windydrawallday

[windydrawallday]

I'm in humor so I'll keep babbling about the theme from the post before! Because it cheers me up to gush about the things I like (and I hope this can make someone feel equally valid if they share the same likes as me).

I think I paired characters with Size Difference since forever, even before knowing that was a category for such. Mostly platonic at the start (before I knew I was aroace and that there was nothing criminal in seeing romance on such), with a typical team-up of wacky casts.

Actually, I got a bunch between my OCs: Specthor/Wasabi (an eldritch horror detective and a kappa shrine maiden), for example, are my favorite. They are both old spirit entities (centuries for Spec, millennia in the case of Wabi), with obvious physical traits and aesthetics that clash (Spec is made of rotten dark matter, Wabi is made and works with holy/healing elements) and still, they find a way to impact each others lives. The heck: I even translated their dynamic into a Human!AU, I cherish them a ton!

Gosh, those are from 2020... I was always into tender embraces haha

I mostly delve into these dynamics because they give me so much comfort I crave: the idea of being embraced, carried, and just cherished by someone else that looks powerful but tries to take you with care is so appealing to my brain... Funny, irl I'm quite a touch-repulsed person; I'm well aware of my short stature, which can put me at a disadvantage; I'm not pursuing it at all irl.

But for that reason, knowing fiction is safe, why not give it a chance at least in this space? I'm always in control of it. It scratches an itch without the need to risk real emotional ties. That's enough for me.

For that same reason, I try to portray the smaller one having the upper hand over the bigger one most of the time! Or being more mischievous, bolder or defiant (stuff I explored a ton multiple times on my TF fanart as shown in those examples linked).

Tho, lately I'm trying to turn the tables a bit, mostly with OCxCanon/Selfshipping characters, because sometimes my favs aren't exactly made to be the one to comfort but could use to have someone on their same level instead... or have someone to put them in place with how unstable they are pfff.

I think I had nothing more to add, just that fantasy is such a cool thing that exists, and everyone can make the most of it! Yeah, the world out there is scary, but we have nothing to fear in the realm of the mind (as always, doing it with moderation). And who knows: you can end up learning something new about yourself during the process.

[windydrawallday]

I usually prefer to keep my mouth shut up about the theme, but it makes me seethe every time i stumble upon the typical vaguepost (or even directly adressing) about "X ship is abusive because B is a minor"... and the B character is actually AN ADULT (and with clear hints of it in canon) but physically smaller.

I talked a tad about it with diff friends but this sole way of "reasoning" is so problematic because it puts on the table subjects like "infantilization", superficial judgement and the dilution of certain words and labels for irl mental health issues all for the convenience of their "reasoning".

And idk whats with those people to reach such conclusions... Im guessing because they are projecting their own child-like behaviour on these characters (curiously, most of the characters similar to B are child-coded), their childhood memories or just overal another sympton of cute aggression/protectiveness, making them want to guard B character from any "threatening" element.

Im alright with that, im very protective of my blorbos too... but to the point if inventing and seeing enemies where theres no such thing is useless af!

I personally have a strong attachment to Size Difference between characters (that are obvious old ass adults of course) because it opens new perspectives and dynamics between each character. The smaller humbles the bigger one into try to adjust into its point of view, the bigger one lets the smaller reach for things they never imagined etc etc.

Plus, I LOVE DRAWING CHARACTERS EMBRACING, guess what type of characters i favor when i draw such? Yeah

Tho i can understand it can be something scary for someone thats not used to play in such FICTIONAL scenes! Is totally valid if it reminds you bad experiences irl when you see X ship art on the wild...

BUT for that same reason, please: be more mindful and careful of what you vent out there. Less accussing/shaming (and twisting canon in your favor) and more curating your space, eh?

People like me are valid too. We dont need to make a war over such subject.

[windydrawallday]

How many spiny details do I want on my Karzahni?

Y E S

2nd try at designing my (other) fav Bionicle character! After actually reading the book description, here you go: looks more "Satan"-coded than my 1st try (where I show how I came with this mask design if you are curious).

I know he's described with black and gold armor, but knowing he will take a later form with green armor, I let some of that sickening, toxic greens show on his palette too!

This is a draft so I can adjust stuff here and there later: when I design these, I think of them on an illustrative medium, I'm not a toy engineer, sorry!

[windydrawallday]

I was doubting if I used three or four layers for that last pic... Yeah, four (without counting the duplication I did on some to make the texture a tad bolder to the eyes).

Actually! I already experimented with a similar style the past year with this other more self-indulgent artwork, I almost forgot pfff

Here instead of going 100% chaos I worked over my usual pencil-like sketch-lines I use for my digital watercolor style (makes me feel in control of what I'm planning to work with), the rest totally changes from that technique: the flatcolors are "scattered" with a wet textured brush, never trying to make it even in the surface (and the background is usually darker than anything else to achieve a chalky/oil pastel effect).

