#able to challenge a god in his own domain

[farsight-the-char]

Immortal Thor issue 4 preview.

All-Father of Asgard and the Voice of Sol have Words.

[literallyjusttoa]

Friendship is Magic (Post-Toa Version)

About a year ago I made a couple posts about some niche gods I wanted Apollo to become friends with and now I’m back at it! Have some more post-toa relationships for our dear boy. (Warning, this is really long)

Prometheus: Ok, so I actually already said I want Apollo and Prometheus to be friends, but over the last year I have only grown to find this idea to be so interesting. I see the two of them as being so similar, with a strong love and respect for mortals, and a bleeding heart that ostracizes them from their family, who are more easily able to turn a blind eye to any tragedies that occur. But while I think their base personalities and motivations are similar, I think their tactics differ just enough to cause conflict. But the two respect each other so much that they can push and pull at each other enough to find a middle ground. Apollo has always been impressed by Prometheus’ craftiness, and lengths he’s willing to go for his own beliefs. Prometheus has held affection for Apollo for a long time, mainly bc he’s Leto’s son and he pleaded with Zeus to let Prometheus out of his punishment. Recently tho, Prometheus has been relieved to finally see another immortal who is just as against the state of Olympus as he is.

Idk if I’m explaining this right, but like. Apollo’s going to spend a lot of time trying to bring his family around to accepting the flaws of Olympus and the way they treat mortals. And that’s good! And he wants to do that! But when you’ve been a victim of a corrupt system, and then you have to spend a lot of mental energy helping other people realize how much this system hurts people, it can be such a relief to talk with someone who already agrees with you that things are fucked. LIke, “yeah, you don’t have to convince me that you’ve been hurt, I’m not going to challenge you on that at all, or try to justify it, I just believe you, and I agree that things need to change.” That’s what I want these two to be for each other. 

Menoitios: The brother of Prometheus, and Titan of violent rage and rashness. If Prometheus allows Apollo to air out his hurt, Menoitios helps him to work with the violent, and often terrifying responses he’s had to the trauma he’s ignored. Apollo has not been a good person, and he is often horrified by the actions he’s taken in the past. Instead of letting him spiral, Menoitios tells him that he can’t stop these behaviors until he finds the reasons behind them. He also tells Apollo that the emotion that often led to him lashing out and hurting or even killing others, that feral rage that came from being raised up in such a toxic society and being harmed on such a deep level, does not have to be inherently harmful. They work through coping mechanisms, and work on using that rage to make real change. Oftentimes, Apollo and Menoitios can be found sparring, no holds barred. They go until their energy is spent, and then Menoitios carts Apollo over to Prometheus and caringly forces him to talk it out. 

Aporia: Aporia is one of Nyx’s kids! I picked her specifically bc while there are a lot of Nyx’s children that I think would be interesting for Apollo to interact with, Aporia’s domain is especially interesting to me. Aporia is the personification of want, difficulty and powerlessness. These are three things that Apollo has definitely struggled with, and will continue to struggle with as he goes on post-toa. It’s especially hard for him because these three emotions are so heavily looked down upon on Olympus. Gods are not allowed to desperately want, or to struggle, or to be powerless. Apollo has hidden these feelings away for so long, and then he was forced back into them during the trials. It’s jarring, and he hasn’t really found peace with it yet. So when he starts getting visits from a literal representation of the parts of himself he wants to push down the most, he freaks out. But Aporia is not there to make him more powerless, or wanting. Instead, she wants him to embrace these parts of himself, to understand how they make him whole. The two of them struggle to connect, but when they do, their friendship is so impactful. 

Boreas: I have been introduced to this ship and I actually love it oml. With Boreas, Apollo gets the one thing that he really needs after the trials. REST. Boreas pulls Apollo away from Olympus, and lets him get some good rest in his palace. It helps that the two of them have a very peaceful, slow and steady sort of relationship, where there are very little expectations on either side. (Basically, you’re hot, I’m hot, we wanna make out sometimes, let's just do that and be chill about it) Boreas is calm, but can be very stern at times. When he knows what needs to be done, he gets it done. Oftentimes this no-nonsense attitude helps Apollo to start moving too. When Apollo wants to give in, Boreas is the type to be like “You can rest for a while here, and when you get up again, I’ll help you figure out what to do.” And especially post-toa this is really helpful for Apollo. They cute <3.

Euphrosyne: Apollo’s half-sister! She’s the daughter of Zeus and Eurynome. She’s also one of the Kharites (Charities, or Graces) and she’s the goddess of Mirth. I think after Jason, Apollo reached out to some of his half-siblings, honestly just wanting to make sure they’re all doing ok. He and Euphrosyne hit it off quickly, and the two of them really just have fun together. Apollo is a person who feels his emotions so strongly, both sorrow and joy. So while he needs people around him to help him through his tragedies, he also needs someone who can match him at the levels of wonder and delight. These two hype each other up a lot, and while that might be two much for others, it’s what the two of them need to work through the emotions they have. They watch movies and listen to music that they rant about for hours, gush about their closest friends and family, and just sit and bask in it all sometimes. It’s just a lil bubble of joy and comfort. 

Haha psych! Got you! I disguised this as a friends post, but it’s actually my roundabout way of giving Apollo therapy while there’s no god of therapy!! Heehee I’m such a prankster!!

[mywitchcultblr]

Odd question for you:

So, the humor of Batstarion aside, do some people just elect to read their own biases into things involving Ascended Astarion. I recall being early in the fandom and assuming based on general commentary he just locked you in his basement and then molests you.

Then: when I actually ascended him and am looking forward to this whole fantasy I just get a goofy, camp vampire Lord who literally lets you live your life. Where do I get a refund? Where is my vampire daddy? lol

Am I alone in this???

No, you are not alone. I found a lot of people who have a strong negative opinion about endings for bg3 companion... How I should explain it in English? Playing the telephone game? Where they are only receiving bits of information and never really experienced the ending themselves or at least never really thought about it deeply because they already developed a bias from these fragmented information and encouragement from like-minded people who share the same bias. Thus, the truth and nuance became diluted amidst the buzz and discourse. For example, Gale endings

GALE HAS NO EVIL ENDING. YES, THE GOD ENDING IS NOT EVIL

People mistook his ambition and huge ego as evil? I think this rooted from "God Gale doesn't propose Tav/Durge unlike human gale, so God ending must have been bad"

"Gale become power hungry, so it must be the evil ending and a bad ending" and "Larian said power is bad"

Gale is a neutral guy, as a human he is neutral good and as a God he became a neutral aligned God. His ascension to Godhood doesn't turn him into Bane or Bhaal, developing an ego big enough to the point he became a god doesn't make him evil or this ending evil. You might dislike it, but objectively, this ending is not evil or bad...

Gale bad ending is him dying and never resurrected, never recruited or sacrificed to BOAAL because they led to his untimely death before he can destroy the brain, reach the crown, or determine what he wanted, how he will approach Mystra...

"But Mystra will kill God Gale because he challenged her!" That is a possibility in his origin ending, before the epilogue is even released, now we got to see new and improved epilogue Gale can take his lover to his realm where they will enjoy their life as Gods, and he has a lot of plan, and although he kinda insinuates that he wanted to challenge Mystra, maybe Tav or Durge can persuade him to not do it

"What if he has no romantic partner?" Maybe he will challenge her, or maybe he will not. I found the ending where Gale immediately going after Mystra to be frustrating, it feels like Larian insisting on the 'power bad' thing in such an on the nose and irritating manner

Gale might have a big ego but HE IS NOT AN IDIOT, he is not a barbarian with 8 intellect, even when he's drunk on power he is still a highly intellectual person/being, and surely he should know that it will take a lot of time and resource for him to be able to challenge Mystra, is it even a good idea to fight her? What would AO say?

He should just focus on his own domain and followers

Same thing with Wyll, this guy HAS NO EVIL ENDING. WYLL CANNOT BE CORRUPTED. Yet there are people out there who say that him becoming a Duke is an evil ending, HOW?!

Now, Astarion... God help us all with this guy. The moment I saw his picture for the first time, I know his fandom will be a disaster

White, sassy, morally gray, handsome, twink, vampire with a sad backstory... The perfect tumblr sexyman, I love him, but I knew the conversation about him will be a mess and headache inducing

Ascendant Astarion is NOT a bad ending, is it evil? Yes, is it bad? No.

It is bad for the city to have yet another vampire lord, an even MORE powerful vampire lord who has no vampirism weakness, but this is NOT bad for him. He enjoyed the power, he enjoyed the freedom, and he finally reclaimed everything that Cazador took from him and even more. I found the notion that ascended astarion 'is not truly free' to be baffling because Cazador is gone, no one can compel him and enslave him anymore, and he is freed from all vampirism weakness.

So long Cazador is dead, both spawn and ascended astarion will be free and have the choice to lead the life they wanted. An outsider moral interpretation of his choice is not his own opinion

"Ascended Astarion regret his choice." No, he never did. I didn't find a single conversation or scene that say he regrets his ascension

"Ascended Astarion is meaner and more evil, so this fate is bad." Your feeling about him doesn't translate to what he feels and how he sees his life and choice...

Or like you said about people claimed. "Astarion will lock Tav/Durge in his basement and molest them" Now, is ascendant romance more toxic and darker than spawn romance? Yes (although it is pretty tame by vampire/yandere standard) but how he treat his lover also depends on Tav/Durge attitude towards him, their personality, their goal and YOUR OWN ideas/ interpretation...

Baldur's Gate give you 'hard canon' and things that you can interpret on your own because it is dungeon & dragons! Hard canon or fixed canon is something like "Orin will die either way" and "If you don't spare nightsong then Last Light will be destroyed." and then there are things that you can decide and interpret on your own such as how your Tav/Durge fare after the last battle, their background, their family, and how their romance with companions play out

There are dialogues or scenes that hinted the future but at the same time there are several options and each dialogue option will lead to a different universe such as whatever you encourage Wyll to be the blade of avernus or becoming a Duke

What irritated me is that there's people who doesn't like his ascension romance, and they be like "Well I don't like this romance and i don't like him now, so I see your Tav/Durge WILL NEVER BE HAPPY WITH HIM AND IT IS A FACT!" NO, THAT IS NOT HOW IT IS WORK!

You cannot enforce your own narrative perspective into other people's. "What about the 'freedom' dialogue in patch 5?! If you clash with Astarion he will-" like I said each dialogue choice lead to a branching multiverse, just because one person have a conflict with ascended astarion doesn't mean my Tav who is very devoted to him have the same problem or will not be happy

Also, patch 5 confirmed the theory that Astarion turned his lover into a bride/groom instead of regular spawn. If you chose a dialogue option that hinted Tav/Durge feel trapped and doubted if they are truly flourishing, then Astarion will say something like (I'm paraphrasing here) "Well, I give you everything! And I will make sure that you live your best life, even if you don't appreciate it!"

A bride/groom has an emotional and mental link with their creator, if Tav/Durge is not happy then Ascended Astarion will feel unhappy as well. Mind you my Tav (Astaroth) doesn't say he feels trapped, he said that he is happy with Astarion and grateful to share everything with him and then Astarion said that he is blessed to be with Astaroth as well then he also said:

"I may have power, but it would be nothing without you. You complete me."

I don't do Karlach romance, and although I have my own thoughts that if Astaroth romanced her (tbh the guy is gay so he has to be bi/pan in alternate universe) in the end he will feel a bit disappointed with being trapped in hell, doesn't mean I have the rights to ENFORCE that Karlach/Tav romance in general will be unhappy and tragic just because of MY OWN interpretation...

People also shouldn't enforce their own choice for Astarion as

"THE TRUE AND CORRECT CHOICE FOR ASTARION AND IF YOU DISAGREE WITH ME YOU ARE DELUSIONAL AND DUMB"

[shanastoryteller]

I think it only fair to ask on this, the beginning of Spoopy Season, for a continuation of Living Blood? 🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡 Also Happy Halloween!!

a continuation of 1 2 3 4

Zagreus hoards the darkness.

It's a waste to spend it on the mirror when he can twist it into something different, something better and more useful.

Wielding chaos doesn't come to him easily, but that just means it's like everything else in his life. He uses it to hide things from his father and to change things without his notice.

This domain belonged to Chaos first, after all. They can see everything that he's doing, but they;re intrigued and amused and even offer boons and advice to help him. Zagreus is grateful for it, even though it's always a double edges sword.

