went to this with my mother and when we were leaving the theater she said "only really old people would enjoy this because the music is from the 80s"

so congrats Hirotsu your old man status is getting you onto the list.

I wouldn't have had a musical to assign him otherwise.

---

Gin -- Twelfth Night

Gin 🤝 Viola: gender for workplace purposes. you've got your work gender and your home gender.

---

Tachihara -- The Count of Monte Cristo

why? -- it's the classic disguise + revenge combo. good for him <3

---

Elise (and Mori, by default) -- & Juliet

why? -- author and characters interact,, which is very Elise, being how she's kinda Mori's "character." It's the whole "I created you, please do what I want" and Elise going "lol. lmao even."

---

Q -- Frozen

why? -- Q 🤝 Elsa: getting locked away because they're just 'too powerful and dangerous'

Q is literally bsd Elsa (the hottest take you'll ever read)

---

Kajii -- Back to the Future

why? -- just the mad scientist vibes.

---

Oda -- In The Heights

why? -- Similar to Kenji, it's for the importance of community. But while Come From Away is about "everyone helps everyone," In the Heights has a lot of 'it takes a village to raise a child' energy.

he'd appreciate the adult characters looking out for the younger people in the community

---

Karma -- Aladdin

why? -- unfortunately he doesn't live long enough to make his higher aspirations a reality, but he's really got that proud of your boy energy.

---

part three coming soon ig

these are really fun to make

[bri-cheeses]

| May 3rd | Prompt: Illusion | Word Count: 953 | @rosekillermicrofic |

Evan was waiting. For who, he didn’t know, just that the letter he had received had told him to be in this spot as soon as the moon had reached its highest point.

He sighs, sitting down on the fountain ledge behind him. The water in the fountain trickles slowly, as if it’s forgotten how it used to work and is only a sad echo of what it used to be.

Kicking the grass beneath him, Evan thinks about how he’d gotten into this situation in the first place.

It had started with a white crow. Now, Evan isn’t one to follow vaguely unsettling birds for the heck of it; that’s more up his sister’s alley. But Evan, like everyone else, had been raised on the legends of crows appearing to various people and leading them to the most extraordinary, elusive circus in the entire world.

The circus was said to travel everywhere, but getting an invite was rare. So if you were lucky enough to have the crow appear to you, you followed it, knowing that once you reached your destination you would experience the best week of your life.

Not to mention that the circus was rumored to be magical, as well.

And so Evan had followed the crow into the forest on his family’s estate, watching as it weaved through the trees. Eventually he had stumbled upon a door carved into one of the trunks. Evan had had the feeling that the door wasn’t entirely real, but he had gone through it anyway.

And it had landed him in a small circus tent outfitted with a bed, clothes, and other necessities. Evan had immediately deduced that it would be where he was staying for the next week.

Then he had noticed a slip of paper on the stand next to the bed. And of course he had picked it up and looked at the directions written there, following them out of his small tent and into the night.

There had been a cobblestone path leading away from his quarters, winding through a dark field and into a small, quaint town. From there he had gone to the outskirts of the strangely empty village and found the fountain that had been drawn on the paper.

And now he was sitting there, waiting for… something.

He looks up at the moon just to have something to do. It’s full, or at least close to it, and its light illuminates his surroundings.

Evan sighs, scuffing a foot along the ground one more.

And that’s when the night explodes.

Not literally, of course, but the overall effect is similar to that of an explosion.

The moon begins to emit swirls of color that wrap around the courtyard, filling it with delightful shades of reds and purples and greens and every other color imaginable. The shades are all bright and playful, almost overwhelming in their radiance as they solidify into shapes of various sizes. Evan sees a swirl of fuchsia tangle with a light blue and turn into a circus tent. Beside it, a burst of tangerine forms a fully grown tree. Evan’s not sure, but he thinks there might be a yellow monkey swinging from it. He can’t say for certain, though, as his attention is being pulled in a new direction every other second.

A tightrope springs up from a flood of crimson, dragging Evan’s gaze to it. Then, on the opposite side of the clearing, a cloud of navy condenses into a wheel of knives. He can feel himself becoming dizzy as elephants and swords, ropes and stilts, and tigers, fires, hula hoops, and more are brought into existence all around him. And a vibrant circus is left behind as, one by one, the colors die off.

All of the colors but two.

A bright purple and green swirl around each other, winding faster and tighter as Evan watches a form take shape.

The boots are the first things clearly visible, electric purple and pointy. Then the legs form, along with the torso, all clad in a bright green suit. It’s perfectly tailored, decorated with purple trimmings that immediately catch the eye. The cape and gloves that come next are the same color, tying the entire outfit together. After that, a green hat pops into existence above the headless body, suspended in mid air.

And then finally, the head of the mystery person appears, a devilish grin and a pair of sparkling eyes fading into sight.

Evan’s taken aback by the boy now standing in front of him. He’s Evan's own age, with brown hair, captivating green eyes, and a cocky arrogance about him. And despite Evan’s best instincts, he’s instantly intrigued.

The boy makes a show of acting surprised to see Evan standing there, then sweeps his hat off of his head and bows. The grand gesture brings a slight smile to Evan’s lips.

“Barty Crouch Jr,” the boy introduces himself proudly, “ringmaster of this incredible circus.”

Wait. This is the ringmaster? Evan thought he’d be older. And far less charming, if he’s being honest

“Pleased to meet you,” Evan hedges, still slightly unsure about all these new happenings. After all, it’s not everyday that one experiences magic. Especially on a scale as large as this.

“No,” Barty says, his mouth curling even further into a wicked grin, “the pleasure is all mine.”

His gaze meets Evan’s eyes, causing him to shiver. There’s something to be said for being the focus of a magician—particularly one as bewitching as Barty is.

And somehow, surrounded by the most beautiful illusion he has ever seen, Evan gets the distinct feeling that this just might turn out to be the best week of his life.

