#its the acorn power up

[lxvegod]

THEM 💚

Okay literal nadie me peló ojalá sí me hagan caso ahora 😾

[dionysianivy]

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 🌬🌿

E A R T H 🜃

When we connect with the Earth's energy, we tap into a powerful source of vitality and strength that flows through nature. By grounding and centering ourselves, we draw on the Earth's stability to find balance and calm within. Simple practices like standing barefoot on the ground or imagining roots extending from our feet into the soil help us feel deeply connected to the Earth's energy. In tuning into this natural rhythm, we can find comfort and support, especially during times of uncertainty.

Earth Symbols: acorns, trees, stones, leafs.

───𑁍────𑁍────𑁍────𑁍──

A I R 🜁

When we connect with the Air element, we tap into the limitless potential of our mind and spirit. Practices like meditation, visualization, and breathwork help us tune into the subtle flow of Air, expanding our awareness and opening up new possibilities. Meditation, in particular, quiets the mind's chatter, allowing us to focus on our breath and find inner peace and clarity. By paying attention to the gentle rise and fall of our breath, we ground ourselves in the present moment and nurture a deep sense of mindfulness.

Air Symbols: feathers, birds, wings, sword

───𑁍────𑁍────𑁍────𑁍──

W A T E R 🜄

When we connect with the Water element, we dive deep into the flow of our emotions and intuition, letting ourselves be gently guided by the currents of our subconscious mind. To deepen this connection, spending time near water can be incredibly powerful. Whether you're sitting by a river, taking a bath, or simply drinking a glass of water with intention, you can feel the influence of Water. When we immerse ourselves in water or let its flow wash over us, we allow our emotions to flow freely and surrender to the natural rhythm of life. This opens us to the transformative energy of Water, helping us embrace our inner mysteries and move gracefully through life's changes.

Water Symbols: sea shells, water waves, dolphin, pearl

───𑁍────𑁍────𑁍────𑁍──

F I R E 🜂

When we connect with the Fire element, we tap into the fiery depths of our soul, awakening our deepest desires and aspirations. Practices like ritualized burning, candle magic, and sun gazing help us align with Fire's transformative energy, igniting the flame of our true purpose. Ritualized burning is a powerful way to work with Fire's energy. It allows us to release what no longer serves us, creating space for new growth and transformation. By writing down our fears, doubts, and limiting beliefs on paper and then burning it in a sacred fire, we symbolically free ourselves from their grip, clearing the path for fresh starts and new beginnings.

Fire symbols: fire, torchs, dragons, garnet

───𑁍────𑁍────𑁍────𑁍──

tip jar♡

[wishbonewitch]

common outdoor items & their uses

a guide to common outdoor items and their magickal uses.

acorns- luck, protection, wisdom, power

walnuts- healing, protection, self care

pinecones- fertility, masculinity, growth, nature

pine needles- cleansing, healing, strength, banishment

pecans- employment, protection, success, abundance, prosperity

grass- growth, learning, healing, new beginning, grief, recovery

maple leaves- feminine, travel, change, decisions, healing

oak leaves- truth, justice, knowledge, steadfastness, protection, guidance

birch leaves- protection, cleansing, fertility, purification

dandelions- calling spirits, divination, healing

dandelion seeds- divination, wishes, manifestation, dreams, luck

dandelion leaves- defeating negativity, steadfastness, growth, purification

2 leaf clovers- love, luck, courage, cleansing

3 leaf clovers- protection, luck, fidelity, divination

4 leaf clovers- spirit work, luck, psychic ability, attraction

5+ leaf clovers- wealth, luck, attracting money, sanity

wild clover flowers- animal magick, blessings, breaking curses, luck, love

apple seeds- love, secrets, knowledge, gateways, divination, prosperity

tree bark- protection, binding, banishment, cleansing, purification

rocks- many rocks have crystals hidden inside, the most common is quartz types. if unsure, rockcs can represent strength, stability, protection and banishing. if you suspect its a crystal, look it up and discover the correspondences that matter to you!

will add more as i can, feel free to add your own!!

[sharkorok]

heeseung w/ an inexperienced s/o

cw/genre: this is fluff!!! fluff!!, headcanon format, cursing, fboi au, campus au ig…(?), like one dirty joke or whatnot teeheehoohoo, informal writing, that should be it (I think)

requested: X

a/n: this grown man has me so delulu so take this 😋

•-•-•-•

-u are well known for being notoriously bad at expressing affection or being in relationships

-you can’t do casual relationships this man once said “hey baby” and you were like “so I think we should lowk end things cuz why u calling me bby…kinda weird dawg…”

-UR JUST SO AWKWARDDDD ITS EMBARRASSING (I’ll write ur character development soon dw)

-anyways so you go to a party and you see heeseung who is notorious for being the craziest charmer ever like he could see an acorn on the ground and seduce it

-he strikes up conversation with you to see what the fuss is all about, he saw a person once talk about how ur so hot w a cold heart but he immediately realized you’re just awkward skssksksks

-he realizes he literally fell in love with you the second he tried to flirt and you were just …? while laughing awkwardly

-so after a month of you flitting around his charming gestures, looking down shyly or avoiding eye contact when he tries to rizz u up, he gets the courage to just straight up ask, “do you like me?”

-and when you explain that u don’t rlly know and u don’t really get into relationships he’s like OKKK LETS TRY THEN!! because he’s so madly in lov w you cuz ur so cute to him

-ok so boom dating!

-he purposely pushes your buttons to see just how much you can squirm, watching you stammer when he has you pressed against a wall gives him a power trip he didn’t think anyone could be this adorable

-and also u as a person…he’s so in love (dreamily)

-no one understands your relationship like, “how does y/n survive heeseung they can’t even say the word baby without cringing”

-ur not innocent or anything ur just new to affection and stuff so it freaks u out a little!!

-he always asks about boundaries before hand or makes sure you’re comfortable when you two are hanging out. the first time you two were cuddling he would ask every now and then if you were alright

-“you just make me nervous, hee” “don’t be nervous baby, it’s just me.”

-you didn’t realize how nice it felt to be loved within your comfort zone, and how nice it was to have someone hold your hand when it was pushed a little

-he’s gonna tease u tho sorry “loser virgin s/o and popular fboi boyfriend what wattpad story are we coming from”

-defends you to death if anyone criticizes the way you two date, he’s happy with you and if anyone tries to say otherwise he’s all up for arguing with them in a parking lot (￣▽￣)

-he loves you so so much and he dgaf about how slow he has to take it!!

-he takes you on lots of different dates to see what you like and what you don’t like, slowly initiates PDA to see if you’re okay w it or what freaks you out, he’s okay w taking the lead

-got him proud when you explain yourself tho, it means he’s doing a good job as your boyfriend if you’re comfortable explaining your boundaries and understanding them!! (in the least patronizing way possible)

-one time you two were making out and you put your hands on his chest, looking up at him and shaking your head, “I don’t think I want to continue yet.”

-and like a good boyfriend he is he reassured you he dgaf and that you two can just cuddle on the couch for the rest of the night or he could sit five feet away from you and not speak!!! whatever you say he listens bae

-never pushes you for affection, it pisses him off when people say the relationship is one sided, he doesn’t get insecure about whether or not you love him dw

-you say “I love you” every now and again later in your relationship to reassure him just in case tho, which is always super special to him and makes him fly over the moon *bawls eyes out*

-I did not mean for this to be this long ok anyways he’s yours and he knows it and your his and he knows that too <3

[sqvishii]

I just reread book 2 so consider: Silver vs Leona love triangle. I think everybody always pays more attention to Malleus v Leona, but these two have my heart. Maybe Silver is impressed with the Prefect's calm under pressure, charisma, and strategic abilities when they rally Savanaclaw's students against their leader and defeat him long-range with magic from the stands (like having Ace try to blow away the sand with his wind to give other mages clear shots, and using standard fire shots to burn up the oily blot). (Sorry, I just like to play with the Leona OB fight in my head.) And when he wakes up, maybe Leona starts to respect the Prefect's gumption and smarts more, when they still put up a fight in the Spelldrive match and fulfill Azul's contract.

