#artisans of shield?

[markdatter]

can you tell me what's wrong with this picture

[verus-veritas]

Claiming Privileges - Lachlan

(AI Generated - A different perspective on last week's story. I recommend reading the first one HERE to truly understand what's going on!)

I’ve always been a nobody, a shadow in the world of wealth, a gay middle-aged man who’s toiled for decades as a servant to Jaxon and his insufferable family. Their sprawling beachfront mansion, all glass and marble, has been my prison, its opulence a daily reminder of my place. Yet my eyes always lingered on Jaxon, his chiseled beauty a torment I both craved and despised. His lean, muscular frame, those sculpted abs glistening under the sun, stirred a hunger I buried deep, while his narcissistic cruelty fueled my hate. I kept my mask of obedience flawless, never letting him see the storm inside me.

Until one humid afternoon, when he demanded I rearrange a plate of tropical fruit to mirror his smug face, I muttered “narcissistic prick” under my breath. His hazel eyes caught it, narrowing with cold fury, and he vowed to have me fired within a month. 

That moment snapped something in me. Decades of his abuse, his sneers, his careless power over my life—it was too much. Fury ignited, and I began plotting a revenge as meticulous as it was perverse, a plan that would unfold at his exclusive beach party, where I’d turn his world to ash.

The secret was mine before it was his. Years ago, I’d shared a family relic with Jaxon, a Native American concoction passed down through generations, a powder that could swap consciousness between bodies. I’d presented it as a curiosity, never expecting he’d use it, but now it was my weapon, a key to stealing his life. 

As the party night arrived, I moved through the crowd with quiet precision, serving platters of exotic dishes to guests who barely saw me. My eyes locked on Jaxon, his shirtless torso a beacon in the dimly lit mansion, abs flexing with every arrogant stride. His dirty blond hair caught the light, and his low-slung swim trunks teased the V-line I’d memorized in secret. I savored each glance, knowing his body was my original target, a prize I’d claim before dawn. But fate had other plans.

I collided with Lachlan, a college twink dragged here by his sister, and everything shifted. He was stunning, his pale skin glowing under the soft lights, dark wavy hair framing a boyish face with pouty lips and sharp cheekbones. His lean frame was smooth, tight abs barely visible beneath a loose silk shirt, exuding a delicate, youthful allure. But his voice shattered the fantasy. 

“Where’s the keto-friendly stuff?” he whined, his tone dripping with impatience. “Or, like, something actually worth eating? This is disgusting.”

I explained we didn’t have specialty diets on hand, my voice steady despite the sting of his dismissal. His brown eyes flashed with outrage, and he swept the tray from my hands, sending shrimp skewers and mango salsa crashing into my face. The sticky mess dripped down my chin, the crowd’s laughter a knife in my gut. 

“Get this crap out of my face, old man,” he snapped, stomping a piece of shrimp under his designer shoes. 

Jaxon, nearby, chuckled, his perfect teeth flashing as he clapped Lachlan on the shoulder. “Chill, man, he’ll clean it up. That’s the only thing he’s good at,” he told me, waving me off like a pest.

The humiliation seared me, my cheeks burning as I wiped the mess away with a napkin, the crowd’s eyes lingering with amusement. Lachlan’s tantrum wasn’t just rudeness—it was the entitlement of a spoiled brat who’d never known a consequence, his wealth a shield from accountability. He demanded a fresh drink, specifying some obscure artisanal brand, and when I returned with it, he barely glanced at me, already whining to his sister about the party’s “mediocre vibe.” His smooth, flawless skin and lean physique taunted me, a body as perfect as Jaxon’s but softer, more delicate, built for indulgence. 

As I retreated to the kitchen, my cock stirred, a dark thrill overtaking my shame. Controlling Lachlan’s body, making his lithe frame mine, became my new obsession. My plan shifted at that moment. Jaxon would suffer, but Lachlan’s entitled arrogance would be my trophy, his life a sweeter prize.

When Jaxon announced his drug-fueled game, waving that ornate box, I slipped away to a closet at the mansion’s edge. My heart pounded as I mixed my own batch of the concoction, the earthy scent filling the cramped space. I lit an incense stick, its smoke curling upward, and shoved one of Jaxon’s sweaty socks into my mouth, the musky taste grounding me as I taped it shut. I bound myself to the wall, ropes biting into my wrists, and let the smoke envelop me.

My vision blurred, my body dissolving, until I snapped awake outside, seated in the circle of guests. I looked down, and there it was: Lachlan’s smooth, pale chest, his tight abs rising with each breath. I tugged at his dark hair, the strands silky under my fingers, a playful thrill sparking through me. His scalp tingled, his body alive with a youthful sensitivity that made my skin hum. 

Across the circle, you sat in Jaxon’s body, staring at his abs with awe. I stood, Lachlan’s lean frame moving with a confidence he’d never possessed, and declared myself the real Jaxon, now in Lachlan’s flesh. No one questioned it; the lie slid into place effortlessly.

I explained the swap, the seven-hour limit, the freedom to explore, then excused myself, my pulse racing with purpose. Retrieving a hidden key, I unlocked the closet. My old body writhed there, Jaxon’s consciousness trapped inside, his eyes wide with terror. He couldn’t fathom how he’d gone from being in the living room to being bound in a servant’s skin. I leaned close, Lachlan’s cute face grinning wickedly. 

“It’s me,” I whispered, relishing his horror. “I’ve taken your life, your identity. And now I’m going to fuck your perfect ass, pretending to be you. Who knows, maybe I’ll make you my boyfriend afterward, so I’ll get access to all those trust funds...” 

His muffled screams vibrated against the sock as I turned on a gas valve, locked the airtight door, and walked away. A few minutes, and he’d be gone, one less rich asshole tainting the world. I’d dispose of the body later, a problem for another hour.

Back among the guests, I embodied Jaxon’s swagger, his narcissistic charm my perfect disguise. I led you on, my voice low and enticing, drawing you into the bedroom with a woman whose swapped soul didn’t matter. The room reeked of Jaxon, his musk and sex saturating the air, a heady blend that made Lachlan’s sensitive skin tingle. A massive bed with silk sheets beckoned, a full-length mirror reflecting the decadence. I peeled off Lachlan’s clothes, his smooth frame glowing in the dim light, and joined you on the bed. The woman moaned beside us, but it was you I wanted, Jaxon’s body I needed to break.

I leaned close, my breath hot against your ear, Lachlan’s voice laced with Jaxon’s arrogance. “Let’s have some fun with my body,” I murmured, my hand darting to Jaxon’s cock, thick and curved, already glistening with precum.

Your gasp spurred me on, and I stroked you slow, feeling the power in my grip. But it was when I positioned myself above you, guiding Lachlan’s lean frame with deliberate care, that my satisfaction peaked. I slicked myself with precum, pressing into Jaxon’s ass, the stretch slow and consuming. The pleasure was electric, Lachlan’s cock throbbing with a sensitivity that made every thrust a revelation. I fucked you with a rhythm that was all Jaxon—relentless, commanding, each deep stroke a claim on his perfection. His body yielded beneath me, abs flexing, thighs trembling, and I watched it all in the ceiling mirror, my reflection a college twink reveling in fucking a sex stud.

Your groans filled the room, raw and desperate, and I leaned down, my lips brushing your neck, tasting the salt of Jaxon’s sweat. My hands gripped your hips, fingers digging into his flawless flesh, and I thrust harder, the bed creaking under us. The narcissistic thrill consumed me, fucking Jaxon’s body while wearing his arrogance, knowing he’d never reclaim it. 

Pleasure coiled tight, Lachlan’s cock pulsing with each drive, and when you came, hot ropes splattering your chest, I followed, my release a shuddering claim on his legacy. I collapsed beside you, my satisfaction a dark, pulsing fire.

After you passed out in Jaxon’s flesh, I uploaded the video I’d recorded, our debauchery now immortalized online. Then I slipped into the bathroom, standing before the mirror. Lachlan’s smooth frame glowed, pale skin flawless under the dim light. I ran my hands over his chest, fingers tracing his tight abs, warm and firm. I tugged at his disheveled hair, watching it fall back into place, and stroked his cock until I came, splattering the mirror and licking it clean with a cruel laugh, mocking his “keto” tantrum.

I found the drunk in your old body next, luring him with a bag of “special” weed, lying about its effects on water. He stumbled to the beach, smoked it all, and drowned, sealing our fates. Neither of us could return to our old selves, trapped in these perfect privileged bodies. I was Lachlan now, forever.

— 

As I head back, I’m yanked into the beach house by the guest claiming to be the real Lachlan, his grip tight with fury as he shoves me against a wall. The dim light spills over his borrowed face, some stranger’s features twisted with indignation, but I know who he is beneath. He’s raging about me strutting around in his smooth, lean body, my swagger outshining his own. I smirk, Lachlan’s cute lips curling as I peel away from the wall, stepping into his space.

My hands glide over my stolen skin, fingers tracing the pale expanse of his chest with slow, deliberate strokes. 

“Oh, I’m just cute little Lachlan,” I purr in his voice, soft and teasing. “What do you mean?” 

His eyes widen, shock flickering as I sway my hips, letting his frame move with a grace he never mastered. He stammers, trying to protest, but I cut him off, my tone dripping with mock innocence.

“Bet you wish you had a sexy twink body like mine.” I run my hands lower, caressing the tight abs I now command, squeezing gently as a soft moan escapes my throat. The sound’s all his, high and needy, and I watch his borrowed face flush, confusion warring with something darker. I step closer, my breath warm against his ear. 

“I’m keeping this, you know. This cute, smooth body. It’s mine now.” My fingers trail up to his dark, wavy hair, tugging it playfully, then smoothing it back as I grin. “I’ll worship it every chance I get. Every day, every night, these hands will savor every inch.”

He freezes, mouth parting, but no words come. I press on, voice low and sultry. “I’m stealing your identity, Lachlan. I’ll live your life, the spoiled, entitled rich twink, throwing tantrums when I don’t get my way. No one will ever know you’ve been replaced.” 

My hands slide to his shoulders, then down my own chest again, cupping the slight curve of my pecs before drifting to my hips. I spin slowly, letting him see every angle of his former self, the lean lines and soft skin glowing in the faint light.

“Look at me,” I whisper. “So perfect. So much better than you ever were.” He doesn’t know I’m speaking the truth, that his fate’s already sealed. Instead, his eyes darken with heat, a shaky laugh escaping him. 

“That’s… hot,” he mutters, thinking it’s a game, a narcissistic roleplay I’ve spun for his pleasure. 

I step closer, pressing Lachlan’s body against his borrowed one, feeling the unfamiliar heat of his temporary skin. 

“You like that, huh?” I murmur, my lips brushing his jaw, tasting the salt of his sweat. “Me, dominating you with your own flesh?” 

His breath hitches, and he nods, a hungry edge to his gaze. My hands find his waistband, tugging his pants down with agonizing slowness, letting them pool at his ankles. I sink to my knees, gazing up with his wide, puppy-like eyes, lips parting as I lean in.

My tongue flicks over the tip of his cock, warm and tentative, circling the head with soft, teasing licks. He groans, hands twitching as I take him deeper, inch by inch, Lachlan’s gag reflex making me cough until I adjust. The full length slides down my throat, and I hum, the vibration pulling louder moans from him. His borrowed face stares down, lust overtaking confusion, his own cute features gazing back with wicked intent. I pull back, licking my lips as I rise, my hands roaming his chest now. 

“You’re loving this,” I say, voice thick with triumph. “Watching yourself take control.” I push him toward a weathered wooden table in the corner, guiding him with firm hands. 

“Bend over,” I whisper, and he complies, eagerness in every line of his borrowed frame. I step behind him, running my fingers down his spine, savoring the tremble under my touch. “I’m going to fuck you with your own cock,” I tell him, letting Lachlan’s smooth hands grip his hips. He moans, pushing back against me, lost in the fantasy. 

“Do it,” he gasps. “Fuck me. Fill me with my own cock.” He thinks it’s hot, getting off on the idea of himself overpowering him, oblivious to the reality.

My stolen cock’s already hard, sensitive from earlier, and I tease him first, brushing the tip against his entrance, slow and deliberate. His breath catches, a low whine escaping as I press in, inch by inch, stretching him with his own flesh. The heat’s overwhelming, tight and pulsing, and I groan, Lachlan’s voice high and needy in my throat. I move with purpose, thrusts deep and measured, letting him feel every stroke. 

“This is mine now,” I growl, leaning over him, my chest pressed to his back. “Your youthful body, your privileged life, all of it.” My hands slide around, gripping his waist, then up to his borrowed chest, feeling the rapid thud of his heart. He’s panting, moaning, caught in the perverse thrill, still thinking it’s just a game.

“I deserve this,” I murmur, my lips grazing his ear. “Parties, wealth, every desire handed to me. And this twinkish body… fuck, so perfectly sensitive.” I reach around, stroking his cock in time with my thrusts, drawing out his gasps and shudders.

Sweat beads on his skin, mixing with mine, and the air grows thick with the scent of sex and salt. He’s lost in it, begging for more, his voice ragged. “Fuck me harder,” he pleads, and I oblige, slamming into him with a force that makes the table creak, his moans echoing off the walls.

As sunrise nears, I feel him tense, his borrowed body on the edge. “Cum for me,” I whisper, Lachlan’s voice a sultry command. “Cum for yourself.” 

He does, a guttural cry tearing from him as he spills, hot and messy, his frame shaking under my grip. I follow, pleasure surging through Lachlan’s lean form, filling him with my release.

We collapse together, his borrowed arms pulling me close, and he murmurs, “That was insane,” still grinning, thinking it’s all play. 

I nestle into him, letting the warmth linger, knowing his consciousness will fade when the magic reaches its limit. He’ll never know I meant every word, that his cute, smooth body and spoiled life are mine to keep forever…

—

Sunrise found me nestled in his arms, his consciousness gone when the swap expired. I rose, stretching Lachlan’s lean muscles, his body humming with a restless, cock-sensitive energy that felt like a drug.

I slipped into his identity, the spoiled college twink with a tantrum for every slight. When police questioned me about the deaths, I played dumb, whining until my new parents swooped in, coddling me into freedom within hours. Their indulgence explained Lachlan’s arrogance, every whim served on a platter.

A week later, I visited you, confessing Lachlan’s crush, my kiss leaving you hard in Jaxon’s body. A month later, I’m deep in Lachlan’s world, his friends embracing my newfound charm. I’ve become him, adopting his spoiled, entitled persona with perverse glee. I throw tantrums when my coffee’s not artisanal, demand the best tables at exclusive clubs, and revel in the deference of staff who once ignored me. Lachlan’s life is a banquet of privilege—private jets, designer clothes, parties where I’m the center of attention. His parents hand me everything, their indulgence feeding my new arrogance.

But it’s Lachlan’s body I savor most, a smooth, sensitive twink frame that’s always ready, always craving. Every night, I sprawl in his king-sized bed, silk sheets cool against my skin, and let my hands roam. I trace his abs, fingers circling each ridge, the skin soft yet firm under my touch. His nipples harden at the slightest graze, sparking a jolt that travels to his cock, thick and pulsing with need. 

I stroke slow, precum slicking my palm, the sensitivity overwhelming, each touch a burst of pleasure that makes his lean frame tremble. I stare into a bedside mirror, Lachlan’s boyish face flushed, his dark eyes glinting with my triumph. When I cum, it’s a shuddering release, warm across his chest, the afterglow a drug I can’t quit.

I lie there, spent, his youthful musk filling my lungs, and embrace the wealth, the power, the endless desire. Jaxon and Lachlan are gone, their consciousness erased, and I’ve claimed their lives, their privileges, a perverse triumph I savor with every touch, every pulse of desire in this perfect, stolen flesh.

~ The End ~

[pomefioredove]

I'm not sure exactly which day counts as "weekend" bc of cultural differences lol but you can ignore this if it's not on the permitted day!!