He wouldn't have been able to do so much so quickly without it.

Replicating Chaos's portals is tedious and pulls the blood from his veins, but less and less as time goes on. And as his priestess spreads his names and his blessings across the mortal earth, he has more blood to give.

Zagreus bleeds, and bleeds, using the power of his blood melded with chaos to twist the underworld into a different shape, and yet his body never runs dry. These days he only dies when he chooses to.

He shifts among the levels of the underworld, bypassing all the irritating challenges and using the time everyone thinks he's using to fight his way to the surface on more substantial pursuits.

Creating a path from Tartarus to Asphodel to Elysium without getting caught by Charon does drain him to exhaustion a few times, but it's worth it.

"Oh, you've been up to something interesting, haven't you Prince Z?" Sisyphus asks in delight when Zagreus shows him the entrance.

"We could use some help with the next harvest," he says, grinning. "If you're up to keeping a secret."

It's a huge swath of the underworld that he's edged his way into, formed by chaos and blood and that can’t be touched by anyone without his express invitation.

“This isn’t a path,” Patroclus scoffs when Zagreus shows him. “This is – it’s nearly the size of Elysium! You could fit a whole kingdom in here!”

That’s an exaggeration. It’s much smaller than Elysium.

“Or a princedom,” Eurydice adds thoughtfully. “The clearing has been getting a little crowded. I don’t suppose anyone knows how to build a castle?”

“I designed a few in my time,” Sisyphus says, rubbing his hands together.

Zagreus frowns. “I don’t – it’s just supposed to make things easier for us, and to give us more room to grow things.”

“We’ll do that too,” Patroclus says, surveying the land with a contemplative air that makes Zagreus nervous. “But every god needs his domain.”

“This is my father’s domain,” he points out. “My domain lives in my followers’ veins and perhaps in the temples they’ve started constructing.”

“Where is your father’s power here?” Patroclus asks. “All I feel is yours.”

Well – well. Hm.

“There are a few more nymphs I trust that could help,” Eurydice says, “if you don’t mind, Prince.”

He gives up. “If you trust them, I trust them. Just don’t go overboard.”

Three of his very good friends are smiling at him and nodding and Zagreus tells himself the unease he feels is paranoia.

~

Meg hears rumors but doesn’t understand them and dismisses them. The dead are all a bunch of gossips and nothing they say can be trusted.

Except she vanquishes another disobedient soul and as it vanishes it hisses, “Horrible harpy! You deserve to be part of the Prince’s Court!”

What an odd way to phrase that, she thinks. She and Zagreus are just sleeping together, whenever she’s free and she can stop him for long enough to roll him into bed.

It’s almost laughable – the idea that Zagreus would have any court of his own, that there’s any power that could be clawed out of Hades’s grip.

It’s impossible.

She’d once thought escape was impossible too.

[deathmetalunicorn1]

What happens if Poseidon did something that he shouldn't have while in the god killer present as not only they insulted them but also hurt their favorite mortal who have the honor to not only groom them but also have the void favor

And the punishment that Shiva, Zeus, Hades, and Odin witnessed and see the fraction of how terrifying and cre they are as they only sent the sea god only one second in their void domain and when return they see fear on his face and give him to remember for a month before they erase that memory from him

But Poseidon continuous will forever warn him not to piss off that one black cat

-Many of the gods were unsure of you, they knew you were powerful, but the question was about how powerful you actually were. Some wanted to know but nobody, especially those who knew what you were capable of, didn’t want to risk their own lives.

-Poseidon was one who had overhead the rumors about you, hearing the annoying prattling of the gods who were beneath him, questioning about your power and some wondered if any of the gods would be able to handle your power.

-This is where Poseidon became enraged, hearing that none of them, not even the strongest like Odin, Shiva, Zeus, Hades, or even Poseidon would be able to handle your power.

-Poseidon sought you out, not even bothering to greet you and stunned everyone around by pointing his weapon at you as you were chowing down on whipped cream, “You only pretend to be powerful ‘God Killer Y/N’ and I’m here to prove this!!”

-His brothers and nephews all tried to stop him, apologizing on his behalf, but you merely smiled, and your eyes seemed to flash before you lunged and swallowed him whole, stunning all.

-Only a few seconds passed, and you spat him back out and not many can say they had seen Poseidon looking so freaked out as he scrambled away, leaving his trident, his hands coming to his face in a panic, eyes wide and pale, breaths coming in short, nearly hyperventilating.

-You looked down from your chair at him as he spotted you, scrambling to his feet to get away from you as your eyes narrowed, “Let that be a warning for you. And for your punishment- I will let you live with those visions for a while.”

-Zeus was stunned to see his brother in such a way, as was Hades, who actually had to help his brother back to his palace.

-The rumors spread like wildfire on how Poseidon challenged you, and how the sea god now hides in his blankets like a child, terrified of everything around him.

-No others tried to challenge you, something you appreciated, and you showed mercy to Poseidon, as originally you were going to make him live with those memories of what lies within you for a month, but went to him after a week.

-You removed the memories, returning his mental state to normal, and while he didn’t remember what he had seen, he knew that you were to be respected and feared because you were more powerful than anything in existence.

[aliensupersyn]

I Solved One of the Great Mysteries of the Heian Era

This reads as a sort of storybook. The pages here all describe Sukuna's rise to power as a divine force in jujutsu society, but it's scattered throughout different chapters. Here, I piece it together for your reading pleasure. I made this discovery while writing my Yuji cog analysis.

Sukuna vs. The Fujiwara Clan

Uro recounting her defeat by Sukuna's hand.

Sukuna sees himself as a divine arbiter who bestows judgement on humans, who he deems to be beings below him. As a divine figure, he condemns humans to misery by his hands. Sukuna's title as the "disgraced one/the fallen," and his talent to forgo a barrier for his domain expansion reflect his defiled divinity. Gege describes Sukuna's domain expansion as a truly divine technique, which adds even more grandeur to his role as the strongest sorcerer in history. Sukuna's undefeated reign of terror ultimately defines his status as a divine sovereign of jujutsu sorcery.

Sukuna's rule of might defines strength as a destructive force. Comparing yourself to and relying on others only makes you weak, according to Sukuna.

Sukuna figuratively acts as a curse; he will never stop spreading misery upon humanity for as long as he lives. He sees his destruction as a divine and just cause. His strength acts as proof for his righteousness.

As the symbol of the greatest force in the history of sorcery, Sukuna enforces a schism within jujutsu society. In the Heian era, and now in the modern era, Sukuna spurs the rule of might. By threatening carnage, he forces sorcerers to come and meet him in battle to test their strength and knowledge against his own. To avoid the calamity Sukuna threatens, sorcerers must either kneel to him or hope to defeat him. In the Heian era, most of the sorcerers likely chose the former after failing to succeed at the latter. After armies of sorcerers died against him, jujutsu society was forced to praise him as their divine sovereign.

This panel revealed that Uro led the Sun, Moon, and Stars squad.

Here, Kashimo reflects on Sukuna's slaughter of Uro's squad. It's also suggested that Sukuna has weathered an army of Angels. Imagine them stacking Jacob's Ladders on him. No wonder he was able to tank Yuta's with no effort.

Here, you can see the outcome of the calamitous battle that Kashimo was reflecting over in the above page. After their defeat, sorcerers began worshipping Sukuna as a God and praying to him for good fortune. His strength had earned him a divine status among the most powerful of the golden era of sorcery. You can also see that they thought of Sukuna as a monster, which resembles another member of the current cast.

The Yorozu panel reveals that Uro once led the Sun, Moon, and Stars squad that Sukuna slaughtered. The second and third pages above describe Uro's squad as powerful sorcerers who challenged Sukuna and died. Yorozu also once challenged the Fujiwara clan and they made her one of their nobles*. Uro detested the very same Fujiwara clan who apparently subjugated her.

Even in a new life, it's not Sukuna that bothers Uro, it's the Fujiwara clan for killing her.

After her squad's defeat, presumably, the leader of the Fujiwara clan used Uro as a scapegoat to appease Sukuna. Her execution would signal to Sukuna that she acted against his wishes and on her own. These events would explain why in Yorozu's reflections and flashbacks, the Fujiwara clan still remains as a supreme power. Sukuna likely accepted Uro's execution as penance for them challenging him.

Yorozu was supposed to be preparing for the harvest festival being held in Sukuna's honor. There, they would pray to him as a God; Yorozu effectively fell in love with a monstrous deity figure. Given her insect theme, there's grounds for a connection between Yorozu, Sukuna, Mothra, and Godzilla.

After he annihilated Uro's squads, Sukuna became the supreme divine sovereign of jujutsu society in the Heian era and sorcerers were forced to worship him to avoid his ire. To stress his divinity, sorcerers prayed to him for a good harvest as if he were a God. The Fujiwara clan likely executed Uro, a leader of some of the forces that challenged Sukuna, to appease their new divine sovereign. The fealty that was pledged to him likely made Sukuna extremely bored. He wished to spread misery, but his opponents had all lost the will to challenge him and instead begged and worshipped at his feet.

The choice between challenging Sukuna and worshipping him pervades even the modern era. The Jujutsu High political leaders feared Sukuna and his fingers. Even without a real body, Sukuna's cursed energy alone enforced fear and awe into jujutsu society. All sorcerers understood that his return would mean another schism; they would be required to either join him or foolishly challenge as a powerless upstart. Throughout history, sorcerers made binding vows with Kenjaku in order to one day challenge Sukuna, as Uro's squad once did. Others knew better and instead attempted to create a jujutsu society that worked to contain Sukuna in his cursed object form.

Notes:

The manga isn't very specific about what Yorozu's status was, just that she was some type of noble in the Heian capital.

Yorozu and Sukuna being Gege's Godzilla fanfiction is adorable and makes me like her so much more.

Uro's horror in these two pages suddenly make much more sense. Sukuna slaughtered all of her comrades.

Regarding the Kashimo page: I'm simply taking Kashimo's comments "to have achieved so much!" as some form of reaction to the narrator. It could be a metatextual reaction, or he could have learned about this war somehow.

Short post, but I didn't see anything else outlining this little story, so here it is.

[raeynbowboi]

How to build the Olympians in DnD 5e

This is going to be a fun and challenging task, because I am setting out to build the fourteen Theoi collectively known as the Olympians, plus Persephone because I can. If this post does well, I’ll branch out and tackle other Greek Gods such as the Fates or Hecate. But for this first one, I’ll be sticking to the major gods and goddesses. However, I’m adding a fun little twist to this post. I’ll be giving each God a Level 20 build, but I’ll also be taking these builds one step further. I’m in a campaign right now that’s taking the players through all nine layers of the Nine Hells, every layer of The Abyss, and then to Barovia to fight a massively beefed up Strahd. This campaign is going to span all the way to level 40, and will see the players fight and assume the positions of the very Archfiends of Hell, with my own character slated to take the throne from Asmodeus and become Hell’s new king. This level of gameplay is so fun and so epic, that I’ve dubbed playing with the Level 40 cap “Dimensions and Demigods”, as the stakes and enemies become immeasurably powerful to keep up with the players. And since we’re building Gods, it felt appropriate to provide two builds. One that goes to Level 20 that can be used in most campaigns, and one built for Dimensions and Demigods with a level cap of 40. While the rules for Multiclassing are the same at a level 40 cap, I will point out that by level 40, a player’s Proficiency Bonus is 11, so any feature that works by Proficiency Bonus is going to see a lot more play in a level 40 campaign than a standard level 20 campaign. I’ll mark the level 20 build as the “Primary” build, and the level 40 add-on as the “Secondary” build.

ZEUS

GOD OF THE SKY, WEATHER, STORMS, LIGHTNING, LAW, ORDER, AND JUSTICE

PRIMARY: STORM SORCERER SECONDARY: STORM HERALD BARBARIAN (SEA)

The Sorcerer spells known is so small that I often find it almost claustrophobic. But, there’s so few lightning, thunder, and wind spells that Zeus should be able to pick up pretty much everything, even with a puny 15 spells known list. As for the Storm Herald, I couldn’t think of anything better than Barbarian. I know it says Sea, but like how the Tempest Domain claims to include sea gods, it has little to do with water, and a lot to do with lightning.