Yuu swears, all they did was defeat a couple of overblotting mages, and suddenly got a loyal, caring friend and a leonine prince hanging around them all the time. And now both are trying to invite them to their home for the winter holidays, glaring at each other all the while? What's a Prefect to do?

there would be three endings:

silver:

you'd be in briar valley, uhh- kind of dangerous place for someone without magical powers, but you can manage. lots of cliffs and mountains, you'd be in a.. cottage (I FORGOT,, BASTA ITS WHERE SILVER WAS RAISED), small and cozy.. or the castle (or something..), but no matter- silver is always there for you if anything happens.

during the winter holidays, you two would sometimes house a bunch of animals that bursted in one day and warm them up with magic.. or make flower crowns-

acorn bracelets.

leona:

wowzers, sunset savannah.

respect, especially if ur one of leona's.. "friends", you'd get along with some of his relatives and if you like kids (NO. NOT THAT WAY 🙏), you can always play with cheka! a ball of sunshine, you like him- leona doesn't.

during winter holidays, he just.. sleeps. what's the point of having you come over to his homeland, then? have you as distraction so that he can sleep and cheka doesn't bother him?

just kidding (kinda),, leona would drag himself to go with you if you ever go somewhere to watch over/protect you, even if it's a woman and he's kind of intimidated (because they are much physically stronger and more strong-willed than the men), he'll try his best to prove his worth.

EITHER.

GO AND HIDE IN RAMSHACKLE !!

you'd want nothing more but to spend the cold winter inside your dorm, raccoon in your arms whiel you do a certain activity and the ghosts that haunted you since the first day just.. roaming around.

but seriously, stay at the dorm, DO NOT go to the kitchen and get roped into another overblot.

[catcrumb]

CATCRUMB FIELD NOTE 3

(Note 1:)

going out to the grave oak grove today for sediment collection + trap check

arrived at Grave Oak Grove with little incident

sediment churn +2% in shaded grove areas. inhabitants have been raising carrion again

lumch break 12:13

LEAVING EARLY DUE TO ATTEMPTED BURYING. BY NEW BEAST. SKETCH:

[hasty black ink sketch of a dark silhouette of a furred creature with tall ears and a long tail, leaping across the note with paws in front of it]

digging claws, tufted ears, long bushy tail

back in van. can hear it trying to get under hood. car isn't starting

(Note 2:)

It's in

I'm out of the dirt. Night now. Feeling weaker. Tree above me heavy with acorns. Took some for sample. Scratches all over me. Grave dirt everywhere. No sign of the creature but some tracks. [sketch of a paw with visible claw marks]

(Note 3:)

Back at base. Took a nap. Feel a bit better. Can't stand up for long w/o feeling dizzy. Going to spend day analyzing acorns + soil.

Calls aren't connecting. Judging by scratches, might be same beast. Cool cool cool good

Better sketch: [a sketch of the same creature with much more definition, a small oval head and a sloping back, with a curled proboscis under its snout]

Features:

needle proboscis, like an over grown mosquito

muscled powerful forelimbs with massive sharp claws.

hind legs more for jumping.

BIG.

(Note 4:)

Holing up in the attic - figured it'd be better to get away from the ground. Found these notes in the desk up here. Worrying

(Note 5:)

[a blank ink sketch of the same creature but by a different artist this time. it looks similar to the other sketches but there is more definition to it: more fur, more coherency to the way it is shaped. it looks like a creature that can dig and attack. it is labeled "fig 1." a closeup of a curled proboscis is in the corner, labeled "fig 2."]

(Note 6, written in a different hand than the other notes:)

A Tumulus Lynx (Fig 1) bound to the nearby Grave Oak Grove has been stalking the station for the last 6 days. It already made an attempt to bury me beneath the central Grave Oak. I managed to fight it off, but have not gone out since. I'm going to make a break for my jeep at daybreak. Leaving these notes for any future researchers in case I cannot get this station abandoned, whether through the guild's stubbornness or my death. If you see this animal, VACATE ASAP. It will only grow bolder after its first taste of marrow. -- M. Shadow

(Note 7, back to the original hand:)

Going to try and leave at dawn. Can't do much else - don't have any water left. Leaving these with the other notes. -- C. Crumb

[thecupidwitch]

Sun Magick

What Is A Sun Magick?

The Sun (also called Sol) is the one and only star in our solar system. Throughout the time almost every culture has worshiped the Sun as either a God or Goddess. Ancient Shamans used the power of the sun to heal the mind. The Sun is associated with life, health and healing. The light of guidance and illumination is an important magickal symbol. Solar energy helps you center in your own power, like the center of the solar system. Planet Earth orbits around the Sun. Other bodies that orbit the Sun include other planets, asteroids, meteoroids, comets and dust. Generally, the primary stellar body around which an object orbits is called its "sun", and stars in a multiple star system are referred to as the "suns" of bodies in that system.

Correspondences:

Associated deities: Aditi, Ah Kinchil, Ama-Terasu, Apollo, Aten, Brighid, Dhatara, Frey, Helios/Sol, Itzamna, Lucifer, Mithra, Mystere, Nitten, Paiva, Ra, Savitar, Apollo

Colors: Orange, amber, gold, yellow, red

Animals: Lion, Sparrowhawk, Griffin, Hawk, Bees

Incense: Cinnamon, clove, pine, citrus, Benzoin, Pine, Frankincense, Labdanum, Olibanum

Crystals: Sunstone, Goldstone, Ruby, Carnelian, Amazonite, Citrine, Tiger's Eye, Golden Topaz, Fire Agate

Sun Associations: Success, Empowerment, Ambition, Enlightenment, Goals, Generosity, Spirituality, Male energy, Health, Vitality, The Gods, Joy, Freedom, Leadership, Matters of the heart, Creativity, Friendship, Growth, Personal fulfillment, Self confidence, Wealth, Individuality, Pride, Energy, Power

Plants and Herbs: Sunflower, calendula, marigold, daylily, orange, citron, saffron, pine, mistletoe, rosemary, buttercup, heliotrope, bay laurel, daisy, walnut, acorn, maize, wheat, hops, cloves, cinnamon

Sun Phases

Sunrise

when the sun wakes up and peers over the horizon. This phase is all about new beginnings, changes, health, employment, renewal, resurrection and finding the right direction.

The Morning

the sun is growing in strength, so it brings the magical power for growth, positive energy, resolutions, courage, harmony, happiness, strength, activity, building projects and plans, prosperity and expansion of ideas.

High Noon

When the sun reaches its peak in the sky at midday – work magic for health, physical energy, wisdom and knowledge. It is also a good time to pop your tools or crystals out that need charging. (Note: some crystals can fade in strong sunlight so check first before putting them out).

Afternoon

This is a time to work in your communication, clarity, travel, exploration and professional matters

Sunset

As the sun takes itself off down below the horizon, work magic for removing depression, stress and confusion, letting go, releasing or finding out the truth of a situation.

Sun Water

Sun water is very similar to moon water. But rather than being charged by the moon, it’s charged by the sun. Sun water can be especially useful for helping boost the energy of a spell, to help an intention grow, and to cleanse.

Instructions:

Get a glass bottle

Fill it with any type of water.

Leave the bottle with water out in the sunlight or shade (indirect sunlight) during any time of day and for your preferred amount of time.

Tip Jar

[weirdmarioenemies]

Name: Waddlewing

Debut: New Super Mario Bros. U

I have been recently thinking about flying squirrels! They are so silly! I have never seen them in real life, but they ARE in my area, which feels magical. They are nocturnal, and I am not going to go into the spooky woods at night, but wow! They are among us! Maybe they are around you too, and you didn't realize!

