#creating monsters is also really edible

[theadventuresofcas]

constantly fighting the need to eat set it off songs

[g3tj1nx3d14]

the people demand caitvi <3

usual warning, after warning is NSFW, pre is SFW may contain spoilers up to act three !!

SFW

• Caitlyn tends to call Vi really sweet things like “my love, darling, my Violet” and all that jazz. She likes that Vi’s not really used to that sort of elegant tenderness from anyone but her. She likes to whisper it in Vi’s ear as she hugs her from behind.

• Vi usually sticks to “baby, babes, sweetheart” with the occasional cupcake because it’s cute. But, she does find it absolutely hilarious to call Caitlyn the most strange, out of pocket pet names ever. “Sugar tits” is a favorite of hers, considering the wide eyes and loud “Violet!” it gets her.

• Vi can cook the basics very well. She thinks any fancy techniques are a waste of time, so she just sticks with what she knows. She’s never measured out loud a day in her life. She just knows.

• Caitlyn can make really good recipes, but it’s only recipes. Put her in the kitchen without a cookbook and she’ll be very confused. She knows a few familiar recipes from her family by heart, but if you asked her to make anything she doesn’t have a recipe for either on hand or in memory, she’ll definitely try! It won’t be edible, but it’ll be… food?

• Vi snores LOUD. Caitlyn has ear plugs loud. She also sleeps like she’s dead. Head back, jaw open, laid out. Caitlyn would check her pulse if she didn’t sound like a broken boat. She also sneezes SO loud, like a dad loud.

• Vi takes injuries well, almost scarily well, but she so gets man colds. You know the type- a fever of 101 and suddenly she’s laid out on the couch, covered in tissues, in four blankets, begging Caitlyn for chicken soup. “You wouldn’t get it, I really am dying this time!”

• Caitlyn has an extremely intricate shower routine. Thousands of dollars of soaps, lotions, scrubs, masks, all that. One time Vi got a long lecture after letting Isha (WHOS TOTALLY ALIVE AND HAPPY.) make potions with them.

•Vi likes to do a lot of the physical stuff around the house. Not that she doesn’t think Caitlyn is capable- hell, she really is- but she likes to brag about it and flex her muscles when explaining that she fixed something.

now it’s freaky time

NSFW

• Vi is absolutely a boob guy. She’s not exactly subtle when staring. In fact, she’s genuinely one of the least subtle people ever. She’s a big fan of just randomly giving Caitlyn a huge from the back and coping a feel.

• Caitlyn definitely likes to use toys when she’s on top. Intricate ropes, gags, lacy blindfolds- everything’s pretty.

• Vi is the type to be just a little insulted if there’s any implication there’s stuff she couldn’t do without her hands, mouth, and a lot of dedication, but she eventually relents and tries them. Caitlyn accidentally created a monster with that, as she realized overstimulation was certainly her favorite thing when she was on top.

• Caitlyn likes to play music when she’s on top. She really likes to play a specific few songs. Vi quickly realized that Caitlyn— definitely not intentionally— had accidentally gotten her to get randomly turned on when hearing the songs. Caitlyn didn’t go into it with the idea to do that, but she found it really funny once she realized what it did. “It’s not mean, Violet. It’s payback for the time you called me sugar tits in front of my coworkers!”

• I see a lot of people say that Caitlyn would get back in her intimidating dress up when she’s on top, but I raise you— Caitlyn has always listened to authority. It made sense; she was practically born to follow the rules. She has a bit of a complex about making people proud of her. So— Vi putting on something similar to the whole intimidating outfit. Caitlyn never imagined she’d be very into being bossed around, and Vi never realized she liked it either, but the first time Caitlyn ended up on her knees, addressing her like some authority figure (I know Ma’am makes sense gender wise, but just tell me Vi wouldn’t like being called sir.) while Vi was still in the whole dark outfit? It’s a thing with them now.

• On a similar note, Caitlyn tends to listen whenever she hears certain cues. Heavy boots entering a room, a snapped finger, all that. It’s a lingering annoyance from her time working under certain people. When Vi realized this, she tested it out- and realized she could accidentally get Caitlyn’s full attention with just a little sound. She (with consent) loves to use this against her.

• Caitlyn has a bit of a habit of reading filthy books. She enjoys them— although she claims, for her own ego, it’s for the plot. Vi likes to sneak a look at whatever smut Caitlyn’s been reading and take tips from it to see if Caitlyn will react. Caitlyn noticed, and now whenever she finds a really good smut book, she’ll “accidentally” leave it open to a page she likes. (Only where Vi could find it, of course. The idea of anyone else knowing anything about her sex life is terrifying to her.)

[blubbergoober9000]

Doctor Who S1E1 Rose - Rambles and Thoughts

GOD I LOVE HOW THE RTD INTRO HAS BLUE FOR WHEN THE TARDIS TRAVELS TO PAST AND RED FOR TRAVELLING TO FUTURE.

Westminster Bridge is the 9th doctors equivalent to All the Strange Strange creatures and I am the Doctor to me.

wait wtf i'm now older than Rose is in this episode, fucked up.

Has big finish gotten to Wilson yet? I'm sure he has a story to tell.

oh my god I just noticed the red sofa from the incident, I didn't realise they actually had it in the episode I thought it was just only part of the scene they cut.

I WISH THEY KEPT THE ACTUAL SONIC SCREWDRIVER EFFECT THAT APPEARS THE FIRST TIME HE USES IT.

Man Mickey just through that arm in a trash can no wonder the autons targeted him.

The Doctor proceeding to smash all mirrors after regenerating into 9 because he couldn't bare to look at himself after the time war is the saddest possible way to explain why he only looked in the mirror for the first time this episode.

Also I had a friend who refused to watch Doctor Who because we were like 10 and on Netflix the thumbnail for Rose was the doctor being strangled by the auton arm and it scared him.

The earth revolving speech is just chefs kiss perfect way to introduce the 9th doctor and then his theme playing after it YESSSS

and then after that the shot that gets reused in Love and Monsters for LINDA to hunt down Rose appears!

"DON'T READ MY EMAILS" I was like 2 when this aired so I wouldn't necessarily know but was it freaky or normal to sext through email

Mickey is so pathetic in this episode he just gave a guy taking out his bin dirty looks, despite the fact the guy was probably just squinting cus its sunny and just happened to be looking his direction.

The JFK Photoshop of the 9th doctor being the only official shot we have of the 9th doctor in his turtleneck is SAD

"That must be his father" her ass does NOT know

I get that its for sake of not putting to much baggage in literally the first episode but it is kinda weird that Clive gets ONLY the 9th doctor when he's gathering evidence about him, like… you saw a bunch of other Doctors who similarly appear throughout various points in history? and only went with the buzzcut butch man? Clive I think I know what you are.

Ahhh cgi burping bin my beloved

PLASTIC PIZZA MICKEYYYYY

I like to think the jumpcuts when plastic Mickey is glitching is actually Roses POV and she's confused as fuck as to why she keeps getting flash banged with Mickey's side profile

Headless Mickey with his hand spatula attack

I desperately need that Genghis Khan story, what did the Doctor do to piss him off to the point of him sending his hordes to the TARDIS.

I might sound insane for this but melted plastic Mickeys head looks kinda edible…

"Foodstock was destroyed in the war" the actual first mention of the time war and the doctor was just… so casual about it, explaining to Rose. The way the time war was built into the narrative of series 1 and the rest of the RTD1 era is genuinely great (Honestly I'd argue the time war doesn't "officially" end until The Time of The Doctor)

WHY DOES THE NESTENE CONCIOUSNESS LOOK SO GODDAMN EDIBLE (Yes I'm fully aware it's just lava)

"There's no point in creating a spreadsheet if you're gonna spend summer money, in winter months" SPIT YO SHIT CLIVE

The fact that Jackie Tyler screams specifically at the bridesmaid autons is really funny, like man the concept of marriage is really that scary huh.

The goofy ass music as the autons fucking flail is hilarious as hell tbh

"Don't (go with him), he's an alien, he's a.. THING!" Yep Mickey, he sure is… a thing…

The Doctor looks so fucking sad when he gets rejected by Rose at first like man… his first chance at happiness since the time war and he thought he fucked it.

"Thanks" "Thanks for what" "Exactly" Runs off into TARDIS, yup, that's exactly the moment Rose changed her relationship status.

[those70scomics]

Fictober Day 2: "it's been a long time"

That '70s Show Fanfiction

Eric and Donna flipped through a new cook book his mom had bought. They were seated at the kitchen table of his childhood home. Jack-o'-lantern lights adorned the walls of the breakfast area, which Mom had probably put up yesterday. She was really getting into the spooky season, including the Haunting Treats cookbook. Edible "bloody fingers" and "eyeballs" were among the first disgusting delicacies inside.

"My mom sure started early this year," he said and turned the page. "She usually puts off preparing for Halloween until Halloween Eve."

"Not always. Not when we were kids, but maybe you don't remember since that was almost two decades ago." She was obviously teasing him and nudged his shoulder.

Eric studied the vivid picture of "brain souffle" in the cookbook. The page was earmarked, and his stomach tingled. October second, and Mom was already planning the menu for the Halloween party. "You know, I'm actually excited for it this year."

"The party?"

"Halloween. It's been a long time."

Donna leaned her forehead against his temple, rubbed his back affectionately, and said, "I'm glad. It used to be your favorite holiday when we were kids. And now I'm pregnant with our own kid -- " she straightened up -- "maybe that's why you're looking forward to it again."

His eyes widened, and he pointed at her. "That's it! That's why my parents are so into Halloween this year. Why my dad roped Hyde into helping with a 'secret project' yesterday."

She laughed. "Yeah, Jackie gave me a hint. Apparently, my dad's involved somehow, too. Speaking of, when do you think we should tell him about Robert the Second? He'll be hurt we kept this news from him, but the moment he learns he's having a grandchild, everyone in town'll hear it -- including our friends. It's still early."

