Merry Christmas SatiricalDemon!

@thesatiricaldemon *waves* So you requested a fic about Daniel, Dommik, and N on an inter-dimensional vacation to one of my other fic verses...and the very first thing that came to mind was a follow up on a thread about a certain crystalline butterfly birthday present Dan sent to the Victors that my Secundus boy found very inspiring. XD So yeah, that's what you're getting. Hope you enjoy!

This Feels Like A Recipe For Disaster

“. . .and that allowed me to dampen the threat response! They still react if one of the flock gets injured, but it’s more of a ‘chase away the potential threat’ thing – they won’t try a full swarm unless you full-on shatter one of them.”

“Oh, excellent, excellent! And I see in your notes here you were looking to see if you could get different colors – I would imagine that if you added that lovely compound to the caterpillar mid-metamorphosis, you could get a truly acidic shade of green!”

“Maybe, but that also has a good chance of completely destabilizing the metamorphosis entirely. . .though I guess it’s all about how much I add. . .”

Alice looked over at the two, hunched over the main experimentation table in Victor’s greenhouse lab, and shook her head fondly. “I’m sorry, it sounds like they may be at this for a while,” she commented, turning back to their other two guests. “Victor was – very inspired by that little gift your Dr. Daniel sent along for his birthday.”

“So I can see,” Dommik said, grinning in that rather off-kilter way he had. Then again, Alice supposed that since he was really some sort of odd vampire-worm thing running around in a human suit (and how she wished she didn’t know that), it was only to be expected. “Daniel was hoping that he’d enjoy the statue, but I don’t think he expected him to try and recreate it.”

Normally it’s a bad idea for anyone to attempt to copy anomalous flora and fauna, N added, their cold gaze fixed on Daniel and Victor as they kept exchanging ideas on tweaks to the crystalline butterflies Victor was working on. But your husband seems to have a rare talent in that regard.

“Only because it’s a butterfly, I’m sure,” Alice replied, folding her arms. “Lepidoptery is Victor’s specialty. He can work with other insects too – we’ve got a hive of modified bees from a honey-making venture he attempted a little while back – and he’s got some talent with engineering, but butterflies and moths are where he shines.” She grinned. “Possibly because his very first project as a Touched was figuring out how to make them glow.”

“Oooh! I’d love to see that!” Dommik said, excitement shining through his eye sockets. “I’m sure they’re beautiful!”

“They are – and much less deadly than the creatures you lot apparently deal with on a daily basis,” Alice said, glancing between them and Daniel. “I thought Secundus could be a rowdy place to live sometimes, but after the stories you’ve told us of your world, it seems almost – peaceful.”

It is a difficult place to exist sometimes, N agreed. But we have found happiness there, regardless of the circumstances. They tilted their head at her. I do still find it interesting you do not exhibit the same Hume potential as the Alice we know at home.

“Oh, I’d love to be able to bend reality to my will,” Alice grumbled. “It’d make life so much easier. . .then again, your Alice seems to have had a very different life to mine, even if some of the broader events match up?”

“Mmm? Oh, yes – I’ve noticed your meta-narrative placement is much different from hers,” Daniel commented, looking up from the notepad he’d been sharing with Victor. “As is this Victor’s from the one I know. No waking up Emily means no potential for necromancy at all!”

“I’ll take raising butterflies over raising the dead,” Victor mumbled, scribbling something with a frown. “Hmmm – I’m not entirely sure that’s adding up right. . .”

“I’m just wondering where Smiler is,” Dommik said, looking around.

Alice blinked, then glanced over at Victor, who looked equally confused. “Ah – who?”

“You know – Smiler! Your themfriend?”

“Wrong universe, dearest,” Daniel said, with a slightly softer version of his trademark manic grin. “This romantic situation was resolved before their creation – though they may be here somewhere in potentia! Perhaps I could look into the matter!”

“Who are they?” Victor asked. “Other than a ‘themfriend.’” He smiled, tone light. “What, are we supposed to be a threesome too?”

Daniel laughed. “You could if you wanted to be! In fact, in studying the meta-verse for this trip, I actually located a reality where you and Alice are part of a nine-person polycule!”

Alice and Victor shared another, much more astonished glance. “. . .all right, now you have to tell us about that one,” Alice said after a moment, shaking her head. “Because I have got to know.”