Such supremely silly creatures. This is a rodent that, when the situation calls for it, will become a bit of a Rectangle. And it looks so funny! The unchanging expression on its little squirrel face! To the flying squirrel, this is serious business! I have decided that flying squirrels are the most scrimblo of animals. A tree squirrel's life is already dedicated to platforming and collecting, but flying squirrels even have a Glide Power-Up! It doesn't get much more scrimblo than that!

And so I think it is very appropriate for a flying squirrel to be in a Mario game. Waddlewing is sadly, to me, not quite as silly as a real flying squirrel- the rectangularitude is one of the best parts!- but it is still sufficient. If it looked too much like a real flying squirrel, I absolutely would not want to Defeat it!

Waddlewings debut alongside the Super Acorn, and Flying Squirrel Mario, which is of course extremely fitting and cohesive. But it gets my wrinkly wrascal of a brain wondering! They love these acorns. They absolutely eat them. And when they do, what happens? We know that canonically, power-ups can affect enemies. Was Waddlewing once a regular squirrel? Were their ancestors regular squirrels, and power-ups can be passed down genetically? Lamarck would love that, if he wasn't dead!

Or maybe they were not originally squirrels at all...? The Flying Squirrel Suit not only gives the wearer the ability to glide, but also the squirrel qualities to begin with! Maybe Waddle Wings began as. Man, I don't know. Orange Lump. Amorphous globosus.

Mario Kart 8 graced us with what I had been wanting! Rectangular rodent, rejoice! The Waddle Wing glider is probably the most perfect glider, and if I were to go hang gliding (I don't. Scawy) I would want to do it with a glider shaped like a flying squirrel. I love whimsical.

Flying squirrels do not have wings. If they wanted a biologically accurate name with the same vibe, they should have called it Pitterpatterpatagium! It is a good thing they didn't call it that, because that is a bad name.

[otomiyaa]

Wanderer x Ticklish Male!Reader

Romantic + 16. “I was trying to sleep!” Requested by @blobbirobbi for my 1K Followers Event🌻

So sweet and peaceful. It was only because you knew exactly where to spot your boyfriend that you managed to find him. Anyone else would just walk right past him.

There, up in the tree, you could see his hat sticking out just slightly, and a part of his foot as well, with his leg swinging back and forth. He was napping again!

Instead of climbing all the way up there to wake him, you used your anemo powers of your own to create a little ball of wind and air.

"Hehe," you giggled playfully. The ball of air twirled in your hand, and you used it to suck in some of the mess from the ground; such as acorns, leaves, sand, until you had a nice little dirty bullet to aim of a decent size.

"And, fire!" you chirped, sending it all the way up in a perfectly well-aimed curve ball. It disappeared out of sight, but you knew from the adorable sound that it hit him right in the face.

"URGh!" you could hear him yelp, and you grabbed your stomach and laughed.

"I was trying to sleep!" he yelled. Your boyfriend Scaramouche's angry face appeared up in the tree as he glared down at you, and you giggled to see his annoyed expression - in bad quality because he was up so high you could barely see him.

"I know! Which is why I did it! Come down, let's spar! It's too early to sleep," you told him.

"You think that's funny hmm?" he asked. You nodded.

"Yeah!" It was a surprising sight to see him get out of the tree, and he came levitating down, approaching you slowly but steadily. Oh. As he came closer and closer, you noted the vengeful look on his face.

"I repeat, you think its funny to wake me?" He definitely seemed more awake now.

"Uh yeah?" you said nervously, but you already started to walk. Like, walk fast.

"Oh you'll regret that boy," Scara said, and well yes, you started to run. And he flew even faster!

"Nohoo stay away! Don't you dare!" you warned, looking over your shoulder to see him chase after you.

"What, you woke me up to spar didn't you? Let's spar."

Eeeeep! He already held out his fingers and wiggled them at you.

"NO! I knohohow what you're gohohonna do- eeehehe!" you giggled nervously.

"Really? Do tell!" Good thing was that Scara was no longer tempted to have that boring afternoon nap again. Bad thing was that you were about to die laughing.

... was that a bad thing though?

"EEK!" you shrieked as you tripped over your feet. You fell down, and your fast and nimble boyfriend landed right on top of you. Sitting on you as if he was going to ride a horse, he kept you pinned down firmly. He dug his knees against you, both for more control and balance, and he tapped his fingers lightly against your sides.

"Gotcha. Any last words?" You could feel his fingers glide under your shirt and brush lightly against your bare sides. Oh god oh god you were in for it. You shook your head nervously and already giggled like a madman.

"Brihihing ihihit!" you laughed defiantly. You could hear him chuckle fondly.

"Alright then."

It wasn't the first time he tickled you. He tickled you many many times, and you were always pleased to return the favor. However in this position, face-down with him straddling you from behind, it looked like you weren't going anywhere and that tickling him back was only a distant dream, and not your reality.

"AAAHahaha! Nohoho dohohon't!" you squealed. You could feel him carefully push up your clothes further, his fingers digging eagerly into your sides, tummy and ribs as they climbed up.

He claimed all of your ticklish torso as his own territory and tickled you anywhere he could reach. Which was quite a lot, even in this position.

"That's for waking me," he said. You banged your fist against the groud and cackled shamefully.

"You weheheren't s-supposed to slahaha-sleep in the fihihirst plahahace!" you managed to say with difficulty. Your laughter really was all over the place, and so were your boyfriend's fingers.

"Really? Just because you're my boyfriend, you think you can determine my sleeping schedule? Well, happy to hear you love me that much. In that case, I'll determine when you're gonna laugh. How does that sound?"

It sounded crazy. Just because it was a lame thing to say, and also, you were already laughing!

You flailed your arms and managed to grab a handful of leaves from the forest floor. You threw it backwards and used some anemo strength for extra power. You knew it hit him in the face from the cute little growl he let out.

"You'll regret that!" he hissed, and you squeaked when he flipped you over on your back. With one hand he caught both your hands and pinned them above your head. With his free hand he tickled your armpits and ribs until you were screaming bloody murder.

"AHAHAAH! OKAha-okahahhaay I'm sohohorry! Wahahaha!"

He wasn't just giving you a random punishment. You could see from the smile on his face that he was really enjoying himself here.

"Sorry, what did you say?" he asked with a playful grin. He was even daydreaming! In the middle of his tickle attack on you!

"I'm sohohorry sweetieehehheheh! Ahhaha not thehehere!" you cackled when he tickled your underarm mercilessly. There was nothing you could do. The tickling took all of your strength, and that cute smile of his wasn't much help either.

"Promise you won't wake me up again?"

Well that was a hard one. "I cahahan't!" you laughed in all honesty. Scara seemed impressed by your truthful answer.

"Hmm okay. Do you accept then, that the next time you disturb my nap, I will tickle you twice as much?"

Gladly. "Suhuhure! Wahahahah- nohohow lehehet me breheheathe!"

At last his speedy fingers came to a stop, and you gasped for air. Scaramouche smiled gently and cupped your cheek.

"Good. Then for now, I forgive you." He gave you the sweetest kiss, and you closed your eyes and relaxed underneath him. Ah, he was the most dramatic and merciless boyfriend ever. But he was your boyfriend, and you loved him, no matter what silly things he would do.

"Well, now that we did that. I should go back to sleep." To your horror he suddenly flew back into the air, up into the trees again.

"Hey! Where are you going- don't you dare!" You ran after him and could swear you saw a playful smile on his face right before he disappeared between the leaves. Oh that little...

Well, if he was trying to tease and provoke you.... You rolled up your sleeves and wiggled your fingers. Maybe you should see how those rusty tickle skills of your own were doing then!

