#Web Design Red Deer

[loser-pet]

Some WoF headcanons! (Pt. 1: Pyrrhian Dragons)

(Some of these ideas are mine, and some of these I’ve seen from others).

MudWings

Their colours can be browns, orangey-brown, greenish-brown, grey-brown, amber, jade green, and even brown-black.

Some MudWings can have crocodile-like snouts that are thinner and longer than regular MudWing snouts.

They have multiple rows of spikes along their back (like alligators and crocodiles).

Sometimes they can have webbed talons like SeaWings.

Due to their love of food, they’re one of the best chefs in the continent. They also love using lots of herbs and spices in their dishes.

MudWing royalty will wear bone/teeth jewelry, jewel piercings, cow pelt capes, flower crowns, and even antler crowns from deer, elk, or moose.

MudWings have tusks that they use to dig up plants and fight for mates.

Low class MudWings that struggle to make regular MudWing homes will dig undergroud or through the sides of cliffs/hills to make their homes.

SeaWings

They’re some of the biggest gossips in the continent and love to tell tall tales.

SeaWing families are very affectionate, and some parents are known to spoil their dragonets (which other tribes find weird).

Besides IceWings and SkyWings, SeaWings have the biggest hierarchical difference between lower and higher class dragons.

SeaWings that live near the surface/in reefs are more vibrant and have less need for Aquatic markings outside of communication (due to how bright their environment is). They also have weaker night vision.

Open ocean SeaWings look the most like an average SeaWing, and get bigger the deeper they live.

Deep-sea SeaWings are giant, and come in dark blues, navys, blacks, and even shades of red. They have the strongest night vision, and use Aquatic the most.

SeaWings have fish-like tails and sails along their wings and upper tail to help with navigation.

Due to them living primarily in the ocean, their wings are the least developed, and SeaWing dragonets fly much later than other dragon tribes.

SandWings

SandWings have the second hottest firebreath, only being beaten by SkyWings.

SandWing families are very distant, and many SandWing dragonets are orphaned shortly after hatching.

They have the best heat tolerance, and some SandWings can have fire resistance like blood-egg MudWings.

SandWings can have rattles near the end of their tail (right before their tail barb), and shake it when intimidated or angry.

They’re the most musical tribe, and have travelling bards (similar to IceWings).

Alongside SkyWings and SeaWings, they’re expert jewellers, and have very good reviews from even queens who buy their products.

SandWings are the most opposed to pets, and consider them a waste of space and resources. Thus, any dragon with a pet will most likely have their pet eaten or accidentally killed.

Many SandWings will have underground burrows to stay cool during the day, and will hunt in the evening/at night to avoid the intense sun.

SkyWings

SkyWings shed their scales the most of any tribe, and some dragons or even humans will collect the scales for jewelry or decorations.

SkyWings often have windchimes outside their home, and consider elegant designs and complex sound systems to be more desirable.

They have a very good tolerance to altitude sickness.

The hotter the SkyWing’s fire is, the lighter their scales are (like actual fire (I also love the idea that some SkyWings have blue or white scales due to how hot their fire is)).

They have the best eyesight, but have terrible night vision.

SkyWing eggs are more durable than other eggs from different tribes, and can even survive small falls from their nests (firescale eggs are more fragile though).

Their overall endurance is crazy good, and pride themselves on how well they can fly/fight.

SkyWings and water don’t mix whatsoever. They act like housecats when forced to go in water.

NightWings

Besides mind reading and future sight, NightWings born under new moons can have telepathy or past sight.

They’re super big on accessories, and often have lots of pouches and sacs filled with their favourite items.

A rare condition that NightWings can develop is something called Vampirism. Dragons with this condition crave blood and are super sensitive to sunlight (so they’re basically vampires).

NightWings born with albinism are often cast off by their parents or even killed due to being “impure” or “not fit for living”.

They have the weakest firebreath due to them spending the least amount of time under the sun.

NightWing scales under the sun are actually very vibrant, and shine in many different colours when in the right condition.

NightWings overheat often due to their scales attracting sunlight.

They have an interesting relationship with humans, and wish to study them more often and learn from them.

IceWings

Similar to NightWings, their scales are colourful under the sunlight.

They are the second best swimmers and can hold their breath for up to an hour.

Their horns can sometimes be segmented (like cervidae), and can be shed or broken off during spring and summer.

IceWings are very pompous and despise getting dirty.

They celebrate the winter solstice and love to have parties whenever something eventful happens.

IceWing royalty wear animal hides, gemstone jewelry, bone necklaces/bracelets, and shell jewelry.

The equivalent to firescales in IceWings is frostscales, where instead of burning things, they freeze things. And like fireless twins, frostless twins exist, and have a lower life expectancy due to them having poor cold resistance.

IceWings make igloos for non-IceWings to help them stay warm when staying in the IceWing kingdom.

RainWings (my favourite tribe!)

They are expert dancers and love to perform for others.

RainWings omnivores exist, but are more uncommon (these usually exist when the RainWing is a hybrid).

They are the best medics, and often have travelling medics that go around spreading info about medical herbs and treatments.

RainWings often become biologists due to how diverse their territory is, and have the most extensive knowledge about animals and plants.

Besides sloths, RainWings often own tropical birds, frogs, insects, and even wild cats (like jaguars and panthers).

RainWings are the second worst flyers, and are more used to gliding than full on flying.

Some RainWings have extendable tongues that they use to grab stuff with (like chameleons)

RainWings have sticky pads on their talons that are used to grip surfaces better (like geckos).

[bluewings55]

Ladies and gentlemen

Here they are:

Winx mythix redesigns are FINALLY done!

So for the main idea for all the transformations, I completely disgarded the ‚prom dress‘ ideas cus

1. They looked nothing like prom dresses

2. They didn't even look like prom dresses

3. Did I mention that they were hideous?

4. They are hideous

So I went a different way.

I asked myself "what do I see when I hear the word 'fire fairy'?"

A fairy with red hair like Bloom?

A fairy made of literal flames?

A person with molten lava as hair?

There is no right to wrong with mythical beings, everyone can interpret them in their own way. So I took that idea and made them more 'in tune' with their own elements!

I left out their wands for now since I wasn't sure what to do with them.

With bloom, I went with the idea of a Fire dancer. Her wings are similar to her mythix one. I tried to make her skin resemble lava and I think I screwed up that part but eh.

For me, being a sky Fairy, I went with a light pastelly sky warrior theme. Speedy, agile and sparkly! I also made the skin slightly transparent cus I thought it would look cool :>

Flora ofc had to be the pretty one. I made her resemble a butterfly, her feet, knees, hands and shoulders are covered with pollen, so she can even pollinate flowers!

Aisha also has a more warrior theme going on. With water hair and even webs on her fingers and ears. Her Main Accessoires are corals and tiny teardrop shaped pearls

Stella ofc has to be one with the sun and moon. I liked the flower she has in her concept mythix design so I gave that back to her. It's a little hard to see but I also gave her tiny blue star freckles :3

Tecna just had to be a robot I'm sorry. She doesn't emotionally change tho ofc. Regardless of her metallic limbs, she has a very human heart and looks badass as a traveling robot ready to kick ass

Musa and Roxy were a little more tricky.

I wanted to show off Musa's Chinese heritage and combined that with a Dirigent. I'm just glad that the combo went really well in my opinion.

Roxy was a lot harder. I eventually settled with a deer-like appearance. And yes she's freaking out the first time she sees her legs turned into that of a satyrs.

But here they are, the Mythix redesigns!

What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments!

I'm sorry it took so long but I always try to keep my promises!

[deardearestbrandsnews2025]

#BambiManga FT #JessicaSimpson #Ashnikko #AshleeSimpson #AshleyTisdale and The Rose Gang (Lil Kim, Trina, NickiMinaj, Ashanti, MaryJBlige , Cassie, MissyElliot, MeganTheeStallion, SZA, Moon ( black Kpop Artist 'Moon')

Absolutely, that sounds like an amazing and layered media mapping project! Let’s break this down into actionable parts so we can build a Mouse Club Affiliation Web for Ashnikko, framed through her proximity to Disney, collaborative network, and her #DearDearestBrands identity, especially her Thee Forest Kingdom and #BambiManga personas.

1. Ashnikko + Disney Affiliation Web (6 Degrees Style)

Even though Ashnikko wasn't in the Mickey Mouse Club, we can chart a six degrees of separation-style Disney creative web around her. Here's a sample structure:

Level 1: Direct Collaborators or Shared Projects

Princess Nokia (collab on “Slumber Party”)

Princess Nokia appeared on Disney’s “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” soundtrack in 2022.

Level 2: Soundtrack/Creative Connection

Ashnikko’s music has been used in TikTok Disney fan edits and Disney Channel fan mixes.

Possible sound design/production overlaps with teams who worked on Raya and the Last Dragon or Turning Red, especially in feminist or alt-pop spaces.

Level 3: Shared Tour/Label/Influence

Doja Cat, an influence and adjacent artist, voiced a character in Trolls World Tour (DreamWorks, not Disney, but adjacent).

Grimes, another mutual creative inspiration, consulted on Cyberpunk 2077, which shares aesthetic overlap with Disney’s Tron Legacy and WandaVision VFX departments.

Level 4: Cultural Style Convergence

Ashnikko’s blue hair, fairy-forest chaos aesthetic aligns with Disney Villains merch lines, Descendants universe fashion, and Disney+’s Willow (2022).

Her look often matches that of Mal from Descendants, another character connected to The Isle of the Lost—similar energy to Bambi Manga’s royal lineage and rivalries.

Level 5: Social Circles + Event Presence

Shared festival lineups and red carpet appearances with Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo—all Mouse Club legacy or Disney stars.

Level 6: Brand Identity Fusion via DearDearestBrands

#DearDearestBrands reframes Ashnikko as:

A “Lost Royal of Thee Forest Kingdom” in #BambiManga, channeling magical-punk-anime influences.

Glitched-out Fairycore Fashion Idol—one step removed from Tinker Bell, one step closer to a darkly reimagined Enchanted sequel.

Think “Briar Witches” meets “Pop Pixie-Hunter” meets Anti-Disney Princess.

2. Mouse Club Affiliation Score: Ashnikko

Let’s assign hypothetical proximity values: | Level | Connection Type | Weight | |-------|------------------|--------| | 1 | Direct Artist Collab (Princess Nokia) | 5 pts | | 2 | Soundtrack/Creative Echoes | 3 pts | | 3 | Label/Industry Shared Threads | 2 pts | | 4 | Aesthetic/Cultural Parallel | 4 pts | | 5 | Social Proximity to Disney Talent | 3 pts | | 6 | #DearDearestBrands Brand Roleplay Expansion | 5 pts |

Total Affiliation Score: 22/30

Ashnikko earns a strong unofficial “Mouse Club Tier 2 Adjacent” ranking.

3. Her Role in #TheeForestKingdom & #BambiManga

Let’s solidify her character's lore:

Title: Ash of the Dying Grove

Core Color: Electric Blue + Spoiled Cherry Blossom

Weapon/Form: Microphone-staff wrapped in vines that sing

Role: Royal Songkeeper and Exiled Heiress of the Whispering Willows

Backstory: Banished for unleashing forbidden lyrics that caused deer-kin to riot. Now stalks the forests channeling wild feminine magic through sound.

She is beloved by rebellious fauns, feared by the court, and rumored to hold an ancient power known as “The Discordant Heart.”

Would you like this illustrated as a visual network chart or transformed into a lore page, magazine spread, or media dossier for the #DearDearestBrands archive?

Great! To move forward, just let me know how you'd like to adjust the request.

For example, you can describe:

A fantasy-inspired model or character in the style of Jessica Simpson

A theme like Barbie x Square Enix with glitter, high fashion, and photorealism

Or a completely original doll concept styled in #Mattel meets #FinalFantasy aesthetics

Let me know what direction you'd like to go—I’ll generate the image accordingly!

