#primitive techniques

[pocketfulofdoses]

I like to think Abra Kadabra is a closeted Zatara fanboy. Like, he watched old recordings of John in the crisp, 64th century archives of magic performers, and now that he's in around the same time period, he's secretly gotten his hands on some 'contemporary' Zatara merch. Even if he did so while ranting under his breath about Zatara's cheap tricks and cheating with magic, that was obviously inferior to his magic. His 64th century, zero-technique 'magic.' I just find the idea of the Rogues deciding to rob Zatanna's audience while she's on tour in Keystone City-- and stumbling upon (a completely undisguised) Kadabra casually in the gallery really funny.

Captain Cold: 'Kadabra!? Guess with this setup, it only makes sense.' Abra Kadabra: 'Cease your taunts, you numb-inducing neanderthal. Some prefer to *observe* before they start the act.' Heatwave: 'Then what's the popcorn for?' Abra Kadabra: 'To pass the time.'

[a-alban-works]

[timmurleyart]

Rodeo Jones. 🚣💦🦀🎣 (Mixed media on canvas)🐟

[letters-to-rosie]

I think though it's also that Piltover maintains that hierarchy not just by being better at tech but actively preventing people from Zaun from accessing it. I feel like there's kinda a false dichotomy here, since in the show, Vi and Jinx and Viktor etc ARE Piltovan kids in that Piltover is their government actively denying them a good education, failing to set up schools or give a shit (as Cait puts it) about what goes on down there. it's not like Piltover maintains hierarchy by being better at tech in a vacuum. they get to be good at tech because in Zaun kids have to work instead of go to school and that gives them access to cheap materials so they can have science fun instead of work in the mining colonies

There is a theory that the way children play serves as a means to simulate and prepare them for the tasks they'll take on as adults. So for all the narrative weight both Jinx and the story give the boxing machine at the arcade it would never have prepared her or the kids to take on Piltover.

What are the two things that Piltovans excel at over their Zaunite counterparts to keep the hierarchy? Weapons and technological development.

When you look at the way Piltovans invest in their children, they don't prioritize hand to hand/melee combat training. Piltovans focus on giving their children experiences in handling firearms, a pursuit that is both leisure sport for the wealthy and a key offense against dissenting Zaunites.

And from the show notes even Jayce, whose family occupies the upper middle class, was sent on educational excursions across Runeterra to explore the world and learn what it had to offer. Without Jayce's education abroad he would never have been inspired to pursue the concept hextech.

It's no wonder that the two figures that are set to be Piltover's biggest threats from Zaun are Jinx and Viktor, becasue they engaged in the same kinds of games and activities as their Piltovan counterparts.

Jinx didn't have an entire forest to preserved to help her practice her sharpshooting like the high houses of Piltover, but she did excel in the few games at The Rift (the arcade) that built on her talents. She's the only Zaunite thus far who's long distance offensive is a strong counter to Piltover's forces.

Viktor couldn't travel the world like Jayce did, but for better or worse he managed to stumble into an opportunity to get real opportunity in research not offered to his peers through Singed. It was through that experience that Viktor knew to turn to Singed when he was at the end of his rope, and the consequences of that will be fully realized in season 2.

Ironically, the kind of skill the boxing game champions is only good for keeping other Zaunites in line. Vander's days of fighting Piltover were way behind him when we first met him, and Vi spends season 1 primarily fighting other Zaunites. It's no surprise the Zaunites who embody the old ideal of strength in Zaun that the game portrays, Vi and Vander, are largely at the mercy of Piltover and end up collaborating with them to avoid further harm.

Zaun's future as an independent city-state couldn't happen if they stuck to their old ideals. The people who stand a chance against Piltover are the ones that not only succeed but excel at playing Piltover's games against them.

[chiiroptereh]

I've been thinking a lot about Euclydian biology lately, specifically in regards to pigmentation thanks to this awesome ask I got on a side blog, and wanted to illustrate some of the ideas I had. Super quick lazy sketches but hey, maybe some of you will dig this! Nerdy stuff under the cut, will make a bit more sense if you read the aforementioned post

Euclydians have a genetic predisposition towards a "resting" color (in Bill's case, yellow). The opposite of this state (full "flexing" of chromatophore-controlling muscles) is also predispositioned, which is what's seen in the threat display. This rapidly stimulates the individual's metabolism and gets their blood really pumping in preparation for conflict, but is also somewhat costly in terms of energy, so is typically only flashed rather than maintained as Bill does it

"Teeth-peeking" is the cute zoology term I came up with for when a Euclydian displays a couple teeth overtop their eye without fully switching into mouth-function, usually as a threat but sometimes a sort of stim when they're hungry

Communicative flashing ("Chromatic") has a few languages. The most primitive is Simplified Emotive which is a quick display of mood, while the most modern is Traditional Chromatic, wherein patterns of color serve as words. Words in Traditional Chromatic are not ciphers like they are in TBoB and there aren't always direct translations into English

There are a couple accepted ways for a naturally colorful Euclydian to signal an emotion or "syllable" that matches their color, typically either by a subtler change in value along the edges or by changing everything BUT the edges

It's probably worth noting that Chromatic of any variant is considered a secondary, uncommon language in modern Euclydian society. It's simply more efficient and easier for most to speak, though I think Simplified Emotive probably stems from the natural threat display and so it's more intuitive. It's not unheard of for someone's edges to flash "angry/surprised" (◼) for a second if you bump into them on the sidewalk

A memetic blush is a learned behaviour in which individuals appear to fluster by a reddish shift in color along the face, edges and vertices. This might just be something Bill (or hypothetically other Euclydians who come into contact with humans) does I'm not sure yet but it's cute so

Given the body needs to conserve more energy when fighting illness, it's not uncommon for chromatophore muscles to weaken or spasm in order to lessen metabolic strain, giving the individual a patchy look that often reveals the naturally white skin below the chromatophore layer

When rigor mortis occurs in a dead Euclydian, all the minute muscles in control of chromatophore dilation contract all at once, rendering the entire body white. Because of this, white is considered a bit of a grim color in Euclydian culture; you know emos are wearing all-white instead of all-black

Conversely, a perfect, non-tinted grey is a regal shade because it's seen as a sign of fitness and strength. Maintaining a neutral grey requires very precise control over one's chromatophores to get the balance right and hold it there

Euclydians are capable of training the muscles that control their chromatophores like any other, and as a result can change their resting color with enough discipline! They can also use this technique to give themselves markings. Haven't decided the cultural implications of this entirely, but I think the idea of someone training themselves to match their threat display so nobody can tell when they're angry, for example, is a cool idea. Possibilities!

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Mammalia - Primates

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Our next and last group of Euarchonta is the order Primates. This diverse order includes the families Cheirogaleidae (“mouse lemurs”), Daubentoniidae (“Aye-aye”), Indriidae (“indriid lemurs”), Lemuridae (“lemurid lemurs”), Lepilemuridae (“sportive lemurs”), Galagidae (“galagos” or “bush babies”), Lorisidae (“lorises”, “pottos”, and “angwantibos”), Cercopithecidae (“old world monkeys”), Hylobatidae (“gibbons”), Hominidae (“great apes”), Callitrichidae (“marmosets” and “tamarins”), Cebidae (“capuchins” and “squirrel monkeys”), Aotidae (“night/owl monkeys”), Pitheciidae (“titis”, “saki monkeys”, and “uakaris”), Atelidae (“spider monkeys”, “howler monkeys”, and “woolly monkeys”) and Tarsiidae (“tarsiers”).