[m1d-45]

i need MISERY and SADNESS and ANGST !

reader absolutely sobbing to bird xiao. i mean fucking wailing, man.

our birdie was going about his usual business, peeping around, looking for any possible dangers, maybe bring back a nice acorn. once he’s done, he’ll fly back to us, glad to report — (chirp a few times) — that the area is safe.

but instead of finding you eagerly awaiting him with an outstretched hand, he finds you curled in on yourself, stifling sobs.

he lands on the ground in front of you, worriedly hopping past the squirrels and deer nudging various forest tributes to you. he peeps once, but you don’t respond. he peeps a second time, and this warrants an answer.

you weakly unfurl yourself, willing your head upwards.

xiao now notices the state of your clothes. tattered, dirty, and dampened with what he hopes is just a peculiar blue juice.

he then meets a pair of reddened, glossy eyes. your cheek was scratched, and your now visible hands badly scraped. he chirps in concern, flapping his wings and hopping closer to your face.

that same face scrunches once again, as you curl your head back into your knees. as another sob escapes, you only wordlessly produce a few almonds from your pocket. you only whimpered an apology as a deer laid at your feet.

the almonds were not what he wanted. he did not need an apology for- what? a lack of attention? no, none of that. he only wanted you to be happy. how had he failed you again? he was a disgrace to the adepti, he was surely deserving of avid punishment. perhaps the loss of a finger would serve well. or two, after all, he had been too selfish and ignorant to save you. why was he even aIive? why was he ever even born? such a faiIure should never have been —

his inner monologue was cut off by an offering of a hand instead. you shakily nudged him with your index finger, making him release a squeak.

“hey.. i said i’m fine, right? please eat. you’re always so hungry.”

you sniffled.

“i can find some plants, and-“

but the sobs only continued.

“and fix it..”

your hand went limp as your cries shook your body. you didn’t even bother to weep silently anymore.

the squirrels chittered, the approaching raccoon held a rock in its small hands as an offering. a deer sniffed your head as you curled into fetal position again.

“i didn’t want this- i- i didn’t want to—”

i was just having fun, why did- how did it come this far?-”

a rabbit hopped closer.

“i want to go home. i miss my mom, i miss my dad, i miss their hugs-”

the deer at your feet nudged your leg.

“why can’t i just die aIready?”

xiao squealed, flapping his little wings furiously. he chirped and chirped, trying to bring you back to your senses.

he’d seen this thing time and time again- the form taken by relinquishment. once the thought was spoken, it could only end in misfortune.

he knew this was only a psychological effect, of course. to lose a battle when a small part of you wants to. to become careless and fall asleep on a thinly frozen lake. or, to intentionally cause one’s own end.

but that would not stop him from bringing you charms of good fortune in the following days. talisman to ward off draining spirits, necklaces and bracelets he personally imbued with evil-vanquishing power.

it did not stop him from distancing himself from you, in fear his karmic binds had effected you. that they were having the same effect on you as his siblings- as himself.

he had to protect you.

it was his duty.

-owl anon RAAAHH

i’m sorry this got so long, my thumbs go *taptaptaptap* on my keyboard while i just watch

oh…. you get it.

(under the readmore because my fingers tend to go)

xiao blessing small pebbles with adeptal energy, ignoring how it stings his hands as he wraps it in a leaf. as the one enchanting the stone, he’s granted a small amount of grace, but protection charms always tended to hiss at his karma.

he picks it up with his claws, flapping up and into the skies of liyue. he always brings you small gifts, and he knows you keep them, at least for a little while. he’s not sure if the magic is absorbed into you, if it fades, or if you simply lose them—some small part of him is satisfied at the image of mountain shaper being repelled by a simple stone—but he brings them to you faithfully. you always greet him the same way, and anticipation begins to bubbles under his skin at the thought.

he loves seeing you.

…but not like this.

your tree is more crowded than usual, various small wildlife surrounding you. nothing big, nothing threatening—the deer hesitate at the treeline, huffing and pawing at the ground—but worrying for certain.

he gives his same warning cry he always does, but you don’t step out to greet him. he has to duck beneath the leaves, and he sees you… crying.

he freezes, dropping a few inches in his shock, but quickly recovers.

(he can’t hesitate. he can’t pause. there’s no time for his own problems when you are in pain-)

he lands on your arm, bumping his head to yours and giving you a small chirp.

(please be okay. please be okay. please let the teal grass around you be lighting, or his bird eyes. please.)

another bump. another chirp. he reaches and pulls a leaf from your hair, turning to drop it away, and when he looks back you managed to lift your head.

he can’t stop the way he jumps, flapping to regain his balance at the smear of blue across your face.

“oh… hello there, little friend.”

he can’t even bring himself to be as happy as he normally is at your voice.

you take the wrapped rock from your claws, both you and the leaf unfurling. the blue stone glitters, and you smile slightly. from his new perch on your wrist and your shift in posture, he can’t help but notice more and more tragic details about you.

a slash across your waist, the cloth of your shirt clinging to your skin. the dirt across your skin, the tracks of tears down your cheeks.

“th-“ you cough, and the stone in your hand pulses outside of your view. “thank you, pretty bird.”

some part of him hopes that the stone brings you some joy. that you can absorb some of his magic- hell, he’d enchant it again if he needed to, expending every drop of energy he had of it meant you didn’t have to cry.

but not even the beauty of the earth can mend the tragedy of betrayal.

if anything, you cry more, curling up again in an attempt to hide from the world that wanted you dead. concerned cheeps slip from his beak as easily as the rabbits and birds around you hop closer. none dare to get as close as he, but acorns and river stones and pushed towards you, a ring of offerings surrounding their god.

“sorry,” you stutter, your voice choked, and he wonders why you’re apologizing. “i- i still-“ another sob. xiao feels like crying himself.

(he has no right to be distraught. not when he’s the blade you fear)

“here,” you manage, offering up a shaking handful of crushed almonds. you still have him your food, you still went through the strain and effort of crushing them so he could eat them in this form- even after the adepti had injured you, you still found it in yourself to help him?

(you didn’t know he was an adeptus. he was still lying to you. he hasn’t even taken any serious action, he couldn’t even try and help you when you still helped and cooed over and loved him-)

“do- do you-“ your voice hitched and broke, and he chirped, hopping up your arm. how he wished he could comfort you properly. how he wished he wasn’t a coward, that he could do more. “i know it isn’t enough, i-“ fresh tears welled in your eyes, and he had the feeling the pain ran deeper than your skin. “i’m sorry.”

you were sorry? why? he didn’t need an apology, he- if anything he should apologize. you deserved his offerings and apologies, you deserved his effort- and he couldn’t even give you that. he couldn’t even do what he was meant to, he wasted air with every breath, he spent his time protecting the citizens that hurt you. you shouldn’t be giving you his food, he should be giving you his blade, his armor, his mask, his- his faith.

he didn’t deserve to cry. but when he took a look at his own actions, he couldn’t help but think that he should be the one with blood on his skin, with ragged clothes and heaving breaths.

(he should be dead for what he allowed to happen to you.)

“please eat,” you sobbed, nudging him with the hand holding the almonds. “i can- i’m- you can trust me.”

(you shouldn’t trust him.)

“please…”

he hated seeing you cry. he hated hearing your sobs and knowing he was indirectly part of the cause. he hated that he was too much of a coward to take any serious action, he hated that he still stood besides your enemies, he hated that some of your blood fell on his hands, hated that every ounce of strength he had was one that you didn’t, and it was his fault. at least partially.

(entirely.)

your cries took words, pleads to the wildlife for a world they didn’t know, people and names you begged to carry you from your position.

“i just wanted to have fun.” you should be. you should be dressed in gold with jewelry of silver, you should be smiling and dancing with the ones you had blessed, traveling nations not as a fugitive, but as a god. “i never meant to come here. i never meant to be a problem.”

he hates that he knows you’d be safer in your previous world. he hates it. he hates it. he hates the adepti, he hates the millelith, the knights, the matra, he hates every blade that dared to cross your skin.

(he hates himself. he hates that he’s never done enough. he hates that he’s still so much of a coward he can’t take any action, not even against himself. he should turn his spear on himself, for allowing such heresy.)

you sniffled, harshly wiping at your eyes.