"Hell, I can't believe my mom's kept her mouth shut about it. I expected her to make a full-page announcement in the newspaper."

"I can't believe my mom's kept her mouth shut about it."

"To be fair, she does live in California."

"She has a phone, but point taken." Donna closed the cookbook. "And you don't give your mom enough credit. She's a nurse after all. She understands how delicate the first trimester is."

Eric also understood. But surrounding his wife in bubble wrap, while fun, wouldn't actually be helpful.

Donna placed her hand on her abdomen, wedding ring gleaming orange under the jack-o'-lantern lights. "Despite her excitement, your mom always -- well, almost always -- respects our wishes about the important stuff. Besides ... I promised she could announce the pregnancy at the party if she didn't blab to anyone before then."

Eric covered Donna's hand over her belly. "You sneaky, sneaky woman. Marrying you was the best choice I ever made ... hold on. Robert the Second? What if we're having a girl?"

"The name defies gender. We can call our daughter Bobbie."

"Okay, I love your dad, but I want our kid to have a name that's their own."

She stroked his cheek. "I'm kidding. I'm kidding. We'll talk about names seriously when we're closer to the time. But no comic-book names or Star Wars names."

Eric clenched his jaw. Maybe if they waited until Donna was in labor, she'd agree to any name because of the pain, but he couldn't do that to her. "What about Frankenstein? You didn't rule out classic movie monsters."

"Eric!" She slapped his cheek lightly; it didn't sting. "No. And Frankenstein is the scientist who created Frankenstein's monster. Everyone gets that wrong."

"You don't." He pecked her lips, and she pulled him into an embrace. This Halloween would be the second best ever. The first best was yet to come -- to be followed by many other bests. He was a lucky man.

[lolahasmoxie]

Cuddle Monster (E.M.)

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Childhood Best Friend Reader

Warning: (smacks fanfiction) This baby holds so much fluff! Kids! Cuddling! CASUAL INTIMACY UP THE ASS!

Word: 487

Notes: I'm a second-grade teacher, and my kiddos still love to give hugs. I also have friends with kids the same age. Not gonna lie; some warm kid hugs just make my soul happy. This doesn't really push the story forward at all; it's a pleasant little interlude.

Also, my edible JUST kicked in. Enjoy!

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 /

@kimmi-kat @feltonswifesworld87 @mrsmunsonxquinn @iguessyourejustwhatineeded @hahahafucku @emilyroxy @ihatepeanutss @mackyboo21

Ronnie Wayne Munson was his father's child.

Whenever you watched Ronnie, it was like seeing your best friend grow up all over again. But the similarities ran more profound than just sharing the same hair and colored eyes.

It was how they both poked their tongues out while in deep concentration to how they would fall asleep in full starfish mode; you enjoyed every bit of Ronnie Wayne Munson.

Especially the fact that he inherited his father's love language of physical touch.

Every time you were at their home, Ronnie would take you by the hand (after his father had welcomed you properly with a kiss) and had you sitting on the couch as soon as he could. Then he would proceed to climb into your lap, tiny arms around your neck and his warm body pressed against yours, as he told you about his day.

You'd had to chastize Eddie once or twice as he sat next to you on the couch. His arms crossed over his chest, and a pout on his plush lips, as his son slept in your arms.

"What's got your knickers in a twist?"

"You came to see me; I should be in your lap."

"Eddie, he's 4!"

"I mean, this level of disrespect in my own home is appalling. I will NOT let it go unanswered.”

“Jesus Christ, get over here you giant baby.”

Weekends are a sacred time for you and Eddie, but you can hear his tiny little feet creeping into your bedroom like clockwork every Saturday and Sunday.

You feign sleep, trying to hide your giggles as Ronnie huffs and puffs as he tries to climb into your bed. He always comes to your side of the bed since Eddie sleeps like the dead, and eventually, you pick him up and gently place him in the middle.

His warm, tiny body curls instinctively into you. You run your hand up and down his back to coax him back to sleep. You let out a yawn when Eddie stirs next to you.

"You two left me out? What's a guy got to do to get some damn cuddles in this place?"

"Eddie, the sun isn't even up yet. Can you wait until, like, 9 am to be weird?"

"Nope, cuddle me, NOW."

"But we're so warm and cozy here." You give him a sleepy grin, closing your eyes as he grumbles while inching towards you and his son.

"Gonna file a complaint with the Union, I tell ya. Can't get a cuddle from my woman. Can’t get a cuddle from my own begotten progeny, my very own flesh and blood..."

"Go to sleep, Eddie."

"Not until you tell me you love me."

Silence.

"Please?"

"Fine!" You lean in, and in seconds, Eddie's plush lips are softly pressed against yours. His arm lands on your waist, both of you creating a soft cocoon for Ronnie. "I love you."

"I love you too, Princess. Can I tell you something?"

"Tell me."

"This, all of us. It feels really nice, right?"

"It feels perfect." You feel lips against your forehead and calloused fingertips trace lazy patterns as you slowly fade back to sleep. "Wouldn't change it for a thing."

[thegloriouspapernapkin]

@notartisticdraw a neuron just activated in my smooth little brain and I thought you’d like it

I was drawing more squid parasites for fun and I had a terrible brilliant idea: dude, what if there were different kids of parasite? and cephalopod themed, too, like goulash? like what if there were different categories and they all specialized in certain kinds of parasitic behaviors?? just think about it (cephalopod facts ahead)

- Humboldt squid grow to adulthood in like 3 years, so they require lots of food and often devour anything smaller than them (including other Humboldt squid). They also group together in the hundreds, communicating with each other by flashing red and white in different patterns. there have been multiple instances of these squid trying to drag humans down into the abyss of the ocean. they constantly attack cameras and lights, lashing out at anything new with lightning speed.

- diamond squid. they look like a disco ball. they have bizarre diamond-shaped fins, and use them to slowly travel through the deep sea instead of propelling itself with jets of water.

- vampire squids can turn themselves inside out to hide their photophores from potential attackers, and apparently they can spew this bioluminescent mucus from the ends of their tentacles. it has this weird web that connects all its tentacles, too. they actually aren’t squids or octopus at all, just a funky little offshoot that managed to survive to present day.

- colossal squids. just colossal squids. they might actually be quite calm compared to your average squid, but they have hooks in the little suckers on their tentacles. and they are enormous.

-giant squids too?? even as babies they’re the size of an average adult squid, with razor-sharp suckers that shred prey before it even gets to the beak. they are also enormous.

- Japanese flying squid. dude, they can propel themselves out of the water by literally launching themselves into the air. what’s not to love???

- striped pyjama squids are really small and adorable, but they’re from Australia so you know that’s a lie (they’re poisonous. or venomous i forgor)

- firefly squid. I love them dearly. they group together and create these mesmerizing patterns using their bioluminescence and it is gorgeous.

- long fin inshore squids are commonly seen by divers in shallower waters, renowned for their speed and camouflaging abilities. they congregate into huge groups when migrating, turning the water black sometimes.

dude, there is so much potential for what these parasites could be!! I’m already working on turning the idea of a multiverse full of inexplicable ecosystems like this into an actual story, so this has been at the focus point of my braincells lately and I must stick the words here. but imagine how this could work!!! (totally might use these for said au becasue im feeling silly but idc if you or anyone else takes inspiration from/uses em)

giant parasites floating aimlessly, miles below the AUs just waiting for something edible to fall down, or maybe specifically going after larger monsters. little skittish parasites living off the coast, paralyzing monsters that get too close and crawling inside their eyes. parasites bringing their hosts together in the darkness, slowly amassing a pile of corpses as they crawl out to create a dazzling light show in the dark. i am losing it because of these little goobers asxkjasdasldblasij i just needed to post about cephalopods im sorry

[popatochisssp]

I would like more details on ocean boys plz. More Descendtale for us?

Descendtale

A human falls to the Underground.

They’re merciful…mostly.

But maybe not merciful enough.

They make friends with many monsters on their way through the Underground.

They kill some others.

Nobody important, none of the real friends they’d made along the way—just a handful of annoying ones who kept getting in their way, surprising them with Encounters when they were busy on their very important quest to escape the Underground and go back home.

When they leave, they put their fun fantasy adventure behind them, eager to get back to their real life.

They never come back.

The monster ‘friends’ they left behind do their best to move on.

Asgore is gone, and so are the six human souls they’d collected, so close to finally being free.

Toriel has returned, which is something, a comfort of familiarity at least to have a ruler who knows what she’s doing when hope is falling and…other things are starting to go wrong.

The Royal Guard has been disbanded, what with the queen’s mandate that humans falling down should be welcomed as friends. Which is fine, most of them all knew the most recent human as a friend, but…it does leave quite a few dogs and a fish and a few other animals out of a job and consequently, out of a driving purpose in their lives.

A handful of monsters have also gone missing. Not Fallen Down, or moved away, just…gone, without a word or a call or a note. No one really knows what happened, though there’s theories, nobody seems to know anything for sure and the unsubstantiated rumors, ranging from wild to tame, are a little bit scary.

And…the Underground’s resources are dwindling. They have been for a long time, but some of those monsters that disappeared—farmers, couriers, suppliers—their absence has unbalanced the food supply chain just a little more, and what they do have is taking longer to get to the populated areas, costing more, creating uncertainty.

In essence, monsters are getting nervous and losing hope.

Many of these problems have no clear solution, but Toriel tasks the Royal Scientist to one it might be possible for her to solve: the food issue.

After all, it may only be a mild concern now, but with the human souls gone, with how long it took to gather so many to begin with, how unlikely it is for more humans to fall down anytime soon—and to be treated as guests, even if they do fall…

It’s going to be quite some time before monsterkind has any real chance to be free.

They need to survive.

They need to be able to weather the long winter that’s to come, to remain strong and keep from falling to despair.

Certainty that they won’t starve to death in subterranean ignominy is a solid step towards that.

