#also?? the gauntlets are an interesting touch

[lazybakerart]

i'm obsessed

[bleedingichorhearts]

𝕾𝖊𝖙 𝖁𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖉𝖎𝖙𝖞

𝕬𝖚𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖗: What if I combined them all into one, for maximum efficiency? I blame this one, @kit-williams and this one, @barn-anon for this.

𝕿𝖆𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖉: @egrets-not-regrets, @bispecsual, @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan, @sleepyfan-blog.

TW // SMUT/NSFW, NonCon and Dubcon, Baby Trapping, Drug? Yandere Themes, Death, Body Horror, Cannibalism.

Blasius slowly turns his head to the side from his crouched position. His mouth opening for a better scent thread as he sniffs the air heavily and chuffs.

So soon? He shakes his head, rising from his crouched position. Casting a shadow over the broken body below him. Such an eager little mate.

Glancing back down at the mauled body. Blasius brings forth an main appendage between his armor plates and licks the warm crimson staining his gauntlet. Savoring how rotten it tasted. Something he had almost forgotten about. How atrocious some could be, hopeless and decaying.

Something his little mate was not. Unlike this waste of flesh below him, unable to bring his little mate what she wanted. What she craved for. He can see it in her eyes, in her scent. How could this one not?

He was ignorant of course, too witless to acknowledge her effort. Too endorsed in his time running away from the nest and coming back smelling like another. His little mate was distressed when she figured out what he was doing. Yet, she still believed that he had some “good” left in him. Putting more of her dedication to prove that she was the worthy mate, when it was the other way around.

This false male was the unworthy one of breathing in the same air as his little mate. Undeserving of her attention, her love, her gifts and lingering touches of her commission of fidelity. It drove him crazy that she wasn’t paying attention to him as she poured her devotion into this male who uses her as a side trophy.

He wanted to give his little mate all that he had to offer. He wanted to return that love and attention she put on that failure of a human. He wanted to gift her all the things she found an interest in, but never acted upon it. Craving for that male to gift it to her, to acknowledge her. He wanted to provide what the male would not, could not.

It was no secret this man was a disappointment to any female that he encounters. He can hear the difference between the real and the fake moan’s his little mate does when they are coupled together or how his little mate has to take care of herself afterwards. Having yet to climax herself, but the male was also a disappointment by being infertile. Not that his little mate knows of that.

It is one of the reasons she has gotten a toy however, to sedate her ever growing desires. To finally have something to finish her off and at first, he wanted to rip the toy to shreds. Watch it decay beneath his fingertips, but he stops mid-way of finding the silicone c*ck in her closet. Realizing this singular tool has had a lot more to it than just for making his little mate climax on it.

So, he puts it back in its place where he found it. Leaving it to his little mates next use.

Blasius hums deeply as the appendix of the open body below him bursts, a quiet wheeze coming out of the mouth of the body as it splatters against his greaves. A mix of puss and blood inching down his armor to his sabatons. Another appendage coming out between his plating near his knee to clean up the mess the weak, organic body had made. 

He uses another main appendage to reach inside the cut opening in the males body, pushing underneath his sternum and ribs, providing wet sounds and a squelch each time the appendage slips underneath another rib. Reaching the top of the body’s rib cage, he digs the appendage downwards between the lungs and wraps around the windpipe and tugs. A sickening squelch-like pop sounding out. 

Pulling his appendage back to him. He wraps the rest of his appendage around the organ and lifts it up to his face, observing it. Sniffing it before he rumbles lowly in refusal. Whipping the rotten lung away with his appendage. Hearing it splat somewhere else.

That was not something he would preferably eat. Healthy organs are the better route of eating, they taste better. Saccharine even. They envelop the tongue like thick wine. Not that he found eating humans was a satisfactory, just a tasteful treat. He found far better sweets in this world to sedate his hunger than he would in his own world, but that rotted lung wouldn't give him the treat he was looking for.

Perhaps, his liver would work better? They were always far cleaner than the rest of the body’s he’s taken a snack on before. Maybe a little bitter with their alcohol consumption, but that doesn't deter him, he’s had worse before. If anything, that marinates more flavor into the organ.

Sliding his appendage between the body’s ribs and organs again. Wet sounds followed while he wraps his appendage around the liver twice. Pushing the other organs aside and over the opening of his torso and stomach. Feeling how the male's organs still pulsed with life. His dull eyes still staring up at his figure. A mule this one was.

With a particularly harsh tug, the body’s liver popped out with a sickening crack of his rips flying apart. His sternum breaking in half as bone shards littered inside and outside of the blood spewing body. The dirt drinking up the body’s lifeline like desert sands would do to water.

Blasius purrs quietly, approving of this body’s liver as he sniffs it. His mouth opening to wrap his tongue around the organ and lay it in his mouth before squeezing it with his tongue. Feeling it pop in his mouth and splatter before he chews, savoring the taste and the memory’s it came with it.

At least, the memories with his little mate in them. Ranging from how sweet his little mate was and how remarkable she was. Offering her food, her home to this male. Never blowing up on him when she clearly wanted to. Some of the many things that he hates the male for, but that was not a matter anymore.

Nurgle, and the intercourses with her. He knows he could have done way better than this male, but to envision her nude and submissive before him? His appendages began to salivate, including his mouth.

The things he would love to do to her.

Her scent wafts over him as he swallows hard. Shivering as his appendages become eager, desiring, and aching. Pushing up against his armor almost painfully. Telling him he wasn’t actually envisioning her scent of her arousal at all. This was real.

He takes a step away from the mutated body, not looking back as his appendages inside of him twitch in anticipation. Those wild packs of wolves that roam around here should eat the rest of the body up like nothing by tomorrow's dusk. Leaving absolutely no trace of him to be found.

Blasius uses his appendages to clean the rest of his armor off to temporarily relieve their eagerness to come out while he slowly follows his little mates arousal back to her nest. He knows has some time to get there before she climaxes and he must be presentable to his little mate after all. He knows how… unnerving he could look.

He hears her soft moans before he even enters into the nest. His senses heightened to seek her out through her strong arousal that begged him to fill his little mate as he inhales deeply, leaning down through the front door.

Nurgle, he is here little mate. He is here to provide. Let him provide for you.

He hears her cry out in ecstasy and that makes him move a bit faster through the house. Holding his breath as he moves swiftly between furniture. Quickly, opening the door and lean down through it to his little mates nesting spot.

The first thing he sees is her riding the false c*ck up and down into her core at a fast pace. Her skin glistening with sweat at all the effort to make herself climax. Her heated breaths staining her own skin as she moans out again, closing her eyes and throwing her head back.

He rumbles quietly and takes side steps into the grounds of his little mates nest. Watching as she chased that high. Kneeling down to the ground in front of her bed. Observing how her folds fluttered around the c*ck. Her muscles constricting around it as she cried out. Her juices leaking down the c*ck.

Yet, she doesn’t turn on the toy? Isn’t that what it was for? To fill her up her womb? Isn’t that what she wanted?

So, he turns on the toy instead, a gasp escaping his little mate as the toy pumps his c*m into her. Selection by selection, until there was nothing left in the toy.

Unfortunate, no worries. He has more to provide.

She makes a move to get up from the false c*ck, but he growls. His appendages coming out, spooking his little mate as he takes her by the hip and pushes her back down on the fake c*ck. Watching as she squirms on it, his c*m leaking around the edges from her hole and down the false c*ck.

He didn’t get drug from that questionable Ultramarine for no reason.

She whines at him, and as much as he would love to hear her cry out to him. He sticks an enthusiastic appendage down her throat. Silencing her cry’s as he shoves moves her shifting hips back down onto the false c*ck again.

Shhh, little mate. Let me take care of you. Your… partner won’t be around anytime soon to please your needs like I will. To caress your skin like I will. To protect you like I will. To provide to you like I will.

To have yours and mine procreation.

[leviathanofdeath]

rotb spoilers i talk abt Noah in depth bc im autistic and its 1 am

(this is also strictly talking abt the movies)

idk bout yall, but i really like Noah and his character and the way he interacts with everything thrown at him., I really like how (because of Mirage's chill personality) he wasn't completely overwhelmed by the existence of robot aliens. sure he was freaking the hell out abt the car driving by itself but yknow he caught on pretty quickly. and this is also due to the fact that he wanted to save earth as well. and specifically he wanted to help his brother. can we talk abt the fact that he was so willing to go against his morals just to scrounge up some sort of cash to help his family. as soon as he got into Mirage he was like "I don't wanna do this" and he was trying to get out the car. I also really like the relationship Noah had with his little brother. trying to be that light in his life and give hope. doing everything just to help his little brother not be in so much pain. it was just a nice touch to show us how truly compassionate and caring Noah is and you could really feel that through the performance, imo. you can tell they've both been struggling for quite some time. you feel sorry for when Noah gets immediately rejected by that security officer, and he's completely honest and trying to explain how he deserves a second chance (and he does) and he's probably repeated those reasons a thousand times in the past. he almost completely doubts himself until his brother reiterates that they're always gonna be there together and theybcan do it. and even though it sounds unrealistic, me and my sister have said the same thing to each other so it feels all the more powerful to me. it's a completely different approach to a character in the movie series and I cannot appreciate it enough.

and can I just say, sorry to the sam likers out there, I like how Noah doesn't just immediately insult Mirage trying to save him or befriend him. they actually have a strong ass bond almost right off the bat. sam was always yelling at bee everytime bee came in to save his ass (I hated this bc bee can do no wrong ok) but when Mirage was fighting scourge all by himself JUST to buy time for Noah, literslly risking his life for Noah. literslly becoming a suit of armor for him. Noah was nearly in tears, watching mirage's optics fade becsuse they've already become so close. Noah and Mirage have the silliest banter because they just get along so well. I know it's kind of stupid to compare the two (sam/bee and noah/mirage) but my point is simply: they connect so well together and I really fucking appreciate that. we've seen it with Charlie and Bee where they genuinely care for each other and now we see it again with Noah and Mirage. its just so nice to see the two get along swimmingly. even after they save the world, Mirage meets Noah's brother and everything and Noah begins to fix Mirage up as well. showing that they've become closer after the entire incident.

and Mirage. I just gotta say he is seriously the star of the show. Pete Davidson did an amazing job with him. and Mirage's personality fits with Noah so incredibly well. They've got the same type of style, use the same slang, stuff like that, and they compliment each other. Mirage is so genuinely interested and curious about Noah that he comes off as extremely friendly, defensive, and playful. He doesn't hesitate to risk his life for Noah and he gives Noah a little gauntlet to at least keep himself safe when they're apart. he even tells Noah off the bat that he can turn into any car and be sold so Noah can have money for his family. Maybe its the fact that Mirage has been cooped up and told to stay hidden for so long that he can't help but appreciate the first person to "reawaken" him, but regardless their relationship is just extremely refreshing and nice. The way they can bounce off each other is awesome. God i love them so much honestly I can't think of a better duo than these two theyre just perfect for each other whether its platonic or more

[weirdmarioenemies]

No one stopped me but myself, but I'm back to ranking all the Super Mario Galaxies

Sorry this took so long! Mix of some busy weeks and some low energy. These are long posts! Takes a lot of time to write them.

Hello, everyone! Today we're approaching the top of the mountain. The very best galaxies these games have to offer... at least to me. I know I've stated this a lot but like, opinions are totally subjective, and what appeals to me may not appeal to you and vice versa! But these ones appeal to me and quite a lot.

By the next entry, we will have covered all of the galaxies there are, which is pretty exciting. You can expect it on some Sunday, but given how the last few weeks have gone, I won't make any promises about the specifics of when. And if this is the first time you're seeing one of these posts and want to catch up, I've got you covered. Here's part one, part two, part three, and part four.

With that out of the way, I think we're about good to go! Let's start covering some of the best these games have to offer!

20. Grandmaster Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: S

Grandmaster Galaxy should be grateful we're not ranking the galaxies in the order you play them, or else it'd be dead last.

If I'm not mistaken, Super Mario Galaxy 2 was the first game to feature a very long, very difficult gauntlet as a "final test" of sorts, and here it is! This is another of those things that has basically become a series staple of Mario games at this point, with similar levels existing in 3D Land, 3D World, and Odyssey, and given they've latched onto this concept so much, it's probably not controversial to say that the first instance of this probably did something right.

And it did! The Grandmaster Galaxy throws a number of different obstacles at you, from a segment where all you have to get around is those Yoshi Tongue Flower Things, to a segment with electrical mazes, to a segment where you have to dodge Ring Beamers around flip-swap panels and disappearing platforms, to a segment with some tricky pull star timing. I would go ahead and say the segment with the flipswitches and Sentry Beams is on the easy side, but that's towards the start, so it's probably fine.