For the rest I use a thin brush textured for watercolor splotches but that I like to use for leaving those crayon-like markings with each layer of color (from shading to lighting) that are all made by hand, so every stroke is unique and tied to my hand-wrist movements and pressure over the touch surface of my laptop.

I could have made this easier with a brush that actually generates such scribbles? Yes.

Would I do it? No. Because it's MY personal decision to experience the whole process like I'm working traditionally on a real canvas: for the love of art.

And I think more people would benefit from going "dirty" with art techniques, even if digital. Especially if digital. But that's my opinion: I know it can be challenging to break from our usual safe techniques.

[windydrawallday]

I don't want this body, I don't want this voice I don't wanna be here But I guess I have no choice

I'm not sorry to be this self-indulgent in main: I had a hard week, so let me have a visual treat! Plus, this scribbly rendering was so cathartic 💙

I know this style can be too chaotic to read for some, so I've left a cropped version as the first picture this time around.

[windydrawallday]

Sometimes it really feels like ON PURPOSE, the more I want to work on something for MYSELF, the more stuff that robs me of that moment falls upon me and/or tries to get me out of the state of mind I need to make my goal work

[windydrawallday]

THANK YOUUU! I'm glad my 2015 self saved so many notes, it made my life easier during the re-reading orz Piraka are silly from the outside, but witnessed a world constantly changing in front of them.

SJDGFSGDF ITS AN HONOR TO KNOW THAT OMG

This emoji goes to your pal 🤝 for such mind synching!!! hehehe

Talking about Paranoia (or how it is called now, Delusion Disorder), I need to keep reading about it, but the bare bones description says it is usually triggered in people who have suffered constant strikes to their ego, creating unwanted frustrations that lower their self-esteem. It says the person is constantly "projecting" their own insecurities on others, and so justifies them keeping defenses up and disdain for all. … Pair that with Vezok's habit of "studying" and lingering near the Piraka, and you'll get the perfect cocktail for disaster.

But yeah: chewelry needs to be a thing for skakdi in general LOL it's said they are the few species to chew their food too, so I won't be surprised if there are common items they favor because of taste, texture, and resistance to be mauled by their jaws pfff

NOW GRABBING YOUR TAGS! I got a few spare notes for ya!

It's fascinating how Reidak, in his simplicity, can work as a cornerstone for all the Piraka:

As long as they give him tasks that let him smash stuff, he won't complain. Whatever the task is, he will do it.

He barely bothers others (only if he's without a current mission to pursue at the moment), and looks the type to have no problem taking hits first.

And even if it is something not expected from him, Reidak is good at giving straightforward answers and even keeping secrets (for his own use if he deems it).

What's not to love about that? The ideal tank/heavy (and why not, a figure that exudes the ideal skakdi)for any villain-wanna-be company of bastards LOL

Now that I'm thinking, his occupation as a Hunter/Tracker fits him like a glove: they give him information/tasks, he follows them and executes whatever the goal is. Profit.

To be a Tracker, you need to be disciplined and patient. I know they joke about Reidak still smashing ungracefully his way to the target but-- let him have that label. Even if his patience is more aligned with selective attention.

I admit it sometimes desperated me to see him be such a lazy ass and take the effortless decitions but, with the type of context and individuals he hangs around, feigning ignorance and do whatever he wanted ends being the best approach PFFF

I need to actually analyze again my notes on Avak, but from what I remember of this re-reading:

He's one of the few Piraka who had an occupation that demanded him to be between four walls at all times (a Jailer).

… and now he needs to follow up on the crazy plans of this bunch of thieves. I can understand perfectly Avak complaining constantly and questioning everything happening around him!

I found it funny how in Legacy of Evil, when they are still Dark Hunters and plan to attack the Shadowed One, Zaktan calls a reunion for every skakdi, sans Avak… THEY DON'T TRUST HIM.

This is very speculative from my part, but I'm guessing it's because Avak isn't good at keeping secrets? Or has a bad habit of vocalizing without filtering when complaining out loud…

That makes Avak very opinionated, something that won't sit well with the nest of inflated ego that are his partners.

During the Voya Nui conflicts with the Matoran, when the Piraka are trying to get them to talk with threatening them to let them fall on lava, the one who's interrogating is Vezok! I thought it was a waste of potential to not let the Jailer do it but--

Avak finds more accomplishment in creating the perfect tools for making any victim speak their truth. Plus, free test subjects!

Tho, I neither see him enjoying senseless destruction: Avak prefers to create solutions like Vezok, but with devices! Items that yeah, aid in destruction but leave his claws clean from such.

One last bit now that I mentioned "clean claws": during the Piraka's brief division at the end of Dark Destiny, Zaktan leaves with Reidak and Vezok (the most "loyal"/brute force in the gang at the moment) while Thok and Hakann leave with Avak. Thok and Hakann are the type to wash their hands quickly of responsibilities… but in contrast to Avak and Vezok, they are wild cards and will switch to play dirty when one less expects of them.