[nekohime19]

Mini Mac # 48 : Babies first words

Sav is a lil Savage, Rumble is pouty, and the babies say their first words

Wukong had never thought he would ever say this, but as he ran after his daughter, he kind of understood Heaven's frustration with himself. Even if he was still upset for a number of good reasons he has to admit he felt pity for what they dealt with him. By the gods was it hard to reason with a monkey causing mayhem with their powers. It was like nature gave a sword to a pup. 

After realizing she had powers beyond what she thought, Savage decided to explore her every ability. She shot lasers at the most random time. Transformed without any reasons. And sneezed out clones as mischievous as her. Luckily, Rumble didn't seem interested in his sister's madness. For now, he only watched from afar without manifesting any powers of his own. Thanks the gods for that. 

Wukong finally caught the flickering tiny fish hopping on the ground and put her in a bowl filled with water. Savage swam happily, going in circles. Her powers were a mess. They were chaotic. Going from one to another without any warning. Luckily, she was still too young and inexperienced to use them properly. Her magic always fizzled out after half an hour of use. 

It was a very tiring half an hour though. 

“So is someone going to address the elephant in the room?” Huffed Bajie. They were currently settling camp near a river. Soon, they'll reach the borders of a new village, but for now they were resting. 

“What do you mean?” Asked Wujing with a tilted head. 

“How did the brat get the Monkey powers? I thought she was only related to Macaque?” Silence veiled them after the pig's question. It was a fair interrogation. Wukong wondered the same thing. Technically, the twins were supposed to only carry Macaque's genetics, but somehow Savage had his powers. 

Now that he looked closer, her amber-fur and light-pink heart-shaped mask also looked like his. Not that Wukong was against her daughter having his powers. He was somehow ecstatic about it. But it was odd nonetheless. 

“Did you two had intercourses without us know-” Macaque cut Bajie before he could end his sentence. 

“Of course not!”

“Perhaps it's an effect of the child giving river we weren't aware of?” Proposed Sanzang. A reasonable explanation. 

“Or maybe Macaque's feelings for Wukong manifested when the bud was still folded!” Chimed Ao Lie. Macaque flushed at that, his fur puffing out. He glared at the dragon-horse. Wukong smiled at the sight. 

Savage suddenly poofed out of her transformation and looked up at Wukong with weary eyes. Using magic was tiring. The great sage cooed, he dried her and groomed her with the edge of his claw, and then put her in the crib with her brother. Savage chirped at Rumble and got a hold of his tail, she snuggled it as if it was her personal toy. Rumble chirped angrily but let her do as she pleased. 

Wukong smiled, he petted both their tiny fuzzy heads with the pad of his fingers. They chirped tiredly at him. Then Savage got a hold of his finger and munched on it. Typical, snorted Wukong. The lil devil then looked up and mumbled :

“Pa…aaa.” Wukong froze. He had tried to get them to talk for weeks now. This single word shook him to the core. Rumble looked at his sister and imitated her :

“Pa..” He chirped at Wukong. 

Gods, Wukong was gonna cry. 

“M-Macaque!” He called. The black-furred monkey stopped arguing with the other and came over. 

“What is it?”

“Pa!” Chirped Savage as she munched on Wukong's finger. Macaque froze. 

“Pa…?” Repeated Rumble when he saw the both of them frozen still. 

Macaque immediately scooped up the two furballs and nuzzled them, drowning them in kisses. Wukong brought Macaque and the pups close to his face and nuzzled them, pressing his cheeks against them. 

This was one of the happiest moments of his life. 

The pilgrims watched the sweet moment with soft smiles. “Or perhaps, it's Savage who recognized Wukong as her father and thus inherited his powers.” Added Sandy. 

Later on that night, Wukong drew this scene in his sketchbook. He drew a lot of the cubs and Macaque in it. Scenes of their everyday life. Of silly things that happened. This was something he cherished more than anything.

+ cut scenes

Savage *swimming as a fish* : 😆

Rumble *watching her* : I will not be part of this madness😑

 

Fun fact : Now, Savage use the word "Pa" on Wukong when she's in trouble. She knows it makes him melt.

Fun fact : Now Wukong is trying to get the twins to say "Dad" for Macaque.

Ch1 / Previous / Next

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from The Revelator:

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Trophy hunting remains a contentious subject amongst scientists, conservationists, and the public. Each side fervently defends its stance, but the underlying narrative pushed by trophy-hunting proponents urgently deserves close scrutiny.

We saw it most recently in August, after trophy-hunting critic and economist Ross Harvey wrote an op-ed criticizing the killing of five “super-tusker” elephants from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. In response, wildlife conservation professor Amy Dickman criticized his assertions as “knee-jerk reactions” ranging from “misunderstanding to misinformation.” She asserted we should aim for alternatives to trophy-hunting bans (something Harvey has previously proposed) but her language suggests those opposed to trophy hunting are too quick to engage in rash calls to action.

This is where it becomes critical that we don’t accept the many rationalizations of trophy hunting at face value and examine each one.

Proponents often use the plight of local African communities to position trophy hunting as a contribution to social justice — usually poverty alleviation, a solution for human-wildlife conflict, and food provision.

“Valuable revenue” is often touted as trophy hunting’s primary contribution to both conservation and local communities. Quantifying these benefits is a tricky affair, however. A 2013 study by Economists at Large examined the contributions of hunting and found that on average only 3% of hunting operators’ revenue trickled down to communities. More recently, a 2022 report from Harvey’s organization Good Governance Africa found that only 9% of trophy-hunting revenue (or a paltry R1,530,000, about $86,000) from South Africa’s privately owned Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) was allocated to community outreach and low-income households — although where and how it was distributed remains unclear.

Corruption is another significant concern, further running the risk that revenue destined for community development doesn’t reach its intended recipients, according to Economists at Large.

Trophy hunting remains a contentious subject amongst scientists, conservationists, and the public. Each side fervently defends its stance, but the underlying narrative pushed by trophy-hunting proponents urgently deserves close scrutiny.

