#pizzazz meta

[pizzazz-party]

personally, i think one of usagi’s key traits is that he is unemployed.

“but he takes on jobs all the time,” i hear you protest.

Which, sure he does. As a yojimbo, not as a daimyo’s vassal.

usagi is very much a dude who has outlived his official purpose in life. Mifune was his destiny. usagi’s more or less found peace in what is basically the most ill-fortunate timeline (hikiji eliminates one of his greatest rivals who’s been keeping him in check, the lands of the northern province get redistributed, usagi loses his family and home in one fell swoop), but the entire trajectory of his life very much did go up in flames with the death of his lord.

usagi isn’t lost; he is not unprincipled. but he is adrift. as a ronin, he doesn’t really belong anywhere within society anymore. and years later he still doesn’t really know what to do with himself. Except to keep going, to do what feels right, and to meet the coming day as the world around him changes and he stays just the same.

this adriftness, is quintessential to who he is. where do you go, what do you do, when you are the ghost of a story that finished years ago.

[post-it-notes7]

one day he’ll learn

[usps-first-class]

"Together at last"

(4/?)

(Next)

(Previous)

(Beginning)

(Masterpost)

[starlooove]

Ok but Jem and Pizzazz in the Universal Appeal vid is so interesting to me like ppl automatically associate the sun with light and therefore good and the moon with darkness so it’s bad, and the song itself is talking abt an eclipse so the obvious conclusion is that Pizzazz is the moon and Jem is the Sun but NO!

Pizzazz is…Pizzazz. She’s bright, loud, obnoxious, and she’d rather die than let anyone forget that she’s the center of attention. Jem is more reserved, she’s kind but she’s private, and she’s (obviously) mysterious as hell. She quite literally came out of nowhere and refuses to speak on her past, hell you could even do smth abt Jem and Jerrica being the dark/light sides of the moon! Jem is the sun in comparison to Jerrica but to pizzazz? C’mon y’all!

And honestly I think my fave part is that if you asked them in reference to eachother it’s very likely that pizzazz would think she’s a moon while jem thinks she’s a sun (or maybe more of a star 🤭). Idk idk I like them and even with the eclipse thing the Misfits were THE next it group and Jem came outta nowhere and suddenly it’s a neck and neck competition that they’re losing? It’s giving eclipse to me 😄

[deathbind]

Serot's own arsenal of spells and generally how he applies necrotic magic differs from modern day Anactaci. You can clearly see the foundation he laid, but it has been over a thousand years. The order has evolved considerably in that time. There's also the fact that he was reborn at level one and has structured his skills to suit his present needs, but [hand waves]

There are different sects and roles within the Anactaci who call on the Plane of Death in different ways, but certain generalities can be relied upon. Their magic is largely geared toward what would be considered divination. They are the bridge between this life and the next, the messengers of eternity. They commune both with the souls of the dead and with spirits — chiefly spirits / entities on the Plane of Death but spirits of all types, including those like Refhremmit. Indeed, every City of Eternity has one Anactaci dedicated to communing with their patron. It is a sacred office.

Beyond that, their magic is deeply focused on the soul and the threshold between life and death. They are adept at identifying and countering curses or maladies of the soul. They are adept at identifying and addressing possessions or spiritual attachments. The skilled can manipulate the ravages of time on a body or object (a skill shared with the Manthu). The most skilled of all can leave their bodies behind to inhabit ritually prepared objects; these become the teachers of the Anactaci and keepers of the deepest mysteries.

Yes of course, they animate and preserve corpses, either directly or by calling a spirit to inhabit it. This is part of Meketi funerary rites. But, simply making dead things move is only part of their skillset. Indeed, it's the most basic part.

Anactaci are bound by sacred oaths to turn their magic to holy purpose and with a thought for balance always. However, a truly irate or unscrupulous Anactaci could do serious damage. Particularly if they are skilled. Insidious curses and nigh-undetectable possessions (i.e. slowly driving a person to madness with ill luck or nightmares; far worse curses are possible). Yanking a person's soul directly from their body, either holding it captive or causing it to become lost. Learning secrets from spirits or from souls that can utterly destroy a person. Causing them to rapidly age, turning to sun-bleached bone before their eyes, one limb at a time. Or causing them to wither, then return to their correct age, then wither, then return to their correct age — over and over until they don't know whether they're alive or dead. If capable of severing their soul from their body, they can possess others directly, influencing or totally overriding their will. They might not touch a person at all; they might sap all life from their home instead.

Fortunately, such corrupt Anactaci are rare — and swiftly dealt with.

[galebrainrott]

Gale x Durge Brainworm

I know everyone loves Durge x Astarion/Gortash BUT HEAR ME OUT!! Durge x Gale/Gortash. And yes I'm biased because I love Gale but here are my thoughts!