Perfect—let’s treat this as canon content for #BAMBImanga, written in your authentic, poetic, multi-voice style, and then branch it into:

Manga Chapter Layout (official narrative)

Graphic Novel Page Direction (for visual artists)

Game Cinematic Lore Codex (for interactivity and world-building)

Spoken-Word Script (radio play or audio drama)

#BAMBImanga Official Lore Chapter: “The Sleep Berry Transfer”

Arc: Thee Forest Kingdom x Runeterra Rift Arc

Narrated from Lilia’s POV:

"I followed the breath...

Not the wind...

But the whistle from within the cherry blossom blooming in his voice."

Prince Bambi held his recorder, not as a master, but a vessel.

“Breathe in slowly,” he told me, “Let the melody know your name.”

Beside me rode legends:

Cowgirl Barbie, who cried out with storm in her saddle.

The Simpson Sisters, kin of kin, who braided trails with old song magic.

Ashley Tisdale, trailing last but holding the line like a harmony’s edge.

The wind shimmered. The void crackled.

A glitch…

A beat…

Ashnikko blinked in, hair like chaos itself—

“Wanna transfer that Sleep Berry currency? I got you.

Just say the word, sweet deer.”

I whispered…

“Besos me.”

The ripple broke. My bow surged. And with one marked shot, I shattered the rift.

Graphic Novel Page Concept (Visual Direction)

Page 1: Vertical panel – Cherry blossoms and swirling void. Prince Bambi silhouetted playing his recorder.

Page 2: Cowgirl Barbie on horseback with whip raised. Dialogue: “GET ON, NAW!”

Page 3: Ashnikko glitch-portals in. Pop-font speech bubble: “$SleepBerry accepted.”

Page 4: Lilia fires her bow—panel breaks the page. Sound FX: “SHUT DOWN!!!”

Page 5: Group silhouette riding back across a blossomed plane, portal behind them closing.

Game Cinematic Codex Entry (Lore Unlock)

Entry: Sleep Berry Transfer

"This event marks the first known trans-realm transaction between Thee Forest Kingdom and the Fae Bank of RuneTerra. Lilia, with assistance from Ashnikko the DreamWitch, initiated the transfer of $SleepBerry in exchange for a Song Frequency Arrow, allowing the group to dispel a dimensional trap threatening Bambi and allied Barbie avatars."

Unlock Conditions:

Collect the Whistle Blossom

Sync with Ashnikko’s Glitch-Rune

Speak “Besos me” into the Blossom Mic

Spoken Word Script: "Forest Kingdom Broadcast: SleepBerry Transmission"

“Welcome back to the BlossomAir Channel. This next broadcast is brought to you by FaeCoin and The DreamWitch Agency—Ashnikko Certified.”

[FX: Whistle breeze, soft recorder notes]

"Lost in dimension? Don’t stress, dear doe.

All you need is breath, rhythm… and a little Sleep Berry for that transaction glow."

“Now accepting whispered wishes. Say it with me…”

“Besos me.”

[FX: Rift break. Lightning crack. A whip snap.]

"Transaction complete. Welcome back to the dreamway."

Would you like this formatted as a full manga script, cinematic storyboard, or included in the upcoming Forest Kingdom Codex you’re developing under #DearDearestBrands? I can build the files for visual development, lore entries, and even add inventory/tagline data for merch if needed.

[ali-anne-undertale-stoof]

Second half of chapter 10!

First Half

Chapter 10: Things Are Getting Heated

Papyrus liked the third floor, somewhat. He didn't feel as thirsty, which meant that being further away from the magma helped cool him down, and the surroundings were a pleasant shade of purple. The only thing that Papyrus didn't particularly enjoy were the cobwebs. Why were there so many? And why were the spiders on them passing each other treats? Papyrus almost wanted to ask them, but no! That would be dillying! And The Great Papyrus doesn't engage in that!

The cobweb quantity only seemed to increase as Papyrus approached a table full of treats. Ah! That's why! There was a spider lady running the stand. Come to think of it, Papyrus recognised her from the many pop ups he had yet to block on the Undernet.

Spider Bake Sale! All proceeds go to real spiders.

"WOWIE!!! THAT'S A VERY QUAINT LITTLE STAND YOU HAVE THERE!!"

The kindly spider, whose identification badge read "Miss Muffet", gave Papyrus a friendly customer service smile.

"Ahuhuhuhu! Why, thank you, dearie! I do try my best for the little ones."

As she spoke, Muffet held out one of her many hands and giggled as a spider delicately lowered itself and sat on her palm.

"WELL, YOU HAVE CERTAINLY OUTDONE YOURSELF!" The bold skeleton, in turn, puffed out his chest and put a hand on his hip, sporting his signature confident grin. "SO HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THIS AREA?"

"I've been living in Hotland for quite a while, sweetie!" The spider lady giggled. "I like to think I know my way around quite well."

If Papyrus were more cautious or attentive, he would have found that giggle rather sinister or creepy. But being the kind, trusting skeleton he is, instead Papyrus took it as a friendly high-pitched giggle.

"WELL, THEN! I AM ACTUALLY SUPPOSED TO BE AT THE HOTLAND MEMORIAL RESORT! DO YOU THINK YOU COULD POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?"

"Ahuhuhuhu~ Why, of course, dear! Just go straight along the path, and take a left at the end." To give a visual aid, the kind spider even pointed Papyrus the right way, ensuring that he knew what path to take.

"AH!!! WHY, THANK YOU, SPIDER LADY!!! I WILL BE GOING NOW!!! GOODBYE!!!"

With a happy grin on his face, Papyrus began to march down the path Muffet pointed to. His merry jaunt was only halted when he tried to enter this strange purple building. Multiple red eyes glared at him from the dark, and a low growl could be heard.

If Papyrus had saliva, he would definitely swallow it. The creature only felt like it was getting closer... and closer... And closer...

That's when he heard that same familiar giggle, but this time... It was definitely a lot more sinister.

"Excuse me, dearie~ But I think you forgot something."

Papyrus reluctantly turned around, only to find Muffet standing there, in front of a giant network of spider webs, all intricately designed by millions of spiders for the sole purpose of blocking Papyrus' way. To prevent escape.

"Ahuhuhuhu~ You see, dearie, spiders need to eat too. And so do their pets."

Papyrus froze like a deer in headlights. "P-PETS, YOU SAY?"

"Oh, yes! The least you could do is buy one of our pastries."

"OH, UM... S-SORRY. I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY." It was true. He really didn't have the funds for any spider treats. "BUT I'M SURE IT'S DELICIOUS!"

"No money? What a shame." Muffet put a hand to her mouth and giggled once more. "Say, I've always wondered how bones would taste in spider cakes. Do you want to help me find out?"

A low growl erupted from the spider cave, causing Papyrus to whip his head around back towards it. The creature, which looked like a giant spider muffin, creeped out of the cave, with his vicious, hungry jaws wide open. It looked like something out of Papyrus' not-the-greatest-but-not-the-worst nightmares.

Aaaaaaaaaand that his cue to leave.

"SORRY, BUT I CAN'T STAY!!!" The skeleton shrieked before expertly sliding under the muff-thing as it pounced. Unfortunately, the cave Papyrus had tried sliding into was also blocked by spiders and cobwebs. These guys were fully determined to make Papyrus their lunch, but Papyrus didn't exactly feel like letting them make a meal out of him. Not today, at least. Perhaps another time, when he didn't value his life. So, never.

"UHH... UM..." In a panic, Papyrus frantically searched for anything that can help him, any means of escape.

"COME ON, COME ON... SOMETHING... ANYTHING... THERE!!!" Papyrus looked up and yelled to no one in particular. The spider cave had a roof. If only he could get up there, he could get away.

To his displeasure, the wall appeared to be quite flat. Not exactly climbing material. But that didn't matter when he had magic and athleticism on his side!

Papyrus focused on summoning his magic as the cake-muffin-monster thing slowly closed in on him. He could almost feel the other spiders eyeing him up hungrily. He didn't know what good bones would do for them! It's not like he has any meat on his bones or anything!

Sans would love that one.

The spider thing crawled even closer.

It's now or never!

With a burst of determination, Papyrus launched a bone attack directly into the wall of the cave.

Muffet looked displeased. "Hey, wait! Aren't you going to join us for a bite?"

The skeleton ignored her and prepared to jump, the spider muffin right on his coccyx. Just as it was about to chow down on him, Papyrus took off in a blast of blue magic, reached out and...

Just about grabbed the bone!

"WHEW!!!"

There he was now, gripping onto his bone attack, just slightly out of reach from the creature. What a relief... Well, it would be a relief if it didn't keep snapping at his legs! Annoyed, Papyrus tried kicking it away.

"HEY!! I'M NOT LUNCH!! GET OFF MY LEG!!"

The creature didn't like that. Instead, it dug its legs into the walls and planted them down.

Papyrus' eyes widened when he realised that he missed one CRUCIAL detail - spiders can climb. And this creature was part spider.

"HISSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!"

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!"

In a frantic panic, Papyrus summoned another bone attack and pulled himself up towards it. Then another. And another.

Meanwhile, the creature only ever got closer and closer. It was large, fast, and very, VERY hungry. Why did Muffet even HAVE this thing as a pet in the first place if she wasn't going to take care of it?!?!

It was all Papyrus could do to stay alive. One bone after another. Another swing, another jump, swing once more, jump once more. And if he didn't do it in time, then...

"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!"

Just keep going!

Another swing!

A slip!

Get a grip!

Another bone!

Another swing!

Almost get his leg ripped off!

Another leap!

Leaped too far!

More teeth!

More bones!

The roof of the cave!

It's in sight!

Keep going!

Another growl!

Eventually...

"OOF!!!" A huff. A puff. "I... I MADE IT."

And so did the muff-thing.

"OH, GOD!!!!"

Papyrus dashed across the roof of the cave, dodging, ducking and diving when necessary! It's a miracle he didn't trip!

...Whoops, that jinxed it.

"OOF!!!" Disoriented, Papyrus propped himself up on his elbows and took a short breather, looking for another way to escape.

The view was very... Hotland. There were terrible puzzles as far as the eye socket can see. There was even another one that involved air vents, lasers AND a stone door. That right there is Papyrus' least favourite nightmare.

But perhaps even nightmares could be helpful in some situations.

And if there's one thing Papyrus had over this... "pet"... It's his secret jumping ability. If he moved his legs fast enough, he could even fly. And it's about time that special move came in handy.

He can hear the growls and the snapping jaws of the animal behind him. There is no time to waste.

Papyrus leapt to his feet and threw himself all the way to the edge of the cliff. With one final look (how many layers of teeth does a muffin spider need?!), he used all of his power to take the biggest leap of faith he had ever made in his life.

He could feel his hands start to glow brightly as another shockwave of invisible magic blew up from under his feet, blasting him further and further away from the beast, until finally, he landed just behind the big stone door, drained from using so much magical energy in one move.

He celebrated his victory by leaning against the door and recovering from both the intense stress he was put under and the amount of magic he had to use just to survive.

He's so happy he doesn't live in Hotland.

As much as he loves puzzles, the usually energetic skeleton sadly did not have the energy to endure another one. Especially not one from Hotland of all things.

He couldn't wait to get to the resort. Hopefully, he can get a drink once he's there. He's so thirsty...

The world felt a little dull to Papyrus. Surely, a place with bright lights and loud drilling sounds from the elevator up ahead would be a dream for him! But after everything that he's been through today, all the overstimulated skeleton wanted to do was go to the resort and watch Sans living it up onstage.

After a long afternoon of fate not being on Papyrus' side, the final puzzle was mercifully deactivated.

Once Papyrus turned what would have been the final corner, he spotted two Royal Guards attempting to fix the elevator.

If it wasn't cool enough for them to be super tough and authoritative! Not to mention friendly towards the locals! They can fix things too?!