We saw it most recently in August, after trophy-hunting critic and economist Ross Harvey wrote an op-ed criticizing the killing of five “super-tusker” elephants from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. In response, wildlife conservation professor Amy Dickman criticized his assertions as “knee-jerk reactions” ranging from “misunderstanding to misinformation.” She asserted we should aim for alternatives to trophy-hunting bans (something Harvey has previously proposed) but her language suggests those opposed to trophy hunting are too quick to engage in rash calls to action.

This is where it becomes critical that we don’t accept the many rationalizations of trophy hunting at face value and examine each one.

Corruption is another significant concern, further running the risk that revenue destined for community development doesn’t reach its intended recipients, according to Economists at Large.

The report goes on to quote a local village resident in Northern Tanzania who was interviewed for a paper by conservationist Hassanali Thomas Sachedina:

“We’re more closely allied with the photographic operators than the hunters. They are finishing off the wildlife before we’ve had a chance to realize a profit from it. Hunters don’t recognize us; they only recognize the government… 25% of hunting fees goes into the ‘hole’ at the district. We’re supposed to get 5%: we don’t even see that.”

Trophy hunting generates enormous revenue for hunting operators, with bull elephants fetching $20-40,000 depending on tusk weight. But as sustainable and ethical tourism researcher Mucha Mkono told me earlier this year, “the very underdeveloped status of many of the rural areas where hunting occurs tells us what we need to know. The benefits are not trickling down enough to make a real difference in the local communities. Whatever benefits there are, their scope fails to justify the ethical and environmental cost.”

[julieverne]

Maura sighed and got off the motorbike, helping Jane out of the sidecar. Her face was all scratched up, but Jane had always been scrappy, always looked best with a little bruising and scabbing as decoration. It was physical evidence that she cared about people.

Back inside, Maura made Jane a different drink, since she'd not enjoyed the lemon. Maura stood at the counter, resting her hands on it, her elbows flexing backwards with the little extra give they had, the stretch feeling good.

Jane had asked her to take the baby if anything happened to her. She hadn't exactly asked Maura to raise it with her, but it felt close.

It felt about as close as Jane would get. She didn't want Casey, the baby's father, to take it. She wanted Maura to take it. If Jane was in a coma, and Maura was a single mother until she woke, she'd manage. Without all the nannies she'd had as a child. She had Angela, and Hope and Cailin and Tommy and Frankie. She had her village.

But if nothing happened to Jane (unlikely, given her work history. Serial killers loved her almost as much as Maura did), then what? Would Maura still be invited to help out? The way they'd worked together with TJ, the way they passed him between them like a coordinated machine. The soft little smile that was still on Jane's face when she'd looked up from TJ to Maura. Would they have that, or would Jane try to do it all by herself.

She swayed forward, feeling the extension in her elbows. Then she pulled away, sliding one hand into her pocket, the other picking up her drink as she walked over to a stool next to where Jane was watching her with the fond amusement she seemed to reserve for Maura.

"What are we doing?" Maura asked. Jane swallowed and looked away, her fingers fiddling with the stem of her glass.

"What do you mean?" Jane asked evasively. Maura knew she'd overstepped that morning by calling out that Jane was gay in The Dirty Robber. She knew how Jane felt about being perceived that way.

"I'm making contingency plans for us. My bug-out includes you. And you're asking me to raise your child. What are we doing?"

"You said something about elephants once, how they raise their young together."

"That's not what this is, though." Maura reached over and hesitated before closing her hand over Jane's. "You are the single most important relationship in my life."

Jane gave her a rueful smile. "Same," she said, but she didn't elaborate.

"So? What are we doing?" Maura let her tongue wet her lips, her thumb rubbing over the top of her ring finger. Her other hand still held Jane's, for Jane had turned her hand in Maura's so she could hold it.

Four years ago, Maura would have pushed because she didn't understand. She'd have wanted answers more than she would have wanted a specific answer from Jane. One that required more coaxing and finesse than Maura could have used back then. She'd been a blunt weapon, and Jane was better suited to the delicate work of a scalpel. Flaying her open layer by layer.

Three years ago, Maura would have just manufactured a reason for Jane to hold her, because she'd convinced herself that it was enough, that it was the limit of what she'd wanted. She'd learned, by then, that if she asked questions that Jane would rebuff and withdraw.

Two years ago, Maura had tried to distract herself with other people. And she'd ended up in the arms of a serial killer. And from there, somehow, Jane's arms. She hadn't asked then either, because as long as Jane was happy to hold her she was equally happy to be held. She didn't want anything to change. She'd been more sure of herself, but still not sure enough about Jane.

And last year, Maura had almost been sure. When Jane kissed her, she didn't pull to the side as much as she used to. She let her lips brush Maura's. Even though she was dating Casey, she made room for Maura. Even when Casey was in town, Jane blew him off if she had plans with Maura first. She always put Maura first. She felt like she'd finally gathered enough evidence. She felt on the verge of something.

She let her thumb brush over Jane's knuckles. She didn't touch Jane's scar; Jane would let her, let Maura touch the most damaged part of herself, the way Maura had when she'd kept Jane's intestines inside her abdominal cavity on the sidewalk outside the precinct. But she didn't want to remind Jane of anything she'd lost. She didn't want to make Jane feel vulnerable, because vulnerable Jane always pushed back too hard to prove how strong she was. That's what Maura had learned over the last five years. If she left a silence, Jane would fill it. She didn't need to push.

"I don't know," Jane admitted finally, her own thumb making a path across Maura's hand. She moved so she stroked the inside of Maura's wrist, looking down at the visible signs of life beneath the skin. "If anything happened to you, if you ever left, I don't think I'd recover. Dean got shot and I didn't care. Casey left and all I felt was relief because if missed you. He wanted too much from me. It felt like an obligation. You never ask too much. It's never... it never feels like enough. I don't know what we're doing, but... can we keep doing it until we figure it out? Please?"

