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cardicoven · 4 months

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🥀Book Review: Persephone's Pathway: Wisdom, Magick & Growth by Jennifer Heather

Full Title: Persephone's Pathway: Wisdom, Magick, Growth Author: Jennifer Heather Published by: Heather Publishing (seemingly self published) 2020 Good Reads: Link My Quick Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) stars. Persephone’s Pathway which while flawed and at times meandering is perhaps the best resource available for the modern pagan worshipping or working with Persephone and I wholly recommend it. Official Blurb: Persephone's Pathway is one of balance and duality; embrace the dual goddess archetype of Underworld Queen and Spring Maiden in order to achieve harmony. This book shares the wisdom of Persephone, along with spells and rituals to help you in your daily life. Shadow work exercises encourage you to work with the Underworld aspect of the Dark Goddess, whilst flower magick celebrates the joy and gentleness of the Spring Goddess. Blend the dark and light aspects together to experience how they shine a light on each other in this celebration of wholeness and authenticity. Personal Reason for Purchasing: Was looking for a pagan/witchy perspective on Persephone and stubbled across this one. (Bought from Amazon UK)

Overview of the book's contents. Introduction: A solid introduction, focusing on what the purpose of this book will be, and the author’s goals in writing it, namely ‘an exploration of the mythology and Symbolism surrounding Persephone, along with chapters dedicated to a facet of what she can teach us’, ‘both a collection of information and tribute to her’. Chapter 1: 'Who is Persephone': Introduction to Persephone, her role, dual nature, The Eleusinian mysteries, possible connections to Erishkegal (a mesopotamia goddess originating 4000 BC), and of course the Homeric Hymn to Demeter. Chapter 2: 'Historic Origins': An exploration of the genesis of Persephone in Mythology, through to the Evolution of her story in present day literature. (A personal highlight). Chapter 3: 'A Myth Retold': A modern retelling of the hymn to Demeter by the author. Chapter 4: 'Symbolism': An exploration of the artefacts associated with Persephone, both modern and ancient, the creation of a unique glyph/sigil for Persephone and an extensive and detailed discussion of association/correspondences, some ancient, some contemporary and lastly her common epithets. Chapter 5: 'Creating an Altar': A collection of suggestions and guidelines on creating your own altar for Persephone and common offerings to gift the Goddess. Chapter 6: 'Persephone Magick: Begins with a basic beginners to magickal practice, followed by a recipe for a Persephone Anointing oils, a guide to connecting to Persephone, an innovation and an adaption of the Orphic Hymn to Proserpina.

The Seeds of Persephone A collection of chapters surrounding what the Author considers to be the six core aspects/values which Persephone embodies. Seed 1: 'Union': Focuses on Shadow-work, divine alignment for body and Spirit union, and includes a spell for Spiritual union of lovers, guidance surrounding meditation, shadow-work rituals, and a recipe for a love attraction oil. Seed 2: 'Balance': Begins with a discussion of how to, and the importance of maintaining balance in one’s life, including a meandering discussion of grounding, living with the seasons, incorporating nature into your life, meditation, seasonal altars, self-care, massage, and yoga. Lastly it includes recipes for a Persephone Beauty Elixer’ cream/lotion, a medicinal tonic, a spell for resolution, and a spell for making a decision. Seed 3: 'Intuition': Looks at ways to develop one’s intuition, including an outline for a Persephone focused Lithomancy technique (10 planetary stones, 6 Persephone stones (named for each of the author’s ‘Seeds’: Fertility, Justice, Balance, Union, Sovereignty and Intuition), three tarot spreads and the script for a guided meditation. Seed 4: 'Sovereignty': Is a discussion of [personal Sovereignty, and self-esteem, with journal prompts. Guidance on enchanting a power talisman, and a spell for protecting personal boundaries. Seed 5: 'Justice': Focuses heavily on Persephone in her Queen of the Underworld Aspect, touching on several myths in which she acted as a Purveyor of justice, (Orpheus and Psyche, and a discussion on Trust in regards to the Goddess. Followed by Several spells for truth telling, reflection on behaviour and fair resolutions. Seed 6: 'Fertility': Focuses on Persephone's Spring/Maiden Aspect. Followed by a discussion of Maiden goddesses, Flower Magick, creating Floral elixirs, cleansing sprays, a flower bathing ritual, and spell jars/Witch’s bottles. Followed by the Associations/correspondences and finally a script of a guided meditation, to meet Persephone in her Spring Aspect. Appendix: The Orphic hymn to Proserpina, translated by Taylor Thomas 1792.

Personal Thoughts and Review. I’m conflicted about this book. The first half is an excellent primer on Persephone and including her into one’s personal practice however, the second half the ‘Seeds of Persephone’ are at times Meandering, unfocused and clumsy, but there are jewels among the ramblings.

The book appears to be self published, so I’m inclined to be kinder to the Author than I would otherwise be; however, Persephone’s Pathway could really use reformatting (text justified etc), and would benefit immensely from an informed and passionate editor. Nevertheless this book is an excellent edition to the libraries of those of us who work with Persephone.

Aspects in detail. General content: The first half goes over a lot of content around Persephone, in some detail and is appropriately referenced through allowing the reader to research further. The Second half (the Seeds) is a mixed bag and approaches certain subjects extremely casually, namely Shadow-work and herbal medicine. Persephone’s correspondences: Primarily contained to Chapter 4, the Correspondences are in depth, reference and diverse. However, there are inaccuracies, the most obvious is a mention of Corn/Maize being cut as a part of the Eleusinian Mysteries. As a New World crop Corn was not in ancient Greece at the time and as such has no historical connection to the Mysteries. From my own understanding the crop cut during the Mysteries was likely Barley, a grain though to have great significance to the Eleusinian Mysteries as a part of the hallucinogenic cocktail thought to be drunk by initiates, barley is also part of the offering given by Oddyseus to summon Persephone (“first with milk and honey, then with sweet wine, then with water; and sprinkle white barley-meal above”). Rituals and Spells: It’s Always interesting to see another practitioner's approach, and covering a very broad scope although, I wish they were indexed since they appear throughout the book. Origin Myth retelling: An interesting retelling, possibly my favourite version, however it is not without flaws. Guided Meditations: Enjoyable and Interesting, these scripts approach many aspects of Persephone’s Mythos. Journaling Prompts: These appear seemingly at random in the latter half of the book, but are nevertheless thought provoking. Recommended Reading: While good to see, it is worthy of note that none of these books reference Persephone, Hellenic Polytheism, or Shadow-work. Which are the topics I would like to see additional material given some of my concerns with the book itself. Bibliography: Extensive and good practice.

The Seeds in Detail. Given their significance to the book I’ll review these chapters separately: Union: a clumsy chapter whose advice on Shadow-work is surface level and possibly dangerous for a beginner or someone who is mentally vulnerable. But this chapter does handle the topic of Love workings with the required levity. Balance: Waffling and honestly feels like filler, of the seeds this one is disappointing and feels like lost potential. Intuition: a major highlight of the book, a detailed exploration of Lithomancy, well written and thought provoking. Sovereignty: A good chapter, if a little long winded. Justice: Spectacular, discussion of Queen Persephone and of how to connect to the Underworld Aspect. A personal highlight. Fertility: An excellent close to the book but desperately needs reformatting.

Final Thoughts. I wholly recommend this book especially as a gateway into working with or worshipping Persephone. Despite its flaws, it is the best resource I’ve found on Persephone from a pagan/witch perspective, and my practice is better for reading it.