The first run of the galaxy is challenging, but also feels a bit like a "practice run," giving you room to acquaint yourself with each step of the galaxy before the Perfect Run, where you have to do the whole thing in one go with only one health. This is the time where I admit: I've only ever beaten the Perfect Run with help from a Co-Star Luma. Is that cheating? I dunno. I never promised I was great at video games! Only good enough to 100% most of the game and beat the Grandmaster Galaxy non-perfect run, and still do the Perfect Run with a little help. ...That counts for something, right?

Either way, I think Grandmaster provides more than an adequate challenge, making it succeed as both a test of skill, and as a finale for the rest of the game to build up to.

19. Matter Splatter Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: S

If you exclude boss missions, I'd say Matter Splatter Galaxy is probably the best one-off galaxy in the first game. Actually, the Garden in general is a really good dome. This is the first of its galaxies I'm covering on this list! (As long as you don't look at the Hungry Luma standing outside. I question how much Snow Cap Galaxy single-handedly weighs down this dome if you're willing to include it.)

I've kinda ragged on a lot of the smaller-scale galaxies in the first game, and while the small scale is maybe part of the reason I've been more dismissive of them, as a whole, I think what hurts them more for me is that I rarely find their gimmicks all that unique or interesting. If a gimmicky one-off galaxy has a good enough gimmick? Then yeah, I'll love it to bits! And Matter Splatter Galaxy has that "good enough gimmick".

I touched on this one a bit when talking about Sweet Mystery Galaxy, what with how both make use of the "what you can see is all that's there" concept, but as a whole, I think Matter Splatter does it a bit better, due to the lack of player control. It adds an element where you have to consider when you want to approach, and makes for some fun improvisation when your timing is off. You lose out on some of that improvisation when the location of the ground is something you have more control over, you know?

But what truly escalates Matter Splatter to me is how much variety they get out of its gimmick. For the first half of the galaxy, droplets of matter will "light up" the ground you can walk on, with the ground gradually fading until another drop hits the same spot. It's a fun test of pattern recognition and timing, and it comes with both 2D and 3D segments for a bit of added variety! As a whole, I'd say I generally prefer this half of the galaxy since it feels a bit more distinctive, but it's not like this galaxy suddenly becomes weak in the back half.

The back half switches things up, focusing on large, moving "spotlights" you have to keep yourself in, changing to a bit of an autoscroller, where you have to swiftly adjust to whatever obstacles are coming up ahead, now testing your reflexes and improvisational skills a bit more. Once again, we get both 2D and 3D segments for added variety, and the mix of the galaxy's unique gimmick and autoscrolling format allows for some really fun misdirection in this part. It's a fun switch-up that doesn't depart dramatically from what makes this galaxy so great. All of this comes together to make a one-off gimmick galaxy that feels like it truly gets the most out of a unique concept.

Before I move on, though, I want to talk about the Spring Mushroom. The Spring Mushroom is a weird power-up. It's pretty infamous, and like, for good reason. It's difficult to control, it feels kinda jank to use at times, and most people find it more frustrating than fun and like. I'm not even gonna say I disagree with that sentiment! And yet somehow, against all odds, every galaxy that prominently features the Spring Mushroom has ended up scoring really highly for me. Are these galaxies just great in spite of featuring the Spring Mushroom? Is the Spring Mushroom's jank secretly a good thing? Or is there just something wrong with me? The answer is probably a mix of all three.

18. Bowser's Galaxy Generator

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: S

Oh hey, it's the finale of the main Super Mario Galaxy 2 campaign! These big finale boss missions are always great, and while I think Galaxy 2's doesn't quite stack up to the first game's, I'd still say that I'd consider it a worthy successor. It still absolutely succeeds as one last grand mission to close out the main game.

Like any good boss galaxy, I love Bowser's Galaxy Generator for its length and sense of variety. Possibly even more so than the Galaxy Reactor from the first game, the Galaxy Generator seems to try testing your knowledge on everything you know, featuring most of the game's brand-new power-ups, save for the Rock Mushroom and Bulb Berry. I think this idea of focusing on the game's new content was the right call, since it helps it feel a bit more like a finale to Super Mario Galaxy 2, specifically.

The level is also adequately challenging! I find the Yoshi segments towards the end to be the toughest, with the Dash Pepper segment being tight enough that even the smallest mistakes can be punishing, while the Snake Block section afterwards requiring some pretty tight reflexes to dodge the Magmarrghs.

With that out of the way, while the level is solidly challenging, I do think the final boss fight is a bit on the easy side. Both the asteroids and Bowser are big enough that landing the hits isn't too much of a challenge, even in the second phase. Heck, arguably less so in the second phase, when replaying this level, I always think of that phase of the fight as being sort of a freebie.

But I also wouldn't say it's a bad fight -- it does a good job escalating the game's previous Bowser encounters, and ground pounding asteroids into a massive Bowser while hurtling through space definitely has a sense of grandeur that I really appreciate. Maybe it could've been a little more difficult or a little longer, but it's certainly memorable, and still very fun, so the fact it's not as difficult as it arguably should be doesn't bother me that much, and doesn't hamper the Galaxy Generator from its S-tier position.

17. Flip-Out Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: S

I find it a little weird that this is the penultimate galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy 2, you know? Between the boss rush and ultimate challenge levels, you have this weird one-off gimmick level that introduces a variant of a gimmick seen back in World 1, just with an added twist. I guess they wanted the final Hungry Luma galaxy to be a parallel to the first one? I'm not really sure. None of this matters of course, because Flip-Out Galaxy is fan-flipping-tastic!

Yeah, I know that doesn't hit as hard as a real F-bomb, but we try to keep the blog at least somewhat family-friendly, you know? And also the pun!

Anyway, as you may remember, I love Flip-Swap Galaxy quite a bit. Top-notch weird gimmick galaxy, always a joy to play. So I think it goes to say that I love this more difficult spin on its gimmick just as much, if not even more, if the rating hasn't spoken for itself already. Flip-Out Galaxy shifts the focus from the red and blue Flip-Swap panels to red and blue walls that pop in and out when you spin. And of course, that means it's time to perform some Wicked Wall Jumps! This is what that weird short mission in Honeybloom Galaxy has been training you for!

Since this is the penultimate galaxy in the game, it's a pretty tricky one, since a poorly-timed spin can take out not just the walls you're jumping on, but the floor underneath as well, and you'll have to spin a lot when alternating between red and blue walls! Timing will also prove important, not just for exiting a wall jump and spinning to give yourself solid ground to stand on, but also for a segment where you have to keep wall jumping until the spikes underneath you recede, which becomes especially difficult when you throw in the Cosmic Clones...

On that note, I love the decision to use specifically the Cosmic Clone mission for the second Green Star here, and putting it towards the end, too. Makes grabbing it a bit trickier, which is nice for a galaxy this late in the game! Flip-Out does pretty much everything I'd want it to -- it brings back a great old gimmick, changes it up in a way that feels unique, and uses it to craft a fun, albeit challenging late-game mission. My only knock against it? It being so late in the game means you have to play a lot to get there, and they crowd so many of the game's worst galaxies before it, just to rub salt in the wound. But hey, if it's for a galaxy this good, it may as well be worth it.

16. Cosmic Cove Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: S

I know a handful of people have been disappointed by the low rankings I gave to a lot of these games' water galaxies, so consider this an apology. Well, an apology of some sort, it's not like I decided to move up Cosmic Cove a bunch because people were upset that I didn't like some of the water galaxies. It just happens that I felt a lot of them suffered from having weak missions, hampered a bit by somewhat janky underwater controls. Give me a water galaxy that mitigates both these problems, and I'm sure to fall in love with it. "Underwater" is like, a pretty notable part of My Brand! There's a reason I've put three water galaxies on today's list, everyone!

Case in point: Cosmic Cove Galaxy! Cosmic Cove Galaxy is just gorgeous. I'd say that it's aesthetically one of the strongest galaxies in Super Mario Galaxy 2, which definitely counts for something! I mean, have you heard its music? The harps and pianos create such a relaxing atmosphere, and it sort of reminds me of the music in the next entry on our list...

But let's not get ahead of ourselves! Cosmic Cove isn't surviving on looks alone, because it's a pretty fun galaxy to play as well! I think they hit a really nice balance here, where the underwater sections have a somewhat linear path to take, so it doesn't feel like you're wrestling with those Janky Water Controls, but if you decide to go off the beaten path, there's a good bit more to see than you'd expect, which is nice, given this is a very pretty galaxy and one I enjoy spending time to take in! Obviously there's less to do once you've frozen the water, but having a big open plain to skate around on is also pretty fun. And while we're talking about ice skating, the Hungry Luma star is probably the second best bunny chase in the Galaxy games.

And let's not forget the second main mission, either! The underwater sidescroller is really neat, especially when they start having blocks of water floating in space, and even moving on their own. I think this is another of those concepts they brought back in Super Mario 3D World, if I'm not mistaken! It's such a memorable part of the galaxy, that I sorta forget there's that planet with the Spin Drill and the Micro Mecha-Bowsers and the Fizzlits at the end, but that planet is fine too.

Cosmic Cove manages to do a seamless job blending aesthetics and gameplay to create one of the series' most memorable galaxies. And it introduces us to Snoodles and Fizzlits! Those are like, maybe two of my favorite enemies. Bonus points for that!

15. Space Junk Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: S

Can I be honest? Space Junk Galaxy is one of those galaxies that mostly made it this high for the vibes, above all else. Don't get me wrong, I like Space Junk Galaxy a lot. I think all the missions here are fun, if I was rating it on gameplay alone I'd probably still rank it highly. Space Junk on its own is a solid A-tier galaxy, but I think this is one of those galaxies where the atmosphere brings it up a tier higher for me.

While most of the galaxies in these games focus on the grandeur and excitement of exploring the cosmos, Space Junk Galaxy takes a more melancholic approach to the setting, the idea that outer space is mostly, well, space. Space Junk Galaxy isn't really focused on having big, exciting setpieces. Space Junk Galaxy is about everything inbetween, from lost spaceships, to small asteroids, to well... miscellaneous space junk. And I think it works in its favor!

I could make the same argument that I made against Gusty Garden Galaxy, that Space Junk Galaxy feels like it was cobbled together from miscellaneous bits and bobs of larger levels that were getting too big, but in this case, I think that's the point. To the extent that something trying to be a cohesive level design in a 3D platformer can at least, Space Junk does a really good job capturing that feeling of emptiness, in the best possible way. The first mission here, which largely consists of Mario floating through space via a trail of Pull Stars, may not be the most exciting mission, but it has such a specific atmosphere that I can't help but say it may very well be one of my favorites across both games.

Admittedly, this is the part of this review where I have to concede that Space Junk's biggest strength is probably also one of its biggest weaknesses, that a galaxy so focused on all the emptiness and in-betweens of space struggles to find enough content to fill out six missions. The second mission basically has none of the atmosphere, instead being a weird Airship mission with a boss fight at the end, and then the third mission has another boss fight, because what else are you gonna do here? Don't get me wrong, these are still fun missions, but I think they end up working against the general atmosphere and tone that this galaxy sets up in the first mission. I think this is one that would benefit from the sequel's smaller-scale galaxies, with two "main" missions, and a comet or secret star or something.

Still, this is a galaxy that is fun from start to finish, and when it goes for being atmospheric, it nails it. I mean, have you heard the music here? This has easily gotta be a top 5 song across both games for me, I love it so much. While I think having fewer, more focused missions could've benefited it a little, Space Junk Galaxy will always leave such an impression on me that I can't help but feel like it's one of the standouts from these games.

14. Cloudy Court Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: S

I've mentioned before how a few of the galaxies in Galaxy 2 feel like they're meant to be "sequels" to galaxies from the first game, and Cloudy Court is no exception, feeling like a bit of a follow-up to Gusty Garden Galaxy. I mean, you have the grand orchestral score, you have the "garden in the sky" theming, you have lots of segments where you're riding on wind currents, even the Japanese name, "Cloud Garden Galaxy" ends up harkening back to the first game's "Wind Garden Galaxy". I think there's a reason they showed this one off a lot in the game's earliest trailers.

That being said, while it does feel a bit like an attempt to capitalize on Gusty Garden's success, in many ways to me it also feels like a refinement of Gusty Garden, taking some of the concepts that worked there and expanding on them a bit to make something that, to me at least, feels more interesting and cohesive. In my review of Gusty Garden, I characterized it a bit as a galaxy largely carried by its music, that otherwise felt like it could've been thrown together from leftover assets from galaxies that had gotten too large. Cloudy Court manages to avoid that feeling pretty easily, it was pretty clearly built from the ground up, and given how much it changed from the initial trailer to the final release, it seems like one they spent a lot of time on trying to get just right.