Maura raised their joined hands to her chest, then to her face, where she kissed Jane's knuckles. It was too much, it was too obvious, but Jane watched her, transfixed, her eyes glued to Maura's lips when she pulled their hands away.

"You know you're mine, don't you?" There was enough of a question in the statement that Jane could contest it, but she didn't. She retrieved her hand, stood and wrapped her arms around Maura from behind.

Maura nestled back into her, feeling safe and secure in Jane's strong arms. She closed her eyes and let her enjoy the ambiguity for a moment. She usually dealt in absolutes. But with Jane she had to compromise.

"You know I think of you as mine. Not like, your house or money or anything. Just you, for who you are. I don't know what we're doing, but if it was you leaving the country, you wouldn't be going alone. If it was you getting shot, I wouldn't leave your side."

"And if it was me asking you to raise a child with me?" Maura asked, sick of all the uncertainty that plagued her. She was sick of compromise. It wasn't enough, not with Jane saying such nice things to her.

"I wouldn't have hesitated," Jane admitted. "Getting to spend more time with you? Of course. But it doesn't make me gay. We're just... I don't know what we are."

Maura stood and turned, looking up at Jane. She leaned in, and Jane met her halfway, not veering to the side at all this time, her lips catching Maura's, her hands already on Maura's hips, her thumb brushing against the crest at the front. Maura pulled away, leaning back against the counter, watching Jane carefully.

"Is it gay if I want to kiss you again?" Jane asked, leaning her hands on either side of Maura, effectively trapping her.

"Do you care more about being gay or kissing me?"

"You. Always you." Jane lowered her mouth to Maura's again, her lips brushing so softly and sweetly against Maura's that it was almost worth the wait. No one had ever known her so well, no one had ever been so kind to her without wanting something monetarily or sexually in return. She met the kiss with the same slow intensity Jane had brought to it, the same delicate testing to see how much was too much, to make sure it was real.

Jane pulled away, licking her lips with her eyes closed. She opened them and focused on Maura.

"Even if nothing happens to me, I want you to have the baby. With me. I want it to be ours. I want you to be mine."

"Then I guess that's what we're doing," Maura said gently, kissing Jane again.

[thethirdromana]

Van Helsing's misinformation

I took a look at some of the claims Van Helsing makes in his "immortal parrots" speech on the 26th of September.

Why was it that Methuselah lived nine hundred years, and 'Old Parr' one hundred and sixty-nine...

The oldest authenticated age that anyone has ever reached is 122 years (Jeanne Louise Calment, 1875-1997). Thomas Parr ('Old Parr') allegedly lived from 1483 to 1635 (which is 152 years, not 169) but the 1895 Dictionary of National Biography, which has an entry for Parr, is very sceptical about his claim, noting that his exact age was "attested by village gossip alone."

Here's Old Parr, painted by an unknown artist:

Do you know the altogether of comparative anatomy and can say wherefore the qualities of brutes are in some men, and not in others?

Comparative anatomy is a perfectly reasonable field, but coupled with "the qualities of brutes" and it being the 1890s, I strongly suspect this is some racist physiognomy bullshit (see p550 here for an example of how this looked in contemporary writing, if you must).

Can you tell me why, when other spiders die small and soon, that one great spider lived for centuries in the tower of the old Spanish church and grew and grew, till, on descending, he could drink the oil of all the church lamps?

This one is delightfully weird. It seems to be a telephone-game version of this story, printed in a variety of magazines and miscellanies (e.g.) since 1821:

The sexton of the church of St Eustace, at Paris, amazed to find frequently a particular lamp extinct early, and yet the oil consumed oil, sat up several nights to perceive the cause. At length he discovered that a spider of surprising size came down the cord to drink the oil. A still more extraordinary instance of the same kind occurred during the year 1751, in the Cathedral of Milan. A vast spider was observed there, which fed on the oil of the lamps... It weighed four pounds, and was sent to the Emperor of Austria, and is now in the Imperial Museum at Vienna.

Here's a photo of St Eustache:

In 1894 the story was reprinted in Notes and Queries, with the question: "Are the statements therein pure fiction? If not, can any one tell me how much we may safely believe? A spider weighing four pounds [1.8kg] is indeed a heavy tax on the reader's credulity."

In reality, the largest spider in the world is the Goliath birdeater, which weighs 175g.

Can you tell me why in the Pampas, ay and elsewhere, there are bats that come at night and open the veins of cattle and horses and suck dry their veins...

Vampire bats are real, and live in parts of South and Central America. The prey of the common vampire bat can include cattle (source). The quantity of blood that they drink is small - in the region of 100g, or about a fifth of a typical blood donation. Vampire bat predation can result in the death of much larger animals, but from infection, not draining them dry.

Here's a common vampire bat:

... how in some islands of the Western seas there are bats which hang on the trees all day, and those who have seen describe as like giant nuts or pods, and that when the sailors sleep on the deck, because that it is hot, flit down on them, and then—and then in the morning are found dead men, white as even Miss Lucy was?

From Wikipedia:

West Sea or Western Sea may refer to:

Atlantic Ocean

Pacific Ocean

Indian Ocean

Mediterranean Sea...

So that's not the most helpful starting point. I don't know which bats these are supposed to be, though hanging in trees like giant nuts makes them sound like fruit bats. In Van Helsing's defence, bats do carry a lot of viruses.

Can you tell me why the tortoise lives more long than generations of men...

Lovely to reach something that's just straight-up true. The current oldest living land animal is Jonathan, a 190+-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise.

... why the elephant goes on and on till he have seen dynasties...

Asian elephants live to be 50 or so; African elephants, 60-70 years. Weirdly, it seems to have been widely believed in the 1890s that elephants lived for a century; e.g. that's cited as fact in the 1894 Encyclopaedia Britannica. Either way, "dynasties" feels like an exaggeration.

... why the parrot never die only of bite of cat or dog or other complaint?

I've tried but I can't find where Bram Stoker got this one from. Maybe he made it up. The English Illustrated Magazine, 1897, contains an article complaining about how easily grey parrots die after being imported and sold as pets.