I doubt they find reassurance in Avak's presence, but he's useful, as an ability that will give them chances to outsmart two of three of them, and that's enough for them.

*Saves the title of Kanohi Dragon Trio to use as a tag in the future* Thanks once more for the support, Lee! I had fun 🐾🦎

WELCOME to my pile of HCs focused on the character of Vezok! Here I will babble about the blorbo and tie my character interpretation to pieces of canon to make sense of it. I will quote from source all I can, but be aware most of the time I'll just cite the page and book I'm referencing because I'm a lazy ass (tho if deemed necessary, I'll directly transcribe stuff). This text is a condensed version of my re-reading notes and musings from 2015 to our current year (2025).

It's the fault of @lee-the-yeen I did this in the first place, so if he enjoys this, mission accomplished! If someone else finds it entertaining, better! But in general, I just want an excuse to hurl my "Blorbo Paperwork" to the internet ocean and laugh at myself

[TAKE INTO ACCOUNT] English isn't my first language, and even if I have a decade of reading and writing in English, something can always fly over my head. Don't feel afraid to correct or point out mistakes I made!

Hurling all under the cut because this thing is monstrous, please, accompany it with some drinks and snacks.

We all know, before the Divorce Mind Splitting Event (that I'll write as MSE because I want to sound smug -kidding-), Vezok's main trait was his calm demeanor paired with his sharp strategic mind (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 09).

The calmness is a facade Vezok willingly chooses to partake in, because he found benefits in keeping his mind clearer to make the most of his plans.

He's contemplative and constantly reading the situation as fast as he can. He's proud to wield his intelligence in this way, making it a core part of his identity.

… of course, that doesn't stop him from falling into "estereotypical" skakdi acts like using their peers as cannon fodder -usually, Hakann- (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 10), or when he has violent outburst (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 11) from losing patience with the Makoki stone.

But most of the time, if he can find a way to solve a problem without the need of brute force, like when fabricating a lie to shoo away Prototype (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 36), he will take that route.

(…) By then, Zaktan had staggered back, looking for the massive guard. His rage only grew when he couldn't find Prototpe. "Where is he?" he seethed. "Gone," Vezok answered. "I did what you should have done in the first place. We needed him away from the gate, Zaktan, that's all. We don't need to start a war."

Something that would leave any skakdi astonished… or roll their eyes for how insufferable he was for that. But it is logical, it is practical, it works. And shows he's superior for thinking differently and efficiently than others. Is a brush to his ego.

He even prefers to rely on nimble and cautious movements (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 10) when approaching an obstacle! Another skill not usually called upon on a skakdi.

And that ties perfectly to another important detail that influences Vezok's "calm" modus operandi: his Power Absorption ability. To make it work, Vezok needs first to see a power in action in front of him AKA focus and interpret what's happening.

That means, in contrast to other skakdi, Vezok will persistently linger around others of his species. And here is where he will "study" them diligently, learn their combat patterns, their weaknesses, etc.

And knowing how unruly his species is, the decision to be levelheaded is stronger. He needs to stand tall and unfazed, always ready to take the lead when the opportunity comes.

SIDE NOTE 01: I find it interesting the dynamic between Vezok and Hakann early in Legacy of Evil flashbacks. They got that rivalry and constant disdain with each other typical of their species, but at the same time they match in might and mind here; both Vezok and Hakann are the types to analyze the possibilities in front of them… but in contrast of Vezok's cold discipline to plan ahead, Hakann builds up and adapts on the go. For that same reason, Hakann ends with the upper hand when Vezok loses his sharp intellect: he can't run at his same pace if it's a duel of minds.

Part of Vezok's approach when hanging with others is asking about them, like how he did about Zaktan's first impressions (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 30). He doesn't lose this habit even after the Mind Splitting Event (Dark Destiny, Page/s 36), once more focused on Zaktan and his change in demeanor.

He could keep it to himself, but he needs the reassurance of what he's perceiving to make the most of it. And what's better than having the opinions and thoughts of his other peers?

They can end up giving you extra insights you weren't expecting to get...

SIDE NOTE 02: On those pages cited, you can notice that, of all the Piraka, it is Reidak who most of the time answers Vezok's inquiries! We know the ebon skakdi silently pays attention to everything. So, is no surprise Vezok could have found some equivalent of a "confidant" in Reidak's inputs from a thousand years of "coexistence".

Talking about coexistence: I find it strangely endearing how Vezok wishes for Hakann's aid (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 49) during a task that doesn't involve the red skakdi but needs Hakann's Heat vision. Makes me think that, even if they hate each other's guts, with enough time, skakdi can at least be attached to the presence/usefulness of each other.