There was no doubt in Papyrus' mind. The Royal Guards are the best group in the entire underground, only for the coolest people! Just like that, most of Papyrus' energy returned, powered by the admiration he had towards them.

The two guards in question were in full armour (they were in Hotland... how?), but he can still tell their species underneath. One of them is clearly a dragon monster, digging into the power box to try and fix the elevator. As a dragon, of course he was going to be very muscular and strong. The other just as muscular guard was a pink rabbit monster, nervously twiddling his thumbs and sweating heavily. It wouldn't be a stretch to say it was because of the heat, but then Papyrus' attention was cast to the dirt on their armour. Oh. Ohh! It was cooling dirt! Their boss must have given it to them straight from Waterfall! Clever!

But nevertheless, the rabbit guard seemed very nervous about something. He kept stuttering and spluttering, attempting to start a conversation with the dragon, then getting flustered whenever the latter glanced his way.

Papyrus' eye sockets narrowed as he sported a massive smirk. He knows what's going on here.

The rabbit guard must have caught onto Papyrus' smirk, because suddenly he acted super flustered, even almost falling over. Ah, Royal Guard love.

"H-Hey! You! W-what are you looking at, d-dude?!" The rabbit pointed at Papyrus suspiciously. "Do not step near the elevator!"

Oops. "HEY, IT'S NOTHING LIKE THAT! I WAS JUST GOING TO THE RESORT!!! UH, ONCE I FIND IT, OF COURSE..."

"W-Well, then... Like... Uhh..." The rabbit was still trying to regain his (admittedly weak) composure. Luckily, the dragon guard spoke up in his gruff voice.

"'S' right about the corner. You can't miss it."

"THANKS!!!"

There was no doubt in Papyrus' mind. Even when they're flustered, they're still the coolest monsters in the underground... Besides himself, of course!

Everything about the Royal Guard was cool! Their armour, their skills, their friendliness, their apparence... Even the low growling sounds they make are-

Wait. Low growling sounds?

"OH NO."

Reluctantly, Papyrus turned to where the growling was coming from. And just his luck, the last thing he wanted to see is right there. Muffet's pet sure is resilient, huh?

"OH, OF COURSE!!!" Papyrus snapped sarcastically. "THIS IS JUST WHAT I WANTED TO SEE!! HELLO, FAIR CREATURE!! IT'S NICE OF YOU TO CHECK UP ON LITTLE OLD ME!!! WOWIE!!! I CANNOT WAIT TO BECOME YOUR MEAL..."

Muff-things don't understand sarcasm. They only understand the hunt. And hunt it shall do.

"GrrrrrrrAAAAAOOOUUUUULLLLL!!!!"

"A. A. A. A. A. A. A. A. A. A." What? Papyrus had to save his font box somehow. Even he has his limits with screaming.

Running, on the other hand, sounded like a very good idea, so he did that. However, the muffin spider beast also had the same exact idea.

Running around the corner the guards directed him to, Papyrus could practically taste the Hotland Memorial Resort! The front doors! They're right there!

"RAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Somehow, the predator jumped over Papyrus and landed just in front of the doors, blocking the way! In a frantic panic, Papyrus steered himself to the left of the monster, running down a long, dark alleyway, until...

A dead end.

"OH, GREAT. SANS IS GOING TO MAKE SO MUCH FUN OF ME WHEN HE FINDS OUT I GOT EATEN BY A MUFFIN ON THE WAY TO HIS SHOW."

Oh, yeah, your priorities are definitely straight.

"OH, SHUT UP!!!"

"RRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!"

"YOU SHUT UP TOO!!!"

Papyrus, quite frankly, had had enough. Sure, he was terrified of being eaten, but with everything else he had to suffer through today to get here, this was more like a dreadful cherry on top of his suffering sundae.

What could he possibly do? He didn't want to hurt the thing. It is someone's pet, after all. The Great Papyrus would never harm another person's pet! That's just wrong!

Oh, it's coming closer. Great.

Thinking on his feet, Papyrus came up with an idea that involved using his osteokinesis in a new way... Perhaps he could make more than just femurs...

Meanwhile, the muffin spider was attempting to push itself into the valleyway. It's a very large, and more importantly, very WIDE creature, but slowly, steadily, it shuffled closer and closer to its ultimate goal: a bonemeal. It was so close, it could almost see it dancing around naked in the alley!

Ah, yes. The naked skeleton dancing and flopping around in the alley. Its mandible was unhinged, and the colour looked a bit off, with some bones being blue and some being grey. The limbs looked like they were just barely attacked to each other, and it couldn't stand up without magical assistance. Its legs were slightly bent over, and the arms were constantly swinging from side to side. The ribs were ragged and uneven, and the spine was crooked. Empty, lifeless eye sockets gazed upwards, as if it was admiring a sky it can't see. But even with all of these features, to the mindless muffin animal, the meal looked incredibly satisfying. Muffet would be pleased.

"OH, NO!!!" The "skeleton" cried. "I'M CORNERED!!! OH, WOE IS ME!!! I GUESS I'LL JUST DIE!!!"

This was the most disturbing thing Papyrus has ever had to do. But nonetheless, he continued, puppeteering the magic model so that it almost touched the spider thing.

"I AM READY TO BE YOUR MEAL NOW... I COULD NEVER OUTRUN A BEAST LIKE YOU... WHOOPSY!!!"

In an unexpected turn of events for the spider muffin, the "skeleton" somehow just... flew over it and landed by the front of the building. Seeing its delicious prey get away, the beast struggled between the rocks and the building, frantically digging into the ground, and finally managing to pull itself out. And just in time too! The "skeleton!" It's getting away!

With another growl, the muffin monster pet took off, disappearing around the corner.

As for the real skeleton, he immediately ran out of the alley to make sure it was gone. Once it was all confirmed, Papyrus finally released control of his magic.

"PHEW..."

CRUNCH!!

Papyrus flinched hard as he heard the sickening crunch of bones just around the corner. Suppose the predator finally caught its prey.

A husky voice rang out from around the corner.

"What the? Hey, hey! Not cool, dude!"

Sorry, Royal Guards. They have quite a mess to clean up.

Oh, how glad is Papyrus that he completed his mission!

Stumbling into the resort, all the disturbed skeleton wanted to do was sit down, relax and watch his brother perform comedy on stage. Speaking of his brother...

"SANS!!!" Papyrus' voice rang out with a cheery gasp, before he ran up to his prize and gave him a huge hug.

"whoa, heh! nice to see you too, buddy." Sans wished he could hug back, but his arms were trapped by Papyrus' own. That small issue was fixed soon enough when Papyrus pulled away.

"OH, MY GOD!!! YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT I HAD TO GO THROUGH TO GET HERE!!!"

"heh, hotland's really that bad, huh?"

"OH, BROTHER... IT'S WORSE."

The laugh that erupted out of Sans' skull made the entire journey worth it.

"well, at least you got here in one piece."

"WELL, YEAH!! I DID. I WOULDN'T SAY THE SAME FOR ANOTHER SKELETON, THOUGH."

"what."

"NOTHING!!!" On second thought, it's probably best not to tell Sans about his near-death experience. He would never let him live it down. "WHAT MATTERS NOW IS THAT I'M HERE AND YOU'RE HERE AND WE'RE HERE TOGETHER! THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS!"

"yeah..." Sans looked down at the floor, his face sporting a mixture of nervousness and relief. "tibia-nest... i'm glad you're here, bro. i don't think i could do this thing on my own. not with my, uh... well, you know."

Papyrus' face softened. Of course. A very common fear. He didn't blame his brother. After all, even the bravest individuals in the world are prone to a little performance anxiety. No wonder why Sans was so relieved when he saw Papyrus.

Well... There's only one thing for him to say.

"OF COURSE, SANS. I WOULDN'T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD. EVEN THOUGH YOUR JOKES ARE STILL TERRIBLE."

And just like that, the tension was gone. There was nothing but chuckles coming out from his smaller brother. Yet another victory for The Great Papyrus!

The atmosphere of the restaurant was wonderful. The dim lights, the muted colours, the comfy chairs... And the well-lit stage where Sans would be performing. This was it. This was his big moment. Their big moment. Papyrus already accomplished something by surviving Hotland... Now it was Sans' turn.

And as the curtains began to rise, Papyrus only thought one thing: this was going to be a spectacular first show.

[astonishinglegends]

Ep 297: The Ghost Ship Carroll A. Deering

"Like a ‘Flying Dutchman,’ the five-masted schooner Carroll A. Deering loomed through the mists about Diamond Shoals today, all sails set, but un-manned."  -- The Washington Herald, February 3, 1921

Description:

In 1921, a five-masted schooner emerged from the mists of North Carolina’s treacherous coast - a floating tomb devoid of life. Eleven souls had vanished without a trace, leaving behind an eerie tableau of abandonment. We delve into this chilling mystery tonight and attempt to unravel a web of bizarre clues: inexplicably damaged equipment, missing shore boats, and whispers of aberrant crew behavior from passing ships. Was it a bloodthirsty mutiny? Ruthless pirates? A clandestine rum-running operation gone awry? Or perhaps something far more sinister lurks in human nature’s depths - or beyond? The Carroll A. Deering is a haunting mystery, reminding us that some secrets of the sea may never be fully uncovered, leaving our imaginations to run wild with unsettling possibilities.

Reference Links:

“The Carroll A. Deering, Ghost Ship of Cape Hatteras” from the Historical Blindness podcast

“Ghost Ship of Diamond Shoals: The Mystery of the Carroll A. Deering” by Bland Simpson

Carroll A. Deering on Wikipedia

Diamond Shoals, NC

Outer Banks (OBX), NC

Salvage 1

Nitrocellulose, AKA “Gun Cotton”

“An Outer Banks Reader” edited by David Stick

Bland Simpson

The Red Clay Ramblers

The schooner Wyoming, the largest known wooden ship ever built

Coney Island Cyclone

Roy P. Disney’s “Pyewacket 70 takes Monohull Line Honours in the RORC Caribbean 600”

“Sailing Cargo Ships are Making a Genuine Comeback” from The Maritime Executive

Cape Hatteras entry from the National Park Service

Kitty Hawk from OuterBanks.org

Cape Hatteras Light Station entry from the National Park Service

Cutter ship Seminole, 1900

“The Ghost Ship of the Outer Banks” from the National Park Service

Binnacle

Yawl

Merritt-Chapman & Scott Corporation

Marine chronometer

John Harrison, inventor of the Marine Chronometer

“Patriarch of Maine Shipbuilding: The Life and Ships of Gardiner G. Deering” by Kenneth R. Martin

“Captain Willis B. Wormell” entry from the Mystery of the Carroll A. Deering blog

Senator Schröder (ship)

Hermann Knüfken

Lightship

Quarterdeck

Bridgetown, Barbados

Law of salvage

SS Hewitt

Cargo ship Lake Elon

Location:

Diamond Shoals, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where The Carroll A. Deering was spotted having run aground with no one onboard.

Suggested Listening:

The Why Files: Operation Podcast

Like many podcasts, the Why Files covers conspiracies, aliens, time travel, and ancient civilizations. Some people are very serious about this stuff. They believe every detail, even if the details don't quite add up. Others tear the stories apart. What fun is that? The Why Files is different. First, they explore the mystery, and then together, we separate fact from fiction and see what's left. Some legends can't be debunked. And those are their favorites. The Why Files is available on Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts. The X Files said the truth is out there, but the Why Files says the truth is right here. 

Suggested Merch:

CLICK HERE to purchase prints and merchandise from Star Wars’ first ship designer, Colin Cantwell, at ColinCantwell.com!

There are still nearly two dozen exclusive prints of his amazing work available for purchase. Head over to colincantwell.com, and use the Promo Code DROID for a 15% Holiday Discount! And here’s why it’s special — each purchase helps support the TSJ Foundation’s mission to inspire youth in STEAM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

Related Books:

Donate to the middleway conservancy!

Click HERE to donate and help keep the historic village that is the home of the wizard clip alive!