ALTERNATE: TEMPEST DOMAIN CLERIC The main reason I shied away from Tempest is two-fold. Firstly, Clerics cast with Wisdom, which, while traditionally, Zeus was supposed to be the wise decision-maker that represented divine justice, modern portrayals skew heavily toward idiot frat boy. Few modern audiences view Zeus as the same wise and mature leader the Ancient Greeks saw him as, largely due to his womanizing mannerisms. The second reason is mostly, we’re going to have a lot of Clerics in this line-up, and he really doesn’t need access to a lot of these Cleric spells. There’s very few lightning, thunder, and wind spells, that we’re pretty much going to get everything we want from the extremely limited Sorcerer spell list anyway.

HERA

GODDESS OF MARRIAGE, WOMEN, CHILDBIRTH, HEIRS, RULERSHIP, AND EMPIRES

PRIMARY: ORDER DOMAIN CLERIC SECONDARY: CAVALIER FIGHTER

As the goddess of empires and rulership, it seemed fitting to give her the Order Domain, as the subclass is heavily focused on control of the battlefield, and leading the charge for your party. Likewise, her spell list does the best it can to focus on controlling the field and enemies, allowing Hera to dictate the rise and fall of empires as she pleases. While we tend to think little of Hera in terms of battle prowess, she was a real powerhouse in the Trojan War, clobbering Artemis so badly that she ran home sniveling to Zeus like a child, and she likewise fought both the Titans and the Giants. Thus, I leaned toward the Fighter, and more specifically, the Cavalier. The subclass comes freely with the Sentinel feat preinstalled, lets her reduce the damage she takes, and redirect attacks at herself. It really allows Hera to fulfill the epithet she’s known by in Argos, Hera Alexandria, the Defender of Man.

POSEIDON

GOD OF THE SEA, MARINE CREATURES, FLOODS, DROUGHTS, LORD OF HORSES, AND EARTH-SHAKER

PRIMARY: FATHOMLESS WARLOCK SECONDARY: CIRCLE OF THE SHEPHERD DRUID

DnD is kind of mean to Poseidon all things considered. Even the features geared toward the sea just end up dealing more with lightning than water. Between the Tempest Domain and the Sea Storm Herald Barbarian, it’s kind of annoying how very little water there is in 5e. The main reason I went with Druid for the back-up class is simply that there’s very few water spells in DnD, and they’re all on the Druid spell list. But, Poseidon has dominion over all sea-creatures, so just stay in-character and summon sea creatures with your shepherd druid powers. Technically, Conjure Animals summons fey spirits who take the forms of animals, so if you pick a shark, it’s a fey in the form of a shark, not an actual shark you pulled from the ocean to fight for you on land, so if you have to bullshit a reason why your shark buddy is swimming through the air and not dying, that’s a handy little excuse for you. Or you could talk to your DM about making sure that when you summon animal buddies to aid you, they manifest with a magical water aura so they can swim and breathe without  having to flood the battlefield or leaving your reinforcements flopping helplessly on the ground.

DEMETER

GODDESS OF THE SEASONS, AGRICULTURE, HARVEST, ABUNDANCE, GROWTH, AND NOURISHMENT

PRIMARY: CIRCLE OF WILDFIRE DRUID SECONDARY: LIFE DOMAIN CLERIC

Look, none of the Druidic Circles was really working for Demeter. She’s not the goddess of animals, so Shepherd didn’t work. She’s not really connected to the Stars. She’s not focused on changing into animals, so Moon was a bust. She’s not necromantic enough for Spores. That just left Land, which isn’t very good in general, and Dreams, which would let her heal, but the dream walking felt out of place. So, I settled on Wildfire because Demeter can cause massive destruction if she wanted to, or breathe new life into the world. Plus, wildfires help clear away old plants for new ones, so it’s still part of the cycle of nature, and helps maintain the balance of the natural world. You could also negotiate with your DM to swap out the fire focus for another environment destroying phenomenon, such as snow and ice to play up Demeter’s famine. As for her secondary class, Demeter’s only other common motif is her nurturing and maternal nature, which is why I leaned into the Life Domain, so that she can heal and take care of her family.

HADES

GOD OF THE UNDERWORLD, LORD OF THE DEAD

PRIMARY: SCHOOL OF NECROMANCY WIZARD SECONDARY: SHADOW MAGIC SORCERER 

As Hades is Lord of the Dead, I knew I had to make him a great and powerful necromancer. None is more powerful than the School of Necromancy Wizard. Let’s be real, we only grabbed Shadow Magic because we want that Hound of Ill-Omen so that Hades can be joined by Cerberus in battle. But it’s worth while. If you want Cerberus, but you want him to be a bigger focus, you could swap Shadow Magic Sorcerer for Beast Master Ranger to make Cerberus stronger, or you could also downplay Cerberus by making Hades an Undying Warlock with a chain pact with a three-headed Hellhound as a familiar. However, if you don’t care about Cerberus, and just want to further beef up your undead horde, mix Necromancy with Oathbreaker Paladin. Wizard adds your proficiency bonus to all of your undead, and Oathbreaker adds your CHA mod to undead within a certain range of you. Since a level 40 proficiency bonus is 11, that’s +16 to attack rolls for your undead army. If you want to get the most life from killing, however, mix School of Necromancy with Grave Domain Cleric. As long as you kill enemies with necromancy spells like Vampiric Touch, Wither and Bloom, or Enervation, Hades will regain hit points from the spell, regain hit points from Grim Harvest, and regain hit points from Keeper of Souls. Those three things together will take you from sad wizard with no hit points to the master of defying death.

HESTIA

GODDESS OF THE HEARTH, HOME, FAMILY, HOSPITALITY, AND COMMUNITY

PRIMARY: SCHOOL OF ABJURATION WIZARD SECONDARY: PEACE DOMAIN CLERIC

Hestia is really not an aggressive goddess. She is one of only three deities completely absent from the conflict of the Trojan War, the others being Demeter and Dionysus. As home represents protection, comfort, and sanctuary, that’s the aspect I decided to focus on for Hestia. As a Wizard, she’ll have ample access to a myriad of Fire spells, but just as importantly, she’ll have access to spells like Leo’s Tiny Hut to provide shelter, and Globe of Invulnerability to protect her family from harm. If you’re going to level 40, it just takes what Hestia was already doing well and making it better by making her even better as a support, adding healing spells, food spells, and more support spells to her arsenal.

ARES

GOD OF WAR, VIOLENCE, CONFLICT, SLAUGHTER, BATTLE MIGHT, AND COURAGE

PRIMARY: PATH OF THE ZEALOT BARBARIAN SECONDARY: OATH OF CONQUEST PALADIN

Ares is the god of rage and bloodlust, so I knew he had to be a Barbarian. And who better to channel the wrath of the gods than the God of Wrath? Whether you go with Radiant or Necrotic, Ares will dish out a ton of damage as a Zealot Barbarian, refused to die, fill your allies with a fighting spirit, and straight up refusing to go down so long as the fight rages on. Ares is also the God of Conquest, so I knew what Paladin Oath he had to swear by. They get the same channel divinity as a War Cleric, as well as frightening multiple enemies at once. While Fear is usually worthless as they just run away, the Aura of Conquest makes those afraid of Ares become paralyzed with fear. Those who aren’t afraid enough to dare striking him will feel his wrath from his Scornful Rebuke, and by the end, he can become a true avatar of battle. If you ever wanted to feel like a true unstoppable avatar of carnage, playing as Ares will satisfy that craving.

ATHENA

GODDESS OF WISDOM, BATTLE TACTICS, WARFARE, CRAFTS, AND KNOWLEDGE

PRIMARY: BATTLE MASTER FIGHTER SECONDARY: OATH OF THE CROWN PALADIN

I know, I know, it’s blasphemous that the goddess of Wisdom isn’t being encouraged to invest in Wisdom. However, when I look at Cleric and I look at Paladin, Paladin gives me Athena vibes, whereas Cleric just doesn’t. I chose to focus on the build and the abilities instead of worrying about stats. What can Athena do, and what build would best let her do those things? The answer didn’t include Cleric. As a Battle Master, Athena can learn and utilize a number of maneuvers to control the battlefield, and bring a variety of strategies and fighting styles to any encounter. As a Paladin, Athena can take her already impressive combat strengths and pile smites on top of it. I chose the Oath of the Crown because Athena generally represents civilization and lawfulness.

HEPHAESTUS

GOD OF THE FORGE, FIRE, INVENTION, MACHINES, AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

PRIMARY: ARTILLERIST ARTIFICER SECONDARY: FORGE DOMAIN CLERIC

I knew Hephaestus had to be an Artificer primarily, there was no question. But, there’s only four subclasses, so I had to settle for something. I considered Battle Smith, as it was very appropriate for Hephaestus. After all, he built the automaton Talos, a literal steel defender. However, I chose Artillerist for one reason and one reason only. Hephaestus is the God of Fire. Neither the Artificer nor the Cleric spell list have a lot of Fire damage spells. Forge gives him Searing Smite, Heat Metal, and Wall of Fire. Battle Smith gives him Branding Smite and Fire Shield. But Artillerist gives him Scorching Ray and Fireball, plus, his Eldritch Canon can be a Flamethrower. And Hephaestus building a walking canon is a lot closer to real Greek Mythology than one might assume. On Mount Olympus, Hephaestus built the food carts, chairs, and tables for the banquet hall of the gods, all of which are automatons that walk around and put themselves away when not in use. Even his throne is described as moving around on mechanical legs. So building a flamethrower or cannon that moves around is well within Hephaestus’ wheelhouse.

APHRODITE

GODDESS OF LOVE, BEAUTY, SEX, DESIRE, AND PASSION

PRIMARY: COLLEGE OF ELOQUENCE BARD SECONDARY: HEXBLADE WARLOCK

I put out a full solo build post for Aphrodite in 5e, so I won’t repeat everything here, just that Aphrodite ends up rather heavily relying on a lot of utility spells, leaving her very weak in terms of damage output. However, one thing worth noting is that while Eloquence is amazing within a level 20 cap, with a level 40 cap, any Bard becomes a true master of manipulation, as a proficiency bonus of 11 means that any normal Bard with expertise in Persuasion is rolling +27 to any Persuasion check. As such, for a level 40 build, the College of Glamour actually becomes more viable, since Aphrodite can still have brain breaking levels of charm at her disposal. Meanwhile, a level 40 Eloquence Bard can’t roll below 37 on any persuasion check, so it’s still very good. As that build was only to level 20, I suggested a 1 level dip into Warlock or else taking Magic Initiate to give her Eldritch Blast so that her support-heavy build could have a reliable damage output. But with a 40th level cap, she can invest a lot more into Hexblade, which works surprisingly well. She can keep a grudge like nobody’s business, so selecting a human to just despise until she kills them feels very true to how her pettiness can manifest. And, while many forget that she is indeed a war goddess, she had a lot of warrior aspects befitting of a hexblade warlock. She was often depicted with spears, even having an epithet for it: Aphrodite Encheios (the Spear-Bearing Aphrodite). Though, with a blade pact, she could follow in Eros’ footsteps and go for a longbow as her hexblade weapon instead. If you don’t want to play as a version of Aphrodite that uses weapons, you could instead go for a School of Enchantment Wizard or a Divine Soul Sorcerer to finish off her build.

APOLLO

GOD OF THE SUN, LIGHT, MUSIC, THE ARTS, ARCHERY, HEALING, PLAGUES, AND PROPHECY

PRIMARY: LIGHT DOMAIN CLERIC SECONDARY: CHAMPION FIGHTER

I know, it’s a sin that the god of music is not a Bard. But most of the spells that Apollo would want, such as Sunbeam and Flame Strike, are not on the Bard spell list. Yes, you could choose to take these spells through Bardic Magical Secrets, but in terms of giving Apollo the best access to everything he can do, Cleric is the best choice. Clerics can heal, bestow diseases or alleviate them, divine the future, deal tons of Radiant damage, and (at least in the Light Domain) get a few Fire spells. As for Champion Fighter, yes it’s basic as hell, but Apollo is a Remarkable Athlete, beating Hermes in a foot race and Ares in a boxing match in the first ever Olympic Games. The Olympic Games were long held in his honor before it shifted to Zeus, and he was often viewed as the example for all young Greek men to aspire toward. So, Champion feels very authentic to the kind of God he was viewed as. Now, as Apollo is famed for being an Archer, there is a slight issue with Cleric as his main class. They don’t get Longbow proficiency, meaning that either Apollo needs a Feat or to take his first level in Fighter to ensure he has bow proficiency, plus the Archery fighting style.