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sidecharactersdomatter · 11 months

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🎶✨when you get this you have to put 5 songs you actually listen to, publish, then send this ask/tag 10 of your favourite followers (non-negotiable, positivity is cool) 🎶✨

<33

@chucktaylorupset Can all 5 songs be related to my Owl House fanfic projects? If so then:

5. Hang On Smash Mouth- The opening to Gravesfield Cul-de-sac, a modern au that focuses on my Owl House OCs.

4. The Last Shanty - Our Sigil Means Fear, an AU inspired by Our flag Means Death where my OCs are Wild Witches

3. My Goodbye - Titanomachia, A Boiling Isles Creation myth especially when I finish writing it.

2. Heart of Stone - No Belos AU, (I mean I can already hear Mercy singing this about Philip)

Open Arms - Mythos They Cast, a Greek Mythology AU inspired by @turquoisespace35’s Gorgon AU focused on my main Murder They Cast OCs

Now I’m gonna tag, @cinnamondunce @criminalmutantsins @drakepad-luv-2000 @101flavoursofweird @ninjastormhawkkat @kris278m @tired-reader-writer @cjbolan @justanotherradioactivetree and @melodythebunny

#Music tag challenge #Thx sis #The owl house #toh #the owl house au #toh au #murder they cast #The owl house oc #toh oc #our sigil means fear #Mythos they cast #No belos au

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impala-dreamer · 10 months

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Captives of The Court - Chapter Nine

A Supernatural Series

~Strange things are brewing in Connecticut, so Dean and Y/N go check it out. After stumbling through town, they fall into something that’s been going on a very, very long time. Can they put an end to the bloodshed and make it out unscathed or will they need a little help this time?~

Starring Dean Winchester x Y/N Y/L/N

Series Warnings and Info may be found on the Masterlist Here

Impala-Dreamer’s Masterlist ~ Patreon ~ Published Works

Y/N looked through the window of the little shop and nodded to herself. “Crystals and fuckery.”

Dean cocked his head and peered through as well. The sill was lined with gemstones and crystals that glittered in the setting sun, jars of herbs and hanging things that made him sigh. “Seems so. Ready?”

She shrugged. “Don’t touch anything.” She wagged a finger in warning. “This can’t be a coincidence and I don’t feel like getting cursed, OK?”

He grinned. “When do I ever touch anything I shouldn’t? I’m a professional.”

He reached for the door and Y/N ticked off incidences on her fingers.

“Well, that time in Richmond where you picked up that cursed coin… Minot when you touched that painting and your skin started melting off… The rosary in Peekskill…”

Dean huffed. “I get the point. I won’t touch anything. I promise.”

Bells chimed as they entered and a short, perky redhead looked up from behind the counter.

“Welcome!” Her smile was bright. “How can I help you?”

Dean screwed on a charming smile and walked towards her as Y/N turned left, scanning the place.

“Hi,” he greeted, tugging his fake badge from his jacket. “Agent Don Henley. We’re in town investigating some homicides. Wanted to ask you a few questions about an ex employee of yours.”

The girl swallowed hard and her blue eyes went wide. “Oh! Um. I’m not- I don’t work- I mean, I work here but I’m not the owner.” She smiled up at Dean. “I’m Lydia. I just work here on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.”

Dean nodded and smiled back, still charming his way in. He leaned down and set an elbow on the countertop. “Lydia. Lovely name. Tell me, did you know Lisa Abbot?”

Lydia cringed but tried to hide it. She stiffened, straightening up to her full height of just over five feet. “N-not really. I mean, she worked here for a while but I never really talked to her much. She was really quiet and stuff. Wasn’t until she met Dan that she opened up at all.”

“Dan?”

“Dan Thacher. He um…”

Dean squinted and rolled the name around in his head for a quick second before pinpointing the familiarity. “He was found with Lisa… Ah.”

Lydia bowed her head slightly. “Yeah. It was real sad.”

“I bet it was.” Dean pressed his lips together and leaned closer, gaining her attention and trust. “Why don’t you tell me more about them?”

Meanwhile, Y/N was searching the shop, mentally sorting through what was novelty magic and what was potentially dangerous. A few things stood out, but for the most part, it was oils and herbs and crystals wrapped in wire and hung on leather necklaces. Some stones with protection sigils carved into them stood out on a back shelf and Y/N leaned close, squinting at the talismans.

In the farthest corner, she spied an amethyst with what appeared to be Enochian writing etched onto each side. She reached for it, but pulled back at the last second, remembering her warning and admonishment of Dean’s habit of touching everything shiny.

“You can pick it up if you’d like.”

Startled, Y/N stood and turned to see an absolutely stunning woman staring back at her. “Uh-” Her jaw went slack as the woman took a step closer. “N-no, that’s alright.” She smiled but her brain couldn’t quite click back into working order.

The woman was breathtaking. Long golden brown hair hung past her slender shoulders; milky skin shone with a rosy undertone, and the plumpest, pinkest lips Y/N had ever seen curled into a gentle smile. Her eyes were gray but picked up every color around her like a kaleidoscope and Y/N got lost for a moment, staring in deep, desperate to name a color and lock her into a category.

“Please, go ahead.”

Her voice was sweet and heavy like honey and Y/N shook herself to break away.

“No,” she said again, taking a step back and clearing her throat. “But thank you.” Digging into her purse, she pulled her badge out and flashed it quickly. “Agent Smyth, FBI. And you are?”

A flash of pink tongue through a sly smile. “Welcome, Agent. My name is Bronwyn, this is my little shop.” She held out her arms and gestured to the shelves. The bell sleeves of her lilac dress waved like butterfly wings and Y/N found it hard to focus. “How can I help you?”

Y/N blinked slowly, her gaze drawn upwards to the cinched bustline of Bronwyn’s dress and the perfect curve of her breasts. “Uh…”

It wasn’t like her to be so easily distracted, especially by a woman, but Y/N was struggling to keep her mind clear and not stare too hard at the delicate flesh of Bronwyn’s throat or the way her hands moved so languidly through the air almost in slow motion.

“Um…”

Bronwyn laughed gently and Y/N snapped back into the moment.

She squared her shoulders and inhaled deeply, a mixture of dried herbs wafting through her head. “Well,” she began again, forcing herself to look anywhere but into the woman’s eyes. “We’re here to talk about… the… Lisa. Lisa Abbot. She used to work here.”

Bronwyn frowned gently. “Yes, what a tragedy. She was the sweetest young woman…”

“Anything you can tell me about her that might help us piece together what happened?”

Pink lips puckered and Y/N’s heart skipped.

“Well, I just don’t think I have any relevant information, Agent, I’m sorry.”

For some reason, Y/N believed her and couldn’t come up with a single question more. “Oh well.” She smiled and fell into staring again.

Dean’s laugh tugged her away and Y/N looked across the shop. He was fine, flirting with the college student and basically doing nothing of import. Y/N shook her head at him.

Bronwyn zoned in on the moment.

“Your partner?” she asked, eyeing Dean.

Y/N bit her lip and tried not to smile too hard. “Yeah. Um. Yes. He’s my partner. We, uh, work together.”

Bronwyn grinned knowingly. “There’s a bit more to it, I think.”

Y/N laughed. “What are you, psychic?”

She shrugged and waved her hands dramatically. “A witch. But, I can tell… you have strong feelings for him.”

Just then, Dean looked over his shoulder and caught Y/N’s eye. He smiled and her cheeks burned.

“And he for you, I see…”

Y/N nodded noncommittally, still trying to maintain her professional con. “I suppose.”

Bronwyn moved closer, slipping up against Y/N, and lay a hand on her shoulder. The touch was electric and Y/N sucked in a deep breath.

“You’re in love,” Bronwyn continued, her voice a sultry whisper in Y/N’s mind. “You both are.”

Y/N sighed happily. “Yeah. I think so.”

“Ready to settle down and start a family…”

That made Y/N jolt awake and she laughed, moving back a pace. “Uh, no.”

“You wouldn’t want to have his child?” She looked over at Dean. “He’s gorgeous. Strong, caring, brave…”

Y/N agreed, staring at her lover. “He is, yes. But… I mean, it’s not like I wouldn’t have his kid, I just… I don’t want to.” Suddenly annoyed, she turned back to the witch and crossed her arms defensively. “Why is it some imperative thing that I have a baby? Just because I’m a woman I have to have children to fulfill some societal task? Conform to everyone’s idea of a contented female? I love him, he loves me, that’s enough.” She shook herself and calmed a bit, not sure why she was being so blunt with a stranger. “Besides, our lives- the way we live… it-it wouldn’t be fair to bring a baby into any of it.”

Bronwyn watched her spin out, interest in her gray eyes. “Government go you down, huh?”

Y/N shrugged. “Something like that.”

Her hand fell to Y/N’s shoulder again and a warmth spread through her body.

“I think things will change soon,” Bronwyn whispered. “You just have to let them.”

The warmth traveled her system, and Y/N smiled dreamily. “Maybe… yeah…”

“Love is a powerful thing, Y/N. Touch, sex, conception… creation…”

Something stirred in Y/N and her nose scrunched up. “How do you know my-”

Dean appeared before them both, his gaze immediately drawn to Bronwyn’s ample bosom. “Well, hello…”

Y/N jerked away from the witch’s touch and spun to stand beside Dean. She brushed his hand with hers and shivered.

