#even a tiny bit of magic is OP

[aetherictree]

Update: I realised the psychic knowledge I was envisioning would essentially allow pre implantation diagnosis in natural conception, which would plausibly lead to certain countries ending up with a very skewed sex ratio.

I also realised that psychic powers necessarily mean interfacing with the nervous system, and that that gives a lot of control over the body's system, about the level I was trying to get. So that's the system at the moment.

Trying to design healing magic for a world where magic returns gradually and running into the problem of how OP a very small bit of magic can be.

Like, I say healers can target and destroy cells with a specific genotype. That's the whole of their ability.

So cancer is gone. Infections are gone. Obesity is gone. Even inherited genetic disorders can be gone by removing the gametes that carry those alleles. This isn't gradual! Cool, but in no sense gradual.

I thought maybe they could up/down regulate genes instead. But that's even more precise, *and incorporates the first ability due to triggering apoptasis*. Maybe if it was whole organism... though even if it was just being able to knockout a specific gene that could clear infections and quite possibly also clear cancer if it can be done on an allele basis (e.g. hit mutant genes involved in cell replication and so stop cancer from replicating).

So now I'm taking it back even further to psychic knowledge only. Healers just know where you're sick, how you're sick, and how the sickness will respond to a given drug. Which means their most effective place is biomedical research, screening hundreds of thousands of compounds in a single day to find the one that works.

Which is *still* stupid powerful, but less obviously magical I guess.

[raayllum]

I think another reason the 5x01 throne room scene and Rayla's reaction to it hits so hard is because I think it's the moment she realized, truly, that Callum still loves her in just the same manner he 'used' to.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure she hoped

and she states in 4x03 her belief that "I risked losing," not that she's fully lost it / him. She still tries to flirt a tiny bit and seems sure that once they talk and he gets it all out, they can start rebuilding (Rayla being an optimist about very little but an optimist about him? It's so sweet). Which makes sense — Callum was the first kind of unconditional love she'd truly experienced and he was nothing if not persistent in bond building with her throughout all their various ups and downs on both ends. Rayla's persistent faith in him is one of the main reasons their relationship works to the degree it does (his devotion to her being the other end of things).

But I'm sure there are still moments in S4 she worried and doubted that things would ever be the same, and she was still surprised when he finally embraced her in spite of her almost dying

Yeah. But maybe, would it be okay if I stay? And we just... don't talk?

And we get to 5x01, where we know their relationship is a lot better — they're basically sharing a room, chatting regularly, finding her in his study isn't surprising ("she can go in there anytime she wants"), Callum's talking about magic, they're confiding in each other — and Rayla is still awful at asking for help, and now she's been caught in a situation that admittedly looks very bad from the outside. It's also not looking great even from the inside!

But Callum has turned his corner (thank you 4x09 "I know" scene) and he will never be turning back — and he recites love poetry that makes no sense to Opeli, but Rayla has the full context for.

And this is also why I don't think we cut back to her reaction until the final line drop (beyond it just being really effective as an emotional beat), because if it was just that he trusted her — well, "None of this matters" and "If she didn't tell me, she has a good reason" would suffice, wouldn't it? But he's not just saying that he trusts her (which she arguably knew in 4x07, since he trusted her with his fears and his safety net game plan), and they both know what he's saying in full.

And she loves him all the more for it.

[naomijoestar]

⋆.ೃ JJBA SCENARIOS ࿔*:･

Masterlist here <3

genre: comedy, op bored out of their mind :p

warnings: cringeworthy

characters: giorno, bucciarati, abbacchio, mista, narancia, fugo, trish

notes: GN!s/o reader // guys. i have been working for uni all day long and i decided to rewatch dbz cause i love it so much and i got this idea😭 if you couldn’t tell im tired and need a nap but oh well. please enjoy because i was giggling while writing this :p (also if this isn’t a dead giveaway im genuinely running out of ideas so please if you have any requests go ahead and request them <33)

How each passione member would react to walking in on their partner trying to become a super saiyan

Giorno Giovanna

Giorno would stare at you with his usual calm, composed look as you scream and power up, completely unfazed. “I see,” he’d say in his serene voice, nodding like it all makes perfect sense. After watching you struggle for a while, he’d gently place his hand on your shoulder and, in complete seriousness, whisper, “Perhaps… you need more sunlight. The energy of the sun enhances all living beings.” He’d leave you standing there, making you wonder if he’s genuinely trying to help or just messing with you in his weird, Giorno way.

Bruno Bucciarati

Bruno would walk in on you mid-scream, furrow his brow, and pause. “Are you… trying to ascend to another level of power?” he’d ask, a bit confused but respectful. After you explain that you’re trying to become a Super Saiyan, Bruno would respond with the utmost sincerity: “I admire your dedication. Let’s talk strategy.” He’d actually help you devise a plan, suggesting you train your mind and body further. “I’ll unzip you to another location, where no one will disturb your transformation.” Bruno’s all in, even if he has no clue what’s happening.

Leone Abbacchio

Abbacchio would give you the coldest stare possible. “What in the actual hell are you doing?” he’d say, arms crossed, already annoyed. As you explain, he’d roll his eyes dramatically. “Great. My partner’s an idiot.” But as you keep powering up, Abbacchio would mutter sarcastically, “Oh sure, scream louder, maybe then you’ll magically grow blond hair and start flying. That’s totally how it works.” Despite his grumpiness, he might secretly be watching out of the corner of his eye, half expecting something bizarre to happen (get it? jojos bizarre adventure? its only jojo logic).