Many primate characteristics represent adaptations to an arboreal environment, including large brain sizes, binocular vision, color vision, vocalizations, shoulder girdles allowing a large degree of movement in the upper limbs, and opposable thumbs (in most but not all) that enable better grasping and dexterity. Their large brains (relative to body size) compared to other mammals, as well as an increased reliance on visual acuity, has been an evolutionary trade-off at the expense of their sense of smell (the dominant sensory system of most mammals). Most primates are arboreal, but some primates, including gorillas, humans, and baboons, are primarily ground-dwelling, though all species retain adaptations for climbing trees. Arboreal locomotion techniques include leaping from tree to tree or swinging between branches of trees (brachiation); terrestrial locomotion techniques include walking on two hindlimbs (bipedalism) or modified walking on four limbs (quadrupedalism) via knuckle-walking. They are the most cognitively advanced animals, capable of using tools. Primates may communicate using facial and hand gestures, smells, and vocalizations, with humans (genus Homo) creating complex languages and sophisticated civilizations.

Primates are among the most social of all animals, forming pairs or family groups, uni-male harems, and multi-male/multi-female groups. Primates have slower rates of development than other similarly sized mammals, reach maturity later, and have longer lifespans. Females give birth to 1-2 young at a time. In some species, male primates take part in raising young, an oddity for mammals.

Primates arose in the Early Paleocene, about 65.9 million years ago. The earliest possible primate/proto-primate may be Purgatorius, which dates back to the Early Paleocene of North America. The oldest known true primates from the fossil record date to the Late Paleocene of Africa, around 57 mya (Altiatlasius) or the Paleocene-Eocene transition in the northern continents, around 55 mya (Cantius, Donrussellia, Altanius, Plesiadapisand, Teilhardina). The suborder Strepsirrhini, which includes the lemurs, lorisids, and galagos, is generally thought to have split off from the primitive primate line about 63 mya, and evolved independently from monkeys.

Propaganda under the cut:

The smallest primate in the world is the critically endangered Madame Berthe's Mouse Lemur (Microcebus berthae), with an average body length of 9.2 cm (3.6 in) and seasonal weight around 30 g (1.1 oz).

One of the largest primates in the world is the critically endangered Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei) (image 4). Males are much larger than females. A full-grown male Eastern Gorilla typically weighs 140–205.5 kg (309–453 lb) and stands 1.7 m (5.6 ft) upright and a female typically weighs 90–100 kg (200–220 lb) and stands 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall. Some Humans (Homo sapiens) have surpassed this size, but it is not the average for Humans, for which the average adult male stands about 171 cm (5.7 ft) tall and weighs 77 kg (170 lb), while the average height for adult Human females is about 159 cm (5.3 ft) and average weight is 59 kg (130 lb).

All lemurs (superfamily Lemuroidea) are native only to the African island of Madagascar, and evolved independently from other primates on the island. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers lemurs to be the world's most endangered group of mammals, noting that as of 2013 up to 90% of all lemur species face the threat of extinction in the wild within the next 20 to 25 years.

As many lemurs eat nectar as a part of their diet, and catch pollen in their fur in the process, they are considered to be some of the largest pollinators in the world. The endangered Hairy-eared Dwarf Lemur (Allocebus trichotis) has an extraordinarily long tongue. This is thought to be an adaptation for drinking nectar and tree sap. The vulnerable Red-bellied Lemur (Eulemur rubriventer) has a feathered tongue, also a likely adaptation for feeding on nectar.

The Golden Bamboo Lemur (Hapalemur aureus) eats Giant Bamboo (Cathariostachys madagascariensis), which contains high levels of cyanide. The Golden Bamboo Lemur can consume twelve times the typically lethal dose of cyanide for most mammals on a daily basis. The physiological mechanisms that protect it from cyanide poisoning are unknown.

The Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) has evolved some insect and seed-eating traits that are unique among primates, making it stand out among the lemurs. Such traits include continuously growing rodent-like front teeth for gnawing through wood and hard seeds, a highly mobile filiform middle finger for extracting food from tiny holes, large bat-like ears for detecting hollow spaces within trees, and use of self-generated acoustical cues to forage.

Many lemur species, including the Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta), Milne-Edwards' Sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi), and the Verreaux's Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), live in groups led by a dominant female. Lemurs are one of the very few mammal groups where females are usually dominant over males.

Some lemurs, such as the Verreaux's Sifaka, live in the spiny forests of Southern Madagascar. Sifakas travel via leaping rapidly from tree trunk to tree trunk, an ability referred to as "ricochetal leaping". It is unknown how the Verreaux's Sifaka manages to do this characteristic leaping without impaling themselves on the long thorns of the spiny forests’ trees.

The extinct Giant Sloth Lemur, Archaeoindris fontoynontii, was comparable to a gorilla in size. It was rare, but still living when humans first arrived on Madagascar. Its large size and terrestrial habits would have made it vulnerable to hunting and habitat loss.

It was previously thought that all lorisids moved slowly, but this is not the case. Lorisids freeze in place as a defense tactic, or move slowly if they see or hear a potential predator. This only works in their leafy environment, and is a form of camouflage. Many lorisids are actually quite agile when not afraid.

Slow Lorises (genus Nycticebus) (image 3) from southeast Asia produce a secretion from their brachial gland, that is licked and mixed with their saliva to form a toxin which can be used for defense. This toxic bite is a rare trait among mammals, and unique among primates. The Slender Lorises (genus Loris) from Sri Lanka and South India also possess these brachial glands, but it is uncertain whether they also synthesize the toxin.

The Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) has a diverse repertoire of vocalizations thought to be almost as complex as that of humans.

The Allen's Swamp Monkey (Allenopithecus nigroviridis) has adaptations for a partially aquatic environment, including slight webbing of its fingers and toes.

The Common Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas) is the fastest runner among the primates, reaching speeds of 55 km/h (34 mph). For reference the fastest human, Usain Bolt, reached 37.58 km/h (23.35 mph) during his world record sprint.

The terrestrial guenons (genus Allochrocebus) live in fairly small groups dominated by females, with only a single adult male. The females are usually related, while the male stays only a couple of weeks or at most a couple of years, working as a watchdog and breeder.

Around dawn and dusk, dominant male Campbell's Mona Monkeys (Cercopithecus campbelli) will climb up to a perch and issue a series of booming calls. The sound carries for at least a kilometre, and other males join in. Campbell's Mona Monkeys often associate with monkeys of other species and engage in inter-species territorial calling which obey certain ritual rules. This is one of the more advanced forms of animal communication, with a rudimentary syntax.

Male Crested Mona Monkeys (Cercopithecus pogonias) will sometimes join groups of unrelated monkey, such as the Black Colobus (Colobus satanas). These otherwise solitary males can form strong group bonds with the non conspecific monkeys, possibly resulting in a permanent loss of mating opportunities.

The Northern Plains Gray Langur (Semnopithecus entellus) has a symbiotic relationship with the Chital (Axis axis), and the two species are rarely found apart. Both the langur and the deer know each other’s warning calls, and benefit from both groups watching for predators in the trees and on the ground.

Nearly all (73–100%) captive Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) are carriers of the herpes B virus. This virus is harmless to macaques, but infections of humans, while rare, are potentially fatal

The endangered Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is the only old world monkey known to use stone tools in their daily foraging, and they engage in robbing and bartering behavior in some tourist locations.