“god, why can’t i just die?”

ice frosted xiao’s veins.

he would understand if you were angry. he would understand if your tears were of frustration, if you beat at the ground instead of your aggressor’s bones, if you wanted to shout and take out your anger on the sky. he’d offer himself for your wrath—at least then he could finally be of service—but for you to wish to offer your life?

for you to be convinced that the death of a god was the only solution for the falsehood of another…

how long had this thought been in your head? how long had you offhandedly thought of letting yourself be captured, be slain, of giving up what you had blessed upon so many? how many times had you debating letting a wound get worse, of allowing infection to rid you of the thorns of this world?

xiao hopped up your arm, cooing sadly and curling into your neck.

he wished he could do more. he wished that he could hold you with human arms, he wished he could give you faith in your own creations, he wished he could whisk you away and take on the world himself, that he could fight on your behalf, that you would remain safe and if anything, he would be the one to die.

“don’t cry,” you said shakily, awkwardly reaching to pet over his wings.

how could he not, when his god had forsaken everything, including themself?

[therobotmonster]

So many kid's toys these days just. Arn't fun. They're designed to be COLLECTED rather than PLAYED with. Everything is a fucking blindbag. Materials are flimsy and cheap and designs don't hold up to an actual child throwing them around. And it's all so EXPENSIVE, even accounting for inflation.

To expand on my thoughts here, I'm unrolling a Twitter thread I made about this trend. (with some additions)

The Big H's handling of mainline figs is... distressing, of late. Very little push for show mains, oversupport of already saturated legacy characters, and some frankly unsettling engineering and materials choices (esp in Cyberverse).

Increase in overall fragility, thinner parts, styrene-on-styrene joints that will go floppy in a few months of light play, very little "clicks" or locks solidly... the passion is clearly in the collector's end, and that's just bass ackwards.

This repugnus would have been amazing triumph from Mego in 1970s. But for a mainline big H TF line in the 2020s? This is a backslide. And before anyone brings up that it's from the kids' line, that's the point. They're KIDS, they should get MORE care and effort in their merch.

Every toy you make might be a kid's only birthday gift or holiday present. Toys are /given/ to children, and if the work is subpar, you make a chump out of grandma. You won't be there to blame if it breaks or disappoints.

It seriously drives me nuts seeing how far the stuff-for-kids industries have fallen. There's no brands without the work, but as the poet DMX said: "these cats done forgot what work is."

All your blockbuster superhero empires start in the pulp gutters. Compared to the movies toys, games and comics will never be profitable ENOUGH to be worth it on a billion-dollar scale ledger.

"Give me mighty oaks! There's no profit in acorns!"

If you want the stuff that makes the Michael Bay blockbuster, you have to start with the stupid goofy cartoon no one had seen before where anxiety over the oil crisis was acted out by robotic Punch and Judy puppets. How many studios would greenlight TMNT or TF sight unseen today?

If you make toys and cartoons and video games, your job is to make kids happy. How is that not sacred? If anything is sacred it should be that.

Art is the act of evoking emotion, and fun is an emotion (what else could it be described as?) and it is SO IMPORTANT.

I fear that gets lost in the "what to do over next?" rush. Every artist at those companies has a dozen amazing ideas in their back pocket that won't get a chance to become the next Transformers because a studio is terrified they'll make Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors instead.

Since the world is run by Captain Planet villains, I wouldn't bat an eye if we found out venture capital was a ploy by some disgruntled warlock who just hates the goddamn Care Bears.

Just some dick at Bear Sterns singing "There's no room for joy on a spreadsheet" to a weaselly sidekick.

Cuz guys, we've got companies that make GAMES for CHILDREN hiring the Pinkertons. I repeat. Games. For. Children. That's not normal. That's not a normal thing. That is a very disturbing thing.

And its hard to even discuss without sounding like a frickin' Care Bear myself. Because how do you sum up the creeping dread that the support beams are being mined thin, and everything fun for kids will go the way of Toys-R-Us, dragged down like Artax.

I'm not advocating pure altruism here. There's plenty of money to be made giving kids an awesome experience. It's investing in future fandom. Real Brand loyalty. If you want the blockbuster 15 years from now, get them hooked on the fun cartoon now. The value-add always pays off.

For every Transformers or He-Man there's going to be several Robotix-es or Power Lords. That's a risk. A risk worth taking. New ideas should be easier and cheaper to bring to fruition now than ever. But the system won't let it happen.

[stormdash2]

How Sally Acorn and The Freedom Fighters can work in a Sonic game.

This is a little essay I want to make on how Sally Acorn and The Freedom Fighters can potentially work in a Sonic game.

Brief summary. Sally Acorn is a character from the Sonic the Hedgehog Archie comics, and is especially known for being in the Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon, dubbed by fans as Sonic SatAM.

The characters of Sally Acorn, Bunnie Rabbot, Rotor the Walrus and Antoine D'Coolette are characters exclusive to this show as well as the spin-off comics. They are part of a group known as The Freedom Fighters, which also consists of Sonic himself as well as Tails. Their goal is to liberate their world from the tyrannical Doctor Robotnik, better known as Doctor Eggman, the main antagonist of the games.

These characters were made for the show, but I believe they can work in the game setting. It just requires a bit of tweaking to have them fit the Sonic Team vision, and this is how I would go about it.

Let's start with the gameplay, as that is the most important part of a Sonic game obviously, or any video game for that matter. Now, obviously in most Sonic games, Sonic is playable. In those games he runs at high speeds, hence his name. The gameplay reflects that perfectly. This has been a thing since the first Sonic game on the Sega Genesis.

Any games where one of his friends are playable usually have that friend running at high speeds. Examples include Tails in Sonic 2. When he's tagging along with Sonic, he's keeping up with his speed, or on his own, he has to show that same speed in gameplay.

This continued through the Genesis games with the introduction of Knuckles, and into the Adventure games with characters like Shadow. Some characters do have slower gameplay, like Amy Rose does in Sonic Adventure, but it's still speedy in its own right. Amy definitely has quite a boost in speed by Sonic Heroes.

The point I'm getting at is this. If Sally were to be in the games, there's two ways to go about it. One way is making her an NPC. Sally does not have the speed or abilities that the game cast have. So putting her in a traditional Sonic level would make her feel out of place.

Could she be given powers? Absolutely. But I feel like it messes with her charm. Her being a normal character should not be a bad thing. No one had a problem with Batman being in the Justice League. Sally has plenty of strengths, even if not in gameplay. She can appear in cutscenes, give orders, or anything. Not every major character in a video game is playable, and that extends to the Sonic franchise. Tikal didn't need to be playable to be important in Sonic Adventure 1 after all.

If anyone was going to be playable in a Sonic level, it would be Bunnie Rabbot. She has the cybernetically enhanced limbs and could speed and power her way through a Sonic level.

However if Sally were to be playable, an option would be to give her specifically designed levels that focus on her slower gameplay. It could even be stealth based. Think about the levels in the game, Sly Cooper. Sally could sneak around and gather intel to assist her team, and use stealth takedowns on enemies, or just fight.

Another feature would include having Nicole present in some form, either as a computer or in her Lynx form. She can even have a role similar to Omochao in which she would explain the controls or give hints throughout the levels.

Option two is this. A Sonic RPG. We've already had Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, but I think another Sonic RPG is due. Especially given that Sega owns Atlus, who are famous for the Persona franchise. An RPG is a great way to introduce The Freedom Fighters.

With an RPG gameplay, you don't have to worry about how characters can keep up or not. Everyone is at an even playing field. This is assuming that it's a turn-based RPG, like Persona, or the original Final Fantasy games. (And Sonic Chronicles too of course).

Most RPGs don't have that many people in a single party, so you'd still need to pick and choose. Chronicles was generous with eleven characters. So I'll bump it to twelve. My picks would be Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, Rouge, Silver, Blaze, Sally, Bunnie, Antoine and Rotor. We can have cameos from characters like Rosie, Dulcy, Uncle Chuck and Lupe. This in addition to the game characters of course.

The RPG route could be interesting, as it could allow for a mechanic known as The Affinity System. This system has been used in Final Fantasy 7 and Tales of Symphonia, and is particularly featured in Fire Emblem, and even the Sega owned Persona.