Guido Mista

Mista would be all about this. “Yo, you’re going Super Saiyan? I’ve always wanted to try that!” He’d immediately start powering up alongside you, screaming at the top of his lungs with a huge grin. “C’mon, louder! We can do this together!” The Pistols would join in too, floating around you and shouting “GO! GO! GO!” at the top of their tiny voices. Eventually, both you and Mista would collapse on the floor, laughing hysterically, neither of you anywhere close to transforming but still having the time of your lives.

Narancia Ghirga

Narancia would be your biggest hype man. “YES! YOU GOT THIS! YOU’RE ALMOST THERE!” He’d absolutely believe you could become a Super Saiyan and would be jumping around excitedly. “Do the thing! Do the thing with the hands!” He’d start doing Kamehameha poses, thinking that might help you, completely immersed in the idea that this could work. After a while, when nothing happens, he’d be confused: “Wait, why isn’t it working? Shouldn’t you be glowing by now?” He’d start blaming himself, like, “Was I not cheering loud enough?!”

Pannacotta Fugo

Fugo would just stare at you, deadpan, like, “Are you seriously doing this right now?” He’d probably start lecturing you about how this isn’t how physics works and how it’s scientifically impossible to become a Super Saiyan. “This is not anime, this is real life!” he’d yell, facepalming. But when you keep going, he’d lose his patience and just scream, “FINE! Keep screaming until you pass out! I don’t care!” He’d storm off, but not before mumbling something about how he’d be there to catch you if you faint.

Trish Una

Trish would watch you for about five seconds before sighing and pulling out her phone. “Okay, I’ll record this for… scientific purposes,” she’d say, clearly mocking you but also finding it weirdly entertaining. As you scream, she’d say, “Wow, you’re really giving this your all, huh? Should I start calling you Goku now?” By the end of it, she’d post the video with a caption like, My partner is trying to go Super Saiyan… someone help. But she’d also make sure you didn’t actually hurt yourself and offer you water because she’s low-key concerned about you overheating.

please give me requests im losing my mind over here

[rockymountainqueen2]

Back to the Swamp rundown!

So...

Disney Channel's YouTube account just released a new TOH chibi tiny tale.

And it's a crossover with Amphibia!

Here's my summarization of the events.

It begins with Luz meddling with the good 'ol portal door.

I'm not sure what she's expecting to accomplish, but Eda and King evidently found it interesting enough to watch. Eda even brought popcorn!

But whatever Luz did, it worked!

I have no idea when this is supposed to be occurring within the series timeline by the way. Luz is wearing season one outfit, has access to the portal door, which is also not destroyed.

So, season one, right?

But Eda has her post "Let the pain be shared" silver eye... And her season two dress for that matter!

Ah well, onwards to adventure! Eda is all for it!

King is a bit more... concerned, but comes along too.

Doesn't stop him from being mystified about the wildlife, though.

I guess Luz was trying to get back to The Human Realm?

Because she seems utterly shocked by the sudden realization that man-sized insects means that she can't possibly be on earth, lol.

But luckily for the denizens of the owl house, they've landed in Amphibia! By Wartwood! Right in front of the Plantar family home!

While Anne's friends Marcy and Sasha were visiting no less! What luck!

Anne and Luz formally reunite and introduce their respective families/friends to one another. It's very cute.

Sasha and Eda evidently decided that they just had to have an arm wrestling competition.

Sasha uses the powers gifted to her by the Calamity Box in order to win, lol.

But Eda gets the last laugh!

Then Marcy and King play a board game together.

Annnnnd she also uses her Calamity Box powers to win.

Girls, you do realize that's considered cheating, right?

Hooty also makes an appearance.

I guess he was wondering where everybody went?

Polly proceeds to use him as a jump-rope, lol.

I'm surprised that Hooty isn't more into this, but maybe he was genuinely worried about the people who live inside of him and didn't appreciate being used a kid's plaything after braving the unknown in his best effort to find them. Lol.

Meanwhile, Luz is showing off her sick glyph skills!

...Which I just realized, probably shouldn't work in Amphibia.

Ah well, we wouldn't have gotten this nice moment where she and Anne show off their magical powers to each other otherwise!

After all is said and done, our heroes settle down to have a meal.

I'm reasonably certain that they're eating bugs. Yum, protein.

Hop Pop and Eda are doubtlessly exchanging tips on parenting orphans and their other-dimensional friends, lol.

Throughout this whole adventure, the portal door has been... shrinking?

Because... the writers needed a reason for Luz and Co to have go back to The Demon Realm suddenly?

XD That's my best guess, as I don't recall there ever having been a time limit when it came to using the original portal door. It was kinda OP like that.

Anywho, Luz and Co need to leave immediately. Anne and Luz are quite sad to see one another go.

King really wants to make sure to say goodbye to everybody properly!

To the point he was a little too preoccupied to notice the portal door closing on him.

Also: Hop Pop faints because he thinks he just saw a little kid get decapitated, lol.

Meanwhile, back in the owl house, Luz is sad that she had to say goodbye to Anne. Eda comforts her, it's a sweet sight.

What isn't such a sweet sight is what King looks like minus his skull.

Although King himself is rather nonplussed about the whole thing.

Like mother, like son. Lol.

Luz is completely and totally horrified by the sight of King...

And that's the note that we end on!

Overall, cute little short.

And as a bonus...

XD This is officially canon now.

[missfrieden]

Tech as a father Chapter 10

I feel like some would regard this as a filler, but i really enjoyed writing that one

Masterlist

Chapter 10: Throwing up

Parenthood was filled with its share of unexpected surprises, and on this particular evening, Tech and Orion found themselves facing one of those unforeseen challenges. As Tech carefully held Orion in his arms while feeding him from a bottle, everything seemed peaceful and routine. However, in a sudden and unanticipated moment, Orion's tiny body reacted, and a gush of formula splattered over both father and son, drenching them and the bunk in the process. Tech's surprise was evident as he quickly assessed the situation, a sense of concern filling his eyes.

