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thisisnotthenerd · 4 months

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the ratgrinders' potential levels

cannot believe i was right about the xp reqs. the bad kids & the seven get 'special treatment' (milestone leveling and saving the world), while others have to work with xp. which tells you a lot about why people fled during prompocalypse.

ok getting into the algebra now: the rat grinders have gone into the far haven woods every day for the last two years, for 3 hours after school, and 9 hours/day on weekends. presumably they keep this up during the summer.

they have supposedly defeated 80,000 or more of three types of creatures: rats, spiders, and twig blights. there are some variations to what these could be, so here's a list of what this could encompass, assuming the ratgrinders are not facing creatures over CR 1.

giant rat: CR 1/8, 25 XP

swarm of rats: CR 1/4, 50 XP

giant wolf spider: CR 1/8, 25 XP

swarm of spiders: CR 1/2, 100 XP

giant flying spider: CR 1, 200 XP

giant spider: CR 1, 200 XP

ice spider: CR 1, 200 XP

twig blight: CR 1/8, 25 XP

needle blight: CR 1/4, 50 XP

thorn slinger: CR 1/2, 100 XP

vine blight: CR 1/2, 100 XP

razorvine blight: CR 1, 200 XP

thorny: CR 1: 200 XP

the full list is a little difficult to do calculations on, so let's condense it. assume a quarter of the 80000 creatures were CR 1/8, a quarter were CR 1/4, so on and so forth.

how much xp would they earn? how much would they level for the amount they ground? grinded? for?

critical assumption here: in the games i've played, we've always done milestone or zeroed out xp with each level, i.e. after earning 300 xp to get to level 2, you have to earn 900 xp to get to level 3, not 600. this analysis assumes that you have to earn the next levels xp reqs on top of your current total. i'm including the xp chart here to clarify:

level 1: 0 XP, +2, total 0 XP

level 2: 300 XP, +2, total 300 XP

level 3: 900 XP, +2, total 1200 XP

level 4: 2700 XP, +2, total 3900 XP

level 5: 6500 XP, +3, total 10400 XP

level 6: 14000 XP, +3, total 24400 XP

level 7: 23000 XP, +3, total 47400 XP

level 8: 34000 XP, +3, total 81400 XP

level 9: 48000 XP, +4, total 129400 XP

level 10: 64000 XP, +4, total 193400 XP

level 11: 85000 XP, +4, total 278400 XP

level 12: 100000 XP, +4, total 378400 XP

level 13: 120000 XP, +5, total 498400 XP

level 14: 140000 XP, +5, total 638400 XP

level 15: 165000 XP, +5, total 803400 XP

level 16: 195000 XP, +5, total 998400 XP

level 17: 225000 XP, +6, total 1223400 XP

level 18: 265000 XP, +6, total 1488400 XP

level 19: 305000 XP, +6, total 1793400 XP

level 20: 355000 XP, +6, total 2148400 XP

if we went cumulatively, based on the number of creatures the bad kids have defeated, they'd be getting up there in xp. we know they've had opportunities to defeat creatures outside of the quests that we've seen, given the oneshots. thus, i'm going with the second explanation, because otherwise the ratgrinders would be 19th level, and i don't think they are, because it would make any pvp setups super unbalanced, which are neither fun to play nor watch. this puts them on a little more even ground and emphasizes the amount of work it takes to xp grind to level against milestone leveling.

for the CR 1/8s: assuming roughly 20,000 creatures, they'd get 25 XP per, which means 500,000 xp. that's cumulatively enough to get to level 13, on just those creatures. divided 6 ways, assuming the ratgrinders have 6 members, it's 83,333.33, which is enough to get you to 10th level cumulatively and 8th non cumulatively.

this scales up to the 1/4s, 1/2s and the 1s since the xp gains double for each challenge rating rather than plateauing as they do at higher levels.

for the CR 1/4s: 1,000,000 xp. that's cumulatively enough to get to level 16 on just those creatures. divided 6 ways, assuming the ratgrinders have 6 members, it's 166,666.66, which is enough to get you to 15th level cumulatively and 9th non cumulatively.

for the CR 1/2s: 2,000,000 xp. divided 6 ways, assuming the ratgrinders have 6 members, it's 333,333.33, which is enough to get you to 19th level cumulatively, and 11th level non cumulatively.

and for the 1s, 4,000,000 xp. well over what you'd need to get to level 20, on just the CR 1s. divided 6 ways, assuming the ratgrinders have 6 members, it's 666,666.66, which is well over 20th level cumulatively, and 14th level non cumulatively.

using this estimate and adding all of this up, each member of the ratgrinders would have gathered enough xp to be level 20 cumulatively, and level 17 non cumulatively.

obviously the actual numbers would scale differently; initially, they would likely have to tackle these creatures as a party, but over time would take care of them individually. this is a bunch of kids doing the intro to class assignment for every assignment for two years straight.

level 20 seems extreme for the aguefort adventuring academy; let's scale it down a bit. the creatures specifically mentioned are probably giant rats, giant wolf spiders, and twig blights, based on the descriptions from jawbone.

all of these are CR 1/8, or 25 XP each. 80000 would give an xp total of 2,000,000, which would put each of the ratgrinders at around 11th level, a little higher level than the bad kids at the moment. however, since their fighting prowess scaled up, and they're probably going out in elmville and actively hindering the bad kids in some way, that level is very likely to increase.

what we saw in the episode

now the sticking point is mary ann rolling a 35. we know she got some kind of transmutation buff. a little tricky wording from brennan; fabian had enhance ability on, which is a transmutation spell. he did not say it was enhance ability.

mary ann is a barbarian, so she already gets advantage on athletics if she's raging, which i assume she was. the buff probably wouldn't be something that grants advantage.

assuming the lower estimate of 11th level, mary ann would get a +4 proficiency bonus, and i'm assuming she has 20 in strength, so +5 to her strength based skills, for a total of +9. at the high estimate of level 17, she would have a +6 to her proficiency bonus, which would give her a total of +11 to athletics. this is still not high enough to get a 35, even on a nat 20, which brennan would have declared if he had rolled one. she could conceivably accomplish this with the brawny feat, which allows for expertise in the athletics skill, which would give her a +17, meaning she could hit a 35 on a 18.

or, the buff was something like skill empowerment, which is a 5th level transmutation spell that gives the target expertise in a skill that they already have proficiency in. this spell is available to bards and wizards, among other classes, both of which we presume are in the ratgrinders. ruben could have cast skill empowerment on mary ann and given her bardic inspiration (lower estimate: d10, higher estimate: d12), both of which would have enabled that 35.

judging by the implication that she could not accomplish that feat without some kind of buff, i'm going with the latter explanation.

anyway i did too much math for this to not go in the stats series, or the school series. so this will be added to the spreadsheet later.

i hope this is useful.

#dimension 20 #dimension 20 spoilers #musings on the solisian school district #dimension 20 meta #dungeons and dragons #milestone vs xp leveling #thisisnotthenerd's d20 stats #fantasy high #fantasy high junior year #ratgrinders #the bad kids #dnd mechanics #fhjy #fhjy spoilers #d20 spoilers #d20 #d20 fantasy high #the perils of xp leveling

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magxnoria · 1 year

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Starring Tokyo Revengers Men In ✰ Fight Night

Cast Line Up Ran, Rindou, Haruchiyo, Mikey, Kakucho, Hajime and Current Shuji

Rated PG-13

Minors This Isn’t For You

Summary ✰ How The Men react When you defend them! Your Hands getting Bloody Got Their Minds Getting Hazy!