Dusky Leaf Monkeys (Trachypithecus obscurus), Crab-eating Macaques, and White-thighed Surilis (Presbytis siamensis), form tolerant foraging parties, with juveniles playing together.

The critically endangered Celebes Crested Macaque (Macaca nigra) unknowingly found itself at the center of controversy between 2011 and 2018, when British wildlife photographer David J. Slater set up equipment that would allow the macaques to take “selfies.” People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) argued that Slater could not hold a copyright claim over the “monkey selfie” that resulted, as it had been taken by a macaque and not him. This resulted in the United States Copyright Office stating that works created by a non-human, such as a photograph taken by a monkey, are not copyrightable. Slater lost income and took a blow to his reputation as a wildlife photographer as a result of the dispute. In a separate dispute, PETA tried to use the monkey selfies to establish a legal precedent that animals should be declared copyright holders, requesting that the copyright be assigned to the macaque, who they decided was named “Naruto”, and that PETA be appointed to administer proceeds from the photos for the endangered species' benefit. In dismissing PETA's case, a federal district court ruled that a monkey cannot own copyright under US law. PETA appealed. In September 2017, PETA and Slater agreed to a settlement in which Slater would donate a portion of future revenues on the photographs to wildlife organizations, but the court did not accept the settlement. In April 2018, the appeals court ruled against PETA, stating in its judgement that animals cannot legally hold copyrights and expressing concern that PETA's motivations had been to promote their own interests rather than to protect the legal rights of the monkeys. The ordeal left Slater with very little funding, and he lost his motivation and passion for photography. However, he was still glad for the impact the photos had on people, stating "It has taken six years for my original intention to come true which was to highlight the plight of the monkeys and bring it to the world. No one had heard of these monkeys six years ago, they were down to the last thousands. ... The locals used to roast them, but now they love them, they call it the 'selfie monkey'. Tourists are now visiting and people see there is a longer-term benefit to the community than just shooting a monkey."

In Ancient Egyptian mythology, Babi was the deification of the Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas) and was therefore a sacred animal. They were known as attendants of Thoth, and are thus also called the Sacred Baboon.

Critically endangered Red-shanked Doucs (Pygathrix nemaeus) eat peacefully with each other, and have been known to share their food with others. They may even break pieces of foliage off and hand them to each other, a type of active generosity that is rare among Old World monkeys.

Humans, Baboons, Bonobos (Pan paniscus), and Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are omnivorous hunters, and will set off on hunting parties, sometimes bringing down smaller monkey species.

Both Chimpanzees and Humans are known to wage wars over territories and resources.

Orangutans build nests for both day and night use. Nests may be elaborate and involve a foundation and mattress made by intertwining leaves and branches and adding broken leafy branches. Additional features such as shade, a waterproof roof, "pillow", and "blanket", all of which are made from branches, twigs and leaves, may also be added.

Critically endangered Bornean Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) have been observed using tools such as using leaves as toilet paper, a pad of leaves as a plate for holding spiny durian fruit, a leafy branch for a bee swatter, a bunch of leafy branches held together as an "umbrella" while traveling in the rain, a single stick as a backscratcher, a branch or tree trunk as a missile, and have even been sighted using spears to attempt (unsuccessfully) to catch fish.

The critically endangered Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) has been observed using a different arsenal of tools. One may break off a tree branch that is about a foot long, snap off the twigs and fray one end with its teeth. The orangutan will then use the stick to dig in tree holes for termites. They will also use the stick to poke a bee's nest wall, move it around and catch the honey. In addition, orangutans use tools to eat fruit. When the fruit of the Neesia tree ripens, its hard, ridged husk softens until it falls open. Inside are seeds that the orangutans enjoy eating, but they are surrounded by fiberglass-like hairs that are painful if eaten. A Neesia-eating orangutan will select a five-inch stick, strip off its bark, and then carefully collect the hairs with it. Once the fruit is safe, the ape will eat the seeds using the stick or its fingers. Tools are created differently for different uses. Sticks are often made longer or shorter depending on whether they will be used for insects or fruits. If a particular tool proves useful, the orangutan will often save it. Over time, they can collect entire "toolboxes".

Endangered Bonobos (Pan paniscus) are capable of altruism, compassion, empathy, kindness, patience, and sensitivity. They are known for living in matriarchal societies, having more fluid sexuality, and settling disputes with sex rather than violence.

In a study published in February 2025, scientists determined that Bonobos could tell when a Human didn't know something, and point them in the right direction.

The endangered Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) has a large gular sac (throat pouch) that can be inflated to the size of the gibbon’s head, allowing it to make resonating calls. Mated pairs produce loud, well-patterned calling bouts, which are referred to as duetting. These calls advertise the presence and status of a mated pair. Newly formed pairs spend more time singing than an established pair.

The critically endangered Hainan Black-crested Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus) is one of the most endangered animals in the world. The most recent count found 22 Hainan Gibbons split between two families, one family of 11 and one of 7 members, with 4 loners, all residing in Bawangling National Nature Reserve on Hainan Island. Over 25% of the Hainan Gibbon’s habitat has been reduced due to illegal pulp paper plantation growers. As there are no Hainan Gibbons in captivity, the entire population could be one major storm or epidemic away from extinction.

Tarsiers are the only entirely carnivorous living primates.

Philippine Tarsiers (Carlito syrichta) are capable of hearing frequencies as high as 91 kHz. They are also capable of vocalizations with a dominant frequency of 70 kHz.

Unlike other male primates, male Callitrichids generally provide as much parental care as females. Parental duties may include carrying, protecting, feeding, comforting, and even engaging in play behavior with the babies in a group. In some cases, such as in the Cotton-top Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), males, particularly fathers, even show a greater involvement in caregiving than females.

White-fronted Capuchins (genus Cebus) have been observed using leaves as a cup to drink water.

Female Squirrel Monkeys (genus Saimiri) have pseudo-penises, which they use to display dominance over smaller monkeys.

White-faced Sakis (Pithecia pithecia) often mate for life, and are very devoted to their partners, strengthening their bond by grooming each other.

Atelid monkeys are most famous for their long, extremely prehensile tails. Their tails have sensitive, almost hairless, tactile pads on their undersides, and can function as a “fifth limb” while moving through the trees.

About 60% of primate species are threatened with extinction. Common threats include deforestation, forest fragmentation, monkey drives, and hunting for use in medicines, as pets, and for food. Large-scale tropical forest clearing for agriculture most threatens primates, as well as farming for palm oil.

[funeral]

Unlike the usual analytic patient, we must remember that for the person carrying around a dissociated trauma experience, integration or "wholeness" is initially experienced as the worst thing imaginable. These patients do not experience an increase of power or enhanced functioning when the repressed affect or traumatogenic experience first emerges into consciousness. They go numb, or split, or act out, somatize, or abuse substances. Their very survival as cohesive "selves" has depended upon primitive dissociative operations which resist integration of the trauma and its associated affects — even to the point of dividing up the ego's "selves" into part-personalities. Analytic work with them, therefore, must involve "softer" techniques than the usual interpretations and reconstructions we consider mutative in analysis.

Donald Kalsched, The Inner World of Trauma

[girlactionfigure]

Yes, You Are Right, 6 Million Is Not a True Number... It Might Actually Be Higher...