Orion, equally startled by the unexpected turn of events, began to wail. The discomfort of throwing up and the sensation of wetness against his onesie left him understandably upset. Tech's immediate priority was to comfort his son. He cradled Orion close to his chest, his soothing words and gentle pats aimed at reassuring the baby. "It is okay, Orion. You didn't mean to do that. Daddy's got you." The others nearby exchanged concerned glances as they heard Orion's cries. Echo moved to grab a clean towel to help Tech with the clean-up and change the bedding, while Wrecker and Hunter offered their support in any way they could. Crosshair staying away for obvious reason by slipping towards the cockpit. As Tech carefully cleaned up Orion and changed his onesie, he handed Orion to Hunter so he could take a quick shower. Parenthood, they realized, was a journey filled with both its tender moments and its unexpected challenges.

A few days later Crosshair's frustration boiled over as Orion's tiny body erupted with vomit, coating Crosshair's back and shoulders. He tried to console the crying infant, patting his back in an attempt to burp him. But the combination of the mess and the noise proved too much for Crosshair to handle. "Tech!" Crosshair called out, his voice raised in agitation. "Get over here, now!" Tech, who had been engrossed in his repair work, rushed over to the scene, his heart pounding with concern. He saw the mess and Orion's distressed cries and quickly took the infant from Crosshair's arms.

"Easy, Orion," Tech cooed soothingly, cradling him in his arms. He glanced at Crosshair, who was clearly disgusted and annoyed by the unexpected turn of events. Tech couldn't help but offer a reassuring smile. "It happens, Crosshair. Babies can be messy. I'll take care of this." Tech set to work cleaning up the mess, his experienced hands moving efficiently to ensure Orion was comfortable and content once more. Crosshair getting to grab a new change of blacks huffs and storms off to the refresher. While he worked, he couldn't help but think that even in the messiest of moments, their unconventional family still had each other's backs. Throwing a simple towel on the floor and starting to clean with one foot by dragging it around.

Tech continued to rock Orion gently, murmuring comforting words to his upset son. The infant's cries slowly began to subside as Tech's soothing gestures and soft voice worked their magic. Despite the mess and Crosshair's frustration, Tech focused on providing the best care for Orion. He knew that parenthood came with its fair share of challenges and unexpected moments, but he was determined to face them head-on. And to be honest with himself, he would not change it for a bit.

Once he felt that Orion had calmed down enough, Tech carefully set him down in the breastfeeding pillow, ensuring that Orion was securely laying in there. He continued to clean the remaining traces of vomit, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Orion to make sure he was comfortable. As the clean-up progressed, Tech couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and fulfilment in being Orion's father. He was determined to be the best parent he could be, no matter what challenges came their way.

Chapter 11

Reblogs are very welcome and I am open for feedback, as english is not my first language, so maybe my sentences may be weird sometimes, or I write a word wrong even with google, or I use a wrong word for an item.

Tag: @spectacular-skywalker @aalizazareth @neyswxrld @clonethirstingisreal

[babyspacebatclone]

This is in regard to this post, and became a monster so I’m putting it in a new post to save the other thread’s op.

Yes, I will agree with part of this version of your post:

There is no reason Catra should have remained as static as she did throughout canon; other media has provided excellent templates on how it could have been achieved.

But I am going to fiercely argue against the mentality fueling your reasons why.

This rant got long, so there’s going to be a cut.

It’s also stream of consciousness, so please bear with me.

@1023sstuff or anyone else willing to ask for clarifications of points, please do.

I’m not going to hold a single person responsible for Season 5 making air in the state it did, because television is never made in a vacuum by one single individual.

But here’s someone I’d put more blame about SPoP reaching air in the state it did instead of Nate.

(we’re talking single digits of percentage, but it’s still more)

Chuck Austen was co-showrunner on SPoP from season 2 onwards, according to Wikipedia.

He was in his late 50s when he started work on SPoP for season 2, and had two other notable television projects under his belt at that time, including being one of the producers for Season 1 of Steven Universe.

Nate, on the other hand, was not prepared for being a showrunner.

Having read his Memoir “The Fire Never Goes Out” makes that abundantly clear, with the tiny hints he let himself be honest about.

And the lack of honesty was, in my interpretation, entirely fueled by his feelings of guilt and imposter syndrome, feeling obligated to fulfill the giant dreams of catching lightning in a bottle that had been placed on him, from a job offer that I’m sure everyone was telling him he was insane to reject.

I fully expect Dreamworks didn’t want Nate to make the next Steven Universe, by the way.

I think they wanted him to make the next My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic.

Nate was not prepared for that.

Let alone at that time of his own self-healing and understanding.

Remember: this is before he transitioned, and if I was reading the timeline of the memoir correctly he didn’t get his bipolar disorder diagnosis until part way through SPoP.

Nate, by all evidence I have, was not in a position to make a healthy depiction of recovery from abuse.

Because he, himself, was still learning what recovery meant for him.

This is not to say I 100% blindly believe Catra’s “on a silver platter, undergo extreme trauma get redemption for free” arc wasn’t wish fulfillment for Nate.

Because I don’t know him.

But I also wouldn’t be surprised if people who do know him do believe that.

Nevertheless…

That’s the story of one person, swimming in trauma, and that last part I can say with full confidence.

That explains some of Catra’s arc, and a fair bit of the snowball that came afterwards.

But that does not explain Season 5 making it to air.

Someone.

Should.

Have stopped this.

Someone should have supported Nate, helping ease the burden of being showrunner.

I don’t know if no one did, although Chuck Austen coming on board strongly suggests people at Dreamworks did try.