… a weird codependency of sorts. Less emotionally sacrificial. More like a bucket of crabs climbing on each other to reach for the exit, but failing at it. Yeah, that's the relationship dynamic of the Piraka as a collective.

Now that I mentioned Reidak before, can I talk about their exchange with Avak in this scene (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 52)? Reidak's statement had Vezok stopping in his tracks of thoughts LMAO

"They don't stand a chance," said Avak. "The city will be a ruin by tomorrow." "No, it won't," Reidak answered, smiling. "Because we're going to save it, aren't we, Vezok?" Vezok decided he had better rethink just how smart Reidak actually was (…).

Never change, Reidak, never change...

Insert here any third wheeling meme for Reidak/Avak and Vezok as the wingman, KIDDING

COFF

ANYWAYS

For all of this to work, Vezok acts"social" or at least tries to create "contacts" by showing himself as a knowledgeable figure, someone to put trust in. He was even called "loyal" indirectly (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 108-109) by one of the Piraka!

"You should talk," said Reidak. "Vezok knows better than to betray his partners. I'm betting Vezon does, too. Now, do you want to spend who knows how long trying to get that spear away from him, or do you want to invite him along?"

Good old Reidak, always obserbant.

But that: to qualify Vezok as a "non-betrayer" is quite a feat for a skakdi and will be deemed laughable to other species, right?

What a freak (said it with the most affection).

All pretty and dandy so far, but… the Mind Splitting Event happened, what changes from there?

We know it already, too: part of Vezok's "intellect" is separated and condensed in a new accidental being, Vezon (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 106).

Vezon not only took the blue skakdi's Logical side on a practical level, but tore apart the veil of calmness Vezok was using to navigate the world up to date.

Suddenly, Vezok has no way to stop the flood of rage that's just pouring and pouring into his mind. And you all know: someone guided by anger at full, becomes too blind to be reasonable.

And still, Vezok knows to whom to direct his anger at all moments, only knocking his peers when they cross his path of action.

Because the blue skakdi isn't only carrying anger, but its near cousin: Indignation. It's built up from every mistake made by others against him -especially Hakann's-, from knowing his head now could be the target by Dark Hunters, and now having the worst experience of his life…

… losing the main trait that shaped his whole existence and made surviving less hard for him.

Not only is his mind in halves, but his identity was shattered. Something he build with so much hard work and for so long...

Who wouldn't feel like flipping tables and tearing walls apart?

ANYWAYS I got overly emotional pfff but talking about that:

Let's think a little bit further: if Vezok lost his Logical side… why is Anger the counterpart? Imho, anger is just one of many forms Passion manifests when we don't follow our intellect.

Yes, I said Passion. Sue me -kidding-.

In all seriousness, what's left on Vezok after the Mind Splitting Event is a skewed form of Passion, one not shaped by gentleness and empathy.

But by the cultural and natural violence and mistreatment all skakdi push on each other. There's no place for falling on your knees between them.

And if you fall... all you will get are yelling and kicking.

Vezok can't let that happen to him, even if it means he will need to endure constant frustration to try to claw at the same pace as the rest of the Piraka.

Always minding his space to avoid being caught in their senseless bickering, which I'm sure is a cacophony with how irritable he's now.

… or try to not be taken advantage (Power Play, Page/s 106) with the way he lowered his guard during the mess of a battle between the Piraka to see who would enter first into the Mask of Life's chamber.

(…) Vezok turned to see Thok approaching, wisps of frost still coming from his ice weapon. "Thanks for the save," Vezok said. "Don't be silly," Thok replied. His weapon fired again, freezing Vezok solid. "I'm not on your side."

(And I know this dialogue was made for the LOLZ but it still amuses me, of all Piraka, he was the one to say it).

Still, when he's alone Vezok gives his best during battles (Power Play, Page/s 42) using his same "study" strategies he curated for so long, even if he finds it hard to grasp quickly certain details (Power Play, Page/s 45) for his plan to work.

He frowned. Ever since the accident, he had lost the ability to think tactically the way he used to. He was still smarter than he looked, but that intellectual edge was missing. Still, he knew who had stolen it from him, and he would get it back as soon as these Toa were dead.

THIS IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HURT ME SO MUCH coff

He's not completely useless after all, but he needs to pace his concentration to work as he used to.

I told already on tags well captured by [Lee yeen], that Vezok's tendency to bite boulders "for fun" (Island of Doom, Page/s 45) that we only read about after his Mind Splitting Event (and is never told on flashbacks) I like to interpret as his way to cope with all this lack of concentration and/or over stimulation.

Because we have seen he does well on his own, but the pressure of not performing as always when alongside the other Piraka can pull some uncomfortable strings on him.

Vezok for sure thinks he's the one supposed to always be in control, but instead he at times feels the others are the ones in control of his fate... More fuel for his wrath... and paranoia.