ALTERNATES: CONCLAVE OF THE HUNTER RANGER Hunter’s Mark plus Colossus Slayer or Horde Breaker, Volley, and Swift Quiver is really going to let Apollo go rapid fire with that bow of his, and that damage output is bound to stack up pretty quickly. Though a Fighter with Hunter’s Mark is even better. However, if you’re feeling Ranger, then Hunter is the best choice for Apollo.

ARTEMIS

GODDESS OF THE MOON, THE HUNT, ANIMALS, ARCHERY, CHASTITY, AND DIVINE PROTECTOR OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

PRIMARY: BEAST MASTER RANGER SECONDARY: CIRCLE OF THE SHEPHERD DRUID

Obviously, her first class had to be Ranger, but unlike Poseidon who is only lord of the sea creatures, Artemis is pretty much queen of the jungle, as it were, and everything from lions to deer answer her call to action. So these two subclasses together should give Artemis a main animal buddy, such as the Cerynean Hind, the Calydonian Boar, or Kallisto the Bear, while also letting her call on all the beasts of the forest to come to her aid. I also tried to make it so that having both Apollo and Artemis together in a party wouldn’t be boring. The gods that have the best dynamics shouldn’t overlap too much in terms of compatibility.

HERMES

GOD OF MISCHIEF, TRICKERY, THIEVES, ROAD, TRAVELERS, MERCHANTS, COMMERCE, MESSENGER OF THE GODS, AND DIVINE GUIDE OF THE DEAD

PRIMARY: WAY OF THE SHADOW MONK SECONDARY: ARCANE TRICKSTER ROGUE

Our main class is the Way of the Shadow Monk because Monks move faster than any other class, and those who study the Way of the Shadow are stealthier than any other type of monk. Quite fitting for a master thief. The secondary class is Arcane Trickster, giving Hermes a small collection of spells he can use, while also giving him the many useful rogue skills to make him better at sneaking and stealing things. Plus, as an Arcane Trickster, he can learn spells like Haste to make himself run even faster.

ALTERNATES: PHANTOM ROGUE

As a Psychopomp, Hermes guides the dead to the Underworld, and this is the best and closest way to get Hermes to that position. At high levels, he can even partially enter the Land of the Dead to punch ghosts. The main reason Phantom lost to Arcane Trickster is the lack of spells. Hermes would make good use of enchantment and illusion spells. Plus, he can just straight up steal spells and use them for himself. 

PERSEPHONE

GODDESS OF SPRING, FLOWERS, REBIRTH, AND QUEEN OF THE DEAD

PRIMARY: CIRCLE OF THE SPORES DRUID SECONDARY: SCHOOL OF NECROMANCY WIZARD

I don’t think anyone is really going to be all that surprised by this one. She’s got connections to death and plants. Wasn’t hard to figure she’d be the necro-botonist. As with Hades, Necromancy stands to make her undead minions stronger, while Druid lets her punctuate her undead hordes with plant golems, slithering vines, and thorny brambles.

DIONYSUS

GOD OF WINE, FEASTS, REVELRY, FESTIVALS, FERTILITY, AND THEATER

PRIMARY: COLLGE OF WHISPERS BARD SECONDARY: ABERRANT MIND SORCERER

As a god of revelry and theater, Dionysus had to be a Bard. The build should allow for a good juxtaposition, striking a balance between charming party animal that motivates his friends with strong drink and stronger fellowship, while also playing into the trope of a twisted and demented god who warps the senses, clouds the mind, and drives people into madness. Dionysus isn’t that heavy of a madness god, it’s more about the effects alcohol and narcotics have on the mind that represent his form of madness and delusion, but it’s DnD, of course we can make adjustments to make an interesting character.

That’s all of the major greek gods of Olympus in one post. Whew. That was rough. Yet, also quite satisfying to see it all laid out like that. Out of curiosity, the most popular classes among the Olympians are as follows:  1. Cleric (5) 2. Druid (4) 3. 4. and 5. Fighter (3), Sorcerer (3), and Wizard (3) 6. 7. and 8. Barbarian (2), Bard (2), and Warlock (2)

I think I can say that I’m pleased with how the builds came out, and I see some Dimensions and Demigods builds I honestly want to try out for myself. Especially Ares of all Gods. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m allergic to not casting spells, but damn if that synergy isn’t luring me into uncharted waters. I hope you guys found this post fun and interesting. Would you guys build the Olympians any differently, or did I get everything totally wrong? Let me know your thoughts, and if this post does well, I’ll do more like it for other groups, teams, and maybe even pantheons.

[omgkalyppso]

When Étoile needs some peace of mind, is there an activity they like to do or a place they like to go?

Do they involve others or do/go alone?

Thank you so much for the ask!

I let this get away from me for a bit so I was like "I'll just cut out all of THIS and make it its own post" and then tried to rein in what I was trying to say, and then it got away from me again! So. fdskghdksfjgh

magical self harm mentioned. fictional character death mentioned.

For the most part Étoile wouldn't mind their friends or partners being around them when they need some peace of mind. Depending on their level of frustration, they might even need to talk it out or hear someone else's problems to put their own in perspective. Otherwise they're very social. They'll take part in louder activities (drinking), more physically exerting ones (dumb challenges, like climbing), or other nonsense you'd expect from a more rowdy character, like Karlach. They also enjoy social comforts, like just being near someone while they pray or meditate or what have you. And that's where things might start to get tricky.

Auril is an extreme god, and sometimes when Étoile seeks guidance from her, they might intentionally "burn" their hands by holding Ray of Frost for an extended period while reciting their prayers, and comparable expressions of devotion which invoke Auril's cold domain. Unlike Loviatar, the pain isn't the purpose of their divine connection, their practices could make people just as uncomfortable to sit around due to lack of custom.

I think a lot about these sections of the Church of Auril wiki pages:

When an individual wished to become part of the clergy, they had to undergo a ritual called the Embracing. This ritual required the applicant, in only boots and a thin robe, to spend the evening exposed to a raging blizzard. Holy symbols of Auril were painted all over the applicant's body. The applicant was forbidden to use any sort of magic to protect themselves from the cold. Those who survived until morning were deemed worthy by Auril and accepted into her Church.

.

Clerics of the Frostmaidan were bestowed a natural immunity to cold which was identical to the effects of the resist cold spell. Powerful clerics had the innate ability to duplicate the effects of the ice storm spell, and summon ice para-elementals. Clerics of Auril had access to the spells of both the Time and Wards spheres. Unlike rank and file clerics, specialty priests of Auril were unable to turn the undead.

But there are also times where they need to be alone, whether in prayer or just in silence. There may come a time where they feel "alone, together" with Astarion, but that's actually years off.

Étoile does have hobbies, but I can't picture them doing them for the sake of centering themself / finding peace of mind. I can't imagine them being able to focus on reading either — maybe meditation, but that's really conditional.

Anyway. The spawn they follow into the Underdark find ways to severely irritate, confound and distress Étoile. Which leads me to my two other answers to this question. While Étoile may visit Halsin's Moonrise Village, their mountain in Impiltur, and other locales post-canon, they have two semi-permanent homes for the foreseeable future: one in the Underdark, and another in Baldur's Gate. I haven't yet decided whether the Szarr Palace should be in the Lower or Upper City in my headcanons, but it's only a temporary residence for any of the "vampires" (Astarion and his siblings) in my post-canon (more intended as a place for staff and spawn), and they will have their own residences in the city otherwise. Wherever I decide to place the Palace will influence the number of those homes and whether they are in the Upper or Lower City.

Étoile would probably be tempted to have the windows taken out of any residence in Baldur's Gate to allow Astarion (et al) free reign of the space even in daylight, but Astarion would refuse to live in a fucking box, so shutters and curtains and the the security of a coffin for reverie would have to suffice. Étoile would have a room or three depending on the size of residence, two of which would cause Astarion some anxiety: a bedroom, rarely used in place of the master bedroom but still providing the possibility that they expect conflict between them (this is not the room's primary or intended purpose), and a study, which is where they would go to be alone when necessary to find peace of mind (reading and writing letters; some to intentionally be never sent), in which Astarion is welcome, but scrutinized if he goes in alone.

Astarion has his private spaces also but it takes him longer to grow accustomed to not having space that's going to be stolen from under him or shared / invaded by family and masters.

Étoile's third room would be one dedicated to Auril; kept politely clear of where Astarion rests because once they place something of her likeness in there, the room radiates cold. I imagine this room goes questioned by those who know of it, because why have this inconvenience and then not spend more time in there / why would this not be Étoile's default place to go to to find peace of mind — to which their answer would be, if they'd wanted that then they would have stayed on their mountain.

In the Underdark, I have such a specific vision of what their settlement turns into. It wouldn't be anywhere near as grand as I'm picturing after only 6 months into the epilogue, so in those early days, Étoile would just go for a walk, pace the border and their boundaries and find a high point in an outpost to look out over their community.

With magic, Menzoberranzan and the Sword Coast easing the way, House Ienith is technically a functioning town two years post-canon and is maybe a third of the way to being finished to a level of construction that makes it a desirable place to live. But by this time there is a working library with a window overlooking a town square where Étoile can unwind and spy on the vampiric wizards and scholars in their studies. And, more importantly, a river has been diverted to have a channel flow beneath the town and then curved back into the river as a source of renewable water. It's neither fresh nor clean without magical intervention, but with a few runes it feeds wells, kitchens, laundromats and bath houses, the latter of which is the alternative somewhere for Étoile could go for peace of mind.

I picture a private, fully stone room, candles unlit, three days below ground (Advanced Darkness), with a recessed pool of water that grows deeper the further you walk into it. Grotesques and murals carved into the walls. Whether the water is warm (hot) or cold, I think Étoile and their dark vision would enjoy the tranquility.

[denimbex1986]

'Bad Wolf, Torchwood, Saxon... now "The One Who Waits" appears to be joining the ranks of Doctor Who story arcs teased by writer/showrunner Russell T Davies.

The Giggle – the third and last of the show's 60th anniversary specials – saw the Doctor (David Tennant) once again face off with old foe The Toymaker (now played by Neil Patrick Harris).

The events of previous episode Wild Blue Yonder saw the Doctor unwittingly allow the Toymaker – an elemental force who exists beyond the rules of the universe – entry into our universe.

In The Giggle, the cruel Toymaker was able to provoke the Doctor into challenging him to a game – as the two prepared to match wits, the villain taunted the Time Lord with tales of his accomplishments.

"I came to this universe with such delight," he said. "I played them all, Doctor – I toyed with supernovas, turned galaxies into spinning tops, I gambled with God and made him a jack-in-the-box."

We even discover that The Master – last played by Sacha Dhawan in last year's The Power of the Doctor – fell foul of the Toymaker, losing a game to the villain and ending up trapped, apparently for all eternity.

But then, the Toymaker makes a confession: "There's only one player I didn't dare face – The One Who Waits.

"I saw it, hiding, and I ran."

The Doctor attempts to question the Toymaker further, but he shrugs off his earlier comments, telling his nemesis: "That's someone else's game."

So who is The One Who Waits?

The Toymaker is established as having power almost without limit, able to manipulate the atoms of the universe and conjure up his own magical domain – in The Giggle, we saw a shaken Doctor uncertain if he'll be able to best his enemy once again.

The fact then that, whoever or whatever they are, The One Who Waits is capable of striking fear into the heart of the Toymaker is pretty terrifying. Could an even more powerful being exist in the Whoniverse?

Interestingly, in a social media post made in October, the official Doctor Who account appeared to refer to the Toymaker himself as "the one who waits" – but it's made clear in The Giggle that he's referring not to himself but to some other figure.

Of course, the Toymaker isn't the only all-powerful, ever-living being to exist in the worlds of Doctor Who...

Making their debut in the 1983 story Enlightenment, the Eternals are a race of elemental beings of immense power, capable of manipulating matter and creating objects out of thin air.

These amoral creatures act purely for their own amusement, manipulating "Ephemerals" (read: mortal beings) for fun.

Then there are the Guardians, who first appeared in Doctor Who's 16th season in 1978, a series of interlinked stories which saw the Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker) on a quest to find the legendary Key to Time.

Transcendental beings who embodied aspects of the universe, immortal and indestructible, we met the White Guardian (Cyril Luckham) – who represented light, order and structure – and his eternal opponent the Black Guardian (Valentine Dyall) – the personification of darkness, entropy and chaos.