And in that regard, I think they largely succeeded! Cloudy Court manages to hit on the familiar elements we love about Gusty Garden, but also manages to hold strong on its own, with a number of distinct and memorable segments. I don't know why the drum trampolines are here, but I'm not complaining, it's fun to have them! And the combination of the wind currents and the Cloud Flower makes for some very memorable platforming challenges. And some fun secrets, as well! Obviously as a Galaxy 2 entry it's gonna be a bit more linear by default, but even then they manage to hide a lot of 1-Ups here, adding a little extra reward for going off the course, which you know I always appreciate.

While a lot of "sequel" galaxies end up falling flat to me when they struggle to live up to what came before, Cloudy Court is one of the rare exceptions that not only lives up to its predecessor, but in my opinion, surpasses it. I feel like we think of Gusty Garden as a better galaxy than it truly is, but Cloudy Court simply is that good, which to me, makes it a contender for one of the series' very best.

13. Boo Moon Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: S

Man, it's hard to go wrong with ghosts. Nice for an appropriately spooky galaxy to end up at #13, huh? Maybe that was a little deliberate on my part, but it's not like I don't think Boo Moon Galaxy deserves it.

Boo Moon Galaxy is so, so stylish I think. I feel like Super Mario Galaxy 2 goes for a bit of a "storybook" aesthetic, so why not have a galaxy that leans into that a bit? Stuff like the dark maze at the beginning, poison swamp folding up at a 90 degree angle to match the snake blocks, the crescent-moon see-saw planet, and the haunted house pop-up book at the end are all such distinctive visuals with a bit of that Storybook Feel to me, and end up making for a galaxy that manages to provide a very fun twist on an already fun theme.

Not to mention that this is also a decently tricky galaxy! I gotta be grateful for those musical notes that spawn the three 1-Ups during the Snake Block section, because I've fallen into that poison swamp more than a couple times, especially when going for the secret star, and even more so when going for that one Green Star. The second mission, which I believe is the sole appearance of the Boo Mushroom in Galaxy 2, also involves some precise timing as you weave your way through Octoboos, particularly towards the end.

I'm a sucker for a good ghost galaxy, so this one was probably gonna get high marks no matter what, but with a stylish and distinctive aesthetic, that's enough to bring it up to a top-tier with a fittingly spooky number. Happy Halloween, everyone!

I mean, it's September. That's basically Halloween.

12. Tall Trunk Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: S

Really, shoutout to World 3 of Galaxy 2 just giving you a choice between two absolute bangers right off the bat. I think Tall Trunk ends up just barely winning out against Cloudy Court for me, but the two are really close in quality, and no matter which I'm in the mood for, I know I'm in for a great time.

Like Puzzle Plank, this is another galaxy that brings such a high level of unfiltered joy whenever I reach it in a playthrough. Maybe there's something about these big galaxies made of wood, I dunno. Probably also has something to do with the music. Yeah, I know this one just borrows the music from Yoshi Star Galaxy, but I always associate it with Tall Trunk first and foremost. Unlike Puzzle Plank however, I think Tall Trunk feels a bit more fully realized -- I never really feel underwhelmed playing through Tall Trunk, which let it climb a good bit higher on my tier list.

Tall Trunk is a galaxy not only with a great aesthetic, but two very fun and very distinct missions! The first mission is a showcase of the Blimp Fruit, and I love how it gets used in so many different ways, from climbing a tree, to searching for Star Chips around a cylindrical planet (Super Mario Galaxy 2 has a lot of those, huh?), to making your way through a long spiral to grab the Power Star. Then there's the slide, which weeeeeee wheeeeeeeeeee yippeeeeeeeeeee wahoooooo!

It's fun.

This galaxy also has to get bonus points for being the home of the Whittles, arguably the best Galaxy NPCs. Don't get me wrong, the Gearmos offer close competition, but the Whittles are just too adorable. Also, the Tall Trunk Galaxy is a sacred site to the Whittles, giving us one of few glimpses into Religion in the Mario Universe.

I think I have to agree with the Whittles when it comes to this galaxy: "Treetop. Good." Truer words have never been spoken.

11. Flipsville Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: S

Oh hey, I've talked about this one before! I mean, clearly I have to enjoy this one a good bit to give it its own post with some in-depth analysis, though I hate to say, I still have yet to figure out who's selectively breeding Pupdozers, why they'd be doing it, or if that has even happened at all. Sorry. I know you're disappointed in me. Maybe I'll have the answer next time I talk about Flipsville.

I did sort of go over my opinions in that post, though more of it was dedicated to talking about the galaxy itself, so I probably don't have to fear repeating myself too too much. To reiterate: I think this one is great! The gimmick of the grates that reverse the gravity of the galaxy is really really neat, and this galaxy uses it in some interesting ways, particularly during the autoscroller where you have to flip at the right time to avoid running Mario into spikes. (That being said, my favorite usage still gotta be that one Green Star that you can only reach by taking a leap of faith from underneath.)

Also shoutout to the Pupdozers as an enemy design that takes advantage of this gimmick! I'm pretty sure they're only in this galaxy, so I may as well talk about them here. I also have to shoutout this galaxy's distinctive aesthetic, "weird 1950s suburban house" is not really a level theme you see in video games often, and it gives this galaxy more than just a unique gameplay gimmick. I really dig it.

Speaking of digging, I do remain a little iffy on how the second mission shifts focus to the Spin Drill, I feel parts of it end up feeling pretty similar to the Spin-Dig Galaxy, but the gimmick of flipping between the two sides of the planets remains in tact, and the final room with the gravity walls that switch in time with the music where you have to use the drill to grab Silver Stars or Purple Coins is really cool, so I can't complain about it too much. I mean, it's not like it makes this galaxy any less fun, y'know?

Flipsville Galaxy will always stand out to me as one of the most distinctive galaxies in the sequel, both in its theming and in its gameplay, and for that I will always consider it a personal favorite!

10. Slimy Spring Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: S

Slimy Spring Galaxy is one of the most atmospheric galaxies... well, I was gonna say in Super Mario Galaxy 2, but it's really one of the most atmospheric galaxies in general. I'd say that as a whole, the first game typically wins out on atmosphere, but there's a few places where the sequel really shines, and more than any other, I think Slimy Spring showcases that.

Slimy Spring Galaxy is so, so very claustrophobic. You're given a green shell, and from there, it's a long, linear swim through a narrow underwater cave. Besides the very start, there's hardly any coins or air bubbles to refill your air meter, so you have to rely on what little air you do have to make your way to the end. And believe me when I say that these tunnels are designed to be just long enough to run you to the very end of your air meter. You only really get a brief breather in the middle, and with limited air, mistakes made in this galaxy can be especially punishing.

I love the way Slimy Spring Galaxy puts you in this distinct state of mind. Watching your air slowly run out while making your way through a dark, seemingly unending tunnel can be a bit nerve-wracking, but obviously the game's not gonna present you with a galaxy that's impossible to beat. You just have to trust that the game's gonna take you where you need to go, and try to avoid letting any obstacles this galaxy throws at you trip you up. Admittedly, I still see my fight-or-flight reflex kick in when I reach the Gringills.

Slimy Spring Galaxy is one I've really only grown to appreciate more and more with time. It's not really one of the game's most "fun" galaxies by any stretch of the imagination, but it doesn't really feel like it's trying to be -- the rest of the galaxies exist to be fun, so what does it matter if Slimy Spring Galaxy tries to do something else? Slimy Spring Galaxy is pretty much unrivaled in its atmosphere, and for that, it has easily become one of my favorites.

I really love the sunset at the end of Slimy Spring. It sort of feels like the game saying that even in the most uncertain of times, everything's gonna turn out alright at the end. I feel like I'm being a bit wax poetic here, but I dunno. I think Slimy Spring Galaxy just does that to a person.

9. Honeyhive Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: S

So remember how earlier I said this was a top 10 Galaxy? Well how many of you guessed it'd show up at #9? Congratulations if you did! I'm sorry I don't have anything to award you, besides I guess my review of Honeyhive Galaxy, but even people who didn't guess correctly are getting that... Sorry.

Whatever. Honeyhive is great! I mean, you've seen me talk about it when talking about every other bee galaxy. This is the honey-gold standard all other bee galaxies strive for, and few can achieve...

What makes Honeyhive so great to me is its sense of scale. It arguably has the largest starting planet across both games, with lots of little nooks and crannies that all get utilized throughout its many missions. I get the feeling you wouldn't even need to add more to this galaxy to give it a full set of missions, but Honeyhive Galaxy is here to spoil us anyway, because it's Honeyhive Galaxy, and it's great. It does a very nice job making each mission feel familiar, yet distinctive, which I really appreciate.

I also think it does a really good job showing off the Bee Mushroom, with lots of high ground that becomes much more accessible with it, plenty of water to show off its main weakness, lots of flower and cloud platforms you can only access with it, and honey walls to climb up. Not only do you get to spend time among the bees, but you get to join them. Become one with the hive.

Oh, and have I mentioned that the main missions here are all super great too? The first mission is the big showcase for the Bee Mushroom I mentioned above, but the second has some fun platforming through a wooden obstacle course, and the boss fight against Big Bad Bugaboom is always a blast that makes some great usage of the Bee Mushroom. The Purple Coin and Luigi missions are sorta whatever to me, though I appreciate the Cosmic Mario race and the weird shortcuts you can take in it, I think it's nifty.

Really, I think the thing holding back Honeyhive from an even higher spot for me, and this is pretty unfair, is the fact that it's so early in the game, that the novelty of it all has kinda worn off for me. It's hard to get excited about Honeyhive when it's a place you have to go to early in the game, you know? But again, that's a small gripe that ultimately changes nothing about just how good this galaxy is. It's sweet as honey!

8. Deep Dark Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: S

Deep Dark Galaxy is one of those galaxies that always kinda surprises me when I play through the first game. It's one of those galaxies I never really think about all that often, and I'm rarely that excited when I get there, but then I play through it and go "wait a second, this one rules!"

I'm wondering if it's because it's in the Garden, where it has to deal with some serious competition. Being "that water galaxy with the dreary atmosphere in the way of Dreadnought and Melty Molten" isn't exactly the most flattering look, but at the very least it makes for a galaxy that always manages to surpass my expectations. Hopefully, putting this one at #8 will make me stop forgetting how good it is once and for all.

Still, I don't think counting the dreary atmosphere of this galaxy against it is really fair, because that's kinda what it's going for -- it's literally called "Dungeon Cave Galaxy" in Japanese. And you know what? For a Dungeon Cave, I love how silly they still let this Galaxy be! Stuff like the weird inflatable duplicate of the Gateway Planet, the weird floating circus platform, and that planet where you have to ground pound tennis balls into a watermelon to make it grow are such odd things to put in a galaxy like this, but I think they all end up working in its favor. The added surrealism makes this place so much more memorable.

And man oh man, I know I've talked a few times about how I love galaxies that let you goof off and do whatever, and I think no galaxy does that better than Deep Dark. I swear, in my latest playthrough of Galaxy, I spent more time in the spawn beach area than I did playing the rest of the mission. For an area that looks to have so little going on, there's lots of hidden goodies to look for, and shooting yourself out of the cannon at the Gateway and Octoguy planets is so, so fun.

While I'm sort of lukewarm on the mission where you swim through Guppy's eight rings, everything else in this galaxy I think is super fun, from the Kamella rematch on the pirate ship, to the aforementioned weird watermelon planet, to even the untimed Purple Coin mission! Usually those untimed exploration-based Purple Coin missions are never my cup of tea, but in this case, I think the combination of a smaller area to explore, better utilization of the underwater areas, and no places to fall off makes it feel a lot less grueling to me.

Deep Dark Galaxy is a great galaxy that always surpasses my expectations, and for that I think it deserves a spot in my top 10.

7. Freezeflame Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: S

Freezeflame Galaxy is so cool. And also so hot. That's kind of its whole gimmick. I feel like I made the same joke with Shiverburn Galaxy. Whatever. Freezeflame Galaxy's missions consist of an excellent ice level, a pretty good fire level, and a combination of the two, to make a galaxy that is as varied as it is fun. I will come forwards and say I like the Freeze part of this galaxy a bit more than the Flame part, but again, both are good.

I love the feeling of verticality you get from the ice sections. I love that upwards climb with all the varied obstacles and Ice Flower platforming, followed by a pretty fun boss fight against Baron Brrr. And then you can climb the other side of the mountain too, with its own varied obstacles and platforming challenges! Let's just say this one's good for my inner West Virginian mountaineer, okay? And then you have a Purple Coin mission that makes you climb both sides, which might be a bit much, but I'm glad they were being thorough.