But for the brief Rollo x reader thing that's you're doing, can I please have something with him and a reader that is generally very tactile? One day they grab his hand to pull him somewhere as they absentmindedly ramble, and they don't realize it until he speaks up about it (or not....? <w<)

hii anon!! ofc this is a very cute request

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ cold hands

type of post: short fic characters: rollo additional info: platonic or romantic, reader is gender neutral, reader is yuu

Winter in Fleur City is as unkind as it is beautiful.

Autumn's colorful embrace was short and sweet, giving you but three weeks of cozy, lukewarm mornings before the trees were bare and bending in the breeze that carried along the Soleil.

The first snow of the winter season had completely frozen over the river.

It had also kissed everything in frost, blanketed the streets, and canceled classes at Noble Bell College for the morning. It was heavy and restless.

It became no wonder to you that the people of Fleur City were eager to put up their tinsel and candles. The smell of cinnamon and pine is an effective distraction from the icy wind, after all.

And so, without classes to attend to, you find yourself walking through the city on crushed snow, already muddy with boot prints and animal hooves, to a seasonal cafe which had just opened.

Oh, and the Student Council President has offered to escort you.

It's, apparently, quite an ordeal; the few Noble Bell students you pass by in the streets stop mid-snowball fight or nearly drop their to-go coffees from their mittens when they see you, bundled up in Rollo Flamme's scarf, walking hand-in-hand.

You honestly hadn't even noticed you had grabbed him. It had been somewhat of an impulse, your cold, undressed hands feeling out for something to hold.

And usually, that would have been a quill, or one of those artisanal wooden blocks this city so loves, just something to run your thumb over while you think, not the Student Council President's hand.

But he doesn't say anything, and, more presently, doesn't pull away.

"You really ought to have dressed warmer," Rollo says, fussing over the scarf he'd given you off his own neck. "You'll catch something, and missing class over a frivolous venture such as is unacceptable."

"I suppose I didn't think of it,"

"Then next time," he says. "I don't know what I would do with myself if you were ill. It's the busiest time of year."

Right. Finals are coming up.

"I won't do it again,"

He sighs. "I know. Now, come along. Morning classes may have been dismissed, quite unnecessarily, I might say, but we'll both be expected on campus at noon,"

His hand tightens around yours, and his pace becomes brisker, cutting through the myriad of tourists and laughing children and pigeons. He shields you from the falling snow and blistering wind, holding you behind him until you reach the cafe.

It's bustling and loud inside, busier than the annual cafes you're used to visiting, but Rollo somehow has you in and out with a warm drink and a pastry in no more than five minutes.

You have the treat outside, your hands already cracked from the dry cold in the air, and once you've finished he slips his hand into yours and begins walking again.

There's not much conversation. Rollo is a strange man; some days, he's happy to talk about the history of Fleur City or what he's studying in Noble Bell's prestigious law class, and some days he's like this. Quiet.

His hand is surprisingly warm, though, despite the cold he seems to maintain a high body temperature all on his own. He runs a thumb over the back of your hand, feeling the dry skin there.

"You're freezing,"

"I'm okay,"

"Honesty is a virtue," he snaps, his sharp way of reminding you that he can always tell when you're lying, and he doesn't like it.

"You'll catch your death of cold. And then what would I do?"

For a fleeting moment, you can swear he gets a little warmer; or, at least, his hand does. You must be imagining things.

The silence lingers like the cold in the air, but, finally, he gets you to start talking about your favorite class subject, which you do until you've reached the gates of the school.

Rollo stops you, bids you an overly formal good-bye, and takes his hand, too, leaving you with the cold.

Hm. He seemed so off today. You wonder what that could be?

You won't realize that you'd been holding his hand all morning until later, but for now, you're content with the mystery and the warm scarf he left on your shoulders.

[whencyclopedia]

Mycenaean Art

The Mycenaean civilization flourished in the late Bronze Age from the 15th to the 13th century BCE, and their artists would continue the traditions passed on to them from Minoan Crete. Pottery, frescoes, and goldwork skillfully depicted scenes from nature, religion, hunting, and war. Developing new forms and styles, Mycenaean Art would prove to be more ambitious in scale and range of materials than Cretan art and, with its progression towards more and more abstract imagery, go on to influence later Greek art in the Archaic and Classical periods.

Inspirations

The Mycenaean civilization was based on mainland Greece but ideas and materials came via trading contacts with other cultures across the Mediterranean. Imported materials included gold, ivory (principally from the Syrian elephant), copper, and glass, while in the other direction went Mycenaean goods such as pottery to places as far afield as Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Levant, Anatolia, Sicily, and Cyprus.

In art as expressed in fresco, pottery, and jewellery, the earlier Minoan culture on Crete greatly influenced Mycenaean art. The Minoan love of natural forms and flowing design especially was adopted by Mycenaean artisans but with a tendency to more schematic and less life-like representation. This new style would become the dominant one throughout the Mediterranean. Geometric designs were popular, too, as were decorative motifs such as spirals and rosettes. Pottery shapes are much like the Minoan with the notable additions of the goblet and the alabastron (squat jar) with a definite preference for large jars. Terracotta figurines of animals and especially standing female figures were popular, as were small sculptures in ivory, carved stone vessels, and intricate gold jewellery. Frescoes depicted plants, griffins, lions, bull-leaping, battle scenes, warriors, chariots, figure-of-eight shields, and boar hunts, a particularly popular Mycenaean activity.

Continue reading...

[mintharabaenrelore]

Weapons & Armor

(Gorgeous picture above by @bikiniarmorbattledamage!)

Weapons

When you first meet Minthara, she is fighting with two maces, leading me to believe her fighting style is the same rare technique Drizzt Do'Urden uses: draa velve.

"As the name "two sword" suggested, the style was based around fighting with two weapons, one in each hand. What made this style special was the simultaneous use of each of these weapons for both offense and defense, that is, to attack and to parry, using each weapon like a shield."- Forgotten Realms Wiki

When you first meet her, Minthara has two maces- one is just a mace ("A simple but effective mace, cast en masse by human blacksmiths" is the official description) and the other is Xyanade. Both are one-handed, which is lovely for my theory that Minthara is ambidextrous.

Here is Xyanade's description, rather similar to the Handmaiden's Mace: Cast deep in the Underdark by duergar slaves, the head of this mace is engraved with spiderwebs. It is ice-cold to the touch." This weapon, obviously, is from her time in Menzoberranzan. I wonder why she still has it in her possession, alongside her lyre and armor, which also seem to be from Menzoberranzan... Was it returned to her after she was "converted", or were her weapons never confiscated in the first place?

Rarity: uncommon. Price: 330 gp. It is uncommon and applies Faerie Fire on targets the wielder misses, once per short rest.

Maces are the go-to weapon for a cleric, so it's tempting to wonder if this is a leftover from her Magic: The Gathering card, where she appears to be a cleric.

Last I checked, paladins start out with the ability to use one-handed maces, so it makes sense either way.

Anyways, Xyanade's lore. Infamously, drow (particularly drow nobles) have a tendency to enslave duergar. This doesn't necessarily mean Minthara obtained Xyanade by foul means, though, as drow and duergar have been known to trade.

"Duergar creations weren't flawed or subpar, and in fact were rather enduring, but were completely utilitarian, considered valuable only for their function and bereft of warmth and artistry. Appreciation of beauty had been erased from their minds, the aesthetics of their creation ignored."- Forgotten Realms Wiki

Not all her supplies are made by duergar, mind you- take the glass chalice she keeps in her tent as an example. "A smooth chalice fabricated by gnome artisans."

Xyanade also shows her status, as drow nobles have equipment of superior quality (remember it's 330 gp). It isn't specified what it's made out of, but adamantine is not unlikely.

The spiderweb engraved on it is, of course, a symbol of Lolth. Whether Minthara registers this in her brainwashed state, as she now worships the Absolute (or at least thinks she does), I'm not sure. If you speak to one of the spiders using Speak to Animals, it says Minthara has "forgotten" Lolth and been "forsaken", which suggests she hasn't been exactly subtle about her newfound dislike of the Spider Queen.

Armor

Minthara's Spidersilk Armor is fascinating- and confusing. Why is a paladin wearing light armor, which seems more suited to a rogue/caster? Perhaps because she may have been a cleric before a paladin in Menzoberranzan? One of Lolth's domains in Trickery, so it makes sense that a cleric of Lolth would be- like Shadowheart- Trickery Domain and therefore wear sneaky armor.

"In its refined state, spidersilk lost the inherit stickiness found on spider threads. Armor and clothing fashioned from it tended to be rather quiet and lightweight."- Forgotten Realms Wiki

At first glance, the emblem at the top may look like the Absolute's symbol, but it isn't.

Her title of "Nightwarden" and her statements when sneaking- i.e. "I belong in darkness" "The darkness is my home"- do suggest she has been known to operate like a rogue or a Trickery Domain cleric.

Anyways, here is her armor's description: "Tracings of glossy black spider-web mark this drow-made armour. It is supple, but strong - and made to blend in with the dark caves and crevices of the Underdark."

This, too, reflects her status, and is clearly from Menzoberranzan, at no less than 1150 gp. Spidersilk armor is typically made from specially treated spidersilk of aranea or driders, so Kar'niss had better watch his back around Minthara, I suppose.

Her Drow Leather Gloves, meanwhile, are 20 gp: "Fabricated from lizard hides in the depths of the Underdark, these gloves were never meant to see the light of day." An interesting reminder that Minthara is not equipped to be on the surface; she is equipped to be in Menzoberranzan, subtle and far from sunlight.

Subterranean lizards are the animals drow domesticate most often, used as steeds by nobles, so let's hope these gloves weren't a pet of hers at some point.

Her boots are Boots of Striding: "The metal of these greaves is comfortably warm against your shins, as though heated by your mere presence." 90 gp. They seem to be of the same material as her armor; namely, spidersilk.

And let's not forget her camp clothes. Minthara's At-Ease Clothes (note the use of 'at-ease'- a reference to her military background, perhaps?) are, surprisingly, 11 gp: "While there is little of the spidery Goddess Lolth's influence in this outfit, there is something of a spiney inflexible culture of the drow in it." This description is fitting, I think. Minthara may not worship Lolth anymore, but she has not left behind the practices, traits, and most of the beliefs of her kind. She is still deeply connected to her people, Lolth or no Lolth. I'm not sure what they're made of, but based off the texture, spidersilk isn't unlikely.

I find it interesting that all of these things are clearly from Minthara's life in Menzoberranzan, rather than provided by the cult of the Absolute. Does Minthara believe she is spurning Lolth by using them, in her magically influenced state, or is she not fully aware of the connection? And how long has she had all these things? Lots to ponder.

Some extra from @lutethebodies's post that I found very interesting and well-put:

"[...] And what I got thinking about was how ditching the maces upon recruitment is almost essential.

Personally I never retain them as her melee weapons, for both mechanical and RP reasons. For the first it's because I routinely respec her to a Dex-based build and of course maces are Str-based. The second reason is because (and forgive me if I’m late to the party here) that as a paladin she’s a blunt instrument for whatever deity she’s sworn to: Lolth, the Absolute, etc. And once she’s free of both, she’s free to choose how to defend herself and/or her friends/lovers among the companions."

[...] But representing this with maces feels specifically like a reductive and more brutish or ugly choice—and the perfect encapsulation for what she's become while enthralled.

[...] The mace is also a symbol of Minthara's pre-tadpoled hubris of privilege, arrogance, and elitism in that it's the deadweight of how her life up to that point had sculpted her to precisely this outcome. A symbol of her trauma. "How the mighty have fallen" is a cliché, sure, but it's a cliché precisely because it's true and happens so often. The schadenfreude that fellow envious Lolth-sworn might feel when encountering this manic, raving caricature of their own culture! The shock that anyone who knew her from her previous life might feel about how she's changed for the worse! She says as much when candidly later admitting that pride is one of her sins.

The mace is a great choice for an enthralled Minthara, but that makes it (for me) necessary to abandon when she's a companion. The mace helps further that convenient, simplistic, reactive, and reductive way of writing her off as just another male-hating Drow dominatrix. It helps any player confirm lazy priors about her, which might be why she's both blithely dismissed by some and jealously policed by others."

[zeciex]

A Vow of Blood Season 1 Masterlist

Warnings: This fic includes noncon, dubcon, manipulation, violence and inc3st. Tags will be added as the fic goes on. This is a dark!fic. 18+ only. Read at your own discretion. Please read the warnings before continuing.

Updates every Friday: A work in progress

Chapter 1: A prophecy foretold Chapter 2: Fireflies and Funerals Chapter 3: A debt made Chapter 4: The Arrival Chapter 5: The girl who leaves, the Woman whom returns Chapter 6: The unholiness of burning Chapter 7: Gossip and Needlepoint Chapter 8: Schemes and Artisans Chapter 9: The Feast Chapter 10: Beware the Blood Red Roses Thorns

Chapter 11: Words of a Scandal Chapter 12: The Whore that Lies Chapter 13: On Your Knees Chapter 14: From the Shadows Chapter 15: White Poppies Chapter 16: The Tourney; The Joust Chapter 17: The Tourney; The Melee Chapter 18: Ruination Chapter 19: Tea & Charity

Chapter 20: Sympathies for Maegor the Cruel Chapter 21: Moon Flower Chapter 22: The Ugly Seat Chapter 23: A Woman's Shame Chapter 24: The Boy With the Stars Chapter 25: The Seafarer Chapter 26: Dragonstone Chapter 27: Betrothal Chapter 28: The Sting of Bitter Betrayal Chapter 29: Little Nightshade

Chapter 30: In That House On Top Of The Rock Chapter 31: The Stranger's Company Chapter 32: The Hunt Chapter 33: Brōzi, riña hen narys Chapter 34: There's no measure 'within reason' for women Chapter 35: Pulling the Strings Chapter 36: Boris Baratheon Chapter 37: The Image of a son Chapter 38: Wine and Company Chapter 39: Once in Ivory, to the sound of bells

Chapter 40: Trapped like a Fox Chapter 41: The illusion of choice Chapter 42: Two sinners can't atone from a lone prayer Chapter 43: The Depravity of Desire Chapter 44: Think of the Stars Chapter 45: Blood in the Water Chapter 46: The Boundaries of a Winged Pig Chapter 47: The Vigil of the Old Gods Chapter 48: The Stag that Rages Chapter 49: The Stag hunts the Stag

Chapter 50: The Performance of Grief Chapter 51: Once in front of the fire, two become one Chapter 52: The Funeral of Boris Baratheon Chapter 53: The Hunger of Man Chapter 54: The Funeral Procession Chapter 55: Keeping Alliances Chapter 56: Souls tied, intertwined by our pride and guilt Chapter 57: Wisps of Smoke Chapter 58: A Missive of Ravens Chapter 59: A Claim of Bastardry

Chapter 60: The Last Supper Chapter 61: The Taste of Silence Chapter 62: Waves Chapter 63: In the Eye of the Father Chapter 64: The End of a Noose Chapter 65: A Fool with a Fool's Honor Chapter 66: The Son of Duty Chapter 67: The Daughter of Insolence Chapter 68: The Tempest of a Woman Chapter 69: Birds in a Cage

Chapter 70: The Beast Beneath the Boards Chapter 71: The Tower of the Hand Chapter 72: Ill Tidings Chapter 73: A Woman's War Chapter 74: Salt and Smoke Chapter 75: A Golden Crown of Sorrow pt. 1 Chapter 76: A Golden Crown of Sorrow pt. 2 Chapter 77: Haunted By The Daylight Chapter 78: A Boy And His Dragon Chapter 79: Vengeance Hungers

Chapter 80: The Bloody Hand of Dread Chapter 81: The Fool That Loved You Chapter 82: The Coward's Heart Chapter 83: The Death of A Son Chapter 84: A Sister's Rage Chapter 85: The Red Dress Chapter 86: A Vow of Fire and Blood Chapter 87: The Sworn Shield or The Boy Chapter 88: Cursed Child Chapter 89: Byka Ābrazȳrys

Chapter 90: The Mother's Prayer Chapter 91: The Favor of the Smallfolk Chapter 92: A Mother's Search Chapter 93: Once in grief, heart of black but forced in green I Chapter 94: Once in grief, heart of black but forced in green II Chapter 95: Once in grief, heart of black but forced in green III Chapter 96: Once in grief, heart of black but forced in green IV Chapter 97: Etched in Flesh Chapter 98: Think of Home

[weoris]

HONEY & COTTON

제이크 headcannon + drabble — soft boyfriend jake! 𐙚 𓈒 ݁ requested soft hours gn!reader , idol au , live-in-boyfriend , established relationship cw. sweat mint-choco popcorn.. skinship kissing playful nicknames coffee six hundred words clickhere!

sim jaeyun as your boyfriend

no matter the time or situation, you’re always on his mind. when he’s feeling down, he reminds himself of your encouraging words and trust in him. when he’s at practice, his members have to deal with his whining about not being able to see you. when he even catches sight of a mere picture of you, it’s like the outside world drowns out — and his whole world becomes you.