“I… think we got all we need,” she said, tugging on Dean’s sleeve.

He did not seem interested in leaving just yet, but Y/N cleared her throat. “Thank you for your time, Ms. Cromwell.”

Bronwyn bowed gently and smiled. “If you need anything else, you know where I am.”

Y/N raced to the Impala and locked the door as soon as she was inside. She rubbed her palms down her thighs, ground her teeth tight, breathed slow and steadily.

Dean ambled behind her, taking his time.

She watched him approach, eyes wide with unease. His strides were terribly short, his bowed legs moving like slugs as she waited impatiently.

Once he was inside, she reached over and slammed the lock shut with a quick slap.

Dean jolted back in surprise. “You OK? You seem spooked.”

She crashed back into her side of the car. “Yeah, I’m spooked! How are you not?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Seemed OK in there. Standard new agey crap. Chick at the counter was clueless.”

Y/N swallowed hard and looked out of the window, staring at the little shop. “That was not standard crap, Dean. There was some major mojo in there. Including that… Bronwyn person.”

Dean grinned. “That Bronwyn woman,” he corrected. “I’ve never seen you so… taken with a girl before. Gotta say, it was pretty hot.”

“Excuse me?”

“It was workin’ for me is all…”

“I wasn’t taken,” she snit, “I mean- she was… beautiful but-” Her mind churned and her skin prickled with dangerous arousal.

“But?”

“But my bat hasn’t swung that way since senior year of high school and it ain’t gonna again any time soon.”

Dean clicked his tongue. “Shame. You two woulda been… so hot together.”

“Yeah, well…” She huffed and crossed her arms over herself, hiding away while her worry grew. “Look, I don’t want to be super obvious but I’m pretty sure she’s why we’re here.”

“You think?” Dean tipped his head to the side, looking at her and the shop at the same time.

“You don’t?”

He shrugged. “You’re the one that talked to her. You’re the one’s been having feelings around town. If you say we got something, I believe you.”

A trickle of relief ran down her spine and she relaxed into the worn leather seat. “Thank you.”

Dean leaned across the seat and nudged her thigh with the back of his hand. “How about… we grab some food, head back to the motel, slip you out of that blazer, and play some naked Twister?”

He winked and she softened, letting go of her nerves and laughing.

“Naked Twister, huh? You really wanna get your right hand on red, dontcha?”

He grinned, all teeth and ideas. “Always.”

Dean was pretty skilled with chopsticks that night but not so much at getting Y/N naked. She was too intent on digging through town records and researching until her eyes were tearing and weary.

The take out was good though, and he was content with slurping down lo mein and scrolling through hospital records.

Some hours in, Y/N threw her hands up and tossed her head back, dramatic and whiny and done. She growled loudly and Dean popped his head up, a noodle hanging from his lips.

“You ‘aight?”

“No!” She pouted and rubbed at her eyes. “I hate this place. I hate this computer. I hate fuckin’- cold Chinese food.” She pushed at the half-empty carton of rice. “I hate murders and witches and stupid dead people. I hate it!”

Not wanting to be another thing that she hated, Dean simply nodded silently and sucked in the dangling noodle. He stood up and went to the mini fridge, pulling out two icy beers and popping the caps off. He perched one on Y/N’s shoulder.

“I think you need a break,” he said softly.

She took the beer but sneered up at him. “I think you need a break, break guy.”

He laughed. “Great come back.”

“Shut up.”

Dean sighed and gave her a moment to lament her choices in life. As he did, he scanned her computer screen and something caught his eye.

“This what you’re working on?”

It was rhetorical and Y/N rolled her eyes as he leaned in and pulled the laptop closer.

“I was trying to match the carvings on the bodies but I’m coming up pretty short. They’re almost like partial symbols and I can’t get them to make sense. It’s like doing a puzzle without the edge pieces.”

Green eyes squinted and a long finger poked at the screen, pressing against one symbol. “Well, I recognize that one.”

Y/N perked up, scooting her chain in and shaking off the fatigue. “What? What is it?”

Dean stood up and took a sip from his beer. “I don’t know what it is, but that witchy lady had it tattooed on her left wrist.”

Her jaw dropped. “What?”

He shrugged and pulled up his sleeve. “Yeah. Like, right here. It was faded, and there was an extra little squiggly line in between the triangles, but it was there. About an inch below her wrist. You didn’t notice?”

Y/N’s memory blurred and she bit her lip. “No. I was a little… OK, a lot distracted. How did you see that?”

He winked. “I’m very observant.”

“You were staring at her tits and got lucky.”

“So were you…”

She slapped his arm and he huffed, going back to his seat.

“Anyway- what is it?”

Y/N clicked away at the keyboard and shook her head. “Not sure, since you said there was another line to it-”

“A squiggle.”

“A squiggle.” She rolled her eyes again. “But if it’s the two triangles pointed like that… it basically symbolizes fertility and the connection between the male and female elements in the universe.”

Dean tipped the bottle back and took a sip. “So, it’s a sex thing.”

“It’s not a sex thing.” She sat back, eyes on the screen, and took a drink. “OK, it’s not not a sex thing. But what does that have to do with the bodies piling up? And why was that… woman… all up on me? It was creepy. She was asking about us having a baby.”

Dean choked on his swallow. “She what?”

“Yeah. Going on about how I should want to have your baby and how much in love we are and yada yada. It was gross and frankly a little misogynistic and outdated and-”

A switch flipped in her head and Y/N fell silent, staring at the space between her and the computer screen.

Having seen this before, Dean waited patiently for her to return to reality.

She gasped.

“What’d ya get?” he asked, enjoying her thought process. It was almost as if he could see an actual lightbulb flickering on above her head.

“Outdated.”

He cocked a brow. “Huh?”

“Outdated. This whole town is kinda… outdated. It’s clean and fresh. Everyone’s happy, and way too beautiful and young and- Well… It’s kinda… stuck in time, don't you think?”

He shrugged. “I guess. What does that have to do with us having a kid? Which, again, we should discuss because frankly-”

Caught in her rambling mind, she stood up and spun, waving him off. “I already told you, I’m not getting pregnant. Not unless Chris Evans walks in here and asks nicely.”

Dean scoffed. “Asks nicely?”

She shrugged. “I mean- it’s… Captain America.”

He was on his feet in an instant, beer wobbling on the table where he dropped it. “Captain America?” He stalked towards her, eyes narrowed and tongue darting. “What’s he got that I don’t got?”

Twinkle in her eye, Y/N spun towards him and batted her lashes. “Oh, couple million bucks and an ass you could bounce a quarter off of.”

Dean tensed up, squeezing his muscles. “You can bounce quarters off me.”

“I could bounce a nerf ball off you, perhaps…”

Growling with interest, he leaned down and licked at her lips. Y/N shuddered and craned her neck up to him, wanting his kiss, wanting everything.

He cupped her cheek and wrapped his right arm around her back, drawing her even closer. She mewed as his tongue passed her lips, melting for him.

“Oh fuck…” Her body responded, tightening and heating up. As his kiss deepened, the light throbbing between her thighs caught her attention and she pushed at his chest, breaking away. “Wait. We can’t.”

He pouted. “What?”

“We’re working,” she whined. “I wanna get this shit done.”

Dean dropped a hand to grab her ass. “And I wanna get this shit done…”

The force of his grip sent a tingle through her but Y/N stayed strong. She clapped her hand on his shoulder and twisted away.

“I’m sorry, but we’re almost done. Just gotta figure out the why and the where and we can go cap this bitch.”

Dean sighed dramatically. “If you’re even sure it’s her.”

The memory of Bronwyn’s touch flooded her mind and Y/N grit her teeth against it. “Oh, I’m sure.”

#cotc #spn fanfic #supernatural series #dean winchester x reader

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alegocarmadein · 9 months

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list of my kane & feels fics:

Collected oldest to newest in a quick and easy way, with descriptions, the summaries, and warnings!

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The Shaman was too late

"He shouldn't have taken this case. He really shouldn't have taken this case. Brutus should have known from the beginning that this case was too much for him to do alone. He is standing in the middle of an old abandoned building on Sherbourne Way, staring at where the door out of this hallway should be. The door he just entered through. But instead, he is just staring at a wall."