But while the peak of the mountain may be the peak of the mountain here, it's not like the fire mission isn't doing any heavy lifting here, either. It's no Melty Molten, sure, but the Fire Flower gets used for some pretty fun timing puzzles, and I appreciate the use of the Galaxy games' gravity shenanigans halfway through. Really, most of my gripes with this section come from how the Fire Flower is handled in these games. The fact you need to spin to activate it, combined with how it stops you in your tracks when you throw a fireball just doesn't feel very good at all, especially when you throw in the timer. But that's not really this specific galaxy's fault, is it?

Gripes about the Fire Flower aside, I'm happy to say this galaxy's two great tastes taste great together as well! I'm a little bummed it takes until this galaxy's third mission to put the fire and ice together, but when they do, they use it very well, making for fun segments where you switch between the two, followed by a memorable segment where you use the Ice Flower to skate across lava. And on that note, I really enjoy the Cosmic Mario race here. Lots of places where I decide to take a risky shortcut, and it doesn't pay off and I fall in a Black Hole. Classic.

The Freeze and the Flame aren't perfectly balanced, from the levels to the Flowers featured within (no seriously. where was the Ice Flower in Galaxy 2), but both are very enjoyable, and the combination of both in one galaxy makes for a very memorable location. Not surprised at all they decided to revisit this idea in Galaxy 2.

6. Chompworks Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: S

Look, I can spend all day talking about the gorgeous atmosphere of Cosmic Cove or Slimy Spring, or the exciting challenges of Grandmaster or Flip-Out, but when you ask me what my favorite galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy 2 is, I'll probably say it's Chompworks, because I'm only human, and I love Funny Chain Chomp Factory Galaxy. This is literally a place where Mario enemies are made! How can I resist?! There's Star Bits arranged like Chomps in the sky and everything!

I just love everything about Chompworks, from the music, to the theming, to the gameplay itself. It's one of those very unique galaxies that always stands out in my head, and if you know me, that can only be a good thing! I really appreciate the light timing puzzles they incorporate into this galaxy, the balance of needing so set everything up just right so the Chomps can reach their goal, but also not get too close because as you may realize: getting hit by a huge ball of steel rolling at you, even at slow speeds, hurts a lot.

I really like the active role this galaxy gives you in Chomp Production, how even when the Chomps start rolling, you'll need to make some adjustments to its path if you don't want it to crash early. Like, this galaxy has one of the rare inclusions of Flip-Swap panels outside of Flip-Swap Galaxy, just for the purpose of crafting a puzzle that can use them, and I appreciate that! If anything, I feel like there's room to elaborate on this mechanic even further, but I'm not gonna pretend that this galaxy isn't doing more than enough already. I think the Cosmic Clone comet is a fun enough shake-up, since you're gonna need to stay in one place a lot for some of the challenges.

You know, this factory doesn't seem very efficient. All their assembly lines are weird obstacle courses that need manual intervention, and most of the Chomps get destroyed at the end anyway. The Gearmos always chastise you for your poor efficiency, but maybe they wouldn't need Mario if they just built a more efficient factory. You see Gearmos? This is why you're only the second best Mario Galaxy NPC species. If nothing else, feel grateful your horribly-designed factory is a really, really well-designed Video Game Level.

Circling back to what I said about the Spring Mushroom earlier, same sentiment applies here. Not a great power-up on its own, but when I reach the mission that uses it here, I never see myself going "Ugh, the Spring Mushroom?", probably because the level is designed with it in mind, and the trickier control scheme is kinda the point. That being said, if you really don't want to use the Spring Mushroom, know that there's a fun optional challenge in trying to beat the level without it! As far as I'm aware, it's possible, and I know I've had my share of fun backflipping over Chomps in the past.

Is Chompworks Galaxy the best galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy 2? Maybe not, but since when has this list been about objective quality? I don't want to pretend I'm presenting anything other than my personal opinion here. Chompworks Galaxy appeals to my autism brain in some incredibly specific ways, and with a mix of that and its unique theming and design sensibilities, managed to end up at the top of Galaxy 2 for me. Sorry you couldn't make the top 5!

Speaking of the top five, I think they're all worthy of their own post, as I've hinted to a couple times at this point. It probably shouldn't be too hard to figure out which ones they are via process of elimination, though I do find it fascinating that after Galaxy 2 generally performed better, all the top 5 are from the first game. Again, Galaxy 2 is a remarkably consistent game that clusters around A-tier, while Galaxy 1 has some higher highs and lower lows.

The finale for this series should be ready next week, or the week after, or the week after that, or the week after that. I'm not really sure anymore. There's a Splatfest again next week, so I'll probably want to tune into that (Go Team Frye!) but I also have fewer galaxies to cover in general, so it might not take along as this one. Then again, I probably have more to say about my favorites... Either way, thank you for reading the series up to this point! Nothing matters more to me than knowing that people will listen to my ramblings about 10-to-15 year old Videos Games.

[mamawasatesttube]

ooo prompt time!! maybe “if we’re going down, i’m going with you.” or “if you insult them, you insult me.” with timkon?

"This doesn't look great," Kon observes.

Tim lowers his binoculars. The flotilla of invading spacecraft in the valley below are primed to attack the alien village on the other side of the hills within the hour, and help from offworld won't get here until dawn. Which is significantly more than an hour away. The village hardly has anything to call "defenses", and no troops to speak of other than farmers and their kids, untrained and armed with pitchforks.

"Yeah, not great," Tim agrees. It's a pretty apt summary of the situation. Fucking Slag conquerors. "I get the feeling they aren't gonna be interested in baseball this time, either."

Kon snorts. But the levity in his face is belied by the tension running through his body; his shoulders are tight, his jaw squared as he stares down the gentle slope from their hidden observation deck down to the ships. He looks remarkably like Clark when he's serious, when his eyes turn stormy and protective.

Then he turns his gaze to Tim, and an invisible touch ghosts over Tim's lower lip. Tim belatedly realizes he's been biting it so hard he's very close to drawing blood.

"Don't do that," Kon murmurs. The stormy look hasn't diminished, but it's warmer, when he looks at Tim.

"Right." Tim is hard-pressed, just for the most fleeting of moments, not to reach for him; he yearns, for an instant, but he doesn't, because there's work to be done. Like the alien death trap at the bottom of the hill. "Well. I might be able to disrupt their local lcommunications array, if I can just get my hands on one of their computers. That might buy us some time."

Kon nods. "And I can definitely wreck some shit to distract them while you do that."

A brief pause, as they survey the Slag ships. They've got heavy enough artillery that even with Kon's formidable powers, the odds are looking very... not great. A little flutter of anxiety thrums through Tim's stomach, not at the idea of dying here himself (though he doesn't love that either), but at the idea of losing Kon. If he takes it on himself to go out in a blaze of glory and hellfire, just to save one little farming village on a planet far from their own...

As if reading his mind, Kon clears his throat. "Look, Rob... I can just go in and break a lot of shit solo. That'll still probably buy enough time. You don't have to go in on such a risky one with me. I can drop you back at—"

Tim whaps him on the head. "Stop that. You know I'm not hiding and letting you go in alone."

Kon shrugs, a slight, rueful smile playing about his lips. "Hey, worth a shot. Since we're about to get shot at. A lot."

Rolling his eyes, Tim folds his binoculars and clips them back to his belt, then reaches over and takes Kon's hand. "Yeah, well, if you're going down, I'm going with you."

This time, Kon snorts. "And sugar, we're goin' down swingin'," he sings, squeezing Tim's hand.

Tim surprises himself by laughing. Honestly, it shouldn't be a surprise; Kon always makes him laugh, even when he least expects it. "I'll be your number one with a bullet," he sings back. "A loaded god complex, cock it and pull it."

As one, they turn to look back down at the flotilla below. The Slag ships sit ominously on the dark valley floor, a blot of light where none should be.

They better survive this, Tim thinks. It'd be really stupid to die now to a squadron of the same alien conquerors who they beat at baseball years ago.

"You know, I always thought that line was 'a load of god complex'," Kon admits, stroking his chin with his free hand. "Like, the whole thing was a dick joke and a gun thing, and also saying, like, hey, get a load of this guy and his god complex!"

Tim snorts again, unable to stop himself from grinning despite the gravity of it all. "Only you, Kon."

"Fall Out Boy is unintelligible!" Kon defends. His thumb strokes along the base of Tim's, rubbing a circle through his gauntlet, and Tim glances up at him briefly to see him smiling again, though the set of his jaw is no less resolute.

Tim loves him.

"You ready for this, clone boy?" he asks.

"With you at my back?" Kon returns. "Always."

[totally-not-here-for-the-smut]

Lucio's NSFW alphbet!

Note-I had in mind a f!MC, but I realized it works with gn!MC for most entries as well

●Explicit●18+●I TW'd it letter by letter :)●

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Lucio doesn't really indulge in aftercare. He hates being soaking in sweat and god-knows-what-else after the deed is done, so he leaves the bed for a bath after barely kissing you (on a good day). You're VERY welcome to follow him, though. After he got in the steaming hot (or cool, depending on the season) water, he becomes way better, and is down to spoil you by ordering a snack and a bottle of wine for you to share. You can understand how good you've been from its quality. It's also his favorite occasion to give gifts to you, a gesture he always pairs with nonchalant glance - badly hiding how much he's eager to know if you like his gift or not.

There have been times where a joke, a back rub and a stolen cuddle brought the two of you back to bed... and then in the bath, and then in the bed, again and again.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Lucio is Lucio, and he loves Lucio. All of it, expecially when he's gilded (or made of) gold. You can either join him in worshipping his body, or sleep in your quarters, tonight. In his eyes, you're (almost) as beautiful as he is, but he literally adores your neck and collarbones. He likes to pour wine in the shallow basins they form and drink from them. He has also sent for the fines goldsmiths of the continents, but judged none of their work worthy of laying at the centre of the masterpiece your collarbones are.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

He wants you to beg for it. He won't finish until you will, and you've tried. He's spoiled and looks weakened by a life of luxury and care, but he can summon a massive willpower in a flinch. The first time you resisted the urge to beg for him to grant you his precious essence, he left the bed, outraged, and spent the next month making sure you were aching with desidre while he didn't deign to touch you once. The second time you tried, he made you come -again and again and again, until you couldn't do it anymore, yet he kept pounding, and rubbing and tormenting your steaming, tender spots until you cried for him to give his cum to you, filling you to the brim. This had you learn your lesson. Now, you make sure to beg it and treat it with the respect it deserves  - that is, never wasting a single drop of it.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret) [TW: gauntlet]

What he did with demons and fiends isn't by far his deepest secret. You caught up only because once his golden arm accidentally unfastened from his shoulder. He put it right back on it, his face pale with horror, but he couldn't go on. Without a pinch of magic, you wouldn't have been able to convince him to let you comfort him. Now you know: he hates his stump. Hates the scar, hates the shape, hates the itching feel of having something so unperfect on his body. Maybe he'll never get over it, but anyway you now make sure his beloved golden arm comes never off his shoulder.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Boy, if he knows what he's doing. Clearly, the fact that he and Nadia never grew close didn't kept him from having plenty of fun with the many people he happened to lay his eyes on. After all, not many would deny the count their time, if not else, considering how overwhelming he can be with his courting. Many fell as you did, but you've been told from Portia that none of them - hookups, concubines, friends or whatever - sparked interest and desire in him for more than a couple of nights. He quickly got bored, or they couldn't keep up with his pace and disagreeable temper in the bedroom. He might pretend to be careless, but you're clearly a keeper in his eyes. And, given what he's able to do with just his body and words, you can't wrap your head around the fact that some people could NOT want him!

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying) [tw:chocking]

Lucio gets bored easily, so he doesn't really have one favorite position. In general, he likes anything that keeps your body well spread for his eyes and hands to devour shamelessly. The position he chooses to finish is often on top of you, with your legs tied on the headboard, your breasts squeezed between your knees and his shining golden hand around your throat. You can't help to love the feeling of him unloading into you as the sight of his grin fades because of the choking.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

A relaxed Lucio is actually a funnier person than you thought. He's really focused during sex, but afterwards he likes to joke about it light-heartedly in a manner that makes you surprisingly comfortable.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

He likes it well-groomed. Himself, and you. If you're more on the wild side he may gets past it, but he wouldn't dare to go for it wen HE is not well-tamed. You do this kinda weird but funny thing where you get cared for together by his army of beauticians: the first time he scheduled the both of you was unexpected, but turned into a very wholesome bonding moment. Despite the obvious pain and the heat of the wax, you really like your regular appointment.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

At the beginning, you thought Lucio just wasn't romantic during the act. After some time though, you understood that the fact that it doesn't looks romantic or affectionate doesn't mean it's not. The way you melt into his hands and how you let him bend your will is everything to him, because you're the only one that doesn't subdue because of his titles, but because of who he IS. His intimacy is just different from how others experience it. Probably what he has experienced lead him to disconnect from his deeper feelings, but it's possible to spot them from time to time. He's getting better, though, and eventually he'll be able to make love softly and sweetly like a normal person, from time to time - not that the way he likes it right now upsets you in any way...