Jake whined for the hundredth time in the past 2 hours, making Jay already roll his eyes before he spoke. “Mm~ I miss Y/n..” Jake pouts, resting his head on Jay’s shoulder. “I know you miss Y/n.. we all know you miss Y/n.. but you’re so damn sweaty and clingy- god help me!” Jay replies, pushing his friend’s head off his shoulder.

The latter huffs and pouts even more. “Punk.. Y/n wouldn’t complain about my sweat.” He crosses his arms. “We all are sweating! It’s not even that bad..” Heeseung raises an eyebrow at Jake’s words. He takes a whiff of his wet shirt and gives them both a stubborn look. “Yeah.. ok.. whatever..”

love-deprived jake can be such a clingy mess. when you walk into a room, it’s like his eyes light up. he loves the way your eyes immediately search for him in any room he’s present, which doesn’t last long since he immediately tackles you in a hug.

now that you two live together, he wonders how he could’ve ever lived with 6 other guys when he could’ve been living in paradise with you. there’s not a lot of time spent together because of hectic schedules, but it just makes those moments more special.

“Mmm.. where did you go..” Jake mumbled into your shoulder as he hugged you from behind. his hair and mind still messy and sleepy as he pressed a few gentle pecks against your shoulder like second-nature. “Honey..” you chuckled and brushed his hair with your fingers as your other hand stirred your coffee. “You just woke up..” you hummed at him.

eyes still closed, he gave you another cute smile as he snuggled closer to your back. “I know~ that’s the point.. I can’t sleep without my love..” he giggled as he nuzzled his head into your neck, making you chuckle from the tickling sensation.

and believe me, he’s the biggest drama queen when it comes to his friends. using you like a shield is basically a part of the ‘boyfriend jake kit’, and all of his friends can tell. but he was clever, he knew you were a simp for him and couldn’t say no to whatever he asked for.

As sunghoon continues cursing out Jake, the latter smiles teasingly. “How could you let me lose?? I was this close to winning, you brat!” sunghoon says angrily, rolling his eyes. “Ahh! Y/n, help! Hoon is yelling at me!” Jake playfully teases, holding your arm in front of him as protection while he playfully grins at sunghoon, making you laugh and ruffle his hair.

“Guys.. I can’t buy every one of you different types of popcorn. And no, Sunoo, I’m not making a new type of artisan mint-chocolate popcorn either.” You huff, sighing after all the guys had complained about needing to share the popcorn you had bought from the grocery store. They pouted and muttered apologies. “Hmph.. yea guys, don’t be so selfish.” Jake says in a petty voice, when he himself was the one who strongly insisted on getting his own batch of snacks. You sighed again, but with a smile this time.. you couldn’t help it.. your boyfriend was too adorable..

but something about him, you really could not help it.. he was sweet like honey and as soft as cotton..

© weoris | tumblr.

XiNYi 的 🔖 i know it’s over-said, but he’s such a golden retriever, it’s so crazy TT i think he’s just naturally the cutest boy on earth. seeing him act so cute with hee makes me crazy literally !!

ׂ  TAGLIST  ׅ @w3bqrl @boowoowho @ahnneyong @kynrki @ixomiyu @yunki4evr @flwoie @bubblytaetae @ja4hyvn @dimplewonie @xiaoderrrr @trsrina @adajoemaya @stepout-09-15 @ineedaherosavemeenow @lcv3lies @violetinferno @woncheecks @mijuuv @enhapocketz @star4rin @bubblytaetae @dimplewonie @isoobie @whoschr @jiaant11 @yeomha @mosssi @j-wyoung @artstaeh @spilled-coffee-cup @cowsmicwu

[inthehouseoffinwe]

I went into this a little in this post, but here’s how I categorise our resident Curufinwës + what their strengths in war are.

Fëanor: The Scientist. Aggressive.

Curufin: The Architect. Defensive.

Celebrimbor: The Inventor. Protective.

Fëanor: The Scientist. The Silmarils were all about the science. How to hold light. What materials are needed. How to make it stronger etc etc. Feanarian lamps honesty give me lightbulbs on steroids vibes, very sciency. He created the alphabet and no doubt numerous other things. In general Fëanor is said to want mastery over things and minds. He wants to understand then use that knowledge. He’s experimenting with known variables and pushing them to their limits.

(If he lived) his strength would be aggressive weaponry and tactics, creative mind pushing for stronger, faster, more accurate but more destructive weapons. He brings people into a passionate rage to give them the strength to go on.

Curufin: The Architect/Pragmatist. in my head is all about building on things. He also has that spark but he makes unbreakabke battlements. Bridges. Weapons. Armour. Fortresses with so many nooks and secret passages and extra defences only his brothers can keep track. He’s crafty, he’s smart. He knows how to trick people into seeing one thing and it being something else. To create false chinks in armour and defence that will be targeted and hold up, and give his people a chance to fight back while the attacker thinks he’s won.

All this means he’s great at providing defensive structures. Give him a basic fortress and he’ll create all kinds of pathways to escape and areas great for attacks and ambushes. Fool enemies and give them the element of surprise. He holds the line.

Celebrimbor: The Inventor. The rings are so unlike anything we’ve ever seen, and unlike Fëanor’s Silmarils they have true power to them. They protect and shield and raise rivers and give longevity and hold life still for the elves unused to change and so much more. He creates his city as a place for students, has a whole sect in the Gwaith-i-mirdain who learned and experimented and would create new and wondrous things. Were canonically the best artisans since Fëanor himself, led by Celebrimbor. He created so much that there was no way to even think of replicating it after he and his people were killed, and the knowledge lost. This wasn’t science. This was something entirely new. And they never saw it again.

All this means he can create invisible barriers as protection so people can live well on the daily. Keeping people safe and well is his top priority.

But yeah this is why I hc that Maedhros’ prosthetic was the combined effort of Celebrimbor and Curufin. Tyelpë was still fairly young, but he had that creativity to know how to make a working hand buried with enchantments and the like. Curufin worked out the mechanics of it and made sure it would be functional for daily life and as a weapon.

Fëanor ofc is dead by now so he doesn’t get to do much, but you best believe he’d add all kinds of sleek weaponry so his eldest could protect himself.

[arthistoryanimalia]

Poppy Library Lamp with Moth Lamp Screen

Created by Tiffany Studios under the artistic direction of Louis C. Tiffany (USA, 1848-1933), New York, USA, c.1902-10

Lamp: Glass, cut & assembled w/ copper foil; brass filigree; cast bronze

Lamp screen: Glass, cut & assembled w/ copper foil; metal chain

On display at Allentown Art Museum “Tiffany’s Gardens in Glass” from The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, Queens, NY (N.86.C.05a-c; 2006.12)

“The poppy was one flower that resisted easy translation into a lampshade. Its lacy leaves and intricate center, bursting with dozens of tiny stamens, could not be rendered with individual pieces of glass. Tiffany's artisans solved this problem in a creative way. They used brass filigree-or intricately cut brass overlays— to beautifully capture the complex features of this flower.

In the early 1900s, electricity increased the amount of light in the home. Although a welcome innovation, electric light could be harsh. For example, this Poppy lamp's three bulbs equaled the brilliance of about ninety candles or nine gas lamps! Once again, Tiffany's artisans presented a creative solution: lamp screens like this Moth shielded the eye from the glare of early electric light.”

[yanandreckless]

Kenough With The Gray!

Fandom: The Gray Man

Pairing: Sierra Six/Reader

Tags: Bodyguard!AU, Flirtatious Banter, dollification proclivities if you will, Heiress!Reader, AFAB!Reader, Age difference (Reader is in her twenties, Six is 40ish)

Even the movie itself has a reference to Ken and I am a big fan of handsome men being Ken dolls so here we go.

“Don’t you ever get bored?”

You’d asked, adjusting the chain belt on the tiny pleated denim skirt. It hung low and you kinda wished you had a hip tattoo. Humming in consideration, you lifted your gaze from your midriff in the full length mirror and found his gaze already locked on your face, one eyebrow slightly cocked. He was chewing gum in that languid way he always was.

Feet spread shoulder-width, left hand holding the wrist of the right at groin level. He’d always stand like that or with arms weirdly crossed, holding his biceps instead of tucking them like a normal person. Probably some weird bodyguard thing. 

He’d come into service one morning, unexpectedly, along with a voice message from your father, whom, at that point, you hadn’t seen in 3 months and 17 days. He was to be your new bodyguard, Daddy wished you could be with him in Kyoto but he was just so busy he’d hardly be able to entertain you, and Court here comes highly recommended. You, princess, were not to worry and you were to have great fun at the Fashion Week shows. 

Fashion Week had happened the previous month.

For your new bodyguard, it may have never happened at all, if his copycat suits were any indication. He alternated between a gray suit (with that nerdy pattern! As if!) with a black shirt and vice versa with mind-numbing regularity. Two black suits, one gray suit. Two black suits, one gray suit. He seemed to always be wearing the same pair of shoes, or, and you couldn’t decide which was worse, he had several identical pairs. 

It was a shame, really, that this man was a bodyguard, of all things. He had the face of a model. Perhaps even a movie star, it was distinctive enough. Once he started trailing behind you everywhere you went, as per his new job duties, the frequency in which you started appearing in magazines increased.

You had always been popular, the only child of the owner of one of the largest conglomerates in the world, and the media would follow your every move, but they’d never written about your security before. All of a sudden, the handsome man controlling the crowd around you and shielding you with his (perfect but who’s looking) body had become a news-worthy topic. 

Which brought you to your current situation.

Over the years, you had become somewhat of a style icon, so much so that brand offers had already become a boring occurrence, so much so that magazines looked to you to predict trends, not to follow them.

Court? In his two boring suits? Serious fashion no-no. And now that he was in all the photos with you… 

His gaze doesn’t leave your face, eyebrow still cocked, and you realize he’s waiting for you to answer your own question. You sigh, but do so anyway. You can’t expect a bodyguard to be a well-versed conversationalist, if all the ones you’ve ever had were any indication.

“Of your same two suits?” 

“No.” He replies simply. He’s always short with you, but you still can’t really call him rude. His tone is flat, and that is annoying, but his voice is nice and deep, and it’s even more annoying you don’t get to hear it more. 

“Well, I am bored.” You say, flashing a smile at the store attendant who is arriving, heels clicking on the marble floor, with a chrome rolling rack, the new male collection neatly lined on hangers.

The attendants all know you, so she leaves you to it, but you know at least one of them is keeping an eye on you, ready to pounce at the slightest hint of you needing anything. The two glasses of pink champagne and a heart-shaped tray full of artisan chocolates on a small table with two plush armchairs in the corner, a vase full of lilies, and even your preferred choice of music in the Mugler store, now closed for other customers, all speak of the luxurious treatment you have become used to, and think it’s time Court did, as well. 

His eyes flit toward the clothing rack and he undoubtedly understands what your plan for today is. The corners of his mouth twitch in a half-smile as he redistributes his weight in that way that has no right to be as attractive as it is.

You approach the rack and start browsing:

“You look like a 42 regular, so that is what I asked for. Even in those atrocious off the rack suits you always wear, your waist looks like Mugler was made for it.” 

“A real talent, to compliment and insult someone in equal measure.” Court says, blue eyes twinkling as the only indication of amusement. 

“Must have learned it from a movie or something.” 

You pull out a double breasted black jacket with silky lapels and the classic sharp Mugler shoulders. Court eyes the garment and doesn’t move an inch when you curl your finger for him to approach.

“That’s a black jacket.” He states, uncurling his hands and adjusting his own, much inferior, black jacket. Ass. 

“If you’re trying to prove you’re not colorblind, I’m still not convinced. Come here.” 

For the first time since you’ve known him, Court truly chuckles. You’ve seen his mouth curl into smirks a couple of times, but you’ve never seen him truly laugh: 

“Are you that bored, miss?” He always addresses you that way and you always wonder how sarcastic it is.

“I think we passed a Mattel store earlier. Can’t you just buy a Ken doll?”

“Why, when I have one right here?” 

Seeing how he won’t approach you, you approach him, pressing the new jacket against his frame: 

“You attend events with me, you’re in photos with me. I’m a billionaire and yet you’re always wearing the same two things. That won’t do.” 

“Your father is.” Court says, eyebrow quirked as he pops his gum. 

“My father is what?”

“Your father is the billionaire.” 

You blink at him, half-surprised at the gall, and half… well… there’s something attractive in the way his eyes glimmer as he looks down at you, half-smirking. Taunting.

“And yet, everything the sun touches…” You gesture around yourself vaguely and he snorts. 

“You go and try this on, we’ll go from there. I was thinking: this jacket, distressed jeans, a light wash, wide leg; and I’d add a long earring and a watch to accessorize. As for shoes… maybe combat boots. Or maybe we do a full black suit with a bright-color shoe and a silk scarf, or a pair of sunnies as color accents. If the jacket looks good unbuttoned, maybe we could also do-”

“Miss.” Court is smiling: 

“You really want to play with me that much?”

He looks uncharacteristically adorable as he smiles and you find yourself sputtering. How smooth.

“Not play with you! I’m serious, Court, you’re cramping my style at events!” 

“Nobody says “cramping my style” anymore, what are you, 40?”

“Unlike you, no! Just go and try this on!” 

You nearly slam the hanger with the jacket against his firm chest and he doesn’t move an inch. It falls to the floor: 

“You never said the magic word.” 

You probably could have him fired with one magic word to your father. And yet…

“Please.” 

Court smiles, bright blue eyes crinkling at the corners, and swiftly picks up the jacket: 

“My pleasure, miss.”

[racefortheironthrone]

Please tell me more about neighbourhood PMCs in renaissance Italy

It would be my pleasure! (My research into this owes a lot to the excellent Power and Imagination: City-States in Renaissance Italy by Lauro Martines.)

The first thing to note that, unlike the condottieri, these were not private military companies. Rather, the neighborhood military companies (in the sense of a military unit, rather than a profit-making entity) were self-defense organizations formed as part of a centuries-long political struggle for control over the urban commune between the signorile (the urban chivalry)/nobilita (the urban nobility) and the populo (the guilded middle class, who claimed to speak on behalf of "the people").

This conflict followed much the same logic that had given rise to the medieval commune in the first place. Legally, the communes had started as mutual defense pacts between the signorile and the cives (the free citizens of the city) against the rural feudal nobility, which had given these groups the military and political muscle to push out the marquises and viscounts and barons and claim exclusive authority over the tax system, the judicial system, and the military.