No pronouns up in here but the Reader has a Kitty

Ran Haitani

✰ For the First time in Ran’s Life he can truly say he flabbergasted, Seeing you one punch a fool out got him standing there shocked

✰ He can't help but Fanboy, You knocked this idiot lights out for him? Oh he's flattered and turned on at the same time

✰ He boasts and Brags about how you defended his “honor” to Rindou and Sanzu whenever he gets the opportunity

✰ “One punch and the fuckers teeth flew out” Ran boasts as Rindou sighs, “ And you stood there just fawning like a fucking idiot while your babe's hands got dirty with blood?” Sanzu asked making Ran dramatically gasp. “Hell No. I got a few stomps in” Ran grinned as Sanzu laughed and Rindou tried his best to ignore the conversation

✰ Ran Hates to admit it but he loves seeing you fight, something about you getting Violent just makes him hot and bothered

✰ “ You look so hot when you're angry maybe I should keep you mad then” Ran teases as his fingers hold your chin up

The day was going well, Ran and you were spending your time together basking in each other's company. You were happy to have Ran all to yourself without him being busy with work or whatever Shenanigans he has with Haruchiyo and Rindou but every good thing comes to an end

“You a bitch, Ran Haitani. A good for nothing blight on society!” Bolstering fool yelled making Ran roll his eyes, “And what makes you able to judge Him huh? Look at you with those grease stains on your shirt and your uneven Haircut” You said back to Bolstering Fool before Ran could even open his mouth

“You think you're bad because of your Haitani little plaything? Your boyfriend isn't shi-” Bolster fool said before your fist connected with his head, The punch you landed made the man crumble to the ground like a balled up piece of paper. Ran couldn't keep himself from staring at you slack jawed, “ You knocked him out like it was nothing? When you learn how to do that?” Ran asked before grabbing your hand

“I learned a few things hanging out with the guys and you, thought it would help to be strong myself” You answer back nonchalantly making Ran grin, “ Never thought I would see the day that you would defend me like that” Ran grinned before pulling you close to him. “Now let us go get something to eat I'm hungry” You sighed as Ran kissed your forehead, “ Okay anything for my bodyguard” Ran Giggled

Rindou Haitani

✰Rindou's eyes had never been wider than the moment he saw you toss the annoying woman who was flirting with him across the floor of the club

✰ The way You was able to bob & weave before picking her up by her hair and rag dolling her got Rindou stunned

✰ Never has he ever seen the side of you, Now he needs to know what makes you tick and when you learned how to fight like this.

✰ “What Rinnie Thought you were the only one who knew how to break bones huh?” You teased as Rindou's eyebrow only raised at you

✰ Rindou's nerves getting worked by Ran and Sanzu every day now, They can't keep quiet about how strong you are

✰ “Hulked up in the fucking club, Never seen ya babe do that before man” Sanzu laughed while Ran Giggled,” Like wrestling or some shit” Ran grins before Rindou made them hush up. “Keep talking, maybe I'll let the love of my life put your asses in casts” Rindou glared making the laughter stop

✰ With You by his side he feels oddly unstoppable now. He just got to keep an eye on you, don't need you getting hurt or snapping bones like twigs

Rindou was Annoyed, This woman has been flirting with him up for the last thirty minutes and he had more than enough. “Can't you take a hint?” I’m not interested” Rindou glared as the trifling broad kept flapping her lips, “How can I leave you alone? You look so lonely sitting here by yourself” Trifling broad pouted making Rindou pray for you to show up

His prayers were answered when he heard your voice, “Who the fuck do you think you're flirting with?” You asked Making Trifling Broad look at you uglily. “And who are you?” She answered back with a question of her own, “The one who his heart belongs to. So back off before I get mad” You said while smiling making Trifling Broad's eye twitch before she tried to sucker punch you but you were faster than her

You dodge her punch without any effort before punching her in the ribs and grabbing her by her hair, Rindou's eyes widening as you tossed Trifling Broad across the club by Her hair before coming to sit on his lap while acting as you didn't just use a woman as a human frisbee

“Since when did you know how to fight?” Rindou as you smiled up at him, “I always knew how to fight. Just The opportunity for me to fight never came up” You said before kiss his cheek. “Damn I love you” Rindou groaned before Ran interrupted you two, “That was Amazing” Ran gushed making Rindou sigh

Haruchiyo Sanzu

✰ You got Haruchiyo questioning reality, One Minute this drunk bitch was splashing her drink in his face and the next she was on the floor like a broken chip

✰ He's used to being the crazy one in the relationship but seeing you resort to violence for him? Got him straining in his pants

✰ “Fuck. I never knew you had this in you” Haruchiyo exclaims as he pushed his wet bangs out of his face

✰ He had never been more turned on in his life, he got to take you someplace less crowded and show you what you did to him

✰ The Haitani's are more cautious around you now, you're as crazy as your boyfriend in their eyes

✰ “Kicked the girl's nose in while wearing stilettos” Ran whispers to Takeomi as Haruchiyo laughs, “Dont forget My babe was Wearing a dress too and looked graceful as fucked while doing it” Haruchiyo grins while Ran just stares at the madman

✰ Yes he's Insane but he's insanely in love with you and that's all that matters

Haruchiyo leaned against the bar as he watched you dance from afar, His drink in his hand as he took in the way you moved only to be disturbed by drunken slurs. “So you're gonna pretend you don't know me, Huh?? After Breaking My heart!” Drunken bitch spat out pulling Haruchiyo from his trance

“Look Lady I don't fucking know you. Can You please get out of my fucking space?” Haruchiyo said while trying not to get pissed off, “You know what? Fuck you bastard” the Drunken bitch slurred before tossing the entire glass of liquor in Haruchiyo's face. Like in a movie you turned around to see everything happen in slow motion.

Before everyone knew it you had delivered a roundhouse kick to a drunken bitch head that Even Made Manjiro Sano say damn, Haruchiyo couldn't help but be shocked as you walked over to him. “You okay baby?” You asked as you grabbed a napkin and dried off his face while he pushed back his bangs

“I'm alright. That was just so fucking hot” Haruchiyo groaned as he pulled you close to him, “Let's leave. Go somewhere quiet for a while hmmm?” Haruchiyo whispered in your ear as you bit your lip. “Okay Haru, Let's go” You grinned before grabbing his hand and walking over the unconscious body of Drunken Bitch to leave.

“I got that all on Camera, World star!” Ran giggled as Rindou rolled his eyes at his brother.