PS. These are my headcanons so that I can write about Durge x Gale/Gortash. I'd like to remind everyone that headcanons/meta/fanon is just for fun and to not let any fan interpretation ruin your favourites.

SPOILERS FOR ALL OF BG3

Gortash and Durge

A lot of the details between Gortash and Durge are shrouded in mystery, but we do know that Durge had enough affection for Gortash to beg for forgiveness. And that, at the very least, Gortash saw Durge as an equal.

In my reading of their relationship (For my Durge x Gale/Gortash), Gortash's role in their relationship is that he was the one initiating. Initially, because Durge would've been a good ally. Whether or not that turned into real feelings is up to you.

In my fic, he definitely has real feelings for Durge but this results in controlling/manipulative behaviours because Gortash doesn't know any other way to conduct a relationship.

And my Durge would have zero relationship experience so not only are they confused, they have a hard time seeing Gortash's actions as wrong.

In this way, Gortash/Durge would mirror Mystra/Gale with their power imbalances.

Gale would help Durge to reassess their relationship with Gortash. This happens after Gale's astral sea -> Mystra confrontation sequence.

Redemption

I just love the angst and the hurt/comfort that I can create with a good aligned Durge and their bf Gale.

Imagine if the Alfira scene was written with a bit more pizzazz. Durge wakes up, Alfira gored beyond recognition. They panic, which wakes up the camp.

Astarion/Lae'zel/(Act1)Shart are like oh you killed someone, what's the big deal.

Gale, seeing Durge's obvious panic, goes up to them like what happened?

Durge backs away, stay away from me! I'm afraid I might hurt you too.

Then Gale comforts them as if they're a scared, hissing cat.

OR

During the feral Durge scene, Gale ties them up then casts sleep so that they can basically sleep it off. Does it work? Dunno! But it's the thought that counts.

Oh, the possibilities are endless.

TW : Talks about suicide below

Self-sacrifice

I won't write about this much because it's a sensitive topic for me but both good!Durge and Gale have this idea that them dying is A Good Thing Actually. It's not. I think they should both live.

ANYWAY THAT'S ALL THANK YOU

[crossovernonshipstournament]

Okay, think I've got the list. With apologies to anyone who get cut. I'll start working on grouping everyone tomorrow. In the meantime, if you want to send in infodumps/propaganda about these nonships, by all means do! That will give me something to work with when I build the graphics

James Ironwood and Boyd Drake (RWBY and Ducktales/DTLS)

Isaac "Felix" Gates, David Gates, and Jaune Arc (RvB, Camp Camp, RWBY/Luna Brothers)

Louie Duck and Oscar Pine (Ducktales and RWBY/DTLS)

Knight and Survivor Slugcat (Hollow Knight and Rainworld)

Brett Hand and Susie (Inside Job and Deltarune)

Pizzazz and Roxanne Wolf (Gem and the Holograms and FNAF)

Trunks Briefs and Chibiusa (Dragonball Z and Sailor Moon)

Halloween and Nightcore (Castles of the Calendar and Holiday Spirits)

Mamoru Amami and Steven Universe (GaoGaiGear and Steven Universe)

Penny Polendina and Uran (RWBY and Astro Boy)

Wahuu Matsuri and Adam Ainosuke (Tokyo Ghoul and Sk8 the Infinity)

Jon Sims and Jonny D'ville (TMA and The Mechanisms)

Eddie Munson and Jason Scott (Stranger Things and Power Rangers 2o17)

The Aurora and BEE (The Mechanisms and Archivistbot)

Wakko Warner and Babs Bunny (Animaniacs and Tiny Toons)

Zuko and Todoroki Shouto (A:tLA and BNHA)

Diamonds Droog and Kaz Brekker (Homestuck and Six of Crows)

Tucker Foley and Clawdeen Wolf (Danny Phantom and Monster High)

Team Lit (from White Boy Bracket)

Stanley and Cesare (from White Boy Bracket)

Cody Burns and Penny Proud (Transformers Rescue Bots and The Proud Family)

Leo Walker and Iris (Egyxos and Lolirock)

Tim Stoker, Lup and Taako (TMA and TAZ)

Globine and Webby (Globi and Ducktales)

Rouge the Bat and Meta-Knight (Sonic and Kirby)

Jevil, Marx, and Dimentio (Deltarune, Kirby, and Super Paper Mario)

Ruby and Rarity (Pokespe and MLP:FiM)

Madoka and Sakura (Madoka Magica and Cardcaptor Sakura)

Cody Burns, Marinette, and Mirabel (Rescue Bots, MLB, and Encanto)

Bill Cipher and Ouma (Gravity Falls and Danganronpa)