Most recently, 2020 episode Can You Hear Me? saw the Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and friends lured into a trap by Zellin (Ian Gelder), an immortal "god" who was haunting the dreams of humans, all to feed his beloved Rakaya (Clare-Hope Ashitey).

Could one of these creatures, or something like them, be "The One Who Waits"?

It's also possible, of course, that Russell T Davies has invented an entirely new menace. In the episode The Star Beast, The Meep (voiced by Miriam Margolyes) revealed itself to be in the employ of a figure it referred to as "the boss".

David Tennant later admitted that he remains oblivious to the identity of "the boss", which suggested that this reveal would be held back until Ncuti Gatwa's time in the TARDIS.

The Meep's admission and the Toymaker's confession in The Giggle could be the start of something much larger and entirely unexpected...'

[ima-ghost-art]

Immortal Leo HC

TW: Suicide attempts & abuse

Okay so what if Hera succeeded in burning away Leo's mortality when he was a baby?? What if now, the reason he survived so long on the streets from such a young age, how multiple gods have had intense reactions to him, how he can go so long under such intense stress and no sleep and yet still manage to keep the ship running, why Gaia had always seen him as her biggest threat,,, was all because Leo was essentially immortal??

Now he wasnt a God, not yet at least. When it gets revealed by Hera after he returns from saving Calypso, she tells him, he could gain godly status if he chose a domain. The other gods couldnt challenge his claim, he was already an immortal demigod who had literally saved the world from destruction, and had the favour of multiple gods plus two camps of demigods.

All he had to do was claim his divinity and it was his.

Now.. Leo had known he couldnt die since he was a kid. Not long after the death of his mother, he had lived through things that should have killed him more times he could count, and it only fuelled his aunts hatred of him and the wishing he had died with his mom even more.

He could go weeks without eating, sleeping while he was on the streets, been beaten over and over again, in ways he knows no other kid would have been able to survive, and even attempted his own life on numerous occasions, each in a different way from the last, just trying so badly for it to end.

But instead he was seen as a "miracle" or more realistically an "exception" a "fluke" an "oddity" a "freek of human nature"

Leo still felt all the pain though, that last thin thread tying him to the fragile mortal body he was born with that still pumped with red blood. No one questioned why it shimmered with flecks of gold when he bled, no one ever looked at him long enough to care.

Being a demigod was enough to help Leo start to understand this part of himself, but just like his fire this was something else to set him apart from the others.

A little too much power

Not quite enough mortal

After his return from Ogygia, Heras announcement was only confirmed more by how Leo's blood now ran fully gold, the aura around himself stronger now, still not a God sure, but definitely no mortal demigod either.

Although his attempts too die once again, battling Gaia, (the physicians cure safely tucked away in Hazels coat pocket instead of on Festus with him) He instead finished burning away his mortal flesh, leaving everything else behind.

Unlike Percy did all those years ago, Leo never had a choice.

The Campers all saw him different now, no longer like them, the Gods now actually held him in some form of respect, even Zeus didnt make much of an argument about it.

He was expected to become a God..

Some of the campers even started giving him offerings for saving the camp. There was talks about building him a shrine, what domain would he now be the symbol of? would festus be his sacred companion?? Could they worship there friend who wasnt even dead but was he even living???

Leo never wanted to be immortal, just for once he wished to be like everyone else...

[amiharana]

Lmao what’s the lore of csmp

me personally i think it would be based off canon botw events with slight changes here and there, and i kinda like the idea of them using something similar to the origins mod from the originsmp? that way it honors their original races in the game, e.g. revali's character would be avian or elytrian, daruk could be blazeborn or shulker maybe, etc

the CSMP server is created when the champions decide to collab after love or host and play minecraft together with the intention of surpassing the dsmp LMFAODKJFHD zelda starts the server and invites everyone and it takes daruk 30 minutes to figure out how to add the server ip to his game and log in LOL. at this time, revali and link are already bickering and have already killed each other twice without weapons and only their fists, urbosa is trying to mediate, mipha has wandered off collecting flowers, and zelda starts building a house that will eventually come to be known as "hyrule castle" >:]

after daruk is able to get in the game, they eventually all deviate from each other building their own houses in different parts of the map that they designate as their own lands, e.g. urbosa finds a desert terrain and calls it the "gerudo desert", mipha lives on the beach near a vast ocean in the "zora's domain", daruk finds a mountain with multiple lava pockets that he calls "mountain of death" because he fell into the lava pockets multiple times, and revali, being the overachiever he is, terraforms an entire lake and adds multiple rock spires because he thinks it looks sick and calls it "rito rock" at first. he eventually adds his own village and brings villagers to it and then it becomes "rito village". link makes a house but he rarely ever comes home because he's already underground finding stacks of diamonds or is in the nether raiding bastions lol

the ender dragon is regarded as the calamity ganon and by default the wither=dark beast ganon? HAHAHAHA and zelda actually is super into making lore for the server (because she plays DND i just know it in her nerdy little heart), and she keeps going on and on about how the ender dragon has plagued the "land of hyrule" for thousands and thousands of years and the descendents of the builders (her and link) are destined to defeat it, with the rest of the champions assisting in the battle. revali does not like this part of the lore because he wants to play a bigger part, but he doesn't wanna beef with zelda because she's a huge streamer so he fights with link instead. revali is constantly challenging link to 1v1s at his rock spire but always taunts him like You don't even have a base to call your own! link usually ignores him though LOL

i'm not completely sure how to integrate the divine beasts into the csmp lore, but (and this is gonna be hashtag cursed if you know what i'm talking about) in the dsmp they had an era called the "pet wars" where everyone was killing each other's pets in the server for whatever reason? i swear to god i wasn't that much of a dsmp watcher i only cared about like. two people's lore max. anyways. i think the champions would tame pets and name them after their respective divine beasts. revali gets a parrot that he names medoh, mipha finds an axolotl that she names ruta, urbosa gets a camel named naboris, and link helps daruk get a fucking strider from the nether to name rudania 😭 zelda gets an allay she names terrako and link gets a wolf he names twilight :] the pets would be called the "divine beasts" and they are cherished very deeply by each champion, and they often threaten to kidnap each other's pets when they're mad at each other especially revali and link. it gets to the point where link and revali end up hitting each other's pets, and to prevent warring, zelda finds some plugin or mod to disable pet deaths, or at least pet resurrection (idk if this exists. it should tho)

each champion's land grows to be larger, they have more villages/villagers (especially zelda like come on castle town!), and the server of hyrule starts to really fill in! link's first home eventually gets blown up by a creeper and he can't be bothered to rebuild it because he doesn't really care about having a base. revali starts bickering with him being like What if you die? Where are you going to respawn? Where will you keep your valuables? (link is the person with the least amount of deaths surprisingly and it's because he keeps all his shit with him and his spawnpoint is at world spawn lol) so link is just like Ok if you're so keen on me having a base, then how about you let me borrow yours? and revali is appalled at the suggestion and they argue a little more until revali eventually gives in and lets link stay at rito village under certain conditions. (all of this is being streamed btw, most of the time so people are absolutely getting converted to revalinkism watching this). link ends up being a great asset for rito village, because he protects the villagers and helps level them up because he trades with them all the time, and absolutely annihilates at pillager raids. he also. makes huge automated farms and storage systems for him and revali, and revali is... impressed. link didn't even ask if he wanted that, he just made it and automatically shared the resources between him and revali like . wow. revalink are gonna get married in minecraft you guys it's part of the lore

i can't think of anymore CSMP other champion shenanigans off of the top of my head rn bc im sleepy now LOL but like. besides revalink lore, i definitely want to see urbosa & daruk shenanigans, zelpha lore, daruk and mipha lore, urbosa and mipha lore, and just all the shenanigans between all of the champions. now imagine champion descendent shenanigans. oh god it would be so chaotic. imagine teba constantly experiencing revali and link bickering and flirting and bantering and just being like 😐🏳️‍🌈❌

if i think of more ideas, i'll post them! i'm just brainempty from work but this au seriously has so much potential i wanna write it now 😭

[driftward]

Title: Icemelt Characters: Zoissette Vauban, Y'shtola Rhul Rating: Teen Summary: Zoissette has prevailed against the Fury. Her feelings about this do not match up at all with the facts. Notes: This started as a prompt response for year of the OTP and wound up somewhere else.

She held on for so long.

After her fight with the Fury, she held on.

Through her challenge against Menphina, the others alongside her, she held on.

She would be as a glacier.

When she and her fellow adventurers traveled around the realm with the gods in their diminutive forms, asking questions, learning more about one another, she was her usual self. She felt she did not learn nearly as much about the gods as she might have liked, but knowing that they heard the prayers of all was calming, somehow. That they did not interfere, she already knew, but she learned about how faith shaped them nevertheless. And she learned that, though they may change throughout the years, they were tied to their domains, every one. Aspects of them that would never change. What they were seeing today was just one small part of what they were and had been throughout the ages.

She recognized something of herself in that. Parts of her felt as though they were never changing. And she felt that the world only saw the smallest part of her. The rest of it was all hidden away, deep and cold and safe and away, where nobody had to see.

She returned to the office for a short bit to check in with Zel. She gave him reassurance and advice, never sitting down - the seat was his, for now, until she returned from her sabbatical - and made sure that the temporary solicitor was not giving him trouble. Satisfied that all was as well as it could be, she stayed strong and moved on, even as she felt the cracks beginning to creep up within her.

She stopped by the laboratory to check in on her friends as well. Ryss and Apple both gave her their congratulations for her accomplishments, and she was all placid smiles and honest, simple platitudes. She dutifully downplayed her part in things, as she felt was expected of her, and made sure to quickly get them both distracted with questions that she could apply to her upcoming research assignment. Apple was quiet as usual, but excited, in her reserved way, to share what she knew that would help her fellow scientist. Ryss was boisterous and excited, and did not let Zoissette too quickly change topic. Zoissette did not believe she deserved such good friends, as she felt the cracks begin to fissure, but she quickly focused her friends on the equations work that needed to be done and equipment that would need to be sent over.

Even as she herself failed to find her focus, her thoughts as marbles on ice. Scattering and sliding, any single thought failing to achieve purchase in her ruminations. Nothing able to reach deeper to what she really wanted to think about, to ping against how she really felt.

Despite that, she still managed to be pleasant enough company until it was time for her to say her goodbyes.

From there, she braved the pathways of the lifestream, as she teleported to Old Sharlayan. The journey through formless aether was safe enough, so long as one was attuned to their intended destination, but something about the shift could sometimes result in unpleasant side effects. She found teleporting had a way of carrying her with a feeling of nakedness, raw and untethered, and she always found herself momentarily disoriented at her destination as her wits returned to her. She arrived, intact and whole, and was grateful nobody was there to witness her arrival.

The journey through aether had given her the distinct feeling of sinking.

She only had a little further to go. She had no place to call her own, and had not in some time, but she had places she could go. If she could just make it to her room in the Baldesion Annex, all would be well. She could lay in her bed, and beg unwellness, and perhaps sleep, and sink into the depths of herself, and maybe when she woke up everything would all fall away and she could continue to face the world as she always had, could go back to being what she needed to be, could make her way through another day.

The Annex had become a home for her, in its own way. A waypoint during the end days, and then a familiar place to drop by afterwards, and now she had her room once more as she helped with the research into the void and travels to the thirteenth and she was a good and dutiful research assistant who could be easily ignored. Ever reliable. Just another invisible face in an infinite world, quietly doing what needed to be done, never needing anything.

Never being anyone.

She found that she had stopped in the common space. Her room would be down the hallway and to the right. She could just drift into it without falling apart. It would have a pleasant view of a grassy field with sparse trees. She would be able to gaze at the buildings and peoples of Old Sharlayan in safety. Watch as people went about their business. Perhaps she could have food delivered.

She just had to make it there.

Almost there.

-*-

Y'shtola and Krile were chatting amiably at the Last Stand when at last G'raha staggered up, Snoegeim right behind him. Snoegeim smiled and waved as she approached and took a seat. G'raha, wilting under the weight of the apparatus on his back, was careful to set the device down to one side before collapsing into a seat.

“Y'shtola. Seeing you here is a welcome, if unexpected, surprise.” he said.

“Krile thought it mete that we should each share what we have been up to,” she said.