Manjiro Sano

✰ Manjiro is used to protecting you, The thought never crossed his mind that one day you might defend him

✰ But now he sits in his chair chilled to the core as you wail on the fool that disrespected his name

✰ The same hands that lovingly caress him is currently turning a man's face bloody, even Sanzu is shocked seeing you go wild with rage

✰ Manjiro is touched, That you would dirty your hands for him and spill blood but he doesn't want you to harm yourself

✰ Is quick to grab your fist and calm you down while his man takes care of the mess you made and the unconscious fool

✰ Manjiro's Love for you is solidified more than ever now, You love him so much that you bruised up your knuckles because a fucker disrespected his name? He needs to buy you a wedding ring ASAP

Another Night in the club but you didn't mind, You liked being around Manjiro and his Men after all he is a king and this is his kingdom. You focused on dancing and enjoying the night but unfortunately, that would be ruined for you. “ Manjiro is a weakling. A tapeworm” Drunk Bastard said pissing you off

“What did you say?” You asked before cracking your knuckles, “ You heard me bitch. Manjiro Sano is nothing but a piece of garbage pail sludge” Drunk bastard slurred making you jump out of your heels as you approached him at rapid speed before decking him in the mouth with your fist

“Say that shit again… Oh, you can't huh? You grinned as you let rage take over as you continued to beat the man senseless, the club coming to a halt as Manjiro and his men watched you Pummel Drunk bastard to a pulp. You only stopped when Manjiro himself had grabbed your fist, “I don't want you to Hurt yourself. Let Sanzu Take care of him” Manjiro said before helping you up

“You didn't have to get your hands bruised and dirty for me you know.” Manjiro said as he cleaned you up, “I want to protect you because i love you” You respond back to him making him sigh. “ You're the most precious person to me, I can't risk you getting hurt.” Manjiro said before kissing your lips, “I love you” Manjiro whispered before kissing your hand

Kakucho

✰ Maybe it's because he just got smacked across the face but did Kakucho Just see you bodyslam the woman who slapped him unprovoked?

✰ Mans thinks he's hallucinating cause he had Never seen you this angry before nor has he seen you lay your hands on someone like this

✰ You got Kakucho worried for you, did you get hurt? Has any harm come to you? Got him stressing

✰ “ You didn't have to do that you know” Kakucho whispers in your ear as you iced his face, “ Like hell I didn't. I got to protect you like you protect me” You sighed making Kakucho feel warm

✰ Man does he loves you but please don't put yourself in Harm's way for him, He doesn't know how he would handle it if something happened to you

✰ He hears wedding bells in the distance and he knows that's not a hallucination

Kakucho was sitting on the park bench waiting for you, the day was beautiful but everything had to turn ugly. “You piece of shit! You broke me!” Misguided wretch screamed shaking Kakucho out of his thoughts, “ I'm sorry but you got me confused for someone else” Kakucho said as he tried to reason with a visibly drunk woman

“How dare you try to gaslight me?” Misguided Wretch screamed before slapping Kakucho across the face but before Misguided Wretch knew it She was being slammed to the ground by you, “ How dare you slap him? My man” You yelled out as your hands pounded on the woman's face

You let your anger boil over as continued to beat her ass even as she clawed at you. You were hellbent on making her pay for what she did, Only stopping when you finally knocked her light out. Kakucho was quick to help you up and fix your clothes but your concern was all on him

“Kaku, are you okay? You asked as you softly held his face, “ Im alright but are you okay? Kakucho replied back as he searched you for injuries. “ You didn't have to do that you know,” Kakucho said making you smile, “ I did it because I love you and no one disrespects the one I love” you responded back before kissing his face. “Now to get some ice for your face” you said before grabbing his hand

Hajime Kokonoi

✰ You got Hajime's brain not working. he puzzled and in the deepest stages of shock, seeing you knock out the man who spanked your ass in passing

✰ It happened so quickly that Hajime questioning his thoughts, The only thing that confirms that it happens is your bruised knuckles and the unconscious fool who lays before you

✰ He's so turned on right now, he can't hide it. You can fight? Like this? Fuck.

✰ Is quick to clean your knuckles off before massaging them while staring at you with eyes full of infatuation

✰ “I never knew you could punch like that,” Hajime said while his eyes searched yours for a reaction, “I just got mad that's all” You answer him back

✰ Remind him to never get you mad then, Your punches are lethal. But he has to admit it's so hot seeing this side of you

✰ He got a new weakness and again it involves you.

You couldn't help but feel warm all over as you walked with Hajime, He always made you feel like heaven when your hand was held by his but you were pulled back to earth when you felt a hand that wasn't Hajime Spanked your ass. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” You asked before letting go of Hajime Hand and approaching disgusting Sleazebag

“A man who knows when he sees a beautiful ass he has to spank it” Disgusting sleazebag answered back making you snap, before you knew it your anger had taken control of you and your fist was against Disgusting sleazebag's head. You sent disgusting sleazebag flying against the pavement as Hajime stood there confused

“What the fuck just happened?” Hajime asked while you wrapped your arms around him, “ He spanked my ass and I punched his lights out Koko” You sighed While Hajime rubbed your back. “I never knew you had power in your punches” Hajime said making you giggle, “ I never got this pissed off before” You smiled as Hajime Grabbed your hand

“Let get some ice for your hand” Hajime said before walking away with you leaving Disgusting sleazebag on the ground dazed and confused

Shuji Hanma

✰ Shuji thought he knew everything about you but apparently he was wrong, The way you just dropped this fucker who was starting shit with Him got Shuji grinning like a madman

✰ Damn you were made for each other, fucking soulmates in his mind. He can't believe you could be so ruthless

✰ Got Him leaking just from seeing you draw blood from this idiot's head it's like he woke up in the hottest dream ever

✰ “ Damn Babe. He's out” Shuji says while he pulls you away from the imbecile, “ So fucking Hot, Now let's leave this scene” Shuji groans before catching your lips in a sloppy kiss

✰ He's always talking about how good of a fighter you are, Kisaki is sick of hearing about it

✰ “ before I knew it babe had dodged his punches and had him laying there like a wet duvet,” Shuji says while Kisaki massages his temples

✰ The damn world better get used to hearing Shuji gush about how quick with your hands you is because he's never gonna shut up

You spent the day with Shuji as he took pictures of the scenery, Your head on his shoulder as he looked through his camera roll. “Looks good Shu” You smiled only for that smile to run off your face. “Look at this, a bitch sitting here with his camera” Blubbering dumbass said making Shuji roll his eyes, “ I dont know who the fuck you think you are but leave us alone before things get ugly” Shuji Responded back making Blubbering dumbass sneer

“You can't tell me what to do, you weak pathetic worm.” Blubbering dumbass quickly snapped back making you stand up, “Look leave us alone.” You said before glaring the man down. “Oh, you think you make me scared? You and your boyfriend isn't nothing but bitc-” Blubber asshole said before he was cut off with a punch to the gut

Shuji's mouth opening up as he watched you beat the shit out of blubbering dumbass, your fist damaging the man with every blow you gave making Shuji get aroused, “ Fuck babe. You got hands” Shuji said as he walked to you before grabbing your arms. “Hes out cold. Don't want you to damage your hands” Shuji said before helping you up

“Fuck. That was hot. Never knew you had that in you” Shuji grinned before kissing your lips, “now let's go home because I got another way you can take your anger out” Shuji groaned as he held your hand

Likes, Comments, Reblogs, And Asks are Appreciated & Loved

Please Don’t Steal My Shit

#ran haitani x reader #rindou haitani x reader #rindou x reader #shuji hanma x reader #hanma x reader #kokonoi x reader #mikey x reader #manjiro sano x reader #manjiro x reader #haruchiyo sanzu x reader #sanzu x reader #tokyo revengers x black!reader #tokyo revengers x reader #tokyo rev x reader #tokyo revengers x black reader #anime x black!reader #tokyo rev headcanons #tokyorev x reader #black writer

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kit-kat-katie · 1 year

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Matching Wounds

A/N: Apologies for the break. College has been kicking my ass as of late. Also, I'm a bit worried that this is OOC, but it's something, and it's done, so I'm posting it. 😌

TW: Themes of loss and mutual understanding of loss, death, a bit of a gory death, trauma from precious Hunger Game

Pairing: Johanna Mason x Reader (platonic/romantic)

Summary: Losing your mentor forces you further into the jungle during the 75th Hunger Games. You find yourself in the company of Johanna, who is familiar with love and loss, just like you.