I do not know how much Chuck knew of Nate’s fears regarding the show (which I am extrapolating here, and I could be wrong), let alone how much he did do to help Nate.

I am not blaming Chuck for not helping Nate in a manner I want, because I don’t know what went on and besides Chuck isn’t a therapist and doesn’t deserve to be put in that position.

I strongly, strongly suspect people with money wanted to ride the Catra train for clout, and their dollars won over the dollars of people who didn’t want a huge lesbian romance in a cartoon on their resume.

And I suspect those people, fueled by past successes such as Avatar and Steven Universe and MLP: FiM pushed for Nate to be able to achieve his vision.

And people who knew better should have stopped that.

And it didn’t happen.

And I don’t know who to blame, because I was not there.

I don’t even blame Chuck, I repeat in all honesty, because I can’t see how a guy of his background could have made a difference.

But I’d still place the showrunner with 25+ more years of life experience and any experience in creating television as more (single digits of percentage) responsible for Season 5 making it to air in the state it was than the under 30 year old uncloseted trans man who was mere years into treatment for bipolar disorder.

I want a world where someone other than Nate was responsible for crafting the timeline and events of Catra’s redemption arc.

But I do not fucking blame Nate for us living in this one as though it was his intention all along.

Now, if Nate still thinks Season 5 was acceptable in 2040 as a 50 year old, then I’ll had different opinions.

[therealamperssand]

I'm gonna infodump about my magic system now

So I've always been fascinated by the idea of a four-element magic system (this is in no small part due to the fact that I've seen Frozen 2 at least 6 times). I've always wanted to make one but all my ideas seemed a bit basic. Now I have an idea which is amazing and unique and I love it very much. Basically, the elements manifest in the form of magical crystals. Reds and oranges are fire, blues and teals are water, purples are wind, and greens and browns are life. These crystals are incredibly dangerous on their own, but you can grind them up and turn them into paint. The paint can then be used to make hieroglyphs on things, though you need a permit because these magics are still pretty OP. I decided that they needed an extra step, so they all need to be activated by something from their element. Fire mages use lighters, water mages usually either spit or just pour water on them, wind mages blow on them, and most life mages use tiny plants or succulents although you can also use a drop of blood. This is very inspired by Fifth Element, as will become obvious with my next bit of lore. There are also pink crystals, which "don't do anything". This character is Aria and she's sort of taken the pink on as her brand. Because there are so many pink crystals, that type of paint is cheap and easily available so it can even be spray paint. I've decided that this is basically the element of love so I have no idea how it would activate or work but yeah... it's the fifth element. (The Fifth Element is an excellent movie and I suggest you watch it immediately)

[londonfoginacup]

rambling talk of fan art and art appreciation under the cut

(update from me who has gotten halfway through this post --- this ends up just being me waxing poetic about Eiichiro Oda. You've been warned)

Okay SO I said like a week or more ago that I really wanted to make One Direction fan art in the style of One Piece. Or maybe I just said that I wanted to draw them as the Straw Hat pirates. REGARDLESS. I haven't done it. And it would be SO EASY to just draw them as pirates, maybe dress them up in their little pirate costumes (Harry's practically dressed as Brook on stage anyway) but like. I've been thinking about it ever since I made that post, and just drawing them as pirates is not actually what I want! What I want is, like, so much more.

I read One Piece for the first time when I was in 5th grade and got a copy of Shonen Jump magazine from the Scholastic book catalog. Like, that was... 2003? So it's been 20 years. And through middle and high school i LOVED One Piece, even came back to it a few times during college. I've always been a bit of a manga nerd, but there's something magical specifically about OP, that I think can be expressed through these books--

(look, you can even see me writing this post in the background)

Like, honestly, what Eiichiro Oda does with art is what I want to do. He's a fucking inspiration. These books are what I was talking about when I said I wanted to draw One Direction in this style.

Like!!!! These books are all of his large color spreads that he does, and each one of them are so full of movement and color and life!! This is what art is about!! Seeing something and feeling the life force inside of it!

There are so many things that I struggle with in making art, and one is that I seriously neglect backgrounds for the sake of focusing only on the character. And Oda just so perfectly incorporates his characters into a scene

Like!!! Imagine a One Direction piece like this! All of the movement, the expressions, the wind! The domesticity!!

When I say I want to draw 1D in the style of One Piece, I mean the way that characters are so clearly at the front and back of the scene! The way everyone is alive and breathing and doing things!! And come on Louis would look cool as hell smoking like that

It's the way everyone's personalities are so clearly shown in their expressions and what they're doing!! The way the scenes don't make any logical sense but they make logistical sense! I want to draw One Direction like THIS!

THE FOUND FAMILY ASPECT!!!! The way they're all together, having fun being with one another!! I want to draw fetus 1D!!! I want them all around a heated table!!! I want to draw the feelings I get from this!!!

Do you KNOW how HARD action is to draw? THIS is what I want! The waves and the wind and the way they're all so full of LIFE! What would it be like to be able to replicate this?

Okay last one I promise but also one of my favorites (That's a lie they're all my favorites).

I just. I long to be able to produce this with my own hand. I want to draw fetus direction exploring a magical world. I want to draw 2014 direction scattered around a kotatsu studying for exams. I want to draw 2023 direction on a lad's holiday in the sky.

And why don't I? Because I don't think big enough and because I'm scared. If I were to try to replicate the feeling of this art right now? It would look, in comparison, absolutely terrible. It would fall so short. And I would cringe and want to throw it away.

It's so hard to try to convince myself that that's okay. That drawing with the abilities that I have right now is just fine, because art is about the act of creation, about loving the process and making something that represents my heart. It's not about being as good as Oda. It's about the joy of expression.