The affinity system allows for character bonds to grow through gameplay and side quests. This could be a fun way to show how friendships develop among the Sonic characters, and be a good way to show a bond when it comes to the Freedom Fighters. There's another reason that I will get into in a bit.

Another idea is to make a fighting game. It would be a Sonic Fighters type deal where characters from across the Sonic Universe could fight. And why limit it there? Sega could feature characters from across the multiverse, which includes SatAM.

Sega has what it takes to make a Sonic 3D Fighter after all. They have the Virtua Fighter team with nothing to do. Honestly it'd be funny if characters like Akira Yuki or Jacky Bryant made playable appearances.

Then again, having humans fighting Mobians (or whatever Sonic's game franchise calls these characters) might be troubling. Anyone who remembers the Star Wars characters in Soul Calibur 4 knows from experience how hard it is fighting a small character like Yoda.

Still, a fighting game featuring Sonic characters can work. It again puts them on even ground, and power doesn't need to match. You see games like Dragon Ball FighterZ or the Marvel vs Capcom games having crazy looking matchups that don't make sense, but it's a game so you don't have to think too hard on it. So long as the characters fit, then it's fine.

Be it a 3D fighter, or a 2D fighter, either way it could be fun to see the Freedom Fighters in a fighting game.

This mainly applies to the SatAM Freedom Fighters. Anyone from Archie could be troubling given the copyright issues. Not all characters have this, those like Fiona Fox and Mina Mongoose could theoretically come back. It depends on what Sega wants, but if they were willing to bring them back, that would be a plus. Mina and Fiona deserve a better story than they got in Archie Comics, and being adapted by Sega could be the fresh start they need.

I'm not opposed to other making it into the games, be it Cosmo from Sonic X, or Tangle and Whisper from IDW. They can all co-exist in the Sonic gaming franchise along with other characters.

Now to get to characterization. There's a difference between Sonic in the games, and Sonic in SatAM and the comics. Japan portrays Sonic as very humble compared to how the West Portray him.

In Archie, Sonic is very full of himself and a bit egotistical. He's very likely to smack talk someone. He's got a larger ego, and plays up the who superhero thing.

This is opposite of what Sonic Team sees Sonic as. Yes in the Japanese versions of Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, he had something of an ego, and was rude, but he became pretty humble by the end of SA2 and from there, he's had a friendlier demeanor.

Why do I bring this up? In SatAM, Sally's thing was constantly telling Sonic what to do and keeping him from being immature. Sally wouldn't need to do that in the games because Sonic is already mature, so their dynamic changes.

Also, Sonic is not really one to be bound by this stuff. He's not a superhero type like Western Media likes to portray. (A misunderstanding he has in common with Goku). He always does his own thing.

Now I know I said Sonic's not a superhero, but I will use them to make the comparison. While the Freedom Fighters are duty bound like The Avengers, Sonic and his friends are like The Fantastic Four. They're more explorers than heroes, they just happen to do good things.

So while Sonic is chill and more mature than in the games, Sally can still find Sonic irritating since like SatAM and Archie, he does what he wants. Difference is that Western Sonic would brag about doing what he wants while Game Sonic just does it without the need to explain himself.

Sonic and Sally would have different dynamic. I can see her trying to get him to do what she wants him to do, but he's giving her a hard time. But he's nicer than Archie, and he's usually more respectful to girls, so he may try to explain himself at some point, only if he wants to.

Romance would not likely be there either. Sega does not want Sonic in a relationship, and honestly if they do go that route for him, he'd likely be with Amy.

I can see Sally crushing on Sonic, but it would be one-sided. He wouldn't return the affection and Sally may eventually give up. But the respect would still be there.

Also bear in mind, if Sally does become part of the games, that doesn't mean she'll be a main character. At most she'd be a side character and only appear when needed.

Backstories would need to change too. Sally may not be a Princess this time around, but Knothole can exist on an island where Sally is the mayor's daughter or something. Keeps it political for her and she is somewhat a Princess. It can even be a nickname.

Roboticization doesn't exist in the games, so Bunnie being a cyborg would either be due to an accident, or it could be an Iron Man situation where she was given robotic limbs. Rotor could build them.

Antoine could just be a knight. He may or may not be married to Bunnie at first, but that's not something I want to see rushed, so it's better off being alluded to. If anything, just say they're dating.

Nicole is tough. The original plans for her was that she was once Mobian, then had her brain uploaded into that computer. She gains a physical form again, but comes back as a child and becomes a daughter figure to Sally.

Nicole could essentially be Sally's little buddy like Tails is for Sonic if they choose to go that route.

Or she could be older and just be Sally's best friend, or even her sister either by blood or via adoption. I would personally go with the adoption route, it adds a bit more to their friendship without having to add too much exhibition.

It could be a simple game, either one of the classics, because the Freedom Fighters just fit well in those, or modern, which works too. Whether they already knew Sonic or just met him is another thing to consider.

If you go with them already knowing him, it'd need to be done carefully. Like Sonic met them once but didn't stick around. He lost contact with them because they couldn't keep up. Sonic's friends stick around because they could keep up.

But that's their relationship. Sally may not have a deep bond with Sonic, or Tails for that matter, but such is the way it is for Sonic games.

Though going back to the affinity thing I mentioned for the JRPG, theoretically that can be used as an excuse to have romance. Build a bond and slowly have the two fall in love. It doesn't even need to be with Sally though, you can have Sonic fall for Amy. You can have Sonally or Sonamy, and the best part, it doesn't need to be canon. Both can be what-ifs, similar to Final Fantasy when it came to Cloud with Tifa or with Aerith. Or the many possible Fire Emblem pairings.

This could be Sega just testing the waters to see how romance would be handled. If they want, they can even give Sonic an option to be with Blaze. Sonaze fans should be happy too.

Even so, let's say Sonic is meant to be with Amy. Personally, I say don't pair Sally with anyone. Though if she absolutely had to be paired with someone, I'd say maybe Mighty or Ray since they're game characters who can fit the Freedom Fighter aesthetics well. (Personally, I vote for Ray. Chipmunk and Squirrel.)

Oh, and I suppose I should discuss her wardrobe. I'll keep it simple, I don't see why Sega would need to give her clothes, I always found that double standard weird. Why is it okay for guys to go without pants but it's not okay for girls? I don't think any other game or franchise with anthro characters have that issue. Either everyone worse mostly clothes or no one did.

But if Sega feels the need to put clothes on her, then fine, no big deal. Just make sure they look good. Don't force it like the reboot did.

But that's my take. Sally can work in the games with effort, and Sega just needs to try. The key is getting her popular enough for Sega of Japan to consider her. But Honestly, having Sally in the games would be a great service. Sega has done great services lately, such as bring back Sonic's friends for games like Superstars and promising to bring back older franchises like Jet Set Radio and Streets of Rage.

I know SatAM has a different vibe from the games, but considering Sega's fine with The Diamond Cutters in IDW that do similar stuff like the Freedom Fighters do, and the fact that Sonic Forces had this rebellion thing, Sega's willing to go this route.

Mario has done similar with characters like Pauline in Mario Odyssey and Daisy in Super Mario Bros wonder. Sonic needs to keep up this kind of momentum. Let's keep up this momentum. We'll Rally for Sally as they say.

Thank you for reading.