This is a 13k word fic about Kane rescuing Brutus from near death, by adventuring through an everlasting plane of fog, mist, and memories. Ft. Shadow people, mist dog, big tree. Set after Wonderland II, before WHO. (this one has a piece of fanart from @/twomystdunstans linked at the end. it's so pretty) Was partially rewritten in February 2023 and it's got an additional like 3k now.

Warnings: Memory Loss (temporary for the main character), Temporary Character Death

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A Meeting With Death. Again.

"This was not the first time he'd seen a body. And he hoped to whatever and whoever was out there that it'd be his last.

Kane and Feels find themselves connected to a new, dangerous case, with a lot of stakes."

This is another 13k fic, set after the last fic and Twomys. This one is about Kane and Feels dealing with an interesting case, one that has ramifications. Has some lore that'll be important in my current series

Warnings: Gore, Eldritch Horror, Temporary Character Death

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Five Stones

"Brutus woke. He couldn't breathe. There was a deep, heavy, all-consuming pressure on his chest, a cold tightness around his neck, and a feeling that something was very wrong."

This is a short 1.8k fic about Brutus going through some sleep paralysis, and Kane being there to deal with the after.

There's a podfic of Five Stones by @/KD-Heart also linked at the end

Warning: Night Terror

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"Kane groaned.

"Have your cigarette."

Kane picked his head up out of his hands and mumbled, "I didn't want one, it's the fourteenth.'"

Quick lil 1.1k fic about Kane trying to find his cigarette case. He's in ADHD, can't find his shit mode that I totally can't relate with haha.

Warning: N/A

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A Waltz

"Brutus felt…elated. He felt light as a feather, free of all negative emotion in this moment. He looked at Kane, who looked wild. He realised there were red rosebuds, white wisteria, and purple nightshade growing in his hair and his eyes had wisps of the Shaman's sharp emerald dancing through them."

2k fic about Kane and Feels waltzing for magic!

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Warning: N/A

The Universe Gave You A Soulmate?

"After learning about Kane and Feels' destiny in the universe, Jennifer has some questions."

This short 800 word fic is just about drunk Jenny needling Brutus about his and Kane's entwined roles in the universe.

Warning N/A

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Next of Kin

"When Lucifer Kane's scrying sigil gets sabotaged, Kane and Feels are dumped into another Other World, one with golden rivers, fucked up crabs, and some arguments. To get through this, they'll need to trust not only their own memories and feelings but each other.

”You can’t be unhappy in the middle of a big, beautiful river.” - Jim Harrison"

WHOOOO BOY. This is my biggest published fic, sittin' pretty at 25k. This one is about Kane and Feels being teleported/sucked into a different plane, one of the plane of the river of the death and dying. They have some realllll fun in it. Ft. Relevant poetry in the beginning and end notes!

This marks the start of my first and only series, that I'm working on the third fic for rn. A Cairn of Stones is the second in the series.

Warning: Possession (not by a demonic entity), Drowning (doesn't cause death), Pet Death (not graphic, very peaceful, just sad, NOT K&F's CAT), Surrealist Horror, Unreality

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A Cairn of Stones

"Feels is…somewhere. He doesn’t know where. He doesn’t remember much from recent, but that’s not his biggest worry. He’s in a grey place of people like him, from many points in time. It’s okay. He’s alone.

His…partner isn’t here, but that’s okay. It’s all okay. He’ll be fine."

This is Brutus' perspective of what's happening to him while he's....uh....doing stuff in Next of Kin.

Warning: Memory Loss (huh, I seem to like this, huh),

Thirteen Letters

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Overloaded

"Brutus comes home to a passed out Kane in a room full of incense and other. Cool."

A quick 1.4k fic about Brutus doing his duties as a partner to an experimenting Shaman. Fluff, nothing else, really.

Warning: Kane is passed out due to magic-y stuff

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All the little ones can be read in whatever order you want (except for a Cairn of Stones, that one is tied to NoK), and the big ones I'd recommend reading in order.

"Brutus Feels had to leave his life to go to war. It went fine, kinda. Now he’s living in his late grandmother’s cottage, trying to forget the past few years, when he gets a letter from his old partner, Lucifer Kane. Their correspondence follows."

A story told in two alternating povs, always ending in a letter from one to the other. A 12k descent into madness. A sad love letter to psychoses.

Warning: mild body horror, surrealist horror, eldritch horror, character death (he's fine....kinda....)

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And that's it! Those are all of my kaf fics, we're definitely not just leaving out the super ooc fic that I should probably just orphan but I'm scared of doing it so I haven't yet.

All of these are set in the same universe, and all kaf stuff is canon within it, I'm not leaving anything out.

I hope you'll read any that strike your fancy! I put a lot of effort into writing these! I also hope that if you enjoy one, you'll leave a comment, because I love comments a lot.

Okay thanks!

#just posting so I can stick it at the top of my blog #w's fics #kane and feels #kaf #lucifer kane #brutus feels #jenny gospod #ao3 #:) if you've read any of these I love you #If you've left comments on any of these #I'm up for marriage just hmu #okay bye #relevant to my next fic

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grimoire-catechumen · 1 year

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The Secret of Secrets: A Ring of the Sun for an Oracle

Achieving communication through an oracle was a popular method of divination for Renaissance magicians and remains popular today. There are many methods spread throughout the grimoires on how to achieve this, but specifically the "A Cunning Man's Grimoire" published by Dr. Stephen Skinner and David Rankine offers many. This post will follow my process of creation for this ring and its effects in my life.

The instructions can be found in the book on pg. 112.

Astrologically, the Sun must be in Aries or his exaltation (19 degrees Aries) in the 9th House and the moon should be in the sign of the native's 9th house (Cancer for me) with a favorable aspect (trine or sextile) to the sun. A chart (Figure 1) in April of 2024 fits all but one of these requirements.

The Sun is in Aries, though not exalted and conjunct the midheaven. The Moon is also in Cancer. There are a couple of things I dislike, however. The first is that Mercury is retrograde and in a sign-based conjunction. Given his association with being a messenger of the gods, I can forsee this negatively impacting the solar oracle ring. The Moon also squares the Sun instead of being in a favorable aspect.

I attempted to find an alternative timing, preferably one not a year out. In April 2023 the Sun is in a similar positioning, but the Moon is in Sagittarius and in a trine with the Sun. While the Moon does not perfectly follow the grimoire instructions, my natal chart has the Moon in Sagittarius and it rules the sign of my 9th (Cancer), therefore, I find this chart (Figure 2) more agreeable considering other aspects as well.

Let us continue through the instructions with a date and time in mind. A pure gold ring should be engraved with specific characters and fumigated. Then a piece of root from a solar plant must be placed beneath a stone with solar characteristics. Specifics are included regarding the harvest of the herb, however, I think the most important aspects are to harvest in the day and hour of the Sun.

Pure gold is expensive and difficult to acquire, so I intend to make this out of paper. I debated the herb for this endeavor but decided on ginger for its solar characteristics according to Agrippa and because of its stimulatory nature. Before completing this work, I will create a ginger tincture and soak the paper in before letting it dry in the sunlight. Then I intend to cover the paper ring in gold leaf, carving or writing the respective sigils on top. Then a small section of dried ginger root will be glued onto the outside.

The book includes preparatory steps common throughout the grimoire (remain pure, fast, do not engage in unclean vices...etc) prior to utilizing the ring, though does not note a specific consecration (though, you should be able to adapt the call to the 7 angels noted in the beginning for this purpose if desired). When ready, you are to put the ring on they finger and enter your bed, speaking no words, but to meditate upon your desired effect and fall asleep.

When the time comes, I shall provide an update with pictures of the process along with my experiences!

#cunning folk #ceremonial magic #grimoires #grimoire #magick #solomonic magic #astrology #dream #witchcraft

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queenaeducan · 1 year

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2022 Writing Round-Up

I’m combining two memes. One I stole from @fiadhaisteach and the second I was tagged by @rosella-writes and @kittynomsdeplume!

Words posted: 29,339 (not including tumblr-only DADWC)

Additional Words Written: At least 6000 more, probably more like 7000-8000 but I don’t want to go wrangle down snippets.

Grand total of words: 35339 or something idk

Fandoms: 2 (although I have snippets for 4)

Highest Kudos: Remembering Well was not written this year b/c it was for a zine, but it was posted this year and has 22 kudos. Of things written/posted tho it’d be Because I Asked (explicit just fyi!) at 17.

Highest Hit Oneshot: Because I Asked at 217

New Things I Tried: I started posting my first long fic and published my first explicit/nsfw fanfic on AO3! I also can’t say writing gen fic was new but looking at what I wrote I really leaned into that this year which is exciting.