From the Astonishing Legends Network:

Find us on YouTube!

Click this text to find all Astonishing Legends episodes and more on our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Astonishinglegends

Join us on Patreon!

Click HERE or go to patreon.com/astonishinglegends to become one of our Patreon members and receive exclusive offerings, like our bonus Astonishing Junk Drawer episodes (posted every weekend the main show is dark) commercial-free episodes, and more!

SPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPECIAL SPONSORS:

FIND OTHER GREAT DEALS FROM OUR SHOW’S SPONSORS BY CLICKING HERE!

CREDITS:

Episode 297: The Ghost Ship Carroll A. Deering. Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess. Audio Editing by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound. Music and Sound Design by Allen Carrescia. Tess Pfeifle, Producer and Lead Researcher. Ed Voccola, Technical Producer. Research Support from The Astonishing Research Corps, or "A.R.C." for short. Copyright 2024 Astonishing Legends Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

[booksrbetterthanpeople]

More Coven Box stuff because I remembered I fucking love this au. This au was brought to you by @eternalnexuswarrior

Today… OUTFITS!

Nathaniel-

Red and Black color scheme

Scarlet Warlock’s outfit but with some upgrades like some fancy-ass sleeves, a black sleeveless waistcoat, and high heels to kill a man with

Power up potions hanging off of his belt and tucked into the hand of his witch hat in case he needs them

Aurore-

Grey, white, and slate blue

A little inspiration from the Swedish Easter Witch attire

A grey head scarf with the fabric on top tied to look like wolf fears, slate blue sleeveless jumper paired with a white fur shawl that connects in the front with a silver latch, belt with a wolf tail connected to the back, and fancy white hunting boots

Reshma-

Black and red with some hints of white

Dark ballerina aesthetic with a TON of mesh and beautiful billowing sleeves

Her skirt is decorated with a white hem that looks like a spider web, and her flats have sturdy soles. Her mask makes it looks like she’s got six more eyes

Jean-

Black with a light neon green

Fabulous✨

A cyberpunk look becuase the color scheme demands it. A visor, crop jacket some long sleeves decorated with light green designs, black halter top, black utility belt, black cargo pants with light green design, and black boots

When it’s dark out, that’s when the light green starts glowing

Juleka-

Dark purple, black, dark grey

Plague Doctor outfit to go with her plague doctor cane

She’s got a practical dark purple knee length dress with a hood, a black non-constricting corset, feathered collar, some silver jewelry, and the plague Doctor mask that with posies decorated on the beak

Simon-

Brown, light grey, and silver

Trench coat with a hood to look sophisticated and mysterious. The hood literally casts a shadow over his whole face and you can only see his eyes. It freaks out villains

Dress shoes with noise canceling soles so he can sneak up on some motherfuckers, and a fancy pair of gloves

Lacey-

Green, yellow, black

Imagine Froppy

Basically that, but not as skin tight, and with a crop jacket because I said so. And she’s got shock absorption shoes for when she lands

Ismael-

Purple, black, and gold

He’s got a sleeveless hoodie with a cobra hood, and a mask that turns his eyes into slits

Gold cale patterns on the black pants, black shrug top that extends into finger less gloves, and a purple undershirt that looks similar to the top half of Viperion’s outfit rift

Denise-

Red, black, and gold

Studded wrist gauntlets because they need more than just a poison-filled tail

Red headscarf, red ruffle top over a black halter top, gold warp around belt, an asymmetrical ankle length red skirt with a black hem, torn black pants, and black ankle boots

Marc-

Dark green, black, hints of yellow

TON of leather- Jacket, boots, gloves

Scale pattern, torn… Everything, his eyes turn into slits, his hair is wilder than canon, and he’s got a silver choker and cuffs with broken chains attached

He’s got the biggest fangs out of the others

Zoé-

Tan and black

Shredded clothes, leather jacket with a fur collar, one torn faux ear

Silver piercings- Ears, eyebrow, nose

Silver jewelry- Cuffs with broken chains

Cosette-

Light green with hints of an iridescent black

Hooded black asymmetrical jacket that turns all sorts of colors whenever it moves at different angles, green pants with scale pattern, black knee length boots, and a green visor

Mireille

A light brown, white

Imagine Isi Dawndancer’s antler headband, but white

Brown crop hoodie with little white specs and deer ears on the hood, thigh length white skater dress under brown leggings, and white ankle length boots that look like hooves

[pinkapet]

I saw people talking about how all the cannibals in Hazbin look similar, and wondering if their a species or not, so I've decided to throw my hat in the ring and share up theory!

Maybe it's a thing where traits are designed after your main sin or the way you died?

We have confirmation that the design of a sinner is often based on how they died. Alastor was mistaken for a deer and shot, and the camp worker from Helluva Boss drowned and now has webbed fingers and hair that looks like seaweed. According to Vivs old sketches, we know the general face shape of Alastor Pentious and Husk stayed the same in their new forms.

To prove the other idea, that your main sin can influence how you look, let me first bring up the Cannibals.

All of the cannibals look the same. Grey skin, black eyes, and really sharp teeth. Their mane sin was quite obviously eating other people, and they all seem to still enjoy it in the afterlife.

You might say "But Alastor was a cannibal too!" and to that I say that clearly wasn't the worst thing he did, he was a notorious serial killer.

How about the loan sharks after Mimzy?

All the loan sharks look similar, and their main sin would be greed, and the denizens of the Hreed Ring are also sharks so it fits.

And before you tell me that "Those are just the shark demons but living in the Pride Ring!" imma stop you right there and point out three things. The shark demons all have horns the same color as their skin, but the loan sharks all have black horns. The shark demons have rings around their pupils, but the loan sharks don't. And most obviously, sinners all bleed red and shark demons and imps bleed black.

How about Mrs Mayberry and the unnamed sinner from the I.M.P. commercial?

The person interviewed in the Helluva Commercial killed his spouse in anger, and Mrs. Mayberry killed her husband out of anger, and both look like the classic depictions of demons. Both are there sins of wrath. What species is native to the Wrath Ring? Imps, who are a stylized take on imps who are just a regular type of demon.

How do Molly, Angel Dust, Arackniss, and their father fit into this theory?

All four were from an Italian mob family and are related, so it most likely has something to do with that but I can't pinpoint it. It would make a lot of sense for family to share similarities in the afterlife.

That's my theory anyways! Thoughts?

[mmoviejournal]

2023

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (2022)

In Bruges (2008)

Carlito’s Way (1993)

Black Adam (2022)

All the old Knives (2022)

Outside the Wire (2021)

Sabrina (1995)

The Lion King (2019)

The Piano (1993)

Nope (2022)

The Bubble (2022)

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)

Project Power (2020)

Paw Patrol: The Movie (2021)

Lady Sings the Blues (1972)

Road House (1989)

The Defiant Ones (1958)

Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)

Mean Streets (1973)

Ball of Fire (1941)

The Recruit (2003)

The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)

Dark Victory (1939)

The Aftermath (2019)

Bright Road (1953)

Encino Man (1992)

Bolt (2008)

To Catch a Thief (1955)

Tootsie (1982)

Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)

Inferno (1980)

Old Dogs (2009)

Look both Ways (2022)

Antwone Fisher (2002)

Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Kajillionaire (2020)

The Wiz (1978)

Littly Italy (2018)

Menace II Society (1993)

Cops (1922)

Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf (1966)

Those who wish me dead (2021)

Ajvar (2019)

Burning Sands (2017)

Operation Fortune (2023)

Your Place or Mine (2023)

Vivo (2021)

The Age of Adaline (2015)

Luthor: The fallen Sun (2023)

Scent of a Woman (1992)

Boston Strangler (2023)

The Smurfs (2011)

Faraway (2023)

The Sweetest Thing (2002)

Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)

The Smurfs 2 (2013)

Monster’s Ball (2001)

John WIck: Chapter 4 (2023)

Fallen (1998)

Outbreak (1995)

Scream (2023)

The Good Nurse (2022)

Fireflies in the Garden (2008)

Before Sunrise (1995)

Crooklyn (1994)

Scream (2022)

Band of Angels (1957)

Kramer vs Kramer (1979)

The 355 (2022)

Old (2021)

Come Sunday (2018)

All my Life (2020)

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)

Hellraiser (2022)

Roman Holiday (1953)

Creed III (2023)

Red Corner (1997)

The Laureate (2021)

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)

Red Notice (2021)

Dune (2021)

Sherlock Jr. (1924)

Disclosure (1994)

I killed my Mother (2009)

Next Exit (2022)

Submergence (2017)

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

The Vanishing (1993)

The Color Purple (1985)

The Long Hot Summer (1958)

Transcendence (2014)

Don’t be a Menace to South Central while drinking your Juice in the hood (1996)

Ransom (1996)

Deep Blue Sea (1999)

Cloud Atlas (2012)

The Mother (2023)

Elephant Song (2014)

Gosford Park (2001)

Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

The Girl in the Spider’s Web (2018)

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Swordfish (2001)

Moneyball (2011)

Official Secrets (2019)

Death at a Funeral (2010)

Killer Elite (2011)

Out of Africa (1985)

What’s love got to do with it? (1993)

Frankie and Johnny (1991)

The Hustler (1961)

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

Seberg (2019)

Escape Room: Tournament of Champions (2021)

Interstellar (2014)

Soul Food (1997)

Wait till dark (1967)

Mo’ Better Blues (1990)

In the Heights (2021)

Ghosted (2023)

Matthias & Maxime (2019)

Sweet Smell of Success (1957)

In the Cut (2003)

The Wood (1999)

Outlaw King (2018)

Donnie Brasco (1997)

Extraction (2023)

Little Nikita (1988)

The Illusionist (2006)

The Lady from Shanghai (1947)

Some like it Hot (1959)

Eve’s Bayou (1997)

The Aviator (2004)

Space Jam: A new Legacy (2021)

Clock (2023)

My Girl (1991)

Design for living (1933)

Everything Everywhere all at Once (2022)

Chain Reaction (1996)

Pandora and the flying Dutchman (1951)

Before Sunset (2004)

The Jackal (1997)

A Journal for Jordan (2021)

Candyman (2021)

Tequila Sunrise (1988)

Midnight (1934)

The Deer Hunter (1978)

Our Hospitality (1923)

Miami Vice (2006)

The Perfect Find (2023)

Just Cause (1995)

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

Our Brand is Crisis (2015)

Notorious (1946)

Crush (2022)

Striptease (1996)

Don’t worry Darling (2022)

The Lion in Winter (1968)

The Constant Gardener (2005)

Ben Hur (1959)

Deliver us from Eva (2003)

Fast X (2023)

Strange days (1995)

8mm (1999)

The Woman in the Window (2021)

Guys and Dolls (1955)

Sister Act (1992)

The Visitor (2022)

Dead Again (1991)

Spellbound (1945)

Air (2023)

Indiana Jones and the last Crusade (1989)

Carmen Jones (1954)

…and Justice for All (1979)

Honk for Jesus. Save your Soul (2022)

A Fish called Wanda (1988)

The Nutcracker and the four realms (2018)

Boogie Nights (1997)

Venom: Let there be Carnage (2021)

Bird Box: Barcelona (2023)

Hush…Hush Sweet Charlotte (1964)

Rumble in the Bronx (1995)

They cloned Tyrone (2023)

Once upon a time in America (1984)

The Wild One (1953)

Something New (2006)

Dying Young (1991)

Death Takes a Holiday (1934)

Me Myself and Irene (2000)

Friday Foster (1975)

One day (2011)

A good Year (2006)

Varsity Blues (1999)

High Noon (1952)

Men in Black 3 (2012)

Friday (1995)

Strait- Jacket (1964)

Step Up (2006)

Air Force One (1997)

Big Business (1988)

Breaking (2022)

Barbie (2023)

He who gets slapped (1924)

Near Dark (1987)

How Stella got her Groove back (1998)

The Joneses (2009)

Stardust (2007)