To those who dare question the reality of the Holocaust or minimize its horrors: your denial is an insult to history, truth, and the memory of millions who perished. plus the evidence is overwhelming, the testimonies irrefutable, and the suffering immeasurable. Holocaust denial is not just ignorance—it's an sinister form of antisemitism that seeks to erase the atrocities committed by the Nazis. 

As we witness more and more how some try to deny out painful history, here's a detailed account to reaffirm the undeniable truth, we will review some of the death camps, killing techniques, and casualty figures.

1/ Intro: The Holocaust, well recorded.

Orchestrated by Nazi Germany, it resulted in the systematic murder of approximately 6 million Jews. However, recent research suggests this figure might be even higher. The full extent of the atrocities is staggering and still being uncovered. The scope of this genocide went beyond the initial estimates, with ongoing studies revealing more mass graves, hidden documents, and survivor testimonies that paint a grimmer picture of the Holocaust's true scale. The meticulous records kept by the Germans provide detailed insights into the numbers and methods of murder, underscoring the planned and methodical nature of this genocide.

2/ Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The largest and most infamous Nazi concentration and extermination camp, saw the deaths of at least 1.1 million Jews. Located in Poland, it became a symbol of the Holocaust's horror. Victims were subjected to inhumane conditions, forced labor, and medical experiments before being murdered. The camp's infrastructure, designed for maximum extermination efficiency, included gas chambers capable of killing thousands at a time and crematoriums to dispose of the bodies, highlighting the industrial nature of the genocide. Detailed records of transports, prisoner numbers, and deaths were meticulously kept, leaving a chilling account of the atrocities committed.

3/ Treblinka.

Another extermination camp in Poland, witnessed the murder of around 870,000 Jews. The camp operated with a singular purpose: mass murder, primarily through gas chambers. Victims were transported to Treblinka in tightly packed trains that was made to use to transport livestock, often enduring days without food or water, only to be killed upon arrival. The camp's operations were covered in secrecy, with few survivors to testify to the horrors. This near-total annihilation of those sent to Treblinka exemplifies the ruthless efficiency of the Nazi death machine, and here again they detailed and saved all transport lists and death counts and meticulously recorded it.

4/ At Belzec. 

Also in Poland, approximately 600,000 Jews were killed. The camp's efficiency in extermination, with most victims murdered upon arrival, underscores the industrial scale of the Holocaust. Belzec's gas chambers, initially primitive and later more sophisticated, were capable of killing thousands daily. The camp's location, chosen for its proximity to major Jewish populations, ensured a steady stream of victims. The methods of murder at Belzec were continuously refined, demonstrating the Nazis' relentless pursuit of their genocidal goals. Detailed records of each transport and extermination were kept, providing a grim accounting of the lives lost.

5/ Sobibor. 

Yet another death camp in Poland, saw the deaths of about 250,000 Jews. Sobibor was part of Operation Reinhard, the Nazi plan to exterminate the Jews of occupied Poland. The camp's gas chambers, disguised as showers, were used to deceive and murder. Despite its short operational period, Sobibor's impact was devastating. The camp's destruction by the Nazis in an attempt to hide their crimes could not erase the evidence of the atrocities committed there, which have been painstakingly reconstructed through survivor testimonies and archaeological efforts. The Nazis' meticulous record-keeping included transport lists and death counts, which have been crucial in reconstructing the scale of the atrocities.

6/ Majdanek. 

A concentration and extermination camp near Lublin, Poland, resulted in the deaths of around 78,000 Jews. Originally a labor camp, it later incorporated gas chambers to increase the killing efficiency. Unlike other camps, Majdanek was liberated largely intact, providing a grimly detailed picture of the Holocaust's mechanisms. The camp's dual function as a labor and death camp highlights the varied methods the Nazis used to exploit and exterminate Jews. The vast array of personal belongings left behind bears silent witness to the lives lost. Detailed German records, including death certificates and transport logs, provide further evidence of the systematic nature of the genocide.

7/ Chelmno. 

The first extermination camp established, killed approximately 152,000 Jews. Located in Poland, Chelmno used gas vans to murder its victims. The victims were deceived into entering these mobile gas chambers, believing they were being transported to new locations. This method of murder, though less well-known, was an early experiment in mass killing that paved the way for the more extensive gas chambers of other camps. Chelmno's role in the Holocaust was crucial, setting a precedent for subsequent extermination efforts. The Germans kept detailed records of each transport and the number of victims, underscoring the methodical planning behind the genocide.

8/ The Einsatzgruppen. 

Nazi death squads, were responsible for the mass shootings of over 1 million Jews across Eastern Europe, particularly in the Soviet Union. Mass graves continue to be discovered, revealing the true scale of their operations. These mobile killing units followed the advancing German army, executing Jews and other perceived enemies in mass shootings. The Einsatzgruppen's activities are among the most brutal and direct forms of genocide, often involving local collaborators and leaving behind a legacy of terror and loss in countless communities. The Germans meticulously documented these operations, with reports detailing the number of victims and locations of mass shootings.

9/ Ghettos.

In addition to extermination camps, ghettos played a significant role in the Holocaust. The Warsaw Ghetto, the largest, confined over 400,000 Jews. Starvation, disease, and deportations to death camps decimated the population. The living conditions in the ghetto were inhumane, with overcrowding, insufficient food, and rampant disease. The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, a heroic but doomed resistance effort, stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of the Jewish people in the face of systematic annihilation. The ghetto's eventual destruction symbolized the relentless nature of Nazi persecution. German records of ghetto populations and deportations provide detailed accounts of the suffering endured by its inhabitants.

10/ The Lodz Ghetto. 

With around 160,000 Jews, suffered similar fates. Ghettos served as holding areas before deportations to extermination camps, with many inhabitants perishing due to inhumane conditions. The Lodz Ghetto, one of the longest-lasting, was marked by forced labor and brutal living conditions. Its eventual liquidation sent tens of thousands to their deaths in Auschwitz. The ghettos' purpose was multifaceted: to isolate Jews, strip them of their possessions, and ultimately, to facilitate their extermination. The Nazis kept detailed records of ghetto inhabitants, work assignments, and deportation lists, all of which contribute to the historical understanding of the genocide's scope.

11/ Theresienstadt.

Presented as a "model ghetto" to deceive the world, was actually a transit camp for Jews sent to extermination camps. Around 33,000 Jews died within its walls, while many more were deported to their deaths. Theresienstadt was used for Nazi propaganda, showcasing it as a "self-governing" Jewish settlement to mislead international observers. In reality, it was a place of suffering and death, where cultural and intellectual life persisted only as a fragile form of resistance against the overwhelming oppression and impending doom.

Too much for 1 thread.

There are dozens of more camps, massacres, events and figures, that it is impossible to include everyone, so in the next chapter we will briefly go over all the other known facts. 