Fic I Spent the Most Time On: Probably The Ascent by virtue of it being a multi-chapter.

Fic I Spent the Least Time On: The Storyteller’s Game from my Tales of Fen’Harel work I wrote in an hour or so.

Favorite Thing I Wrote: Idk I’m rly fond of this passage from The Ascent of Solas and Thora coming to Cadash Thaig.

Solas takes the corner quickly, and grinds to a halt just as fast. Thora stands yards ahead, stunned to a standstill. Dust rises where she stopped, suspended in the air like a moment frozen in time, draped in daylight.

The Deep Roads, in their unknowable depths, have changed again.

Great chasms in the earth lend lease to the rising sun, grassy patches of green growing where the light strikes the stone. Beyond two guardian statues bearing sigiled shields, the roads open into streets lined with buildings: market stalls, workshops, and places he does not yet have a name for. But this place they’ve come to has a name, and they both know it.

“This is it.” Certainty steadies the Inquisitor’s words otherwise beset by passion. Still, she trembles. He lays a hand upon her shoulder and she settles beneath it. The trail of dust seems to extend up to greet the sky, like a staircase into the thaig.

“We’re here.”

Favorite Thing I Read: I received some really, really special gifts this year from the exchanges I was in, but most special of all was Comrades in Arms, Brothers in Broken Chains by @dreadfutures. It’s about Felassan and the ancient rebels of Fen’Harel. I also received proserpine, a beautiful F!Shepard/Samara gift for the Mass Effect exchange I was in by CoaxionUnlimited

Writing Goals for 2023: Work on my long fic some more, write for different fandoms

New Works: 14, including works reposted to AO3 but not including DADWC that aren’t on AO3.

Tagging: @ineedmyknightcommander, @delicatefade, @rakshadow, @mxkelsifer No pressure for anyone who doesn’t care to do this, I wasn’t sure if I should do it myself and I know these sorts of wraps can elicit bad feelings if you engage in them at the wrong time. Also feel free to tag me if you want to post your responses even if I didn’t tag you!

#i am not prolific and thats ok i say to myself over and over as i type up this post #tas talks #long post #if you look at the ratings they eventually spell EGG. i cannot believe i egg-joked myself #my writing

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tanoraqui · 2 years

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Maker’s Marks

Chapter 4: Old Friends (And Others)

Five people Celebrimbor finds again in Rivendell, and one he doesn't.

[NB: some new material, some previous published on tumblr but now partly revised]

1. Erestor (Friend through Shared Survival)

Imladris—Rivendell—was an architectural amalgamation that had no right to be as beautiful as it was. In this, it resembled Lindon's cities, but even moreso: Silvan rope bridges stretched between Gondolindrim towers, which grew like trees out of what Celebrimbor was certain, from the outside, were underground chambers in the style of Nargothrond or Menegroth. Motifs of birds and stars were predominant in the carvings on wide Indisian arches and twisting Telerin cliff-stairs, stars with four, five, six, seven, and eight points. Celebrimbor didn't even know all those sigils.

He had little time to appreciate the outer view, however, before he and his companions were hurried indoors (where the general theme did remain stone wrought to flow as smoothly as plant-life, all with an air of rest and welcome like just around the corner was a cozy fireplace).

Frodo was rushed off to the infirmary, his kin followed close at his heels, and Rivendell's seneschal finished directing people and turned to Celebrimbor with tired exasperation. It was much the same expression he had given to unexpected disturbances as the king’s chamberlain in Lindon, as a captain in besieged Balar, as a young Avarin refugee and aboveground-scout in Nargothrond.

Despite the circumstances, Celebrimbor couldn’t help but grin at the sheer familiarity.

Erestor, no longer young at all, shook his head and complained, “Noldor. You truly can’t help but turn up with as much fuss as possible, can you?”

But he, too, smiled as he beckoned Celebrimbor down a gently curving corridor, perpendicular to the one along which the hobbits had been bustled.

“It is good to see you whole and well! I’ll put you in one of the family guest rooms. Young Mr. Baggins looked badly off—Elrond will be busy for at least a day, unless I miss my guess. And you need a bed sooner than that.” Erestor wrinkled his nose delicately. “And a bath.”

[keep reading on AO3]

#the silmarillion #lotr #lord of the rings #celebrimbor #elrond #yeah i apparently cannot focus on work at home anymore ok #time to aggressively and guiltily screw my brain in the right direction #instead of...whatever i've been doing for hte past couple hours here #my fic

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paullovescomics · 10 days

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FCBD 2024, part 2 of 5

Romeo Vs. Juliet - So this seems to continue from the Kill Shakespeare series (hence the subtitle, "A Kill Shakespseare Adventure"). I have not read this series, so a lot here was lost on me. However, it seems to incorporate characters from many of Shakespeare's plays into one world. Obviously a lot has gone down since the first volume began back in 2010. It's interesting, though I didn't really know what was going on. I think I have at least the first volume in pdf, thanks to a Humble Bundle from years back. Time to finally read it?

Boom! Box 10th Anniversary Extravaganza - Similar to the other comic offered by Boom! this year, this one has samples of ongoing series. This time, there are four: Lumberjanes, Giant Days, Zawa, and Midas. The Zawa sample is a key moment from the first issue (I read that one, it's quite good), while the other three appear to be new. Giant Days is fantastic. It's like a sitcom in comic book form. I'm pretty sure I've read all of it, unless some new minis have escaped my notice (which is highly probable). Lumberjanes is well known, and very cute. Midas was new to me. It has a very different premise. Interesting. That's Zawa on the cover.

Conan and the Battle of the Black Stone - The last time I was really into Conan comics was when they were being published by Dark Horse. The IP roams around almost as much as the character himself. The current run at Titan Comics seems to have started fairly recently? Anyway, this FCBD issue gives you a look at the big story happening now, which has to do with a mysterious sigil that appears across time, and draws in various characters from Robert E. Howard's fiction. Some of the folks I'd never heard of. (Professor John Kirowan?) But I know that Howard wrote a lot of things besides Conan and Solomon Kane, including non-"genre" stuff like boxing stories. Pulp writers really had to grind out stories. This is written by Jim Zub, and he's written loads of good fantasy comics, so I bet this will also be fun.

Star Wars - Two stories in this one. The first one has our post-Empire Strikes Back crew of Luke, Leia, Lando, and Chewie going back to a location from that movie to rescue some rebels. It's neat, the call-outs don't feel too arbitrary (ymmv), but these stories with the main characters, set between the movies, with today's concerns about making everything fit just so, always feel hemmed-in to me. Still, it's a good read. The second one ties into the ongoing Darth Vader series. These have a little more elbow room, since Vader had little screen time in the movies, and there was little to no indication of what he got up to in between them. So we have a new character here, and a returning one that is unexpected. Even though this story is not set on Tatooine, I kept thinking that it was, because the planet is wasteland-y, and there's a cantina that would fit in there. It's not like lots of expanded universe stories haven't gone back there. I'm always at least low-key interested in the SW EU, but my reading mood hasn't taken me there in a while.

#free comic book day #free comic book day 2024 #fcbd #fcbd 2024 #star wars #darth vader #boom! studios #boom! box #zawa #conan #conan the barbarian #kill Shakespeare #romeo vs juliet #romeo versus juliet #lumberjanes #giant days #Midas #The Midas Flesh

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brightgnosis · 2 months

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The consecration of plant preparations […] is of utmost gravity, and this application extends to the Philtre. Objects take on power, whether by a passive or active dynamis. Direct focusing of magical power into a Potion follows the brewing: Prior to enshrining it in a Ritual Bottle, we impregnate it with Virtues of our own […] This Vivification of the Philtre is the culminating Congress of the Arte […] The greater the focus, the more resonant the Sorcerer's ghost with the Undine, the Herbs, and the Childe of the Arte; Ten are the Means by which a Potion may be vivified:

By the Quickening Wand […]

By devotional prayer and invocation of the Plant Genii comprising the Potion

By the transference of power by specialized fires, especially those arising from the ignified Genius of plants employed within the Potion […]

By diverse seals and sigillae, previously gleaned by The Way of Arte and then projected into the Philtre by magical means, by an enchanted Lens, or by the signs of the hand, tracing said sigil into the brew by means of a wand, stone, bone, enchanted blade, or by the very hand of the Sorcerer […]

By the addition of ensorcell'd Mumis. Philtres so made, where this means of empowerment dominates, should first begin by the collection and consecration of the Mumia within the Wort-Cauldron, with the Chief Familiar attendant.