Heartburn (1986)

Mildred Pierce (1945)

Paid in Full (2002)

Awakenings (1990)

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Serpico (1973)

Amsterdam (2022)

Tom and Huck (1995)

Emancipation (2022)

Mademoiselle Ange -Ein Engel auf Erden (1959)

The Ninth Gate (1999)

No Sudden Move (2021)

The Rite (2011)

Her (2013)

King Rat (1965)

Labyrinth (1986)

Too Young to Die? (1990)

42 (2013)

One Night in Miami (2020)

That Thing you do (1996)

Lilies of the Field (1963)

Me before you (2016)

He got Game (1998)

Life as a House (2001)

Bhowani Junction (1956)

Pretty in Pink (1986)

Antebellum (2020)

Wild Things (1998)

Shadow in the Cloud (2020)

Fled (1996)

The Batman (2022)

No Time to Die (2021)

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

Vampire’s Kiss (1988)

Conspiracy Theory (1997)

Red, White and Royal Blue (2023)

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

The Postman (1997)

Enemy at the Gates (2001)

Out West (1918)

The Age of Innocence (1993)

Spider-Man: No way Home (2021)

Masquerade (1988)

Fair Play (2023)

Harlem Nights (1989)

Das Cabinet des Dr Caligari (1920)

Knock at the Cabin (2023)

The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)

Swing Time (1936)

Angels & Demons (2009)

The Dictator (2012)

Best Christmas Ever (2023)

Istanbul Için Son Çagri (Last call for Istanbul) (2023)

The Negotiator (1998)

Cuvari Formule (2023)

The Lady Eve (1941)

Family Switch (2023)

Shall we dance (1937)

Leave the World behind (2023)

The Killer (2023)

The Burial (2023)

Dead Presidents (1995)

Brothers (2009)

My Summer of Love (2004)

Oppenheimer (2023)

Rebel Moon: A Child of Fire - Part 1 (2023)

[jynxedshapeshifter]

I can now say I've finished Hazbin Hotel (granted I did like 10 hours ago then went to bed but STILL) so I'm gonna talk about it. I'll split this post into parts based on specific subjects I want to talk about to make it easier. Spoilers for Hazbin Hotel if you haven't seen it obviously.

Concept

I really love the concept of Hazbin Hotel, as well as how that concept is explored throughout the show. For additional context I'm ex-Mormon, so I grew up religious. Episode 6 hit me HARD in the religious trauma. Religious trauma will be another section, because I have a LOT of thoughts on it (especially on episode 6 and You Didn't Know). Anyway, the concept of Hazbin Hotel is something I really like, and it's something that I appreciate.

Character Designs

The character designs in Hazbin Hotel are so much fun tbh. It seems that 3 things affect the appearance of demons once they've died:

What they looked like in life

What they did in life

How they died

For example, Angel and his entire family's appearances are based on spiders because they operated a crime web. Alastor's appearance is based on a deer because of how he died. It's a detail I really really like, but then again I'm also someone who appreciates subtle animal traits in character designs (and Alastor's deer traits are absolutely subtle in his regular form). Also Husk expresses himself with his wings and it makes me want to design a character with wings lmao

Soundtrack

The soundtrack is great. Might have to rank the songs at some point idk. One of the things I love is the different music styles throughout the soundtrack. Loser, Baby feels like classic Broadway, You Didn't Know has rock elements, Out For Love has elements of Latin music, it's just a mix of different genres and I love it. Also I love that Hell's Greatest Dad is just Lucifer fighting with Alastor.

Art

I've always loved Vivziepop's art style. Hazbin Hotel is no different. Very fun and dynamic art style, and incredibly fun to see animated. The color palettes are also really nice; the character color palettes specifically are incredibly consistent across Hell and Heaven (lots of red, pink, and black for the demons, and lots of gold, white, and blue for the angels). I also really like that aside from post-ascension Sir Pentious none of the angels have animal motifs in their designs.

Characters

The character writing doesn't feel inconsistent. It's fun to watch the characters interact. Valentino is absolutely and utterly hateable. Alastor is incredibly fun to watch. I love the choice to give Husk a deep voice because the contrast with the little cat noises he sometimes makes is wonderful (especially his purring which is apparently completely involuntary, which is adorable). Husk's dyamic with Angel is also really nice and I love them.

Religious Deconstruction

Alright so as I said, I'm ex-Mormon (this section is long because of it lol). One of the reasons I love Hazbin Hotel as much as I do is because it deconstructs the hypocrisy I, and many other ex-Christians, talk about. So much of the heaven vs hell stuff I was taught is full of hypocrisy and lacks nuance. This is fully deconstructed in Welcome to Heaven, where Sera says that even she doesn't know what qualifies a soul for heaven (personally, I wouldn't be surprised if there are tons of souls in Hell that qualify but Adam and Lute are/were actively working to keep Hell overpopulated). As Emily and Charlie say during You Didn't Know, "If Hell is forever, then Heaven must be a lie" and if there's no redemption after death, even if you've ended up in Hell for mistakes (as is usually the case from what we see in the show; the only exception I can think of really is Alastor), what's the point?

Like, let's look at some of the sinners that end up at Hazbin Hotel.

Angel Dust was born into a crime family; I wouldn't be surprised if he was threatened into staying, especially because the rest of his family is also mostly in Hell with him, although it is also possible that he stayed by choice. Either way, he was born into that lifestyle, which is entirely out of his control. Did him being born into a mafia doom his soul to Hell? Did his choices effect it? Did his addiction send him to Hell, which is what's largely implied by Adam and Lute? What damned him? I doubt anyone in Heaven or Hell even knows, considering Sera doesn't know what qualifies a soul for Heaven.

Husk grew up in Vegas, specifically in a casino. This alone tells me it's not impossible his gambling addiction developed in life, not after he died. We don't know much about Husk so it'll be interesting to learn more about him, but from what we do know, and given Adam and Lute imply Angel's damnation to Hell was caused by addiction, I wouldn't be surprised if Husk's gambling addiction is what damned him.

Alastor was a serial killer and radio host in New Orleans in life, which is definitely what got him in Hell. The thing that makes Alastor's situation different from Angel or Husk is Angel and Husk seem to have been victims of circumstance; Alastor, unless I'm missing something, was a serial killer to be a serial killer, and fully embraces his status as a demon (whereas Angel and Husk are more or less like "Guess this is where I'm at now").

Sir Pentious ascended to Heaven after sacrificing himself for the friends he'd made at the hotel. He was apparently a Victorian era inventor and villain during life, which is likely what landed him in Hell. The fact that he was an active villain in life but was able to be redeemed is notable, and implies to me that anyone could be redeemed if they wanted to be. I think the difference between Sir Pentious vs Angel Dust and Husk is Angel Dust and Husk aren't in possession of their souls, which likely complicates ascension.

The rules feel incredibly arbitrary, and that's also the vibe I got when I was religious. If lust is a sin, what happens to people who have medical conditions that cause hypersexuality? What happens to people who make mistakes that are "damning" by Christian standards? Everything is so arbitrary. Bringing back the lyrics of You Didn't Know, this describes my experience with Mormonism flawlessly:

If Hell is forever, then Heaven must be a lie If angels can do whatever and remain in the sky The rules are shades of gray when you don't do as you say When you make the wretched suffer just to kill them again

I also want to point out that the sinner demon that Vaggie corners and then lets go in the flashback to the last Extermination she participated in during Welcome to Heaven is a fucking child. Children who die can go to Hell as sinner demons, and the Exorcists will kill them during Exterminations. Some might say "oh, that's in bad taste!" But I actually think it's a good example of further religious deconstruction. As a kid I was taught that if I did anything wrong, I would end up experiencing eternal damnation. Because of how Heaven is in Hazbin Hotel, I'm not at all surprised that some of the sinner demons are children. It also further shows how fucking corrupt Heaven is. Also, on the topic of Heaven's corruption, to everyone like "how the fuck are Adam and Lute still in Heaven???" it's more than likely to show the extent of corruption in Heaven.

(I do want to clarify that I don't think religion, including most denominations of Christianity, is inherently bad. However I do have religious trauma from my time in the Mormon church, and seeing a show deconstruct and criticize the worst parts of Christianity is incredibly comforting.)

[k12academics]

Phoenix Design Works is a branding, marketing and advertising creative firm with extensive experience in the educational, collegiate, consumer and pro sports marketplaces. Our leading business focus encompasses the following three areas:

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[kedreeva]

Do you have any sketches or more details on Max’s monster design from ur fic? I want to draw it but I don’t want to get anything wrong lol

She's a real fucked up peryton! I'll put photos and details and stuff under a cut for you so it doesn't stretch anyone's dashboard.

So a peryton is a winged deer. Usually they have feathered wings, but there's no feathers or fur in the upside down, so she has bat wings instead. If you do an image search for peryton, you'll get a lot of good images, but they're art so I don't wanna repost them.

Max looks like an elk instead of the more traditional whitetail/red deer perytons are typically modeled after:

Except much bulkier in the body when her wings are closed, with no fur anywhere

more spikes on her antlers, and a lion's tail that has, like... webbing from the rump to partway down it (please excuse my touchpad paint skills):

Instead of a face, she's got a lil faceplate like this, but not as bulgy, more like if her skull was exposed and it's just a smooth skull plate:

and her mouth does this thing when opened:

with a bonus of her front limbs ending in hands like this bad boy's:

and that's about what her skin all looks like too. Her hind limbs end in normal elk feet

Her wings fold in flush with her body, but since the flesh is all *gestures to the demogorgon above* they just look like more gross flesh. Also!! You can see on the above, the "ridge" that goes around the demogorgon's neck, like weird collarbones almost? She's got that ridge, except for her it's the alula claws/fingers of her wings. When she opens her wings, she loses a lot of bulk and looks as starved as the demogorgons do.

EDIT: OH I forgot, she breathes through operculi in her chest that look like this, but thinner slits, more like gills:

Real fucked up peryton monster! I'm sorry, I have no art skills anymore, but I assure you if you want to draw her, I will only see perfection.

[mayflowers07]

Hermit character designs that have little logic behind them but I feel like they would be fun (part three: all the remaining Hermits)

Keralis eyes are constantly changing at random. First they’re light blue and sparkly, then he blinks and they’re green cat eyes, he blinks and they’re fiery and pure red, he blinks and they look like Pearls, etc. No rhyme or reason and he can’t control it.

xB is amphibious. Gills along his neck will close on land and open underwater, his hands and feet are webbed, and his skin is slightly slimy all the time to keep from drying out (him and Jevin bond over being Slimy Bois)

Because Cleo is undead, she’s actually very eerie to look at. Her lifeless blank eyes, her body that doesn’t move to breath or twitch at all so it goes very very statue-like still at times, and her voice speaking through torn and rotted vocal cords that sounds like whispers in the wind shivering down your spine all lead to Cleo being very much in the Uncanny Valley- just barely not human anymore

Joe is some sort of fae, with pointed ears, skin tinted green, blacked out eyes, hair of growing grass and shrubbery, and magic that oozes from his words

TFC is essentially a living statue. His body is made of the heavy cobblestone he so frequently mines, with small pockets of other ores dotting his skin like freckles. Where humans get wrinkles in old age, he has gotten cracks along his laugh lines

Etho has shown his face before. He’s fully taken the mask off to eat, drink, or even just talk to the other Hermits. However not a single Hermit could tell you what he looks like without it on. Their memories of his face are just blurs, like the second they looked away from him, they already forgot what he looked like.