Can you tell me why men believe in all ages and places that there are some few who live on always if they be permit; that there are men and women who cannot die?

I've also got no idea what's going on with this one. I can't figure out how to look into it without coming up with lots of 1890s Christian literature on the immortal soul, which is not what Van Helsing is getting at.

We all know—because science has vouched for the fact—that there have been toads shut up in rocks for thousands of years, shut in one so small hole that only hold him since the youth of the world.

This was a wildly popular myth in Victorian times (see this article for more details). An article in The Gentleman's Magazine, 1877, entitled 'Some Facts and Fictions of Zoology' (reprinted in several other places) went into the question in more detail, and concluded:

These tales are, in short, as devoid of actual foundation as are the modern beliefs in the venomous properties of the toad, or the ancient beliefs in the occult and mystic powers of various parts of its frame when used in incantations.

Here's a toad:

Can you tell me how the Indian fakir can make himself to die and have been buried, and his grave sealed and corn sowed on it, and the corn reaped and be cut and sown and reaped and cut again, and then men come and take away the unbroken seal and that there lie the Indian fakir, not dead, but that rise up and walk amongst them as before?

This seems to have been widely believed in the late 19th century - e.g. this 1897 book references "two undoubted cases... one of whom had remained alive under the ground for six weeks, the other for ten days". This 1880 magazine says that it "will appear incredible" but relays the story of a fakir "buried alive for forty days, then disentombed and resuscitated" as fact.

The longest verified case of someone surviving without drinking water is Andreas Mihavecz, an 18-year-old bricklayer who was mistakenly locked up by police for 18 days. Even then, he drank condensed water from the walls, and was very close to death when he was found.

So in summary:

Old Parr: false

Physiognomy: false

Enormous oil-drinking spider: false

Vampire bats: partially true

Bats killing sailors: partially true

Long-lived tortoises: TRUE

Long-lived elephants: false

Immortal parrots: false

Belief in immortality: ???

Imprisoned toads: false

Buried fakirs: false

I guess there are some disadvantages to having an "absolutely open mind."

[agntkennedy]

@rusthunt / preplotted.

this had been the most convoluted thing in existence. this being working alongside people who were supposed to be dead or at the very least long gone. this being the fact that leon was trying to look into what he could genuinely find about dulvey and report back with his findings. this being the weirdest vacation he's actually been on. ( we can't say it's a mission, because no one forced himself there )

it wasn't leon kennedy going rogue. this was leon kennedy helping someone find out more about their own afflictions. sort of. this was the blonde, hunched over his laptop breaking several laws of the united states government that would have him serving for even more years past his expiration. ( truthfully, leon knew that he was doomed until he died, but this might just put it over the current date that leon would have to be with the united states government. )

wondrously, the internet to his computer was impressively fast, though he wasn't sure how. nothing in this village seemed state of the art.

he didn't sleep much. either. the village had been so offset that it made leon uneasy. the blonde knew he'd have to eventually sleep but right now, his notebook had scramblings of notes on everything with dulvey. it was hypothetically opening up a closet and finding not only things you hadn't known about but also at least six herds of elephants that you should have known about. there was mixed notes, some pages were marked 'K' and others were not. he had meant for all the notes to be for just Karl's eyes to be given to him. all of the other pages had scrambled notes for leon to go back and do more research into. how did the dso not know about the corruption within the bsaa? how did they not know about the e-strain virus directly under their nose?

or did they?

there's a certain point where leon finally finds himself too exhausted to keep researching. food would also be a top priority, but leon wasn't focused on that yet. he could go a few more hours before he'd go scavenging. maybe he'd find that over joyous gentleman that kept reminding him of someone from the early 2000s that he'd left in his past.

this place is not the most comfortable, but he finds himself resting his head against the table that he's working on in the ramshackle house that he had chosen. as much sleep as he got, it's still not enough, when leon, disoriented, wakes up a few hours later- clearly the only thing awake in the home he had taken over, before he stretches back to feel his back crack in two different places as he stretches uncomfortably. that's when he is slowly coming to. slow blinks register, almost immediately, two golden somethings in the corner of a very pitched back section of the house.

hand immediately reaches out to grab the handgun that he fell asleep next to, immediately aiming it towards the eyes he's looking at. " i assure you, americans don't miss even if they're half awake, " it's an empty threat- laced with the dry venom that he usually accompanied venom in his words. but it's still a threat as long as they continue just . . . staring at him

the agent manually pulls back the hammer on his gun, still aiming, trying to figure out he wants to do. or what the stranger wants to do.

" so i suggest scaring the shit out of someone is the last thing you want to do today. "

[greenzaku]

Every now and again, I am reminded of how lucky I am to be living in a part of the world that remains relatively untouched by environmental harm. As a trans person who has also battled decades of instability and bigotry, I know how lucky I am to have come through mostly physically and mentally intact. Queer people struggle enough in the cities - yet I have found some financial stability in a remote area.

It can be lonely out here, but the sheer amount of biodiversity in these ancient landscapes makes me wistful also for what so many people, who otherwise spend a lot of time appreciating nature and wildlife, will never get to see. Rare species become 'common'. Common species become bigger, more varied.

You see a hint of what the world without humans would have been like, in old museum and taxidermy collections of still-living species. Elephants and deer with tusks and antlers bigger than anything seen in the wild today, beetles the size of golf balls collected in the dozens because they were clustering, like fruit, in the thousands, giant trees that dwarf houses. A time when a single fisherman would catch enough in a day to feed a village, instead of today's anglers who usually struggle to reach their bag limits. A cacophony of birds filling the skies, impossibly huge seashells littering the beaches, herds of grazing animals visible from any hill. And of course, predators... I could get eaten by a crocodile if I simply wandered ten minutes in the wrong direction.

Imagine a child's wonder at seeing squirrels and grasshoppers in a park, up close, and amplify that a hundredfold. Conservation efforts ensure the survival of many species and landscapes, but there are very few places on earth where abundance and diversity is what it once was.