“And I’ve been talking her ear off while waiting on you two, telling her what we’ve learned from our little field trip with the gods,” said Krile, grinning over at them. “And well! Don’t you look just about beat. Finding the burden of scholarship heavy, Raha?”

Y'shtola hid a smile behind her teacup while Krile tittered. Snoegeim simply reached over and patted his shoulder.

“Yes, yes, poke fun if you will,” he said. “But while you’ve been having tea and exchanging pleasantries, Snoegeim and I have been collating the data we’ve gathered. The aetheric analyzer and its transcriber have done their jobs marvelously.”

“I must say, I feel slightly envious,” said Y'shtola, setting down her teacup and looking at Snoegeim. “Perhaps such a device would give me more insight into that tear to the void under Alzadaal’s Legacy. Would that the Forum might entrust me with a back to carry it,” she said, winking and looking pointedly at G'raha.

G'raha relaxed into his chair, slouching a bit, before folding his ears back and giving Y'shtola a glare. “Hey!”

The three women all giggled as G'raha sighed.

“And how, might I ask, is your work in the void coming along?” he asked, leaning forward. Y'shtola set down her teacup with a gentle sigh.

“Slowly, I am afraid. There is much and more to look into, and I fear the consequences of too much delay. We intend to return to that realm anon.”

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have an emergency that was perhaps less urgent every now and again?” said Krile.

“Well. While my need is not quite immediate just yet, I would greatly enjoy having my researcher returned to me, if you’ve quite done with her.”

G'raha turned a bit red, and turned his head. “Ah. Well, she might be a little bit, I’m afraid.”

Snoegeim grinned at him. A bit madly, in Y'shtola’s estimation. She ignored her, grabbing a tart for herself as she regarded G'raha cooly.

“Why, may I ask,” she asked.

“She fought the Fury!” blurted Snoegeim.

“Well, yes, I was under the general impression that was at least partially why you asked for her and her associates,” said Y'shtola.

“No, no! You don’t understand! She fought her alone!”

Y'shtola set her plate down to look at Snoegeim evenly, before turning her attention to G'raha with a headtilt.

“It’s true,” he said. “Once the initial fight was over, the Fury sought her out for single combat. She shrank herself down to do so, until she was just about Zoissette’s size. She issued a challenge, and Zoissette… well, she accepted it.”

“Oh, I was so worried for her,” said Snoegeim. “Halone was fast, and while I’m pretty sure she was pulling her punches, it sure didn’t seem like it. I don’t know how she held on!”

Y'shtola tapped her chin with her knuckles. “You were there to witness it? I thought the protocol was that only one of you would enter fully the realm of the gods at a time.”

“I was still outside,” said Krile. “Snoegeim wanted to check on matters, and she was so eager, I could hardly say no. Besides, I was interested to know what was going on myself. It’s always a delight hearing what our adventurers get up to.”

“I see,” said Y'shtola, keeping her tone controlled. “And how did my particular adventurer fare?”

“Ah, well, it is as Snoegeim said,” said G'raha. “It was not going well for much of the fight. I was certain she would prevail, of course, but even with that, I will admit that I was beginning to grow concerned. I thought that maybe her heart was not truly into it, or that perhaps something was holding her back. But then she summoned that fairy familiar of hers, and the tide of battle changed significantly.”

“She was in bad shape,” said Snoegeim, shaking her head. “She’d been more than bloodied, but kept getting back up, refusing to surrender.”

“The fairy’s magicks brought with them a minor miracle, flooding her with healing aether, and it seemed that was enough to see her as spirited as I can recall seeing her when she’s at her best,” said G'raha. “She rallied, and ultimately, prevailed.”

“You should have seen it!” said Snoegeim. “It was a wonder to behold! Once she was healed, she was so much faster, and she was almost dancing with the Fury! Blades clashed and magic flew! Oh, it was incredible! I’d love to watch her again sometime.”

“Yes, well,” said G'raha. “Ultimately, Halone declared the contest over, and announced Zoissette as the winner. She proceeded to knight her in front of everyone present, declaring her Zoissette of the Aurora. It was honestly quite the moving moment, I feel, even if the path to get there gave me some cause for concern.”

Y'shtola looked to Krile. “Did you examine her afterwards?”

Krile nodded. “She’s an easy patient, as you know, once you convince her that she’s not too much trouble to look after. You won’t be surprised to hear that she’s overextended herself. Her aether is out of sorts, and even with healing magicks, she’s got a few injuries she’ll be dealing with for a while. Fortunately, I am confident she’ll take her rest and recover fully. She’s certainly a better patient than some people present, Y'shtola.”

G'raha hid a laugh behind his hand, but quickly stifled it by clearing his throat when Y'shtola glared at him. She primly took a sip of tea while he coughed. “Perhaps I should get an accounting of your adventures from her myself,” mused Y'shtola.

“Perhaps,” said G'raha, recovering. “But hopefully now you understand why she may be a bit delayed. And she claimed to have matters she wished to look into before returning to Old Sharlayan as well. She apologized for not being able to help me with the work we need to do now, but of course I told her it was quite alright. Truth be told, I suspect your own work will be rather more important in the days to come.”

“In this, we are in agreement,” said Y'shtola. “I find your work fascinating, but I do not see any clear and present danger in it. Unlike those threats we face from those in the void. I thank you for taking the time to have lunch with me, Krile. I would enjoy spending more time with you and talking about the rest of your adventures, but you have reminded me of mine own responsibilities, and I feel perhaps I should go about preparing to see to them.”

“Well, your work may be urgent, but ours is rather less so,” said Krile. “If you make time in your schedule, I’ll make time in mine. I’d love to talk with you more, whether it’s about work or other matters.”

“I shall keep that in mind,” said Y'shtola, standing up. “Take care, my friends.”

The other three gave Y'shtola their well wishes as she headed off.

-*-

Y'shtola checked in the Baldesion Annex, meaning to retrieve a few personal effects and speak with Ojika before returning to Thavnair. She meant to ask him about Zoissette, but the cheeky expression on his face as she entered told her all that she needed to know. She kept her expression neutral, deciding to not give him the satisfaction of having any noticeable reaction to his obvious expectations.

“Well, hello, Archon Y'shtola,” he said. “What brings you by?”

“Merely stopping by,” she replied. “I do not imagine you have seen Zoissette about, perchance?”

He feigned a thoughtful expression. “Well, she may have -just- come through here. I think she said she was heading to her room for a moment of respite. Maybe I could go check on her… unless you’d like to do so yourself.”

He gave her a cheeky grin, and she found she could resist no longer, and rolled her eyes at him.

“I believe I shall go see for myself, thank you,” she said.

“My pleasure!” said Ojika a touch too cheerfully.

She shook her head, but smiled nonetheless. It was nice, after all, to be able to enjoy these all-too-rare moments of jovial camaraderie in between the various crises the world seemed wont to continue to burden her and hers with.

She left him, walking through the Annex into the common area, stopping there as she found Zoissette, seemingly staring off into nowhere.

Seemingly. The woman always had her little disarming oddities, and this was one of them. Y'sthola walked up to her, taking a moment to adjust her aethersight, putting forth just a little bit of extra effort to expand upon what she could see.

Zoissette faintly glowed, despite the layers of armor she wore. Zoissette’s aether was cool and steady, its light gentle yet strong. Of the many people Y'shtola had known over the years, few had had that same quality to them. And the power she always held so tightly controlled in reserve was obvious in her form. Broad shoulders that no amount of mail could hide. The curves of her thighs given to her by their very solid musculature, contributing to the elegance lent her by her long legs. The way she held herself, standing straight and tall as a soldier ought.

She wished to study her in detail one day.

“It always feels as though it has been too long, my friend,” said Y'shtola. “Krile tells me you and yours have been doing such interesting things in the realm of those who would call themselves our gods.”

Zoissette turned, and looked at Y'shtola, blinking.

“Oh. Uhm. Yes,” she said.

“Well then. I thought to stop by before continuing on to Thavnair, but perhaps if you’ve a moment, we might sit and you can tell me of your adventures, and then we can continue on our way together. I am certain you have learned much from them.”

Zoissette gifted her with that faint smile of hers, that real smile of hers. It was a gentle and soft thing, subtle in its affection. Not like the half asleep look she oft had when indulging others, nor the frankly frightening rictus grin she tried to force when she was nervous. As the two sat on the couch in the common area, Zoissette tucked herself into one corner, and Y'shtola into the other, keeping the polite distance the Elezen seemed to prefer.

She felt a tension she did not know she had been holding release, and wondered at that. Even as Zoissette opposite her sank down, and seemed to soften as she did so. Y'shtola tucked her feet up on the couch.

“Well, do not hold me in suspense,” she said.

Zoissette looked up at the ceiling, her expression blanking. “My apologies. Was there some specific question you had in mind?”

Y'shtola considered. “Krile told me much. She told me of the discovery of the epigraph, and how the means to completing it apparently required you to travel to each of the waystones of the twelve, scattered throughout the realm. She said that the gods are apparently curious creatures, oddly eager to interact with mankind. She told me of her journey, but I am full eager to hear of your accounting of the same.”

Zoissette nodded. “It was… interesting. I - I am not sure what to make of them. Or rather, I am, but I do not want to - I am not sure. I do not want to state anything with insufficient evidence.”

“Then it is as it has always been,” said Y'shtola. “Present your testimony, and we shall tease what truth there is in it through interrogation and examination.”

Zoissette took a deep breath in, and Y'shtola thought briefly of how distracting she was, and let it out, before she began to tell her tale. She told of the incomplete epigraph in Omphalos, and how the gods present offered to grant the knowledge of how to complete it, in exchange for meeting the adventurers in combat. She spoke briefly on the challenges, though on her own challenge with the Fury, she barely spoke at all, and Y'shtola made a mental note to interrogate that later. Afterwards, the gods had kept their side of the bargain, giving the adventurers gifts that could decipher their mysteries, and bidding them travel to the waystones they had set throughout the realm.

Then they had apparently traveled alongside the gods in their diminutive animal forms. This was of rather more interest to Y'shtola, and she asked more questions here, Zoissette gamely answering them. The two fell into an easy back and forth rhythm, a long and familiar pattern for them. Y'shtola enjoyed sharing these moments with Zoissette. Zoissette was straightforward and guileless, and she approached life with a hungry curiosity that granted her keen insight. And she was patient, never seeming to be irritated at questions like others might, and not put off too badly by Y'shtola’s occasional sharpness.

Moments like these, seeking the truth, were moments that she treasured.

She could not fail to notice, however, that in it all, Zoissette seemed to be more reserved than usual. It was not her place to pry, however, and so she would not.

And at last, her story was told, as Y'shtola was bringing back two cups of tea for each of them. Zoissette accepted hers gratefully, an Ishgardian black blend that Y'shtola knew she preferred, and Y'shtola nestled in on the couch next to her, with her own La Noscean orange blend. She sipped at her tea as she continued the conversation.

“And so the gods listen, but do not interfere with the ways of mankind,” she said thoughtfully.

Zoissette leaned forward, and clasped her hands in front of her.

“That seems consistent with what we know, yes,” she said.

“If they have indeed heard all the prayers mankind has offered in supplication over the eons, they must have great knowledge indeed, if not wisdom. I myself would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with Thaliak, or perhaps Nymeia - if they were wont to share any of what they have learned.”

Y'shtola looked at Zoissette. “And what of the conversation with your own goddess?”

Zoissette did not meet her gaze, instead just staring off again.

“She challenged me. I believe I said that.”

Y'shtola purposefully kept her tone gentle. It was obvious that there was something more here. “And what came of it, if I might ask?”

“I passed the test,” said Zoissette. “…it was a near thing. I do not know how to describe it, now. One moment, the challenge was hers, through little effort, if I were to be honest. The next, everything just seemed so… so clear. I remember offering up a prayer. Not to her. But I did pray, and everything just came into focus, and I managed to overcome her, well, to prevail, but - I could not tell you how. I’m, I am, I am sorry.”

“For what? Is it not well that you succeeded? I shall settle for seeing you hale and whole.”

Zoissette nodded as she responded. “…but you asked about what we said, not about the fight. I’m… I am not trying to be evasive, I promise. It is just - it is difficult to think about. She… she said something important, I think.

"She said that I was worthy. No. That I had always been worthy.”

“That is of little surprise to any who know you true, dear friend. Even if none in the realm could be described as such, it still could be said of you.”