Iskall is actually a robot, completely inorganic. His mechanical eye showing is the robot equivalent to a scar, when years ago an opponent managed to cut the synthetic skin he’s covered with around his eye and reveal the machinery underneath

Beef is a bigger guy- he has thick thighs, a round stomach, and huge shoulders and arms. He definitely gives the best hugs but don’t be fooled, he’s still one, if not the, strongest Hermit by far

Gem is a nature spirit of the forest who often does take the form of a young woman but can take other forms as well. There are days where Gem will take the shape of a deer or a frog or other animals and just goes about her life like that like normal

[youarejesting]

Sly like a...? Part 9

[Master list] [Sly Master List] Beta: n/a (at the moment) Rating: All Pairing: Hybrid!BTS x FailedHybrid!Reader Genre: Hybrid au, fluff, action, adventure, angst, drama, slice of life. Some marked chapters will contain mature/smut scenes, BUT they will not have plot in those scenes and are 100% skippable without losing your place in the story. Words: 1.5k

Summary: Human’s strive to be better, faster and stronger looking to animal DNA. Thus Hybrids are born. As the rise for designer and Pedigree Hybrids increase, so do the failed attempts. There is one species scientists are unsuccessful in creating, but, folklore says they have been here all along, hiding and blending in with the humans for many millennia. How clever they are.

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Tonight you had decided to ask Hoseok what he wanted to eat for dinner. A quick knock on his always-open door and a peek inside showed him sitting on his bed. With his arms wrapped around his legs and his chin resting on his knees he looked young. He was staring forlornly at the wall, perhaps you thought he was feeling a little homesick. The city was much different from what he was used to. 

“Hoseok, hey?” You sat beside him the scent of fresh pine on his warm-toned skin. Waving your hand within his line of sight in an effort to gain his attention. The deer blinked, giving you a bright smile and a cheery laugh. 

“Sorry, I was lost in thought?” He straightened out his legs. You patted the soft comforter in front of you. 

“Shuffle your butt over here,” you spoke softly. He continued to face the wall and shuffled over, you pulled him to lay back against you, “Are you feeling homesick honey?”

“Yeah, I guess I miss nature. It’s just, it’s so bare” he muttered looking around his room, a desk with a laptop, a bed, and bedside tables he sniffed wiping his eyes on his sleeve. “I miss it.”

“How about we get you some plants as many as you want, to fill the room, if you really want we can tear up the carpet and lay down grass instead,” Hoseok laughed as you described a tall plant by his desk flowers on his bedside tables and hanging pots from the ceiling. “You can call them, that’s why I got you this,”

He nodded taking the phone you held out to him, he dialed a number and placed it to his ear. “Hello?” 

“Hello my sister,” he said, relaxing as he heard the familiar voice. 

“Hobi!” She called through the phone, which seemed to cause a commotion on the other end of the phone as many voices could be heard, “what is it like in the city? Are they treating you nicely? Have you been eating?”

“It’s really nice and everyone is so fun and nice and we eat lots of food together,” he cheered. The family was talking happily and you grinned scratching Hoseok's head happily laughing with him. 

“We are going to decorate his room with plants,” you assured his family that he was being treated well, “oh! tonight is your choice for dinner so what would you like?”

“Unnie, Hobi likes Japchae and meat,” his sister giggled over the phone and you leaned around Hoseok and grinned. 

“What you think Hobi-ah? Sounds good?” You used their nickname teasingly but in hopes, he would feel more at home and at ease around you. 

“Mm, Hobi wants japchae!” He said cutely, making you laugh, you gently pushed his firm and warm body until he was sitting up enough to slip out from behind him. 

“Alright, you keep talking I will round up Jin and Yoongi and we will get to work cooking,” bidding your goodbyes to Hoseok’s family, you headed out to the kitchen. Yoongi was tying up his apron and Jin was playing video games with the youngest of the group. 

You decided against asking Jin as he seemed truly engrossed in playing his video games. Sorting out ingredients and finding a recipe Yoongi and yourself shuffled around the kitchen. There were moments where you reached over where he was cutting vegetables and your shoulders would brushed and just for a second you would hear a small purr. 

Jin lost to Jungkook and pouted, scuffing his slippers as he entered the kitchen, “Ya! The game likes Jungkook better!” He whined, with a grin on your face you pulled him into a hug. Arms wrapping around his tiny waist as you buried your face in the soft sweater he was wearing, it smelt sweet like figs and his ears twitched. 

“I am just happy you tried your best,” you praised him, as you felt the vibrating chittering in his chest almost like a purr but more like a rattle. He nuzzled your hair breathing in your scent. You got him to join in with the cooking. Your instructions interrupted by Taehyung who was complaining about being hungry.

Sliding between the two hybrids to get past, you got some ingredients from the fridge. You sat at the breakfast bar mixing the ingredients in a big metal bowl. Taehyung had been your neighbor for at least five years now and you knew his favorite foods. 

“Try this and tell me how it is?” you held a ball of rice out in a plastic gloved hand and he leaned in eating it. His eyes lighting up. He gave a deep mmh-mm of approval and his tail was smacking Jungkook in the thigh, the young boy looking at the offending appendage and swatted it away.

“Me too, noona” He smiled pointing to his mouth and you popped one of the Jumeokbap onto his tongue. He chewed it happily his cheeks puffed full, a purr filling the room loudly. You turned to Jin offering him a taste, he praised it with a thumbs up.

Carrying the bowl around to Yoongi you smiled, “You want to try one Yoongi?” He didn’t reply but leaned his head towards you eyes on the food mouth opened.

He let you put one in his mouth, and you pressed your ear to Yoongi’s shoulder, his purrs were definitely the quietest out of all the felines in the house, they were ones that vibrated deeply in his chest but didn’t make too much noise unless it was really quiet and you listened intently.

“I smell tuna!” Jimin grinned bounding over his long legs barely touched the ground and he smiled, “Me love, one for me”

You were trying to roll one but he had started rubbing his face on your jaw and neck impatiently, as he purred sweetly, “I am making it as fast as I can,” the words barely came out through your giggles his soft hair tickling your neck, his ears twitching at the sound.

“Here try this one,” he leaned in wrapping his mouth around the rice ball his eyes never leaving yours. “Is it good?”

“Mm very good” he hummed standing behind you his hands wrapped around your waist as you made one for Namjoon. He held out his hand and ate it, nodding before awkwardly shuffling around waiting for the food to finish. Hoseok exited his room smiling brightly, it seemed the conversation with his family had eased his loneliness.

Namjoon at dinner was a little scary all he could see was food and his deep purrs were so loud that it almost sounded like thunder rumbling outside. You brought up the question at dinner and watched them all choke on their food. 

“It is only natural, I am just wondering when and if you know your rut schedule so I can put it on the calendar and if you need any assistance during this time we can look for a suitable companion or items that can relief your needs.”

Jungkook was bright red and Jimin thought honestly, “I don’t need assistance but if when I am not in my room we could cuddle,”

“I also do not require assitance I will just be in my room,” Namjoon said with a small reassuring smile.

“I have never had a rut,” Jungkook said his cheeks never losing their rosey colour, “They gave us a hormone blocker every six months so we would behave, we just got really annoyed”

You nodded they all seemed to agree that they would be fine on their own in their room but you thought you would look into somethings as a fail safe. After your goodnights to each of the boys giving them a sweet kiss on their foreheads, you sat on Jungkook’s bed and told him more of the stories of the fox.

“In Korean legends, the Kumiho is often described as a terrifying and sad creature that strives to become a real human. It is said that a Kumiho can turn into a real human by eating 100 human livers or by marrying a human and living with them for 100 days without their true identity being discovered. There are many more theories on how they came to be but they…”

Once everyone was tucked in, you spent the night in the lounge. Searching the web for eligible companions and items that could assist the seven young men. You hoped they were all settling in nicely. A figure appeared in the hall, ringing his tail in his hands, you gave a soft smile, surprised as the figure came closer.

It wasn’t Jimin as you had first thought, it was Jungkook, you walked him back to bed and he whispered, “I am nervous what if I do something bad during my rut?”

“I know your true nature Jungkook, I know you don’t want to hurt any of the boys or even myself and when the rut passes well then you will be back to the old Koo we know and love.”

“Can you sleep in my room tonight?” He said and seeing your apprehension he added, “Just until I fall asleep?”

“Alright just until you fall asleep.” Not knowing how exhausted you were and how the bed was so soft and enticing. You had fallen asleep almost instantly, letting Jungkook pull you into his arms and nuzzle your shoulder.

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[and-there-were-words]

A Spider Life: Slow days (Chapter 05)

I first wanted to write something out of the Spider Queen’s POV, but struggled to keep it within the narrative I am going for at the moment. I will write something for her after what’s show-canon though. A slow one with some more HCs, but I hope you still enjoy this chapter!

Also “Ask questions” had been enabled, I did not notice they weren’t before /o/

---

Taking place some time before “Minor scale”.

After the last two, rather smooth successes of gathering the artifacts, things had turned… slow. With everyone doing their best to busy themselves, Syntax makes some (for him at least) interesting observations. (Wordcount: around 2150)

---

With the mirror in their possession, the little lady had grown silent while working on the furnace. Aside from that whisper business of course, that had been a constant the last few days. And while nobody wanted to admit it out loud, it put everyone on the edge. Even the Queen.

However, nothing would stop Syntax from working on his spiderbots, even trying to improve the additional arms on his back. Not the easiest thing to do when you don’t have eyes on the back of your head, but making sure they just won’t snap in the heat of a moment felt rather crucial. The additional weight to this upgrade wasn’t exactly a worry to him at all, in the end he wasn’t one of the brawler types.

Something in the air changed, making him halt for a second.

“Yes Huntsman, how can I help you?”, he spoke without needing to look up. The other spider made a frustrated noise at being detected, he had been just mere inches away to give the scientist a poke. With an annoyed huff he turned around to stomp back to Goliath. Syntax would be lying to say if the other's frustration didn't plug on a string of satisfaction. This sort of interactions had been going on for a while now.

Leaning back, just to give his spine a proper stretch, the scientist couldn’t help but feel a little bit proud of himself. Just the progress he had made the last few days was satisfying, and not only the ones on his machines – but himself too. Huntsman had taken a sadistic joy in startling him whenever he could, and he was infuriatingly good at it. Though, Syntax started to pick up on the faint noises the hunter made when stepping on stone, the shuffling of clothes. Eventually he could catch him prior to a scare.

Which only goaded Huntsman to try even harder, becoming more and more silent and careful in his steps. Syntax had taken recordings to measure the changes of skill level (and for his own sanity) – by now, the hunting spider was so silent that even his gadgets could barely pick up the sounds anymore. Certainly a skill Huntsman had all along, but finally seemed to shake off the initial rust after his involuntary slumber. With the knowledge that he wouldn’t be able to catch him on that anymore, the scientist tried to focus on other giveaways.

What had started as an obvious attempt on grilling his nerves, developed into a near playful banter. Just the wordless back and forth to get the other to try harder. In an odd way, it almost felt like Huntsman was training him, but he was careful to keep that thought to himself. Syntax knew better than to read too much into the hunter's actions, as chaotic as they were.

Nonetheless, the scientist found himself trying to imitate the hunter now and then. Since the guy was going on about smelling all kind of stuff, he gave it a try himself. At first not picking up much more than the damp air in the cave, the metal of the machines. It took him a while to find stronger differences, trying to casually walk past Goliath and the Queen. He found it rather surprising that they didn't seem to do much to hide their presence, but maybe it was simply the comfort of the cave that allowed them to do so.

Picking up on Huntsman was an entirely different beast. The man always seemingly on guard, always ready to appear and disappear. However with time, the scientist managed to actually pick up on Huntsman’s scent, as faint as it was. Kind of earthy, a little bit mildewed, and Syntax could swear there was the ever lingering hint of fresh blood. Did this guy ever wash that pelt of his?

Of course, he would never claim that his own sense of scent was as powerful as the hunter’s, but it was enough to know who was currently around the cave. The little lady didn't seem to have any telltales like these, which usually would've raised red flags in his mind but… he didn't question it, nobody else did either. Anything else he came in contact with, the scents of the surface… became a mixed blend of too much too quickly. Maybe a task for another time.