Alphys, happy to have been kept on after her last boss…uh. Well, she throws herself into the assignment, feeling that this is her chance to really do something great, worthy of her title.

The way she sees it, they need some kind of a staple crop, something they can produce in excess without exhausting their resources in the process.

She sets her eyes on the echo flower.

Echo flowers are hardy plants and grow well in any dark environment, in all but the driest of soils, already proliferating wildly in the Underground without any influence and thriving for a long, long, long time. Their petals have been known to make a soothing tea, but the root of the plant—a thick black rhizome—is edible, too.

It hasn’t been actually eaten very much, historically, being that the taste is…not great, a little sour and a lot bitter, no matter how you prepare it.

But it is edible, full of nutrients and ambient magic to keep a monster fed and healthy so long as you don’t mind the taste.

And…can they really afford to mind the taste, at this stage?

Toriel agrees with Alphys’ assessment. The artificial light cycles that simulate day and night are ceased and echo flowers are planted anywhere and everywhere they’ll take, roots harvested and incorporated into monsters’ diets. At first, the farming is only to supplement the scarcity of other foods, but as time goes by and most of those all but disappear, the root eventually begins replacing them almost entirely.

It takes awhile for anyone to notice the changes.

Before necessity, no monster ate or even used enough echo flower root to realize that it had preservative properties.

When monsters begin to notice they’re not aging nearly as fast as they should be, a whole host of other side-effects have started to make themselves known, all dutifully assessed and catalogued by Alphys.

Monsters who consume the echo flower root consistently, at volume, can expect to see many of the following changes in their bodies:

Light sensitivity

Darkening of the extremities

Extended periods of low activity (similar to hibernation)

Lack of appetite

Bioluminescence

Reduced metabolism

Sharpening of preexisting teeth, or growth of new ones

Heightened senses (predominantly hearing sight, and smell)

Decreased sensitivity to touch

Increased physical durability

Thorn-like growths or protrusions

Mental changes and personality drift

In addition to these is something monsters colloquially start to refer to as The Withering, when bodies begin to look thin, gnarled and frail but with no attached physical ailments.

The monsters so afflicted by their new condition…

Accept it.

There’s little else they can do, as reliant on their new food source as they are by this point, and quite frankly, none of the changes seem all that bad.

They have food, they have each other, and most importantly, they have time.

It’s all a little different, of course, but monsters are nothing if not adaptable, every bit the survivors the Queen knew they could be.

The worst thing to come out of it all is that brightness of Hotland and New Home poses a bit of discomfort to most of those who’d settled there, but Toriel oversees a mass migration back to Home and renovation of the Ruins there to make them a far more pleasant place to live.

And naturally, along the way are Waterfall, blissfully dark, and Snowdin, delightfully cold—both equally appealing neighborhoods to move into, with monsters’ new taste for such things.

Life goes on for monsterkind, still trapped in their deep cavern but now…kind of thriving in it.

The next human to fall will be faced with a very different sort of Underground than the one the last human left, darker and colder to be sure, filled with monsters who want to be their friend but are maybe…a little rusty at it.

But there should be plenty of time for them to get used to it.

Kohl (Descendtale Sans)

Not so friendly with regards to humans, these days. He knows for a fact what that last one did to a handful of innocent monsters, and has a pretty strong hunch that they could’ve undone it, or at least come back to free their so-called ‘friends’ after the dust settled…but they didn’t. Despite everything, they were no better than any other human who touched the lives of monsters, and he’s all out of belief and hope and second chances for any of their ilk

Something of a new lease on life, or at least a stubborn determination to live, in spite of monsters’ most likely fate after their abandonment—the influence of the echo flower root has made a lot of his favorite creature-comfort-type experiences (eating, sleeping, savoring warmth) more difficult to enjoy, but he refuses to let that stop him

A slight mean-streak, fond of creeping up on people, unnerving them, enjoying a bit of schadenfreude now and then… but at the same time very defensive of anyone he considers part of his in-group (monsters only for now)

Mostly drifts around his usual haunts, Grillby’s, his place, his sentry station—even though the Guard isn’t a thing and he’s not technically a sentry anymore. He still likes to keep an eye-socket out, and if a human manages to slip out of the Ruins without being caught, or if they come in the back way, he’d really like to be there to give them a good scare, and remind them that he’s watching

A little chilly, a bit avoidant, and with a tendency to push peoples’ buttons to see what they do (…well, he’s always done that one), he’s not the easiest person to get along with but… Well, there is no ‘but,’ that’s the end of the sentence.

Bram (Descendtale Papyrus)

Very, very, very eager to make new friends—yes, even human ones! He befriended the last one, but…maybe he didn’t do it right, because…they left…and never came back…and if his brother is to be believed, they may have also murdered a few monsters before that… That’s probably not his fault. But he can do better! He can be a great friend! The best friend, he just needs another chance!

In the process of reinventing himself, just a bit. With the Royal Guard disbanded, that dream is dead, but the Great Papyrus doesn’t need a dream to be great! He’s working on himself right now, trying new hobbies, exploring new styles, reaching out…reaching out a lot, it’s…it’s very hard to get a call back these days, with everything going on…

Some difficulty with emotional regulation, he can go from feeling not much of anything at all, to feeling one emotion very strongly, which can lead to embarrassing outbursts from time to time. He's managing it, or trying to!

Still patrols around Snowdin regularly, even though he’s not a sentry anymore. He likes to see everyone—all the new and old faces—and it wouldn’t do to leave all his traps and puzzles to fall into disrepair, not when he has so many ideas for how to make them more difficult, challenging enough that even the craftiest human might really need to think on

A little bit scattered, a pinch forgetful, and somewhat prone to saying vaguely unsettling things without realizing they are unsettling (…well, he’s always done that one), but mostly he’s harmless! Just seeking a bit of earnest connection and people to have in his life that won’t leave

[mistermuscles]

My analysis of the first dish of Dungeon Meshi! (more so the monsters used)

The first food really consumed by the party is a standard hotpot, a mix of veggies, meat and noodles. The veggies aren't very note worthy but when it comes down to the monsters used in this dish that's where it gets interesting.

The Huge Scorpion

The huge scorpion really doesn't differ much from a regular scorpion from an outside perspective. It tends to hide in small spaces, uses it's claws to stabilize it's prey before stinging it's prey with it's tail harboring venom for hunting purposes or as a self defense mechanism, and I'd like to interpret it as a monster that prefers dry spaces (makes me wonder if they previously inhabited the 6th floor of the dungeon.) however it does seem to start differing when being treated as food. Marcille is the first to point out Laios kills it "like a crayfish." which could be a translation thing however when Senshi begins to prepare it as you would a crustacean, more specifically a decapod and even more specifically a lobster of sorts this comment begins to make more sense. During the cooking process the huge scorpion seems to shift to a red hue which indicates it's shell contains astaxanthin. astaxanthin is a chemical that's responsible for some animal's and plant's natural coloration. This fact would imply that, similar to a lobster, the huge scorpion also harbors the same proteins that create yellow and blue hues that fall apart in high heats and leaves the astaxanthin (which remains stable in heat) to get it's coloration when cooked. Unlike regular scorpions, huge scorpions seem to be much more akin to ocean crustaceans. sidenote: it seems that it's venom is likely not lethal to humans if it's edible. I assume it only mildly irritates the skin and perhaps causes sickness for a day or two but nothing incredibly serious.

Slime

Slime's are more on the fantastical side of anatomy and behavior, though if I had to compare it to anything anatomy AND preparation wise I'd say that slimes are akin to to jellyfish. When Senshi prepares the slime he begins by scrubbing it down with citrus juice (I assume salt will also work in this case), this is a process commonly used with salt on oceanic animals like octopus that have a mucus coating to break down and thin the mucus to wash away all the grime that may be stuck to the creature, in this case Senshi is removing the bile on the slime. Then, just like a jellyfish, the slime is dehydrated then rehydrated when ready to be eaten. Pretty cool right?

In Conclusion!

I assume this dish would taste very similar to a Seafood hot pot. The scorpion's taste close to something sweet, umami, and buttery with texture that is springy and firm like a lobster paired with the Slime that doesn't add flavor but instead absorbs the broth's, however with what is lacking in flavor makes up for with it's springy, yet crunchy texture like that of a jellyfish, plus I'm sure you can assume the taste of common vegetables used that also absorb and add flavor to the simmering broth.

Hey thanks for reading, these are my thoughts as someone who's only watched the anime so far! Feel free to add onto or correct anything you'd like! I love talking about monsters!

[ratsoh-writes]

I don't know why, but I immediately thought of a rock-type animal for the mantletale/underpressure monsters. Something that could be well adapted to living far underground (maybe similar to the talking rock that Frisk meets in the Ruins? Or any of the rock type pokemon like Geodude or Onix?)

Ooh, and what about a subterranean crab with crystals growing from its shell?

Ooh ooh! What about something called a Paper Bat - a bat-like flying mammal with colourless paper-thin skin that you can see some of its organs through from living deep underground it's whole life?

Just some ideas 😅

Whehehehe wonderful ideas! Let’s make a post out of them!

Some animals:

Iron snakes: an animal native to undermantle (the core monsters). This magical snake is as hard as iron to the touch and can withstand temperatures that can melt metal! It’s a medoum sized animal, growing to be about 4 feet long maximum and will survive off of smaller animals and raw metal. They were cultivated before the crash for meat and eggs and were a huge help in keeping the core population alive in the beginning.

Lava dancers: a spider like bug with a large bulbous abdomen and sixteen incredibly long legs. This bug “dances” across the lava pools, the tips of its legs able to float above without sinking. It weaves webs high in the solid rock above and will eat stone, fish, and it’s own kind to survive. It’s edible, but tastes like charcoal. A flavor that only the core and stone monsters seem to like. So outside of hotland it’s not sold.