Church and Kris Dreemur (RvB and Deltarune)

Gregory, Crying Child, and Omori (FNAF and OMORI)

Sonia Nevermind and L (Danganronpa and L)

Cassandra Cain and Soundwave (DC and Transformers)

Dick Grayson and Drift (DC and Transformers)

Tim Drake and Red Alert (DC and Transformers)

Rook Blonko and Prowl (Ben 1o and TFA)

Bruce-Damian Wayne and Tony-Morgan Stark (DC and MCU)

Pit and Sora (Kid Icarus and Kingdom Hearts)

Rosaline and Lucas (Super Mario Galaxy and Mother 3)

Roy and Roy Koopa (Fire Emblem and Super Mario Bros)

Meg Griffin, Bert, and Ernie (Family Guy and Sesame Street)

Riley Freeman and Jack Horner (Boondocks and Puss in Boots)

Stanley Parable and Arthur Dent (Stanley Parable and Hitchhiker's Guide)

Chidaruma and Lord English (Dorohedoro and Homestuck)

Ruby Rose and Fukase (RWBY and Vocaloid)

Yang, Gumi, and IA (RWBY, Vocaloid, and Cevio)

Leonardo, Dewey Duck, and Sonic (Rise:TMNT, Ducktales, and Sonic movies)

Nightcrawler and Nightwing (DC and X-Men)

Alfred, Bucky, and Steve (DC and Marvel)

Yelena Belova and Damian Wayne (Marvel and DC)

Ventus and Hunter (Kingdom Hearts and The Owl House)

Mark Beaks and Tyrian Callows (Ducktales and RWBY/DTLS)

Lancer and Bowser Jr (Deltarune and Super Mario)

Shigeo and Molly McGee (MP1oo and The Ghost and Molly McGee)

Isabelle and Doomslayer (Animal Crossing and Doom)

Mystery Kids (?)

Gentle Heart Lamp and Chris Walker (CareBears and Outlast)

Grumpy Bear and Billy Hope (CareBears and Outlast)

Boyd Drake and Penny Polendina (Ducktales and RWBY/DTLS)

Maya Fey and Doctor- 12 (Ace Attorney and Doctor Who)

Mario and Sonic (Super Mario Bros and Sonic franchise)

Han Solo and Peter Quill (Star Wars and MCU)

Commander Fox and Commissioner Gordon (Star Wars and DC)

[synthena]

On November 13th, Project: RAMPAGE #11 will go live at my twitch!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"After the events of the 10th RAMPAGE, Ten new fighters step up to the plate in the newly situated RAMPAGE Arena in Chicago."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Our cast this time around is: DEEP DISH - Wario (Team PULSE)

GYM RAT - Pikachu (Team PARTYTIME)

BLUE MONARCH'S DEMISE - Meta Knight (Team PARADOX)

SLUTCH KNIGHT - Mewtwo (Team PRIMAL)

ALPHABET MAFIA - Olimar (Team PRIDE)

JONNY JAMMIES - Toon Link (Team PUNISH)

MARBLE - Knuckles (Team PRUDENT)

ROOTIN TOOTIN - Kirby (Team PIZZAZZ)

CHLORINE - Sheik (Team PERIODIC)

COLONEL BUCKO BOZO - Snake (The US Military. Gross)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope to see you there!

[iwilltranscend]

🍓?? HI,

omg hiiii Peri!!!!!

i just think you're so so lovely!!!! your writing has such pizzazz and character and feels so true to the source!!!!!! and your meta???? you have the Biggest brained takes out here holy shit!!!!

also youre just so delightful! like I just wanna get into anything and everything you post about because I trust your taste so very much!!!

you're just so cool !!!!!

[frillyshonenjump]

Manga Review: My Hero Academia

man...

coming back to this manga in particular over the past couple weeks was something truly special.

so like, short story but my hero started publication back right when i started high school, so i felt like i grew up with this one; those early days of the story really hyped me up and got me through the first few years of school then. but...life happened and i dropped it somewhere around kamino arc!

i wanted to do it justice by revisiting it again and fully catching up, doing what past me struggled to do. and honestly? even with the backlash of some critics regarding what is now considered WSJ's golden child, i still say it has continued to hold up and carry the magazine.

not as excellently as it did back then...but in these final bursts of the story, it's still pretty great.