“You are very kind.”

“I am very honest.”

Zoissette stirred her tea, and shook her head just the tiniest amount before continuing to speak. “At the time, I was tired from the fight, but as we pieced together the epigraph and learned more about the nature of the gods, it sort of shifted what I thought about what she said.”

“You told me that the epigraph was a sort of lodestone for the gods. A reminder of the core of who they were, even as faith changed them over the years.”

“Right. Exactly. So, Halone. We call her the Fury. A goddess of war. But her epigraph said nothing of the sort. Nothing about war or fury. She is a goddess of ice, and constancy, and tranquility. That is what she is. At her core. It is our beliefs that made her what she is now. Shaped who she became.

"I am not sure how to feel? I thought myself almost a heretic. My beliefs are not those of the Holy See. Not really. I mean, sort of. They are shaped by what I learned as a child. And what I knew, what I thought I knew. And, if I am to be honest, which I must, by my love of story. Even after all this time. Even after everything. Knowing that the beliefs of my nation were built on a foundation of lies, it is… it was hard to face my goddess. Knowing what I have done. What I have prayed. What I believe. And even now, here, in safety, it is hard to confess. But… everything I have learned has actually confirmed beliefs I have long held in secret. That there is a real Halone barely matters. She and the other gods claim that they do not act, do not meddle in the affairs of mankind. If that is true, then the Halone I have worshiped my entire life is almost exactly what I believed her to be. An ideal, a storytale. Made up by us. Made up by people. The epigraph tells me that the core of who she is is real enough. And I want to believe that. And that person who I met. She is real. Real enough. But everything else? Storytales. Our faith is our faith in a truth that comes from each of us, and that alone.”

Zoissette took a deep breath in. “My first duty is to the truth, Y'shtola. But why does it feel as though I have failed it? What does it say about who she is to me and what she said to me?”

“Who is she to call me worthy. Who am I, to be called worthy.”

“You are as you have always been, Zoissette.”

Zoissette fidgeted with the cup in her hands.

“I full find myself rather envious,” said Y'shtola.

“Envious?” said Zoissette, and she sounded skeptical, and Y'shtola laughed lightly.

“Yes, a bit,” she admitted. She swirled her tea in her cup, and smiled at it, imagining her distorted reflection in its surface. “You ask me who you are, though I suspect you know rather well enough the answer.”

Zoissette nodded, just a little. “I always welcome your perspective, if you would share it with me.”

Y'shtola closed her eyes, and lifted her tea to her mouth, and took in a deep breath, smelling the strong scent of citrus mixed in with the darker notes of the tea. She took a long sip and considered her words before she spoke.

“Whenever I look at you, I see much the same as what everyone else sees, I imagine. A dutiful knight of Ishgard, ever ready to defend the realm. An adventurer, capable and strong. A scholar of Limsa Lominsa, with a keen mind. But I do not believe that to be the core of who you are. Nay, I believe I see something more than that. I see a woman, ever curious. I see someone who approaches the world with that self-same curiosity, coupled with an openness that I find I simply do not have, and with that openness, you see truths scarce few could imagine.

"I remember, once you accused me rightly of being rather too much like my master. I would like to think that I have improved in temperament and manner since then, but you were not wrong in your criticism. I learned well from her, and when I approach the world, there is a certain cynicism I cannot help but bring with me. I trust nothing at face value, and I used to believe that made me better able to get at the hidden truths of the world, to dig past falsehoods and facades. I believed in naught more than myself, and felt I needed little more than that.

"Oh, but how wrong you have proven me, time and time again. You approach the world with an open heart and an open mind, believing and seeing the best in your fellow man, allowing them time and time again to disappoint you. But even when they do, your heart ‘tis no less diminished for it, nor do you grow cold in your disappointment. Nay, you reach out again and again, and it is that, that I envy. That is the core of who you are, is that bright and curious and open woman. In that openness, you are ever able to see the truth that lies right in front of you, that I myself so oft neglect in pursuit of deeper meanings that I may yet find if I simply looked with mine own heart. When I describe you as Light, well.

"That is who you are, Zoissette de Aurora. I find I must needs agree with Halone. You are worthy, and always have been. Yours is a Light that all may lift their heads and be guided by, if they but looked. I sense in your words that you struggle with these revelations, but has not the pursuit of truth always been such? Knowing what I know of you, you shall see past this, and find greater truths yet unveiled. To do otherwise is simply not in your nature.”

Y'shtola’s voice was soft as she finished, a small smile on her face, a warmth in her at her utter fondness for this woman. Y'shtola understood what a crisis of self was like. But how could Zoissette view herself as anything other than what she was?

She turned to face her, and saw that Zoissette was staring at nowhere once more. She saw the gentlest shade of clear and blue on her face, and the glint of what were the faintest motes of living aether, sparkling as a very few tiny specks, drifting down her cheeks.

She felt her ears go flat as she frowned up at Zoissette, and she focused, flaring her aethersight to fuller potential. She knew she would tire out faster from the exertion, but that would be a problem for later.

Zoissette looked over at Y'shtola, and frowned slightly. “Y'shtola? Archon Y'shtola?” asked Zoissette. “Is something the matter?”

Y'shtola reached up a hand slowly to Zoissette’s face. Zoissette’s eyes followed her hand as she reached up, and wiped away a tear.

“You would ask that,” she said.

Zoissette blinked some more, and Y'shtola watched as her eyebrows wrinkled and her face slowly collapsed into an expression of dismay. She turned her face away, stuffing a forearm into her mouth, and folded in on herself, her shoulders beginning to shake.

She should not meddle further. She could not say what had gone wrong these past few moments, but it was readily apparent that she had misstepped. Not merely misstepped, but overstepped. What she should do was step back, allow Zoissette her space and some privacy. Perhaps give the woman some tea and a warm blanket, direct her to her bedroom, and be on her way. And if Zoissette wished to share later, that would be her prerogative, and if not, that was no business of hers then, was it?

That was what she should do.

Instead, she touched Zoissette gently on the back.

“If I ask you to stay, would you?”

Zoissette did not look at her, but after a moment, nodded.

“Very well,” said Y'shtola. “I will be back swiftly. I promise.”

-*-

Zoissette cringed as she heard the door to the common area close.

She was not sure why she was crying. She did not want to be crying. Certainly she did not want to be falling to pieces in front of Archon Y'shtola of all people.

Nothing but nice things had been happening lately. The world was safe, the work was good, the research was interesting, she had friends, and she had faced her goddess in single combat and overcome her trial. Zoissette was living a good and comfortable life. She was happy. She should be happy.

And despite herself, it was happening again.

She could never let a nice thing just be a nice thing. She always found some new and more interesting way to screw it up. She could have just answered the Archon’s questions, and passed a pleasant afternoon, and made it to her bedroom where she could be a complicated mess all by herself.

Instead she was here in the common room, and the Archon had left. For what, she could not guess, but she was all alone for now, until she came back.

She tried to focus. She thought briefly of the hallway. She could escape. She could be gone by the time she returned.

But she had promised to stay.

And so she did, her mind swirling in on itself. Fragments of thoughts, disconnected but together.

Why was she crying?

Why did she feel this way?

Everything had been going so well.

Why was she like this?

She wanted to drown in the stupidity of it all, and be carried away to somewhere, someplace. She could come back tomorrow, all neat and clean and proper. Dutiful Zoissette once more.

She sat quietly, not sure if moments or minutes were passing by, trying to force herself to think, aware that she was in a whirlpool of emotion, but if she could just get free of it, perhaps she could move on and move past whatever this was.

Worthy, Halone had said.

Worthy, Y'shtola had agreed.

She had done everything right, and for once, for once, others agreed.

So why was she crying?

She looked up as she heard the door to the room open. Y'shtola had returned.

But she had not returned alone.

“Klynt…?” said Zoissette, her voice unsteady, as the large Roegadyn woman strode across the room towards her.

And then she was up, in the air, and her face was buried in Klynt’s shoulder, as Klynt just scooped her up like she was a coeurl and squeezed her as she wheezed.

“Heard you were in a bad way,” said Klynt.

Zoissette went red with embarrassment.

“Klynt! Why!?” she gasped.

Klynt just sat down with her on the couch, while Y'shtola busied herself in the background. After a moment, Zoissette gave up, and just curled up further on herself, bringing a hand up to push her glasses off her face and press her hand against her eyes. She could hear other movement in the room, but she shut it out, and let herself cry for a while, just clinging to Klynt and, generally, feeling sorry for herself.

It did not last forever, though, and eventually she began to feel herself calm down. She began to breathe again. She felt a soreness loosen, and a cold that she had not realised she had been holding release itself to allow warmth back in again.

She looked up, and as she did so, a teacup was pushed into her hands.

She was surprised to see Meya, smiling warmly at her. Meya’s other hand had a plate of food, and she suddenly realised she felt as though she were practically starving.

Zoissette gingerly took the proffered tea and looked dumbly at the plate, before looking up at Klynt.

“Please put me down.”

Klynt obliged, setting her down on the couch next to her. And as she was settled, she saw what the noise in the room had been about.

People were bustling back and forth, Y'shtola directing them. No; not people. Not just any people. Her friends, among the many peoples she had known over the years. Members of Gage Acquisitions, Scions, and more aside. She recognised no few of her books being taken back to her room, and Ryss and Apple helping get her lab equipment settled in as well. Y'mhitra was chatting with Zel, who noticed her attention, and turned and waved before falling back into conversation with her cousin. The solicitor she had asked for from the Arcanist’s guild gave her a nod as she continued talking with both of them. And while Meya may have been the one to bring her the tea, she could see others making other arrangements for food.

She had seen this sort of thing before. Y'shtola had a way of taking charge in emergencies, of seeing to what needed to be done.

She was not sure how she felt that she seemed to be the emergency this time.

She did have to admit, however, that she felt a bit better. And a lot more embarrassed.

If the others were bothered however, none of them spoke a word of it to her. Instead discussions whirled, either talking about the just-passed excitement of dealing with gods, or how to handle the upcoming expedition to Thavnair, and then to the thirteenth beyond. As Zoissette caught snippets, she realised they were talking of the research expedition, and how best to help make sure it went smoothly. Much of what they were doing was towards that end, in fact.

Work she had expected to take on herself over the next few days, actually.

She made a few attempts to get up and join in, but each time, a different person just happened to be near enough to gently push her back down and set something else in her hands to keep her occupied for just a little while longer.

Many hands made for light work, though, and eventually her friends broke off their work or conversations, and said their goodbyes, and gave her their well wishes as they were on their way. Klynt was among the last to leave, after Y'shtola had taken her off to one side and had a hushed conversation with her. She did not eavesdrop, but Klynt did stop and clap her on the shoulder with a smile before she went.

The gesture helped. Klynt was a long and true friend.

At last, the Annex was quiet once more, and it was just her and Y'shtola. The plates had been cleared, the place was clean, and everything had been put away.

Y'shtola stood nearby, leaning against a wall, her hands pinned behind her, just watching her.

Zoissette managed a smile for her.

“Thank you.”

“Speak nothing further of it.”

Zoissette looked away. She wanted to say something, but she was not sure what. Something to make up for the whole mess.

“I think,” she said instead, “I am very tired.”

“Shall I see you to your room, then?”

“…please.”

Y'shtola pushed off the wall, and came over, and helped Zoissette up. As she came to her feet, she realised she was trembling slightly. The after effects of everything, she assumed. She let herself be led to her room, and Y'shtola opened the door, and then paused at the threshold.

“I do not wish to intrude.”

“…you will not be,” said Zoissette. “I - I could use the company. I think. If it is alright.”

Y'shtola nodded, and the two went in together.

-*-

Zoissette was in bed, curled up on her side, wearing a sweater and some shorts. Her glasses were tucked away, and she had taken the bow out of her hair, letting it free.

Y'shtola sat on the floor next to her bed, her feet tucked up near to her, her back leaning against the edge of the bed.

Zoissette was sleepy and heavy and sore and exhausted. She felt as though she had been drained away to almost nothing, and all that was left was the stones of her bones, sinking heavy into the bed.

“Y'shtola,” she tried to say. The first syllable did not want to cooperate.

“Hmm?” replied Y'shtola anyway, bless her.

“…I would have handled the work eventually. You did not need to call all those people.”

“I am certain. However, that was hardly the point. I felt you could use a warmth from those better to provide it than I.”