Summing up the horrific toll, we have:

- Auschwitz-Birkenau: 1.1 million Jews - Treblinka: 870,000 Jews - Belzec: 600,000 Jews - Sobibor: 250,000 Jews - Majdanek: 78,000 Jews - Chelmno: 152,000 Jews - Einsatzgruppen mass shootings: 1 million Jews - Warsaw Ghetto: over 400,000 Jews - Lodz Ghetto: 160,000 Jews - Theresienstadt: 33,000 Jews - Mauthausen: approximately 38,000 Jews - Bergen-Belsen: around 37,000 Jews - Dachau: about 28,000 Jews - Buchenwald: approximately 56,000 Jews - Ravensbrück: around 20,000 Jews - Sachsenhausen: about 30,000 Jews - Gross-Rosen: around 46,000 Jews - Stutthof: approximately 65,000 Jews - Plaszow: around 8,000 Jews - Westerbork: about 103,000 Jews - Drancy: approximately 70,000 Jews - Natzweiler-Struthof: around 20,000 Jews - Neuengamme: approximately 42,000 Jews - Poniatowa: approximately 14,000 Jews - Janowska: about 40,000 Jews - Kaiserwald: around 25,000 Jews - Malines (Mechelen): approximately 17,000 Jews - Sered: around 12,000 Jews - Jasenovac: around 25,000 Jews - Maly Trostenets: about 65,000 Jews - Babi Yar: over 33,000 Jews killed in just two days - Kovno Ghetto: approximately 30,000 Jews - Vilna Ghetto: about 55,000 Jews - Rumbula: around 25,000 Jews - Riga Ghetto: approximately 30,000 Jews - Minsk Ghetto: around 50,000 Jews - Kaunas Ninth Fort: over 30,000 Jews - Minsk Fort: around 65,000 Jews - Lublin Ghetto: about 40,000 Jews - Lvov Ghetto: approximately 100,000 Jews

Adding these additional figures gives us: 1.1 million (Auschwitz-Birkenau) + 870,000 (Treblinka) + 600,000 (Belzec) + 250,000 (Sobibor) + 78,000 (Majdanek) + 152,000 (Chelmno) + 1 million (Einsatzgruppen mass shootings) + 400,000 (Warsaw Ghetto) + 160,000 (Lodz Ghetto) + 33,000 (Theresienstadt) + 38,000 (Mauthausen) + 37,000 (Bergen-Belsen) + 28,000 (Dachau) + 56,000 (Buchenwald) + 20,000 (Ravensbrück) + 30,000 (Sachsenhausen) + 46,000 (Gross-Rosen) + 65,000 (Stutthof) + 8,000 (Plaszow) + 103,000 (Westerbork) + 70,000 (Drancy) + 20,000 (Natzweiler-Struthof) + 42,000 (Neuengamme) + 14,000 (Poniatowa) + 40,000 (Janowska) + 25,000 (Kaiserwald) + 17,000 (Malines) + 12,000 (Sered) + 25,000 (Jasenovac) + 65,000 (Maly Trostenets) + 33,000 (Babi Yar) + 30,000 (Kovno Ghetto) + 55,000 (Vilna Ghetto) + 25,000 (Rumbula) + 30,000 (Riga Ghetto) + 50,000 (Minsk Ghetto) + 30,000 (Kaunas Ninth Fort) + 65,000 (Minsk Fort) + 40,000 (Lublin Ghetto) + 100,000 (Lvov Ghetto) = 6,706,000 Jews.

This sum, combined with other unrecorded deaths, ghetto liquidations, and hidden or lesser-known massacres, underscores the sheer scale of the tragedy. 

So when you feel the need to gain some attention by exploiting our painful history, know that this is one of the most recorded events ever, so beside being an absolute evil person, you also expose yourself as a dumb person as well.

REMEMBER, THAT EACH NUMBER REPRESENTS A LIFE BRUTALLY CUT SHORT!! 

NEVER AGAIN!! 

AP

@APbrooklyn_NY

[blackstarlineage]

Great Zimbabwe: An In-Depth Analysis of Africa’s Architectural and Economic Masterpiece

Introduction: The Greatness of African Civilization

Great Zimbabwe stands as one of the most remarkable and sophisticated civilizations in African history. Located in modern-day Zimbabwe, it flourished between 1100 and 1500 CE, serving as the centre of a vast trade empire that connected Africa to the Middle East, India, and China.

Despite colonial-era attempts to deny its African origins, Great Zimbabwe was entirely built by Black Africans, proving that African civilizations developed advanced architecture, urban centres, and economic systems long before European contact.

From a Garveyite perspective, the study of Great Zimbabwe is crucial because it represents:

Black architectural brilliance – The largest ancient stone city in sub-Saharan Africa.

Black economic power – A major hub for gold, ivory, and international trade.

Black political sovereignty – An empire built, governed, and controlled by Africans.

By reclaiming the history of Great Zimbabwe, Black people worldwide can reject colonial myths and recognize Africa’s legacy of innovation, wealth, and self-sufficiency.

1. The Origins of Great Zimbabwe

A. Geographic and Strategic Importance

Great Zimbabwe was built in a strategic location with access to gold mines, fertile lands, and trade routes.

The civilization was part of the Shona culture, whose people were skilled in ironworking, agriculture, and trade.

Its name, Zimbabwe, means “House of Stone” in the Shona language, reflecting its impressive stone structures.

Example: The city covered nearly 1,800 acres and housed up to 18,000 people, making it one of the largest pre-colonial African urban centres.

Key Takeaway: African civilizations were not nomadic or primitive—they built vast cities with complex infrastructures.

2. The Architectural Genius of Great Zimbabwe

A. The Great Enclosure: An African Architectural Wonder

The most famous structure in Great Zimbabwe is the Great Enclosure, a massive circular stone wall built without mortar.

The walls reach up to 36 feet high and stretch over 820 feet in length, making them the largest ancient stone structures south of the Sahara.

The conical tower inside the Great Enclosure is believed to be a symbol of power, wealth, and spiritual significance.

Example: European colonists refused to believe Black Africans built Great Zimbabwe and tried to attribute it to foreign civilizations (Phoenicians, Arabs, or even aliens), highlighting their racist denial of African ingenuity.

Key Takeaway: Africa had master builders who engineered grand cities using advanced techniques, disproving colonial myths.

B. The Hill Complex: The Royal and Religious Centre

The Hill Complex, located on a granite hill, served as the political and religious centre of Great Zimbabwe.

It was the seat of the king and was likely used for religious ceremonies, governance, and strategic defense.

The Shona people practiced ancestor worship, and the structures reflect a deep spiritual connection to their land and heritage.

Example: Many structures align with the movement of the sun and stars, proving that Great Zimbabweans had advanced knowledge of astronomy.

Key Takeaway: Black civilizations had political, spiritual, and scientific achievements that rivalled other global civilizations of the time.

3. Great Zimbabwe’s Economic Power: The Centre of a Global Trade Network

A. Control Over Gold Trade

Great Zimbabwe controlled rich gold mines in the region, making it one of the wealthiest African states of its time.

It became a major gold supplier for Swahili coastal cities, the Middle East, and even China.

Gold from Great Zimbabwe was traded across the Indian Ocean and found in Persian, Indian, and Chinese markets.

Example: The famous Kilwa Sultanate on the Swahili Coast depended on Great Zimbabwe for its gold supply, showing Africa’s key role in global trade.

Key Takeaway: Africa was not isolated—its resources fueled economies worldwide long before European colonization.

B. Trade with Asia and the Middle East

Archaeological discoveries in Great Zimbabwe include Chinese porcelain, Persian glass, and Indian beads, proving international trade.

The Swahili Coast, linked to Great Zimbabwe, had trading posts with Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants.

Ivory, copper, iron, and textiles were also traded, creating a diverse and wealthy economy.

Example: The trade connections of Great Zimbabwe show that Africans were engaged in globalization centuries before European involvement.

Key Takeaway: Africa was a key player in world trade, not an isolated or underdeveloped continent.

4. The Political and Social Structure of Great Zimbabwe

A. The Role of the King and Governance

Great Zimbabwe was ruled by a monarch, often referred to as the Mwene Mutapa (King).