[charlastorfrenchlove]

Extrait chapitre 1 M'as-tu piégés Princesse? " Badum"

“BADUUUM BADUUUUUUUM “ It has been some time since Alastor noticed the abnormal movements occurring in his chest and this phenomenon only occurs when he is in the presence of a certain princess of Hell. Without him being able to understand how the young blonde went about provoking such a physical reaction. He would have noticed if Lucifer's daughter had used any spell on him, after all he knew enough about magic and demonic power to see if anyone was trying to harm him. But he never detected anything in the blonde and he didn't want to go see a doctor because the supreme lord knew very well that he was not suffering so what was the point. The strange symptoms have finally stopped to the happiness of the latter, he will be able to concentrate on something else. So he walks with both hands behind his back while humming a little tune, very happy that his strange symptoms have calmed down in the corridor, he meets the princess's companion walking with an angry step. The red demon wonders what could have provoked the anger of the former exorcist. -So dear, I was able to hear you from the other end of the hotel, what is putting you in such a state? *he asks in a mocking tone*

The person concerned gives a look full of disdain for the red, wondering what is wrong with her for it to come to meddle in her life. Then the last news he didn't really care about her well-being so why would he do it suddenly, Vaggie clicks her tongue against her roof of the mouth and throws her long hair back. -Anything that concerns you, shouldn't you do your job as a manager instead of hanging around like an acorn? *she asks aggressively* -What I was about to do but your aggressive steps distracted me from my main objective *replies the demon just as dryly* A slight growl escaped Vaggie's lips, greatly annoyed that this demon of misfortune had the answer to everything and with ease too. Although he was right, that doesn't mean she was going to confide in him, that's all that was missing. Therefore, it was better for her to put an end to this discussion which will lead to nothing anyway. She walks in front of him to make it clear to him that she didn't want to continue cutting the piece of fat with him. For her, this man, finally this demon, was like a threat to the well-being of her princess's hotel and to the princess herself. -Maybe but it's not my problem if you let yourself be distracted so easily, it's not my problem * declares the former exorcist *

Then she continues on her way as if nothing had happened, Alastor does not try to keep her any longer because he knew perfectly well that it would be useless. He just sighs while thinking that the princess's companion later could prove to be a real problem for his plans. Quite simply because she is far too suspicious and refuses to open up to him as her charming companion did so well. His shadow therefore materializes on the wall with a mocking smile, for the moment Alastor seems willing to ignore it. Until the latter spoke, because the latter does not seem to appreciate being ignored like this by her master. Yes, these things have a certain ego “-I could make it disappear quickly and without any problem, all I need is a word from you” *Throws the infernal creature* -And thus place suspicion on my person? Great god no thank you, everything in its time my friend you may have been able to read my mind but you should have understood that it was still too early to try anything on this poor, highly unpleasant creature * replies the big deer * The shadow seems a little skeptical but decides not to contradict its master too much and then disappears. Alastor seems relieved that the creature is quite docile. He didn't want the conversation to be heard by a few clumsy ears. It would still be unfortunate to silence these sources of distraction

because he lacked vigilance it would be a real shame. And yet he didn't even take into account the presence of the king of hell in the hotel, even if he doesn't scare him he knows very well that he will never be a match for him. He arrives at the door of his radio tower, however he discovers the princess standing with her back to him in front of the door. Charlie made funny gestures with his arms at his face, he said nothing then the last one turned around to face him, her eyes bathed in tears. At this vision the big deer suddenly stops  “BADUUUM BADUUUUUUUM “

[jadeyarts]

summary of what i’ve been doing with these guys (details subject to change)

SO BASICALLY: in the first episode of sonic underground you can see a statue of king acorn before it is demolished by robotnik’s rule, which means that king acorn still exists in sonic underground at least until somewhat recently, and would have been a major ruling force in mobotropolis prior to robotnik’s takeover. now, since aleena isn’t even originally from mobotropolis that means her ruling power would have been through king acorn in some fashion. either she overthrew him, or she married into his kingdom.

since aleena would still be of noble blood separate from any connection to king acorn as we know she is a descendant of a pharaoh, we can assume that the two having an arranged marriage is entirely plausible given how monarchies operated to secure alliances and keep bloodlines noble. now of course there’s TWO king acorns: max, pre-sgw, and nigel, post-sgw. and both of them have wives - mothers to sally acorn - that are seen, and do not resemble aleena at all. so safe to say that if one actually explored aleena co-existing with the acorns, she probably didn’t actually marry either of them.

how or why she would overthrow him without immediately reforming the entire system given what we know of her origins and her values don’t really make sense imho so i’ll just say that in the context of underground canon, i do think she did probably marry king acorn and gained rule through the relationship. i don’t think he’s the father of her children, but uh... i’m not going to get into that right now. anyways, in the context of a more satam or archie based setting... well, the clear answer is that she may have been engaged to him, but she’s not married to him, so clearly things fell through.

as a noble it would be considered her duty to go through with the marriage - but as sonic’s mother, i strongly feel that just like her son, she would strongly believe in freedom and making your own choices - and she doesn’t love max. so instead she runs off with someone she does love, a commoner - so my aleena isn’t actually a queen, though still of a noble bloodline - mostly because while i think aleena having a royal background and being sonic’s mother is cool, i don’t care much for sonic himself as a royal? so she gives up her noble title, has the triplets, becomes a freedom fighter, ect.

now, what a lady in waiting is actually depends on the specific kingdom and its system - they can be a personal assistant, OR a monarchy-assigned best friend to a noblewoman who is also noble, and depending on the specific kingdom’s system, a monarch who is married to a noblewoman may be entitled to marry her lady in waiting as well. since the acorns rule over a fantastical fictional kingdom that is AT BEST taking place on a post-apocalyptic earth i figure the functions of a fictional lady in waiting doesn’t need to be exactly accurate to a specific real life kingdom - SO! with aleena and max engaged but aleena bouncing to hook up with a commoner, and alicia being max’s canon wife, i’m going to go ahead and say that in these circumstances it would make sense for alicia to be aleena’s lady in waiting who took over her duty to marry the monarch she was engaged to as she was also a noblewoman.

but because of aleena and max’s former engagement, she managed to have a weird and complicated friendship with max and locke.

anyways, i actually like both king max and king nigel, albeit in two very different ways. max is... complicated, controversial, and sometimes not great - but i find that his flaws make him a fascinating character, and i like to watch him struggle making the right choices as a parent and as a leader because of the circumstances he was born into and dealt with! and nigel is a genuinely loving and positive influence in sally’s life that i feel she deserves, elias could benefit from as well, and contrasts well with max’s everything. so i kind of want them both to exist. so my solution is to make them brothers - max was the ruling monarch until, you know. nigel is his younger brother, who eventually takes over the kingdom. which means elias gets to stay in the woods with meg and alexis, lol. 

also nigel’s dead wife doesnt have a name which is sucks but i havent come up with my own for her yet >:( anyways since i’m making max fully a chipmunk and alicia a hamster (instead of both being chipmunk/squirrel hybrids) then nigel and his unnamed wife are swapping species - nigel now a chipmunk to match max, his unnamed wife now a squirrel.

meanwhile locke and max’s affair need no real explanation. i think they were fucking around on that island even if sally and knuckles didn’t know it, argue with the wall.

[forgottenroisin]

OOC | House Malconaire

hiya! soooo i was watching [ a video on the folklore of the oak tree ] (as one does heehee) during dinner and it reminded me of some really cool things that'd be v fun to explore here!!!

in the volsungsaga, the volsung family were once great kings of the land, but another king has taken over their ~domain, including their home. this home was a magnificent hall dominated by the ancient family tree, an oak, which grew up through the center, reaching its branches throughout the hall and out the top of the ceiling, again.