Magma eels: technically not an eel, but just a really long fish. It does have front fins. They’re much too small to be of use in the water but are brightly colored and used to attract mates instead. Magma eels live in the lava of course and survive primarily off of black lichen, charcoal moss and other naturally occurring plants in the earths core. They are deliciously spicy and considered the highest delicacy to the core and stone monsters alike.

Paperksin bat: native to the underpressure au (stone monsters), this bat has a transparent thin skin from the lack of sunlight. It eats primarily fruit and sometimes cavern bugs. It has a fatty meat that anyone who tastes will claim tastes just like chicken. It’s the most farmed animal by the stone monsters with domestic breeds being much larger than their wild counterparts

Boulder roller: a cavern beetle, this massive bug can be the size of a school bus when fully grown. It’s a magical animal that only eats stone, feasting on cavern walls to make its tunnels. The meat of the beetle is incredibly tough and needs to be stewed for days to be edible, but it’s true utility lies in its docile nature. They’re easy to train and are used as work animals to clear and create roads in the underground.

Blinky: a one eyed cavern fish found all around ebotts underground’s these days. It’s an ugly thing, white scales, an open mouth full of teeth and one bloodshot milky eye taking up most of its face. The fish will eat just about anything and is used as a type of waste removal in many areas of waterfall, but is an invasive species outside of captivity. Wild blinky are incredibly toxic, but farmed blinky fed by animal feed can be cooked and provide a cheap protein.

And some plants!:

Black lichen: the bread butter and milk and water of the core monsters. Black lichen is a dense obsidian black moss that grows inside and along the edges of the lava pools. This plant is single handedly the main reason all the core monsters didn’t die of starvation and dehydration after being trapped behind the barrier. The magic moss takes in nutrients from the lava and stone and transforms it into a nutritious juice inside its body. It’s the only natural way of getting water underground. It’s incredibly moist and juicy and has a fresh cucumber like flavor. It can also be ground and used as a dairy substitute or pickled and turned into a type of cheese.

Charcoal moss: the cousin of black lichen, this moss is spikier and a bit lighter in color than the above. It doesn’t have the water content of black lichen but is high in flavor and protein! It has a sort of zuchinni and tomato flavor to it and is often made into pasta

Milkshrooms: once called calfi, they hit rebranded in mellowmart when they hit the shelves. These mushrooms native to the stone monsters are a milky white and grow in massive clusters very low to the ground. They taste rich and creamy and are very fatty. They’re absolutely delicious in soups, pies, stir fries, anything that needs a filler really. They’re very calorie dense though and are not a good choice for those trying to loose weight

Baleberries: a berry that grows on cavern vines. It is a midnight blue and will slowly sap the magic from whatever it’s rooted onto making it a highly controlled plant. One has to sign quite a bit of paperwork to take a clipping out of the few farms it is kept in. It was the plant used to break the first barrier between the core and stone monsters. The berries themselves are safe to eat and are extremely magic dense. They’re a main component in some of the more potent healing medicine and potions of ebott

False stalactite: this magical tuber camouflages itself as a cavern stalactite to hide from would be predators. It feels like rock on first touch, but a swift punch and one will realize the inside is actually a delicious pulpy flesh. The tuber is a bit grainy and has a meaty savory flavor. It smells faintly of pumpkin. It’s farmed heavily in all of the underground. Often the stalactites above the underground’s train tracks are actually false stalactite farms. If you see lighting and fencing on the ceiling, you’ll know.

[minimag1c]

Radioapple trick or treat October 2024 have started!!

Hold up it's gonna go downhill from now on-

A cottage in the forest

Day 1 -----> ᵛᵃᵐᵖⁱʳᵉ/ᵉˡᵈʳⁱᵗᶜʰ

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 ✏ 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡

A weird human like alternative universe with monsters because why not. I do apologize in advance for Radioapple itself will not be in its forte in this one-shot, only implied and vaguely shown at the end of the small story. Plus, the end was rushed as always

Also Fem! Lucifer hehehe

Tw: Non consentual touching, attempted sexual assault and graphic description of mangled bodies.

Don't get deceived by the tags and the tw, Thomas really deserved his fate

•• <<────≪•◦⚜◦•≫────>> ••

There was always something unsettling about the couple who lived near the forest.

Of course the mass of trees that surrounded the small town, filled with myths and stories that were told to the youngest as to make sure they don't go far away, was already a perturbant wonder on its own.

Everything about it was just too much. Too dense, too dark, too big for a normal, simple forest with edible mushrooms and gentle fairies or bunnies.

No there were carcasses and putrid smell lingering just barely reaching the deeper part, some even said that the bones they have found during daylight when some villagers and such would stroll on by were from humans or hybrids, not daring themselves to pronounce the other therm that designed those beyond human imagination and average mind.

Those damned eldrichs.

Constantly roaming in the darkness and jump on their next prey when you least expected it, whispers filling the air before a gruesome scream tore the flying birds, rivers of crimson color flowing down to the city's surroundings each year. Hybrids were innocent, docile does compared to those demons on earth, even leaving their marks craved on the bloodied floor or worse, on their victims' body.

In short, the forest was definitely not the place for any sensitive souls and delicate nature, even the pattern of the darker leaves formed a upside down pentagram, just the perfect cherry on top, creating the panoply of a possessed mother nature.

But those stranger encounters soon somehow stopped abruptly, when the Morningstar/Hartfelt family settled in years ago.

They had a modest, red hut though with small golden accents that was built almost in the heart of the forest, near a recently discovered ruined grove that was dedicated to an unknown moth goddess. They were only four, two parents and two daughters, one being a toddler and soon child. They didn't had an actual "permanent" family name, either switching between a royalty like, "Morningstar" or less ominous and more ok ground, "Hartfelt" but it really depended on each family member's perspective and opinion.

But what statues or bloodline their decided to wear was not the weirdest thing, the rest was.

The father of the children was a hunter and at the same time a quite well known figure in the town. He was the one who delivered the news via papers or orally, alongside with a few colleagues, especially with a tall dark skinned fellow named Zorzi and his partners Carmen and Percival. Constantly flashing a smile almost if it wasn't every day, always dressed nicely and his cane in his hand. Women really loved him, saying that he was "such a charming gentleman" and it was obvious some of them would have wished he was so repulsive when it came to touches.

"Oh to be his wife so badly so he would be so much less cold!" Lamented one of the maidens that sat near Primrose's emporium, after going to the said shop. The older woman who accompanied the young lady raised an eyebrow at her as she scoffed.

"The newspaper man with his horrendous hair?? Beatrice you really got yourself low with this one!"

"Susanna!" Beatrice argued back, slightly offended as the old lady shrugged at her response.

The two kept prattling with each other, occasionally laughing out loud as the shopkeeper looked at the two gossiping through her window, smiling slightly at the exchange while two other young ladies sat at her table, conversating as well.

A pretty girl with long blonde hair firmly tied into a braid sat in front of a way younger and shorter pucelle with bright red hair just like her father and heterochromic eyes. They were a few papers filled with drawings and/or words from all shapes and sizes. The oldest was constantly sitting and getting up, monitoring her sister with writing a few words that were specifically hard for the red haired one to write and grasp the concept. But that was okay, Nadia was a fast learner and her older sister would always cheer up everytime she successfully accomplished a task.

"—Aaaand that's how you do the H in capital! Yes just like that! Good job Nif!" Charlie chipped in, slightly nuzzling on Nadia who giggled wholeheartedly, bringing her sister close with her small chubby hands into an embrace.

Primrose looked at the adorable sight in front of her as she lightly laughed with them, taking a seat alongside with the girls, titling her head to the side.

"Well, it seems that our little miss is learning quickly" The oldest woman chipped in as Charlie looked at her before looking back at Nadia, now deeply focused on writing the letter Q. The older sister smiled as she nodded along.

"She really is getting an hold on writing indeed. She even started to read a bit! Although, the word "nifty" is now her favorite and keep writing that-" Charlie, chuckling awkwardly as Primrose's smile softened before looking outside, seeing that the sun was already going down to its crepusculum.

At that, the shopkeeper frowned slightly. Charlie seemed to noticed that her mood have changed but before the blonde maiden could speak up, Primrose was ahead.

"I think you two should go now. It's getting late faster this winter and who knows what demented or psychopathic people are out there, especially after those rumors who died down about creatures roaming around your home."

Primrose deliberately didn't had to speak about the horrors that townspeople used to see before Charlie's and Nadia's family settled in, knowing the two girls wouldn't be scared because of that.

Speaking of, the blonde girl nodded approvingly while gathering Nadia's supplies and the papers filled with colors, much to the concerned one's disappointment to go back at home so soon.

"Yes I think we need to go now, I really don't want ma' to worry too much, especially for Nadia." Charlie said, helping Nadia to get off her chair as she held her hand, the toddler already showing a small pouting expression on her face. Primrose got up and ruffled Nadia's hair as she booped her small nose, earning a laugh from the nifty little girl before looking at Charlie, slightly concerned.

"Are you two going to be okay? I know you can handle yourself but apparently there has been a perverted man who would harass and follow girls at their houses and God knows what he does after." Primrose said, shaking her head.

Charlie cringed a bit at the fact. Of course, despite living in the forest, Charlie was mainly going to the small town, sometimes without or with Nadia holding her hand or on her shoulders, thus, after almost knowing everyone and the place in general, she knew about those frequent harassment that occurred during these last few weeks. She mainly thought about her friend Celia who have confirmed a hooded figure followed her to her home and if it wasn't for her friend Antoine, who hid her in his own house and almost confronted the mysterious person that soon disappeared, Celia wouldn't have been able to even tell her story.

"That's exactly why we are going early than usual. Plus, our father, at this hour, is still probably." She made a small pause before continuing, smiling brightly at Primrose, trying to comfort her in a way. "But don't worry, Ma'am! I know a few shortcuts who doesn't necessarily goes through the city! It's rusty enough for other people with enough knowledge of the forest to pass in there." the blonde young woman reassured.