The cannon.

Your worst nightmare, signaling the death of someone you cared about, or your savior when you look at the sky and realize the careers are dead.

You thought you were free of the cannons when you won the Hunger Games for the first time. With the announcement of the 75th Hunger Games and Third Quarter Quell, you know what must be done and what demons you have to face, both in the arena and in your mind.

You're going in with Cass - your mentor, the person who taught you enough to keep you alive in the games and outside of them as well. You knew that one of you had to go, but you thought you'd have more time.

It went too fast.

The bloodbath at the Cornucopia was something you both managed to escape, and you grabbed a few supplies while you cautiously watched some of the people you had befriended be murdered or become murderers once again.

You weren't supposed to look back - neither of you were.

Cass wanted to watch your back and make sure that you'd both make it to the forestry. At least, that was the plan.

You turned around to ask them where to go, only to see a spear through your mentor's heart.

You scream and cried, but you couldn't stay to give them a proper goodbye. You had to keep moving - this was the Hunger Games, and you wouldn't let them die in vain.

The various screams of other tributes were dull on your ears as you scrambled through the forestry during the night. The arena seemed to be dead set on killing all of you without any bloodshed between tributes. As soon as you heard screams or something move, you were moving onto another part of the arena.

The only thing you couldn't avoid, sometime during the night, was the blood rain. It was choking, all-consuming, and another reminder of the fact that your mentor was dead.

You stumbled around in the dark, covered in blood and regretful, waiting for a miracle. Whether that miracle was a swift death or an end to the blood rain - it didn't matter, you were sick of this.

You paused when you heard something, or rather, someone crash against the forcefield nearby. Realizing your proximity to the forcefully, you back off before cautiously walking forward.

You peek ahead from the shelter of a tree, one that shields you from the rain, and you see one hell of a sight in front of you.

Johanna, Beetee, and Wiress all standing over the body of a now-dead, or soon-to-be-dead, Blight.

"Shit." Johanna mumbles before throwing her axe to the side. "Blight, get up."

"He's not-"

"Don't say that." Johanna snaps at Beetee before going to sit next to Blight. "Blight, please-"

The cannon goes off, and she sighs before backing off.

"We need to move, the rain will stop soon, and walking next to a forcefield isn't a good idea right now." Johanna's remorseful look at Blight for a moment before wiping a bit of blood off of her face.

"Tik tok." Wiress nods in agreement as Johanna picks up her axe.

"I can't- Not now-"

Johanna waves off Wiress for a moment before walking away. Beetee gestures Wiress to follow before following closely behind.

You trail them for a while as the blood rain stops. There's not much chatter - what could you even say in a moment like that - until your foot finds a twig to snap beneath you.

Your breath stills, and you hide behind a tree as you hear Johanna walk toward your location.

You find your knife at your side, and you reveal yourself to Johanna by tossing your knife down and placing your hands up in the air.

Johanna looks surprised for a moment before putting her axe at her side.

"Thought Cass would be with you."

You bite your lip before putting your head down.

"Cass-"

"-died? Yeah, you're not the only one." She scoffs for a moment before rolling her shoulders back. "So much for teamwork."

"I saw the aftermath of what happened to Blight-"

"It's fine." She looks down at your knife. "Pick it up and keep up with me. I walk fast, but if you're slow, you'll be stuck talking to Nuts and Volts all night." She mutters the last part before walking towards Beetee and Wiress, who have been gawking at the two of you.

"They're not that bad, Johanna-"

"-You babysit them for twelve hours and tell me how you feel then." She coldly says before walking away from the forcefield.

You keep up with Johanna, and Wiress and Beetee trail slightly behind the two of you. After you had greeted them, Beetee had talked to Wiress, who had only responded with the same phrase again and again.

"I'm- I'm sorry about Cass." Johanna mumbles after a while of silence between the two of you.

"Why would you be sorry? You didn't kill them."

"They're someone you care about, and I care about you." Johanna softly says to you.

She was one of your first Victor friends, rough around the edges and hard to please, but someone that you found common ground with. You had visited her district, as she had yours, and you'd see each other every year as mentors or at parties, but you never thought you meant that much to her. You were acquaintances, sure, but was something more there?

"Blight was from home, so I understand how you feel." You gently place a hand on her shoulder. "They weren't our families, but they were a small bit of home, the last glimpse of a place we'll never see again."

"Don't get preachy on me." Johanna gives you a knowing look as you let go of her shoulder. "Maybe we're all not so different, after all."

"That sounds awful like being preachy, coming from someone who just told me not to be preachy." You smile and joke with her before you all decide to stop for the night.

As you take first watch, you wonder if Johanna's right.

We're all not so different, after all.

#fanfic #the hunger games #the hunger games fanfic #the hunger games fluff #the hunger games x reader #x reader #johanna mason #johanna mason x reader #johanna mason x you

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picturesofthegoneworlds · 1 day

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The sands are repetitive, despite Laudna's best efforts to catalogue the differences – trying to allow each grain to wear its own hue, oil-slick petrol rainbow under the mid-day sun, rippled from sandstorm residue and snakes’ belly dancing, heat hazing horizon.

But it all replicates, barren, bleak, another blister to the sole from a charcoaled burn on Exandria’s surface.

Imogen's focus is elsewhere, on staving off exhaustion. She’s quiet. It leaves Laudna with too much time to paint herself in the tattered black skirt guise of the desert.

Imogen stops for the fourth time in a short amount of it, hand to her hip retrieving then removing the cork stopper from her waterskin with her teeth before dabbing its contents onto her neckerchief, patting it over the exposed skin of her chest and forehead before she ties it back around her neck, bright yellow hue ambered.

Laudna has been studying. Deciphering what is adult human behaviour and what is Imogen. Comparing quirks against necessity, can argue the case for accommodating, for blending in.

Their pace has been slower than usual, much slower, and it must only be early afternoon, but Imogen’s waterskin is almost drained, and of course, Laudna will happily give Imogen her own supply, undoubtedly, but she fears that there is a quite likely reality where even double her ration will not be enough, is unsure of the amount of days travel ahead thanks to empty horizons.

“It’s too much, isn’t it?”

“huh?” Imogen pushes her hair off of her forehead with the heel of her palm, revealing all of the perspiration congregating at the roots of her hairline, percolating at her temples.

“The heat…”

Just a moment later and she is ruffling her fingertips through the front of her scalp, causing the lengths of lilac locks to cascade back over her forehead and cover more of her face from the sun.

“I can’t lie - I’ve been fantasizin’ about bein’ back in that forest during the rainstorm.”

That forest where Imogen had built them a shelter, had dried Laudna out, and as her thanks she had rouged Imogen’s lips with elf cup stain that her ichor blighted, answered her questions as if her intricacies were reward enough-

Imogen’s eyes squint from the bright light, or possibly the salty sweat that has gathered in the corners of them – probably both.

“Perhaps we should be travelling in the night and early morning. Let’s rest and try to make cover.”