The king controlled trade, wealth, and spiritual leadership, serving as a link between the people and the ancestors.

The empire was organized into a federation of smaller kingdoms, all loyal to the central ruler.

Example: The Kingdom of Mutapa, which rose after Great Zimbabwe’s decline, continued its legacy and expanded its power into Mozambique.

Key Takeaway: African civilizations had complex governance structures, contradicting colonial lies about African “tribalism.”

B. The Social Structure: A Balanced Society

The society was hierarchical, with royalty, nobles, traders, craftsmen, and farmers contributing to the empire.

Women held important roles in agriculture, trade, and spiritual leadership.

The people of Great Zimbabwe built strong, organized communities with specialized labor and social systems.

Example: Women played key roles in spiritual rituals and trade, showing the presence of gender balance in African societies.

Key Takeaway: African civilizations were structured, organized, and socially progressive.

The Decline of Great Zimbabwe: Lessons for Today

A. Why Did Great Zimbabwe Collapse?

The empire declined due to:

Overuse of natural resources, including deforestation and soil depletion.

Shifting trade routes that bypassed the city, reducing its economic power.

Internal conflicts and possible political instability.

By 1500 CE, Great Zimbabwe was largely abandoned, but its culture and influence lived on in successor states like the Kingdom of Mutapa.

Example: The modern nation of Zimbabwe is named after Great Zimbabwe, honouring its legacy of African greatness.

Key Takeaway: No Black nation can survive without sustainable economic policies, resource management, and strong leadership.

6. The Garveyite Vision: Rebuilding Africa’s Lost Glory

Great Zimbabwe proves that Africa was a centre of trade, culture, and innovation.

Black people today must control their own resources, just as Great Zimbabwe controlled its gold mines.

African architecture, governance, and economic systems must be reclaimed and studied to guide future development.

Pan-African unity is necessary—Black nations must work together as Great Zimbabwe did with the Swahili Coast.

Final Thought: Will We Reclaim the Legacy of Great Zimbabwe?

Marcus Garvey taught:

“The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness.”

Will Black people continue to believe colonial lies about African history, or will we reclaim the truth?

Will we build self-sufficient Black economies, or remain dependent on foreign powers?

Will we celebrate our past and use it to shape our future, or let our history be erased?

The Choice is Ours. The Time is Now.

[dioslesbianwife]

Here are my headcannons for Jojo villain house and how I think they’d each approach chores

Dio

Refuses to do chores outright. He sees himself as above such menial labor and will either try to manipulate someone else into doing them or make excuses.

If he has to clean, expect a dramatic show of irritation. He’ll use The World to do everything inhumanly fast, pausing time and leaving the room spotless but making sure everyone knows how beneath him the task was.

Biggest offender: Leaving blood filled wine glasses around the house when he forgets about them.

Kars

Insists on having things done “the right way” and will redo someone’s work if it’s not up to his impossibly high standards.

Enjoys organizing. He might spend hours rearranging bookshelves, ensuring they’re sorted by theme, era, and importance to human evolution.

He delegates tasks to others but criticizes their technique endlessly.

Biggest offender: Lecturing everyone about how primitive humans are and how they’ve “desecrated” the art of maintaining a clean space.

Yoshikage Kira

The only one who genuinely enjoys chores- as long as it’s quiet. He finds cleaning therapeutic and uses it as an excuse to stay away from the others.

His favorite chore is folding laundry, particularly because it lets him admire the way hands move as they grab onto fabric, bend, and fold.. He folds everything with military precision.

He despises dirty dishes and will passive aggressively complain about anyone leaving them in the sink.

Biggest offender: The ungodly amount of nail clippings he produces.

Diavolo

Doesn’t do chores, period. He considers them a waste of time and relies on Doppio to handle everything. If questioned, he’ll walk away.

He gets visibly annoyed when the house isn’t clean but refuses to do anything about it himself. If someone confronts him, he’ll use King Crimson to skip the argument entirely.

Biggest offender: Leaving half empty coffee cups everywhere.

Doppio

He takes on messes left by Diavoll without complaint. He tries to stay cheerful, but even he gets overwhelmed when Diavolo’s mess becomes too much. Occasionally, he’ll mutter to himself about how unhelpful the others are.

Enjoys vacuuming because of its repetitive and calming nature, aslo it drowns out the chaos of the house.

Biggest offender: Picking up random items to make his phone calls and leaving them out of place.

Enrico Pucci

Insists on assigning everyone their tasks at the start of the week, using philosophical arguments to convince them that chores and daily routines are part of some higher plan.

He’s efficient but doesn’t tolerate laziness, constantly nagging the less helpful men to pull their weight.

Pucci has a habit of singing hymns while sweeping or mopping the floor, which unnerves everyone.

Biggest offender: Rearranging everyone’s personal belongings to organize the house according to “the Lord’s” standards.

Funny Valentine

Treats chores as a matter of patriotic pride. He gives long winded speeches about how a clean home reflects the strength of the household.

He has a habit of delegating tasks and overseeing them rather than just doing them himself. He’ll help if absolutely necessary but only with "important" jobs like cooking or maintaining the garden.

Obsessively cleans anything that might tarnish his image, like the front porch or living room. He makes sure guests (if they ever get any) think the house is always immaculate.

Biggest offender: He sometimes makes a mess intentionally to test others' "dedication to the cause."

Chore Dynamics in the House

Dio and Kars constantly fighting over who’s more above doing chores.

Pucci trying to convince Dio into participating, only for Dio to scoff and vanish dramatically.

Kira scolding Diavolo for leaving things dirty while Doppio tries to mediate.

Best team: Doppio and Kira. They’re the only ones who actually get things done without complaining.

Worst team: Dio and Diavolo. They’ll spend hours arguing about something and never lift a finger.

Pucci and Kira end up supervising everything like a pair of exasperated parents, while Valentine alternates between helping and giving motivational speeches no one asked for.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Heooooooo

i was wondering if you'd do a post on writing figure skating characters. if you'd have any referall sites it would be wildly helpful.

also its the same person who's asked for the pop music references, i have now posted one of my first fics because of you. so happy i found your blog, it's been a life saver.

Thankuuuuuu

Writing Notes: Figure Skating

Figure Skating - sport in which ice skaters, singly or in pairs, perform freestyle movements of jumps, spins, lifts, and footwork in a graceful manner.

Derives its name from the patterns (or figures) skaters make on the ice, an element that was a major part of the sport until 1990.

There are various kinds of figure skating, including freestyle, pairs, ice dance, and synchronized team skating.

The style of competition, as well as the moves and techniques of the skaters, varies for each category of skating.

One of the most popular sports of the Winter Olympics.

Olympic figure skaters make it look easy. But their grace and power comes from years of training away from the cameras and crowds — practice that strengthens not only their bodies, but their minds.

Some Figure Skating Vocabulary

Axel: A forward-facing jump invented by Norwegian Axel Paulson in 1882. The Axel is the only jump in which skaters take off from a forward outside edge. The skater rotates one-and-a-half times in the air – two-and-a-half times for a double, and so on – before landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot from which they took off.

Camel Spin: The skater spins on one leg with the free leg extended in the air, parallel to the ice.

Catch-Foot: A spin or spiral where the free leg is held by one or both of the skater's hands; the most famous position is the Beillmann spin.

Death Spiral: A pair spin in which the man stands as the anchor in a pivot position while holding his partner's hand as she spins, body extended low and parallel to the ice, around him.