I just. Want to draw this so bad. I want to quit my life and get a cabin by the seaside and draw this all day. I want to draw them all fighting and all cuddling and all fishing and catching tiny guppies and giant sea monsters. I want to put life into my drawings like this. That's what I mean when I say I want to draw like One Piece.

Anyway. Why, you are thinking, did I write this post? Mostly because I didn't know until I made this exactly what I wanted. I think I do now.

And my art isn't going to be good. But going in knowing what I want is important. I want to take a step toward imbuing true life into my work.

Guess now is as good a time to start as any.

[shadowbunnydragon]

Question for you! (shadowbunnydragon):

What is your process for creating a story? How do you go from a rough idea/concept to the final written story? What are things you have to consider when writing a story, whether original or fanfic?

I struggle A LOT with creative writing and would love to hear how you do it for your stories. Thanks!

Oh gosh! That is quite the question!

Hmm, okay, well, first I come up with a fun idea, like one about a human boy finding himself in the world of Zootopia and following his daily life and the lives of others similar to him finding a home for themselves, or maybe about an isekai'd former human now in a world of magic and adventure as an OP anthro bunny girl, or maybe even one about a human boy who winds up turned into a mouse and living amongst a tiny hidden kingdom in the woods? (Coming soon! :3)

After coming up with said idea, I of course write it and all info about it I can think of, so I don't forget. I then like to think it over for a little bit, usually while out walking and listening to music or maybe doing something else where I can shut my brain off and just go with the flow for the idea. When I get a general idea for a larger story, and we're talking VERY general, a VERY rough and barebones idea, I add that to the idea concept I've already written down. Then, I like to take some time, maybe an hour, with some chillhop playing in the background, and write out a general outline for the story. How I want it to start, the overall direction I want it to go in, and how I'd like it to end. (It should be noted that any of these could change in small or even major ways during the course of writing. This is just to help focus the idea a bit.)

From there, I like to take a bit to just imagine the world and the characters I want in the story. Does this world have any history? What are its "rules"? What is this character's personality like? What is their motivation for doing the things they do? (A VERY important thing to keep notes on to track during the course of the story, as I have learned the hard way. While you want your characters to learn and grow and be shaped by their experiences, you also still want there to be a logic to it. Example: When writing about Judy, I try to think about her personality from the movie and how she would act in whatever random scenario comes to mind. How would she go about trying to solve X problem?)

I also personally have a love for world-building. I often enjoy listening to music and letting my mind drift as I daydream about these worlds and the things going on in them. You don't need to be as detail oriented as Tolkien, but you do still need to be mindful of the world and how it shapes and is shaped by your characters and events. That is especially true for original stories, but fanfics also can benefit from this as well.

Also, it helps to be open to constructive criticism, as there are a lot of insightful folks out there who can offer a helpful tip or insight. (Though you do gotta be careful to ignore haters and trolls, and also to remember at the end of the day, it's going to be YOUR story, so what you, the author, say ultimately is what goes.)

You should also remember that you'll pretty much be your own worst critic, so please try to remember to be kind to yourself. Any mistake can be edited, a section or even an entire chapter that just doesn't feel right can be partially or completely re-written.

You'll also want to pay close attention to words or phrases you may have a habit of using often, and consider looking up synonyms or trying to come up with different ways to say what you want to say, just to keep the writing from getting too repetitive.

Finally, the old adage practice makes perfect can be applied to creative writing as it can to everything else! This can all seem like a lot, and I'm sure I've forgotten about other useful tips when writing stories, but the more you take the time to work with them on your project(s), the more second-nature they will start to feel.

I hope that this was helpful!

(P.S. You should also try to remember that you are your own worst critic, and that the pursuit of absolute perfection one that, while it can push you to better yourself, can also keep you from actually getting the project done. So when working on a story, or art, or anything really, please try to be kind to yourself! I'm sure you'll write a great story!)

Thank you so much for asking!

[eridan-amporaa]

Okay, now for Strife Decks! These ones are a little more of me throwing ideas out there since there's not a lot of concrete "weapons" in Spooky Month outside of guns and knives

Streber - probably has a lot of tools allocated just because it's quicker than keeping them in his modus, especially if he's in the Zone on a project. Hammerkind, wrenchkind, screwdriverkind, things like that

Radford - as a joke I kinda want to give him disckind, however with some Alchemy they could probably be useful as weapons? Maybe more like throwing stars

Ross - I feel like Ross would just take whatever's on hand and run with it: wrench (if his dad's a biker like people speculate), a musical instrument, a knife/pocket knife, etc. He seems like someone who would also "cheat the system" by keeping an empty Strife Deck around and then making more via the Alchemiter to have more weapon options

Roy - Fistkind. He's a bully, he's aggressive, and he bopped Skid and Pump over the head with his fists in The Stars. I think he'd also use batkind if he had a baseball bat lying around

Robert - I don't think Robert would have a set deck until they were in the game, doesn't seem like him. As for actual weapon... maybe a yo-yo? Seems like something he would have lying around, and like with Radford's disckind it could be a lot more useful with Alchemy

Susie - Paintbrushkind, obviously. Probably very physical at first but later alchemized for the paint to have different properties, longer range, or just damaging in its own right

Skid and Pump - I put them together because honestly I don't see them fighting at all, or very little. If they had too, I could see Skid picking up rulerkind like his mom, or maybe umbrellakind from that umbrella in the closet. Pump meanwhile could have matchkind, or somehow even obtain the seemingly impossible pumpkinkind

Ethan - ...needlekind? We don't know a lot of Ethan's interests outside of his doll making hobby. I feel like even if he did have needlekind he'd swap it out for a more practical weapon later