So it made sense that, once they had vanquished their enemies and established the commune as the sovereign, both sides would use the same tactic in their struggle over which of them would rule the commune that ruled the city. The signorile and nobilita formed themselves into consorteria or "tower societies," by which ancient families allied with one another (complete with dynastic marriage alliances!) to build and garrison the towers with the knights, squires, men-at-arms, and bravi of their households. These phallic castle substitutes were incredibly formidable within the context of urban warfare, as relatively small numbers of men with crossbows could rain down hell on besiegers from the upper windows and bridges between towers, even as the poor bastards on the ground tried to force the heavy doors down below.

To combat noble domination of communal government, achieve direct representation on the political councils, establish equity of taxation and regulate interest rates, and enforce legal equality between nobility and citizenry, the populo formed themselves into guilds to build alliances between merchants and artisans in the same industries. However, these amateur soldiers struggled to fight on even footing with fully-trained and well-equipped professional soldiers, and the guild militias were frequently defeated.

To solve their military dilemma, the populo engaged in political coalition-building with the oldest units of the urban commune: the neighborhoods. When the cities of medieval Italy were originally founded, they had been rather decentralized transplantations of the rural villages, where before people had any conception of a city-wide collective their primary allegiance was to their neighborhood. As can still be seen in the Palio di Siena to this day, these contrade built a strong identity based on local street gangs, the parish church, their traditional heraldry, and their traditional rivalries with the stronzi in the next contrade over. And whether they were maggiori, minori, or unguilded laborers, everyone in the city was a member of their contrade.

As Martines describes, the populo both recruited from (and borrowed the traditions of) the contrade to form their armed neighborhood companies into a force that would have the manpower, the discipline, and the morale to take on the consorteria:

"Every company had its distinctive banner and every house in the city was administratively under the sign of a company. A dragon, a whip, a serpent, a bull, a bounding horse, a lion, a ladder: these, in different colors and on contrasting fields, were some of the leitmotifs of the twenty different banners. They were emblazoned on individual shields and helmets. Rigorous regulations required guildsmen to keep their arms near at hand, above all in troubled times. The call to arms for the twenty companies was the ringing of a special bell, posted near the main public square. A standard-bearer, flanked by four lieutenants, was in command of each company."

To knit these companies organized by neighborhood into a single cohesive force, the lawyers' guilds within the populo created a state within a state, complete with written constitutions, guild charters, legal codes, legislative and executive councils. Under these constitutions, the populo's councils would elect a capitano del popolo, a professional soldier from outside the city who would serve as a politically-neutral commander, with a direct chain of command over the gonfaloniere and lieutenants of the neighborhood companies, to lead the populo against their noble would-be overlords.

And in commune after commune, the neighborhood companies made war against the consorteria, taking the towers one by one and turning them into fortresses of the populo. The victorious guilds turned their newly-won military might into political hegemony over the commune, stripping the nobilita of their power and privilege and forcing them either into submission or exile. Then they directed their veteran neighborhood companies outward to seize control of the rural hinterland from the feudal aristocracy, until the city had become city-state.

(Ironically, in the process, the populo gave birth to the condottieri, as the nobility who had lost their landed wealth and political power took their one remaining asset - their military training and equipment - and became professional mercenaries. But that's a story for another time...)

[penvisions]

weather permitting {by the grit of sandpaper}

Pairing: Jackson! Joel Miller x Patrol Partner! Reader

Summary: A summer storm catches you off guard.

Word Count: 1k

Warnings: canon typical language, pining, requited unrequited feelings, joel is so soft in this, heart of gold joel, carpenter joel, woodworking joel, artisan joel, patrol partnership, confessions, lots of feelings, reader is afraid of thunder, reader has astraphobia, extreme weather, teasing banter, SET BEFORE THE FIRST CHAPTER

A/N: reposting @jessthebaker and their emoji request for the final chapter celebration in a separate post, lovely reading to y'all until the chapter comes out!

ao3 link || series masterlist || main masterlist || ko-fi

“This pressure in the air is…” You trailed off as you gazed up at the darkened sky. The deep, moody gray having crawled across the sky to blanket the sun. Lightning burst to life on the horizon, making you freeze atop Lowry. The sweet horse so attuned to you that she paused in her slow, meandering steps.

Thunder boomed, echoing across the open plains, startling you even as you waited for the sound with held breath.

“We should head back, storm’s comin’ in fast.” Joel regarded you atop his own horse, Kiana. She whinnied, not liking the direction he was turning her toward with gentle motions of the reigns. The hush of rain on the horizon was loud as it moved toward you both. Wetting the plains with fat droplets that  did nothing to quell the humidity that had made the air dense and hard to breath. Intensifying the heat of the mid-summer day.

“Yeah, good call.” Following his lead, you steered Lowry to turn around. It had been too slow a realization on both your parts, clothing soaked and sticking to your skin and weighing down your hair as you closed the distance back toward the settlement. With a piercing whistle just as you crested a slippery hill, Joel let the guards on duty know that you were back.

Laughter bubbled up from them underneath their makeshift protection against the rain atop the tall, foreboding wall that protected your town. You couldn’t help but share in their good moods despite the sudden shift in weather when you and Joel finally found yourselves underneath the eaves of the stables.

His graying curls were soaked, one of them so affected it looked like a ringlet as it fell over his forehead and flopped with his every move. Heat bloomed in your chest when he tossed you a mild glare, but the sparkle in his dark eyes told you he didn’t mind it so much.

“Alright, I get it, I look like a drowned rat.” He shoved at you lightly as you dismounted and began to tend to Lowery. She knickered before she shook out the water from her fur without warning. Kiana imitated her, pelting you both.

“Alright, enough.” His quiet command had the two horses baring their teeth in a true flehmen response.

“That the worst weather you been caught in?” You removed your wide brimmed hat, grateful for the little shield it had made over your hair and face. Until the horses had decided to mess around, picking up on the easy going mood despite the rain.

“Nah, worst would be a snowstorm back in Boston. QZ hadn’t been prepared for it, we lost what little power we had for nearly two weeks.” He easily spoke as he began to tend to his own horse, rich velvet voice soothing with the backdrop of the hard rain. “Before that it had been…fix or six years ago when I was out on a run. Nearly got picked up by a tornado as I sought out shelter where I could.”

“Oh geez, that’s intense.” You hung up the saddle just outside of Lowrey’s nook, closing the tall door behind you and ensuring the lock latched shut.

“What about you?” You turned from where you had offered the appaloosa a handful of hay. The tickle of her soft, velvety muzzle bringing a smile to your face. Joel was hanging up his own saddle, detaching the supplies he had fastened to it. His shot gun still secured across his broad shoulders.

“Hands down the ice storm that hit my city before the year before the Outbreak. Entire thing shut down because ice was built up about three inches thick on every roadway and street. Then it hailed and snowed for a week straight. Took forever for it to thaw out with the temps below freezing for so long. It was a bad winter, that’s for sure. But we never lost power, thankfully.” Walking side by side, you stoon just inside the stables with the man. Both of you staring out at the sheet of steady rain coming down from the even darker sky. It looked like dusk, even though the day had been new and the sun had just risen a few hours ago.

“Chicago?” He looked over at you, eyes roving over your profile. He noticed how your long lashes stuck together, the way your clothing stuck to your skin. Stepping away he rummaged around the collection of items stored around the doorway. With a grunt of appreciation at his stroke of good luck, he presented you with a worn umbrella.

“Yeah, born and raised.” Your eyes held long felt emotions as you shook your head at his offering. With a tug, you secured your leather hat back atop your head. Fingers tipping the brim, you dismissed him. “Got my hat, you need it more.”

“Why don’t we share, sweetheart?”

“Joel Miller’s gonna walk me home in the rain.” The teasing tone of your voice may have been lost in the way your voice lilted but he didn’t seem to show if he noticed.

“Someone’s gotta protect you from the thunder.” A raised eyebrow, a challenge from the handsome man had you feeling weak in the knees. He was teasing you, he was actually being friendly with you and your stomach flipped. It had been so long since anyone outside of your extremely small circle had felt comfortable enough around you to do so.

“Y-yeah, I’m not the biggest fa-fan of loud noises.” One of your hands rubbed at the back of your neck, heat filling your cheeks as you realized he had noticed your twitch of every boom as you made your way back to the settlement.

“Don’t worry, I gotcha. But once the ice forms, you’re on your own.” His lips quirked up in a grin as he opened the umbrella and sidled back up beside you. With a small brush of your shoulders against his in silent retaliation, you both stepped out from under the safety of the stables and into the rain.

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@ohhellotherebumblebee @koshkaj-blog @r4vens-cl4ws @picketniffler @joeldjarin

[pinkrose05]

Ok so @b1adie's post from earlier got me thinking about element Types and Paths again.... and predictably enough, I am also here to talk about my fave old man Yingxing and how his kit would look like if he were playable.

We can probably agree that Fire type makes the most sense for many, many reasons, but in terms of Path I'd like to humbly propose....

drumroll

...Preservation!

Ok, hear me out: Preservation in this game is frequently associated with building and construction. You've got Qlipoth's walls, the Cornerstone effects, and the very act of creating a shield! Naturally, a master artisan would be right at home constructing stuff; I mean, remember that one scrap lion?

Yeah, Yingxing is very good at building things up from the ground. Just imagine the amount of detail this bitch would put in his shields! Knowing him, they'd be the most elaborate magic walls to ever wall in history.

Another thing is how Preservation pathstriders admire stubbornness and are prone to protective actions. As for the former trait, stubbornness is a part of persistence, and persistence through adversity is a key aspect of Yingxing's character: his home is destroyed, he's always struggling with the sabotage and prejudice of his seniors and peers... and still he keeps pushing on and ahead, all the way to hard-earned success.

As for the latter, Yingxing's attachment to the makeshift family he's found in the Quintet can definitely lend itself to a protective streak- doubly so considering the weapon gifts he'd given to them all. It's like he's always watching their back! It's his way of keeping them safe so he doesn't lose his loved ones again!

(It's the only part of him that will stay with them when he meets his timely demise. It's proof that, even in death, he will forever stand by their side.)

A third thing is that, if you consider the construction aspect again, Preservation is actually the most direct antithesis to the Path of Destruction. The symbolism in there really hammers in (heh) the 180° turn between Yingxing and Ren- and wouldn't it be the perfect sort of ironic for them to mirror each other in the very core of their beliefs?

(I actually think they should have the worst anti-synergy in history if/when Yingxing becomes playable. There's a kit concept somewhere in my files that has 1) several ways of pulling aggro, 2) Max HP buffs that depend on using skill points, and 3) a one-turn block on allies' HP changing whenever any of Yingxing's shields break. It's basically a dedicated sustain kit that just so happens to be a massive Fuck You to Ren in specific, because come on, the idea's just too good to pass up!)

[inviernainvicta]

Definitely Subjective Edelgard Design Ranking

5th Place - Three Hopes Design

this outfit doesn't really even feel like edelgard tbh, i could see ingrid in this or something, but what is the emperor doing, lady you wear heavy armor, why are you in she-ra bike shorts, edelgard please

4th Place - Timeskip Design

yeah i said it

girl that cape is so big and red and magnificent, but it is also a tent, you could camp under that thing, there are religious ceremonies conducted under the auspices of that thing, you could wrap dimitri up like a burrito and throw him into a kiddie pool with that thing, good god

3rd Place - Academy Design

solid ass design all around, worthy of the leader of the black eagles, slick shoulder cape, love how needlessly goddamn complicated all that stuff on your chest is, got like three layers of bullshit going on there, it's great, only problem is, your legs are so bright rubber red they look like the base of a lamp from the 70's. it's a look that works for other outfits, could slay even, but idk to me it feels like you should be making squeaking noises whenever you run on the battlefield, just don't like it

THIS NEXT ONE IS A SPOILER IF YOU HAPPEN TO NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THREE HOUSES. NOT SURE WHY YOU WOULD HAVE GOTTEN THIS FAR IF YOU WEREN'T, BUT STILL.

2nd Place - Flame Emperor Design

they combined robes and heavy armor and it looks sick af. i know i got on timeskip edelgard for the practicality of her cape, and the robes here look like she'd be tripping on them every time she takes a step, but still, if you have enough drip it's fine. and that SHIELD, how much did you pay a secret artisan in enbarr to make that thing look so kickass, it's got a GRADIENT, that's just so extra

1st Place - Emperor Design

yes

[zeloinator]

>>>> Zee Zalinos <<<<

----Below the read more is spoilers for ARR to Endwalker----

(Not super in depth but basically the Big Stuff so far for Zee's lore, also not super focused on Zee's relationships through everything, just events and especially where my other OCs play in to Zee's story~)

~ Pre-ARR ~

Zee was born under the second umbral moon, on the 24th day, and barely survived her first bells on the star. Searing with hot light aether when she was born, Zee was a tiny unknowing weapon as soon as she began to enter the world. Otsuyu, Zee’s mother, an extremely powerful mage in her own right, with the help of Zee’s grandmother, Sui, the mage who trained Otsuyu, were able to dispel the excess aether tiny baby Zee had mysteriously. Often Zee would think of her chronic pain as a symptom of her excess aether regenerating issues, her flare ups often aligning themselves with the pressure of too much aether. Though only taking on the name Zee once she had left her homelands, she has become more attached to it than her old name, never referring to herself or even giving a hint to others that Zee isn’t her birth name. But while in her homelands, a magically shielded hidden village in the mountains of [redacted], Zee grew up alongside 3 other children, 1 of which was her cousin. The village consisted of around 10 houses, all multigenerational, the warm days spent outside with the freezing nights huddled together as a family. Meals where always the way her family celebrated the most, Sui’s cooking notorious for bringing in ‘uninvited’ guests of their friends, knowing that Sui had cooked to share. Zee got her passion for cooking from her grandmother, a chore she insisted she start helping with before she dared to even speak yet. Zee was the youngest in her rather large family. She had 3 older brothers who were beginning to take over duties from their father, Kinichiro, one of the village leaders, and 4 older sisters that doted on her in between their busy days of work. She learned healing magic from her eldest sister, how to sew from her second oldest, how to manage plants and nurture them with both magic and mundane means, and how to hunt by her sister just 5 years older than her. While her sisters were involved deeply with Zee as she grew, her brothers were not. Only ever becoming close with {redacted}, Zee’s second oldest brother, the two were extraordinarily quick with their own magic, often rivaling both Otsuyu and Sui by the time Zee was 18. {Redacted} excelled in magics he could use for hunting and protecting the village, taking over as one of the shield mages of the village at just age 16. It was a quiet and isolated life from many outside cultures, traders would never come to the village but there was a decently sized market a few days' travel from their village that the hunters and artisans would bring things to sell every moon or so. Which meant most of Zee’s experience with, and knowledge of, the outside of her home village solely came from merchants and their goods. While Zee was happy with her life, she dreamed of traveling every inch of the star. She wanted to taste foods from different cultures, find different plants, see the wonders of the world around her, something she always felt was a betrayal to both her family and her homeland. On her 20th nameday Otsuyu and Sui presented Zee with their old cane, a gorgeous living branch blossoming with flowers, and clothes for travel. Giving their blessing to Zee to fulfill her dreams and then to come back home to tell them of all the places she has been to. 