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

The count doesn't jack off. Why would he, when there's always a pair of sweet, warm lips ready to take care of it? When he wants it, he sends for you, and then a nod in the direction is enough for you to understand his needs. He doesn't even gets it out by himself: just crosses his arms behind his head, closes his eyes and enjoys your lovely care of him. And you'd better make sure to not let out a single drop on his pants.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks) [tw:public exposure]

Lucio has an hard time to imagining himself not dominating. He doesn't need violence or threats: you will bend and bow before him just because he says so - and for everyone to see. He's a huge exhibitionist, and his favourite thing to exhibit is you. He had you dressed only with a golden mask on your face and a leash, sitting on his laps during political meetings, dinners and parties. Once he went to visit a nearby ruler, and got to the point to touch you beneath your legs as he was discussing serious matters at the table. When you came, clinging to his shoulders and hiding your face on his neck, he distractedly scolded you, your moans were interrupting the discussion. During the last Masquerade, he had you, dressed in gold chains and rubies, as a centerpiece of his main table. Because you see, dear, you're art, and you're power - and everyone must know I have them both.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

He's up for doing it everywhere, given that you won't mess up the outfits. This means going for some more subtle play when you're around. Fireworks and shenanigans are a Palace thing, where he can always have a change of clothes, a bath and his personal hairdresser. One thing that can't miss, though, is a very large and well polished mirror.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

More than luxury, innuendos, winks and dancing hips, Lucio loves when you have his back in public situations. Then he feels genuinely secure and proud about himself, and there's no better aphrodisiac for him.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs) [tw: humiliation]

Lucio doesn't like being humiliated, and this extends to you. He never insults you, you're his precious thing and everything about you is worthy of him, aka perfect.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Given that he doesn't jack off, he recieves a lot, but he's not selfish about it: recently, you discovered a little handerchief he keeps in his pocket, that he ties once for every time he gets his needs cared by you. When you two are in you bedroom, he makes sure to give you an orgasm for each tie on his handerkief.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Lucio likes it fast and rough, not because of the roughness itself, he's more a hyperactive type, always looking for the next climax. He really likes when he shakes you so much that you have trouble breathing.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

In his words, "Quikies are for miserable people that doesn't have time for proper sex" -that his, servants and workers. He's above all that.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

If there's a way to win Lucio's loyalty is to provide him with something new each night. He loves creativity, and when he finds something new he really gets obsessed by it and wants to try again and again and again.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

Since you started your affair with him, you went through countless lube bottles. He is insatiable, and likes to keep going for HOURS, until you're sore and steaming.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

More than actual toys, Lucio own a nuber of various body chains and jewels, lingerie and costumes, perfumes and magical jewels - all meant to enhance his experience. He actually designed some of them himself, and you must admit he really is a natural!

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Lucio loves to tease, but he's more into teasing with you. There's this game he does where you pick together a victim and spend the whole meeting driving them mad with delicate innuendos - and then playing So Offended if they react to it in any way: How could they think that you would mean something SeXuAl?!? Once you got almost naked and performed a very intricate, twerking-on-their-face dance while Lucio went a long way explaining the guest that it was a dance from your Very Exotic Culture, meant to show great deference towards a powerful leader.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

He won't stop talking unless phisically restrained. He loves making so much obvious noise that half the palace knows what he's doing.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

I so agree with THIS [tw: public]

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Lucio is actually average, despite he wields it with the confidence of a man with much bigger dick.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Lucio's sexy drive is wildly high. More than being actually horny, though, he really enjoys spending time in any sexual activity. Some days he spends the whole days talking with sexual innuendos only, or having you all naked and ready in his wing for hours, enjoying the sole idea that you're there waiting for him.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards) [tw: drug use]

Not many people know this, but Lucio has troubles sleeping. Eventually, the weight of his deeds fell upon him, robbing him of his sleep. At the beginning he started using narcotics to fall asleep, but Julian caught him immediately and made sure to put a hasty end on the dangerous habit.

Now Lucio slips into your bedroom with some dumb excuse ("thought you wanted some water" "hey, I had this WILD dream" "I'm horny") just to lay with you as you fall asleep. Watching your serene face as you sleep helps him to soothe his sleepless nights and find some kind of peace.

Disclaimer: please remember that this is a fictional and very exaggerated depiction of sex. Most of what's written here would be problematic at best irl, and way unnecessary. Pls love yourself and be safe no matter what ♡

Index Here

[demonscantgothere]

Adar may have been around all along:

I've seen this theory floating around on Reddit, so after the new set spoilers of seeing how Adar is definitely becoming a prominent character in The Rings of Power well past Season One, I'm getting a strong feeling he isn't an original character, and he just might tie into the lore at some point.

Before the Elves left to track down Morgoth, there is this scene:

These particular sword designs are very familiar. In fact . . .

Broken and older, but almost identical in design.

There are some theories he could be Maglor, the last surviving son of Fëanor, who did in fact have dark hair. There isn't much to support this theory except maybe three other things, though:

When Adar is first introduced, the camera focuses on his left hand, which is covered in a black spiked gauntlet. He wears this gauntlet throughout the whole season. It conceals his left hand entirely.

Now, Maglor's hand was burned from holding a Silmaril:

"And it is told of Maglor that he could not endure the pain with which the Silmaril tormented him; and he cast it at last into the Sea, and thereafter he wandered ever upon the shores, singing in pain and regret beside the waves. [ . . . ] but he came never back among the people of the Elves."

His hand was burned because of his part in the Kinslayings:

"And Varda hallowed the Simarils, so that thereafter no mortal flesh, nor hand unclean, nor anything of evil will might touch touch them, but it was scorched and withered;"

. . . Why is Adar so intent on hiding only one of his hands?

The only character who could confirm Adar as Maglor would likely be Elrond. After the Kinslaying at the Havens by the sons of Fëanor, Maglor fostered Elrond and his brother, Elros, and helped raise them. Therefore, Elrond would recognize Adar if, in fact, Adar is Maglor.

I've seen it pointed out that calling him "Adar," which means father in Sindarin, is also an interesting choice and could tie back into Elrond since he became a father to Elrond.

It'd be strange for Maglor to join with Orcs and follow Sauron after his regret with the Silmarils, but not completely unfounded. He is an Elf unaccounted for, who has committed a host of terrible deeds, including murder, so perhaps his regret and self-isolation poisoned him when he didn't return to the Elves.

Perhaps he sought something else out instead.

[vosh-rakh]

Ku-vastei watched lazily as young Hla-eix and the Duke’s daughter, Derelayn, play-fought in the palace courtyard. Derelayn was bigger than Hla-eix, being a few years older, but Hla-eix kept pace with her. The clacks of their wooden toy swords clashing resonated throughout the empty space. Ku-vastei was proud of her daughter’s skill; she recognized several short blade maneuvers she had taught her herself.

Ku glanced at her wife lounging nearby, casually reading a book. Ku-vastei thought she must be very lucky to have such a lovely wife and daughter. (Being Hortator was a nice plus, too – at least when she had a moment to breathe like this.)

But the feeling was short-lived. A sudden jolt of pain spiked up her right hand, permanently encased in Wraithguard. With her left hand she reached for the glass of cold marshmerrow juice on the small table next to her, and took a mighty swig. No healing potion, but a decent analgesic. The pain slowly subsided in descending throbs until it was barely noticeable. She flexed her hand to make sure. A bit tight in the fingertips and crook of the thumb, but manageable. Watching the interlocking plates and joints shift, she had an idea.

“Girls!” she shouted across the courtyard. “Come here.”

Hla-eix and Derelayn dropped their swords and approached seated Ku-vastei.

“Yes, mama?” asked Hla-eix, expectant.

At the same time, Derelyan asked, “Yes, Hortator?” She seemed nervous, like she thought she was in trouble. And the fact that the girl still called Ku “Hortator” after all these years bothered her.

“Tell me,” Ku began, “What is on my right hand?”

The girls fell silent and thoughtful. After a moment, Derelayn offered, “Lord Vivec, Hortator?”

“No, Derry,” said Ku, patiently but without smiling. “Vivec is my left hand.”

Hla-eix lit up and suggested, “Oh! It’s Uncle Arry!”

“No, Eix,” said Ku again, shaking her head. “Aryon is my right hand, yes, but you’re not thinking literally enough.”

“Ohhh,” Hla-eix gasped, a long, drawn out sound. “You mean Wraithguard!”

“Yes, sweetheart,” said Ku, still not smiling. She raised her right hand, the back of Wraithguard facing the girls. “Eix, do you know what it does?”

“Yes, mama!” Hla-eix said, eager to show her knowledge. “It keeps you safe from the power of Sunder and Keening!”

“And what would happen if someone without Wraithguard on their hand attempted to wield Sunder or Keening?”

Hla-eix frowned and her voice became solemn. “They would die, mama.”

“Hm,” muttered Ku with a slight nod. With Wraithguard, she pulled Keening from its sheath on her hip. “This,” she said, brandishing the profane dagger, “is Keening, what laid low Dagoth Ur with its final sting to his heart.” (She was so used to the lie she had told Vivec after that fight that she told it everywhere – none but Azura could prove her wrong, and she didn’t seem interested.)

“Ah!” gasped Hla-eix, leaning in close.

“Wow!” added Derelayn, also leaning in. “It’s so pretty!”

“Don’t touch!” Ku warned suddenly, raising her voice. “You would die!”

The girls recoiled in fear from the blade, frightened by Ku’s volume.

“You mustn’t be careless with the profane tools,” admonished Ku. “One wrong move and –” She quickly tossed up Keening, catching it in her bare left hand.

“Mama, no!” cried Hla-eix, lunging forward to stop her mother’s apparent carelessness. Derelayn burst into tears immediately.

Ku-vastei pulled back Keening from Hla-eix’s reach, and burst into laughter. “You thought I was in danger!” She returned the dagger to its sheath. “It’s a neat trick I learned by accident once – the gauntlet protects my whole body!”

But now even Hla-eix was crying big, angry tears. From behind came a shout from Ashiri: “Ku-vastei! Stop frightening the children!”

“Oh, it was just a bit of fun, I didn’t mean to –”

“Girls, come to mommy. It’s okay, sweets. That’s right, come here and give me a big hug.”

Ku rolled her eyes. Kids these days. So sensitive.

[artistic-mathematics]

You really think Lae'zel/Shadowheart would actually be happy long term together?

I really tried to love it, did Shadowheart origin and romanced her but I dunno, just felt like Tav with some new dialogue. It feels like a really shallow ship, Shadowheart is not subtle when she likes someone, Kalrach/Halisn. Neither is Lae'zel.

They just aren't interested, even after their fight and the creche/gauntlet there's no connection beyond casual respect.

Just don't see it at all. Maybe I lack the fandom goggles for it but very vapid ship

yes, I do think they would be -- they both grow to be kinder and softer people, and really grow to care for each other by the end.

I actually think Shadowheart and Lae'zel are more subtle compared to the other companions when they like someone. you have to remember that sex is like, stage -1 for Lae'zel's romance -- githyanki don't really do love, so romancing her is quite literally touching all the bases backwards. Lae'zel never states who she likes during any playthrough (afaik) aside from the player character, and that's just because that's not exactly something she's familiar with because it's not in her culture at all.

as for Shadowheart, her voiceline for Karlach is when she meets her -- and ofc she's not going to have any similar dialogue for Lae'zel, because Lae'zel is a gith. and correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe this is the only time Shadowheart says anything like this ab Karlach for the rest of the playthrough. as for Halsin, she actually has dialogue where she expresses disdain if the player character kisses him. there's no way to know this is jealousy unless you romance Shadowheart and Halsin asks to have sex with you during the end of act 2, in which Shadowheart will fully admit to wanting the opportunity. but this is only if you're romancing her -- she won't make any mention of it otherwise. even when Halsin finally offers to travel along, her reaction is by far the most negative compared to everyone else's.

so in summary, I don't really think Lae'zel and Shadowheart are exactly the type to openly admit to who they like necessarily. I think they'd work well especially considering that they were both deprived of love for so long (Shadowheart being kidnapped + not being allowed to love bc of Shar worship, Lae'zel straight-up not having any due to gith culture) that it'd be this gentle learning experience for the both of them. they both already clearly care for each other, even if it's just as friends. besides, they already bicker like an old married couple in game lol

also keep in mind that these are just my interpretations! if you don't think Lae'zel and Shadowheart would work well together, you're absolutely entitled to your own opinions and views :)

[shroudkeeper]

Hello I have seen it mentioned a few time that Kikyo died at some point, and I was wondering what happened? Of course only you you wanna tell about, she is just a very interesting character to me

Hello anon, I hope you are still around! Thank you so much for asking, Kikyo has indeed died before, and just in case folks are a little uncomfortable with the subjects of death and murder in fiction, please take this as a trigger warning! I changed a few things from when she was initially created, to better flow with what she is now. There is a bit of background information as to what led to this, I will try not to make it too long of a read, apologies!