By the harnessing of seasonal, planetary, and stellar potencies at specifick times and with materials of appropriate power […]

By the harnessing of rogue or ambient spirits of a Locus, such as by placing a Philtre in its [vessel] in a graveyard, crossroad, or in the hollow of a tree, for a set amount of time, thereby to lure a desired spirit or ambient principle.

By the transference of power unto the Potion by Words of Power […]

By the successive separation, recombination, and distillation of virtues by means of the Ars Spagyrica.

[10 has been removed for ethical reasons]

From Ars Philtron: Concerning the Aqueous Cunning of the Potion and Its Praxis in the Green Arte Magical, published 2001; Daniel Schulke (My Ko-Fi Here)

#Ars Philtron: Concerning the Aqueous Cunning of the Potion and Its Praxis in the Green Arte Magical #Daniel Schulke #Sabbatic Craft #Cultus Sabbati #Green Witch #Green Witchcraft #Natural Connections #Religion & Magic #Water Priestess #Quote

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chronivore · 1 year

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Cloaks, Courts, & Gonnes RPG - Sigil Stone Publishing | DriveThruRPG.com

#RPG

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rpgcovers · 4 years

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Vagabonds of Dyfed ~ Sigil Stone Publishing (2018)

#RPG #Vagabonds of Dyfed #core rules #Sigil Stone Publishing

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rpgsandbox · 5 years

Link

5e + OSR

Layout designed for utility

Streamlined gameplay

Highly compatible

Five Torches Deep (FTD) is a streamlined adventure game combining the best mechanics and principles of 5e, the OSR, and modern game design. The core of the game is familiar to anyone who has played 5e or previous editions of the game, but every mechanic has been pared down, modified, or expanded upon to create a coherently gritty, resource-focused, roguelike, old-school experience.

The game’s about tough choices, risk vs reward, and using as much out of character smarts as in-character mechanics. It’s just about everything we (Ben and Jess) have come to expect from an OSR adventure game: brutal, challenging, streamlined, and accessible.

Introduce 5e players to OSR

Modular design and layout

FTD is meant to ease the introduction of OSR mechanics and principles to those already familiar with 5e. The core is largely compatible with the current edition, but the more FTD mechanics and subsystems you add, the more “OSR” it feels. As such, you can plug and play to hack up your own amalgam of FTD and other systems.

5e skeleton, OSR meat

Succinct but complete

Modern layout for ease of reference

FTD is a blend of old and new, digital and tabletop. It loots the corpses of four decades of gaming in just 48 packed pages. It’s able to comprehensively recreate an authentic OSR experience while bringing plenty of new subsystems to the table. Heavier than Knave or Into the Odd, more concrete than the Black Hack, less epic than 5e, more familiar than the White Hack, and less “edgy” than LotFP. It hits the sweet spot between post-clone ultra-light rules and burdensome mechanics.

Familiar but fresh

Comprehensive adventure play

Favors cleverness over crunch

FTD strips 5e down to its skeleton and fleshes it out with mechanics focused on resource management, clever problem solving, and streamlined OSR gameplay. Combat is a last resort, magic is dangerous and wild, and every ability matters.

Character Creation: there’s only four classic races, each with a distinct method for generating ability scores and class restrictions.

Character Classes: warrior, thief, mage, or zealot. Classes follow the design structure of 5e (scaling proficiency bonus, class features at set levels, etc) with more specialized “archetypes” unlockable at level 3. These archetypes bring in classics like the Barbarian, Warlock, and Druid without completely reconfiguring the class itself. And with only four starting classes, it’s easy to roll up a random character at level 1.

The Zealot class, all on one page

Level 9 Cap: PC play beyond level 9 is a different type of game. FTD focuses on dungeons and adventure, not domains, strongholds, and cataclysms. This makes a tighter gameplay loop: delve into dungeons, fight monsters, learn spells, acquire loot, repeat.

Ability Scores: the classic six abilities return, but special attention has been paid to ensure that ability scores and modifiers have a mechanical impact. Your STR score defines how much Load you can carry; your CON how many hours you can go without rest; your CHA the number of retainers you can command, and so forth.

Default DC: the assumption is that (almost) all tasks and checks are DC 11. This expedites gameplay and helps make it more predictable and transparent for the players.

Advantage / Disadvantage: easily the most elegant bit of tech from 5e (and the games that they took it from). Enough said.

Inventory and Resource Management: a system to track carried load and supplies. Should you bring heavy weapons and armor or leave enough room to abscond with more loot? Equipment can be used, damaged, foraged, crafted, and repaired. The system adheres to quick but logical gameplay (no dice, no bean counting, but very light abstraction).

The rules on "Supply" and replenishing consumed items

Retainers and Hench: in proper old-school style, PCs are expected to travel with a retinue of retainers and loyal followers, called “hench.” There’re rules for specific types of retainers and the commands you can give them in battle.

Wilderness Travel: distances traveled and resources consumed depending on terrain, light, and weather. The interplay between Travel Turns, supply, and resilience makes for difficult choices.

Travel Turns: a simple system in which the GM regularly rolls on a table every hour in a dungeon or day in the wilderness. Travel Turns create a cyclical ritual: mark spent torches, reduce supply, note hours traveled (make a Resilience check as necessary), and track if monsters spring an ambush or stumble into the party.

Volatile Spellcasting: all spells can be cast quickly - demanding a spellcasting check with potentially calamitous results - or over the course of hours, which necessitates no such check. Casters then must decide if they are willing to risk wandering monsters or a potentially high DC that could result in loss of limb or sight.

Spellcasting is simple but harsh

Rest and Healing: rests have been broken into “safe” and “unsafe,” which have different mechanical effects on healing and exhaustion. There are few quick ways to restore HP, encouraging the need for consumables and cautious rest. High-level characters need days to rest sufficiently and heal back to full.

Debilitating Injuries: any time a PC is reduced to 0 HP, they will die unless an ally resuscitates them. After being stabilized, the incapacitated adventurer must roll on an injury table; many of which have consequences that result in permanent Ability Score damage. Parties beyond level 1 usually comprise of mangled adventurers that bear the scars of their past mistakes.

Monster Generation: Quick monster generation: refer to monster category, HD, add any relevant techniques, and done! Techniques and tactics allow for enormous flexibility in only a few pages. FTD makes monster creation or conversion a cinch, and can be done on the fly.

Tools and Principles: guidelines on how to get into the mindset for OSR play, an adventure framework, and even generators for charged situations and dungeon layouts (including a novel technique leveraging a classic six-color puzzle cube).

Written, designed, and laid out by Ben and Jessica Dutter

Game design consulting by Ben Milton

Art by Sebastian Rodriguez and Per Folmer

Graphic design consultation by Jean Adaser

Graphic and logo design by Sam Mameli

Every page and spread has been meticulously edited and organized to make reference at the table as easy as possible. Information has been contained to a single column or page or spread, and every sentence is concise and without fluff. The double-wide layout makes it ideal for planting on the table and being able to quickly reference the right section.

Careful consideration was paid to the legibility of the fonts, tables, and flow of information on the page. There are as few "widows" and "orphans" as possible, no paragraphs flow across two pages, and everything is internally hyperlinked and referenced.

Since the format is US letter paper (11” x 8.5”) it prints easily enough at home; perfect for group handouts. While we're going with a glued binding, the book still lays pretty flat due to its extra wide format and softcover. The book is being printed on the heaviest paper and highest quality color available from DriveThru, making it both beautiful and sturdy.

Kickstarter campaign ends: Thu, June 6 2019 6:00 PM BST

Website: Sigil Stone Publishing

#RPG #kickstarter #Five Torches Deep #Sigil Stone Publishing

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thegaminggang · 5 years

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The Daily Dope #380 - The Latest Tabletop Gaming News for October 10th, 2019

Jeff shares the latest tabletop gaming news from Cubicle 7 Entertainment, Gamelyn Games, Chaosium Inc, Ravensburger, Sigil Stone Publishing, GMT Games, and more.