One last detail I want to gush about, and I guess it is what left such an impression on me:

Of all the Piraka impersonating "Toa", the supposed most brutish and violent of them is the one that actually acts as a "concelour" when Dalu asks for advice from him (Island of Doom, Page/s 27)… horrible advice from a Matoran standpoint, but advice at last.

This shows Vezok can still hold a bit of his calmness after all… short-lived with how he then attacked the matoran with his Impact vision BUT AT LEAST HE'S NOT SETTING FAUNA ON FIRE coff

In this description: "Vezok sat cross-legged on the rocks, gazing up at a tall, skeletal tree (…) he was apparently deep in meditation." (Island of Doom, Page/s 27 once more) I couldn't avoid thinking of all those Gothic paintings that portray characters contemplating ruins and dried plants… and the futility of life.

That probably he has this habit too of observing objects around him, "studying" them to probe himself, there's still some clarity in him… just blurred.

And did you know? Another feeling that isn't far from Anger is Grief. I doubt skakdi grieve the loss of someone of their species.

… but of the self with how egotistical skakdi are. In some weird way, Vezok grieves what he lost on the Mind Splitting Event. But because anger took over and is his only way to express it, he can't let go of it. He will never heal from it.

Anger is good for telling us our needs aren't being met... but anger alone can't do much. It needs to be paired with another feeling...

Yeah, say hello to Sadness, that I actually delved a bit about on [this other post] of mine!

I need to actually redraw that "No Talk Im Angy" meme with him sometime coff

And knowing what happens when the Piraka find again the Spear of Fusion (Inferno, Page/s 112-113), Vezok's grieving and anger will never have a place to fall upon... Not even on Reidak, OF COURSE HE NEEDED TO BE THE ONE TO BREAK IT RAAAAAH.

Numb from the shock is all I can think about, such... and I can't stop thinking Vezok would want to save at least a piece of the broken spear with him.

(Noticing now the Spear of Fussion has little spurs/spines) Those could be made on a cool collar? -WindyPLS-

… That's all I can write: gotta admit I left half of Inferno for the second re-read to brace myself for the impact. I tried to end this post less hopeless but LMAO What's to expect of such a franchise?

BONUS NOTES/HCs:

Canon says Vezok is a thief, and that's it. But taking into account his Power Absorption ability paired with his analytical mind, I can see him in the business of relic falsification. It requires a good eye for detail and the skills to replicate such.

He has the physical dexterity to enter places and replace original items with fake ones without fuss *Insert Indiana Jones Theme here*.

For sure, he would be invited to those places with his social skills, pretending to be knowledgeable about the bells and whistles of such artifacts, going unnoticed until it's too late.

... and WHY NOT! Let him be a scavenger of underwater relics, leaving his claw marks on those spots as a signature "Vezok was Here" pfff.

In this 2nd re-reading I noticed quite the paralellism between Vezok and Nidhiki's fate: both were screwed by their respective teams, stripped of their status (Nidhiki from being a Toa) and their core skills (Vezok from his Intellect).

I found it ironic how they had a short, snarky chat when they first met on Dume's place (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 60), after they released the Kanohi dragon.

And when he was dispatched from Metro Nui and mutated by Roodaka, Nidhiki would train Vezok under the Dark Hunters (Island of Doom, Page/s 97)... I'm curious about the type of conversations these two could have.

Life is just a wheel that keeps turning and turning...

🦎 "A wheel that raises some… but crushes others"

... That's more depressing than the ending before. You know what, I'll leave it as is.

THANKS FOR coming to my TED Talk ENABLING THIS BABBLING AAAAAAA

[windydrawallday]

DONE

I'll go eat tortillas, I deserve tortillas

I consumed almost half of a day with that post...

DONT LET ME DO THAT AGAIN

Dont worry: I will do it again on my own for sure LOL

[windydrawallday]

And of course: as always theres something wrong THAT I ONLY WAS AWARE WHEN IT WAS POSTED

*Puts plumber hat but grabs editing tools* What I Do For Love

I consumed almost half of a day with that post...

DONT LET ME DO THAT AGAIN

Dont worry: I will do it again on my own for sure LOL

[windydrawallday]

I consumed almost half of a day with that post...

DONT LET ME DO THAT AGAIN

Dont worry: I will do it again on my own for sure LOL

[windydrawallday]

WELCOME to my pile of HCs focused on the character of Vezok! Here I will babble about the blorbo and tie my character interpretation to pieces of canon to make sense of it. I will quote from source all I can, but be aware most of the time I'll just cite the page and book I'm referencing because I'm a lazy ass (tho if deemed necessary, I'll directly transcribe stuff). This text is a condensed version of my re-reading notes and musings from 2015 to our current year (2025).