~A Realm Reborn~ (~1 year)

The Start of it ALL; Leaving her home was like leaving a piece of herself behind, leaving her birth name safe with her family knowing she could never speak of her home village with anyone she would meet. It was what was keeping her family and friends alive and safe from Garlean invasion and massacre. Not long after she left when the Echo hit her with the force of a carriage chocobo, bringing with it dreams of unfamiliar familiar faces and lands that felt equally strange and normal. On her first day in Eorzea, still traveling but thankfully by chocobo carriage now, Zee had what she could only describe as a glimpse into the future, or maybe it was the present happening at that exact moment in her village, she didn’t know exactly, but a vision all the same. She saw her village in flames. Magitek armor looming in the sky, floating within what should have been the village’s shield. And bodies… so… so many bodies. Of family, of friends, people she couldn’t recognize any longer. A vision Zee often see’s in her worst moments when she closes her eyes. A string within her snapped, her connection to her home shattered. In her numbness Zee can barely remember her early days in Gridania. Joining the conjurer's guild, becoming an adventurer, meeting Papalymo and Yda, all murky memories to Zee as she is lost in nightmares in sleep and the pain of being, to her knowledge, the last alive from her home. Even meeting Minfillia was a muddled memory. So much lost to her haze of depression. Though an unlikely friend came in another new recruit to the Conjurer’s guild, an elezen named Ellaeuxlynn Estara. Ell even joined the Scions upon Zee’s offer. Though Ell dropped her Conjury skills in favor of becoming the Scions apprentice weaponsmith upon Tataru’s first offer to pay for her training. After her fight with Ifrit the dreams consumed in fire began, where she was, but not as herself, killed after losing a fight to a tall Xaela wreathed in blue flames. Titan's demise brought waves of instability and visions of herself as a tall Roegadyn dancing on the air as if she weighed nothing, her fists flying in the chaos of the earthquakes. Every primal slain brought more vivid dreams, and more and more pressure of being the Scions Weapon.

Weight of the Title begins; When Zee entered Coerthas for the first time she wished she could turn around and leave immediately. Cold, windy, and far away from friends it felt all to suspicious when Lord Haurchefaunt greets her with open arms and warm drink. When Zee and the Scions find out Thancred has been possessed by Lahabrea Zee sets out to bring him back alive, and succeeds as is expected of her. Despite being a healer she is a weapon fashioned to strike and win no matter the damage. And when Alphinaud comes to Zee with ideas to form the Crystal Braves she smiles and doesn't speak her fears, she is just their tool after all. The weight of the title has officially begun pressing upon Zee uncomfortably. Zee stops shaving her other horns down, which now sprout small pink flowers that glow as she heals.

Time to Fucking Panic; When Nanamo's assassination (attempt) happens and Zee and the Scions are forced to flee for their lives, the betrayal of the Crystal Braves rips into Zee's confidence. Her already shakey belief that Lord Haurchefaunt doesn't want to just use her lessens severely as Lord Aymeric's demands increase. Resigned to her role as their Tool Zee accepts anything they need of her to provide safety for Tataru and Alphinaud.

~~Heavensward~~ (~2.5 years)

The Lizard and the Dragons; Fleeing to Ishguard was never where Zee thought she would go after her first year in Eorzea was so eventful (in good and bad ways). And then for the locals to accuse her of being part dragon on top of Everything set Zee into a very guarded heart. Rarely did she allow herself to stop, to feel, to heal her emotional wounds and not just her physical ones. Ysayle was the first to get within the walls Zee had fortified since the betrayal. There wasn't a specific moment that the two became friends, but after a time, the two would often be found in the Cloudtop area just talking. The two women both desperate to be seen by the other and to be understood. After a year the two had such a strange bond not even Tataru could understand what Zee would 'report' back about. But Zee still needed to secure Tataru and Alphinaud (and herself) a safe home, and so she forced herself to do everything she was against, and did the bidding of Ishguard.

The Fall of Nidhogg; With Estinien's ever watchful eye making sure Zee did as promised *for Ishguard*, and Ysayle needing to contemplate her own biases, Zee and Estinien kill Nidhogg. They put an end to the Dragonsong War in the way Zee desperately wanted to avoid. And when Estinien gets his hands on Nidhogg's second eye and is possessed, Zee must return and report the bittersweet news to Ysayle. Together Ysayle and Zee return to Foundation frantic to put an end to the fighting. With Haurchefaunt by their side they are successful! Aymeric gets taken into custody for heresy so Zee cannot afford to celebrate any. At the end of The Vault Haurchefaunt dives in front of the magic spear thrown at Zee, she rushes forward in efforts to help him fend off this attack, and just as Zee gets to him he is speared through with Zee's right leg being struck right above her knee. As the magic fades and Haurchefaunt realized what happened, Zee does everything she can to cover up her own wound. She manages to retain consciousness until he dies and as her grief comes bubbling up Zee passes out.

Vengance; The next time Zee awakens her right leg has been amputated and it has been a few days since Haurchefaunt's death. Stephanievien tries his hand at crafting her a prosthetic meaning to perfect it over the course of a few months as she recovers, not expecting Zee to run off with it to chase after the Archbishop. Every step is agony for her as Zee experiences phantom limb pain with complications with her prototype prosthetic increasing the distress of it. Everyone insists Zee needs to rest but she won't give time to anything but getting to the Archbishop. Love Bird, or Shade at this time, makes their first move in the chaos of Zee's chase. And Azys Lla was able to keep them safe for much longer than Zee wished it had. With Ysayle sacrificing herself in a beautiful explosion of ice. Allowing Zee to finally reach the Archbishop and stomp out his flame and the primal he summoned. After their fight Zee collapsed, the grief, rage, and pain of everything she had just lost in just a few days catching up as Zee let down her guard. The first time Zee visits Haurchefaunt's grave she starts her tradition of writing, and reading letters to him. Later crafting and adding a headstone for Ysayle in Azys Lla and doing the same with letters to Ysayle.

~~~Stormblood~~~ (~3 years)

The Scions Are Back Together; Having lost a dear friend, and a friend she wouldn't allow to become dear to her, Zee immersed herself in her work. Every work she could get her hands on really. After getting Estinien back alive and putting an end to the Dragonsong War again Zee wanted nothing more than to loose herself to 'normal' Primal fighting and simple jobs. Y'shtola's return came with her becoming kinder to Zee an the two starting to slowly become friends, Thancred's return bringing with it similar shifts in mood. Urianger stayed distant still, after his betrayal with the Warriors of Darkness he stayed away still not thinking himself worthy to attempt to make friendly. Zee and Ellaeuxlynn are able to meet up with each other for the first time in 3 years and Zee sets Ell up in Ishguard when the Elezen shows interest in the Machinests and Stephanievien's mechanic work. Yda revealing herself as Lyse sparked a quick friendship with Zee much to Papalymo's liking, as he had been urging those girls together since day one after all. Papalymo was able to see the sparks of true friendship between Zee and Lyse before he gave his life to protect them all. Lyse and Zee often seeking out each other for comfort (and more) over the next several months.

Possibilities of Home and Peace; As things became more clear their next big move was an all out war on the Garlean Empire, Zee allows herself to dream of visiting her family. After hearing news of the massive Garlean attack in her home area, and about all the reported deaths, Zee gave up hope of ever hearing from her family again. She could not write to them due to their isolationist laws, and not many people even knew about her homeland, so there was good odds to her knowledge they survived. But in reality only 2 of her family survived the attack, the Garleans found and burned her homelands to the ground. Zee's dreams of home, a free home, mirrored that of Lyse's. It was so easy for Zee to throw herself head first into getting that dream to come true the best way she could, being their weapon.

Zenos' first victory left both a physical and mental scar on everyone in Rhalgar's Reach, Zee included. Shade, Love Bird's name at the time, reappears after their first clash at the end of Heavensward, fighting with more desperation and edge than Zee had seen from them before but still she ended victorious.

Gathering Even More for the Rebellion; As serious as everything surrounding Zee was, she still took such joys in meeting new people, helping them, and seeing their hope of freedom. Leaving The Ruby Sea to find Hein in The Azim Steppe truly changed Zee forever. From her home village of a handful of families to the vast stretches of the Steppe filled with numerous tribes of the Xaela shocked Zee to her core. Hein having been taken in by the Mol certainly helped Zee feel the most comfortable in their tents, but there was also some of her grandmother she couldn't help but see in Temulun. Especially with how the gods spoke to her, just like the spirits and elements did to her grandmother. Lyse, Cirina, and Zee become close friends in the time until the Naadam. Sadu beginning to show interest in Zee shortly after their first meeting, despite it being a rocky one. Learning more about each of the Xaela tribes truly changing how Zee approaches new peoples in the future. And helped her learn of different cultures of Au'ra! Inspired Zee begins to delve into creating her own spells using the techniques of her youth and those of the White Mage as she's learned here in Eorzea. Putting her first 'draft' to use in the Naadam didn't go as planned, but it did draw Sadu's attention to Zee once more in a much more focused way. When Grynewaht and his small team attacks with a familiar assassin, Zee calls the Xaela to battle for the Steppe. Emerging victorious, Lyse, Hein, Gosetsu, and Zee wrap up their time in the Steppe and return to Yugiri. The House of the Fierce repaired and ready to begin preparations to truly begin the war.

The Fight For Doma; Zee shares a quiet moment with Lyse before the sinking of the Doman Castle. A frantic, fleeting, intimate moment before, their first of many, big fights. And as Zee takes a moment to herself, a solitary Yol surprises her with an unexpected guest. Sadu snuck off to see Zee, confessing her attraction towards Zee and establishing her polyamourus status in request for their relationship. Zee surprised even herself with accepting right then and there, but there was something about Sadu that made Zee never want her to leave, and she needed to know more. After her eventful night of wooing women, Zee finally enters a peacefully dreamless sleep, an unusual occurrence for the Warrior of Light now.

As the sun rises they begin their assault on Doma Castle, encountering Shade shortly before their battle with Grynewaht, barely alive and severely injured from the testing the Garleans had done on him Zee asks Ellaeuxlynn (newly mechanist trained and originally stopping by to give Zee Ell's first attempt at a leg prosthetic. Zee asks her to fight with her, if Ell would like to, which Ell *immediately* accepted) to escape with Shade while she and the rest of the party took on Grynewaht one last time, and then to Yotsuyu. And a ceiling collapsing. Sun setting as a new Doma rises, Hein and Zee victorious, Gosetsu sacrificing himself to ensure their victory.

And the Fight for Gyr Abania; On the ship back to Lima Lominsa Zee and Lyse have ample time to talk about their relationship, and Zee's growing partner list. Both agreeing to keep their relationship more casual as the stress on Lyse and Zee both continue mounting. They spend the trip together, savoring the final moments of calm before landing. Taking the bridge officially begins their fight for Gyr Abania's freedom. M'naggo able to return home for the first time in many years begins her and Lyse's spark of love. Its not long until Zee is forced to confront Sri Lakshmi to protect Lyse and Alisae. And when Fordola made the call to fire on her own people, and the resistance lost Conrad as its leader, Lyse is chosen as their new leader. Raubahn showing Zee and Lyse his tiny home village, reminding Lyse of her fathers words, Liberty or Death. In the tension of the night before their journey to The Loch, Zee and Lyse spar both women leaders in their own right now. Bidding a still recovering Alisaie farewell, Alphinaud and Zee set off to meet up with Pipin to discuss the final operations of their plans, and to finally get Krile back.

Liberty or Death; Arriving in The Loch, Zee attends their first war table surrounded by so many others here to help, to fight. They would need to strike hard, fast, and take everything in one shot. Luckily a secret passage via a short swim in the saltwater gave them easy access once they get the key. After said swim, Zee, Lyse, and Thancred make to open the gates and finally rescue Krile. Along with Urianger's surprise help, the group defeats Fordola, Lyse declaring her intentions for Ala Mhigo, she will raise once again. With the Residential District safe, Zee turns her focus on her true enemy here, Zenos. After regrouping, they review their plan of attack before Zee and Alphinaud head off to begin the siege on Ala Mhigo. At the end coming face to face with Zenos. Zee could not falter here. While Fordola was to be spared she knew she could not show to same mercy to Zenos. Of course he was not so easy to down as expected, Zee's first win against him only leading to him enthralling Shinryu. Another confrontation ending in Zee's favor as she is victorious against the draconic primal, using the finished prototype of her Blood Lily Rage to grasp the advantage. Zenos slitting his own throat in his barely alive state, finishing Zee's job for her as Ala Mhigo welcomes a dawning new era. Lyse, with her heart heavy, leaves the Scions, taking full responsibility as her role as Ala Mhigo's leader. And where Lyse tearfully breaks up with Zee, her place with M'naago while's Zee's was traveling. Love Bird, still going by Shade at this point, awakens from the coma he was under, and begins doing small jobs for the scions. Their goodbyes were a hard one, but there was still some work to do before Zee's world would get flipped on it's head.

But before Zee starts her work, she takes a break on the Steppe, spending time with her relatively new girlfriend Sadu, and Sadu's girlfriend Cirina. Zee took a few months with the Dotharl (with frequent trips to the Mol as well), helping them, making more spells with Sadu, and assisting the Namazu in their festival preparations. Ellaeuxlynn stopping by with a gift of a new leg prosthetic, much lighter and more comfortable than her last. Easing some burden of the phantom limb syndrome Zee was experiencing, more help coming from a Xaela of the Mol tribe showing her some exercises with a mirror. Zee's first real break since coming to Eorzea, and a much needed one, as the weight of her title grew heavier, and the pedestal the Scions put her on only rose higher. On her return to Rhalgar's Reach, Arenvald tempts Zee with the prospect of a good, old fashioned adventure! Between that and Cid and Nero's Omega conundrum, Zee was glad to have stepped back with a break before getting back to work. With the summit turning to catastrophe with Sri Lakshmi being summoned by the Qayalan delegation, Zee and Arenvald are forced to protect the summit from tempering. Ending in Fordola's appearance on the battlefield, fighting for Ala Mhigo, not forgiveness. With mounting pressures of the Empire attempting to get Yotsuyu back, an amnesiac Yotsuyu at that, Zee returns to her duties as Warrior or Light fully once again. Though she doesn't know it yet, a seemingly resurrected Zenos is recovering from his death. Their newly won peace already balancing on a razors edge. Asahi's conniving return's Yotsuyu's memories with the weapon that was her parents, Yotsuyu summoning Tsukuyomi forcing Zee to take her down, Yotsuyu killing her brother with the final ounce of her strength. Tsuyu truly did deserve a far kinder fate...

The Hiccups Begin; In hopes to use his skills in conversation, Alphinaud makes his way to the Garlean Empire with Maxima, but a surprise attack throws their plans off from the start. Frantic to help when Thancred only hears two word, 'The Burn' from Alphinaud in his attempt to stealthily follow, leading the Scions to make their way to the crash. After a trip there with a small group of Scions Zee and Y'shtola notice both the ship crash and Allagan ruins. Forced to return with no sign of Alphinaud, Y'shtola leads their focus as they fight their own anxieties. A trip to the Steppe in search of more Allagan ruins leads to Zee and Sadu sparring all out with each other. Magnai rudely interrupting their not so subtle battle flirting, though Y'shtola and Hein stepped in to let the couple have more alone time fighting. Zee deciding their final round the perfect moment to show Sadu their perfected Blood Lily Rage, taking a significant portion of Zee's overall 'health' to the Blood Lily, being rewarded with her cane following her emitting pulsing damage while Zee absorbs the magic into melee hand weapons, spikes of magic surrounding her hands as Zee enters a state of pure rage. Whilst under the Blood Lily Rage Zee cannot differentiate enemy from ally, this is meant for 1v1s, or when she must do anything to win. Sadu, thoroughly spent from the loss, still finds energy to tussle with Magnai as the Scions leave to finish their work.