#Chaosium Inc #Cubicle 7 Entertainment #Gamelyn Games #Gaming News #GMT Games #Ravensburger #Sigil Stone Publishing #Tabletop Gaming #TGG Media #TGG Video #The Daily Dope #The Gaming Gang

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pillage-and-lute · 3 years

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Hi, this is a Monday Evening Prompt: How about Jaskier coming to Kaer Morhen and bringing little presents for all the wolves? Could be his first visit or not. Have a nice evening!

Hi Petrificustotaluss! I really did some worldbuilding here.

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Geralt could smell the anxiety rolling off of Jaskier in waves all the way up to Kaer Morhen. The bard was practically vibrating out of his travel cloak. On the few stops on their way up the mountain he didn’t sing, choosing instead to pluck repetitive tunes on his lute.

Their last stop before the keep was in a cave, long used by witchers returning home. This last haven before home always brought out something deep and maybe even proud in Geralt’s chest.

The cave was not large, but deep enough that the weather didn’t permeate. Geralt lead Roach to the back, where centuries of hooves had worn a groove, and threw her blanket over her. Jaskier rubbed her nose affectionately, looking around in wonder, despite the fading light.

Geralt began setting a fire in the ring of stones left behind by one of his brothers. Two slashes were carved into the side of a larger stone. Lambert then, a sign left for whichever of his brothers cam behind.

Fire flared and Jaskier gasped. Every witcher who had stayed in the cave, since its presence had been discovered, had carved their name into the wall. Jaskier stepped immediately to the back of the cave, tracing names almost worn away with trembling hands.

Geralt took his hand and guided his fingertips and his feet closer to the mouth of the cave. Jaskier brushed his thumb over the V in Vesemir.

“Your name...?”

Geralt found it for him.

“I couldn’t read yet,” he whispered, when he found the marks he sought. “You know how the letters switch in my mind. Eskel told me what to carve.”

The names were right next to one another and Jaskier pressed one hand against them, as if he was trying to reach into the past.

“Lambert’s is here,” Geralt said, voice almost a whisper. It felt appropriate here.

Jaskier traced it gently, too.

They sat down to eat without much talking, unusual for the bard, but this much history could be oppressive for anyone. There were drawings among the names and Jaskier kept glancing at them.

After dinner they huddled together, backs against one of the walls.

“That one,” Geralt said, pointing to the back of the cave, “That’s the first version of the wolf on my medallion.” He had smelled the anxiety rising on Jaskier’s scent again, and hoped talking could keep it at bay.

“There,” he pointed again. “That’s Gawain of Ymlac’s name, almost faded. He’s famous, bards wrote about his fight with a knight, Bertilak the Green.”

“I know the story,” Jaskier said, eyes wide. “But the way it’s always told, Gawain is a knight.”

Geralt shook his head. “Gawain was considered one of the best of us, but he was no knight. Bertilak visited here too, but he could not write, few could in those days.”

“So his name isn’t here?” Jaskier sounded disappointed.

“It is, the rough carving of the tree, beneath Gawain’s name, is his. It was the sigil on his shield.”

Jaskier’s eyes were so round he looked like a child at Yuletide.

“There,” Geralt pointed, “is the name of another famous visitor. I wonder if you know him.”

Jaskier stood and walked over. “Here?” he asked. “Taliesin, I’ve never heard the name, was he from another witcher school?”

“No,” Geralt said, walking to Jaskier’s side. “A sorceror and a bard. I think you would know him better by another name.” He couldn’t resist the dramatic pause. Jaskier looked up at him, hanging on his words.

“I believe they call him...” Jaskier leaned in. “Merlin.”

“Never!” Jaskier cried, hopping back. “Geralt you’re pulling my leg!”

“I am not,” Geralt said. “He wrote notes in some of the books in the library.”

Jaskier was no longer nervous, hopping about in excitement.

“Which ones? Do you know? I have to read them all. Geralt can you think of the stories!”

Geralt chuckled.

“This one,” he said. “Is Aiden’s signature.” It was hard to read, the rock was soft, but carving was still difficult work.

“Lambert’s friend?”

Geralt nodded. “From the cat school. I think you’ll like him.” The pair of them would probably manage to burn the keep down.

Jaskier looked around him with a stunned grin. Geralt pulled out the heavy work knife he kept at his thigh and offered it to Jaskier, hilt first.

“What?”

“Well you need to carve your name, don’t you?”

Jaskier’s eyes filled. “Really?”

“Of course, someday someone will point out the name of Jaskier, the Continent’s famous bard.”

Jaskier grinned bashfully. He sat at the wall of the cave and scratched out his name. It was slow going for a human, without magic or mutant strength, but he did. Then he began a new carving.

Geralt didn’t ask yet, but restocked the fire and waited.

At last Jaskier pulled back, there was the carving from Geralt’s medallion, a lark, and a flower.

Geralt felt his chest tighten, but in a warm way.

That night, beside eachother in their bedrolls, Jaskier tossed and turned.

“Stop,” Geralt said. “Sleep, it will be alright.”

“The ground is hard,” Jaskier said.

“They’ll like you,” Geralt said. “You’re my-” friend, he wanted to finish. The word couldn’t seem to break from between his lips.

“Bard,” he finished lamely. “They know that, they’ll respect it.”

Jaskier gave a little twitch that was maybe a shrug under the layers of fabric.

“They’ll see what I see,” Geralt said.

“A fillingless pie?” Jaskier said jokingly. Some of the anxiety had gone, though.

Geralt huffed. “Everyone knows the crust is the best part, anyway.”

He rolled over and went to sleep.

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

They arrived at the gates of Kaer Morhen midmorning the next day. Jaskier was looking around in awe, taking in the crumbling architecture.

“It’s beautiful,” he whispered.

Geralt was about to respond but was tackled into a snowdrift by his younger brother.

Geralt laughed and tossed Lambert off him, only for Eskel to join the fray, the three of them scrapping and laughing, rolling about the courtyard.

Vesemir pulled them apart by their collars. Then he nuzzled Geralt before gruffly ruffling his hair. “Welcome back, lad,” he said.

Jaskier was looking on wide-eyed, but Geralt didn’t have time to explain the odd greeting because Eskel was next.

His brother gave him a rib shaking hug and roughly grated his cheek along Geralt’s, snuffling a little as he took in his brother’s scent.

Lambert, still a pup, didn’t wait his turn and butted his cheek agains Geralt’s other one, then delivered a bit of a nip to Geralt’s ear. He pulled back looking a little embarrassed, but the brother’s understood, sometimes the wolf instinct was a little strong.

“Um,” Jaskier said. Four pairs of golden eyes turned to look at him.

“I’m Jaskier, Geralt’s bard...should I greet you like a wolf or....?” He stuck out his hand awkwardly.

“A handshake is fine, lad,” Vesemir said, taking the bard’s offered hand. Geralt watched Jaskier almost not wince as his fingers were, accidentally, ground together. “The wolf is just a little stonger in winter for my boys.”

Geralt noticed that Vesemir’s nostrils still flared as he took in Jaskier’s unfamiliar scent, but didn’t say anything.

Eskel and Lambert both somewhat sheepishly shook the bard’s hand. Then the little party unloaded Roach and continued into the great hall.

Jaskier gratefully warmed his hands at the fire before sitting at the table with the rest of the witchers. He began digging in his pack.

“I, uh, I brought gifts,” he said, pulling out packages. “Since I’m your guest and all.”

Vesemir huffed good naturedly “still put you to work, guest or no,” he said.

“Of course,” Jaskier said. He looked around. “I have one for Aiden too? Is he here?”

“Eavesdropping,” Lambert said. A witcher slunk around a doorway and sat next to him, not even bothering to look ashamed. He was of a leaner build than the wolves, more wiry.

Aiden extended a hand to Jaskier, who took it politely.

“I’ve heard good things,” he purred.

“Thank you.”

“Heard you’ve tamed Pretty Boy.”

Geralt snarled, mostly playfully.

Jaskier smiled. “I get him to take a bath once in a while, I’m not sure it counts as tame.” It got a chuckle from Aiden, and Geralt felt his sanity slipping away already as he pictured their friendship.

“Um,” Jaskier said, proffering a package to Vesemir. The old wolf took it with a nod and pulled at the rough twine.

“Candles,” Vesmir said, looking at the slightly misshapen lumps in front of him. Four of them, in waxed paper, and an odd color, a pale, pale green. Geralt realised it first, but Vesemir said the name before him.

“Strydwen wax,” he said approvingly. “Burns without smoke or heat. Never goes out or melts away. Thank you.”