Zoissette was beginning to have trouble stringing thoughts together.

“I did not intend to be a burden.”

Y'shtola turned now to look at her.

“Is that why you are so intent on refusing to ask for the help you so freely proffer others?”

Zoissette wanted to argue. She could feel her eyes weighing down, though.

“…I do not want to be a burden to you,” she mumbled. “I’m hardly worth it.”

“However you feel about yourself, you would do well to allow me my own counsel,” she replied.

The room fell quiet at that. And after some long minutes, Y'shtola heard Zoissette’s breathing become gentle and slow.

“…and perhaps I think you are worth the effort,” she said quietly.

[t0mboi]

Part 2 of the Greek mythology inspired stuff

Lore:

Xchara is one out of many demigods that were bless with great power by the lords at a young age with his brother (Frisk); he was raised by Xgaster before being adopted by Asgore and Toriel, unfortunately his bond with Xgaster slowly became distant after the many events that led into chaos and madness for the mortal/god world. Both had different views which turned into a test between the gods, goddess, and demigods.

While his brothers chose not to fight; Chara on the other hand wasn’t one who kept his mouth shut and would often challenge Xgaster’s views, none has ever cause a serious battle, only exchanging harsh words.

Chara would attend to the mortal’s needs whenever he comes down; most of them were the average “save us from this evil creature and save our town” or “help get my cat down from the tree” perhaps.

But one day; Chara finds himself sneaking into a sacred garden where he meets Marcus, he hid behind the trees and only watched him at a safe distance before getting the courage to walk up to him.

At first; Marcus wasn’t too thrilled to suddenly see a man behind him and did hit him, but it quickly calmed down after Chara was trying to explained himself (while having stuff chucked at him).

Chara and Marcus started seeing each other after the incident (mostly form running into each other); Chara started to enjoyed his company as he didn’t seem to be the same people he deals with all the time.

After some consideration (on Chara side) he finally became friends with Marcus; he kept his friendship a secret from everyone expect the few he can trust and are close to him, as he was worried that this friendship could be used against him or endanger their safety. After awhile it seemed like his secret was safety secured.

Then one day; a huge argument between him and Xgaster occurred again, it started once Chara found out that he was controlling his family and using them for devious deeds, as Xgaster offered Chara to join him, he snapped and vowed to never work with the likes of him and would rather die than to be known as a monster, and storms off.

Now being alone in his domain; Xgaster was interrupted by his creations (a scorpion) and learns about a rumour about Chara’s secret relations with a mortal, suddenly feeling thrilled about this new piece of information, he orders his creation to spy on Chara and find out who this mortal is.

Once he was able to successfully identify Marcus; Xgaster poses himself as a faithful god to the naive Marcus alone.

Finally having something to go with; he taunts Chara again, making him come back for round 2. But this time; Xgaster reveals that he knows about Chara’s little secret, he tells Chara that he has been close contact with his dear friend which allowed him to put a curse on him.

He begins laying out his options,

If Chara chooses to refuse his offer and continue to be the “hero” of his story; Marcus will be his new replacement and will do everything that Xgaster instructed, in his new pursuit to dethrone the gods for his perfect world, and maybe… Xgaster may make him his.

But if Chara finally gives in and accepts his fate, then Xgaster won’t dare to touch Marcus, only when Chara starts to show some hesitation/rebellion.

Chara was finally sensing the lost of hope and the pressure on his shoulders; feeling angered by his fate and guilt, he reluctantly gives in.

Day after day; the occasional deed was committed, feeling every remorse knowing how his actions may not be justified to one’s eyes. Marcus was blissfully unaware by Chara’s wrong doings and it was going to stay that way; Chara didn’t want his fate to interfere with their own, besides… his choice was the reason why Marcus is living his life peacefully.

While it seemed like a done deal; perhaps may turn upside down, by a string luck of accidental chance.

Xtale characters (Xchara, xfrisk, Xgaster and all of that) belongs to Jakei95

Marcus, Greek mythology inspired writing (here), and characters designs belongs to Tomboi

[farmboyprince]

My introspective- week 2/3 of @2024-grimoire-challenge

Finally got some time to write up my review! Joining two weeks together:)

Second week of the challenge, the prompts have been much more personal opinion/belief focused. I don't mind them, but it was a lot more work- especially since I've been super busy lately (exam season is starting+two concerts this week>_<). Thing is, since I'm on my own path and don't really follow one way of thinking/believing, my answer to a lot of the questions was "I don't know". For example, "where does magic come from"? I don't know that. Honestly, I don't even know what magic really is, and I use it all the time! My notes ended up being mostly about my experiences and thoughts instead of belief. I actually like that; I'm hoping that those will change somewhat during this year and I'll be able to do the topic "Magic 2" and reflect on all the new viewpoints I'll acquire.

Saturday, 13.1. The week's almost over, but I'm just about halfway done with the prompts- I did monday (magic), tuesday (witch) and wednesday (personal practice) journal prompts and started on my plant research (chamomille). I knew I'd fall behind for exams, but I didn't know it would be this soon >_<

Wednesday, 17.1. I've skimmed trough the prompts for week 3 and they seem like they'd take me a long time, so off I go to study genetics instead xD

Wednesday, 24.1. Finally getting some time! I'm taking today off before I go back to studying. Week 3 is all about energy (something I sorely lack right now lol). In my own practice, I most connect to nature/it's energy. Not only for energy in my spells, but also for my own. I garden and take care of a small orchard; my room has plants wherever there's enough sunlight, and my furniture is a bunch of mismatched wood types. It's a small room, but I've still found some space for my 200 and 45 l aquariums (~53 and 12 gallons) that are also full of plants. Honestly, they really help me with burnout, anxiety and managing my energy levels- I can relax and watch the fishies, get happy whenever I see a new leaf on my hoyas and after a hard day of work in the garden I usually have more spoons than I've started with:)

(plant/fish tax)

I adore the Sun for its light and warmth, but don't care as much for the other celestial bodies. I admire water, air and fire but mostly in the context of nurturing, feeding and renewing the life around them. I have a special reverence for earth, which, given my line of studies and interests, is pretty self explanatory. Gods and spirits are, in my opinion, personifications/avatars/etc. of nature and human traits. As such, when working with deities, I prefer to go straight to the source- their domains. I have a spot in the forest where I give Veles my offerings; I bring leafed branches and flowers to my altar for Jarilo and I prune grapevines while asking Dionysus for his blessings.

With it being winter right now, I don't go outside as much as I should. For some reason, I get more anxious in cold weather and taking a walk alone becomes quite a challenge and thus leads to me not having enough energy/brain power to get my work done.

With that in mind, I think taking a long walk should count for my energy work this week!

[nazorneku]

this is smth i wanted to touch upon, considering i've been asked 'bout this before and just to accentuate his strengths and weaknesses due to his nature

An oni is a kind of��youkai, demon, orc, ogre or troll in Japanese folklore. They are known for their superhuman strength and have been associated with powers like thunder and lightning, along with their evil nature manifesting in their propensity for murder and cannibalism. They are typically portrayed as hulking figures with horns growing out of their heads, massive teeth, with red, blue, black or yellow colored skin. Oni are able to change their looks to fool their victims into trusting them. It is believed that oni were originally once human beings, but are born when an evil human dies and is sent to one of the several Buddhist hells where they are transformed into an oni. Oni, written in kanji as 鬼, meaning something invisible, formless or unworldly, in other words, a 'ghost' or the 'soul of the dead'. Particularly powerful oni may be described as kishin or kijin (literally "oni god"; the "ki" is an alternate character reading of "oni"), a term used in Japanese Buddhism to refer to Wrathful Deities. The Japanese oni represents bad luck and violence in Japanese culture. In art and literature, they attract destruction, plagues and disease around them. Paradoxically, the Japanese demon is also a figure of protection and good fortune.

Even if in possession of physical bodily form, an oni in its core nature is a spirit, thus the damage done by primitive weapons such as knives would eventually be mended; despite breaking the integrity of the skin and drawing blood. Such injuries would not last, nor they would cause great impact upon his over whole constitution. Momentarily disturbance and unpleasant sensation, but nothing critical. In addition to own demonic physique, that grants him strength which exceeds of a regular human (example to compare from modern world, above the level of professional bodybuilder or weightlifting athletes), as let's not forget how Ais broke ribs of a roughneck without turning body into a poppy mess; there's also a matter of borrowed powers from Ocudeus, that undoubtedly have healing and shielding properties. Hence to influence such creature you would need to implement powers of corresponding nature - magic. That also would include wards, runes, incantations, potions, bombs with specific herbs or ingredients that hold sway over demons, and obviously enchanted or magical weapons would deal great damage to both body and spirit. Worth to mention that due to demonic nature he does not easily become inebriated with human made beverages. He drinks and smokes for its taste mostly. As well him accepting Leander's shots serves as a welcoming challenge to actually experience being intoxicated, made body languid or his mind being affected in a way. After all, Leander applies magic to his concoctions. Specifically in my portrayal, Ais draws powers from the depths of the Seaspring, from its pool, from the blood. Now I'd avoid writing a detailed description of how his powers manifest, as I actually intend to write this specific moment in one of my responses. I also want to reference Blood Pond Hell in the hot spring town of Beppu. Its connection to healing and improvement in health, its symbolism as it's notoriously mentioned for its striking appearance, which according to Buddhist belief, resembles the entry to hell. And I also want to point one of my previous posts, as the torii gate, that stands in the middle of the spring, could be an actual gateway, a demonic door to the domain of Ocudeus'.

[heirofhermes]

About Sebas' magic

As a part of the Order of Hermes, Sebastián was taught magic with a very clear and distinct structure that classified every type of magic within Schools or Spheres. Every mage has special affinity for one or two of the nine possible spheres of magic, and different ways to approach or tap into their power.

Some mages use staffs or wands to cast spells. Some others tap into their connection to nature, to God, or to their ancestors in order to wield their power. Sebastián's approach is closer to high ritual, resorting to symbols, runes, hand signs and different forms of meditation to manifest his magic. Sometimes he might even resort to chanting in latin, but he finds that one to be less precise in general.

As a young prodigy, Sebas has been able to learn and practice successfully a total of four of those schools with different levels of effectiveness. He first discovered his magic with the Forces Sphere, which came naturally to him. He then learned Mind and Time from his mentor; and finally Matter, which he learned all on his own.

FORCES

Power: 7 / 10 Control: 11 / 10

The sphere that deals with every kind of natural force. Heat, gravity, electricity, acceleration, air pressure, among others. This is the sphere that came most naturally to him, and the one that got him recognition as a prodigy.

It's not his strongest sphere, but the level of control he has over it rivals that of a fully seasoned archmage. He can be incredibly creative, subtle and skilled in gentle uses of the sphere, even more so than the destructive ones. Within the different kinds of uses, he is particularly good at telekinesis and exceptionally good at fire magic.

MIND

Power: 10 / 10 Control: 6 / 10

While it's self explainatory, this sphere projects Sebas' mind into the world, allowing him to read, alter and even control other people's mind and perception. The creation of illusions and decoys, the protection of his own mind and even the projection of his own mind palace (reality marble/domain expansion) are all possible because of this sphere.

This is Sebastián's strongest sphere, but because of his trauma and his shadow personality, he doesn't have the most control over it. Hence why it's not his first instinct to use this kind of magic, but when he does it can lead up to truly catastrophic results.

His mind power usually manifests in his day to day life with an advanced intelligence and an eidetic memory.

TIME

Power: 6 / 10 Control: 7 / 10

This sphere holds everything regarding the manipulation of the flow of time in a bigger or a smaller scale. It's arguably one of the hardest spheres to master considering fighting Time itself is a challenge, but Sebas has managed to get quite adept in minor manipulations such as accelerating himself or others. In tandem with his mind sphere, he's able 'read' the past of places or things he comes in contact with.

While time travel is possible, it is incredibly difficult. In his current power state, Sebastián is unable to achieve such feat.

MATTER

Power: 4 / 10 Control: 6 / 10

The ability to manipulate the atomic structure of matter, so long as it's devoid of life. This sphere allows Sebas to cast transmutation spells to alter the structure of shape of things, or to ensamble and dismantle objects at will.

It's his weakest sphere so far, but it's always come in handy when it comes to creating a bit of gold he can then change into money, to quickly clean clothes or to perform minor fixes in his motorcycle.