As war was introduced fully into her once secluded life, she was a young girl who turned to religion to navigate through this landscape of understanding the kami and ultimately what seemed to be a budding relationship with them. Encouraged by her father, she made moves towards becoming a miko(*), moving from her father's practice of onmyōdō. She devoted herself to the kami, and it was no secret to anyone who knew his silent daughter. Though he had hoped she would not make it known.

Even after years of living under oppression and with the Empire planting the seed of hopelessness, Kikyo and the other maidens wished to offer some light in the darkest hours, especially as they learned that the mountain villages were being sought for harboring rebels who escaped. In their sanctums, they offered food and shelter for those who needed it, especially orphaned children, who above all, needed them the most.

However, one could not remain out of the Garlean's reach for long, despite the blessings they had for years, and soon they were discovered. Some were captured, mutilated, and killed. Children bore witness to the ruination of their village, and the sanctums that once offered them peace.. were soon turned to rubble.

Kikyo turned to the kami, hoping that her prayers would be answered and provide her the strength to help her save as many as she could. With the effort of a few brave villagers and her sisters at the shrine, they were able to funnel people out of the mountains, to help them escape and seek refuge in a land that would welcome them and listen to their plight.

However, when planning to lead a group of children, whom she had been teaching sign language to benefit them in addressing her, but in situations where they also needed to communicate quietly, put her in the direct path of a patrol. Kikyo was able to hide them in time, signaling them to remain hidden and quiet, regardless of what happened to her. She was approached, immediately ridiculed for her beliefs once they glanced over the miko garments she was adorned in, slapped across her face when she was unable to verbally address them and explain herself, all the while her beloved children watched as she was dragged back down to the village.

All the while, she hoped the kami would keep the children safe

.. let them live through this.

In the end, all were made to watch as she, and her captured sisters, were made examples of in the village. That this was the outcome for anyone who practiced religion, to stand against them, to give hope.

Steel gauntlets met flesh and air in her lungs burned, their visions blurred, and their nails broke as they tried to claw the arms of imperial samurai who held their lives in their hands. The water soon began to seep into her hakama, as they were forced into the river, whose chilled touch numbed her legs and cemented them to their fate.

Kikyo's saw the silhouettes of the children she helped before, heard the warbled cries of the villagers, and soon was met with only darkness and the quiet lamentations faded into the recesses of her mind.

However, she did come back from darkness, as one intimate with death and life, after experiencing both.. and how that happened, is a tale itself ( inspired by the information provided in the encyclopedia, even! )

(*) I chose her to become a miko because the translation means woman of God and kami/god child - in the end she represents both.

[ping1n]

Thaumcraft thoughts again but this time I'm thinking gameplay rather than lore. Comparing 4 and 6.

To start off, 6 is obviously unfinished. This alone means in a comparison w/ no addons 4 wins without a doubt.

Still, even without addons there are interesting points to make here based on what we saw in thaumcraft 6 and what we might have seen if azanor didn't fall down a well or whatever.

Fundamentals: The first tab of the 'nomicon is far more straightforward, and much less likely to give a new player an aneurysm as soon as they open the book. The only part of this I dislike is how long it takes to get to golemancy. The research system is explained on this tab, but we'll save that for last.

Auromancy: Auromancy in 6 is far more fleshed out than in 4. Plus, I personally prefer the casting gauntlet to wands. It feels much more thaumcraft, and less fairy tale magic. You're using your gauntlet to force the world to your desires. It's badass. And the modular focus system allows you to accomplish so much more. The excavate focus in 4 is a joke. It's slow, the range isn't great and it doesn't do enchants. It makes you feel sad and wet and pathetic. In 6, you make a plan silk touch excavate lvl 2 focus and you tear out 5x5 blocks of raw stone. You feel like a thaumic god, shaping the world to your desire. Is it balanced? Absolutely not. Having auromancy draw from the chunk-based vis system is hilariously broken. Vis cost doesnt matter because you move 8 blocks over and all your magic is back. But so much in thaumcraft is underpowered for the required time and effort compared to other mods, that it's nice to feel powerful for once. Ofc its limited by the small amount of effects in base tc6, but we're going to discount that for fairness.

Golemancy: The tc6 (and possibly 5? idk I never played that version) version of this mechanic is much more useful and interesting. Making golems is a pain in the ass now but theres so much more depth with the customization system. And not having to make a new golem for each task in your process makes life much easier. Though it must be said with how cheap golems were in 4 you could get a golem-based farm up and running much faster. It suffers in some areas, combat golems being pretty much useless except as bodyguards, in which case they try their best ig.

Artifice: The new arcane bore is slightly less expensive and clunky, but it's still ass. Splitting artifice and infusion was an excellent decision. The vis generator is a great addition, though it feels simultaneously underpowered and overpowered - it's basically free, but the generation is so bad you need a few to get the same power as an IE windmill and you'll burn through the aura eventually.

Infusion: Again, splitting this into it's own category is common sense. There are a few interesting new things in this tab: the verdant charms, especially the feeding one, are excellent QOL. The stabilizers and upgrades are good too, but I dislike having to purposefully destabilize an infusion to unlock the research, especially as its essential for what little endgame there is in base. I think the eldritch and void stone altars are new in this version, but they're unobtainable in base.

Alchemy: Tubes work better now. It's a fun time. The transducers are better tho, and can easily trivialize essentia organisation. Hedge alchemy I think is also new, and it adds some nice utility. Aversio is a nicer name than telum and no one liked Arbor anyway.

The Eldritch: Lol. Lmao.

And finally, Research:

NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE

WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE TO STOP RESEARCHING TO GO MAKE A DAYLIGHT SENSOR? OR GET A PHIAL OF AN ASPECT ONLY FOUND IN SHOES? OR WAIT FOR A SPECIFIC PHASE OF THE GODDAMN MOON?? WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH WHAT IM ACTUALLY RESEARCHING?

It's somehow simpler and infinitely more tedious than the tc4 mechanic. At least that was a minigame, albeit a tedious, frustrating game that required multiple thaumonomicon dives (or, yk, an online tool). It also doesn't make sense. Nothing I'm doing here relates to what I'm trying to learn. In 4, the research pattern often had fun nods to what you were actually doing, like having Venenum in a research about poison, or linking all the primals for a late game research. Celestial observations suck. I sleep at night I'm not gonna grab my scribing tools and paper to scribble a drawing of the moon. MC Eternal lets you buy curiosities, which just makes everything so much nicer.

Moving on.

In terms of things I would have liked to not be left behind in 4, firstly I'd like my goddamn outer lands please. Also centivis, but without nodes it really wouldn't make sense. Tbh the whole chunk based aura system is a bit meh, it breaks a lot though it is convenient.

I was going to discuss addons in this post but this is already really long and I'm tired so I'll save that for another day.

[lorwolfofficial]

Happy New Year, Lorfolk!

We're thrilled to kick off 2024 with a slew of new updates, including the Cooking Camp and Farming Festival weekly events and details about our inaugural seasonal event, showcasing the frosty battlefield of Icerun!

Icerun Seasonal Event

A winter's chill is in the air… the Icerun Seasonal event has begun!

Lore:

Rumours speak of a darkness that has touched the most desolate border of Icerun. Elders speak out, recounting old tales from their ancestors. Chaos, the malevolent force that once haunted Loria centuries ago, has resurfaced. No creature is free from his influence, and those that are too slow to escape become possessed, or as the lorwolves call them, "The Consumed." Rally your pack and join the Icerun fight against the first chaotic whispers that threaten to shake Loria to its core. Read about Icerun’s first encounter with The Consumed here.

How the Icerun Seasonal Event works:

During the entire month of January, players can earn Icerun Vouchers by completing various activities around the site. These Icerun Vouchers can be spent within the Icerun Seasonal Event Shop.

How to earn Icerun Vouchers:

Releasing Wolves

During this event, Icerun Vouchers are rewarded by releasing wolves to help fend off The Consumed along Icerun Borders. Icerun players will also earn double Icerun Seasonal Vouchers when releasing wolves. Go to any wolf page and click on the Tree symbol to release wolves.

Seasonal Activities

You can locate these Seasonal Activities on your Activity bar by selecting the switch button on the top right, as well as the Icerun Seasonal Page under the Play dropdown. Like daily Activities, more Seasonal Activities will appear on the taskbar after completion.

Battlepass

Completing the above Icerun Seasonal Activities will award points towards your seasonal Battlepass, level up your Battlepass to earn rewards and additional tickets. Note: players may have made some progress in the Seasonal event before release, so some seasonal activities may show as completed.

You can also unlock a premium version of the pass for 200,000 pebbles to unlock the Epic Frostbitten Winter Hunter Set. Optional copies can also be bought for Seasonal Vouchers.

Games

Icerun Arena: A PvE version of the site's regular Arena mini-game. Players can fight against 5 packs of The Consumed with no time limit between rounds. Stand above The Consumed and take 1st Place for 5 Seasonal Vouchers. Note: We are aware of the bug with the rewards showing the wrong typo placement rankings. This is a visual bug, however the rewards are correct.

Icerun Trials: A version of the Gauntlet mini-game where players fight consumed enemies. Reorganise your team between rounds to push yourself to the limits. This game differs from the original, however, in that beating and earning rewards for each round can only be done once per seasonal event. How far will you go this season?

New Companions have surfaced in Icerun!

The Crystalapins and Frostspinners have been spotted across Icerun. Collect these seasonal companions available for Seasonal Vouchers in the Icerun Seasonal Shop.

The Consumed are available to recruit

Are your lorwolves hopeful to aid, curious researchers or perhaps… agents of Chaos? No matter their interests, some of the Consumed Companions are willing to join your pack. You can find them available for Seasonal Vouchers in the Icerun Seasonal Shop. The question now is will you be able to resist the temptation of Chaos that they bring?

Seasonal Apparel

Grateful for your help on the Icerun border, Icerun locals have set up apparel to buy for Seasonal Vouchers. Keep warm with the Winter Hunt outfit sets and take a break to celebrate winter activities with a Snowwolf and Poinsettias.

As this is our very first seasonal event, we welcome any and all feedback on how it can be improved in the Suggestion Forums. We aim to continue building upon these seasonal events and site lore as time passes, with more new items and gameplay to enjoy.

Cooking

Our team was on vacation during the last Cooking Camp update. However, we were able to introduce a variety of new foods and recipes to cooking!

Players can now cook the following recipes:

Nori, Flaxseed Oil, Blond Flour, Sugar, Cream, Butter, Yoghurt, Cheese, Cashew Cheese, Banana Bread, Walnut Bread, Plain Bread, Rye Bread, Buttered Bread, Honey Rye Bread, Cinnamon Pretzel, Salted Pretzel, Settler's Panda Bun, Traveller's Panda Bun, Mika Pudding, Guppy Bites, Baked Potatoes, and Roasted Potatoes.

Farming

In addition to these new foods and recipes, the Farming Festival is also getting a few updates. Cotton, Leeks, Flax, Turnips, and Potatoes can now be farmed throughout Loria! Seeds for these new crops can be found in the Farming Festival Shop or occasionally in the Mole Market.

Lormusic

In other news, Lorwolf's first official soundtrack is out now! One of JimJim's favorite hobbies is creating music, so over the past year, he and Swell have thrown together a mix of songs to help bring Lorwolf to life. The album contains 14 short songs and is available in-game and on streaming services. The music player (seen at the bottom right of the game's window) can be used to listen to the music while you play. Additional songs are planned as unlockable content in future updates, so stay tuned. Check out our album on Spotify (Opens in new window or tab)!

Discord

In our continuous goal to strengthen and keep our communications and community-building efforts consistent to Lorfolk, we are sad to say that we have some difficult news to share with everyone - on Saturday, January 6th, we will be closing the official Lorwolf Discord server to the public. This was not an easy decision to make, nor one we take lightly, as we've enjoyed watching this community grow and flourish over the years, and Discord has always been a huge part of that. However, over the past few months, the server has outgrown our modest team's ability to manage it effectively. We understand that this news may be incredibly disappointing to some, and while we are deeply sorry for any negative feelings this may cause, we believe it is in the best interest of the development of the site and for our community moving forward. We hope this gives everyone enough time to wrap up any trades and conversations they may have within the server. While the Discord is closing, more focus will be assigned on keeping communications with our community onsite clear and open. With everyone in one place, we aim to foster a stronger bond between our staff, moderators and players.