There is a bigoted school of thought that LGBT+ people are unnatural, and that they, at best, belong in cities, also unnatural. It is hard to shake the internalized transphobia and guilt I feel when I am in these landscapes that few cisgender eyes will ever see. If I think too hard about it, I would just be distracted from the present, so I comfort myself in the thought that these labels don't matter anymore when I am alone out here.

Then I get lonely again.

[sonicasura]

You know I know i just had a thought about a Kaiju No. 8/ Bakugan crossover

How would Tiny react too Leonidas? Both were born from various souls. Leonidas from the Doom Dimension and Tiny from the souls of the fallen warriors.

Would both react too each other in some way

Leonidas definitely felt odd during the first two weeks of this new dimension. Almost as if something was calling out to him. It only gets weirder when he has strange dreams about an ancient bloody battlefield and a lone samurai looking confusedly at him.

After another dream, the Bakugan wakes up to a strange small kaiju sitting at the nightstand. Their eyes set an asleep Vice with a look of curiosity and confusion. It didn't take long for both to register that they were sensing each other: life remade from the fallen.

'Warrior. Continue to keep your host safe.' Is the only thing Tiny mutters before leaving. The strange dreams stopped for Leonidas afternoons. However the oddities didn't halt there.

Kafka decided to visit the village after becoming a kaiju. The moment he passes through the Gate Card, an abrupt pain bursts in his chest then goes right into his throat. He collapses as if choking for air whilst the kaijufication spreads across his body.

Vice proceeds to perform the Heimlich Maneuver ignoring the scaled elephant in the room. The strangeness reaches its peak when Kafka spits out the mysterious object: an off colored Darkus Bakugan as there are teal highlights instead of purple. Leonidas immediately recognizes the aura from this enigma with the ball form revealing a samurai facade to its toy form.

Apparently Tiny was also affected by their unintentional synchronization. Something that manifests through exposure to the gate card's energies. One fallen soul had separated from the collective creating a confused Bakugan.

(You can thank Turbo Granny's situation and that one scene from the OG Bakugan where Preyas' evolution was basically spitting out a devil angel clone. Only the weirdest shit happens to Kafka.)

[hccn-overseer]

Issue 33, 12/27/2023 - The Overseer

Issue Masterpost About the Overseer

As Hermitcraft Season 9 has come to a close last week, our citizens are also wrapping up their business in preparation to the move to a new world. We have seen many of the Hermits already leave to take a hiatus before the new Season and the new year (aside from Impulse, the mad lad). Thus, we have brought a couple of recaps of the amazing creations brought on by the Hermits this season. Hope you enjoy!

The Wondrous World of Scarland

By Azure

This year, we saw the construction of Scarland, thanks to the creative mind of Goodtimeswithscar. For him, Scarland has been a longtime dream, and it’s amazing to see his vision take place. After completing his Elven Village, he soon began construction on the theme park. Opening to the public on August 25th 2023, Scarland is one of the most magical places on Hermitcraft.

Starting on June 20th 2022, Main Street was the first area to be completed. As you enter, you’ll see a statue of Goodtimeswithscar himself and Queen Jellie, holding hands and standing proudly as they welcome visitors into Scarland. The Main Street also serves as the first stop for Scarland’s trolley system, and is home to stunning shops and carts where visitors may purchase snacks, posters and even their very own pair of Jellie ears, amongst other things. Most notably, it is home to the Scarland Hotel, and the official hOtguY HQ! Many of the buildings were inspired by different styles of architecture, and the final stores were completed. 

Continuing down Main Street, we arrive at the Castle of Scarland. This magical castle is where Scarlands nightly firework shows take place in a dazzling display of color. During the day, it’s just as magical, with its towers on full display, reaching for the sky! It is truly a sight to behold, reminiscent of a fairy tale come to life.

Most recently, Adventureland cleared its vines to welcome its first visitors! Featuring an awe-inspiring volcano that towers over even the Scarland Castle, the jungle is home to the beloved Ellie the Elephant, beautiful jungle landscapes and more. 

Scarland truly is a magical place, and though it will never truly be complete, we are amazed by how far it’s come. 

Now onto other news under the cut!

Geminitay, Geminislay, Gem the Great

By Roo

Gem Geminitay is wrapping up this season with a total of 34 videos as of the writing of this article, and every single one is a joy from beginning to end. 

She began the season with her house in a tree, sparking the elven vibe for the season. She continued this with an archer statue, before taking on the large project of draining an ocean monument and turning this into a farm. 

However, we must mention the iconic trio of this season- or, at least, one of them. In the very first episode, Pearl, Impulse, and Gem grouped up to raid a woodland mansion first thing, armed only with shoddy tools and nothing to eat but soup, earning their name- Soup Group. 

Soup Group quickly became inseparable, building their megabases as close as hermitly possible, which is to say, with Gem on top of a mountain and Impulse inside it, Pearl across the river. Of course, with the rise of Ren the King, Soup Group took an entirely different approach, quickly becoming anarchists. 

This entire time, Gem’s megabase was quickly growing. With the completion of her prismarine farm, Gem could continue her plans, even going so far as to work a mob farm into her base. 

Said base quickly shifted from its original elven plans, with the addition of a head room in Gem’s basement, which gave Geminislay a chance to shine. Geminislay got yet another chance to shine at the challenge of Grian’s frog, Champ, who she defeated easily. 

Her neighbors contributed to the building of her megabase as well, from proposing messaging systems, to building a redstone smiley face (quickly dubbed McKenzie) in the side of her wall. 

The Soup Group did other things, though- Gem participated in the breaking and entering of King Ren’s vault, contributing her amazing PvP skills, no doubt collecting heads for her head room.

After the excitement of all that, Gem completed her megabase, and added a custom taiga biome to the surrounding area, adding countless details and custom trees. 

The biome wasn’t the only tree in Gem’s plans- the top of her elven megabase was given a magnificent cherry tree, surpassing her starter treehouse by approximately 284* times its size.