The ‘thank you’ was said with a resonance that Geralt had never been able to master. It sort of took up place in your chest and stayed there. Jaskier fairly glowed with it.

“For Eskel,” he said, handing another package over.

Eskel smiled at him and pulled apart the wrapping to reveal a large, leatherbound book.

“Poetry,” Eskel said delightedly.

“Newly published by a former professor of mine,” Jaskier confirmed. Eskel examined the cover.

“You studied under Rumi?” Eskel looked impressed.

“Six semesters,” Jaskier said ruefully. “He isn’t an easygoing grader.”

The final two gifts were dispensed at the same time, and Lambert and Aiden tore into their packages to find twin daggers, balanced for combat, not throwing.

Lambert admired the round stone set into the end. Geralt, trained in the same school, figured he was picturing bludgeoning someone with it.

“Twist it,” Jaskier suggested. Lambert gave it a go.

The stone on Aiden’s dagger glowed faintly.

Aiden twisted his and Lamber’s glowed, both fading after a few seconds.

“To communicate?” Aiden asked.

Jaskier nodded shyly. “I thought...for when you separate on the Path.”

Lambert grinned at him, his smile all teeth. “It’s perfect, I’ll annoy him with it constantly.”

The table descended into cheerful bickering and Jaskier sat back, smiling. He looked at Geralt and a furrow laid itself on his brow.

“I should have given you a gift.”

Geralt looked at his cheerful family, thought of a song that made witchers’ lives easier like a magic spell, a companion. He thought of a cave full of stories, with his and Jaskier’s carved together.

“You have.”

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Some history notes! Because I’m a nerd! Gawain of of Ymlac and Bertilak the Green are of course a reference to the Arthurian legend of Gawain and the Green Knight.

Taliesin is also a reference to Arthurian legend, being a famous 6th century Welsh bard, one of the first bards we know of who told the tales of Arthur (although many of the stories are based in pagan sun god myth). Over centuries, the name Taliesin sometimes appears in Arthurian legend as another sorcerer, a wise sage, a poet, a demi-godly figure, or another name for Merlin. I picture Jaskier’s story sometime much later becoming something like Taliesin’s on the Continent.

Jaskier’s former professor is Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, a 13th century Persian poet.

Also, I couldn’t resist having our wolves greet eachother as such. It’s too cute and I’m taking this headcanon as canon. Permanently.

#I'm a nerd your honor #the witcher #geralt #jaskier #vesemir #eskel #lambert #aiden #lambert x aiden #geralt x jaskier #could be platonic ig #i think they wanna kiss tho

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queercultleader · 4 years

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The Broom Closet Witch Guide

Hello, my dears! I’ve noticed since I’ve joined and also started posting, there’s quite a few witches who have to hide what they’re doing. The odd thing about me is that my family isn’t aware that I, y’know, dabble in witchcraft. It isn’t something we share at the Thanksgiving table. Living with a parent can make this difficult, though.

This short guide is mostly targeted at younger witches who are scared of their parents figuring things out or are in a dorm, however some of these tips can be used in other situations.

1.)

Altars

You may not be able to keep an altar in the open, but many witches use shoe boxes or old jewelry boxes to contain items. Mint tins have also been used to hold items or if you wanted to decorate the inside, you could use it as a way to pay respect to a deity. You could also use a suitcase to become an altar.

There’s some plane jane wooden boxes you can decorate at Walmart and Dollar General (that I’ve seen with my own four eyes, but obviously you can find them elsewhere). Also, I believe this is just a spring or easter type thing, at the Dollar Tree there’s currently decorative, small boxes of different sizes. The blue, glittery box at the end of this post is one I bought there.

I have an altar that’s out in the open but I also have a small travel altar I made from a mint tin. I have made a post about it previously where I discussed what I put inside of it and what the items’ purposes are-- that you can find right here.

2.)

Deities, Saints, & The Elements

It is not uncommon to use candles to represent deities but if you feel uncomfortable with owning many candles, you can get creative. You could gather rocks and paint them, draw a figure and cut them out, or use special items like coins or glass figures.

If you are wanting to have all the elements represented, there are ways to do this as well. In another blog of mine I mentioned that you could use fuzzy socks to represent fire because they would stand for warmth and comfort. You could use hand fans, small portable electric fans, or a feather to represent air. You can use a sea shell or a small spray bottle with water in it to represent water. For earth, you could collect rocks, dried flowers, or even make something from clay. Just like using rocks to represent deities, you could do the same for the elements by painting them with their symbols.

For my element rocks I created, they’re pictured at the bottom of this blog.

3.)

Resources & Books

If you’re scared of owning or buying physical copies of books, there’s still other ways of reading up and researching. Obviously, you have tumblr which provides so many ideas and tips. You can also find PDFs of books online through websites (example: PDF Drive). On eBay, there’s also very cheap PDFs of books.

Outside of this, public libraries still exist. You can read whatever book you’d like while you are there and then type in your phone’s notes what page you’re on. Continue where you left off when you return. There’s also normally library resources online where you use your library card number. Some of these sites are Hoopla, Freading, and Overdrive.

Lastly, there’s apps that can help inform you about astrology, moon phases, plants, oils, and crystals. I would suggest Plant Net, Spellcaster, Moon Calendar, My EO, Co-Star, Stone, and Picture This.

If you’re interested in tarot cards or runes, there’s apps also for this. I currently use an app called Rune.

4.)

Items For Your Altar

Using an empty candle holder, a small glass/ceramic/metal bowl, or a soap dish can have different uses. The candle holder or bowl can be used as an offering bowl or be used to burn sigils to activate them.The soap dish can be useful to become a make-shift incense holder or to also hold offerings or burn items. I have a soap dish shaped like a sea shell that is bowl-ish almost in shape that could work perfectly. To make an incense holder, use some candle wax to keep the incense in place.

For an altar cloth, you could use spare fabric for sewing or from old clothes, towels, and bandannas.

If you’re to buy any candle, a white candle is all-purpose. You could also use birthday candles. A small lighter would be perfect and discrete.

I also made a guide on easily obtained wands (that I haven’t posted on here, just amino) but one that may work perfectly if you’re trying to not raise suspicion —is using wooden pencils (yes, with their lead!). Some magical uses of lead include: concentration, protection, banishing negativity, providing stability, promoting contact with spirits, and etc.

5.)

Book of Shadows or Grimoire

Afraid of having your book found? You can use a secret language or.. use google docs or writing websites (take advantage of drafts, they aren’t published for the public but you can view them!) Google Docs can be used online or off if enabled in the settings. Writing websites used could be Wattpad, PoetBay, Quotev, Movellas, and etc.

6.)

Hiding Items and Material

You can always hide items in large books or inconspicuous places like pencil pouches, socks, and drawers. If you want to hide pieces of paper, try hiding them in scrapbooks, behind pictures in picture frames, or inside movie cases. There’s also hollowed out books that may be of use!

On apps like Instagram and Pinterest, you may find images of useful tips or spells that you want to save. To hide those pictures, you can install apps like Calculator+. This is a secret gallery of photos disguised as a calculator. You have a password you type in on the calculator and bam you get access to those pictures.

7.)

Divination

Pendulums are easy to make and take apart! You can use keys, rings, nails, and etc along with thread/string. If you want to make a pendulum board or mat to go along with them, they’re also easy to create. Just look at images of boards and make your own version.

I already mentioned there’s apps for tarot and runes but you can also use an ordinary deck of cards to read tarot. There’s guides online! I mentioned one guide in particular on my “Broke Ass Witch Guide: Dollar Tree Items” post you can find here.

You can also use dice for divination. For my pocket altar, I didn’t have any dice on me but I did have clay-- so I made one. You can do the same or maybe make one from paper using a ruler or an already existing template. However, I’ve also seen regular packs of dice at Dollar Tree.

Just A Note

Because I’m a sap.

You are still a witch with your current limitations and I adore you. Don’t threaten your safety if you’re in a strict household. One day you will be on your own and be able to do whatever makes you feel happy and complete. Witchcraft is not about expensive cauldrons, crystals bigger than Texas, rare herbs, and aesthetically pleasing photos for tumblr. Witches are crafty and adapt, they use what they have on them. Some items I would suggest as a basic kit would be: colored ink pens, a wooden pencil, paper, thread (for binding, for making a pendulum), a white candle (if possible!), a small lighter, a spray bottle with a mixture of water and salt (for cleansing), and your creativity. You have a big brain under that pointy hat, I know it.

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