Thank you all for your feedback across discussions, suggestion threads and Support Tickets. We look forward to the future of Loria hand in hand with our community.

Good luck on the Icerun borders, Lorfolk!

[bleedingichorhearts]

May I request reader with Hydra and the knight at the aquarium looking at sea turtles? I need a pick me up. And nothing fixes the sad like space marines and turtles.

𝔐𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔢 𝔐𝔲𝔰𝔢𝔲𝔪

𝕬𝖚𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖗: You definitely may, little admirer! I hope your day brightens up with some Sea Turtles, and a silly Hydra. (Apologies, if this one is quick. It was hard to imagine them going to an Aquarium, but I did it!)

𝕿𝖆𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖉: @kit-williams, @egrets-not-regrets.

𝕾𝖚𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖗𝖞: Taking Hydra, and Solor to an aquarium.

TW // None?

Walking through the shark tunnel. There were all types of different fish I didn’t recognize all around, including some sharks. Their forms just slowly passing by.

It was calming just to watch them pass by the glass. Not bothered by the fact of their containment, or the people beyond the glass.

A sudden big shadow passed overhead as Hydra cooed in wonder. His helmet looking up at the creature.

It was a Whale Shark with a school of fish following it. It’s mesmerizing, dotted skin reflecting in the light of the aquarium.

Hydra cooed at me again, pointing at a much smaller Shark in the aquarium. His gauntlet lightly tapping against the glass.

“Woah there Hydra, the fish can feel that.” I informed the Alpha legion. Coming over to him, sliding my much smaller hand into his. Stopping his tapping on the glass, a questioning rumble coming from him. “The sound pressure in the water is four times higher than it is in the air.”

I only remember that, by reading the obvious warning signs all over the place that said “DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS.”

“The Shark you also were looking at was called a Leopard Shark. A species of Houndshark.” I said, reading another sign.

Looking back I watched the little spotted shark, its colors reminding me of that of a snow leopard. Its little body calmly roaming at the bottom of the water.

Looking around for any other interesting fish, I found a sign that said “Sea turtles” and immediately dragged both the Astartes over to them. Passing by people who got out of the way immediately.

Spotting the sea turtles in the new room, I let go of Hydras gauntlet and went for them.

“There are seven species of Sea turtles, and six of them are threatened with extinction.” I heard a worker here say. Her hand gestured to the shallow water in front of her. A little area of sea turtles swimming in it. “Here we have the Loggerhead Sea turtles!”

Looking into the water, there were Sea Turtles swimming peacefully in the water, their shells nearly rippling up against the surface of the water.

“These guys can live up to 70 to 80 years! Pretty long huh?” The worker continued, getting a bunch of ‘wows’ from her gathered crowd before she asked. “Would you guy’s like to know some fun facts about these little sea creatures?” Another uproar answering her as I watched a sea turtle breach the surface of the water, sneezing before it went back under.

“Sea turtles don’t have teeth! They use their beak-like mouths to eat, and it’s made of keratin! The same stuff as your fingernails.” The worker started her facts while I leaned over the railing to watch the roaming Sea turtles. Some of them swimming in a slow pattern.

“M-Ma’am?” A young male voice called at me, looking over. It was a nervous young man, dressed in the aquarium's uniform with blue eyes looking behind me so often.

“Yes?” I questioned him as he fidgeted with his fingers. A splash sounding out.

“I- Yes, s-sorry. I uhh… is that your Astartes over there?” The young man questioned, pointing to the side of him where there stood a Hydra in a pool of water.

“Oh my- yes, that one is mine” I sighed. Should have known something like this would happen with Hydra.

“Can you… possibly. Get him out of there? I don’t want to call anybody for him.” He requested nicely.

“Yes, I will try to do that. No need for calling anybody.” I said, passing him to go to the pool where Hydra was in.

“Hydra, no! Get out of the water!” I yelled at him. His helmet looking at me, cooing as he picked up a Sea turtle. Lifting the poor creature up to his helmet. “No! Put the Sea Turtle down!”

Hydra gave a low whine, moving the turtle around so he can look face to helmet to the turtle.

“No! We can’t keep them! They are an endangered species! Let them be!” I explained a little, hoping that will stop him from messing with the turtles.

Though, of course it didn’t. He just picked up another turtle with his other gauntlet.

“Damn it! Solor, he's all yours.” I sighed, rubbing my forehead as Solor rumbled happily in acceptance. Hydras helmet snapping up at the order I’ve given to the Gray Knight.

I watched for a second as Hydra slowly put the Sea turtles back down into the water. Their own languages coming from their helmets before Hydra suddenly took off with Solor following.

“I’m sorry about this.” I apologized to the young man who came up to me again.

“It’s uh- no problem, really?” The worker questioned himself, watching as the two Astartes dodged each other, being mindful of the area around them.

“I hope it wasn’t.” I responded, giving the two an amused look as Solor got a grip on Hydras armor, tugging him back toward him. The two clashing together.

Well, I don’t think we’ll be aloud to another aquarium anytime soon.

𝕭𝖔𝖓𝖚𝖘:

“Wha? Where did you get all the Sea turtle’s?!” I asked Hydra, my hands on my hips. Observing the many turtles that surrounded him in the front yard.

Hydra rumbled, picking up one and extended a Sea Turtle out at me. Tilting his head.

“Hydra, no.”

[pikahlua]

Katsuki’s trading card is Ruined and Izuku is mad about it: Wait a fucking minute is that the Second’s quIRK-?

Whacha lookin’ at, Izuku?

The card.

He’s looking at the card.

HE’S LOOKING AT THE CARD.

He has no way of knowing who is “dead” or not. He just sees everyone down basically. Mirio’s the one who spills the beans, but it’s AFTER Izuku’s wild reaction.

What the fuck is going on?

Oh you bet Mirio’s your ass I have an idea.

Katsuki had a plan

I maintain that Katsuki did not go in for a Hail Mary shot just because he got a quirk boost. He fucking knew what he was doing. Maybe he didn’t know if he’d take damage, maybe he did or didn’t plan to get hit, but he KNEW what the FUCK he was TRYING TO DO.

And Monoma’s reaction is my meta evidence.

TELL ME THAT BLASTY KID SUDDENLY CHANGED HIS ENTIRE PERSONALITY AND THREW OUT HIS CHARACTER ARC. GO ON. I FUCKING DARE YOU.

Dis bitch.

He only went into action after THAT THING HAPPENED.

“That thing” being:

1. Tomura was touching him

2. Tomura said the names of All Might, Izuku Midoriya, and Katsuki Bakugou while touching Katsuki

Katsuki is key to the plan to defeat Tomura

I was catching onto the pros’ weird behavior over Katsuki’s life quite a few chapters ago.

Yes, of course Aizawa cares about his student, but his wording in this scene is...weird. He immediately calls for Izuku’s whereabouts the second Tomura acknowledges the closeness between Izuku and Katsuki. Suddenly everyone is treating Katsuki like glass.

Edgeshot in particular said something that caught my attention.

“A life we can ill afford to lose.”

Sure, there is something to be said for the theme of heroes who are strangers to Katsuki finally acting like heroes and saving him when they really fucking should save him. But like...wow. I’m sure Edgeshot has had plenty of opportunities to save random civilians by sacrificing his own life, but he didn’t. He saved that last resort for this moment in spite of all his years working as a hero. What was so special about this particular life? What if Izuku, who apparently is key in their plan to defeat Tomura, dies too? Why wouldn’t Edgeshot save his power for the life that could potentially save the most lives?

Unless that’s exactly what he did.

From chapter 367:

"Right now, Edgeshot is taking life-saving measures for Bakugou-kun!! He will definitely be successful! We're fighting [based on] that premise!! We haven't lost anything yet! We aren't giving up!"

Isn’t this an interesting way for Mirio to put it? “We are fighting on that premise” and “we haven’t lost anything yet,” huh? Even if Edgeshot may be lost, they haven’t lost anything?

What if Izuku is freaking out because without Katsuki their plan (to save Tomura) can’t possibly succeed anymore?

Look at the focus placed on that card!

Where’s All Might?

Where the fUCK IS-?

...

FUCK.

Consider this

Katsuki goes in for...something. Something to forward their plan. Maybe to touch Tomura? Because he’s fast enough and can predict his movements for a moment? It doesn’t matter. He goes in.

He doesn’t plan on getting hit.

In fact, the only reason he gets hit is because, unexpectedly, TomurAFO senses a threat and panics. His survival instincts kick in.

As a result, he lands a hit on Katsuki right in the chest.

But.

We also see this at the SAME TIME Katsuki’s heart takes damage.

Either he knows he’s about to die.

Or.

He knows he’s about to lose his card, which suddenly is important when we the readers had no idea it was still important.

Tomura hit Katsuki with a deadly blow. He also ruined the card.

But what else did we see on that page?

Izuku has the same card.

The Second’s magical vanishing gauntlet

Why does the Second only have one gauntlet in these flashbacks when he has two in the vestige realm?

Maybe he gave the other to someone else.

Remember that Tomura has said All Might’s, Izuku’s, and Katsuki’s names?

What if the Second’s quirk creates connections between people based on their names...but the connection is maintained through paired objects?

What if Izuku was trying to use the Second’s quirk to get to UA faster because he also has his All Might card on hand.

He and Katsuki have the same trading card, and that would allow Izuku to activate the Second’s quirk to...get to Katsuki faster somehow.

Maybe All Might’s vestige IS IN THE CARD. Maybe it traveled to Katsuki via the Second’s quirk, and the cards are the travel points.

Maybe Katsuki and Izuku are trying to get one of the cards onto Tomura so they and/or All Might’s vestige can travel to Tomura’s vestige world.

And if Katsuki’s card is ruined, their plan can only now work if Katsuki somehow managed to meet the activation conditions of the Second’s quirk before the card was ruined. Or maybe ruining the card is PART of the activation conditions.

THE POINT IS

All Might’s vestige AND YOICHI, the FIRST and LAST vestiges in the OFA chain are currently unaccounted for!

KATSUKI’S CARD IS RUINED

AND IZUKU LOST IT OVER THAT

[1000punks]

okay, so i think i've cracked the code

on why the girls, gays and theys all really like BG3

the short answer is the subversion of toxic gender stereotypes and the more or less relateable themes that each character has come up in game, or are implied, long answer under the cut

lots of people have been posting about individual (main and supporting) character motivations, yes but i haven't really seen any analyses based on gender and/or romance situations quite yet (please feel free to point me to them, i love discourse) as well, i am well aware that the romanceable characters are scare quotes "player-sexual" for the most part, but some elements of the gendered experience may feel more relateable to certain groups of players than others. i'm going to refrain as much as i can from making moral judgements (in terms of motivations and alignments) because all of these characters are morally complex. let's take it on a case by case basis, starting with the women in the game (minthara isn't included since i haven't done a playthrough with her as a companion yet :'D): Karlach

Karlach seems like this huge butch imo, but from what i can see she has to battle with the touch starved-ness. i guess you could make the argument here that that feeds into a stereotype about stone butches, but i think it presents a very relatable (and honest) representation of how a LOT of queer folks, especially queer non-men, deal with being touch starved. i think one thing that potentially a lot of queer women and femme-identifying folks can relate to is the fear of being "imposing" in wlw relationships. for example, i would say the fear of coming off as "creepy" or "dangerous." and inversely, the feeling of relief when you're assured that that isn't the case. the other thing that comes up, i think, with Karlach is that there's this stigma surrounding masculine women. for one, she towers over everyone else, and she's a barbarian. on the surface level, that can be extremely intimidating, obviously. but playing through her romance, understanding that she is capable of and honestly, exudes tenderness -- and the majority of which being without touching/sexuality, is just... it's really important y'all okay? Shadowheart

my personal favourite thing about Shadowheart and her storyline is that even if she appears very feminine, there is no part of the game that i can see (thus far) that has railroaded her into that stereotype. not even with the armour choices. in my file, the armour i've picked for her "end-game" level 12 armour is the shar justiciar armour she gets in the gauntlet. it's not stereotypically feminine at all. historically in video games, armour that covers everything on a woman's body (i will bring this up re: Lae'zel as well) is uhh.. really fuckin hard to find.