Imogen shifts her weight between her feet, stepping from one onto the other, dancing on hot coals.

“I won’t say no.”

Laudna is just as grateful for that placation as she was for the one that had lead her finger to the swell of Imogen’s lip, maybe more.

The sand is hot. The sand is hot so Imogen can’t stay still. The sand is so hot that the heat transfers through the soles of her shoes, so it must transfer through her dress, her shorts, through the pile of their blanket. Laudna gathers sticks, branches, has no need for kindling. Laudna gathers tangled brush and bark from dead wood and dried up shrubs and weaves them all together like a nest, instinct maternal, infertile, basket weaver, furnishings gathered in the back of a butcher’s cart. They build it together (the shelter, not a nest, not a basket, not a home), Laudna arranging the twigs like plaited threshing and Imogen driving longer, more substantial branches into the ground, energy exerting, muscle and flesh sculpture shadows exaggerated under sun four posts for canopy tarpaulin and perspiring profusely and Laudna wishes that maybe her lungs could hold a much greater capacity, that she could walk the two of them, Imogen wrapped under arm-awning’ed shade of her cloak and fanned by cold breaths like a draught from under a snow-capped cabin’s door.

#Imodna #Imogen Temult #Laudna #Critical Role #Bells Hells #Fanfic #Emma writes

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ghostlyeris · 3 months

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Look Alive It's Time to Go

read on AO3

Six seconds truly feels like an eternity when you're about to die.

It's all gone horribly wrong. Or right, maybe? Between the heat and the smoke, he honestly can't tell anymore. What was the plan supposed to be again?

Oisín can't remember through the pounding concussion. He can certainly see the great axe coming for his head though.

Someone knocked him flat on his ass who knows how long ago. He’s rather embarrassed at being taken out by such a simple thing. You never had to worry about shove attacks while fighting twig blights though.

The bright glare of the auditorium lights shine off the blade of the axe.

This is just geometry and applied physics. And all of the science says this swing is going to split his skull right open.

His glyphs hum with each pulse of his heart. They were a good idea. His summons are still up protecting the party, even through all the blows he’s taken. Not that they will be for much longer. The glyphs help with distraction, not death.

The axe comes down.

And misses.

It shouldn’t have. Oisín’s math is never wrong, one of the many things his various teachers have complimented him for over the years. And yet, it did.

Magic is a funny thing. It’s tangible in a way that many don’t expect. Beyond just the visible effects, if you’re good at magic (and Oisín considers himself quite good), you can feel it as someone tugs at the fabric of reality to bring into the world what it is they wish. And there is some very powerful magic thrumming through this place.

It takes him a moment before Oisín spots her. Adaine, with her hand outstretched his way. Adaine, eyes glowing bright with the power of the divine. Adaine, tugging at the strings of the universe with a magic she wields to protect him even after all he’s done.

The Elven Oracle has rewritten destiny to save his life.

They lock eyes for just a moment. A brief moment of time that stretches for an eternity before suddenly snapping as she turns away to slash at an enemy with her sword. Another moment and she’s gone, shrouded by the smoke.

One final moment, and he’s pushing himself up from prone to throw himself back into the fight.

Adaine’s just saved his life. The least he could do is make sure she can save the world.

#portent rolls my absolute beloved #anyway adaine saving oisín's life AND showing him up when #oisaine #oisín hakinvar #adaine abernant #fhjy #fhjy spoilers #fantasy high #my writing

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a-somewhat-wiser-sicilian · 3 months

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Alright time for me to throw my theories into the mix regarding the Rat Grinders and Lucy Frostblade. 1. I think that Lucy was going to change her god but then either A. The God died or B. She died and she was one of the only believers of the God, causing them to die with her. She was from an incredibly rare race and it would make sense that maybe she'd be honoring God's that no one else knows about or has heard of. Theory 2. I think Lucy's supposed death REALLY shook the High Five Heroes and that's what caused them to become the Rat Grinders. The old picture shows they had normal heroic aspirations. The whole bit with them being in the forest is that it's basically the tutorial area with all the weakest enemies, Route 1 type shit. The place that Lucy disappeared was the lake that was right nearby the forest, which if we're using game progression logic, would be like the next step up, sort of like Level 2 in the Aguefort Adevnturing track. BUT, the moment they try to branch out, they're faced with a threat they don't know how to handle and being a newer party they lose a member. Lucy being the cleric, they wouldn't have had anyone to revive her so they watched their friend die in front of them. This trauma made them decide to never try and aim higher than twig blights.

Side theory, I think they might be haunted by her and/or suffer hallucinations of her as evidenced by Ivy not freaking out when she saw Fig disguised as Lucy.

#fantasy high #fantasy high junior year

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thecryoftheseagulls · 4 months

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ran the numbers on the Rat Grinders and if they've killed 80,000 rats, spiders, and twig blights according to 5e XP rules I reckon they might all be about level 17

#and if Mary Ann has the skill expert feat in atheltics that would give her a +17 lmao #GOOD LUCK to the bad kids lmaoo #fantasy high #d20 #fantasy high junior year

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sm0lprism · 3 months

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Bite-Sized (6) - A BG3 G/t fanfic

This contains g/t (giant/tiny content) so if that isn't your thing, then I suggest you stop reading. Thank you!

Read on ao3

Summary: A quiet walk in the woods suddenly takes a very dangerous turn for Ria and the last person she expects comes to her rescue.

Pairing: Astarion x borrower!oc (Tav) (slow-burn, Astarion is a complete ass but eventually comes round in future chapters)

Warnings: V*re mention, gore, fearplay, blood, swearing/course language, dehumanisation, blood drinking/Astarion doing vampire things TM, Astarion still being an ass. Word count: 3.9k

Every bone in Ria’s tiny body screamed in pain, her little boots kicking up pieces of foliage and broken twigs that were scattered across the forest floor as she trudged forward. Today’s training session with Lae’zel had been a somewhat brutal one and her body was certainly feeling it. They had begun training very early in the morning as Lae’zel was going out with Gale, Karlach, and Shadowheart to explore the Blighted Village and deal with a spider situation that Ria wanted no part of. Wyll had offered to stay behind and tend to the camp, along with Astarion, but Ria had no interest in being in the same area as the vampire spawn when nearly everyone was absent from the camp. She had mentioned to Wyll that she was only going for a short walk, and the Blade of Frontiers had been very persistent in allowing him to accompany her, but she had declined his offer. Being around large people constantly was proving to be very exhausting, and while Wyll meant well, she needed some time alone.

Heaving a rather exhausted sigh, she carried on walking through the undergrowth of the wilderness, bearing in mind to keep to the shadows of the various plants and trees that loomed over her. Over the past couple of weeks, she had felt herself grow slightly relaxed now that she could let her guard down a little since she was in the safety of the camp. Despite how terrifying it was being constantly surrounded by giants; it did mean she didn’t have to worry about being eaten by animals as they wouldn’t come near the camp. Being with large people certainly had its perks and she was slowly growing to trust her giant companions.

Except for Astarion.

Her skin bristled at the mere thought of the vampire. He hadn’t even bothered to properly apologise to her after he tried to eat her two weeks ago, and she certainly didn’t count his half-assed attempt at an apology from the past week. She couldn’t understand why he held such resentment towards her, it wasn’t like she had done anything to the man except swear at him. Perhaps he had a disdain towards people of her stature in general – she had overheard him making unpleasant comments in regards to gnomes as well, so it wasn’t just borrowers that he disliked. Either way, she couldn’t care less about him – as soon as she found a suitable home to call her own, she was leaving. A borrower had no place in the world of large people anyway.