With the addition of the tree, Gem moved on to the inside of the megabase, adding cozy libraries, sitting rooms, and dining rooms, which were quickly house warmed by a visit from Gem’s neighbors, and they broke in the new dining room with a round of soup. 

Of course, Geminislay made yet another visit, absolutely demolishing Etho in countless rounds of PvP, making Gem the official holder of the most Etho heads ever.**

And then Decked Out started- giving Gem a lovely opportunity to use her PvP skills against ravagers, wardens, and- wait, the dungeon itself? Please don’t fight the dungeon, the dungeon master will not be happy. 

Gem also spent time working on her village down by the sea, redoing many houses, making docks, and building statues. In most circumstances, Gem’s elven village would be voted safest place to live on Hermitcraft, but given the *ahem* murderous tendencies of the local Hermit, it may not be safe if you challenge Gem to a duel. 

This article cannot sum up how truly impressive the things that Gem has built and accomplished are, and we at the news office can’t recommend that you all go check out Gem’s videos for yourselves. Despite this only being her second season, it’s impossible to imagine a Hermitcraft without her.

Grian Summed Up

by: Mateo!

Grian’s Hermitcraft Season 9 was established in the very beginning as a season rooted in nostalgia— evidenced by references to prior seasons through things like the designs on Dwayne, Grian’s megabase, the return of Grumbot, or a Hippie Bit.

The season started out with the creation of The Entity, which used the idea that everything sold at The Entity would have a visible indicator on the exterior of the shop like wood (a tree) and copper (stolen half of a water wheel from Grian’s starter base). Next there was a large farm dedicated to trading with villagers, then the creation of the Rift, established earlier as having tasted like grapes and battery acid. The Diamond Ore Race occured, then the Entity grew legs and moved, preparing the way for the megabase

Dwayne, Grian’s megabase of giant rocks both balanced against each other on the ground and floating in the air, had several buildings on it that resembled the architecture and color palette of his Season 8 megabase, as well as farms in several floating rocks, a broken bridge leading to Mumbo Jumbo’s vault, the entrance to the Rift and eventually, a rock dedicated to Resisting Creating A Resistance when Ren took over as king of the server.

Next came the reappearance of everyone's favorite Hermitcraft Robot. Grumbot was a big help in generating content, although he did seem to have a concerning habit of threatening the world if Mumbo wasn’t there. 

More buildings were added to Dwayne, with the back of the base unfinished as per the norm, more content was generated by Grumbot (a prank involving the one and only GoodTimesWithScar, his obstacle course, and a charged creeper), and Grian assisted Gem and Impulse in their resistance against King Ren, therefore not directly creating a resistance.

Then… the Rift allowed many of the hermits, including Grian, as well as Grumbot, to visit their friends in the Empires SMP. Grian and Cub collaborated to create a machine that shrunk the Hermits to ‘hermit-sized’, and the entire hermit ensemble created Hermitopia as their temporary home in the other server. Fun was had, like a tea party under the bedrock while sitting on llamas, and LORE! was dropped. Eventually, the hermits made their way back to Hermitcraft but not before several of the Empires players came through the Rift.

The Secret Santa occured, giving Pearl the chance to organize Grian’s chest monster on a time limit, and the Empires friends had to return to their server. A new development with the water highways made transportation faster and led to the iconic Grian Cackles™ as the chaos unfolded. 

The Incident, however, was a large change in pace. Grian and Scar messed up Doc’s world eater in a fabulous moment of miscommunication and double clicking a button, which led to the subsequent ban of the two from the Perimeter and the retaliation to the ban as Poultry Man and Hot Guy filled the Perimeter with chickens and created Lag Central. Hippies returned after this, as Mumbo, Scar, and Grian decided that Doc’s daily and nightly messages that ‘This is Doc’s world, you just live in it’ were annoying and needed changing.

The Buttercups, the hippies, created a camp on the edge of the Perimeter and several lovely design elements— ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ in yellow cursive on the side of the wall and a lovely cherry bonsai in a large pot that housed some giant robots that battled Doc and Ren’s robots, which generally caused destruction and chaos and laughter. The Buttercups also completed a monumental task in which they covered the entire surface of the perimeter AND terraformed it, which is a lot of time and a lot of blocks.

There were moments of hilarity strewn throughout the season as with the continuous back-and-forth of hermits messing with each other's copper as it aged, leading to instances like ‘sub[scribe to] scar’ and a large amogus, as well as the secret fools day that had Grian bringing back the infinity room to prank Impulse and Doc unleashing an unholy amount of ghasts upon the main starter base area and Grian and Scar, who were present at the time. The challenge of opening Mumbo’s vault, the trap of which Grian fell for every time and ultimately led to nothing; the episode where sand, gravel, concrete powder, or anvils falling all kicked Grian off of Minecraft; the chaos of Ren’s final day as King and hermits had to face Grian’s challenge, a very easy quiz; Hermits staging an intervention to get Grian to finish the back of his base; The Incident; the return of Decked Out, Grian’s iron golem experimentation room, and every Hermit’s addiction to playing the game. 

The season ended with a long episode in which Grian wrapped up loose ends and left lovely messages to each individual hermit, including the sorely-missed TFC. We hope he returns again next season, and hope Season 10 is as fun as every season before has been.

Fun and Games

This week's fun and games are brought to you by Rookie! We have a wonderfully cute Scar coloring page for the festive season!

[your-dandy-king]

"What the fucking hell are you?"

Murat had been in this strange life he'd awakened into upon dying for quite some time now, enough to know that the rules and logic of the living world didn't apply in this place. And right now, several completely illogical things were staring right back at him.

He'd found it milling around between his family's inn and the old church across the square. It had pebbly grey and brown skin like a lizard's, feet that reminded him of the elephants he'd seen in Cairo, and a powerful parrot-like hooked beak. The most impressive thing were the three massive curving horns it had, long enough to impale a man easily. A gigantic frill or crest rose on its head like a bony fan.