Modron, Secundus

Image © @tredlocity​

[The secundus modrons actually have unique abilities, albeit class abilities from multiple other classes. They’re monks, clerics and wizards all in one. I simplified their casting a bit, in the manner of some of the other shared spell list monsters out there like gold dragons and guardian nagas, and gave them some abilities that aren’t just copies of character class abilities. I asked Tred to give them a crook and flail because the art for the modron hierarchs in the original MM2 always reminded me of Akhenaten.

Incidentally, if you want to make these guys even more complicated, I could see giving them access to a second spell list other than sorcerer/wizard. A divination or enchantment based secundus could use the psychic spell list, for example, or a conjuration or transmutation one use the druid list.]

Modron, Secundus CR 23 LN Outsider (extraplanar) This metallic humanoid is tall and gaunt, clad in robes. It carries a crooked rod in one hand and a jointed flail in the other. The symbol of a half-circle is embedded in its forehead.

The secundi are the most powerful of the modron hierarchs save for Primus himself. They are nearly unique creatures—only seven exist at any time, although when one is slain, a new secundus is rapidly promoted from the ranks of the tertians. They represent the domain of Magic, although Primus’ other domains (Artifice, Knowledge and Law) are all reflected in them as well. Their primary task is to facilitate the will of Primus however it needs to be done. At any time, several of the secundi can be found in the Great Modron Cathedral maintaining the Energy Pool and communing with Primus directly, while others are coordinating the efforts of lesser modrons. They are the final line of defense between Primus and any who would dare attack him, and great incursions into Regulus are met with a secundus response after an initiation of hostilities and the reports of scouts.

A secundus is well suited to this task of defense, as they are alone the equal of an entire regimen of wizards, clerics and monks. A secundus can strike with lightning speed, set up lethal vibrations in an enemy, and are capable of casting a wide variety of offensive and defensive spells. On the off chance they do not have just the right spell prepared for the occasion, a secundus can call upon the versatility of magic itself and cast almost any spell. This can only be used once per day, so most secundi typically save this ability for an emergency or highly unusual foe. The seven secundi each have specialized in a different school of magic—all of the schools except for necromancy are currently represented.

One of the many tasks of the secundi is to analyze reports from individual modrons and make suggestions for who is to be promoted amongst the hierarchs when casualties occur. Primus makes the ultimate decision, of course, but appreciates the plurality of viewpoints. This also acts as on-the-job training; each secundus knows that, if the unthinkable happens and Primus is slain, the next Primus will be chosen from their ranks. The secundus who commits the greatest act of service to the forces of Law within a week of Primus’ death will be the next Primus. Each of the secundi already has contingency plans lined up in case of Primus’ demise.

The seven secundi each have a simple alphanumeric designation, reflecting their order of creation and chosen school of magic. When a secundus is slain, the numbers decrease by one, and the new secundus adopts the number 7. Although there are no current redundancies in the schools specialized in by the secundi, it is not impossible that such a thing may happen in the future if Primus wills it. The seven secundi are CO-1, AB-2, TR-3, EV-4, DI-5, IL-6 and EN-7.