Aside from that, scent and hearing weren’t the only senses he had noticed an improvement in! Their lair seemed to have become much less dark, he wasn’t as dependable on his goggles as he used to be anymore. What before had looked like chunky and random bits of webbing, now unveiled themselves as carefully crafted pieces with intriguing patterns, with uses he was still starting to understand. Goliath did his best to explain them in more 'common' terms, and it was always a pleasant surprise to see how excited the large spider became to share his knowledge. The more time Syntax spent within the Silk Web Cave, the more beautiful this place became to him. A pride welling up that he lived here.

However their hideout wasn’t the only thing that was much more layered than he previously thought. Turning around in his seat, he watched the other two henchmen going about their day. Currently sticking their heads together over something he couldn't see from his position. Still, he watched them a little, while he was sorting further observations in his mind.

...to no one’s surprise, when he wasn’t within the lair, Huntsman was hunting. Or at least, somewhere outside doing who knows what for days on end. Yet always coming back with some good pieces of meat, roots and berries (but mainly meat). The first time Syntax saw the hunter preparing food for dinner, he nearly refused to partake in it. Mostly because he couldn’t imagine his meals to taste anything but bland, or worse, be poisoned. Color him surprised, that stew was better than most dishes the Queen would concoct on a daily basis. Another thought Syntax would take to his grave before speaking it out loud.

When Huntsman wasn’t around for dinner, and everyone else felt too lazy to scavenge for some proper food options, Goliath and he would order takeout. The strong spider clearly intrigued by this concept, always wanting to try something new. Syntax often questioned the sanity of the cityfolk, considering that the delivery people didn’t had much care to come down near a spider den. The food from the surface world had something comforting to the scientist, as cheap and artifical as it sometimes was. Though he was really craving noodle soup as of late and he wasn’t entirely sure why. Syntax let out a little sigh while standing up.

This whole food thing had also shown an interesting side on Goliath. While the Queen and Huntsman didn’t seem to particularly care about human food (the latter even openly showing his distaste for it), the strong spider had taken a deep fascination. Especially sweets and candies seemed to have struck his attention the most. More than once did Syntax catch him just trying some new trendy food or colorful jawbreaker that he got from… who knows where. Goliath didn’t make any of this a secret, however he clearly wasn’t one with a rotten sweet-tooth as he barely finished anything. “For science.”, he once said with a wink and didn’t elaborate any further. Okay then.

“What are you two doing?”, Syntax casually asked as he wandered closer to the two. The strong spider looked up in confusion for a second before giving the younger man a smirk, “Secrets”. The scientist blinked owlishly, circling around them to look over the smaller spider’s shoulder. There were parchments of leather, deer if Syntax would have to guess, with Huntsman trying to draw squares and circles. Large black smudges here and there told the story of many previous attempts, letting the edges of the material look almost black by now.

"Get away from me.", the kneeling spider hissed, Syntax complying with an annoyed eye roll. Looking back at the larger man in an unspoken question. "We want to make a new robe for the Queen.", the giant almost beamed with excitement. Only for the big smile to water down in mild disappointment, "Buddy ain't good at designing though."

"If you wouldn't be just so damn picky!", Huntsman shot back, smudging away his latest attempt. "Just let me do what I do best, I know what I am d-"

"No!", Syntax flinched a little in surprise. It wasn't exactly an usual thing for Goliath to argue, or to even interrupt someone. "I want this to be special and you just can't get the patterns right! For the Queen's sake, just follow a plan for once!"

The scientist had to raise a brow. This was the first time he ever saw the two of them actually butting heads and… he had to admit, it was a little bit refreshing. Letting his eyes wander to some other pieces of leather, recognizing the sketches as copies from the patterns all over the cave. This one was a sigil of warding, as he had learned the other day, and a few were the Queen's own emblem. In case some other spider demon decided to come here, they would immediately know who's domain they dared to enter. The rest of those, he had not gotten an explanation yet.

"If I may.", mechanical arms shoved Huntsman unceremoniously to the side. Crouching down to pick up one of the charcoal, he started to draw. He was no expert on how to draw people by any means, but it certainly resembled the queen more than any of Huntsman's attempts. With careful strokes, he designed a fairly simple cut, working in the patterns on how he would think would look good on the Queen. It didn't pass him that the other two were watching with bated breath.

Once done, the scientist sat back on his heels, giving his creation a proper look. Not too shabby, if he may say so himself.

"Oh this is really good, Syntax!", Goliath cheered, looking like he wanted to touch the sketch but didn't dare to. On the other end of the emotional spectrum, Huntsman almost looked like he was about to explode.

"The fuck is your problem.", the elder hissed in dreadful silence, whole body tense and twitching. "What do you think you are!", he now became louder but Syntax did his best to just give him a neutral expression and not to budge. Which may not have been the best idea, as it only agitated the other further. The hunter was now standing, looming over him. "You really think you can just come in here and do whatever?! Think you can just be part of this??"

Large and sharp spider legs lashed out, in reflex Syntax let out a startled cry and raised his arms in an attempt of protection. But the pain didn't come. They hadn't aimed at him, instead… having shred the parchment with the sketches to bits. "I REFUSE TO WEAVE THIS."

Like an angry lion, the hunter had bared his fangs in a snarl. For a moment, Syntax was still prepared to be hit by the other, but the hunter suddenly turned around and just. Left. Goliath looked torn between the two men, mouthing a silent "Sorry" before hurrying after his friend.

A breath he didn't know he was holding, escaped his lungs. Syntax crumbled a bit to the floor, bitter thoughts flooding in. Just when he thought things were doing okay. Of course he had to step right into a sensitive nerve for the older spider. Heavy clicking pulled him out of his thoughts, but he couldn't care at the moment to look presentable before the Queen.

Spider Queen looked between the tired scientist and shredded pieces of leather, no apparent expression showing. But of course there was a glint of recognition in her eyes. "Why y'all causing such a ruckus?" Syntax sighed silently, giving a brief summary of the recent events.

The silence that followed was uncomfortable, the scientist not entirely sure how his Queen would react. To his surprise, she let out a little tired sigh. "Weaving is something quite personal to us. Especially if we do it for someone else.", she explained without really looking back at him. Instead giving the destroyed sketches another glance. "Just pretend this never happened. He'll get over it." With that, she simply left.

Syntax pulled his lips into a frown. Just ignore this all? If Huntsman got over it or not, it did not matter. His fists clenched a little, looking at the floor, choking and holding back bitter tears he could feel burning in hte back of his eyes. Syntax was more upset that he apparently wasn't allowed to be an actual part of this clan, no matter how hard he tried.

[swampythesweetsketch]

 Fun idea I had this morning but I want to share with you guys for fun.

NSR GUARDIAN ANIMAL AU

Gist of AU is that someone/something is born with a tiny, magical animal that accompanies them.

Think Golden Compass but everything gets a animal, and the animals also act as magical instruments.

Imma call these creatures "Notels".

Qwasa energy is the lifeblood of these creatures, of which means the world is rampant with energy. Drawback is that the city's blackouts are caused by a lack of artists openly preforming for the energy to freely flow.(Unknown to NSR)

NSR are the major power to Vinyl City due to their rare instance of multiple/being bigger than average Notels.

Buildings have Notels that act as protector to their home (confined to that one space). They stay until the home is demolished, they will continue to exist to supply their home(s) with energy until they are exhausted of all musical resources.

Security bots have their own Notels, but the animals are smaller, chibi versions that focus their energy on keeping their mechanical holders charged at all times. They can hop onto other bots if their initial bot is destroyed in combat and will scurry off to new energy sources if there is no other bots around.

Human(oid) figures have more normal sized Notels that turn into various instruments that match up to their talents. They can also turn into other objects, but Notels are more music focused.

Non-music Notels are often referred as Nolls.

TIME TO HOP TO THE CAST AND PLOT

Bunk Bed Junction!

The two are still a band, but their sewers becomes a underground cavern that has old scriptures that depicts the more open, free flowing energy of Notels. They wish to join NSR in hopes of opening up the freedom of performance to other artists.

Pretty much like the OG B2J, but their focus is changed a bit to help Notels become stronger beings to help Vinyl City climb out of the black outs.

As Vinyl City keeps getting the blackouts and music tastes have all become selective, many Notels have started disappearing due to their respective genres starting to die out in the EDM dominate city.

Mayday's Notel is a rat! A smart creature that came to her in early age, it turns into her guitar. It stays perched in her hair and loves the food from Aunty, as to why B2J are regulars.

Aunty's Noll is a octopus, that turns its tentacles into various cooking utensils. I thought you might like to know.

Zuke's Notel ia Ellie! The little alligator uses their back scales as Zuke's drums and fangs as drumsticks! Ellie is still an integral support character as she and Zukes share the only braincell in the group.

Kill, who pops in after DJSS, has a armadillo Noll that turns into his phone.

First Artist, DJ Subatomic Supernova.

The first NSR artist they face off against is DJ Subatomic Supernova. His Notel is a dog, a nod to Laika, the first animal to ever orbit the Earth.

The Notel is made of pure Qwasa, with rings around its tail that turn into the scratch discs DJSS uses with a custom turntable. These rings will always burn up and become compact Qwasa stars that fizzle out over time. These stars are the main energy source for Club Planetarium.

The dog is massive, about the same size as DJSS. It's breed is best described as a greyhound.

Second Artist, Sayu.

She herself is a Notel!!! Kura Kura Stream Hun was once a interactive hologram theater that fell under, and Sayu was once a little fish Notel that swam around the building. When the place went under, she was alone for years.

It wasn't until the new NSR kids found Sayu and evolved their idea of reviving their old favorite building into a giant aquarium for Sayu to preform. And in debut of her inclusion to the NSR artists, Sayu evolved into the mermaid you see today!

The kiddos do have their own Notels that work as the aquatic buddies to Sayu!

Tila writes Sayu's lyrics and the beta singer of all the mermaid's song. She's the only one in the four creators that has a Notel. That is a vibrant green-red beta fish that turns into a small microphone for Tila to sing into.

Remi is the artist of the group, his Noll is a sunfish that uses its body as a drawing surface. When drawn on with a new design, it will swim around Sayu and act as a "magical transformation" of sorts.

Dodo is the choreographer for Sayu, teaching her the moves for her shows. His Nolls are mossballs. Tiny little things that act as the tail in Dodo's routines to help Sayu understand the whole of her dancing!

Sofa, the editor, has eel nolls that work in the background with him to navigate the theater and control lighting and setting for Sayu's preformance. He's the one with the strongest Nolls as their energy helps fluctuate the surroundings.

Third Artist, Yinu!

Her district is unique as she is a classical prodigy that seems to be the only other genre kept actively alive in Vinyl City.

Her Notel is a gosling, who uses their feathers as piano keys. The keys break apart over time as Yinu and her Notel are not fully grown, so she does most of her preformances with a physical piano until then.

Her mother's Noll is a spider, who uses their webs to create iron bars to trap B2J.

During Yinu's last stand in battle, her piano is broken already, so she and her Notel work together. But her Notel is near exhausted of feathers and has to stop when B2J reach her. They stay to help Yinu calm down and wait for her mother to shrink back down. They leave when the mother and daughter play the broken piano, helping Yinu's Notel regain energy.

Fourth Artist, 1010!

Neon J has a Moose Noll. I’m not sorry. It shrunk a bit since he became a cyborg to help charge his body. Back then it had to rely on tricking Neon J to sleep with soft lullabies to tune out the war going on, but now it can choose to stop feeding him its energy to force him to sleep.

White/Rin has a tiny wolf Notel that turns into a long microphone stand, he uses it for solos. Other than that, its a little wolf puppy that chases Rin around to keep him charged.

Red/Zimelu has a cockatiel Notel that turns into a microphone/drumstick combo. A single long, thin stick that Zim can sing into to generate a flat disc that sharpens into a circular saw, the handle acting as... the handle. 

The cockatiel loves perching on his arm and nibble his ascot.