(interrupting the story to say this could be a fun inspo for malconaire, too!)

one day the new king was hosting a wedding there in the hall, when an old man with a single eye and long grey hair all in his face staggered inside amongst the guests. there was something strange and mysterious abt the man, making some fear and some revere him and a hush fell over the hall as the man walked purposefully up to the old oak. as he approached, the guests saw that he was holding a sword and, as he held it aloft, they recognized it as the ancient sword of the volsungs, called wrath, the greatest of all swords, lost to the ages long ago. the one eyed man then plunged the sword into the tree and announced that only the greatest warrior would be able to prize the sword from the tree, and the sword would be his, and the kingdom his by rights.

with that, the mysterious one-eyed man vanished and the guests realized that it had been none other than the great god, odin, amongst them.

each man present tried his hand at pulling the sword from the tree, but in the end, only sigmund -- the last of the volsungs -- could pull wrath free, thus fulfilling prophecy and beginning a series of events that would lead to the famous story of sigmund's son, sigurd, and andvarinaut, the cursed ring of power that helped inspire the lord of the rings!

anyway, metal as this whole story is, if taken less literally, i feel like it 1) does apply to our treasure map for the stafford sword bit 2) could be cool if, like...maybe the family sword of malconaire, in times of peace, is kept sheathed within the great oak of the hall, and its said that only the true ruler of malconaire can pull it free, or smth?? and/or that maybe pulling it free is an ancient signal that malconaire is declaring war/calling her banners, about to pass judgment, etc. (ofc its a fake sword that's there rn iirc since cillian switched them after lord malconaire died iirc -- cue cillian like 'technically! malconaire has never yet called for peace these two years, since the sword was never replaced in the oakensheath!!!' ;DDD -- but anyway!!! laksjdfkljdsf)

there was lotsssss of info, including the fact that the tree is also a symbol of healing, and folk tales about oaks protecting those who look to them, ruling the forests, and avenging those (including other plants and animals) that're harmed within their boundaries, as well as disrespect, such as a tale of a wicked king who was pursuing a peasant maiden. she hurled herself upon the roots of an oak, begging for its protection, and the oak crushed the king and his barons and did not let a thing happen to the girl, as well as tales of oaks speaking warnings and prophecies as the wind goes through their leaves, of one that bled when it was cut or damanged, and of some cursing those who do them harm. and of oaks and esp of acorns protecting ppl from lightning and storms and thunder!

there's also ofc the folk tale of the oak king and the holly king, two brothers who duel throughout the year. at midsummer, the oak king comes to his full power and warmth and radiance wash over the land, but at the end of fall, the holly king slays the oak king, coming into his own in midwinter. in spring, the oak king is reborn and everything begins again. maybe this is a mythologized telling of an ancient war between the malconaire and the ppl of the north, or smth? or just a folk tale in malconaire? or even a prophecy, given that, well, winter is coming ;D

smth else that stood out was an ancient tradition of celebratory and victorious lords and generals wearing crowns of oak leaves and acorns, and of their ppl decorating their bridles and lintels w similar boughs etc in such occasions of celebration and/or victory, and i thought that maybe that might be an old malconaire tradition, as well?

there's also a sacred island in a loch which is itself located near a sacred mountain (lorcan lake?) that has a 'wishing tree' that is an oak on isle maree that sports a chapel, graveyard, holy well, a holly tree, and ofc the famous oak tree. its said that sailing around the isle a certain number of times will heal one, even of madness, but that nothing at all can be taken from the isle, not even the smallest pebble lest it unleash all the harm it is holding upon its shores. its a bit of a pandora's box that way/a place of both blessing and curse and sounds lowkey haunted by both good and evil spirits or smth, plus it was said in ancient times to be the isle of the moon so its def got some stafford, lorcan, AND malconaire vibes going too so there's def smth there we could work w if we wanted, too! (and ngl reading abt it im pr confident this was the inspo for the god's eye in asoiaf/got/hotd! and, in case, those're deF the vibes!! plus, meets like...arthurian avalon)

anyway there's lots more and def other things that caught my eye (or ear, in truth ;D) while listening to the vid but yeah!! idr atm...but i hope this is fun/inspiring to read! <3

[bonefall]

what cats are still prayed to and revered by the clans besides firestar or skystar? i fuckin LOVE the patron spirits thing you have going on in this rewrite, it’s so cool to see what cats are worshipped and why

There's a lot of them! I don't think there could ever be a "comprehensive list" without just listing most of StarClan. See, most cats will typically value their own family over others, leading to the patrons "waxing and waning" in popularity over the generations.

But here's some of the ones who are pretty consistently popular!

Thunderstar = Justice Comeuppance, fair judgement, and mercy are also things he can be invoked for. Remember that a Patron gains its power from belief. Much like how Saint Michael was once a patron of healing as well as war, associations for BB!StarClan cats can shift over time.

Bumblemumble = Speech, Diplomacy She became less popular in the Chivalric Period, but was a favored patron for Pinestar to invoke. She never totally went away, even though her name has become "Bombolmlemlaan," 'Sentence-Tonguetwister,' over time. (Her name is also used in reference to "being tongue-tied." Fitting that she's a bit hard to translate into English!)

Acorn Swoop = Prra A Clan culture-specific value. Perfect timing, promptness, coincidences of good planning. Arriving in the nick of time. Acorn Swoop is a good example of how cats can wax and wane as well; when Hallowflight dies (he is alive to the current arc in BB), RiverClan will probably prefer invoking him over Acorn for a while.

Sparrow Heart = Loyalty and Fidelity. This BURNS her a new one, btw. Many of the other spirits as old as her have begun to lost touch with their mortal lives, but she didn't join Clear Sky because she loves him. She didn't serve him for his own ends. She wanted his power, and in death she's been reduced to his eternal stooge. She craves his throne. (And I have to leave it there until we find out what the next few arcs have in store :3)

Speckletail = Protection Against Natural Disaster Storms, deforestation, pollution, whatever. Speckletail is invoked to defend Clans against oncoming doom, because girlie took out a bulldozer and the battle culture is obsessed with that

Stonefur = Winning the War/Losing the Battle An important god for lost causes. When you aren't able to win, he is invoked to make your death mean something. Needletail, for the first time in a long time, requested for StarClan to call down his strength.

Blackstar = Redemption And change in a better direction. Said to be reflected in frogs in particular, how they go from tadpoles to full creatures, associated with wetland health thanks to his ambitious Bog Project.

Sundrown Patrol = Directions Most of them are not dead yet. Feathertail is currently the only one in the role and protects travelers generally, but eventually her and her Cohorts will comfortably divide up the cardinal directions. Feathertail is South (Towards the Mountain), Tawny is West (Towards the Ocean), Bramble is North (Towards the Lake) and Crowfeather is East (Into the Wilderness).

Leafpool = Clarity Leafpool Moonpool is one of the most popular young spirits. In difficult situations, she is invoked for StarClan to see your sins and understand that you are trying to find the holiest way through them. The Firekin family is going to be a very strong pantheon eventually.

Palefoot = Bodies that Can't Be Recovered/Closure Anon suggestion that is canon now. Palefoot was murdered by Batear for killing Fenneldust and shoved into a bog where his family would never find him, because Batear was not allowed to go to ThunderClan to sit vigil for his best friend. When someone is lost and can't be buried, Palefoot is often invoked for comfort. He is actually sort of displacing Turtle Heart, who used to function in a similar way. She is being pushed into a more specific role for Lost Parents, not bodies or closure in general.

In addition, Dark Forest Spirits are also powerful... and thanks to the fact you have to use a direct line to get to them, quite capable of granting strength without holding back. They have no StarClan to answer to if they blessed the plans of the wrong cat.

So they can do curses for you, if THAT is what you're seeking. A whole lot of these cats tend to provide various types of revenge lmao... "We serve Vengeance here, sir."

Batear and Fenneldust = Retribution Evolved from a mix of how Batear's target went BEYOND his victim to deny closure to the family, and also the Fepfr which he was named for, Long-Eared Bat, which in Clan culture is said to have a modest song of mourning for every bat wrongfully killed. Fenneldust actually LOVED that he was willing to be so spiteful for her, and followed him to the Dark Forest. So if you want, you can call for them to cause pain to people who wronged you. If your case is bad though, they'll fuck with you instead. They aren't MALICIOUS spirits though... just mischievous.

Mapleshade = Revenge If you want your target to DIE, you give her a call. She is ACTIVELY malicious. She will stop at nothing to kill someone she agrees should go, even going as far as to fight a Fetcher to drag the target down with her. If you're just miffed at someone and want them to get karma, you talk to Batsy and Fenfen. If you want BLOOD, you talk to Mapleshade. But be prepared, because she is just as dangerous as that implies.

Cloudberry and Ryewhisker = Secrecy An obvious one, but one of the gentler requests of the Dark Forest. They will help you hide forbidden love from your Clan, and can be prayed to when you're having a close call and may be discovered.