Secundus               CR 23 XP 820,000 CR 23 LN outsider (extraplanar, lawful, modron) Init 37 (fixed); Senses darkvision 60 ft., detect chaos, greater arcane sight, Perception +41, true seeing Aura shield of law (DC 28) Defense AC 40, touch 24, flat-footed 40 (-1 size, +10 Dex, +1 dodge, +4 deflection, +16 natural) hp 475 (27d10+297 plus 30); regeneration 10 (chaotic, force) Fort +24, Ref +29, Will +31 DR 15/chaotic and epic; Resist acid 10, cold 10, fire 10; SR 34 Defensive Abilities constructed, freedom of movement, uncanny dodge Offense Speed 50 ft., fly 80 ft. (perfect) Melee unarmed strike +38/+33/+28/+23 (4d8+12) or unarmed strike flurry +36/+36/+31/+31/+26/+26/+21 (4d8+12) or +4 axiomatic nunchaku +42/+37/+32/+27 (1d8+16 plus 2d6 lawful) or +4 axiomatic nunchaku flurry +40/+40/+35/+35/+30/+30/+25 (1d8+16 plus 2d6 lawful) Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft. Special Attacks flurry of blows, quivering palm Spells CL 20th, concentration +32 (+36 casting defensively) 9th—maximized cold ice strike (DC 30), mage’s disjunction (DC 31), mass heal (DC 31), meteor swarm (DC 33), overwhelming presence (DC 31), symbol of vulnerability (DC 31) 8th—maximized breath of life (DC 27), discern location, quickened divine power, greater spell immunity, fire storm (DC 33), maze, protection from spells 7th—forcecage (DC 31), greater scrying (DC 29), mass cure serious wounds (DC 29), quickened protection from energy, quickened remove blindness/deafness, resonating word (DC 29), spell turning 6th—antimagic field, banishment (DC 28), chain lightning (DC 30), disintegrate (DC 28), heal (DC 28), quickened mirror image, quickened owl’s wisdom 5th—cone of cold (DC 29), quickened divine favor, greater forbid action (DC 27), quickened magic missile, mark of justice, prying eyes, spell resistance 4th—cure critical wounds (DC 26, x2), fire shield, inflict critical wounds (DC 26, x2), imbue with spell ability, resilient sphere, tongues 3rd—archon’s aura (DC 27), dispel magic, fireball (DC 27), haste, magic vestment, prayer, searing light (x2) 2nd—arrow of law (DC 26, x2), bear’s endurance, blur, bull’s strength, magic mouth, spiritual weapon (x2) 1st—cure light wounds (DC 23, x2), identify, magic missile (x3), ray of enfeeblement (DC 23, x2) plus 7 0th--detect magic, read magic, stabilize, virtue Domain—Magic Spell-like Abilities CL 23rd, concentration +33 (+37 casting defensively) Constant—detect chaos, freedom of movement, greater arcane sight, shield of law (DC 28, self only), true seeing At will—clairaudience/clairvoyance, greater command (DC 25), greater teleport, order’s wrath (DC 23), protection from chaos (DC 19), sending 3/day— dictum (DC 29), dispel chaos (DC 25), finger of death (DC 27), geas/quest, greater dispel magic, wall of force 1/day—anyspell (DC 29), gate (DC 29), power word kill Statistics Str 34, Dex 30, Con 32, Int 31, Wis 35, Cha 31 Base Atk +27; CMB +40; CMD 55 Feats Combat Casting, Craft Construct, Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft Rod, Craft Wondrous Item, Divine Interference, Dodge, Gorgon’s Fist, Greater Spell Focus (evocation) (B), Improved Initiative, Improved Unarmed Strike (B), Maximize Spell, Medusa’s Wrath, Quicken Spell, Scorpion Style, Spell Focus (evocation) (B), Stunning Fist Skills Acrobatics +37 (+45 when jumping), Climb +24, Diplomacy +34, Fly +40, Intimidate +34, Knowledge (arcana, planes) +37, Knowledge (dungeoneering, engineering, geography, history, religion) +34, Linguistics +34, Perception +41, Sense Motive +39, Spellcraft +37, Stealth +29, Swim +24, Use Magic Device +37; Racial Modifiers +2 Perception Languages Celestial, Infernal, Modron, 24 others, telepathy 100 ft (81 miles for other modrons) SQ coordinated ally, coupled casting, fixed initiative, monastic training, school training Ecology Environment any land or underground (Regulus) Organization solitary, council (2-4) or party (1 plus 2-12 modrons) Treasure double standard (+4 axiomatic nunchaku, rod worth 60,000 or less, other treasure) Special Abilities Anyspell (Sp) Once per day, a secundus can cast any 8th level or lower spell from any spell list as a spell-like ability. This spell has the normal casting time for that spell. This is treated as a 9th level spell. Coupled Casting (Ex) A secundus can use spells with somatic components without penalty if it is wielding a rod in one hand and a weapon in the other. Flight (Su) The fly speed of a secundus is a supernatural ability. Flurry of Blows (Ex) A secundus gains the flurry of blows class ability of a 20th level monk. Monastic Training (Ex) A secundus gains Improved Unarmed Strike as a bonus feat, and deals unarmed damage equal to a 20th level monk. It also gains proficiency with all exotic weapons with the monk descriptor. Quivering Palm (Su) A secundus gains the quivering palm ability of a 20th level monk, except that it can maintain a number of quivering palms in different creatures equal to its Wisdom modifier (12 for an ordinary specimen). The save DC to resist a secundus’ quivering palm is Fortitude DC 35. This save DC is Wisdom based. School Training (Ex) A secundus gains Spell Focus and Greater Spell Focus feats for one school of its choice as bonus spells. It may apply the effects of these feats to its spell-like abilities as well, including to appropriate spells simulated with the anyspell ability. Spells A secundus casts spells as a 20th level cleric with access to the Magic domain. It may also prepare and cast spells from the sorcerer/wizard list as if they were cleric spells.