At first, Primrose was a tad récitent, knowing that this kind of lunatic individual would still find a way to find any ladies in order to get his filthy hands on and God knows what he was capable of.

After all, it was no mystery.

Everyone knows that when a girl was crying, holding her torn up clothes in the street barely in the morning, saying she couldn't take it off.

Primrose shivered slightly, not wanting to visualize Charlie or worse Nadia in that situation.

Shallowing her concerns and doubts, she smiled back at her protege, her eyes still glimmering with a hint of protectiveness.

"Be careful duckling"

Charlie only nodded.

•• <<────≪•◦⚜◦•≫────>> ••

Nyx was not fully awake and at her fully extend but the sky was already getting somewhat a void hue as Charlie instinctively held Nadia's hand a bit tighter. The small crimson haired child too sensed that the atmosphere was drastically different from a few hours ago before the two walked back home.

"Charlie 's dak-" she managed to say as the older girl looked at her fondly, mirroring her slight discomfort.

"I know I know Nif." the blonde maiden could only say, accelerating her pace.

Ever since she was a barely standing roe buck, Charlie walked down those paths alongside either with his pa and his pistol or her mother, holding a basket while hiding her face with a thin red veil as not be disturbed during her daily stroll.

The two kinds of walk she would had were pretty much different from the other: with her father, it was mainly to help her grow a bit her goat esque attributes and abilities, oftentimes during the hunting season letting her do the killing. With hindsight, as much as she wasn't as frivolous as her papa when blood would be leaking through her teeth or claws, she was glad that it helped her a bit to control her own powers a bit and the last thing she wanted , especially when her little sister was born, was being a nuisance for her parents because she didn't had a grip on her powers.

Her mother was the opposite while still being on this line of her being an hybrid.

Usually, during her childhood and adolescence's premises, Charlie would accompany her ma whenever she went to the town or go in the forest in search for apples or strawberries and would let her goat or roe form appear when they would be alone as she would occasionally play in ponds, chases after butterflies while her mother would monitor just in case if anything would harm her and if not, will be minding her own business and do her self-imposed chores. Her way of teaching was definitely less about gruesome techniques or reactions that lead to pulling out claws just in case but it was nonetheless making sure Charlie had some bases in self-defense thus she wouldn't act like a feral wild animal nor a frail, defenseless human.

But either way, no matter what was the education of the other or their own opinions on the do and don't, Charlie would still be the ray of sunshine kind of child and soon to be teenager, a bleeding heart of gold, pouring its kindness endlessly at everyone that she deemed in the need of help, even if it was a vile person. More than once, her parents, especially her pa and in some severe cases her ma, would warn about this behavior that, albeit very honorable, could lead her to a worse situation that would spiral into an irreversible act of horror...

A sudden snap of twig tore Charlie From her thoughts.

Nadia also seemed to heard it as the small girl immediately tensed up, her eyes wide as plate. Charlie's tail lashed out from her dress as it instinctively wrap itself around Nadia who welcomed the gesture, getting closer to her sister.

"Who goes there?!" Charlie shouted out loud pretty much in the void, her eyes unfortunately unable to discern in the dark like her uncle Hery could do and that realization only made her heartbeat go a bit faster.

Soon the sound grew louder, now footsteps could be hear all around the two maidens. Charlie's horns flared up, her now sharp teeth barring at whoever or whatever it was.

"-lp me! Help me!"

Charlie froze and Nadia looked at her sister, not understanding what was happening but knowing that whoever it was, they were in sure danger.

Then, after a while, a battered man came out from the bushes, holding his side for deal life and eyebags ornering his crazed face.

Charlie would have thought it was a living dead if she ever saw one.

The man's gaze was lost and disoriented just like him, his eyes darting around in alarm before he laid his eyes on two.

The duo of siblings immediately felt uncomfortable.

"P-please- ma'am-" he coughed up then wheezed because of his dried up throat as he staggered towards her, his face showing despair. "H-Help me I-i'm dying- p-please-" He stammered in haste.

Charlie took a step back as Nadia couldn't help but let out a whimper of fear at the grotesque character in front of her. The older was less vocal about her discomfort but nonetheless, despite feeling dreadful at his sudden

He was in such horrible shape! The way he was stumbling like an alcoholic, his almost completely maimed body was so disfigured and dislocated in every corners that it was still a miracle he could stand and walk slightly, let alone the fact that he was alive.

Charlie, like the overly helpful and people pleaser she was, was about to let her impulsive acts take the better of her logical thoughts but then remembered it was almost the middle of the night, the only source of any human interactions aside Nadia was him, who appeared out of nowhere and if it wasn't for the smell, Charlie would have thought he was drunk out of his mind.

"It's definitely not safe to help someone at this house, as much as they are in the need-"

"What happened to you-?" The blonde asked loud, her voice uncharacteristically calm despite the circumstances as she consciously held Nadia to her side, the smaller gladly receiving the protective gesture as she wrapped her tiny arms as far as she could around her sister's waist.

The man kept looking around, as if he was searching in the mirksome night anything, paranoia and anxiety engraved on his face, like a wounded wild animal, his legs going shakier through the moments, his hand reaching out.

"I got attacked-!" He almost screeched yet he continuously walked towards them.

He then started to smile. A crazed, hysterical and almost ecstatic one that made Charlie shivers down her spine.

Okay this was very fishy.

Luckily, the blonde's logical and survival instincts took ahead as she frowned at him. "Sorry sir but-" she started but then the mad lad continued, insisting.

"I need help I'm begging you-! Such a beautiful lady like you should understand it-" he suddenly said out of nowhere and Charlie swore a extremely unwanted feeling of want went past through his eyes.

Lust.

In that moment, the blonde only saw one solution: that man was a creep and she needed to be gone as soon as possible.

If it wasn't for Nadia who let out a snarky threatening sound out of her mouth, Charlie would still have been frozen on the spot as she protectively shielded the smaller one, her pupils turning into those one that goats or baphomet creature would have.

The flash of power that betrayed Charlie's true nature took the man aback a bit but that only lasted for even less than one millisecond as his deranged expression came back, while at the same time his walk was choppier but nonetheless more determined, his filthy hands instinctively grabbing Charlie's arms quite roughly.

Charlie's blood ran cold.

Now that was the action that was just too much, ESPECIALLY when he started to whisper albeit loudly, with a disgusting glee sprinkling his words.

"Your arm is so soft."

At that, the blonde growled at him as her eldritch form flared up. Nadia looked up at her sister, sensing her own distraught as she frowned furthermore. The man, as clueless and bold he was, froze up when his brain aknowledged the realization that the innocent, vulnerable maiden that stood in front of him, all alone with her younger sister, was just a façade to guard and hide the monstrosity that plagued this feminine appearance.

But this new information didn't alternated his already perverted mind and his logical senses, unfortunately, unlike Charlie, weren't that sharp.

He soon found himself to smiled again and, if it wasn't for her somewhat still calm and collected mind that defied her raging heart, Charlie swore she would have ripped this smug and disgustingly enamoured expression off his mutilated face.

That guy was just asking, pleading almost on his knees to help her and the next moment after, he tried to gallivant despite standing one nothing but broken bones and blood. He was so fucking pathetic.

He took a big, tentative and daring step but Charlie couldn't move an inch, no matter how Nadia was trembling next to her with her eldritch form getting dangerously oblivious, threatening everyone around friends or foes and her gaze getting redder by the minutes.

"Get the fuck away from us." She managed to snarl out, her now visible tail swishing in strain and uncomfort.

He didn't wavered. Instead, he laughed out simply as if she was being stupid or dense, still stumbling like an alcoholic and yet desperately tried to reach her out again, envy written and coated on his all over being.

"Ma'am don't be so harsh it's true I need help, especially if such an exquisite female like you, perfect to be a future mate."

Charlie was already boiling on her spot, ready to spread bloodshed if needed and was about to let her feral instincts take over.

Until her goat ear flicked up at a barely audible sound.

However, despite falling on deaf ears from normal mortal ones, both Nadia and the creep reacted at the sudden shift of atmosphere who got heavier and unsteady yet fierce, like a kettle on a stove, about to burst out from its fury.

Their reactions were different and nuanced though. The predator was frozen like a deer in headlights and went back to his fearful, avoidant expression like when Charlie have found him first but Nadia was more in awe, her big doe eyes wide as plates and her small mouth agape as she looked around above her head, still in Charlie's protective embrace.

Soon, footsteps could be heard, as if something was running and a faint sound of white noise filled the air.

Charlie instantly recognized the pattern and, as if on time, her and her sister were soon wrapped in a thick but warm black mist with familiar voodoo symbols and runes surrounded the girls. The red haired one loosened up her grip on the elder but instead, she grew heavier as her eyelids started to flutter softly, leaning her petite corpulence to Charlie who yawned softly, feeling a sudden wave of sleepiness and sloth empowering and taking a hold of her energy. It would have been alarming for anyone sensed enough but the blonde knew her father, despite his never ending thirst for blood, was a caring and easily worried parent, getting even more cautious after Nadia's birth and Charlie already knew what was this weird feeling she was having alongside with her sibling, a spell to insomnia or just wanting to sleep in general and, knowing the context of what happened, it was better to put both her and Nadia in Morphée's arms.

The screams of agony and terror as well as the sounds of bones crushing and flesh ripping seemed like a lullaby.

•• <<────≪•◦⚜◦•≫────>> ••

"How was your day with Aunty Primrose duckling?" Lucille cooed in her usual soft voice on an evening of autumn, holding Nadia's small hand as she happily jumped around while walking, occasionally stomping on a big puddle if she ever saw one after a rainy day while her mother held her frilly red dress as to not dirty it. Nadia giggled lightly.

"I learned so many words today! She teach me write a few sentences! Look!" She said in a broken lexicon, brandishing out in triumph from her pocket a crumbled, folded paper with a sophisticated and clean handwriting next to a childish, messy one as Nadia grinned widely.