It's the fault of @lee-the-yeen I did this in the first place, so if he enjoys this, mission accomplished! If someone else finds it entertaining, better! But in general, I just want an excuse to hurl my "Blorbo Paperwork" to the internet ocean and laugh at myself

[TAKE INTO ACCOUNT] English isn't my first language, and even if I have a decade of reading and writing in English, something can always fly over my head. Don't feel afraid to correct or point out mistakes I made!

Hurling all under the cut because this thing is monstrous, please, accompany it with some drinks and snacks.

We all know, before the Divorce Mind Splitting Event (that I'll write as MSE because I want to sound smug -kidding-), Vezok's main trait was his calm demeanor paired with his sharp strategic mind (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 09).

The calmness is a facade Vezok willingly chooses to partake in, because he found benefits in keeping his mind clearer to make the most of his plans.

He's contemplative and constantly reading the situation as fast as he can. He's proud to wield his intelligence in this way, making it a core part of his identity.

… of course, that doesn't stop him from falling into "estereotypical" skakdi acts like using their peers as cannon fodder -usually, Hakann- (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 10), or when he has violent outburst (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 11) from losing patience with the Makoki stone.

But most of the time, if he can find a way to solve a problem without the need of brute force, like when fabricating a lie to shoo away Prototype (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 36), he will take that route.

(…) By then, Zaktan had staggered back, looking for the massive guard. His rage only grew when he couldn't find Prototpe. "Where is he?" he seethed. "Gone," Vezok answered. "I did what you should have done in the first place. We needed him away from the gate, Zaktan, that's all. We don't need to start a war."

Something that would leave any skakdi astonished… or roll their eyes for how insufferable he was for that. But it is logical, it is practical, it works. And shows he's superior for thinking differently and efficiently than others. Is a brush to his ego.

He even prefers to rely on nimble and cautious movements (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 10) when approaching an obstacle! Another skill not usually called upon on a skakdi.

And that ties perfectly to another important detail that influences Vezok's "calm" modus operandi: his Power Absorption ability. To make it work, Vezok needs first to see a power in action in front of him AKA focus and interpret what's happening.

That means, in contrast to other skakdi, Vezok will persistently linger around others of his species. And here is where he will "study" them diligently, learn their combat patterns, their weaknesses, etc.

And knowing how unruly his species is, the decision to be levelheaded is stronger. He needs to stand tall and unfazed, always ready to take the lead when the opportunity comes.

SIDE NOTE 01: I find it interesting the dynamic between Vezok and Hakann early in Legacy of Evil flashbacks. They got that rivalry and constant disdain with each other typical of their species, but at the same time they match in might and mind here; both Vezok and Hakann are the types to analyze the possibilities in front of them… but in contrast of Vezok's cold discipline to plan ahead, Hakann builds up and adapts on the go. For that same reason, Hakann ends with the upper hand when Vezok loses his sharp intellect: he can't run at his same pace if it's a duel of minds.

Part of Vezok's approach when hanging with others is asking about them, like how he did about Zaktan's first impressions (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 30). He doesn't lose this habit even after the Mind Splitting Event (Dark Destiny, Page/s 36), once more focused on Zaktan and his change in demeanor.

He could keep it to himself, but he needs the reassurance of what he's perceiving to make the most of it. And what's better than having the opinions and thoughts of his other peers?

They can end up giving you extra insights you weren't expecting to get...

SIDE NOTE 02: On those pages cited, you can notice that, of all the Piraka, it is Reidak who most of the time answers Vezok's inquiries! We know the ebon skakdi silently pays attention to everything. So, is no surprise Vezok could have found some equivalent of a "confidant" in Reidak's inputs from a thousand years of "coexistence".

Talking about coexistence: I find it strangely endearing how Vezok wishes for Hakann's aid (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 49) during a task that doesn't involve the red skakdi but needs Hakann's Heat vision. Makes me think that, even if they hate each other's guts, with enough time, skakdi can at least be attached to the presence/usefulness of each other.

… a weird codependency of sorts. Less emotionally sacrificial. More like a bucket of crabs climbing on each other to reach for the exit, but failing at it. Yeah, that's the relationship dynamic of the Piraka as a collective.

Now that I mentioned Reidak before, can I talk about their exchange with Avak in this scene (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 52)? Reidak's statement had Vezok stopping in his tracks of thoughts LMAO

"They don't stand a chance," said Avak. "The city will be a ruin by tomorrow." "No, it won't," Reidak answered, smiling. "Because we're going to save it, aren't we, Vezok?" Vezok decided he had better rethink just how smart Reidak actually was (…).

Never change, Reidak, never change...

Insert here any third wheeling meme for Reidak/Avak and Vezok as the wingman, KIDDING

COFF

ANYWAYS

For all of this to work, Vezok acts"social" or at least tries to create "contacts" by showing himself as a knowledgeable figure, someone to put trust in. He was even called "loyal" indirectly (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 108-109) by one of the Piraka!