(spoiler-free review! will make references to later arcs by name alone.)

firstly, i think it's important to note how STRONGLY this series starts off. few comics and manga have the strength to start so well and with such a bang that it hooks in millions into what is essentially a coming-of-age story in a world of superheroes. until MHA, using a very westernized ideal of superheroes and supervillains did not seem to run as rampant as it does now but it is done in such a vibrant and colorful world with equally vibrant and colorful characters that it just feels SO FUN. i was on the edge of my seat for every arc the entire way.

now, from what i've seen and listened to from several retrospectives is that the one thing that has most people losing their love for this series is the late-game story.

i unfortunately can see where people are coming from when they say so: the super, SUPER high quality artwork and detailing has slightly and noticeably changed (it is most noticeable before the Final War, but when said arc starts it's harder to notice), story pacing has sped up, often waaaaay too fast in some beats, and even major plot points and characters aren't as satisfying or as consistent as they should be (there is a specific character in the Final War who fell off pretty hard but will not be named for spoiler reasons—those who read likely know who i'm talking about.) i wish these problems weren't so glaring near the end, but they haven't dampened my enjoyment of the series as much as it has for others. that said, they're the reason for a considerable steer in direction for the manga that cannot be ignored.

chapters read: 379 (ongoing)

first impression rating: 5/5

continuation rating: 3.5/5

things i liked:

the overall art style. Kohei Horikoshi's work is one of my biggest inspirations since i was a teen, and with this being his third manga, he's put a lot of his experience to the test and pushed the limits of what a manga can portray in terms of story and work. there's hardly a page or spread where i can look at it and say it's low quality; he and his assistants go above and beyond in terms of detailing, paneling, and brush work.

the character designs!! it's so fun and exciting to meet new characters in this series and often seeing how their quirks reflect in their appearance and costumes.

things i disliked:

late-game pacing, especially in between the liberation arc and the final war arc. meta-wise there must have been some issues going on behind the scenes, or horikoshi just chose not to write some segments, because some events happened way too fast to warrant it, or some events get skipped over completely between chapters. in some cases it was quite jarring and hard to just skip over with the characters.

the characterization of some notable figures. some seemed inconsistent especially late-game and had me confused as to why some choices were made by them, even if it was still a game-shaking moment.

overall, there is and still is a reason why MHA is what people consider "overrated" now and why it's so hyped up; it's all the pizzazz a shonen jump manga strives to be in normal formula, while at the same time having elements that feel fresh and unique. it is STILL worth picking up to this day and while it's starting to near the end with some sputters, i still have high hopes for what is to come.

[pizzazz-party]

with unicorn warriors eternal, i cant help but feel like… romance isn’t the point? like i can’t be sure with Genndy being Genndy and all. but like, if you fixate on shipping in this show, then it feels like you’ve lost the point entirely.

Edred and Winston are the physical embodiments of these two lives the lead finds herself struggling between. she is not just a high-society girl. she is not just the greatest witch to ever live. but both pieces of her former lives want her to become one over the other, and neither can truly accept her as she is now.

Melinda, as she now is, needs help. and yet NO ONE is looking out for her emotional well-being like Emma is. Emma, who, mind you, has every reason to hate her for usurping her life. Edred, Winston, Alphie, Merlin, Copernicus—everyone has their reasons as to why they deem Melinda dear to them, and yet none of them are able reach her in any way that matters.

none of them really try to match her pace.

[pandemicwrites]

about The Matrix: Ressurections

3/5 stars... watchable. It hovers between a 20-year retrospective and the most meta, self- referencing TV since ricklantis.

Good - Good audio, cinematography, I liked how they did some of the commentary, Neil Patrick Harris, and where they went with some of the in universe things (e.g., rewriting the landline lore) 👍

Bad - breaks the fourth wall, then the fifth wall, then the sixth wall... The self-references lean into the fan service side of things too heavily in a few instances 👎

I didn't know anything about the movie before watching it, other than the general consensus was bad. The intro had me super confused lol

I think the movie is going to live or die by whether or not it can be meta enough. Like, at least the first act is a clear attempt to update the first matrix movie, Plus at a bit of meta pizzazz, which really is just updating the movie in a different way. Not only updating the story by improving the cinematography, but also by updating the content to 2022 sensibilities. Which, least according to this film, are very very meta.

The very blue glasses on the psychiatrist are a metaphor for the blue pills that keep you in the matrix... I wonder if there's going to be an anti mental health help through line

This feels like a bunch of hot takes from stoned philosophy 101 students, shooting for profound

He's eating the steak, get it? 🥩

Even if the movie is trying to have a negative view of getting help for mental health, I Wonder if it succeeds. In reality, without the matrix, if you behaved as if the matrix were real you would be crazy. Taking the blue pills, while a poor choice in the matrix universe, is a very good choice in reality. So, well the movie tries to portray taking the blue pills as bad, and Keanu Reeves throwing them down the sink is good, even if that paints getting help negatively I think There's an argument that the film itself puts it in a positive light. Maybe. Or, I'm apologizing for really, really bad writing 😆