Loop: A jump in which skaters take off of a back outside edge and land on the same edge of the same foot.

Mirror Skating: Opposite movements performed by pair skaters in close proximity to one another.

Revolution: The number of turns in a figure skating jump. Quadruple jumps have four revolutions, triple jumps have three, and so on.

Shadow Skating: Identical movements performed by pairs skaters in close proximity to one another.

Sit Spin: A spin performed in a sitting position. Low to the ice, the skater spins with one leg bent and the other leg extended beside it.

Twizzle: A dance turn in which one or more complete rotations are made very quickly on one foot, in nearly the same spot.

A BRIEF HISTORY. Humans have been skating for a very long time — primitive bone skates have been found dating back to 3000 BC.

Modern steel skates with edges are thought to have originated with the Dutch, who used them to traverse their frozen waterways in winter, and skating associations later sprung up in England and Scotland.

Other communal ice skating events like hockey and speed skating emerged here.

The emergence of modern figure skating as a sport is credited to Jackson Haines.

He is considered the father of modern figure skating as he was the first to incorporate ballet moves and spins in his skating in the 1860s.

Although stiffer forms of skating dominated in his lifetime, his students would go on to found the International Skating Union, which codified figure skating as a sport and is currently the governing body for all skating sports.

The first European Figure Skating Competition was held in 1891, the first World in 1896, and the sport made its Olympic debut in 1908 as the Games' first winter sport. The sport has evolved considerably since then.

Figure Skating in Fiction

In fiction, figure skating is stereotyped as Always Camp (i.e., certain professions almost systematically attract people with camp sensibilities and Drama Queens).

Attention will often be drawn to the sparkly costumes, often to Tutu Fancy levels.

Similar to ballet, its athletes are often stereotyped as dainty or feminine, although like real ballet, there is an incredible amount of athleticism that goes into being a figure skater.

Examples

I, Tonya: A 2017 biopic about Tonya Harding and a certain infamous incident at the 1994 Olympics.

She's a Good Skate, Charlie Brown: A 1980 Peanuts animated special about Peppermint Patty preparing for an upcoming skating competition.

Skating Shoes: A 1951 children's novel about a young girl who gets into figure skating to recuperate.

Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ⚜ More: References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

This makes me so happy to hear, thanks so much for this update (would love to read if it's okay with you)! Hope these notes help as well. You can find more terminologies and examples in the sites linked above. Choose which ones are suitable for your specific story, and always keep in mind your target audience/readers when using the more technical terms.

[a-alban-works]

[uyunto]

i love your art, especially the paper dolls. it's a hard technique, and you do it so wonderfully! but i wanted to know more about your characters. who are they? what do they get up to?

thank you so much for your kind words!!!🥺🫶💖

and thank you for your interest in my characters, i really-really appreciate it!🙏💕

warning: since english is not my native language, my expressions and vocabulary are pretty much primitive and the mistakes are possible.

so, answering your question about my ocs... to be honest i feel a bit awkward whenever it comes to talking about my characters and their stories due to my lack of storytelling skills and me never being sure about my ideas.

but my nervous nature doesn't stop my brain from generating more and more characters and settings, so, actually for now i have a vast amount of some imaginary people living in my cerebral hemispheres rent free😃😃😃 i just don't talk much about them publicly

basically. i have a BUNCH of original characters whose stories take place in different and separated from each other settings/countries/timelines and they (almost) don't interact.

nevertheless all these stories are situated on an Earth type planet. it's not the Earth we know, but they both share resembling geographical and climate zones for example. also this planet has an alternative history and continent placement. i call this planet Planet B (because i always thought the earthlings colonized this planet in the past, thousands and thousands years ago, as a result of the Earth becoming inappropriate for living anymore)

since you mentioned my paper dolls (Stelliah Gassollinne, Gunadimme Rustich, Anth-Rax, Measlebay..), i'll ramble on a bit about the characters of this one setting. for now i call it «LIMB» which goes for «Lame In Magic Bay» (in original: «ЛИМБ=Лучший Из Миров Буки» , which actually translates as «the best world of Lame» , but in this translation the abbreviation LIMB is just ruined, so i adapted it a bit for the english)

some basic info: the main plot occurs in a town named Lame-Ray (in original: «Миножье», which literally means «the lamprey place»). the town stands on the river and it was found around the ancient «meteorite» which fell on earth thousands years ago. actually this impact event created the river itself by destroying the surface and as a result releasing subterranean river. so the water/river/fish theme is significant to the plot.

i really like the dualism in the translated version of Lame-Ray name, because the word «ray» refers to «ray-finned fish» and «a beam of light» meanings at the same time, so, the phrase «lame ray» can be understood as «an injured fish fin» and also as «a dim light». the light/the stars motif has its own role in the plot as well as the water. and also «Lame-Ray» kinda looks like the word «Lamprey», lol

ancient Lame-Ray people worshipped some «magic fish» called Lamprey, who, as they said, could relieve people from all pain and suffering forever. in fact, the whole life of the ancient Lame-Rayans was circling around their cult of Lamprey - the traditions, the lifestyle, the food, everything. later the Lame-Ray settlement was colonized and almost all of their culture was lost. nevertheless nowadays no one ever saw any evidence of the existence of this fish creature. but there are people out there who strongly believe the Lamprey is real and so is its power. remember how earlier i put the word «meteorite» in brackets? sorta spoiler: actually it's not quite meteorite. (that's all for now because i don't wanna dive into the deeper lore part in this post because it's already too big)

nearby the river there's also two countries - Aldetha (in original: Альдета) and Blaanna (in original: Блаанна).

historicaly the whole river belongs to Aldetha and is controlled by it, and so is the Lame-Ray, since the town is placed on the river.

Gunadimme and Stelliah.

Aldetha is the 'red triangle' country. the name comes from the anagram of the word «Delta» (Δ), i just put the extra letters for the harmony. funny fact: Aldetha is placed in the river's delta.

Blaanna is the 'inverted blue triangle' country. its name comes from the anagram of the word «Nabla» (∇), which is literally the reverse of delta symbol. i also added the extra letters in it so it looks more elegant.

there's no planes in Aldetha.

Aldetha is small closed authoritarian/dictatorship country. the rights and freedoms of its citizens are limited, almost every aspect of their lives is controlled by the government. stupid and absurd laws and propaganda flourish. the ideas of traditional family is generously encouraged by the state. the society approves conformity.

Swam-Sam and Fenny. there's also no color photography in Aldetha. the equipment for taking pictures is pretty rare and even the black&white photos are of bad grainy quality.

TV news from Blaanna.

Blaanna is bigger and more free, open-minded and technologically modern place. Blaanna develop international relations enthusiastically. all kinds of freedoms are available there, people can travel around the world, do business, marry who they love and express themselves in any form of art. individuality of a person is encouraged.

«A» is fell. «B» is disappeared.

since ancient times Aldetha and Blaanna are sort of rivals, who despite their differences share the same goal after all - the creation of a perfect state where everyone would be happy and contented, no grief and no suffering.

but ironically people are unhappy in both Aldetha and Blaanna. these places are supposed to be the distorted reflection of each other - no matter how you rotate the triangle, it will keep its three angles.

(btw i like calling Aldetha and Blaanna 'Country A' and 'Country B' because it's funny, also i like associating them with the A-side and B-side of a vinyl record. the music is also one of the most important themes in this setting, you know.. water/sound waves..)