I saved Kevin for last because I really like the idea I came up for him - candykind! At first it seems entirely useless because, well, it's candy, tiny things that can only distract or trip up enemies briefly. However, Kevin eventually realizes that anything alchemized with candy counts under candykind, leading to him having lollipop clubs and cherry bombs that actually explode. It goes from being a joke deck to something that's incredibly varied and honestly OP, and it fits in with Kevin being a Page excellently

these are pretty good! I like a lot of the concepts here, just wanna elaborate a bit. got some bullet points here we go

radford starts with the theater as his "house", but he only takes the front bit - none of the actual theaters. he would totally have disckkinda the start, but he might aslo grab a popcorn pot or smthn for a better melee weapon

ross seems like the type to carry a pocketknife around to me. especially after the stars. knifekind. (he definitely tries the strife deck thing tho)

roy absolutely keeps a baseball bat under his bed in case of emergencies I think. but he would prolly prefer fistkind. maybe he makes gauntlets + has the bat as a backup

I was gonna give susie penkind or pencilkind, maybe she could have all 3? artsupplykind? shed prolly end up making a more useful weapon later using some of ross's spare strife cards

skid would probably use whatever he found first, probably rulerkind or something yeah. maybe hed get a projectilekind card later and just throw any number of random things

pump would probably still use an improvised weapon, but put a little more care into it? like he just has this feeling that hes gonna need a good weapon later. maybe ropekind, and later chainkind?

ethan would probably use needlykind for a while, if not permanently. I could see him becoming a magic user p easily. tho he could also just alchemist a more practical weapon later

I love candykind it's so fun!! also Kevin's at his apartment which makes this way funnier. like. mans had kitchen knives and prolly a baseball bat with how paranoid he is he just forgot they existed lmao

robert and streber make a lot of sense here! fits their personalities, and the yo-yo thing would be so fun. he could do it like the kirby ability

[raayllum]

Strictly speaking, Katolis' branch of the Five Sisters doesn't really believe in Hell (that's more of a concept in Del Bar or Neolandia) but Opeli can feel the itch of hellfire under her skin, as some kind of strange magic—dark magic—wraps round her skin and blankets her from the blaze. Her hands turn dark, veins looking full of molten lava than blood. Like a demon.

It could only be Viren's dangerous work, and Soren's reasonable one by proxy—the guards had taken Viren's staff with little trouble and then sealed it away in the dungeons, and only the Captain of the Crownguard had the key—and she hopes, she prays, that Soren hasn't—

Take good care of Hat.

She tucks the tiny glow toad into a fold in her robes, away from the burning heat of her skin, and notes that they will have to return for the animals as soon as they can as the spell doesn't seem to affect them. In the meantime, they have to get everyone out.

She ushers large groups over the bridge, disperses her novices to help, the girls young and crying and clinging to their faith. It's practical to have them help, but Opeli does it also she can count their heads and make sure none—that only two (two! Clara, and Marja)—are missing.

Katolis is still smoking by the time the sky darkens, people flooding into the town of ordinary people, of their friends and families and strangers. She is working to organize who will sleep where, how safe it is for their fiery skin and luminescent eyes to close and rest in wooden houses (there has been enough fires) when—

"Opeli."

Something in her crumbles at the sound of his voice, the steadiness of his hand on her shoulder. Just earlier today he'd saved her life, and she hadn't even had time to thank him, before—

"Soren," she says, and then blinks rapidly.

He looks almost ghostly under his armour in the moonlight, his yellow eyes staring into hers. She can't quite see him clearly like this, everything a bit more hazy, and the heat radiating from them. She's been asked a thousand times if the spell is permanent, and the one at the Final Battle had eventually faded, but—

He goes back to the castle with her afterwards, for her novices' bodies. They manage to find Marja, the girl's face ashen, the spell not reaching her in time. Opeli folds her hood over the young face and performs last rites through tears while continuing to search, straying to the same patch of rubble over and over, and—Opeli can surmise he's looking for his father's body and baring that, his ashes.

"The spell," Opeli says as she approaches him from behind. It's the first time they've really spoken beyond the necessities, as she places a hand on his shoulder. The blue in his eyes is just starting to return, and so are tears. "It fades in time, doesn't it? It won't be like this—feel this way—forever."

Soren's lips twitch. He nods at her, grateful and quiet. "Not forever," he agrees, and they exhale air to mingle in with the smoke. Their shoulders brush as they lean on each other, ever so slightly. "Just a very long time."

[hooting-wizard-anhay]

Been working on a cyberpunk setting for the better part of a year now. Even wrote an introductory blurb for my group for it:

Umbral Shift 2: Shadowgate:

5 Years have passed since the fateful events in the city of Falcon on Plulola. After the ashes of the war between Soultech and Dragonsoul has settled, the world found itself plunged into the new reality that Magic was returning, and it was returning fast. Many opportunistic forces, whether small sized or megacorp, smell profit in pursuing the new ventures this opens, whether it be Soulware or new possible and more widespread applications of magic this opened up. One of the most prosperous and quickest advancing forces in this race is based in the city of Paradise on the continent of Velusia. Despite its name the city is everything but that. The characters stem from humble beginnings, whether as an office drone, a small time criminal or fresh graduate of the local Magical Institute. The one thing that connects each of them is a tragic event in their past that changed the way they view the world, the dystopia they live in. Thus they strive to be a positive force of change among the filthy, crime and corruption filled, streets. Threatened by the seemingly ever present crushing weight of hopelessness.

This game would be run in Savage Worlds Adventurers Edition with elements of the Sprawlrunners book, its unofficial expansion and Street Wolves. We already had a Shadowrun'ish game in that system before (Umbral Shift 1) and even though our characters had good intentions, they have been murdering their way through corporate security and gangs. (Kobold Gangs, not gonna go into it unless someone wants to hear about it).