~~~~Shadowbringers~~~~ (~7.5 years on the First)(>0.5 on the Source)

A Contagious Coma; During a meeting amongst the Leaders Zee is hit with a searing headache, and not just Zee but the Scions as well, a hauntingly familiar voice pleading to her. And then Thancred collapses. Not just Thancred, but a lone Viera in Mor Dona, going by 'Bird', who had once gone by 'Shade', collapses during his routine chores. Rushing back to Mor Dhona, Zee, Alisaie, and Y'shtola regroup with Urianger in hopes to put together more clues about this mystery, but the voice calls out once again and Y'shtola and Urianger both collapse. Alisaie and Zee left to panic over their dwindling number from a mysterious coma attack. Luckily Krile decided to rush over to help, with Alphinaud still gone the Scions needed every available hand to figure out the mounting mysteries. During an unsuccessful trip to Matoya to use her knowledge and crystal eye, Alisaie is contacted about some Garlean defectors arriving in Ala Mhigo. While talking with Maxima Alisaie and Zee are hit with another migraine attack, though both women are still standing when the migraine ends thankfully. The rising of a new allagan constructed barrier to protect Doma is put to the test by an imperial airship attempting to pass. When the wall holds the ship lands and a mysterious man emerges carrying an unconscious Alphinaud. Gaius, it turns out, has been hunting ascians since his defeat in Praetorium, a fateful re-encounter with the Warrior of Light. Yet Zee cannot truly throw herself into figuring out what is happening to the Scions as her presence is requested by Varis at a meeting between him and the Eorzean alliance leaders. During which Varis reveals his Ascian masters and his plans for blood and destruction. Despite Zee's victory in The Gymlit Dark, there is no time for celebration as Alisaie drops unconscious after yet another migraine attack. Now the Scions are down the majority of their big members, and Zee is left to agonize over the mystery of it all. And if only to add another heaping of stress onto Zee's shoulders, after defeating Zenos once again a migraine attack hits her at the worst time and she is cut down by the Ascian possessed Zenos, opening her eyes in a strange void... with a strange figure... and a celestial floor beneath her. Estinien's timely arrival is the only reason Zee survived, though he stayed for thanks, Aymeric bid Zee return 'home' a phrase that hit her like a truck as she truly felt alone again. Alone on her pedestal. But a warm conversation with Count Edmont de Fortemps helped raise Zee from the depression spiral she was beginning down as the pressure continued to rise. With nowhere else to go, Zee makes her way to the Crystal Tower, after a stop at the Rising of course, with the surprise guest of Ellaeuxlynn. She was there to help out more close to the Scions base, Rowena providing her adequate crafting facilities while Ell worked on her newest invention whilst helping Tataru and the Ironworks. It didn't take long for Zee's gut to lead her to the beacon in question once she was able to search the Crystal Tower, the migraine attack came stronger, more painful, and clearer than ever before, and she faded into the voice between stars.

Gates Throw Wide; Bright, searing, white sunlight surrounded Zee as she awoke on a different star. Purple foliage everywhere and the agonizing migraine dulling slowly. An oddly familiar traveler pointed Zee in the direction of The Crystarium, and a curt Viera guarding the gates until a familiar stranger arrives after the gatekeeper slays a mysterious 'Sin Eater'. After getting more of her head wrapped around the basics of the Crystarium and Norvrandt as a whole, Zee is given a room by the Crystal Exarch and left to rest. A hard thing to do when the ghost of Ardbert begins to speak to her, warning Zee that this world cannot be saved. With her eyes on the bright midnight, Zee agonizes to herself in bed unable to sleep. Worries for the Scions, and for the future Urianger apparently glimpsed, overwhelming her completely. In the morning Zee gets more information from the Exarch about where her companions have scattered. Urianger in Ill Mheg, Y'shtola in Raktika, 'Bird' working with Alisaie in Amh Araeng, and Alphinaud in Kholusia. Zee, forced to choose between which twin to go to first, goes to Kholusia to check in with Alphinaud first.

A Circus amongst Disaster; A tiny 'village', if you could even call it that, was near the exact last place Zee expected to find Alphinaud. It took every ounce of willpower for Zee to not immediately hug him once he entered the tiny tavern, but she couldn't prevent the tears. She had been so gods damned worried that seeing Alphinaud doing well while doing his best to help out broke her usual high emotional walls down. Zee had never cried in front of any of the scions up until now. Both a part of the pedestal they have raised her to, and Zee trying to uphold the image of the hero still. On their way to the gaudily brilliantly colored city in the distance Zee takes on her first of many Sin Eaters. And upon reaching Gatetown a whole spectacle happens when two jester looking women enter seeking people and offering bags of 'meol'. Worst of all the people just sit and wait for their lucky moment to come, their expertise sought out from the rich squirreled away in their tower. Doing what she could for those in need, the added burden of another star to save begins to sink upon Zee's shoulders. Their first attempt at a way into Eulmore is equally stolen and given away to a young Kai-Shirr, and Zee and Alphinaud are left to figure out another way. Helping out a poor victim of Eulmore, Tristol, who was thrown from the city on Vauthry's command, Zee's rising disdain for the city only grew as Tristol recounted his story. Once safe in Wright Tristol offers Alphinaud his brush, and their second attempt at Eulmore begins. The next time the jester twins made their appearance, Tristol's brush was the exact key they needed to unlock the gates to Eulmore.

Zee and Alphinaud go to meet their Patrons, the 'Chais', Alphinaud putting his skills of speech to the test so the both were allowed to stay. Allowed the roam for a short while, Zee returns to Alphinaud in a new outfit before he sends her out for a bit more thorough search. During which she meets a Drahn singer with a lump in her throat. Her patron comes to find her and there Zee learns what Lord Vauthry is peddling to his citizens; the sin eaters are there to ascend those of pure souls. Of course only with Lord Vauthry's word can one go to this place of no illness or pain, a lie too good to be true. When the jesters announce a 'malcontent' being shown justice, the two are met with the sight of Kai-Shirr bleeding profusely on the ground. The room is filled with everything decadent and delicious, and inhabited by a smattering of sin eaters cooing over Lord Vauthry at the center. There more of the horrors of Eulmore are made clear. Alphinuad and Zee get Kai-Shirr safe, leaving Eulmore's lord to his temper tantrum. Departing Khalousia to return to the Crystarium, Zee barely arrives back before she departs to Amh Araeng and to Alisaie.

The Weight Descends; Before arriving at where Alisaie is, Zee and her guide stop by Mord Souq, a bustling market in the midst of the sands. On their way to leave, Cassard is spotted by a friend, Tesleen, who immediately knows just exactly who Zee is. With Cassard opting to stay at the market, Tesleen takes over as Zee's guide to the Inn at Journey's Head. She never expected the Inn to be more infirmary than a place for travelers, and no Alisaie in sight, though a suspiciously familiar seeming viera tended to patients around. Setting off to surprise her, Zee finds Alisaie finishing off a stray sin eater. Zee kept herself from throwing her arms around Alisaie until they had a moment to debrief each other, apologizing for taking so long to get to her, to everyone. Upon their return to the Inn, Zee and Alisae take to helping out with Tesleen's chores, Zee tending to some of the inflicted. She spoke to them of her adventures while she bathed and tended to them. After another stop at Mord Souq for a fresh nectarine, Zee, Alisaie, Tesleen, and a newly introduced Love Bird, sit down for some stew. Tesleen shares about her mother, about caring for the inflicted, and about peacefully putting them out of their misery, to keep them from turning. A moment of calm before Halric goes missing and Tesleen, Zee, Love Bird, and Alisaie split up in search, desperate to find him before any sin eaters do. Tesleen makes ito Halric just in time, but is turned into a sin eater in front of all their eyes, the true agony of it fully on display. Zee Love Bird, and Alisaie manage to bring Halric back safe, Alisaie resolving there and then to balance the light.

Even if it takes years...

It felt like Zee had scarcely touched down back in the Crystarium when the attack on Holminster Switch began. The knowledge of her home, the source, mirroring these shards. That the rejoinings were entire stars dissolving into nothingness. Being absorbed. That each of the calamities on the source was caused by a star rejoining. It was all too much to wrap around her head. Now she was needed in battle. Desperate to protect all she could. As they made their way to the Lightwarden the knot of dread wound tight in Zee's stomach. Once the lightwarden fell, Zee absorbed the white hot aether left behind, and was rewarded with the sight of the night sky for the first time in just weeks for her, centuries for others. The burden of Hero, of Warrior, was ever a struggle for Zee to carry, but she was the only one who could. And she would become the Warrior they needed, it was her burden to bear. Ardbert comes to haunt Zee in her room once again, filled with bitterness. He would continue to follow her, to watch as she did what he could not.

The Warrior of Darkness Has Come; The effort to dissipate the lightwarden's aether only hit Zee the next day, unable to move she suffered a severe flare up of her chronic pain along with bouts of muscle spasms. It had seemed too easy when the sky split to a vast night sky with just the slightest tug of effort from her, beside the fight of course. But now her body truly was suffering the light. Using just her cane, no prosthetic, for near the first time since getting it, Zee rests for a while. Soaking up the joy of the residents of the Crystarium while still veiled behind secrecy as the one who helped cause their joy. It was over a moon later when Zee was able to get back to fighting at all, an Eulmorian emissary, General Ran'jit, telling the Exarch that if they mean to kill lightwardens Eulmore will take it as a declaration of war. With Eulmore having the Oracle of Light imprisoned as well, the Exarch meets with some leaders of the Crystarium, asking if they would go to war for the night. The stars are worth the price of gaining them, and so Lakeland and Kholusia officially go to war. In hopes of getting the Oracle safely away from Eulmore's custody, and maybe find Thancred in the process. With the Amaro they plan to drop sleeping powder on Eulmore in hopes of a quick in and out rescue, though things can never go quite to plan. Despite Ran'jit getting the upper hand over Zee, Thancred's perfect timing allows them to escape to Ill Mheg with Minfillia safely with them. Love Bird, who had gone to Ill Mheg a short while after the night sky returned to Lakeland, caught in a conundrum of his own making with the Pixies.

The Branch and Their Adorable Sapling; 5 years since last seeing Thancred had changed him dramatically. No longer the stealthy fighter he fought in front now, gunblade in hand, a protector now since he has a charge to care for. Though a land of pixies isn't the best place for a serious talk and reunion as the small group of Scions realize they have an audience. So into the pixie fog they go, in hopes of reaching Urianger before the pixies get their little hands fully around the Scion's minds. Whilst looking for a looking grass they come upon a shockingly pink little bunny sprinting towards them as fast as its little feet could carry itself. Luckily with Urianger's knowledge, given to Thancred, the pixies are revealed and the pink bunny poofs back into Love Bird. The poor viera having been stuck as a bunny for a few weeks now, the Pixies main new toy until the group arrived. In exchange for the Pixie's spell dropping the group agrees to help around their town, planting flowers and hearing about the men that used to live there and how the Pixies have been making it their own. After some prompting from Thancred Zee calls out for Feo Ul to come help. Even if it took Zee a couple tries to get her summoning correct. The scolding Zee received from her most mightiest and loveliest of branches was a good deal of a surprise but watching Feo Ul work their magic with the other pixies. These lands of everlasting spring were turning out to be a favorite for Zee. The abundance of nature and beauty of the land took her breath away as the pixie fog fell. Urianger even seemed to take to it, changing his old hooded look for a much more suiting one. Whatever happened with the pixies and he, Urianger came out the other side a more confident man in himself. But before the happy reunion can begin Urianger presses to tell Zee his vision of the future, of her own death and the death of every Scion. Setting their sights on their true purpose to be in Ill Mheg, the Lightwarden, the group returns with the added company of Urianger. The pixies were more than happy to hand over their piece, the dress, of the key to Titania, with the Fuast being more effort on the group's part. Zee only escaping drowning thanks to the Kojin's blessing they regroup and take a little bit to rest. Zee decided to cook for the group, the first time for Urianger, but she had not done it near enough. After much needed rest, spending the night telling each other stories of their adventures, they continued to their next piece. The Nu Muo, who were most ecstatic to see 'men', doing some trading and odd jobs for the folk there in exchange for the scepter, the key piece. Despite the Eulmorian force threatening to break in at any moment, the process of collecting key pieces had been going exceedingly smooth and with a small collective of talking being the next fae folk to talk with Zee hoped it would continue. Seto, the giant, amaro elder spoke fondly of his master from many many years ago, Ardbert. Getting the last piece needed to take on Titantia right when Ran'jit shows his face on the field, Thancred and Minfillia rush to stop them while Zee and Love Bird run to take down Titania. And with her defeat Zee takes on her second mote of lightwarden aether.

Her loveliest of branches take the keys to becoming Ill Mhegs new Titania before hurrying away to deal with the trespassers. Taking some weight from the trembling shoulders of Zee as the side effects to her aether 'consumption' begin to settle into her body. This time it took effect within an hour, Zee collapsing before they could depart back to the Crystarium. Forced to stay with the pixies for several moons Zee slowly recovers. It took her a whole moon before she was able to sit upright, and another before she was able to walk with her cane's support again. Luckily the everlasting days of spring, now with the soft blanket of night, was a perfect place to force the hero to rest. Though Zee is not one who can sit idle even when she cannot get out of bed, and so she went out on a limb and asked Urianger to teach her Astrologian magics. While she would never and could never leave her cane and soulstone behind, learning the stars and their magic were much easier in the living floral wheelchair the pixies crafted for her. While it wouldn't work outside of Ill Mheg, Zee used it near everyday while recovering, the odd groaning and catching her prosthetic giving off concerned her greatly to wear. Despite Urianger teaching her, Zee still refused any healing when he offered.

Five moons later Zee is finally able to return to the Crystarium. Limping back to the Crystarium, Zee is confronted by a very unexpected Emet Selch. A new follower on her journey, though much less welcome than Ardbert; even with his scoldings Zee couldn't help but have a soft spot as she uncovered the truth of this world's Warriors of Light. But she still needed to gather one more Scion, Y'shtola in the Rak'tika Greatwood, now with an extra bit of baggage with Emet Selch making note he is watching them. His show of good faith of course.

Into the Woods; Zee and her traveling companions, Minfillia, Thancred, Love Bird, with Urianger leading, made their way to the last place he had known Y'shtola to be. Extremely surprised to then be surrounded by archers and spearmen on all sides. A certain 'Master Matoya' unable to see Zee's aether as it is slowly being consumed by light. Though the two women had not been known to get along before, they were growing closer in the moons before she was swept away to the first. For Y'shtola that had been almost 4 years ago, and she wanted to make up for that time, to make up for the times she did not treat Zee as a person, but a weapon. Luckily no arrows were loosed as the misunderstanding is cleared up and the reunited scions gather to discuss everything together. While Y'shtola deciphers the tablet Zee, Love Bird, and Minfillia made their way around Slitherbough talking with the locals and introducing themselves. The three going on a small journey to retrieve a jade heartstone, allowing a lost soul, Toddia, to be guided to the sunless sea through her heartstone. Her funeral was a somber and beautiful one, but only seemed to crush Zee a little more under her title, now two titles with The Warrior of Darkness being one of them. Y'shtola calls to meet as she has translated the tablet as best as possible and needed to go into some unwelcome territory to finish the last pieces. It was a short trip, Ardbert's comments helped Zee learn more than expected with his insight from his time alive. As dinner was ready Zee went to get Urianger and Y'shtola, only to overhear their concerns for her. The light was obviously an issue more than she could see herself, one that Y'shtola's aether sight saw bright as the daylight around them. The Scions, ever trying to help Zee in ways she could only describe as behind her back, and Zee, desperate to live up to the Scion's expectations of her. She knows herself to be their weapon, it is all she can see herself as. A weapon needed now as the Eulmoran forces and the Children of the Darkness combine forces and march into Slitherbough. After a quick swim to get a Ronkan Seal, the Scions depart deeper into the wood to Yx'Maja. It had been 30 years since Love Bird had last been amongst Viera (Viis), and the three Viis women who attack them as they enter take up his entire focus, even getting an arrow to his arm for his lack of awareness. They are bid to follow the Steps of Maja, the azure flowers to the Viera's home. Love Bird hardly containing himself as he takes off running after the three women.