T R🔺I T O R

some LIMB characters i was already mentioning in my blog:

Gunadimme Rustich (in original: Яосс-Тыну Ржавич) [he/him] is Aldetha's citizen, the Aldethian.

Fenny (in original: Топпи) [he/they or any] is Aldethian, too.

Stelliah Gassollinne (in original: Стеллия Гассоллинн) [she/her] is from Blaanna, the Blaannian.

Measlebay (in original: Коря) [he/him], Anth-Rax (in original: Язва) [she/her], Qusha (in original: Куша) [he/they/any but she] are born in Lame-Ray, so they are Lame-Rayans.

Samuel 'Swam-Sam' Wade (in original: Павел 'Плавуша' Брод) [he/him] and his family (mom, dad and older brother) used to be Aldethians, but at some point will become Lame-Rayans.

Anth-Rax, Measlebay, Qusha.

(of course there are another LIMB characters. i didn't draw them much so i never showed them here, but one day i will)

i have to stress that this setting has deep many-layered lore and it's pretty complicated. there are many characters of different age with their own stories, issues and motivations. even though being different, the characters share some of motives and aspects, they reflect one another, make parallels and experience all sorts of relations... but at the same time being totally different towards another.

Measlebay thinking about his friends, Anth-Rax and Qusha.

and i think it's the main theme of LIMB - being on the edge of contrasts, on the terminator between dark and light of human nature and the world around, that's why i consider all my characters as morally grey (at least they are in my vision). moreover, if i keep discussing, some of my characters suffer from black&white splitting of themselves and their closed ones. its hard and sometimes even impossible for them to see themselves as a whole valuable person (they think about themselves either bad or good, either the best or the worst, as if there's no something in between in their perception), and some of them just have no idea who they are. this duality goes hand in hand with the water theme of LIMB, since the water reflects things almost like a mirror, but not quite; you can see anything in the water, but in fact it's just a fundamental transparent simple liquid that builds the life itself.

important: this setting is just brainstorming thing at the moment, everything is vague and changes as new ideas and thoughts come to me. anyways so far i think the story will be focused on a bunch of children (who are already mentioned Anth-Rax, Measlebay, Qusha, etc) who live in modern Lame-Ray. they will eventually find out that the legends about Lamprey are actually true.

my answer is already enormous so i think i have to stop here, i hope my rambling wasn't boring

thank you so much for asking and reading!🙏💖

[whencyclopedia]

Etruscan Pottery

Etruscan Pottery, produced over five centuries, was nothing if not varied. Indigenous wares such as the glossy black bucchero were made alongside red- and black-figure pottery imitating, yet modifying those produced in the Greek world. Geometric, floral, figure, and narrative decorations were appreciated and adapted from the Near East and Ionia, with even foreign potters and artists themselves settling in the cities of Etruria, such was the demand from the Etruscans for fine pottery for everyday use, at special banquets, and as offerings to their gods and dead. Pottery was also the material of choice for figure sculpture, best seen on the lids of large funerary urns, and as decoration for buildings in the form of statues and decorative plaques. Besides what they have left us of their own work, the Etruscans, great collectors of fine pottery that they were, have secured for posterity some of the finest Greek vases ever made and which now star in the collections of museums worldwide.

Villanovan Pottery

The Villanovan culture was a precursor to the more developed Etruscan civilization during the Iron Age in central Italy from c. 1000 to c. 750 BCE. In this period pottery was made by hand, not on the wheel, and used clay containing impurities of mica or stone which was fired at a low temperature producing relatively primitive wares. This type of pottery, known as impasto, was used to make bowls, storage jars, cooking pots, cups, and braziers. By the end of the 8th century BCE, potters had managed to improve the quality of impasto through long practice and refinement of technique.

Villanovan cemeteries contain burials of cremated remains in urns which are biconical (two vases with one smaller one acting as a lid for the other) and often carry simple incised decoration of geometric patterns, whirls, and swastikas, or even simple human 'stick' figures. Some urns have metal strips applied as decoration using lead or tin. One rarer type of urn, instead of a ceramic lid, has a bronze helmet on top with an impressive angular crest and embossed decoration.

Another common form where terracotta was used was the production of small models of houses, made to contain the ashes of the deceased. Perhaps imitating real architecture, these have decoration on the exterior walls of geometric patterns and an aperture above the door for releasing smoke. They also have roof decorations, probably imitating the terracotta additions which became so typical in later Etruscan architecture.

Continue reading...

[musicalmedli]

Art/Fanfic Trade: Under the Fluorescent Stars

Art/Fanfic trade for @eminemily05. Requested: college student stressed with Ratchet giving a kiss.

Rating G (human/transformer relationships, fluff.)

"Under the Fluorescent Stars"

You slumped forward, forehead resting against the cool metal of Ratchet’s workbench, sighing deeply. A dozen textbooks and notebooks lay sprawled out before you, their pages blurring together in an indecipherable mess. College was draining the life out of you, and no amount of caffeine or late-night study sessions seemed to help.

A familiar grumble echoed from across the room.

"You've been sitting there for hours," Ratchet huffed, crossing his arms. "Humans need rest, and last I checked, you are not exempt from that rule."

You let out a groan, tilting your head just enough to meet his optics. "I can’t rest. I have three assignments due, an exam next week, and if I don’t finish this paper, my professor is going to skin me alive."

Ratchet scoffed, but his expression softened. "I highly doubt your professor would resort to primitive violence over a late paper."

You rolled your eyes. "That’s not the point, Ratch."

He studied you, optics flickering with something unreadable. Despite his gruff demeanor, he had always looked out for you. The two of you had an unspoken bond, a closeness that neither of you ever outright acknowledged. It was there in the way he always made sure you ate, in the way he forced you to sleep when you worked yourself into exhaustion.

With a resigned sigh, Ratchet crouched down to your level. "If your mind is overwhelmed, then perhaps it requires a different approach to relaxation."

Before you could ask what he meant, his large servo carefully tilted your chin upward. The world seemed to freeze for a moment as he leaned in, and then—

His lips met yours.

It was softer than you ever imagined. Despite the contrast of metal against flesh, his touch was warm, deliberate, full of an affection he had never voiced. The tension in your shoulders melted, the stress that had suffocated you for weeks dissolving into the warmth of his embrace.

When he pulled back, you were breathless. Your fingers unconsciously reached up to touch your lips, still feeling the ghost of him there.

Ratchet smirked—actually smirked. "There. Now, perhaps, your overworked brain will focus on something else for a change."

You blinked at him, heat rushing to your cheeks. "That was—that was definitely a distraction technique."

"Hmm," he mused. "And yet, you seem much calmer now."

You opened your mouth to argue but found that, for once, you had nothing to say. Maybe, just maybe, Ratchet knew exactly what he was doing.

And you didn’t mind one bit.

[asktheritochampion]

Since you're working on quality control for the Yiga, what are your thoughts on their Earthwake technique? It's basically a primitive weaponized version of your Gale, and they just leave the scrolls out for anyone to take if they beat 6 Yiga footsoldiers in one minute. Probably violates piracy laws, which you might be able to use to demand they release your contract so that you could properly sue them.

Oh, is that what those were?

I kept winning that challenge for fun until I had attained all the scrolls they currently had available. Since they're of little use to me - and I am such a caring individual, I was concerned that the cold Gerudo desert nights would be too chilly for these poor featherless Yiga. Thus I thought I'd put them to good use.

Anyway, when is my promotion?