I foudn that a bit jarring, specifically in case of my character in that game. So I will adopt a drive mechanic from Street Wolves that makes it so that certain acts sap the drive from a character and drives them closer and closer to the brink. Recovering drive is possible, but by no means sinple or easy. A character can go to therapy or spend time with loved ones and foster their pribate relationships.

For all intents and purposes, the characters in this game will be normal guys who moonlight as vigilantes on OPs of their own choosing. Hight times and low times. High action stressful world changing missions with high personal stakes and then some down times, catching breath hanging out with your peeps, maybe getting a reminder who all thia effort is for.

Yes, kobolds will be playable as well. In fact, I already thought about a kobold NPC that may or may not end up helping the group. He is a tiny sleazy lawyer who abuses loopholes and his criminal connections to get his clients out of trouble. (Because i know my group, at times they can be as subtle as a rhinoceros in a china store, a bad quality for Vigilantes doing obviously illegal shit). Think Saul goodman but kobold. He also runs ads on the net and in Augmented reality. "I am the smallest Lawyer around, so small, I can fit into any budget, call now!"

[fuzzycraptid]

A Chronicle of my Hexxit II World

You know what's less expensive than therapy? Watching Captainsparklez vods on one screen and playing modded minecraft on the other. (I say less expensive because the youtube monitor is a 14 year old art tablet and the minecraft monitor is a shitty dell from 2009. But even otherwise it'd probably still be true)

My modpack of choice this round is Hexxit II because it was there and i saw it and clicked it. I love exploration-based modpacks-- they itch my hunter gatherer brain just right and give me way too much dopamine leaving me a husk of myself for whatever scant hours I'm off the game before clawing my way back in for more like the digital drug fiend i am

Loading into the game was a bit of a nightmare the first time-- as a dirty filthy stinking left-hander, I always switch around all my keybinds like an absolute animal. It's disgusting. One such keybind seemed to initiate a crash that hit every time I pressed any button at all whatsoever, so I had to reevaluate my life a bit, but it all ended up working out after a keybind reset and cautiously testing each one as I rebinded them afterwards.

I generated up a random world with zero custom settings just to test, then wound up going with it for the playthrough. Rip any chance of cheats or gamerule tweaks. This is probably good for my wimp ass, honestly. Almost immediately, I got diamonds, thanks to big-dig-style ore generation. I got them before coal. Ridiculous.

With Jardon's sweet voice ringing in my ears, I set off on my adventure. I holed up in the tiny cave where I found those first diamonds. It wasn't aesthetically pleasing, but it was a good start. First couple nights were bedless as I desperately farmed cotton to craft myself some wool, only to find a sheep on the 3rd-or-so day right when my cotton efforts had nearly paid off. Fuck.

My minimap was showing me that I'd settled on a peninsula, and further inland there was a desert village. To get here I'd have to brave the desert-- a veritable mosh pit of mo'creatures beasts and these little flying shits called Pteras. I'd grow to despise these as my mortal enemies in this pack. I ran across and activated my first waystone-- Mjolnisjsjkfrmf or whatever.

I ran around, crafted a backpack, bred some chocobos, found a couple more villages, looted some shit in my basement, which contained spiders, it's all a blur, honestly. At this point I had a Monking Dagger, a nifty little weapon which boosted my speed and allowed me to zip forward every couple seconds. I'd also acquired a magic essence, which I crafted into an Electric Staff, which, contrary to what its name would suggest, allowed me to fly a short distance into the air by right clicking. I decided this would be a good time to craft an OpenBlocks hangglider with the leftover backpack leather. These two had a pretty good synergy, but low durability on the staff, so I used up some of my allotted mid-air hop allowance on getting myself up to a floating slime island. I trimmed it bald and used the slime to craft slime boots and a slimesling, which, may I say, oohoohoohoo. Travel was REVOLUTIONIZED.

The Slimesling is used by aiming low at the ground and charging up a shot which flings you far into the air in the opposite direction. The Slime Boots are an, in my opinion, early game OP item which negates fall damage in lieu of bouncing off the ground and picking up ridiculous momentum in whatever direction you're flung. These work together like a clown in a bouncy house. I was soon launching and bounding across the landscape at mach speeds, deploying my glider in midair to soar over treetops and valleys, then coming back down and smacking painlessly against the ground before bouncing up again.

I decided to take it a step farther and as soon as I was able to craft my first hexical diamond, I made it into a pair of cloud boots which took the fall damage negation from the slime boots and paired it with a stupid high jump boost and speed. This took my travelmaxxing to a whole other level. I was unstoppable. I feel like I've already won the game at this point, nothing could beat this, right?

Well, then I made the superb choice to fling myself into a Pirate Island. My LAWWRD this was the BANE OF MY EXISTENCE. I died an embarrassing number of times, after each of which I had to craft another pair of slime boots to make the long trek back before being killed again on sight. It was hell on cube earth. Eventually I learned my lesson and bounced out of there, literally. I returned to take out Mr Pirate Captain later, which was worth it only for revenge's sake.

At this point I was looking for another place to settle where there was space enough to expand storage and set up a Tinker's Construct forge, as well as tall terrain for my launching and gliding habits. I found a nice place, a little lake surrounded on all sides by tall cliffs which I could launch off of to my heart's content.

So now here I am, deciding what kind of settlement to go for. It's funny how fast the playstyle can switch from roguelike to animal crossing in this game.

[themadmia]

From Dinosaurs to Donuts: Themed Socks Kids Go Crazy For

Parents know the morning struggle—getting kids dressed and out the door without a fuss. But when socks are covered in roaring dinosaurs, dancing donuts or glittery unicorns, that struggle can turn into excitement. Themed socks are more than just foot warmers; they're mini mood-boosters, conversation starters, and wardrobe favourites.