The elevator pitch for this movie: no, it's okay that we're doing the matrix after a dozen years, we're going to be super meta about it and that'll fix everything 😜

Ah, I finally understand: they just did a complete rewrite of how getting out of the matrix works. It used to be a landline phone, and in this movie they updated it to "getting a hack." I guess they had to do something with it, since the cell phones are ubiquitous and landlines have kinda died. The other options would be writing a cell phone-less universe (umbrella academy), embracing the fact that landlines are rare, or keeping the same pre-2000 setting 📝🤔

The conversation at 55 minutes not only breaks the fourth wall, it shatters it as thoroughly as Carrie-Anne Moss and a helicopter flying through it

" Zion was stuck in a matrix of its own"... taking the concept of the matrix and generalizes it to mean " thought patterns." More philosophy 101 stuff: be mindful of how you view the world

" I don't suppose you could still fly?" He asked Neo. The ground worbles, and Keanu Reeves does the Superman thing... fails. "Yeah that's not happening " 😆 the joke is so good

The matrix seems to to be set in a much more magical world in the fourth movie compared to the first movie. A lot of sci-fi and fantasy fiction is probably on a sliding scale, if the first leaned more toward sci-fi this one leans heavily toward fantasy and soft magic systems... Like the swarm, or giving Neo a force push, or whatever bullet time means lol

Maybe, this is just an honest extension of the first movie. Like, after the first movie, bullet time, force push, and stopping fine bullets were feats that Neo had done. It would make sense that in future fights, he would use those powers. I guess resurrections takes that fact to its logical conclusion. You can only have the scene where Neo discovers it for the first time once, after all...

[cyberdroids]

@wissenfurth​:    data: a web with a bunch of spiders, unaware of the looming wasp. feeling where emotions should be, but being unaware of how to express them properly. the sound of wind and music from a distance, peaceful in it's way, leading you to chaos and you go willingly towards it. the human condition as a book. the feeling of cold chrome with processors slowly heating it up. the scent of white tea and fresh air. the feeling of releasing anger after a season of stifling it.

describe my muse’s aesthetic.    (still accepting)

lunie you can’t stop me i’m gonna get this tattooed to my forehead TOO.

[river-bottom-nightmare]

The Nightwing Suit

There are some absolutely incredible artists out here on tumblr, and seeing their fanart makes me cry tears of joy. Dick Grayson, one of my personal favs, is always a wonderful contender for fanart. His innate grace and agility and flexibility translate beautifully on the artistic spectrum. Bottom line: I love all the Nightwing fanart. However, there is something I want to address with his suit. I’ve been an aerialist ever since I was 7 years old, and I’ve taken gymnastics since I was 3. Now, I specialize in Lyra, while Dick obviously specializes in Trapeze, but when it comes to costume, we’ve got many very important similarities.

DON’TS

When it comes to aerial, we want as much mobility and flexibility as possible. So here are some things that absolutely will not be on his suit.

1. Shoulder Pads. I will scream it from the rooftops if I have to. The Nightwing suit WILL NOT have shoulder pads!! Red Hood? Definitely. Red Robin? Those shoulder pads are important for bo staff strength and support. Robin? Damian probably doesn’t need them, but they won’t hurt. Nightwing? No way. To me, one of the most important parts of my body when practicing and performing are my shoulders. They pull me into hangs and holds, let me rotate myself around, and basically support the rest of my body. This is partially due to user preference: I prefer arm-based stunts and hangs rather than leg based. But it honestly doesn’t matter that much. Nightwing will absolutely need 100% use of his shoulders. Him being able to freely rotate them can be the difference between life and death with his style of fighting. Shoulder pads will just hamper that flexibility. I will admit that shoulder pads look badass, but in this one hero’s scenario? Shouldr pads are a no-go.

2. Sleek Arm Braces. Nightwing, while being well recognized as a solo hero, does often work with a team. And on a team, he isn’t the type to huff angrily and say he can do this by himself. Emotionally? Yes, of course. Physically, and in a fight? He takes all the help he can get, with absolutely no would to his pride. When performing his flips and tricks and such, the other partner will grab hold of him by usually his hands or his arms. I’m just going to straight up say: catching someone by their hands is a Bad Idea. You will not believe the speed we travel when we go through the air, and catching by the hands will lead to dislocations and pain. For a few stunts it’s okay, mainly for the visual aspect of a performance. But when it’s life and death combat? Hands are a last ditch effort if you can’t catch someone by the arms. Because that’s what really counts. The forearms. When Dick is fighting with someone, and that other person has the strength to catch him/throw him from a drop or a flip, they will catch him by the forearms. If Dick’s wearing sleek ‘n sexy arm braces, he’s going to slip right out of their grip. I prefer to keep my forearms bare, but in regards to protective armor, the fabric around the arms better have a grip.