Ria continued to meander through the forest, pausing to rest against a nearby tree. She smoothed back her auburn hair and began finger combing through the tangles. It didn’t take long for her hair to get rather messy with it being just above shoulder length, especially after the intense training session she just had with Lae’zel. She slumped against the tree and sat down, her small chest rising and falling as she allowed herself to relax for a moment. The past couple of weeks had been hectic to say the least and it felt good for her to have a small moment to herself.

Her respite was short-lived as small tremors suddenly rattled the soil beneath her feet and it immediately jolted Ria to her senses. Eyes wide with panic, she frantically glanced around, looking for the source of the earthquakes.

“Oi, Slorm, do you smell that over there?”

All the remaining colour on Ria’s face drained as a loud, unfamiliar voice vibrated through the air.

“Oh yeah, I can smell it, Trifs. Smells fucking good, doesn’t it?”

Ria’s breathing quickened upon hearing the second voice rumble loudly from above. There wasn’t just one, but two individuals stalking her in the woods. Her entire body began to tremble violently as she realised the gravity of the situation that she was in – if she didn’t find somewhere to hide now, whoever those voices belonged to would find her soon. Wide-eyed and gasping for breath, she feverishly glanced around her surroundings in search for somewhere to hide. She darted out from her spot against the tree, desperately looking for something that could provide more cover, but in her haste, she stumbled and tripped over a small stone lying on the earthy ground.

Shit!

The panic in her chest began to escalate rapidly as she scrambled to her feet, the tremors shaking the earth more violently now as the owners of the voices approached her. Once she was on her feet again, Ria fumbled anxiously for her dagger as her legs screamed at her in pain.

Run, for crying out loud, just run!

Her rising fear constricted around her tiny body like a giant serpent, pushing out all the air from her lungs as she trembled in the middle of the forest completely breathless. She stood, frozen in place, her body acting as if she had been glued to the floor. Her fingers clutched the handle of the dagger, her nails digging into the leather material as her body continued to refuse to move.

“Look at what we have here.”

Every nerve in her body was electrified as she slowly turned on her heel to see two goblins looming over her with menacing grins painted across their faces. Her heart nearly burst from her chest as she quickly realised just how much danger she was in.

“Hey, Slorm, that looks like a borrower, innit?” One goblin, who Ria assumed to be Trifs, leered down at her with wide eyes.

“Hells if I know, Trifs,” Slorm, the second goblin, grunted rather loudly. “All I know is that she smells really fucking good.”

It was at that moment did Ria’s legs finally decide to unglue themselves from the soil below. She sprinted in the opposite direction from the goblins, her breathing ragged and fast as she desperately attempted to escape.

“You won’t be getting away that easily!” Slorm’s voice boomed from behind her and within a matter of minutes she felt giant, greasy fingers close around her small body and lift her upwards into the air.

“Let go of me!” Ria shrieked, thrashing in his fist, but her struggles were fruitless as the goblin’s grip on her only tightened in response.

“You’ll make one tasty morsel,” Slorm said, running his tongue over stained teeth in anticipation.

“Hey!” Trifs exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips. “You can’t just eat the borrower! Do you realise how much they’re worth? We could be rolling in gold if we sold her to the right person.”

Slorm furrowed his brows as his gaze darted over to the other goblin. “What do you mean? Selling them to the right person? I’ve never heard of a borrower before in me life until today. How do you know so much, Trifs?”

“Mistress Minthara tells me things.” Trifs flicked back her dusty brown hair and flashed a smug look at Slorm. “She used to trade borrowers to another drow who dwells in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Somethin’ about their blood being highly valuable.”

Ria’s heart almost caught in her throat upon hearing the goblin’s words. Borrowers being traded for their blood? Now that was something she hadn’t heard before. She hadn’t seen someone of her own kind in a decade and had just accepted that she could very well be the last. But if borrowers were being sold and captured for their blood…perhaps this was the reason why she had failed to find someone else of her own kind. Despite the peril she was in, she had to find out more information from the goblins.

“W-what do you know about borrowers being traded for their blood?” Ria said firmly, trying to hide the fear wavering in her voice.

Trifs narrowed her eyes at the borrower, crossing her arms over her chest. “Why should I tell you, pipsqueak? That’s for us to know and for you to find out.” The goblin’s gaze flicked back to Slorm. “Come on, Slorm, we need to keep this one and sell her to a blood merchant. Lemme have her.”

Ria gritted her teeth in frustration. “Please, I need to know, any information that you have–“

“Quiet!” Trifs snapped, flashing her pointed yellow teeth menacingly, causing Ria to flinch. “If you don’t shut up and be a good little borrower, I’ll silence you myself.”

Ria faltered, swallowing a lump that had begun to form in her throat and nodded slowly. She wasn’t about to test the resolve of a couple of goblins.

“Trifs, are you sure borrowers are worth a lot of gold?” Slorm whinged, his lips curling into a frown. “It’s hard to believe somethin’ like this little thing is worth a lot of gold. I mean, just look at ‘er.”

Ria’s jaw slacked wide open and she shot her goblin captor a piercing, stern look. “Excuse me?”

“Shut it,” Slorm snarled, squeezing her tiny body in his fist which made Ria yelp in pain. “You don’t get to speak, rat.”

Trifs exhaled a loud sigh and rolled her eyes. “Slorm, I’m telling you, I’m right on this one! Borrowers are worth a lot of gold, trust me. Minthara told me so. Do you not believe the word of our mistress?”

“Of course, I would never doubt Mistress Minthara!” Slorm hissed, his forehead wrinkled intensely. “The only person who I doubt is you, Trifs.”

A low growl rumbled in Trifs throat. “Okay, fine, look – we’ll try and sell her and if she isn’t worth much, then you can eat her. How does that sound?”

Slorm chewed the bottom of his lip as he mulled it over. “Ugh. Fine. I guess that sounds alright.”

Panic began to quickly swell in her chest once more and her breathing became sharp and rapid. Why did she have to decline Wyll’s offer? Why was she so stupid to walk in the wilderness completely alone? If the goblins didn’t sell her, she would be eaten. Icy cold fear snaked down her spine and chilled her to the bone as her brain went into overdrive. Her now sweaty palms clutched tightly on her tiny dagger somehow still in her grasp as she wrestled in the goblin’s fist.

“You don’t want to mess with me!” Ria yelled, a sudden burst of confidence channelling through her veins thanks to the added adrenaline. “I have some powerful friends that’ll make mincemeat of you both when they find out what’s happened.”

Slorm flashed a wicked grin at Ria, his jagged eyebrows raised. “Oh, and where are your friends now, hmm?” He suddenly brought Ria close to his face, so close in fact she could smell his putrid breath emanating from his foul mouth. His breath stunk of rotten flesh and decay and she gagged at the smell.

“Give her to me, you’re gonna break her if you’re not careful!” Trifs grumbled as she attempted to grab Ria from Slorm’s fist.

“Oi, lay off, Trifs!” Slorm held Ria high in the air out of reach so that the other goblin couldn’t snatch her.