So, what makes themed socks so popular with kids? Let’s look at a few styles that tend to fly off the shelves and straight onto little feet.

Dinosaurs Still Rule

Whether it’s T-Rex or triceratops, dino socks are a guaranteed hit. Something about prehistoric creatures sparks kids’ curiosity and adds a playful twist to their outfit. A sock with dino spikes or a tail stitched at the back? That’s a winner for dress-up days and school show-and-tells.

It’s no surprise that when it comes to fun kids socks, dinosaur prints are high on the list. Some styles even light up or have 3D features to keep things extra cool.

Sweet Treats on Their Feet

Food-themed socks bring a lot of laughs, especially when they’re covered in donuts, popcorn or watermelon slices. These playful patterns give kids a chance to show off their personality—whether they’re sweet-toothed or just love colourful prints.

They’re also a fun choice for birthday parties or school events, especially if you match them to the day’s treats. Imagine a cupcake party with cupcake socks—it’s a guaranteed photo-op.

Animals, Unicorns and Everything Magical

Socks with ears, wings, or glitter tails never sit in the drawer for long. Kids are drawn to anything magical or creature-themed—think flamingos, sloths, llamas and, of course, unicorns.

Some designs even come with matching accessories like bows or arm warmers, turning socks into a full outfit moment. If your little one has a soft spot for sparkle, there are plenty of funky kids socks with sequin patches or bold textures.

Socks That Move, Shake, or Glow

Novelty socks that react to movement add another layer of fun. Some have pom-poms that jiggle with every step or LED lights that flash when your child walks or jumps. These tiny details often make socks their favourite item in the wardrobe.

Kids love showing off styles that stand out, especially during themed school days like Crazy Sock Day or Pyjama Day. With the right pair, they’re the star of the playground.

Easy Win for Parents, Too

Themed socks are also a quiet win for parents. They’re affordable, easy to gift, and often make mornings smoother. Letting your child pick their socks adds a little autonomy to the routine—and when they’re proud of what they’re wearing, getting dressed becomes a breeze.

If your sock drawer needs a top-up, take a scroll through the wide collection of fun kid socks online. From roaring dinosaurs to sugary snacks, there’s something for every sock-loving kid.

Final Word

Kids love colour, fun, and a little bit of quirk—and that’s exactly what themed socks deliver. Whether you’re gearing up for a themed dress day, shopping for a unique gift, or just looking to make school mornings more fun, themed socks are a simple way to bring more smiles to the day.

[linuxgamenews]

Experience the Thrill of The Spell Brigade Action on Early Access

The Spell Brigade action releases in the online co-op survivors-like game releases on Linux, Steam Deck, and Windows PC. Thanks to the brilliant creativity of Bolt Blaster Games. Available now on Steam Early Access with 88% Very Positive reviews. Bolt Blaster is eager to announce that The Spell Brigade is officially live and ready for action on Early Access. "We're super excited to get the release into players' hands," said Hans Jacobs, Game Director at Bolt Blaster. "Early access is a great way to get real feedback from the community, and we can’t wait to see what players think and how we can make the title even better." This is an online co-op survivors-like where you and up to three wizard friend team up, due to fight off waves of creepy creatures. With spell-slinging chaos and tons of upgrades, you’ll be creating amazing spell combos and laughing (or crying) as you accidentally blast your friends with friendly fire. Yeah, in this Linux and Steam Deck bullet hell, everyone's in danger!

The Spell Brigade action in the Official Early Access Trailer

So, grab your squad and get ready for some wild combat. In The Spell Brigade, you’ll take control of a "tiny" wizard and join forces with your friends in epic 1-to-4 player online co-op action. Hordes of enemies, Lovecraft-inspired monstrosities, and intense, fast-paced gameplay are due to keep you on sharp. The twist? Friendly fire means you can just as easily nuke your friends as you can the enemies. But that’s also half the fun, right?

Key Features:

Multiplayer Madness: It’s not just you against the world – bring your friends along! Work as a team to take down thousands of monsters, complete missions, and level up your spells. Surviving The Spell Brigade action together feels a lot better than dying alone.

Team-Based Combat: Get your brigade together and march through mystical battlegrounds. And don’t sweat it if you “accidentally” zap your teammates – thanks to the magic of friendship (and Revive tokens), no death is permanent.

Friendly Fire Bullet Chaos: Teamwork is great... until someone blasts a fireball into your face. In The Spell Brigade, the friendly fire action makes every battle a bit more intense. But hey, you can use those moments to make some epic comebacks.

Dynamic Spell System: Every time you play, you’ll also discover new spell combos. With tons of elements to mix and match, no build is ever the same. So this means endless possibilities for pure, unfiltered chaos.

The online co-op survivors-like action in The Spell Brigade is now available on Steam Early Access. Grab your wands, gather your friends, and jump into the fray. Available on Linux, Steam Deck, and Windows PC. And it's also priced at $8.99 USD / £7.65 / 8,77€ with the 10% release discount.

[mirimangarecs]

catherine’s key to a happy life - ondo & baggwili & gamju

a long-abused young woman breaks free from her family and purchases a house of her own. however, she soon finds out that the “haunted” property comes with uninvited guests, and she must ally herself with demonic powers to stay alive

the couple: they’re a power couple and can banter like nobody’s business. he’s terrifyingly powerful but with all the malaise immortality brings; she’s not afraid to use him to her advantage but struggles with the secrets surrounding her family

story & setting: it has some very unique (magical victorian) world-building regarding demons and the occult. the stakes are raised very quickly, and both leads are op, but it’s all good fun and wish fulfilment. it suffers a tiny bit from disjointed/frantic pacing, but it still weaves a compelling narrative

the art: Very Good. it’s richly coloured and makes even small details bombastic

(no spoilers)