Almet, Ulmet, and Cymet, welcome everyone to the town of Fanow, Love Bird walking the whole thing over and over as if it was familiar to him already. Leaving him to his reverential wandering Zee and the rest of the Scions speak to Almet, learning about Ronka's fall and its emperor's last decree. Though Almet did not know the Lightwarden's whereabouts another Viis did, and so a small group of Yshtola, Almet, Love Bird, and Zee go to The K'mul Astropolis in search of a key to the Lightwarden's home. Cymet shows up in a panic, the Eulmorans had arrived and were invading Yx'Maja. Forced to speed up their puzzle solving Zee went first into the ruins, fetching the statue key to the locked doors inside and into the Great Pyramid of Ux'ner. Frantically avoiding traps and hiding from sentinels only ended with a clash with Ran'jit and a collapse of more ruins. Though it allowed them to learn of the Blessed poisoning, and s scheming Eulmorian attempting to negotiate until Ran'jit kicks him off, Y'shtola throwing herself off to grab the antidote and throw it to Zee. Minfillia, Thancred, and Urianger are able to strike a blow on Ran'jit, but he too is lost to the chasm below. After the antidote is given to the Blessed Zee recounts the moments after Y'shtola fell, A surprise Emet Selch shows up and, in an attempt to gain their trust, plucks her from the Lifestream. There is no slowing down though, and Zee leads them towards their next target, the third Lightwarden.

As Ever, she is victorious. And still standing... Until several loud groaning metallic moans are heard from her prosthetic and it explodes. Catching herself with her cane Zee wobbles, Emet's untimely arrival bringing with him haunting stories of a time long past. During his story flashes of a kind face with bright rainbow eyes, of days in the sun amongst nature, of very unfamiliar faces that Zee knew wholeheartedly. Despite her past collapses Zee remained able to walk with the help of her cane, for the most part, though it was obvious to some she was struggling. Love Bird kept nearby her, offering a hand whenever she tripped or wobbled, yet Zee felt like they were all treating her with kid gloves. Y'shtola even talking to her about the concern of her Lightwarden slaying, the mounting evidence of her absorbing the light aether nearly overwhelming now. Their trip back to the Crystarium was long and Zee rapidly started to deteriorate. By the time they had arrived and regrouped everyone was telling Zee to rest immediately, and the Exarch began work on getting her a new leg prosthetic.

She did not wake for a moon.

It was nearly 8 moons before she could stand without throwing up, another 3 before she could walk with the new prosthetic the Exarch had made. A little over a year before she could even think of using magic, every time before causing her an intense migraine and severe vertigo for nearly a week. Zee is forced to ask Y'shtola and Urianger to perform her family ritual so she doesn't end up a walking bomb of aether, the two agree immediately of course and show up every moon to help from there after. Before she could even think of magic Zee had to work on getting back into fighting shape, taking up a non magical weapon to train with. At first Thancred tried to teach her the gunblade but the aether infused bullets quickly became an issue when Zee collapsed after a training session. It wasn't until Love Bird came by, offering his old Chakrams to her as he had taken up the Claymore when he arrived on the first. Love Bird taught her to dance sitting first, Feo Ul insisting on the Pixies delivering her floral wheelchair to the first, along with a small pouch of King Titania's magic in order to power it around the Crystarium. Zee learned everything modified first as a dancer, learning how she could use her body in so many ways she refused to allow herself. Soon Minfillia joined in on her training, Thancred often watching and chatting with Love Bird as the others spared. Zee had hardly started training with magic again when a great wave of sin eaters began making their way to the Crystarium.

Barely standing after the battle is over, Zee shakily helps those injured she can, she is a healer after all. What use would she be if she couldn't do this much at least. Lyna trying to avoid her help allows Zee to see a side of herself she could not see before then. A Captain overextending herself. A leader pushing herself to the brink over and over with her comrades knowing perhaps a tiny percentage of how far she was truly going. Someone who cannot bare to lose anyone and yet must watch those she loves get hurt or killed. A healer, a support, who refused to be supported. As the Scions are called to meet with the Exarch over Vauthry's announcement, Minfillia makeing up her mind to meet with the "true" Minfillia and become the true Oracle of Light.

Where She Saved Them All; Yet, needing a way to Nabaath Areng, Thancred, Urianger, Zee, and Minfillia all make their way to Twine in hopes of getting the trollies back up and running. Magnus, the lead trolley engineer, was too drunk and depressed to help, a few of the younger helpers taking on the task of repairing the tracks. Even when Thancred opened up to Magnus about those he had lost, he was stuck in his drunkard stasis. But they still need a new Talos heart, meeting Guthjon, a miner close by mine, who helps them uncover an engraved Talos heart. Engraved with a message of love from Magnus' lost wife, Agna. Minfillia leaning upon Urianger for support as she continues to think the Other Minfillia is better, and worse, than Thancred, that everyone hates her. Now with the Talos up and "running" (walking), Minfillia and her odd little family unit are that much closer to the Oracle of Light. And in the morning Magnus is no longer drunk, ordering his team around like the proper leader he is, finally.

They head off to the trolley, their Talos in front, and Thancred and Minfillia both in their own heads about what is to come. Magnus, Thaffe, and Jeryk bid the group good luck and goodbye as the trolley rolls forward for the first time in many many years. Yet Ran'jit, as ever, interrupts their progress, knocking the trolley from the tracks and getting Minfillia to finally speak from her heart. Declaring that the Scions, the Warriors of Darkness, are her family, her family she will fight for. Thancred staying to fight Ran'jit as Zee and Minfillia take off running down the tunnel. For those we have lost... For those we can yet save... They have to fight, to stand up in the face of pain and suffering and continue on in hope To fashion it into a blade. Thancred succeeds allowing Zee and Minfillia to reach their destination, the top of the castle. There Minfillia and the Oracle are able to speak, where the Oracle bestows her all to Minfillia after the girl bared her heart, shared her dream. Before she departed the Oracle, desperate to make Zee understand, warns the Hero; She cannot stand alone. The weight of two worlds is impossible to bear alone. Even one world you cannot possibly not be crushed by it. Light consumed the three, and Zee awakened to find Minfillia changed. Together as a whole group for the first time in a very long time, Minfillia is renamed by her father, now Ryne, 'blessing' in Fae. With no time to rest the Scions turn to the next Lightwarden, Love Bird coming along to allow Thancred to recover from his previous fight. As Zee absorbed the light from the slain Lightwarden she felt several of her ribs crack as she became overwhelmed by it immediately, her hair and limbal rings turning pure white, and her family cane snapping in two.

The Price; Zee had made the First home for nearly 4 years, more than a year and a half spent recovering from the Lightwarden's deaths. She could hide the burden of it no longer, not that she was doing well at it before. Love Bird had to carry her from the Well, she did not have the strength to stand or stay awake for the most part. Zee drifted between consciousness and dreaming their entire trip back to the Crystarium. Y'shtola managed to get Zee to agree to her and Urianger's healing, the two finding Zee's skin and scales cracking and bleeding as the light aether attempted to force its way out of her. Where the light wounds were the worst her blood was iridescent, a soft glow coming from the severely injured Hero. Just before they arrive at the Crystarium Zee slips into another coma like sleep. In her sleep she dreams of Ardbert, of several unfamiliar familiar faces, of a woman with long rainbow hair and rainbow eyes. Zee dreamed of pasts she did not know, of homes she never lived in, of beloved friends and family she had never met... and yet, Zee knew she was not herself. It was like she was just watching, her body moved for her and mouth moved on its own, all she could do was move her eyes. Living through life after life, awakening a year later...

Zee could not know what her friends were doing while she recovered, but they tended to her daily. Urianger and Ryne often read stories aloud to her. Y'shtola would update sleeping Zee every evening with what had happened that day and what she needed to do tomorrow, often falling asleep in the room and being found when the next Scion's "shift" was up. They had never agreed to any schedule set in any real time, but each Scion had a usual time of day or night they would come by, sometimes even stumbling across the Exarch caring for Zee. Alisaie nearly moved into the room, several small cots already having been brought in for Urianger, who, knowing Zee's extreme particularity with who heals her, spent his days as her live in healer. But Urianger always made Alisaie return to her room every few days to force a break on her. Alphinaud took over as a second healer when Zee had been asleep for 4 moons, Urianger had been operating on fumes and desperately needed a break. All the Scions who did not know, except Thancred (due to his limitations), were taught Zee's ritual of aether dispersal, every single one of them coming to it every moon no matter what. Love Bird made sure to keep her clothes clean and worked tirelessly with the Exarch in an attempt to mend her cane. Y'shtola, Alisae, and Ryne took turns bathing Zee as best they could in bed every other day. Thancred always helped the Crystarium cleaning staff clean the room, waking up Urainger, and often Alisaie as well, so they get breakfast. He took up the role of making sure the scions who were pushing themselves didn't push themself to far. The scions, finally able to truly see the pain Zee has gone through for everyone. To see the agony the light caused, and was still causing. For some it was their first time seeing Zee as... Zee... and not The Hero... The Warrior of Light, of Darkness...

Zee took another year of recovering. A hard year of barely being able to heal, but a year more of learning to dance with Love Bird, Alisaie often joining in on lessons for fun. Her relationships with each of the scions blossomed, they truly became family at that time. And when she was finally able to return, forced to pick up a new cane as her family cane still could not be repaired, but also carrying with her chakrams if there is ever a time she cannot cast.

When Paradise Falls; 2 years after she killed the last lightwarden Zee and the scions are able to focus on the final lightwarden is Kholusia. Eulmore filled with enthralled people, Gatetown filled with people just staring at the city, and Kai-Shirr acting as the Crystarium's informant. Ryne reacts in horror when presented with Meol, telling everyone that it is made from sin eater flesh, altering his people with tainted light. Left with no choice but to storm the city Zee and the scions charge forth, toward the final lightwarden. Defeating Ran'jit was no easy feat but Zee is able to all the same, bursting through Vauthry's doors to see him gorging on Meol, all his sin eaters gone now. The final lightwarden feasting until he finally flies off into the sunlight. Yet as he flew away the ground began to tremble as an entire mountain was torn from the ground and lifted into the heavens. Forced to stop their rush to kill the final lightwarden, the scions shift focus to helping the people recover. Ryne is able to undo their tempering and as the people of Eulmore regain their strength Alphinaud explains what has come to light. Chai-Nuzz semi-forced into taking lead on the talos repairs with help from other Eulmoren citizens, all in hopes of getting the ladder moving once again. Emet-Selch making an appearance as usual, hinting at things he almost hopes Zee remembers.

It took an entire moon before the two talos were repaired and ready to work the Ladder once more, and once they were in working order the Ladder ran for the first time in 20 years. Yet they still were unable to reach Mt Gulg. Air travel was out of the question due to the sin eaters in the sky, they needed to fashion a way to have the ground meet the sky. Dulia-Chai's offhand comment sparks the fires of creativity in her husband and he begins to design plans to figure out just how much help will be needed. People from all over the First gather to help, a sight that made Zee want to cry with happiness. The scions all focused on leading their groups in work, the Exarch having some issues being so far from the tower for so long. He wanders away from everyone and faints near a rock, confiding in Zee his crystal limbs and the phantom limb symptoms caused by the crystal growths. Zee talks about her own experiences, talks about her plans once she is returned home, and then turns the questions towards the Exarch. He tells her of his hopes, letting a few too many details to be spoken, and Zee finally catches on truly to who the Exarch really is. Though she does not press his identity, she knew a friend had been by her side through this entire adventure. A friend she had thought lost.

Ascending to the top of the volcano of Mt Gulg Zee and Love Bird leave the rest of the Scions to take on the remaining sin eaters while they continue up to take on Vauthry. A quick fight initially before the sin eater fully takes him over, though one with Zee still standing victorious in the end. Her friends rush in just as the fully reborn lightwarden falls. Zee takes on the last bit of the light, her second prosthetic breaking, exploding in a violante manner. The Exarch appeared just in time to take on the light before Zee turns, his hood falling and finally confirming Zee's suspicions. G'raha Tia falls to a bullet from Emet-Selch, Zee still embroiled in light. Emet-Selch clearly stating his judgment of mankind, a failure all from Zee's inability to contain the light. He tells her she is nothing more than a sin eater now, one who is able to retain her shape and mind... for now. Just before she faints Emet-Selch calls for her to meet him in Amaurot, for her to fall to the light there in... solitude.

Ryne worked on Zee for 4 moons before she was able to awake. When she awoke she was taken aback by a regrown limb, her right thigh covered in glowing scars creeping towards her torso from the uncanny looking knee, calf, and foot now attached to her. She had no feeling anywhere on the new growth, even taking a knife to herself in a desperate confusion. Her scales were mirrored on the growth, but they were stark white and glowing. Yet the foot that grew was more beast than her other, a draconic claw in place of what Zee expected. She could not bare to look in the mirror. Not only was her eyesight severely limited by the overwhelming light, but she had a hard time keeping her eyes open for more than an hour. Her speech was affected as well, unable to speak more than a handful of words. Everyone could see she was in agony. The new lightwarden of Norvrandt.

Once Zee was able Love Bird helped get her to check in with the people of the Crystarium, for her to hear how happy everyone is that she is alive. Love Bird had quickly taken up a position of helper for her, when she could not walk he would carry her, when she could not respond he would help her by speaking. When she needed space he would help her find a secluded spot near the amaro and go do errands or, often, just talk a walk. Ardbert often would sit with her then, doing his utmost to comfort her. On a quiet day he requests some time with Zee, their conversation uplifting her spirits right as Feo Ul barges in. Their offer of the Fae crown tickled Zee in a way she didn't know she needed, even offering sound sturdy advice to their beloved spaling before departing. Just as Zee goes to depart for the Tempest all her beloved scions arrive, Urianger begging for forgiveness, ever the one needing to be secretive. The scions confirm their bonds to each other, getting a surprise when Lyna and a wave of locals come to offer their help as well. Getting a lecture from Alisaie, so similar to the one Zee was used to hearing so often from Feo Ul, they depart to bring the Exarch back home, along with the night sky on a more permanent basis.

The Ascian Issue; Their first stop to the bottom of the ocean was to a familiar whale, calling for Zee's beloved branch when Bismark did not want to awaken. With the King of the Fae’s scolding their Fae friend as Bismark unseats itself from the lake as they begin the journey to Amaurot. Unknowingly depriving the Ondo of water in their home the scions endeavor to help where they can, apologizing profusely for their haste. Despite everything Zee slowly made her way around, Love Bird acting as her mouthpiece and often seen carrying her through the more rocky places of the ocean floor. Helping was the only thing that felt remotely good to Zee now. The scions were rewarded for their effort with some directions to the underwater city they spoke of. Opening the sealed entrance easily, the scions set their eyes upon Amaurot. Finding the doors yielding to Zee's voice alone they all set forth together to explore the looming city. A haunting city filled with giant masked people. Mistaken for a group of roaming children the scions all take off in search for Emet-Selch. While registering for residency Zee strikes up conversation with a very familiar shade, Hythlodaeus. A kind and calming presence amidst the pain of the light aether. Hythlodaeus knows the truth after all, Emet-Selch always knew he did. He tells Zee about the Final Days, of so many sacrificed lives with plans for so so many more in the future. He spoke of Emet and his stubbornness, strong enough to carry him to the end of his plans. Of the weight of 12 thousand years, of so many of his fellow ancients sacrificed in hopes to be reborn. And Zee felt that weight too. Maybe not as much as what Emet-Selch carried, but it also could be heavier. 7 stars, once 14, hang in the balance. When Zee is called, Hythlodaeus stops her, taking note of Ardbert by her side. Explaining to Zee that she can see and hear him because they are part of the same sundered soul. Hythlodaeus notes he would never mistake the color of Her soul, how it was ever shifting in hue. Every color melting into the rainbow that was Her soul. It was time to make their way to meet with Emet-Selch, Zee spoke with everyone, each voicing their unbridled support for her. In her mind Zee does not return from Amaurot. This is as much her tomb as it will be Emet-Selch's.

Fate can be cruel, but a smile better suits a hero... And they must press on, for this star and all the rest who can yet be saved.