@redrowantree said Secundus looks like a Wojak face so I nearly died to bring this into the world.

English airship "Nulli Secundus"

French vintage postcard

Dune lore is fucking insane. I just finished the first book, and have concluded that Frank Herbert is a goddamn genius.

20,000 years in the future.

Matriarchal cult of eugenisist space-nuns with weird psychic powers

Houses that resemble the royalty of medieval earth, all still obsessed with power and profit over everything else

complex religions with clear inspirations of real-world present religions (specifically catholicism and islam)

Human supercomputers?? that are also assassins??

A prison planet that creates supersoldiers by killing the weak to filter out the strongest

the main villain being the physical embodiment of sin (gluttony, lust, greed)

politics. holy war. oppression of native peoples. false prophets. cults. drugs. worms.

and that just scratches the surface. theres five more books…

Momentarily returning to Tumblr for my SKYROCKET thoughts, in total:

I think the pitch is kinda overstuffed with blorbo-bait for what amounts to a really extended misdirect, but those are MY blorbos so excellent chance I would've enjoyed it on a month-by-month basis. Having on a mad whim recently read about half of the 90s/early 00s Superboy ongoing along with a few subsequent greatest hits, I think the actual core character arc and reconceptualization of Conner is smart and thematically justifies itself. I recognize this is reading stuff into the character that was not previously intended to be there and does not square 1:1 with every prior appearance, to which I say, welcome to figuring out new shit to do with collaborative open-ended characters who have been around for entire human lifetimes.

Skyrocket is a pretty dopey name though.

The look though? The look goes hard.

Sucks not to get a rare entry into the canon of high-profile queer superhero titles that wouldn't have been about the lead immediately finding a cool-but-not-in-a-threatening-way love interest and fighting a mystery evildoer trying to take over the world by doing A Homophobia.

How was it ever in question that Superboy: Man of Tomorrow was 'in continuity', it establishes that on the first dang page. And then still running the Action 'prelude' to this story that isn't happening? Some real nonsense.

"Conner Connie Kent is the Jason Todd of the Superfamily" is totally understandable, but nah, they're the Damian if Damian wasn't handled by Morrison and therefore a giant mess, as evidenced by 99% of non-Morrison Damian. If we as a society had guts and integrity, Kara would be the Jason, and then she would finally be cool. This has been my fandom hot take for the day.

My brand has been so cultivated that when "Superman Secundus" got a namedrop someone messaged me about it, lol.

The Stormhold Princes in Stardust (2007)

Karenna saluted in VIII Legion tradition, her hand in a loose claw, fingers touching her chest, above her heart – a sign of submission, offering the heart itself to a commander. Another gang custom, weaving its way down the years. On Nostramo, it had always meant a much more literal and visceral offer: to promise something so sincerely, the speaker would have their heart cut from their chest if they were found to be lying or incompetent.

Prince of Crows by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.

TERROR TRANSFORMED

14/10: COSTUME PARTY

The recruits threw a costume party to celebrate the spookiest time of the year!

They all had to resort to using face-paint since the never knew when a surprise rescue mission would pop-up; and they didn’t want any extra material to get caught in their transformation seams. Medix decided to go as the humans’ iconic skeletal framework system, though xe never really saw the appeal of dressing like your innards for fun. And Hoist went as an adorable black kitty cat, and it was so convincing that Grimlock nearly jumped out of his own plating.

Merry Christmas Ace!

@ace-of-tales Hope you're doing well! I remembered your request from ages ago -- another installment of the "Klaus, Leona, and company end up in Secundus" series we've been doing for a few years now, showing the Libra team battling a Blood Breed in the city and everyone being very impressed and intrigued by their battle skills. Enjoy!

Also That Is Too Much Blood For One Person

“I have to say – I really did not expect there to be so many ways to fashion weapons out of your own blood.”