3. Extra Fabric. This one is a given. However, I want to get into the specifics. When you’re in the air, momentum is your most powerful ally, and if there’s anything opposing or hindering that momentum, that spells trouble. Extra fabric can sometimes be good, such as around the legs. Not too much, obviously, but wearing loose or baggy pants while fighting with Nightwing’s fighting style works (as long as you can, you know, actually fight in them and not trip over the extra cloth). Around the middle? Nuh-uh, nope. Anything looping around your waist, hips, or rib cage is a liability if it’s not skin tight. The belt that Robin often wears is okay, as long as it’s wrapped pretty tight around him and doesn’t move. For the kind of stunts that Dick pulls off on a daily basis? I don’t think anything but a skintight bodysuit will help. For arms, extra fabric is ~okay~ but not preferable. And anything strapped to his back, as long as it’s securely in place, will actually help his momentum (so his escrima sticks or any other weapon/item you want to put in there is fine). Nothing around the neck, at ALL. That one issue in Batman where Dick wears a scarf is hot as hell, and sort of makes sense because they’re in the desert. But on missions, at the speed Nightwing fights and flies through the air, anything around his neck will choke him. This entire section definitely wasn’t an excuse to say you should just keep Dick in a skintight outfit, nope, not at all.

4. Spandex. While we’re on the subject of skintight outfits, I just want to point something out that isn’t necessarily important or anything. It’s just a general preference for me. I prefer costumes with a little weight on them. The adrenaline rush is intense for some of my more advanced stunts, and those are things that I bet Dick would consider basic. I prefer something with a little substance/weight/texture to it. Nothing too serious, and nothing too restricting, just something to keep me grounded and focused. We all know how much Dick likes being in the air, but I’m willing to bet he also needs a little extra touch to keep his head in the game. So if you’re designing a serious Nightwing suit, not for crack or fun headcanons or anything, I would steer clear from the spandex, gauze, and showy-light-gossamer fabrics. They do provide extra mobility and flexibility, but that’s because they’re one drop away from naked.

5. Joints. Okay this may seem a little contradictory based on the last point, but around the joints, especially hips and shoulders, the protective padding needs to ease up. It’s one of the hardest areas on the body to injure, after all, even for a professional. And second, I know I’m sounding like I’m repeating the obvious, but flexibility is of utmost importance. If the fabric doesn’t bend with Nightwing, then there’s no point. It can’t chafe, it can’t grind against itself, it can’t break. The material around major joints needs to be malleable.

Dos

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about what you can absolutely add to Nightwing’s costume to give it either a little pizzazz, or just your own personal touch.

1. Boots. Yes yes yes, boots are an absolute must! And it’s not just me thinking thigh-high boots are cool. Coming out of a big drop and other major stunts requires rolling on your back and then onto your feet. But Nightwing doesn’t fight with the one-hit-and-done style. (That’s more Jason’s thing. He plants himself like a tree and puts power behind a punch, kinda like Bruce, which is why boots-especially boot soles- are important for them.) Nightwing gets in a punch and flips away, then bounces back and gets in a kick and flips away, then bounces back and gets in another kick and flips away. You see where I’m going with this. Dick is constantly on the move, constantly on the verge of flipping back. The main way he does this is with his feet: landing lightly on the balls of his feet to absorb momentum before using that to hit back. Boots with fricion-specific soles are important, he cannot slide or skid. Also, ones that go higher up aren’t bad either: extra support is always welcome. As long as they don’t cover his knees and allow for ankle flexibility, they’re good to go. They may even help stop ankle dislocation. Anything you want to add to the boots? Go ahead. As long as it’s not gauzy ribbon or something too extra, or something that can easily get caught in something else, it’s good to go. In my performances, I like to cover my shins with something, it can range from simple high socks or performance boots to go with my costume. I particularly like Damian’s long lace up boots, especially in Super Sons. It’s a cute outfit, and it won’t hinder his fighting at all. As long as Dick double knots, he can wear those, and any other variants of boots.

2. Gloves. I’m not actually sure if Dick has ever been called “Fingerstripes” in canon, but I’ve seen it in fanon plenty of times. Regardless, it’s one of my favorite nicknames for him, and it does have a basis. The stripes on his gloves are an awesome artistic choice, and useful too. Assuming they have a different texture than the rest of his gloves, those fingerstripes could help with grip. Grip is one of the most important tools an aerialist can have. I have had grown men look at me with shock when they shake my hand because of my firm grip (and the calluses, ugh). I firmly believe that Dick Grayson has one of the strongest grips in the DC non-meta world, and I bet you he surpasses even a good amount of metas. Having a good, no-slip grip is essential, even if you’re just swinging from the surface for a second, or if the surface is another partner’s hand. Gloves, once again as long as they’re not too restricting, would be awesome with helping with that.