Lucille smiled fondly at her daughter, her heart warming at the sight while the two continued to walk towards their home, with Lucille making sure this time, no one is around to see where the two are going.

Charlie, today, wanted to make a sleepover with her friends Celia and Agatha since, like the teenagers they were, they wanted to discuss the topic about how Antoine had a crush on the bartender Henry and it was a whole operation apparently according to Lucille's oldest daughter.

It was odd but hey, the lady was not in the place to judge. She was young too and her many siblings would occasionally gossip about their mother's interactions with others and even their aunt Romania would join in, spicing their naïve retelling with juicy details.

She couldn't help but laugh a bit at the memory.

"Do you think papa will make dinner tonight?" Nadia suddenly asked, looking at the ground in search for bugs to collect. Lucille shrugged.

"Your father is a very busy man duckling but, I'm pretty sure he'll cook his famous gumbo just for our little sweetheart" Lucille said, pinching a bit Nadia's cheek with a wide smile. At first, the small girl whined in complain because she wasn't used to this touch but then her eyes lit up as she jumped frantically.

"Yay! Gumbo!" She cheered as Lucille laughed at her antics while she swinged her lightly, making the other laugh as they almost arrived at home.

The two needed to get Nadia's thoughts away a bit ever since the incident with that vile person. Luckily she didn't seemed that affected and Lucifer and Alastor were glad. Plus, Charlie too seemed to move on and live her own life again, albeit she didn't wanted to talk about it to the others but that's okay, it was her choice and as long as she was fine, Lucille was okay too.

For now, her only task was to clean up properly their new rug with the insignia graved on it "Thomas".

Humans were just that dirty after all, especially their skin and personality.

•• <<────≪•◦⚜◦•≫────>> ••

As you could tell, I gave up in the end lol anyway happy radioapple Halloween week I hope I'll be able to finish 6 other days at least wish me luck 🫡

[25/10/2024]

(3846 words)

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Wattpad version

Archive of our own version

[blackgoldaster]

Goopy Gaster Positivity

A personal pet peeve of mine is the lack of goopy gasters that stay goopy after being saved.

Just imagine:

Gaster gets saved from the void, but ends up looking exactly like a goopy mysteryman.

Sans and Alphys try to undo his goopiness, but after lots of testing, come to the conclusion that there's nothing that can be done, and he’s forced to stay in that form.

Gaster is devastated, and ends up feeling really self-conscious about his goopy body.

Sans however, doesn’t mind at all, and ends up trying to cheer Gaster up, and even ends up snuggling in Gaster’s goop once he feels comfortable enough. This ends with Gaster discovering that his goop can be positive after all.

Papyrus sort of minds, but doesn’t let his personal squicks get in the way of a monster that’s clearly in need and needs cheering up (plus he relates with the self-consciousness). Papyrus ends up giving Gaster advice on how to be almost as cool as himself while still being goopy, which Gaster very much appreciates.

Alphys feels like a failure and feels responsible for Gaster’s goopy state, so it’s Gaster that tries to insist it’s not her fault and that it’s his fault, and after a while, come to the conclusion that blaming themselves leads to nowhere, and end up bonding over their shared ‘failures’. She also introduces Gaster to her comfort anime, which Gaster becomes a fan of.

Gaster ends up befriending the Amalgamates, who teach him cool tricks you can do when goopy, such as summoning tentacles or shapeshifting. Gaster ends up being really fascinated by these tricks, and eventually, feels comfortable enough to freely shapeshift while also being happy with his natural goopy state.

Several slime monsters end up treating Gaster like he’s perfectly normal, which boosts Gaster’s self-esteem. He ends up hanging out with them and gets taught about slime culture, which Gaster ends up gaining an interest in.

Undyne thinks Gaster's body is really cool and insists on wrestling it. They end up sparring together, with Undyne trying (and failing) to get a grip on Gaster’s goopy tentacled body and end up having a really fun time. Besides that, Undyne also insists on teaching Gaster how to cook, so Gaster and Undyne end up performing what are essentially explosive chemical experiments using both edible and inedible substances.

Mettaton very much understands what Gaster is going through, and ends up insisting that Alphys creates a robot body for Gaster, which Gaster explains doesn’t actually work that way, and that he’s stuck in this form. So Mettaton does his very best to make Gaster feel fabulous anyway, teaching him some fabulous dance moves, which thanks to Gaster’s shapeshifting, ends up being pretty good at.

The first thing Asgore does is hug Gaster, ‘cause his returned memories made him realise how much he missed him, not minding the goop at all. They end up having tea together and end up venting about their sorrows, but also cheering each other up.

Toriel senses that Gaster is hurt and ends up baking snail pie for him, which as it turns out, Gaster very much likes. Toriel ends up teaching Gaster how to properly cook so that Gaster can actually make something edible for himself as well.

Sans takes Gaster to Grillby’s bar and ends up meeting Grillby. It’s unclear whether they first met before Gaster’s fall or after, either way, they end up befriending each other nicely, bonding over sign language and people not understanding them, as well as their pasts. It becomes a regular occurance of Sans and Gaster visiting Grillby’s bar to talk and sign with each other.

On the surface, Gaster gets a lot of stares from people, mostly humans. It takes a long time for Gaster to be comfortable going outside alone as well as to not care about people’s stares. Once he does however, he ends up finding the surface really interesting and learns a lot about the many sciences the surface has to offer.

If someone were to ever be mean to Gaster, he has an entire support friend group as well as a bunch of amalgamates and slime monsters who all come to defend and comfort him. This makes Gaster realise that he can in fact be happy while still being Goopy.

[hobgoblinart]

What is the hunger/thrist handled in pathfinder 2e

It's not really a big aspect of the game since pathfinder focuses more on being epic fantasy instead of gritty dungeon crawler. In the initial kit you buy when you start the game there's already food for 2 weeks and water, so most people just ignore it. (There are also spells that create food/water and races that don't even need to eat - like leshys who are little plant guys that just need to stay under the sun for some time)

In dire circumstances, these are the rules:

Typically characters eat and drink enough to survive comfortably. When they can’t, they’re fatigued until they do. After a number of days without water equal to a creature’s Constitution modifier + 1, the creature takes 1d4 damage each hour that can’t be healed until it quenches its thirst. After the same amount of time without food, it takes 1 damage each day that can’t be healed until it eats.

Fatigued is a condition that gives you -1 to AC and saving throws. You also can't use exploration activities (like avoid being noticed while traveling, or scouting for enemies).

I will assume this question was because of the dungeon meshi posts. If this is the case I will talk a bit more about cooking stuff below. If this is not the case, you can stop here if you want.

There are rules to cook/eat but they focus on getting better stuff to eat and get in better shape than normal while exploring instead of simply avoiding hunger.

Campside meals

When you set up a camp for you and your group you get the opportunity to make some food for everyone instead of just eating your rations.

You can find the rules to set up a camp here:

When you make food you can make a basic meal or a special meal. In both cases you roll a check (either survival or cooking lore - cooking lore always has a lower DC)

No matter the choice, in a failure you simply make something edible, but not special and everybody eat as normal.

Basic meal

On a success everyone gets a bonus to their saving throws until you finish camping (which can help if a monster attacks the group).

On a critical success (pass the DC by 10+) characters also recover double the hp they would normally get by sleeping on top of the save

On a critical failure (fail by 10+) everyone gets a tummy ache and are sickened 1 (-1 to everything and can't voluntarily ingest things, like potions) until they pass the day.

Special Meal

There's a lot of special meals and they go from fish on a stick (that makes you able to be awake for more time without becoming fatigued) to black linnorm stew that grants a big permanent bonus against poisons and curses and, if cooked really well, the next time you are damaged you get fast healing 10 (automatically recover 10 hp every turn) for 1 minute.

Every special meal consumes basic ingredients and higher level meals often require special ingredients (like the meat of a black linnorm to make the black linnorm stew). You also need to know the recipe of that special meal, but if you don't know the recipe you can experiment with the ingredients until you manage to learn it by yourself (instead of needing to find someone who knows the recipe)

[edit] Ah, I forgot, you can also select one of the special meals as your "favorite meal". When you eat your favorite meal you get an extra bonus on top of the normal ones

[ask-sibverse]

Introducing Floralverse!

Honestly I had a lot of fun making this verse for sibverse

The basics is- all humans and monsters have flowers growing out of their bodies as a sort of manifestation of the SOUL (kinda like winged verse stuff)

Floralverse is a locked verse, meaning in this case only AUs that have some form of floral theme can appear in this verse. (From going through AO3 and here the main AUs are flowertale, flowerfell, and hanahaki type fics that would be fit those constraints. All of which haven't really been popular in *years* so you can imagine how small and dying this verse is. Causes immense stress on Camellia, the floral!Ink. I've created several of my own AUs just to pad this verse like seriously.)

While initially just a verse locked to floral themed AUs, the soulflowers came as a side effect of Daisy (Dream) and Belladonna (Nightmare)'s fight

(These two will be referred to as the Apple Blossom/Blossom twins for future reference)

In floralverse, Nym's tree instead of eternally producing apples it is in eternal spring (look up edible flowers please its a thing) and the two guardians were created with flowers growing from them- daisies for Dream and atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade). Playing more on the nature spirit aspect, both have actual plant/floral magic however their flowers sprout around whatever they grow with their magic.

This gave the villagers even more a reason to hate Nightmare, as his magic is "dangerous" for always creating poisonous plants. Even going so far as to insist his very being and magic is a poison. (Side note, deadly nightshade is only poisonous if injested, and smaller doses can actually be a folk medicine headache treatment)

Belladonna is one of two main amplification types of Nightmare in sibverse. When the Apple Incident happened instead of murdering all the villagers himself, his flowers latched onto the villagers and amplified their murderous intent into a frenzy, causing them to kill each other violently. Nightmare felt that he could reveal just how truly bad and dark everyone really was and began to do that.