the other thing is while she may be very femme-coded, she doesn't necessarily use "stereotypical" seduction methods in her romance scenes. her first one is sharing wine with you and kissing, that's pretty much it, right? and if you call her beautiful, instead of acting coy, she says "i know." and thanks you for noticing. she doesn't need someone to simper over her and tell her that. she's also never shy about telling you exactly what she wants, whether in a romantic or platonic situation. picasso, i like it. Lae'zel

jesus, what can i start with here? this woman is an extremely skilled fighter, wears heavy armour, wields a fucking greatsword that's bigger than she is, all while being like, 5 feet tall. her first romance scene shows me that she is interested in sex but is primarily concerned with her own pleasure (this can be read in a positive or negative way of course: positive being she is getting hers, and negative being not concerned with her partner's pleasure). not only that but she is not interested in having kids at all, based on in-game dialogue. and like i mentioned with shadowheart, her armour (most of the gith armour options you can put her in, i would guess) are full sets of armour - minus the admittedly a little weird lack of butt coverage on most of the gith plate and half-plate that i've seen her in. uhh, yeah- wow. in a romance, it seems like she fits the "shrew" stereotype, but i argue that for lae'zel, it's more about respecting Tav than it is about swooning over them (and knowing that they're passionate). if she doesn't respect Tav, there's no way she's going to share a bed with them, never mind anything else. that to me, shows a woman who has self-respect, which isn't often something shown so strongly in a video game/media in general especially when it's written by men (which is fucking unfortunate!! i hate it!!) i think this is beaten over our heads as players most blatantly when she challenges you to a fucking duel in act 2 and then if Tav wins she boinks them right in the middle of camp. Jaheira

Jaheira is old enough to have adult children, for one. i know she's an elf, and there's some in-game dialogue that alludes to her having extended her lifespan, etc. but for argument's sake, let's say she's middle aged - she is in friggin' top physical condition. and while during the events of bg3 she is a widow, you think that's gonna stop her from meeting her goals? not only that, but her adventures didn't suddenly stop when she became a mother. there's not much of a romance element to her storyline, but she's definitely biffing off a lot of stereotypes about older women and mothers here.

the men - most of my arguments here are going to come back to the utter lack of hypermasculinity/toxic masculinity:

Wyll

he talks about dancing with you in his first romance scene, not seducing you - in fact, he shares a really chaste kiss and then is like "but now isn't the time to jump into bed, actually." he friggin blushes, because thinking about a romance with you gets him all giddy. the man dances for you. then he goddamn proposes to you like a proper gentleman. he is concerned with family. he's concerned with Karlach's well-being. he's concerned with other people's emotions, and is extremely considerate of them. he's pacted with Mizora, not some unseen super masc devil. Mizora the friggin danger femme. lastly, and i think this is really important: Wyll, regardless of a high-fantasy setting, is a black man. i am well aware that eschewing the many stereotypes of hypermasculinity in regards to black men specifically, cannot be undone with one video game, but i think it does a lot. it could do more, of course - but i feel that Larian made a wholehearted attempt with this specifically.

Minsc

the man is large and very visually "stereotypically masculine," yes, but all of his actions are either influenced by Jaheira or Boo. case closed, your honor. i'm joking. but really, Minsc respects and admires Jaheira intensely as a comrade. and what she thinks seems to matter more to him than his own motivations. that's what made it so easy for the Bhaalist assassins to manipulate him - they just had one person pose as Jaheira. boom.

Halsin

another very visually "stereotypically masculine" man, yes- but i have three things: he's open to polyamory that is represented in the game more or less in a healthy way he's very concerned with consent, both in a monogamous romance or a polyamorous one - this includes the bear scene, he does ask about it before like, barrelling into it (and no i'm not poking that bear any more than i have to in this post) uhh, have you heard him talk to/about Tav? my my. not only that but this man is quite literally built like a bear, yet he is a druid, literally about all things nature. you could make the argument that this subverts the nature/culture; emotion/reason debate as it relates to gendered roles.

Gale

okay so, not only has it been confirmed/alluded to by in-game dialogue that Gale does the cooking for the camp- (specifically by Wyll if i recall correctly), he's also just a fairly forthcoming person with his feelings and insecurities. i know a lot of people have deemed that a bit annoying, but i do think there is some value in it. for example, he is a little self-deprecating about being a bad kisser, but it's his way (especially if you read him as autistic) of saying "hey, i'm insecure about this and i usually spend a lot of time alone in a mother fucking tower in waterdeep." i.e. i don't exactly know how to do this. he's an honest, giving, and kind man, and is just as likely to show you as he is to tell you how his heart and mind function. he wants you to understand him. he's also very idealistic- that of course can be a double edged sword, but i think he comes by it honestly as well. given his background with Mystra. i shouldn't even need to mention it but the way the "with you i forget my goddess" and the "you would really prefer me as i am?" lines wrench my heart- like, okay that's very romantic but he's also (imo) accepting that he, a human man, cannot be perfect. that to me is like anti-toxic masculinity in the sense of accepting that a real relationship is where two people are equals and that it's founded in mutual respect and adoration. not unrequited love and service (especially service).

Astarion

get at me if you want, but this man is in touch with his feminine side. i would personally call him high femme, but that's a little besides the point, he sews, appreciates fashion, yada yada. the next part about him i want to discuss as delicately as possible- he's very forthcoming (once he feels relatively safe and in control of the situation at hand) with his experiences as an ab-se/SA survivor. most men do not have the space to do this, nor are they actively encouraged to share their experiences. and with that, depending on dialogue choices, he wants to cease all intimate contact and go at his own pace. not expecting men to be sexual is kind of big on its own, but given his background, i think it's especially important in his storyline. furthermore, in the spawn!romance stream, he is very explicit about moving forward with Tav as equals.

Raphael

you.. y'all. you already know what i'm going to say regarding the dialogue with Haarlep. i don't really know if i have anything to add besides reiterating that men do not have to be these perfect, virile sexual machines.

Extra Stuff

the emphasis on consent: whether it's in a romance dialogue or if it's the game warning you "you're about to do xyz, are you sure?!"

specifically consent in the romance dialogues though: there are usually 3-4 chances for you as the player to be like "actually, i don't want to do that"

queer couples (npc + npc or pc + companion) are just.. normal. once you get to the lower city you'll hear a ton of ambient dialogue where it will be like "my husband blah blah blah" and you look and it's a gnome and his dragonborn husband standing in the street

uhh, hi larian jumping on the character creator with gender neutral and gender-mixed/mixable options, way to make the player base feel seen. hearing my Tav (Festé) be referred to as "they" in dialogue without issue (especially glaring grammatical ones like i've seen in other games) was really big for me, personally.

openly trans npcs. the defense rests, your honor. okay but imagine my surprise when i hear abigail fucking thorn in a completely missable dialogue scene, where she (the character) talks openly about the fact that she is a fucking trans woman. like.

[zephyr-paladyn]

scattered and messy thoughts i have about xenoblade series and its future

(spoilers ahead)

Origin/Aionios is gonna be a key point in future Xenoblade games for sure. Just like the integral nature of the Trinity Processor, Origin will be extremely important as well. There's still a lot of mysteries about Origin, like how Takahashi won't elaborate on its true nature, and likens it to a "virtual world," say an alternate reality.

Xenoblade 3 tied 1 and 2 together but also sets up the stage for the future, all of it is about learning to let go of the past and face the future with uncertainty.

Aionios is a new manifestation of everyone who lived in the old worlds. We learn that some people manifest as themselves, while others manifest as items. These manifestations are different aspects of their will -- how can they change the world? That's what Takahashi says, anyways.

So to break it down we have:

Logos/Malos in N's sword, who later becomes one with Noah. It's interesting because N is all about "protecting the present" while Malos was all about "destroying the world/status quo." Actually, Noah in the first place has a similar role to Malos and Torna, so I like to think Malos still has that "rebellion" in him even though he's aligned with N -- remember in FR where N's help was absolutely needed to take down Alpha. I think Malos was with N even before he became N, so at some point Malos' ideals aligned with N and he lent him strength -- but N fell from what made him Noah.

Pyra and Mythra as Matthew's gauntlets and Noah's sword sheath. These two have known their entire lives as being a "weapon," and I think they serve to contrast Malos' role in some ways, but also there's parallels. There's one thing about being born as a weapon and not wanting to cause destruction, but this time Pyra and Mythra choose to be weapons for a specific cause -- for their own volition. They would be willing to fight for a better world, and being the weapon of Matthew and Noah is how they choose that. I also think it's cute they choose to be the weapons of their (indirect) descendants; like they're looking out for family. And also especially since Malos was taken by N to the side that neither Malos nor Pyra/Mythra would want to fight on, I like to think it's their Sibling Duty™️ to fight against Malos again for a good cause.

Fiora (and potentially other Xenoblade 1 party members) as Lucky Seven. It's just personal conjecture, but I don't believe it's just Fiora in that weapon. I know Riku often lies, but watching that scene again I don't think he has any reason to lie in front of Shulk specifically when he says "everyone is right here." (Or maybe they also became Monado REX?) Either way, Lucky Seven being the will from Xenoblade 1 party and being the strongest weapon in the game makes me think to 1's ending again -- how everyone has a little bit of the "power of creation" in them, everyone has a little bit of "defining the future" in them. Noah wielding that as his weapon, and Lucky Seven basically being THE defining weapon that destroys Flame Clocks and liberates Aionios and has so much to it symbolically... Noah being all about facing the future and going into the future... It's just very fitting.

In the case it's only (or mainly) Fiora, she also parallels Pyra/Mythra/Malos since she also has a Monado & connection to a god.

Noah wielding both Pyra/Mythra and Fiora/XB1 cast is a unique coming-together of both worlds, in a way that they want to fight for the future. When Noah conquers N, he also gains Malos' will as well, and in the end Malos gets to fight for what he's always wanted to after being held down by N for thousands of years.

A as a manifestation of Alvis' emotional side. I feel like this is more self-explanatory since this was very much touched upon in FR, but A's existence lends more to this whole "manifestation of wills" in Aionios. This is also another thing about how the same person might be able to manifest in multiple ways.

Dromarch potentially being the Cloudkeep. Staying by Nia's side and protecting her. Very Dromarch of him 👍

The scene about Taion's pocket watch being passed down from Nimue to himself, and how the watch is representative of memories and time. This new lore info makes you think who the watch represents. If I had to take a guess, I want to say Brighid -- that's her whole thing after all, she records memories in her diary between her reincarnations/resets. Maybe it isn't Brighid, but it's nice to think about and it lines up nicely.

Another important thing, the flutes. Building more upon "two worlds coming together" and "items hold a person's will and memory," its exchange becomes more important. We already know the wills of Crys and Miyabi are within those flutes, but what about potential people from "the old world?" The flutes are meant to send off the dead (and liberate people from the cycle in the process.) My current gut feeling is Lora & Haze, I couldn't tell you why though. As for people from the Bionis-Mechonis side, similarly I'd have to think Dunban... or maybe Tyrea? Tyrea makes a lot of sense to me... On that note, alternatively, this "means to liberate people & retain sentiment and important feelings within soldiers" maybe from the Alrest side it's Jin? He was always a more peaceful person in the first place, and the color contrast between Jin and Tyrea makes more sense to me... IDK where I'm going with this. Someone with better thoughts than me should talk about this. Need to brush up on my Tyrea lore too...

Origin is interesting as a virtual world, in how its administrator can do whatever it wants. Alpha saw Origin as a means to create new life and leave the old world behind, while Z sees Origin as a plaything to keep the aspects of the old world in his hands. And yet, despite administrators, despite control -- the people of Aionios still prevail to move towards the future.

I think it's interesting the gold motes are confirmed to "ascend" a person's soul -- free them from the cycle Z set up.

Aionios overall is still a mysterious world; things work in ways we're not entirely sure of. Things make sense and yet they don't at the same time. Things that Takahashi would prefer to elaborate in an actual game setting in the future than a simple interview. What is Aionios in relation to the future and past of Alrest and Bionis-Mechonis?

At the core of all things, Origin still probably propels the new Bionis-Mechonis and Alrest. Also, Matthew and other City people will eventually be born into the post-Aionios world.

I think things that happened in Aionios will eventually have a counterpart in the new worlds, or strongly influence it. We already see a hint at the ending that Noah found Mio again.

I think what's going to happen is that we'll get to see the two worlds, as their "separate" selves, interact like that. How those worlds will interact with each other given their shared running on Origin and the events of Aionios, is yet to be seen.

My guess is we're gonna see more Fog being a major antagonistic force. And our protagonists have a motive to connect to the "other world" despite the risks; despite the Fog. Something to do with "completion" of the self, or "completion" of memories. Some integral parts of yourself might lie in the other world. For example, Noah and Mio are very important examples.

I think it'd be immensely cool if we had a system where we switch between Bionis-Mechonis and Alrest at certain checkpoints. Seeing a more "developed" and changed world for those two; especially since post-game Alrest is likely so different from the Alrest locales we're used to, there'd be so much more interesting things to explore.

Although the worlds are "separate" again, they have been interlinked and interwoven together in many ways... Who knows what Takahashi is cooking!