3. Wrist Braces. I said before that Dick can’t have arm braces because of the whole partner-grip thing. But with the amount of force and pressure Dick exerts on his hands on a daily basis, dislocations and sprains should be as common as a bruise. Hell, I’m sitting here typing this and my left wrist is sprained. Fanfic writers, here’s a helpful tip: you can write Dick with a sprained or dislocated or just a plain sore wrist anytime at all, and having him rub his hands with a grimace, rubbing lotion onto them, or doing wrist exercises in his free time is a go-to for if you need anything filler. Or, you know, it could even be part of the plot. Wrist braces help with this, they keep the joints in place and add a little extra stability to his movements. As long as they’re not interfering with wrist mobility, wrist braces are a very very good idea. When you think how long, think about the length of Peter Parker’s handmade web shooters. Long enough to be there, but not immediately noticeable. Also, make sure the material is something cloth, wrap, or gauze based. Anything too hard could scrape against the skin, cause cuts and bruises, and even cut off circulation. Unless it’s armor, it’s not comfortable or easy to do aerial maneuvers with.

4. Back Harness. To be honest, I have no idea what the official name for this piece of equipment even is. But the thing that holds Nightwing’s escrima sticks to his back. The thing that holds Deadpool’s katanas (in the movies, not the comics). The back-strap-harness thingy. That’s a go-for-it when it comes to costumes. Not only does it look badass and hot when it’s on your costume and you draw your weapons from it seamlessly like a boss, it’s practical and doesn’t interfere with your fighting at all. As I said, a majority of Nightwing’s moves rely on momentum. The back harness thingy won’t harm that at all. As long as it’s strapped to your back, unmoving and steady, it stays out of the way and may actually help you with your momentum. Drawing weapons from it is easy and seamless, and one of the quickest moves you can perfect, aside from drawing your weapon from thigh/calf holsters. But as I said before, Dick would probably stick to the back because, once again, momentum.

Okay this got much longer than I thought it would. But regardless, I hope this helps if you’re ever drawing or writing about the Nightwing suit and need specifics. Or hell, if you’re a cosplayer and need some information on how to make an accurate costume, here you go. Now I need to take a breather and chill, because while I considered myself a pretty recreational comic reader and not much of an analyzer, I had no idea how much I picked up about Dick’s individual fighting style and how that fits in with my own aerial experiences.

[thatanonymouschocolate]

College AU Imagines/Headcanons D&D Edition

Wanted to do DnD since the idea of Baird being into a bunch of nerdy shit keeps swimming around in my brain..hope you enjoy 

Ps: Idk what to put for the carmines so i didn’t include them this time (i was running out of brain juice for most of these)

Baird 

Surprisingly I can see him as a the DM (Dungeon Master) he has that big creative brain creating beautiful worlds and stories for his campaigns for the players to enjoy

When he’s a player though I can definitely see him as a Cleric (his sassy, sarcastic and salty personality is just fit for it i can’t unsee him)

“If you do something stupid I am not healing your ass.”

A pretty chill DM is fine with any editions of D&D as long as he and the players are having fun 

As a DM he won’t put up with shitty players he lets that be known before the campaign even starts. Meta gaming, people with main character syndrome, murder hobos, creepy people? Yea no you’ll get the boot 

Knowing him he’d definitely use that 3D printer from class to make figures for the sessions…don’t tell his professor he’ll get his ass kicked 

Cole

Baird probably told him about D&D and Cole wanted in on it. 

Since he’s a new player it might take him a while to get the hang of it and lots of help from Baird but he’s still having fun since he’s hanging out with friends

Definitely see him as a friendly Paladin or even a non horny Bard his friendly personality just screams these classes Bard definitely calls to him the most though he uses some of his songs he’s been practicing on in role play which other players and Baird seem to enjoy.

He plays multiple instruments, mainly playing Sax but that’d be a lot to carry so to dnd sessions he brings his flute and plays songs when he’s trying to inspire an NPC or another player to add that extra pizzazz

His Charisma has mostly gotten the party out of trouble (bc salty boy baird got them in trouble as usual lol)

Dom

Our Culinary King over here always bringing food to the sessions because they can get kinda long 

He know some DnD stuff due to Maria playing and even being a DM a few times so she drags him to a session and he decided to give it a try

Can see him playing Ranger (since he’s always willing to help and is pretty resourceful with his knowledge of stuff in game)

He’s definitely likes the skills ranger gets especially animal handling (He’s been thinking about getting a dog)