Meeting with Emet-Selch in the Capitol they draw clear lines in the battlefield. Emet can not and will not stray from his path, they are not even true living beings to him. Not worthy of life for any other purpose than to be sacrificed for his loved ones. Into the fires of the FInal Days he walks, awaiting to strike down or be struck down. The only way this can ever end. Emet kept his promise that she would witness the end of a world, and Zee kept hers of meeting him at the end. He knocks out most of the scions, Alisaie dashing forward in a desperate hope to puncture the Ascian. Alphinaud protects his sister from Emet-Selch's onslaught as Zee finds the strength to stand. She would not let her companions fall, even if that meant she became consumed by the light. With some support from the scions Zee is able to inch ever onwards towards her target, the light bursting forth as she continues to fight the sin eater within her. Thancred and Ryne rushed forward to help, yet also falling when Emet's spell struck through them both.

Light surrounded the Hero.

Ardbert's voice echoing in the stark white void.

Another step...

. ...just...

. ...one...

. ...more...

. ...step...

A vision of a vibrant soul in robes flashing before Emet-Selch's eyes as G'raha Tia and Zee stand before him. Fighting for every ilm they can claw at.

It ends this day... one way or another.

Final Judgment; Emet reveals himself as Hades, putting his all on the line as well. Zee would truly prove men are no longer wanting, they are strong enough to fight for their lives. To carry the legacy of the ancients with them. To be recognized as living. Fighting Hades at his full power nearly broke Zee, using her blood lily rage as a last ditch effort knowing it could be the very thing to turn her fully sin eater. Yet it doesn't, her friends show up at her most needed time, Thancred launching the white auracite into Hades as the scions channel their aether to Zee. Against every doubt Zee held, they stood victorious. Ardbert's axe lodged into the ground as Hades asks Zee to remember his people. Channeling the light into every ounce of her fight the shattering of her soul the light had been so successful at was reversed, Ardbert landing the final blow thanks to their bonds. G'raha, very much not in his best shape, sheepishly shows himself begging forgiveness. Swimming back was not what Zee and her companions expected. Zee, having lost the clawed light aether leg, struggled until he had passed out and washed ashore. The people of the First there to welcome the victorious scions 'homes' under the gorgeous night sky.

Home; With the First saved from its precipice of rejoining, Zee returned home for the first time in 7 years. Tataru reacted as if she had seen a ghost when Zee walked through the doors to the Rising, it had been nearly 5 moon since she had left. Even Tataru able to see that Zee had changed in her time away. Zee updated Tataru about the Scions inability to return just yet, and about how they found a long lost companion squirreled away on an entirely different star. Ellaeuxlynn's greeting consisted of her squeezing Zee so tight she could not breath and spinning her around in said hug. She had been hard at work at her forge crafting Zee a prosthetic leg that allowed her to channel and release excess aether. Ell called it her magnum opus. Though the first iteration of it, and still untested. It wasn't long until those in the Rising were shooing Zee off to go sleep. The exhaustion on her face apparent to most everyone. Upon waking Zee and Tataru made their way to F'lhaminn, Zee had to tell them what happened to Minfillia. F'lhaminn thanking Zee for being with her daughter till the very end. Riol frantic to tell Tataru that Krile is there to talk about the patients. Krile telling them of the patient's aether instability, Thancred and Love Bird being the worst off out of the group. Zee's plans of visiting the Steppe forced to be put on hold as she is needed in figuring out how to get their companions back home. Fast.

While they had no new leads, G'raha had a small hunch on where to start. Splitting her attention between helping Ryne, Urianger, and Thancred in the Empty, and working with Beq Lugg, after gaining their trust. Spending a majority of their time in Amh Araeng as they worked together in defeating Eden and its trials, as well as the puzzle of getting everyone back to their bodies. Dealing with Eden felt like a return to a normal..ish way of life. Nurturing the wastes to spring forth life once more was exactly a task to call on Zee for. Her magic had always been plant inclined, her own horns growing flowers naturally. When the water came back to the Empty Zee knew that there would be flowers blooming soon enough. The major success that was the Proxie and it waking up Halric from his tempering gave them all a needed spark of energy. Yet there is hardly time to celebrate when Kai-Shirr frantically runs in with hopes of bringing them back to Eulmore to help with a catastrophe. In Eulmore they find Dulia-Chai in tears, her husband has gone missing, the city down its new mayor with him gone. Luckily Chai-Nuzz was found traveling to other Kholusia towns, asking what Eulmore would need to do to prove their change. A change many people welcome with open arms. Yet just as many stay withdrawn from it. Throwing himself head first into his new role, Chai-Nuzz gains Wrenden as an advisor on the road to an equitable future. It would be hard work for everyone but Zee had faith Eulmore would blossom. Returning to the Crystarium to good news from Y'shtola and Urianger added to Zee's good mood. Y'shtola's comment about wishing for tea and a sweet lead to Zee showing up with some homemade sweets while she was working. A small gift of thanks before Zee returned to the Source. A very unexpected guest showed up right after her own return. Estinien comes with chilling news of Zenos, alive and in his body once more. Zenos destroys all of the Black Rose after he killed his father, an uncaring monster swapped for one who cared only about one person. With nothing else to do but wait, Zee retreats to the Steppe to see her girlfriend after a VERY very long time for her.

The Time Between; Zee did not get to spend more than a week with Sadu. She's called to a war table, updating her on the Empire's movements. No rest for the weary. Being the only person who can go to the First and inform everyone of what's happening on the Source, Zee can't exactly take a break in the precarious nature they are in. Awaiting Zee on the First is wonderful news as the 'soul vessels' for the Scions to return home are nearly done and ready for testing. But when a person claiming to be a 'Warrior of Light' begins slaying stray sin eaters the Scions unwittingly play their part perfectly for Elidibus' plans to flourish. Inhabiting Ardbert's body Elidibus calls for the people to become the Warrior of LIght themselves, something Zee could only think of as a good thing, yet it so clearly was not. Having to split her attention once more Zee must deal with Elidibus as quickly as possible while finding any ways to make the Soul Vessels even better to make sure all possible risks are reduced to their minimums. Elidibus furthering his plans by granting everyone at the Crystarium the Echo as the scions rush to perfect their soul vessels. When Thancred collapses after losing Elidibus' trail, Zee rushes to him only to find Love Bird also recovering from a similar collapse. Their limited time running up soon the Scions focus their efforts in perfecting their soul vessels as quickly as possible. On Zee's return to the Source she learns that her friend's have taken a turn for the worse, Krile spending every waking second she had to care for them. With a gift of Archon bread Zee returns to the First in hopes of defeating Elidibus and taking all her friends home safe and sound. A task Elidibus takes great pains to interrupt. Kidnapping Y'shtola in front of Zee. Forcing Zee to fight monsters with the bodies and faces of her friends of years past. Zee slew them all the same. Mentally battered by the end, Y'shtola barging through the doors felt like a breath of air after nearly drowning to Zee. Left on her own to recover, Zee follows a trail of crystals to her New Old Friend, Hythlodaeus. He bids her to live. To keep her promise and remember them. Leaving Zee the gift of Azem's soul crystal, Hythlodaeus hints at Emet-Selch's making of it before they disappear before her eyes. .Meeting back up with the rest of the Scions in Eulmore they hardly have a moment to catch up before shades of heros from other stars appear and begin attacking. G'raha had luckily been hard at work with the soul vessels, able to imbue his own while the Scions rushed back. With the soul vessels perfected all that stood between Zee and their home was Elidibus. Dashing back to the Crystarium grows ever trickier as more and more heros appear and fight. Right outside the gates the Scions remain to protect Zee from any stragglers, as their Hero marches forward to Elidibus. On her way back Zee came across an injured G'raha and Beq Lugg, the crystal on G'raha spreading quicker than ever. With G'raha's soul vessel stolen, the two rush to the top of the crystal tower to retrieve it. But when G'raha's crystalline growth descends to his legs and he is trapped in one spot, he urges Zee forward. A moment of bittersweet kindness, and a kiss, shared between the two before G'raha's Hero runs off. Ascending to the shattering heavens, and her foe.The gift from her New Old Friend calling the aid of other shards of Azem to Zee’s side. G’raha bursting through right as Zee landed a decisive blow upon Elidibus, calling the crystal tower’s power to him in order to smite the final unsundered Ascian. Collapsing after his spell burst forth, G’raha takes a quiet moment to talk with Zee before he is fully crystal. He begs Zee to take him on an adventure, a thing Zee promises with ease as she clutches his soul vessel to her heart. 

The Scions all disperse to say goodbye to their friends and companions of years. Goodbyes filled with tears and honest words of hope. Their nearly 8 years on the First was coming to an end in the best way they could have hoped. Parting with Ryne at the end was the hardest, a daughter to them all, it felt like ripping one's own skin off to leave her behind. Thancred, of course, promised to make Zee visit as often as she could before the people of the Crystarium gathered. Lyna’s kind words of farewell gave them all the strength to leave and restart their own star’s fight. A long and bitter war on the precipice of ending if the star gets back it’s Hero. Yet there is no time to rest for the Hero and her companions. Ell's gift of a new and improved prosthetic would make her travels easier, and her companions being hale, hearty, and whole eased Zee’s troubled mind, she could not help but feel they were at a beginning and an ending she didn’t even truly know. But before they can focus on the war, they must first get the cure for tempering on the Source.Though it takes a tremendous amount of work, and the death of a magitek computer or two, they are successful and Ga Bu’s mind and soul are restored at last. With the incredible amount of aether it takes to reverse the tempering the Scions seek out the real Master Matoya in hopes she would have ideas to help. The real test would come with gaining the trust of the beast societies after the years of bloodshed between them. It, of course, was no small feat. The leaders of Eorzea had to truly want and strive for this peace for any of their work to go the way they wanted. And with the appearance of strange towers across the star that appear Garlean made, the next leg of the war draws ever nearer. Fandaniel made his first official appearance with the company of a Lunar Primal Bahamut, and stated his intentions clearly for the Scions. He wants everyone to die. Plain and simple. What’s worse, he’s working with Zenos to groom Zee for yet another duel. And with Arenvald’s injury and inability to walk things were only seeming to get worse and worse. 

Yet, things weren’t all bad. Ellaeuxlynn and Feo Ul had been working together on a secret project. A small, doll-like, body for the Fae King to inhabit when they want to follow around their beloved sapling. Queer Leaflet making their debut to Zee on her return to the Rising Stones in a particularly off mood. A gift that brightened her up and worried her at the same time, though Feo Ul in their new doll body made sure to reassure Zee of their safety whilst in said body. With a new addition to her party Zee retreats to the Steppe once again. Ell, Love Bird, and Queer Leaflet accompanied her so they could properly meet her girlfriend. Resting, or as much resting as Zee can ever force herself to get, and readying herself for the moment she was called back to fighting. It never was enough time. With the founding of the Grand Company of Eorzea and the meeting of Fourchenault, Zee’s direction is made clear. Alphinaud and Alisaie’s last name getting unceremoniously ripped from them as their father declares Sharlyan’s stance and departs. With a trip to most of Scion's old home, Old Sharlyan, on the horizon, Zee pays her girlfriend one last visit. Sadu and Cirina’s wedding was a quiet affair, Zee bringing her small group of friends to celebrate her girlfriend and her wife before they depart on their next big adventure.

~~~~~ENDWALKER~~~~~ (~2.5 years) (Will be in a reblogged version of this)

On to NEW DAWNS!!!!! ~~~~~~ (will be an reblogged version of this post~)

~8.5 years total (before Dawntrail) of Zee's adventuring, I can't wait to really get my hands dirty with working on her longfic of Zee's Real FFXIV Story so one day I can share even more about Zee and her party and her relationship with the Scions! While I am still working on making more OCs to fill her party I hope this helps illustrate just how intertwined nearly all my OCs are (Kask'ov, Belle, and Asteroid are in their own universe but besides them everyone else is a player in Zee's story~

(Which will have its own whole lore post when I can get myself to sit down and really write about how I adore Dawntrail and how perfect it was for Zee's next arc~ )

to end it on a little bit of a heartfelt personal note, I have been playing this game since about April of 2018, its been around for me in some of the scariest and worst health I've been in. Zee started out as just an avatar for me in game, and then around Shadowbringers I started getting character ideas for her. Endwalker made those EXPLODE!!! Iris, my Azem oc, is a love letter to my child self and Zee is a love letter to how I would like to be as a person. Not a self insert, but maybe more a role model. Someone who has a lot of similar things as me, I even gave her my same "main" disability, but who is very different. She is shaped by her story the way I am shaped by mine and I wouldn't have it any other way~ I'm not sure how to express how much I appreciate you reading, showing interest in, and supporting my characters and my work. It means the world to me, and truly has been such a help while I struggle my way through the muck of my health problems right now. May you find good rest soon, you deserve it ♥

[wuxiaphoenix]

On Writing: The Importance of Multiple Sources

One thing we sometimes forget is that historians are people with assumptions and axes to grind like anyone else. Maybe they don’t have all the information they need. Maybe they’re up against a deadline. (I think we all know that one.) But sometimes, maybe....

Over a couple of odd and possibly misspent decades looking into the history of Japan and wider East Asia, I have read and acquired a bunch of books on the Mongols. For those who may be less than familiar with the original Hordes, Genghis Khan and his descendants created and ran the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), among other Khanates. Their remnant state of Northern Yuan after the Ming Dynasty overthrew them was the example Nurhaci appealed to in unifying the Manchus, that then overthrew the Ming Dynasty and reigned as the Qing (about 1644-1912). He also had Mongols as a major part of his forces and later government. 

That’s a long stretch of history. It’s also a long stretch of.... Well. Let me give you a few examples. Note, none of these are direct quotes from the history books in question! Just my paraphrases of a few points.

Jack Weatherford, author of Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World and a bunch of others: The Mongol conquests brought freedom of religion, freedom of trade, equality under the law and a whole bunch of other things critical to how our modern world works. What a pity the West and Marco Polo didn’t learn from them.

Biographies of Marco Polo: After spending a few years as a “favorite person” of Kublai Khan, Marco Polo got a yearning to see Venice again and asked if he could go home. Kublai Khan threatened violence for the insult of being so ungracious as to want to leave. Our man Marco realized if he wanted to go home, he’d have to escape.

Stephen Turnbull’s books on Mongol Warriors: Here’s how they lived and made war in general. Blood brothership was supposed to be a sacred bond, but Genghis Khan being betrayed by his blood brother led to Genghis annihilating the man’s tribe and uniting the surviving Mongol tribes to conquer the world.

The Mongol Art of War: Great warriors, genius tactics. Results of those tactics? Let me tell you about the piles of human skulls at Nishapur....

Stephen Turnbull again, on the Mongol invasions of Japan: The invading ships came with human shields, captured prisoners whose hands were pierced with the ropes used to tie them about the hulls.

The Steppe and the Sea: Pearls in the Mongol Empire: The Mongols loved pearls, and used them for gifts and display. And if they suspected you had swallowed any to conceal them, they would cut you open to retrieve them. Also they kept raising taxes because accounting was for lesser races, not men of action like true Mongols, and about 80% of what they collected vanished through corruption and bribery. BTW one of those taxes that kept increasing was the yearly tribute of maidens, men, and artisans. Unless you were a really good artisan, in which case they’d just take you and maybe the rest of your family and move you across the Empire to where you didn’t speak the local language and could get no help to escape.

So. Yeah.

Jack Weatherford’s histories are very popular, and rightfully so. I just got his Emperor of the Seas because it’s likely to have info on Kublai Khan and ships I haven’t got in my other books. They’re well-researched, well-written, and all-around great reads. But they do... downplay some aspects of what actually happened.

So if you’re poking history for your story setting, try to poke a few different histories. It’ll make your world a more well-rounded place!

Edit note: Ah, found it; the bit on our guy Marco was from Marco Polo: The Journey that Changed the World by John Mann.