In Slorm’s haste at getting Ria away from Trifs’ grasp, his grip on her loosened ever so slightly in his fist. It was loose enough that Ria was able to pull out her dagger. Without so much as a second thought, she hastily thrust the blade multiple times into Slorm’s clenched fingers that were wrapped around her body, stabbing them as her very life depended on it.

“Fuckin’ hells!” Slorm exclaimed, nearly dropping the borrower in his hand, blood now leaking from his fingers as he brought Ria back to eye-level again. “You little bitch! I’ll crush you for that!”

“Don’t crush her, dingus! We need her alive!” Trifs yelled in frustration and tried to snatch Ria again.

“Fine, you can have ‘er!” Slorm deposited Ria into Trifs’ open palms, but not before shooting Ria a scathing look as he licked the blood off his fingers. “Little shit stabbed me.”

“I’ll be taking that.” Trifs plucked Ria’s dagger out of her hands as if she were taking candy from a baby. All Ria could do was watch in dismay as her only weapon was whisked out of her tiny hands like it was nothing.

“Please, I’m sorry, don’t sell me off!” Ria cried. “I’ll do anything, please, I’m begging you!”

Trifs shook her head as a vile grin spread across her crooked mouth. “Nuh-uh, you’re a bad little borrower. And bad little borrowers go in the pockets.”

“Pockets?” Ria croaked.

The whole world soon became a massive blur as Trifs hoisted Ria in between her thumb and index finger and swiftly moved the borrower into her shirt pocket. Everything quickly grew dark as Ria fumbled around the fabric, her heart hammering in her chest relentlessly as fear threatened to smother her entire body.

Glancing upwards, she was faced with a swampy green eye that stared at her intently like she was a prized possession through the opening of the pocket.

“You better make yourself comfortable, little borrower. You’re gonna be in there for a while.”

The only source of light that came from the pocket entrance suddenly sealed itself, shrouding everything in blackness in less than a second. Ria felt her body grow cold as the reality of the situation began to set in and she had to force herself not to cry. Either she was going to be sold off for her blood, or she was going to be eaten by goblins. This was the end for her.

Gods…why me? Why did this have to happen to me?

Tears pricked at her eyelids and she stifled back another sob. After everything that she had been through, this was how things were going to end for her. It was all for nothing after all.

In a matter of seconds, Ria’s entire world shifted as she was thrown about inside her fabric prison and a loud thump resonated through the air. The thunderous impact sent jarring shockwaves throughout her entire body, her limbs flailing as she flopped against the wall of the pocket.

“T-Trifs!” Slorm’s voice cried from outside, slightly muffled from the fabric of the shirt that she was still trapped in.

What is going on?!

Gathering her senses, Ria staggered to her feet and was relieved to discover that she was seemingly okay. The jarring impact must’ve been from Trifs falling onto her back. At least the goblin hadn’t fallen on her stomach, otherwise it would’ve been a very gruesome outcome for the borrower.

“You fucking vampire! Get away from me! Y-you shouldn’t even be alive in the sun!”

Ria’s breath hitched and her heartbeat pounded relentlessly against her chest.

Vampire?

She began to forcefully climb her way out of the pocket and using all her remaining strength, she pushed the pocket flap open and scrambled out into the outside world. The glaring rays of the sun caused her to squint at first as she readjusted to the change in light. She was standing on top of Trifs’ chest, who was passed out on the ground. Her eyes glanced over the goblin’s neck and noticed twin puncture wounds adorning her green skin.

Swallowing back dread, she turned her gaze away from the bloody wound on Trifs’ neck and looked straight ahead. Her stomach dropped as she saw a very familiar figure standing in front of her. Astarion loomed over Slorm, his teeth buried in the goblin’s neck as he feverishly drank his blood. A blood-curdling cry erupted through the air as Slorm’s very life essence was drained, and all Ria could do was watch in horror as all the colour from the goblin’s face faded away in a matter of seconds. Astarion dropped Slorm’s lifeless body onto the ground, now an empty husk, crimson dripping down his mouth as he ran his tongue over his lips hungrily. Time seemed to come to a standstill during that moment as Ria could no longer move her legs. Astarion’s red gaze soon trailed over to her trembling form and his eyes widened in surprise.

“Ria?” Astarion stammered. “What in the hells are you doing here?”

Words could not find her lips as she struggled to speak, her body overcome with fear as she stared at the giant vampire. Blood from the goblin still coated his mouth and she noticed the predatory look that glazed over his ruby eyes as he stared down at her. Would she be next?

“Darling, please calm yourself,” Astarion said. “I can hear your tiny heartbeat thrumming like a hummingbird. Now, are you going to tell me what you’re doing here or not?”

“U-um,” Ria mumbled, her heartbeat racing even more upon hearing Astarion’s comment. “I…I could ask you the same thing, actually.”

Astarion narrowed his eyes at her, his lips pursed. “Touché.”

She swallowed back the bile that was beginning to rise in her throat and she hastily scrambled off Trifs’ lifeless body. From memory, she recalled that Astarion wasn’t permitted to drain from thinking creatures at the group’s request. Goblins fell under that category, so just what was he doing?

But…he technically saved my life by eating those goblins.

Her chest tightened at the very prospect of the vampire saving her life. Whether he had intended to or not, he had just saved her from a horrifying fate and it made her stomach churn.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Astarion said, his eyes cold and piercing. “I’ve drained a couple of ‘thinking’ creatures – well, one could argue that goblins hardly think at all.” He chuckled lightly at his own comment, a small smile tugging at his bloodstained lips. “But in all seriousness, if you tell the others about this back at camp, I swear-“

“N-no, it’s okay!” Ria quickly said, sensing where the conversation was going. “I won’t breathe a word about this to anyone. And…well…” She released a long exhale as she tried to form the words. It pained her to even form the very sentence, but she had to get it out.

“You technically saved my life from those goblins, so…”

A smug grin wove itself across Astarion’s pale face as he realised what she was trying to say.

“Do go on my dear.”

Her jaw clenched as she watched him grin arrogantly at her.

“Thank you for saving my life.” She practically choked out the words as if they were coated in poison. “Whether you meant to or not, you still did. So, thanks for that.”

Astarion seemed very pleased with the whole scenario as his grin grew even wider. “Well, that is certainly a turn of events, isn’t it? I never thought I’d be the one saving you, but here we are. I suppose that makes us even now.”

Ria swallowed thickly. Just what was he planning on doing next? The tension was so thick it could be cut with a knife. She had to distract him somehow and to keep the conversation going.

“Why did you eat those goblins?” Ria asked. “You know you weren’t supposed to, especially if the others find out – which they won’t!” She quickly cleared her throat before continuing. “But, um, isn’t all blood the same? Why go against everyone’s wishes and not settle for animal blood?”

Astarion laughed. “You’re comparing plonk to vintage wine. You can make merry with either, but they are not the same.” He paused to lick some of the goblin blood off his lips. “Blood is life’s essence. And some creatures have so much more life than others.”

“But you still went against the group,” Ria persisted, starting to feel nauseous at seeing so much blood around her.

“So what?” Astarion narrowed his eyes, frowning down at the little borrower. “What they don’t know won’t hurt them. You’ll make sure of that. Don’t forget my actions saved your life.”

Ria faltered and inhaled a shaky breath. Lying to the rest of the group did not sit well in her stomach, but it wasn’t like she had another choice in the matter. There was no way she wanted to risk upsetting Astarion especially since she was so vulnerable – and he was right, he had saved her life after all. If he hadn’t intervened, she would’ve met a very gruesome fate.