The medicine and survival skills has help himself and his party especially when the cleric is injured or unconscious 

Marcus

Also a new player like Cole but is pretty quick to get the hang of it 

Would probably be a Paladin (bc of those leadership skills and wanting to do the right thing in gears games)

He’s not sure about role play so he’s mostly quiet in sessions but he does like watching the others role play 

He’s pretty invested in the story that Baird or other DM’s have for the players (probably bc of all the book club stuff Anya takes him too so it's pretty much a story that he gets to be a part of which he thinks is fun)

Is impressed about dice and eventually gets addicted to collecting them 

Anya

Is extremely excited when she here’s the others talk about DnD

Has a dice obsession and is pretty proud she got marcus into collecting dice

She’s probably be a cleric when baird is the dm but i can also see her as a druid

She and dom probably have animal companions in the campaign and are instantly emotionally attached to them

Tries to include marcus in role play and he’ll get there…eventually 

Loves that she now has something else to talk to marcus about and can see him outside of classes more often

Sam

She’s a DM when Baird isn’t

I can see her and Baird giving each other advice and tips on their campaigns and sometimes coming together to brainstorm and add stuff to their stories

Can see her playing Warlock or Barbarian when she is a player

Definitely likes character creation the most

Would probably draw out her character and make a bunch of art oher and the other’s characters

Loves painting the figures that Baird made using the 3D printer 

[therovingstar]

Malaguld Meta - Tribe Color Redux

Even when I’m playing an entirely different game series, these dang lizards won’t let up on my mind. Anywho, here we are with another piece of headcanon meta, though technically this one’s just an alteration to some previous lore I created about the Malaguld tribe, more specifically their representative color. I originally made it Bone White (which is really a shade of yellow), but I think I might switch it to Snow or even Pure White (which are genuinely white lol), with a catch. Every outfit boasts colorful embroidery and designs that serve a dual purpose of both looking pretty as well as advertising the tribes the Malaguld are on good terms with and/or willing to assist; being healers whose livelihood is largely dependent upon their providing their medicinal goods and services across tribal lines, knowing who they’re friendly with is a major facet of their day-to-day function, and embroidery became an easy way to showcase it.

The Malaguld update their designs regularly to match current social and political climates; for example, if they are in poor standing with the Oronir, you’ll see no use of Honey Yellow-dyed thread on their clothing, as it’s the Oronir’s tribe color (at least according to the data on Gamer Escape). At the height of the war for the Dawn Throne a decade before, when a 20-year-old Odzaya first took part in the Naadam, the Malaguld’s robes boasted very few accent colors from other tribes, as the Steppe had become so fraught with conflict, very few tribes were safe to interact with, even for the simple purpose of lending medicinal aid. This state of their dress remained until Odzaya returned in Stormblood and, this time, finally succeeded in earning the title of khagun, subsequently bringing about a period of peace and cooperation, after which renewed allyships saw the Malaguld’s robes eventually bursting with color once more.

Apart from political affiliations, however, the Malaguld use colorful embroidery for other purposes, as well, such as:

- Religious/cultural symbolism. Warm colors to represent Azim, cool colors to represent Nhaama. Foreigners who join the tribe may embroider their robes with the colors and symbols of their home nations and reminders of their native lands.

- Individual expression! Apart from the agreed-upon official design, many tribe members add extra pizzazz for the fun of it. You’ll see robes embroidered with depictions of flora and fauna, heavenly bodies, weaponry, or something entirely original.

As a result of everything that can and does go on these robes, the fact that they’re essentially white hardly makes them boring. As a matter of fact, between their robes and this post in which I spoke about their herb-stained hands and scales, a major facet of the Malaguld’s reputation on the Steppe is how “colorful” a people they are, not just due to their unorthodox culture (willingness to render services across tribal borders, acceptance of foreigners into their ranks), but how literally colorful they are. An old adage of the Steppe states that one can determine the state of the land by finding a Malaguld and examining their robes. The fewer colors one sees, the worse things generally are; if they resemble the “ghosts” they’re sometimes referred to as, meaning their robes are almost entirely white, it’s a deeply ominous sign. “Soon, more ghosts will inhabit the land than people,” you’ll hear, meaning either political upheaval or outright war is coming, the surrounding land itself is low on bounty (meaning an inability to access the resources they need for medicine and dyes), or both. On the other hand, more colors mean good times! If a Malaguld’s embroidery looks like a veritable rainbow, the land’s resources are abundant and peace is, at least for the moment, more or less reigning supreme.

Since we’re still technically dealing with the same color, all the previous meta explaining why the Malaguld wear white still holds. Just thought this was a cool idea, and went from there. It probably also goes a good way to explaining why Odzaya’s wardrobe tends to trend toward the colorful side.