His flowers, now also corrupted, was used to infect people. Their negative emotions were heightened to an intense state, although not always violently. Anxiety, depression, grief, there are far more negative emotions that can be amplified and increased

When Dream came out of stone he had a lot of work to do. If you look at the "common" AUs for their verse, those center around death and angry heavily. Its a pretty negative verse by default. On top of Nightmare twisting everyone further.

While the Dream of the other verse with an amplification type Nightmare has a "purification" ability to counteract, Daisy wasn't so lucky. So his solution was to counteract the amplified negativity is to blast the effected individuals with high levels of positive magic to hopefully bring them back to a more "balanced" state.

While this did work, there were two side effects. One was that people essentially had a complete mental break for a bit while being overloaded with positivity and negativity at the same time. The other was that effected individuals sprouted flowers that represented their SOUL.

Over time this fight engulfed almost the entire multiverse at the time, and the risidual magic from this leeched into the multiverse itself, effecting all AUs existing and any new AUs formed afterwards to have flowers growing from all monsters and humans.

(I have. So. So much more worked out for this so please, please ask me about this!)

[thelollyshop]

Top Tips for Creating Lolly Bags That Guests Will Love

Lolly bags might seem like a small party detail, but they’re the cherry on top of any significant event. Whether you’re organising a child’s birthday, a wedding, or a corporate celebration, lolly bags are a great way to thank guests and leave a lasting impression. But how do you create lolly bags that people really love? From understanding your guests' preferences to getting creative with presentation, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make memorable party favour bags (or "loot bags," as some call them) that'll be an absolute hit.

Understanding Your Guests

The secret to wowing your guests lies in creating lolly bags tailored to them. Here's how to start. Consider the Age Group For kids Stick to the classics—chocolates, gummies, and colourful lolly pops. For teens Go for trendy treats like sour lollies, mini chocolates, or even snacks like flavoured popcorn. For adults Opt for a more refined selection, such as gourmet chocolates, mints, or boutique sweets. That said, most adults love a bit of retro, especially when it comes to lollies. Account for Allergies or Dietary Restrictions Check if your guests have any food allergies or dietary preferences. Gluten-free lollies (like sour mixes and jelly beans) or vegan treats ensure everyone can enjoy their loot bag guilt-free. Our Lolly Shop offers great gluten-free lollies and also vegan options for bulk purchases. Want to know more about gluten-free lollies? Read our article about gluten-free lollies for kids.

Mixing Sweet and Savoury Treats In Your Party Bags

Balance is key when creating a memorable party bag. Rather than going all-in on sweets, mix it up with some savoury treats for variety. Sweet Options Chocolates: Freckles, mini chocolate bars, or chocolate-coated nuts. Gummies: Jelly snakes, cola bottles, or fruit jellies – always crowd-pleasers. Hard Candies: Think mints, rock candy, or lollipops for a nostalgic twist. Savoury Options Pretzels: Mini bags of salted pretzels add a satisfying crunch. Snacks: Flavoured popcorn, mini crackers, or even nuts can provide a great contrast to the sweets. This mix caters to different taste buds and adds a touch of surprise to your party favour bags.

Create a Theme For Your Party Favours

Creating a theme can take your loot bags from generic to unforgettable. If your event has a theme then you need to work around that, but there's no reason you can't create a mini theme around your party bags. Not only will it tie everything together nicely, but will make it far easier (and fun) to plan. Lolly Bag Theme Ideas For Kids Pirate Adventure Include chocolate gold coins, a mini eye patch, and gummy sharks. Unicorn Magic Fill with pastel-coloured candies, sparkly stickers, and a small unicorn figurine. Outer Space Add star-shaped lollies, glow-in-the-dark stickers, and mini figurines such as astronauts, space monsters or aliens. Jungle Safari Pack animal-shaped gummies, leaf-patterned pencils, and small toy animals. Under the Sea Use fish-shaped candies, seashell charms, and bubbles. Superheroes Offer candies in superhero colours, masks, and mini comic books. Princess Party Add frosted lollies, tiaras, and glittery bracelets. Fairytale Forest Include mushroom-shaped candies, flower stickers, and tiny fairy figurines. Spooky Fun Fill with mini chocolate bats, glow stick bracelets, and ghost-shaped gummies. Sports Lovers Pack soccer ball-shaped chocolates, sweatbands, and mini whistles. Add a Handwritten Note Adding a heartfelt, handwritten thank-you note goes a long way. It shows your appreciation and adds a personal connection your guests won't forget.

Going Beyond Candy In Your Party Favour Bags

Even the strictest of food police will agree that a lolly bag would not be the same without a few sugary treats. Yet adding some other items helps create an interesting balance, is fun to explore, and is sure to please everyone. Non-Edible Items Mini Puzzles or Toys Perfect for kids and teens. We are all big kids at heart and rooting through a lolly bag is up there with Christmas stockings or crackers. Stationery Who doesn't love stationery? Notebooks, pens, or cute stickers make for practical goodies. Small Crafts DIY bracelet kits or mini paint sets are thoughtful and entertaining. Eco-Friendly Options Seeds for Planting Eco-conscious or not, guests will love planting their own flowers or herbs. Reusable Items Consider tote bags, bamboo straws, or mini jars of jam or honey for an eco-friendly spin. These alternatives will make your party favour bags stand out, especially for events where sustainability is a priority.

Presentation Matters

What’s inside the bag matters—but so does how it looks! Take your lolly bags to the next level with thoughtful, creative packaging. Inspiration for Packaging Decorated Paper Bags Affordable and easily customisable with stickers or stamps. There are plenty of creative ways you can decorate a bag. Go wild with crayons, and get the kids involved where applicable. Small Boxes or Tins These add a touch of elegance, perfect for weddings or upscale events. Reusable Containers Mason jars or cloth pouches add a homespun touch that makes for a gift that keeps on giving. Add Finishing Touches Tie your bags with a decorative ribbon or twine. Consider personalising it with a themed tag with a thank-you note or the recipient’s name. You could even attach a party-themed decoration to the bag for an extra wow factor. The way you present your lolly bags can make them feel like a gift rather than an afterthought. The more you use your imagination, the more personal it will be.

Make Memories With Thoughtful Lolly Bags

Lolly bags may seem like a small detail, but with careful thought and creativity, they can leave your guests with an unforgettable impression of your event. From understanding your guests’ preferences to picking the right treats, personalising the contents, and presenting them beautifully, the possibilities are endless. Best of all, creating lolly bags is a lot of fun—so get creative, and enjoy the process! Now that you’ve got all the top tips, it’s time to get started. And if you’re wondering where to buy a big bag of lollies for your party bags, we have plenty of options to choose from. Where to Buy Lollies for Lolly Bags? Purchasing in bulk is always a smart move, especially for larger events. We offer a massive selection of bulk lollies online, from sour lollies and chocolate-coated candies to gluten-free and individually wrapped options. Whether you’re planning a party for kids, teens, or adults, we've got you covered! This article was reproduced on this site with permission from operafoods.com.au the “Bulk Lolly Suppliers”. See original article:- Top Tips for Creating Lolly Bags That Guests Will Love Read the full article

[calidrisminuta]

Botany of Orsterra (From OT1 and CotC)

The list of foods and cuisines is proving really useful in my writing, so I thought I'd do the same with the plantlife of CotC's Orsterra, too. I'm missing quite a few because I can't review certain Traveller Stories, but I've got a few from notes and the like, and there's a fair bit from NPC dialogue in the various towns.

This is very much a work in progress!

There isn't as much as I thought there would be, since I was only wanting to include Orsterran-specific plants, rather than generic ones like roses or pine trees, unless a specific variety is mentioned in the story.

I haven't checked the memoirs yet either, but I'll be adding to this post every time I find some (or I find Traveller Stories to review on youtube), so thank goodness for the ability to edit here!

I'm adding anything I find from the original Octopath Traveler as well, since it's all part of Orsterra.

Anyway, without further ado, the list:

M = Medicinal B = Botanical E = Edible

Various: Blue Hydrangea {Master of Fame}, Crimson Devilbloom (M) {Ashlan's Tale} A presently illegal medicinal herb, and no-one knows where it grows, although it's been studied in Atlasdam so it may originate there. Thanks to @hazelgatoya for that one! Also, thanks to @theynanigans again for finding the mention in Isla's letters, too: "Day 361: Crimson Devilbloom - "The sickly secretions of that plant cause thinking to take meow-mentous ef-fur-t."

Theatropolis: Lapisleaf (B) {Eunice’s Tale}. Contains a pigment that creates a vivid blue, used in painting. (Edited to add) According to Isla: “When the nectar of these flowers is mixed with pigment, it changes into a striking blue colour. This was a closely guarded secret among painters of old, but researchers eventually discovered this characteristic fur the whole world to know.”

Theatroshroom (E) {??Can’t remember where this one came from??} Apparently, they're very tasty. Edited to add - they're from Adelle's Tale. Thank you, @theynanigans!

Atlasdam: None mentioned.

Rippletide: None mentioned.

Grandport: Quatrait blooms (NPC Woman from Quaragosa) (E) Apparently this can be stewed with fish to create a tasty dish. THe blooms themselves are apparently sweet-scented.

Emberglow: Embershrooms (E), used in a variety of dishes. Frostfern (M) {Miles’ Tale}, a compound for a remedy used by the Knights Ardante. Snow Crystals (B) {Sofia’s Tale} These rare flowers gave their name to Snowshard Grotto, where they bloomed. As humans and monsters came and went from the cave, the flowers eventually went extinct. Grace Mushrooms (M) {Rodion’s Tale}, the spores of which are used in a remedy. Cave Mint (M) (E) {Shelby’s Tale}. Shelby's favourite herb, and apparently it can be brewed into a tasty tea. More info from Isla's Letters again: "Day 286: Cave Mint - "Do you know which herb can grow in even the darkest caves, and is useful as an ingredient in both food and medicine? Why, it's cave mint, of course! Hmm… I think next time I have afternoon tea with my cait fur-ends, I'll use cave mint to make tea." Thanks to Theynanigans for finding this!