Thankfully, Murat was already dead, so he didn't have to worry about getting impaled.

"Where did you come from?" He looked at them suspiciously. "Well, I don't know how you got here to La Bastide, or why, but shoo." He lifted the broom at it. "Clear off!" It stood taller than him, and was longer than several wagons put end to end.

His broken heart had kept tugging him here to this afterlife recreation of his family's inn for the last few weeks. He was happy for Jean, he was, really. It still hurt though, and maybe his heart thought he'd find comfort in a place like this. And it was cozy and homey, if a bit lonely still. He couldn't magic people out of nothing, which had its good and bad points, but it meant this mimicry of his childhood village had no one else in it.

Then this thing had shown up while he'd been cleaning off the front steps of the inn. He had no idea where it'd come from or what it were called. Sometimes there were intrusions into his little slice of the afterlife, whether it be deliberate or accidental. This, he was guessing, was an accident.

"Go on, out," He waved the broom at the three-horned parrot beast. It looked at him dumbly with tiny eyes, and then it grabbed the end of the broom with its powerful beak and began munching on the straw. With one yank of its massive head, it pulled the broom out of his hands and continued to strip the remaining straw off the broom handle. Then it nudged him for more.

Great, he'd accidentally fed this stray whatever-it-was except it wasn't exactly like keeping a stray cat or dog. He reached out to pet it anyway. It snuffled happily.

Murat stroked it for a few more moments, the slow beginnings of an idea forming in his head. "You," he told the creature, "wait right here." He winked at it as if it were a beautiful woman. "I just need to get something, and then you and I, I think, are going to have the start of a fruitful relationship."

___________

So, @phatburd breaking OOC here, as the owner of @your-dandy-king, I feel obligated to explain what the hell is this.

Earlier today, I got the bright idea of giving Murat a horsie in the afterlife. Horseman needs his horse, seems natural, right?

Then while cleaning out my phone's camera roll, I found this image.

And my brain said, "Yes. Forget the horse. Murat needs a triceratops to ride on." And then I followed that train of thought to its completely illogical conclusion. I can't even.

I hope you enjoyed that though? 🫣

[kajaawa2]

Meghalaya Tourism: An Ideal Travel Guide

Meghalaya, meaning "the abode of clouds", is a paradise for nature lovers. This hill station in Northeast India has captivated travelers worldwide with its truly magnificent and enchanting skies. Nestled in the Himalayas, Meghalaya shares its borders with Bangladesh to the east and south and Assam to the north.

Unforgettable Experiences Await

Meghalaya boasts a plethora of tourist attractions, from towering hills and valleys to countless lakes, cascading waterfalls, pitch-black caves, and sacred forests. Panoramic views, misty hills, terraced slopes, flowing waterfalls, and serpentine rivers are sure to enthrall your soul.

Meghalaya will awaken all your senses. From cultural highlights to heart-pounding adventures, numerous unforgettable encounters await the curious traveler.

Cultural Tapestry

Meghalaya's cultural tapestry is woven with numerous threads. The vibrant traditional festivals are a fantastic way to experience the uniqueness of the state's indigenous population. Soak in the customs of the locals and the breathtaking views while learning about the message each festival conveys. Explore some of the state's local history while sampling the various cuisines it has to offer. Get lost in the area's markets and take advantage of the burgeoning nightlife scene. Meghalaya is renowned for its contemporary cultural celebrations that honor local and international artistic talent. Expect a showcase of music, art, intriguing cultural customs, and more.

Top Tourist Destinations

Popular tourist spots in Meghalaya include Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Cherrapunjee, Nongpoh, and Baghmara. There are numerous tourist attractions in Meghalaya that are worth a visit, including:

Shillong (Scotland of the East): Explore Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Ward's Lake, Don Bosco Museum, and Umiam Lake.

Cherrapunjee (One of the wettest places on Earth): Witness the awe-inspiring Dain-Thlen, Kynrem, Nohkalikai waterfalls, and the marvel of engineering - Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Explore Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sister Falls, and Wei Sawdong Falls.

Mawsynram (Another contender for the wettest place on Earth): Visit the famed Jakrem Hot Spring and the Mawjymbuin Cave.

Mawlynnong (Asia's Cleanest Village): Experience serenity amidst spotless surroundings and explore the Living Root Bridge and Balancing Rock.

Dawki (Crystal-clear Dawki River): Enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and camping by the river in Shnongpdeng Village. Take in the scenic beauty of the Dawki River and the Indo-Bangladesh Border.

Best Time to Visit:

March to June: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities.

July to September: Perfect for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of the rainy season.

October to November: Witness the vibrant cherry blossoms in autumn.

December to February: Ideal for hiking excursions and exploring nearby locations.

How to Reach Meghalaya:

By Train: The nearest train station is Guwahati (Assam), 180 kilometers away. Taxis or buses can take you to Meghalaya from Guwahati.

By Air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (Assam) is the nearest major airport. Taxis can take you to Meghalaya from the airport.

By Road: Major cities are well-connected to Meghalaya by roadways.

Travel Tips:

Research local permits required for specific activities.

Book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.

Pack essentials like rain gear and comfortable shoes.

Plan your itinerary based on your interests and time constraints.

Budget for your trip, including transportation, accommodation, food, and activities.

Sample the local cuisine - a delightful way to experience the culture.

Respect local customs and traditions.

Rainfall in Meghalaya:

Meghalaya receives an average annual rainfall of 1,150 millimeters. The state lives up to its name, with the sky rarely remaining cloud-free.

Weather in Meghalaya:

Meghalaya boasts pleasant weather year-round with an average temperature of 24°C. The monsoon season brings ample rainfall, enhancing the beauty of the natural landscape. Winters are dry with moderate temperatures.

Ready to Explore?

Meghalaya, with its stunning beauty, rich culture, and diverse experiences, is a destination that will leave you mesmerized. Let Kajaawa Tours & Cabs craft your dream Meghalaya adventure and help you discover the hidden gems of this incredible state!