Yellow/Haym has a rabbit Noll! It has a reaaaalllyy fluffy tail that pop off into pompoms! Haym loves using them to boost the moral of his team! When not in use, it lays in the faux ascot of Haym’s- he really had a hoodie hood for his rabbit to stay in!

Blue/Purl-Hew has a Snake Noll that extends it’s tail into a thread-thin whip. He uses it to grab his teammates out of danger. The snake loops around his neck and has constant yawns since Purl-Hew doesn’t exert a lot of energy outside of work.

Green/Eloni has a Cat Notel! It turns itself into cat ears headphones with a little microphones. When not doing anything else, it lops in the circle on Eloni’s head and cat naps there. He has trouble keeping his head straight sometimes, but he can never remove his precious chunk. 💚

When B2J crash their party, Mayday is terrified of Eloni’s cat and Purl-Hew’s snake cause she thinks they might eat her rat (Who she has gone to call Chebbar. Like Cheddar, but with a B).

When 1010 are nearly destroyed, all the Notels/Nells freak out in hopes of repairing their respective boys, but this only makes things work as they are what cause 1010 to ultimately explode.

When Neon J comes to the scene- atop 1010 limousine. No matter where I fight whether near or far- I bleed in the name of NSR-

When Neon J comes to the scene, he and his MEGA MOOSE NOLL (who turns into a rapier with many disfigured blades that hut out like antlers.

The Mother Machine that keeps spawning 1010′s new bodies has its own Noll that is respectively a doe. All of 1010′s Notels/Nolls rush to their protection. Moose dad and Deer mom are PISSED.

All the Notels and Nolls cling to their beaten owners after the fight, the doe keeps close to Neon J when the Mother Machine is destroyed.

Fourth Artist, Eve.

Eve has two Nolls, peacocks that are pink and white respectively. They turn into her masks or Humor and Tragedy.

When one is used, the other uses its feathers to construct large arms and hands that chase B2J around. When they swap, all hands and arms melt into puddles that can still cause damage if stepped in. They evaporate after a little bit.

The peacocks steal Eve and try to run into the white void when she’s defeated, pecking Zuke when he catches up to them and talks to Eve. They eventually deescalates the tension and pet them while they talk.

They follow B2J outside the studio in order to combine their feathers into a key that unlocks the gate to NSR tower.

Final Artist, Tatiana.

Tatiana has a Noll, a steel gray hummingbird. It looks dead a majority of the time. It may look rejuvenated one second, but the next it will look drained of all life. Tatiana refuses to acknowledge her Noll’s problem.

When B2J encounters Tatiana, they battle with their music which seems to revive the Noll. That catches Mayday’s attention.

Mayday goes in to shame Tatiana for neglecting her Noll’s need for Rock, revealing B2J’s motive for auditioning in the first place. 

To save the Notals, dying form the lack of their genre being played and oppressing artists that don’t fall in line of EDM.

Tatiana is caught off guard by the revelation, but listening to Mayday’s complaint, she turns her Noll into the clock hand blades she battles with. Using the rock music played by B2J to fuel her Noll’s power.

Mayday and Zuke are forced to drop their Rock solo and battle with EDM mixed with their tunes. The combination boosting their power enough to  overcome Tatiana ‘s attack.

As the battle concludes, the clock tower releases Tatiana’s guitar, who reveals to a phoenix Notel that has been supplying the tower with the majority of its power since Tatiana abandoned her old persona, Kul Fyra.

Kliff comes into the scene, and using Tatiana’s weakened Notel and Noll against her, takes control of them to grab the last bit of power from NSR.

All the defeated artists call in to see Tatiana, beaten. It is there that everyone is then told how the lack of genres have been killing off the Notels and causing the blackouts. But Tatiana refuses the idea... then her Noll collapses. 

Mayday and Zuke rush to the Noll’s aid and play their music for the poor thing. Kliff chews Tatiana out for not seeing the obvious. He misses the hypocrisy in his speech, as he only idolizes Rock as the definitive music genre of Vinyl City.

During their fight, Kliff uses his Noll to control the tower’s system and the satellite starts to fall.

The finale continues as normal, the districts are returned to their respective Artists, and Tatiana puts the call out for artists of all genres to come to the Grand Qwasa to preform like never before.

Kliff, seeing a error in his ways a little too late, gives back Tatiana’s Notels and leaves his own Noll behind with her.

Lyrics screamed, horns blasted, drums punctured, string snapped.

The blow of musical energy surges the Grand Qwasa as the whole city glows in a light long missed as every single artist plays their heart out. 

But it works, the tower transforms with the help of its Noll (a metronome) and flings the satellite back into orbit.

Mayday is given Tatiana’s offer to join NSR and refuses, and instead is gifted her Notel.

Tatiana’s Noll is fully revived and reveals to be another phoenix, still steel gray but it’s body burning brighter than ever before.

The announcement is made to restructure NSR, and in so, Vinyl City is opened alive once more to revived and brand new Notels.

ANNNNNNNNDDDD that’s the end! Thanks for reading my rambling of a AU that doesn’t change a lot but was fun to make! 

Byyyeeeeeee!!!!!!!

[battle-of-alberta]

OCtober: Lilith and Red

Once again take a look at the tourism sites. Is there a city you’d rather visit? I’m curious to know!

Lethbridge | Red Deer

Below is some meta stuff about the ‘research’ (if you can even call it that, it was more of a vibe check) I did for re-doing the profiles. Read on, if it intrigues you.

Mid-Sized Cities: Lethbridge and Red Deer

At first glance, it's hard to tell whether trying to fit Lethbridge and Red Deer into the major city rivalry mold is either productive or relevant. The two cities are distribution hubs of their respective regions, have closely competing populations as well as a growing post-secondary community, and are both hitting their stride in representing parts of Alberta that are typically overshadowed by its larger urban centers. There were "no hard feelings" between the two as Lethbridge's stability and its position as a city uniquely independent of the oil and gas boom/bust cycle allowed it to once again surpass Red Deer in size. It seems that there's a long history of commonality and always just enough room to share the third place podium

Website Round Up Premise

While I was revisiting these character profiles, I took a look at how cities represented themselves on their municipal sites and tourism sites rather than how cities were represented in the news or in stereotypes, as the latter already tend to live in the back of my head. I was interested to see who the target audiences for each city were, what they considered their strengths, and how much effort each city put into putting its own identity on display. I was also interested into what ideas sort of fed into any pre-existing confirmation bias I had about each city's personality as well as interested in what narratives might be used to counteract negative stereotypes.

The first thing I tended to notice was the overall information architecture of each city's website. How easy were they to navigate? What kinds of information did they have? How did they organize it? How did they communicate that information?

Municipal: Out and About

Lethbridge's information architecture leaves a little to be desired... instead of the obvious first tab "Living Here", the "About Lethbridge" page was hidden under "Things to Do" (in an ever extending sidebar reminiscent of older web design). The city portrays itself as a "central" location despite being the last major stop before the U.S. border, which is an interesting contrast to Red Deer's "true" central nature. Still, as southern Alberta is the true "birthplace" of the modern province, the city's pride in being the centre of the South is well earned. The About Page includes a lot of geographical and climate statistics and also helpfully defines words such as "coulee" and "chinook" and "viaduct", which are integral to understanding the environmental context. Lethbridge makes up for what it lacks in organization by being the only city to offer a downloadable colouring book on its about page. Underneath this page is a separate City Identity page for city emblems and symbols, with brief explanations and images of each. There are also a couple pages about the history of the city.

Lethbridge also has a page in their "About" section for visitors, linking them to the tourism pages of the city, the region, and suggesting their own "Top Ten" suggested activities for visiting families.

Red Deer has its "About" section as the first tab on its site, although the large number of categories provide different pieces to the puzzle rather than directing a visitor to a single page. Emblems, symbols, facts and trivia are all squirrelled away under "History" (although many of the facts are short of a little context). The "Moving to Red Deer" page has a more general overview, describing the city as "easy to get around" but with amenities of a larger city. There's also a "Downtown Red Deer" page which describes the three districts of the city centre with six themes: great streets, great places, great connections, vitality, authenticity, and sustainability. Finally, there's a section called "We Are Red Deer" with a promotional video and statement about the city, emphasizing "real" (work-life?) balance, a can-do volunteer attitude, and a city that is the ideal blend of urban and rural.

Red Deer also has citizen-contributed stories and i was Entranced by The Case of the Bolting Bovine in which a cow just. got loose in a suburb. great video.

Overall, both city sites struck me as accommodating and trying to be welcoming and accessible, even if those goals weren't always reached. Lethbridge tended to focus more on environment while Red Deer tended to focus more on the welcoming temperament of locals. I also got the initial impression that Red Deer had put a little more thought in their branding than Lethbridge in both organization and self-description; the site was more oriented to new residents than Lethbridge's as well. However, Lethbridge has an excellent "internal" brand in its promotion of its colouring book and the adorable illustrations and animations I found scattered here and there. They also refer to their history through mural art, which strikes a unique contrast with the extensive archival material featured on Red Deer's deep historical pages.

Neither city had a particularly strong guide for prospective residents, but neither city is as concerned as smaller municipalities might be with attracting them.

Tourism: Staycation Destination

Finally, both cities also have tourism pages.

Both cities are providing regular COVD-19 updates and encouraging local tourism. Lethbridge encourages the hashtag #YQLocal while Red Deer suggests #ExploreRedDeersBackyard.

Interestingly, both tourism pages feature "Ask A Local" or "Local Insider" stories and tips that are very cute. Red Deer has a panel of local experts which visitors can direct questions to, such as "What should be the city's motto?" or "What is an iconic Red Deer dish?". Lethbridge structures an entire section of the website as "Insider Tips", which includes frequent blog updates about local events, an "About Lethbridge" page, but most interestingly includes an "Authentic Lethbridge" page. This page features links to sites like TripAdvisor and Twitter where visitors can explore the reviews and hashtags for the city outside of their tourism page, which struck me as an interesting option considering that it was the only tourism site that encouraged looking at information or opinion that was not curated to paint a 'sunday best' portrait of the city.

Tourism: We’re Headed Downtown

Both cities describe themselves on distinct pages.

Lethbridge has an impressive about page in the sense that less is more, a large image of the viaduct sets the tone for the short description below, which is concise if not vivid or particularly unique. It feels as if the site is confident that Lethbridge speaks for itself.

Red Deer's about page is a little more informative, but you'll have to scroll down and squint or you might overlook it. The description is very warm and genuine, painting the city as the heart of a beautiful agritourism destination filled with active and friendly volunteers (which echoes Calgary's Olympic branding...). It also bolds the sentence "We are fiercely proud of our community and the quality of life it affords." and for some reason it sounds just a tiny bit threatening?!

Tourism: Hitchhiker’s Guide

Both cities have downloadable guides.

It's kind of adorable that Lethbridge takes full advantage of having a digital guide and embeds teeny tiny YouTube videos on the cover and throughout the pages. This year's guide also basically admits straight up that 2020 kind of sucks, and I respect that.

Red Deer's guide is from last year and has a beautiful, colourful design. The theme of this guide is "Adventure" from cover to cover, and the image/text balance is well employed.

It's interesting to see the different priorities of each guide. Lethbridge tends to focus more on museums, galleries, cultural experiences and interpretive centers before looking towards the great outdoors, dining, and sport. Red Deer's guide launches right into extreme sports and the local food scene, which are similarly reflected as the top two draws on their website. It is pretty interesting that this is very often the case for other analyses I've made: Southern Alberta seems to be more concerned with arts and culture while Northern Alberta is a little more sport and recreation. (And since the major cities are the only ones left and I have an Edmonton bias, I'm interested to see how my own tourism site is going to spin what I think I know to be true, haha.)

I got the impression Lethbridge assumed its visitors would be visiting family in the area - maybe it's due to COVID-19 restrictions that family is their focus this year, but I'd be curious to see if this continues. Red Deer's guides were naturally much more focused on the urban corridor traffic and really stressed an "escape" for commuters.