Frostlands: Züsbaum (E), Per one of Isla’s letters, it grows in the Frostlands and its leaves have a sweet flavour. A tea made from them has a taste distinct from sugar. Many monsters love them, so picking the leaves is a monumental challenge, but many say it is worth the risk.

Also from the Frostlands: Snowstalks (B), a plant that grows in the plains near Emberglow. By soaking cloth in their sap, it can be used to make clothes that are warmer and better against cold conditions. Soaking cloth in the sap of Snowstalks makes it very soft, and will keep people dry. It’s also Lulu’s favourite.

Cathedral of Tytos: None mentioned.

Cragspear: Adorablooms (B) {Main Story}, Apple Blossoms (M) (B) {Therion’s Tale} Spoilers for Therion's Tale, but IIRC Apple Blossom was used in a perfume that helped to control/charm people. Might have different properties in Orsterra.

Valore: White Grape Blossoms (B) {Main Story} A flower sold in Valore, and of great significance to Bargello. Has no medicinal properties that we know of. Wyrmwood (M) {Millard's Tale}, a plant that grows around Valore, and is used in medicine.

Also Valore: Vermiliweed Blossom (B) Features in the main story. "A flower that flourishes in the Woodlands. Contrary to its adorable appearance, it is poisonous and used to hunt wild boars."

Sufrataljah: Drizzleshrooms (M) {Soleil’s Tale}, King Cactus Meat (M) {Soleil’s Tale} Both used in remedies. Drizzleshrooms were boiled with something by a Sunshade tribe to create a remedy, and King Cactus meat is bitter but can bring down Desert Fever.

Victors Hollow: None mentioned.

Sunshade: None mentioned.

Shepherds Rock: Nothing in the area is poisonous, according to Merrit's Tale. Antidock grass grows in the Highlands, and is medicinal (used to make antidotes for poisons.) Also known as Noxroot in other areas of Orsterra. Ephemera is a plant with distinct leaf patterns and purple flowers, and the use is medicinal. (powder from the stems can be used in first aid, and it can be dissolved in hot water to make a cold remedy.) Info again from the wonderful @hazelgatoya!

Flamesgrace: None mentioned.

Berecain: None mentioned.

I’cirlo: Panacea Herb (M) (E) {Former Edoras Ambassador}

Clearbrook: Bellflower (M) {Rita’s Tale} Possibly contains different properties in Orsterra, but I need to review Rita's Tale to see if anything different is mentioned. From Isla's Letters: "Day 312: Bellflower - "Have you ever seen an herb with bell-shaped petals blooming by the riverside? Its characteristics change slightly depending where it grows, so only ex-purr-ienced botanists can identify them!" Credit to Theynanigans!

Redleaf Grass (M). {Penny's Tale} Has bright red leaves, and grows along the rivers in Clearbrook. Waterweed (M) {Rita's Tale, but also mentioned in Hayes' Tale}. Grows along the Clearbrook Traverse, and has bright blue petals. Used in medicinal salves. Isla's letter mentions it as well, as something to use if you get hurt. Laurel Seed Oil (M) {Rita's Tale}. Alfyn uses it to take the scent of tallow away from his salve. "Laurel leaves have a pain relieving compound, and the oil made from their seeds can cool down feverish patches," Rita says.

Donescu: None mentioned.

Edit: From Largo's Traveller Story, we have Blue Poppy (B), a flower that is highly attractive to monsters, Slumbersage (M), a plant with a sedative nature, and Sungrass (B), a plant that Shaggy Meeps like to graze on.  From Isla’s letters: Slumbersage is purr-fect for making medicine to help people sleep, but it’s difficult to get the dosage correct, so don’t try without an apothecary present.

SPOILERS! Edit 2, from Miza's Journal in Bestower of All Ch.5: Marisnows (B), Rosettes (B), Scarletseeds (B).

Arte Shrooms (M), from Dorothea’s Traveller Story. When processed, they are both the cause and cure of an illness in Shepherds Rock. They are both tasteless and odourless.

From Cornelia’s Traveler Story: Snowrosea (M), found in the depths of the Cave of Laments. Can be used as a remedy for Frostlung when infused into a tea. Stilldrop (M), "a powerful herb that grows near the village of Stillsnow. A small dose has the power to cure all sorts of illnesses, but frequent use can lead to a condition similar to Frostlung." It has a sweet scent.

River Beans (E) Phaseolus Lunatus - Lima beans!

From Lemaire's Traveler Story: Phantom Flowers. (B) They grow on the North Theatropolis Plains, and appear a dull grey colour until it rains, when they gain a sheen similar to that of a rainbow.

From Ogen's Traveler Story: Mugwort. An actual plant with many uses, from culinary to medicinal.

From Emberflame Story pt 4: Lumiflower. One of the rabbits wants nectar from a Lumiflower, which grows in the West Valore Countryside.

They also want a Bestiodor Mushroom, which grows by the Great Tree's Tears. When combined with lumiflower nectar it creates a pungent odour that attracts monsters.

Gaborra Evergreen: From the original OT. "A flowering plant native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the continent of Gaborra known for it's antipyretic properties. A constituent compound has been known to cause inflammation and swelling of the throat, inducing severe coughing. The symptoms resemble those of the whooping cough known to plague the land whence it hails. Due to the risk of severe and adverse reactions, use of Gaborra evergreen in any dosage is strongly discouraged."

Herb-of-grace: From the original OT. A plant that grows deep in the heart of the Whitewood in the Frostlands, and so rare that botanists thought it extinct. It is rumoured to ward off the curse of petrification.

Waterbloom flowers: From the original OT. A flower beloved by Mercedes and Zeph, possibly resembling a type of forget-me-not that grows around lakes and rivers.

Mind-me-always: (From the original OT) The favourite flowers of Ogen's wife. An extremely rare flower that only blooms on high mountains. "In the language of flowers, they represent a reunion. They mean 'I will meet you again.'"

Lion's Ear and Sweet Wormwood: (From the original OT) A dash of each of these makes all salves better, according to Alfyn.

White Skullcap: (From the original OT) A plant with pretty flowers. According to Alfyn, the petals are good for fevers when ground up with root starch and honey.

Lovely Lace: (From OT1) A herb known for smoothing and softening the skin. Can remove blemishes, boils, and wrinkles easily, and can make hair super soft by mixing it with water.

River Blossom: (From OT1) A flower beloved by many in Saintsbridge.

[riveracheron]

how to stage “the tragedy of francis” (MAG 172), but like. in a normal theatre

hi this’ll have to do today @a-mag-a-day

im a theatre technician who, upon listening to the Spooky Play Statement of “Strung Out” got really into the idea of how one would Actually create the technical elements. it seems like an interesting challenge! this was the only theatre related episode with indepth description of the Spooky Stuff but if yall are interested id be happy to talk about Other Episodes and ways you can practical effects your way through the fearpocalypse :)

spoilers for mag 172 and fake blood below the cut!

rules of this:

- i am a technician, not a director. i am assuming that the play as described by jon is the script and that we need a giant spider and hooks and blood. i am not making any choices, simply describing how these effects can be done in a professional theater sense. to that end, i am also only a student; and not an expert.

- we are going as hard as possible. no substitutions, no artistic choices to pare it down, no nothing. this is the magnus archives we’re getting meta enough. alongside that, im not worrying about budget. this is broadway level shit.

- i am not putting a stage on a stage. this is just looking at the Tragedy itself and jon can go sit in the audience for all i care.

cool? lezzgo.

i. the hooks

this is a fly system! it’s mostly used for lowering and raising set pieces. oftentimes, its also used with actors to raise them into the air when flying. shows like wicked, mary poppins and peter pan use this to pull actors into the air to make it seem like they’re flying.

it’s done with wires connected to hooks connected to the actors’ bodies via straps. sound familiar?

they are often hidden with lights, but they don’t have to be- for a play that draws attention to these wires, the designer would probably draw attention to them - at least for when they start to dance around and stuff.

the hooks that attach to francis’ joints throughout the show could be flown in as well, and their costume and more strategic lighting could make it seem like they were attached to them. you can get pretty grotesque with high budget theater and special effects makeup.

ii. the spider

characters that are puppets is not a new thing in theater! one of the most famous examples is Audrey 2 in little shop of horrors- a puppet that has an actor off stage saying their lines into a microphone. the spider would also probably be the same.

there are some motorized puppets like the sandworm in beetlejuice the musical, but most are person-controlled, which works best for speaking puppets as show to show, peoples way of speaking can change from show to show, and the puppet needs to be able to keep up, and motorized puppets can be out of sync.

this video is a good making-of process for a giant speaking monster puppet, and i assume the spider would be the same, just much higher. there would probably be a false ceiling like the false wall above, and the puppeteers would sit above to operate the legs as if they were dangling.

it would probably be also attached to a fly system for easy lowering as the scene goes on.

iii. minor things

- the blood would come from “strawberries”, little packs of blood hidden under actors’ costumes that they can burst when needed. theres also a capsule version that one can put in the mouth and bite down on.

this is an example from the 2019 production of oklahoma, and a good look at blood strawberries and what they do

- the spider-drink would probably be done with. fake edible spiders, lots of scuttling noises from the soundboard and lights that hide the fact that they are not moving, perhaps with strobe or something crazy. the spider rain would probably be the same, but with stagehands pouring spiders down from the catwalks.

- other characters would also be off stage with mics.

- good actors will sell a Lot of this. even if the new hooks and stuff don’t touch them, they can definitely make it seem like they do.

sooooo um yeah! as much as this episode made me sick - i love technical theatre and this was a fun infodump !! take this um. as you will ig. please stage safely !! blood packs can stain and fly systems can be unsafe so please. don’t try this at home. or at least get a professional to help