"You should talk," said Reidak. "Vezok knows better than to betray his partners. I'm betting Vezon does, too. Now, do you want to spend who knows how long trying to get that spear away from him, or do you want to invite him along?"

Good old Reidak, always obserbant.

But that: to qualify Vezok as a "non-betrayer" is quite a feat for a skakdi and will be deemed laughable to other species, right?

What a freak (said it with the most affection).

All pretty and dandy so far, but… the Mind Splitting Event happened, what changes from there?

We know it already, too: part of Vezok's "intellect" is separated and condensed in a new accidental being, Vezon (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 106).

Vezon not only took the blue skakdi's Logical side on a practical level, but tore apart the veil of calmness Vezok was using to navigate the world up to date.

Suddenly, Vezok has no way to stop the flood of rage that's just pouring and pouring into his mind. And you all know: someone guided by anger at full, becomes too blind to be reasonable.

And still, Vezok knows to whom to direct his anger at all moments, only knocking his peers when they cross his path of action.

Because the blue skakdi isn't only carrying anger, but its near cousin: Indignation. It's built up from every mistake made by others against him -especially Hakann's-, from knowing his head now could be the target by Dark Hunters, and now having the worst experience of his life…

… losing the main trait that shaped his whole existence and made surviving less hard for him.

Not only is his mind in halves, but his identity was shattered. Something he build with so much hard work and for so long...

Who wouldn't feel like flipping tables and tearing walls apart?

ANYWAYS I got overly emotional pfff but talking about that:

Let's think a little bit further: if Vezok lost his Logical side… why is Anger the counterpart? Imho, anger is just one of many forms Passion manifests when we don't follow our intellect.

Yes, I said Passion. Sue me -kidding-.

In all seriousness, what's left on Vezok after the Mind Splitting Event is a skewed form of Passion, one not shaped by gentleness and empathy.

But by the cultural and natural violence and mistreatment all skakdi push on each other. There's no place for falling on your knees between them.

And if you fall... all you will get are yelling and kicking.

Vezok can't let that happen to him, even if it means he will need to endure constant frustration to try to claw at the same pace as the rest of the Piraka.

Always minding his space to avoid being caught in their senseless bickering, which I'm sure is a cacophony with how irritable he's now.

… or try to not be taken advantage (Power Play, Page/s 106) with the way he lowered his guard during the mess of a battle between the Piraka to see who would enter first into the Mask of Life's chamber.

(…) Vezok turned to see Thok approaching, wisps of frost still coming from his ice weapon. "Thanks for the save," Vezok said. "Don't be silly," Thok replied. His weapon fired again, freezing Vezok solid. "I'm not on your side."

(And I know this dialogue was made for the LOLZ but it still amuses me, of all Piraka, he was the one to say it).

Still, when he's alone Vezok gives his best during battles (Power Play, Page/s 42) using his same "study" strategies he curated for so long, even if he finds it hard to grasp quickly certain details (Power Play, Page/s 45) for his plan to work.

He frowned. Ever since the accident, he had lost the ability to think tactically the way he used to. He was still smarter than he looked, but that intellectual edge was missing. Still, he knew who had stolen it from him, and he would get it back as soon as these Toa were dead.

THIS IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HURT ME SO MUCH coff

He's not completely useless after all, but he needs to pace his concentration to work as he used to.

I told already on tags well captured by [Lee yeen], that Vezok's tendency to bite boulders "for fun" (Island of Doom, Page/s 45) that we only read about after his Mind Splitting Event (and is never told on flashbacks) I like to interpret as his way to cope with all this lack of concentration and/or over stimulation.

Because we have seen he does well on his own, but the pressure of not performing as always when alongside the other Piraka can pull some uncomfortable strings on him.

Vezok for sure thinks he's the one supposed to always be in control, but instead he at times feels the others are the ones in control of his fate... More fuel for his wrath... and paranoia.

One last detail I want to gush about, and I guess it is what left such an impression on me:

Of all the Piraka impersonating "Toa", the supposed most brutish and violent of them is the one that actually acts as a "concelour" when Dalu asks for advice from him (Island of Doom, Page/s 27)… horrible advice from a Matoran standpoint, but advice at last.

This shows Vezok can still hold a bit of his calmness after all… short-lived with how he then attacked the matoran with his Impact vision BUT AT LEAST HE'S NOT SETTING FAUNA ON FIRE coff

In this description: "Vezok sat cross-legged on the rocks, gazing up at a tall, skeletal tree (…) he was apparently deep in meditation." (Island of Doom, Page/s 27 once more) I couldn't avoid thinking of all those Gothic paintings that portray characters contemplating ruins and dried plants… and the futility of life.

That probably he has this habit too of observing objects around him, "studying" them to probe himself, there's still some clarity in him… just blurred.

And did you know? Another feeling that isn't far from Anger is Grief. I doubt skakdi grieve the loss of someone of their species.