“Okay, fair enough,” she replied. “So, what you’re saying is, you feel more satisfied after drinking blood from thinking creatures?”

Astarion scoffed. “As if that’s even a question! Blood from thinking creatures is delectable and far more filling. If I could eat like that daily, it would make the hunger far more tolerable…or at least as tolerable as it can be.”

A thought crossed her mind as she processed the elf’s words. If Astarion drank blood from the likes of humans and other thinking creatures – of course, ones that were bad – perhaps that would make him less inclined to eat her and the rest of the camp. Feeding off animals, while it kept him alive and somewhat sated, clearly wasn’t cutting it as he would not have resolved to eating goblins. At this rate, she wanted to do anything to stop him from looking at her like she was a piece of food while she was travelling with him and the others. And it would benefit not only Astarion, but the rest of the group as well – perhaps with the right words, she could convince the rest of the team to let Astarion feed on their enemies.

Astarion watched her curiously with one eyebrow raised. “What are you thinking in that little head of yours?”

“N-nothing,” Ria mumbled, glancing over her shoulder to spot her tiny dagger stuck in the soil. She hastily picked up the weapon and concealed it into her clothing.

The pale elf furrowed his brows as he watched the borrower’s movements. “You still haven’t told me how you ended up with the goblins. Care to explain?”

“I was going for a walk and they took me,” Ria said. “They…well, one of them wanted to eat me. The other wanted to sell me to a blood merchant for my blood.”

A small glimmer flickered in the vampire’s eyes as he listened to the borrower’s words.

“Oh? Borrowers being traded for their blood? Now that is interesting…I can certainly see why. Nothing has quite compared to the taste of your blood.”

Ria gulped anxiously and her eyes darted away from Astarion’s searing gaze. She was afraid she may have given him ideas.

“You don’t know anything about that?” Ria questioned him, steeling herself.

Astarion frowned. “This is news to me just as it is to you.” He licked a few remaining drops of goblin blood off his slender fingers.

A part of her was a bit disappointed that the goblins were dead – if only they were still alive, she may have been able to prod them for more information. Although it seemed unlikely that Trifs would’ve parted with such information lightly anyways, considering her failed attempt at doing so moments prior. Either way, she needed to find more information, and it seemed the only way to do that was to confront the one orchestrating it all.

Minthara…she is the one who knows. I need to find her.

Ria turned on her heel and began walking back in the direction of the camp. She didn’t particularly want to be the vampire’s company for much longer, especially with all the blood that was splattered over the ground. With the new knowledge brewing in her brain, she had to get back to camp and discuss it with the others – no doubt they would be approaching the Goblin Camp soon, where Minthara most likely would be. There was no way she was going to pass this opportunity up.

“You’re welcome!” Astarion grunted.

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pokemoncaretips · 10 months

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Safe pruning for grass types.

Like any living organism, both plants and plant based pokemon can get ill. Leaf rot, blight, mildew, all of these and more can affect your pokemon. The best and safest way to head off illnesses at the pass is to prune damaged leaves and twigs before they can act as entry points for bacteria and fungi. Though serious illnesses are best seen by a medical professional, I can offer some preventative measures to help. For all of these categories, you should be seeking medical advice as well.

(Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional.)

Petals. Petals are often susceptible to frostbite. Though a potion quickly after a battle helps with ice type attack wounds, weather happens and many a grass type has been caught out in a sudden cold snap long enough for damage to take hold. Excessive moisture or heat can also caught rot on petals.

Signs to watch for: Blackened and withered ends. Browning and wilt along the edges of the petal. A slimy texture and sheen forming. Discolouration in general.

Prevention: Thankfully, petals tend to be more for decoration and rarely have nerve endings. (The bulbasaur line has. Petal damage should be seen by a professional in their case.) Removing the petal entirely can prevent some illnesses, though it may give the pokemon a lopsided appearance until it grows back. Holding your pokemon securely, grasp the petal firmly near the base and give a firm, sharp tug. Too little force may break the petal off near the base and provide a new entry point for rot. Too much force can hurt your pokemon. Once the affected petals are removed, apply a potion and give your pokemon plenty of sun.

If the petals continue to wither, there may be underlying health issues. Consult a professional.

Leaves. Leaves work somewhat differently on pokemon than they do on plants, with some pokemon like leafeon able to regrow damaged leaf tissue. The main rule is that the veins on the leaf tend to contain nerve endings, while the leaf tissue itself doesn't. This means for small localized damage, its possible to keep the main leaf and just remove the problem area, which is vital for pokemon such as chikorita who only have the one leaf available.

Signs to watch for: Withering. Discoloured spots. Fuzzy looking patches. Browning or blackening. Yellowing. A dry, crumbly texture, or a damp, slimy one.

Prevention: A very sharp knife like a box cutter or exacto knife is your friend here, allowing for precise trimming. This knife should be sterilized carefully first. If the pokemon is small enough, hold it firmly to your body, or find someone to help. Larger pokemon may need to be temporarily paralyzed. Avoiding veins if possible, trim away the damaged portion. If the vein is damaged or rotted, it may have already died and thus lack nerve endings. "The fingernail check" is most often used by grass type trainers. Press a fingernail carefully into the vein. If the pokemon flinches, the vein is still salvageable. If it offers no reaction, that leaf vein is dead and must be trimmed as well.

If the entire leaf is withered, it will have to go. A truly dead one can be tugged off easily. Apply a gentle tug. If it breaks off with no resistance, it was dead. If it is heavily damaged but still attached at the base, it will need to be pruned. This is uncomfortable for the pokemon but essential for its health. Talk softly and soothingly. Though few pokemon can understand people, they do understand emotions. Using a sharp, sterilized pair of secateurs, quickly trim the leaf as close to the body as is safe. I recommend showing your pokemon the leaf afterwards to observe. Dead or diseased foliage can be uncomfortable, and removing it will often give instant relief after the short sting. Seeing the painful part removed will go a long way to calming them down.

As photosynthesis is often their main source of nutrition, a sun lamp or slightly richer mulch should be provided to make up for the lost leaves until they grow back.

Symptoms like yellowing or blighted leaves could indicate deeper issues. Save the leaves and take them to a pokecentre for advice. Some are caused by disease. Others can be caused by a deficiency or heavy pest load.

Twig and branches. A fully withered branch can often be a bad sign. And as these are bigger parts, tending to them can be complicated.

Signs to watch for: Cankers and galls. Dead branches. Blackening or withering of buds.

Prevention: The torterra is one of the few pokemon where treating damaged branches is painless and relatively easy if you know what you're doing. Though the tree is vital for its health, it isn't connected to any nerves, and can thus be safely pruned. Otherwise, unless its a small twig that can be quickly pruned, its safer to get a medical professional in to check.

When trimming branches, try not to cut flush to the body of the tree. This can damage the branch collar, leaving the tree open to pathogens.

If using a pruning saw, make a cut on the underside of the branch first to prevent bark tearing.

Damage to branches is a serious sign of ill health. This needs to be checked out immediately. Take pictures before you prune the affected branch, and take them and the branch with you to the pokecentre.

Roots. Roots should not be touched by someone without specialized training. Take your pokemon to a specialist immediately.

#pokemon irl #pokemon care #grass types

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