… but of the self with how egotistical skakdi are. In some weird way, Vezok grieves what he lost on the Mind Splitting Event. But because anger took over and is his only way to express it, he can't let go of it. He will never heal from it.

Anger is good for telling us our needs aren't being met... but anger alone can't do much. It needs to be paired with another feeling...

Yeah, say hello to Sadness, that I actually delved a bit about on [this other post] of mine!

I need to actually redraw that "No Talk Im Angy" meme with him sometime coff

And knowing what happens when the Piraka find again the Spear of Fusion (Inferno, Page/s 112-113), Vezok's grieving and anger will never have a place to fall upon... Not even on Reidak, OF COURSE HE NEEDED TO BE THE ONE TO BREAK IT RAAAAAH.

Numb from the shock is all I can think about, such... and I can't stop thinking Vezok would want to save at least a piece of the broken spear with him.

(Noticing now the Spear of Fussion has little spurs/spines) Those could be made on a cool collar? -WindyPLS-

… That's all I can write: gotta admit I left half of Inferno for the second re-read to brace myself for the impact. I tried to end this post less hopeless but LMAO What's to expect of such a franchise?

BONUS NOTES/HCs:

Canon says Vezok is a thief, and that's it. But taking into account his Power Absorption ability paired with his analytical mind, I can see him in the business of relic falsification. It requires a good eye for detail and the skills to replicate such.

He has the physical dexterity to enter places and replace original items with fake ones without fuss *Insert Indiana Jones Theme here*.

For sure, he would be invited to those places with his social skills, pretending to be knowledgeable about the bells and whistles of such artifacts, going unnoticed until it's too late.

... and WHY NOT! Let him be a scavenger of underwater relics, leaving his claw marks on those spots as a signature "Vezok was Here" pfff.

In this 2nd re-reading I noticed quite the paralellism between Vezok and Nidhiki's fate: both were screwed by their respective teams, stripped of their status (Nidhiki from being a Toa) and their core skills (Vezok from his Intellect).

I found it ironic how they had a short, snarky chat when they first met on Dume's place (Legacy of Evil, Page/s 60), after they released the Kanohi dragon.

And when he was dispatched from Metro Nui and mutated by Roodaka, Nidhiki would train Vezok under the Dark Hunters (Island of Doom, Page/s 97)... I'm curious about the type of conversations these two could have.

Life is just a wheel that keeps turning and turning...

🦎 "A wheel that raises some… but crushes others"

... That's more depressing than the ending before. You know what, I'll leave it as is.

THANKS FOR coming to my TED Talk ENABLING THIS BABBLING AAAAAAA

[windydrawallday]

ALMOST DONE YAYAYAYAY

... Now I need to quote/cite screenshots from the source or I'll be hurled tomatoes for sure orz

What I'm doing with my lifeeeee

"Windy, did you need to write a doc to resume your investigations on a character and then another to do a resume of a resume of that same investigation because you suck at resuming without making a bible of it?"

Yes

AND I'M STILL HALF THERE

F FOR MEEEEEE

[windydrawallday]

"Windy, did you need to write a doc to resume your investigations on a character and then another to do a resume of a resume of that same investigation because you suck at resuming without making a bible of it?"

Yes

AND I'M STILL HALF THERE

F FOR MEEEEEE

[windydrawallday]

One of my fav habits when reading something for the first time is not only taking notes about character traits but doing so as liveblog reactions: currently I'm re-reading canon material and cross-referencing a "liveblog" doc from my first impression of it back in 2015 and... it's so endearing to read my past self's "voice" there. Decades ago, I had a significant conflict about showing affection to villain-aligned characters. I wasn't as verbal about it as I am now. And it is in docs like this one that I felt safe indulging those thoughts.

It's also amusing how conflicted I was, yet I found it nice to slowly fall back into the same squealing behavior while following the string of clues in that doc's notes. The more I advance, the more I said "Oh yeah, this is when the bastard (affectionate) charmed me, isn't it?" with my current seasoned views. Now, Passion and Logic sit together. And share giggles.

"I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO CARE FOR YOU" screams Windy from 2015 in the doc notes to a fictional character, and I nod silently while I take new notes.

Because now I embrace it all.

[windydrawallday]

I need to unwind a tad before resuming a zine rendering: as always I took the role of the family techie, aiding one of my people to install stuff on their new phone orz

This reminded me how old is my phone (I have it since 2018) and if is still alive and in 70% of optimal condition is because im careful af

[windydrawallday]

I got to draw with @fooltoonz on magma recently! This was a sketch I did while we were hanging out and I had to come back and finish it.

Cristo [above] belongs to them, Cecil [sad skelly boyo] belongs to moi!

[windydrawallday]

I am listening to an audiobook where the author uses a lot of owl descriptionary words when they talk about their mothman character. I was fascinated and wanted to draw what a moffie with a more owl-ish face might look like. I got lost in inking the floofy bits