“It is extremely impressive, isn’t it?” Alice said, watching as Klaus hit the “Blood Breed” – a tall, pale man sporting claws, fangs, and an expression suggesting he wished he was anywhere else right about now – with. . .well, to her it looked like an axe, but as Klaus kept smacking the Blood Breed with the bit she thought of as the “handle,” it was probably an overly-fancy blood sword instead. “They really know what they’re doing.”

“I should say – did you see the white-haired one? Zapp, I believe?” Christopher said, pointing him out as he darted away from a swipe of the Blood Breed’s claws. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone slice up a monster so quickly! And with a sword technically made out of liquid no less!”

“It looks like it crystalizes once it’s outside their bodies,” Richard said, extending his neck to get a better look at the action. “Though, in that case, you’d expect all those blades to be a lot more fragile. They seem to be able to take quite a few hits!”

“Honestly, I’m most impressed with Steven,” Victoria admitted, looking over at the Blood Breed’s minions, currently standing literally frozen in place on the sidelines. “I still don’t know how he did that, but – goodness me, he barely even blinked, and they were just completely out of the fight!”

“Leona told me that that particular party trick involves him turning drops of his own blood into little needles that burrow into his victims, allowing him to flash-freeze them,” Alice told her. “Which is – disconcerting, to say the least, so we should all be grateful he’s using it on the side of good.”

“Really,” Victor agreed, before flinching away as another gigantic spray of blood came very close to his face. It formed into a fancy wall, then slammed into the ground, just in time to halt the Blood Breed as he tried to flee. “I think we can say that for all of them, frankly.”

“Indeed – we’re very lucky that they’re all as keen on fighting and eliminating monsters as I am,” Christopher said, puffing out his chest slightly. “And that they were here for the day when this particular one showed up! I don’t know how well my own sword would have done against this beast.”

“I’m sure you would have been just fine,” Victoria said, with a loyal, loving smile.

“I just wish they’d end it already,” Emily squeaked, half-hidden behind Richard. “I do not like the size of the teeth on that creature!”

“I think they’re trying to weaken it in preparation for the final blow,” Doc assured her, as Richard put his arm around her. “What did Leona say? They need to learn the Breed’s true name before it can be sealed?”

“Yup – that’s her job, to try and learn the name from its aura with her special eyes while the others keep it busy,” Alice said, then spotted a small figure running up to the hulking Klaus. “And if I don’t miss my guess, I think she’s just figured it out. . .yup, here comes the dramatic blood again. . .”

A few more words shouted in a language none of them understood, and suddenly Klaus’s blood wrapped around the Blood Breed like mummy bandages, forcing his form into a T-shape before shrinking down and solidifying into an elaborate metal cross. Klaus picked it up, tucked it away, then turned and waved to the onlookers. “You’re all right over there?”

“Fine!” Marty yelled back. “Awesome work!”

“Quite the show!” Alice added.

“Very impressive!” Christopher agreed.

“How are you not all anemic?”

All eyes went to Richard. “Hey, it’s a fair question,” he said, shrugging. “None of the blood ever seems to go back in their bodies.”

Emily facepalmed. “Richard. . .”

“Uh – never really thought about that?” the one called Zapp said, blinking. “Until now, anyway?”

“Don’t start having existential crises now,” Alice called down. “How about some tea instead?”

“Indeed! My treat!” Richard said brightly. “I think we could all use some!”

“That’s for certain,” Klaus mumbled, then gave them a small smile. “All right then – lead the way.”

I Do Not Believe the Sith Could Have Returned Without Us Knowing

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 01:24:36

C.G. Jung, from The Red Book; Liber Secundus, “First Day”

Father Gale, are we sure Christmas is not actually a Jewish holiday? I mean it is about the birth of a Hebrew named Jesus, is it not?

Father Gale: I mean yes, Jesus was born to a Jewish family, but he's generally considered the "founding father" of Christianity as a proper religion, so. . . I just wouldn't say that around any Jewish people? It would probably not a be a popular opinion?

|| @apocalypta-secundus || Rogue Jewel Starters || for Leyre ||

Another cast to dust by her bloodied claws…

Jewel observed from the shadows, carving tool in hand. She had been whittling away at a bone, but at this point the project lay on her lap, unfinished, as another had caught her attention.

The arrancar was quick on her feet. She thinned the herd one after another with seemingly little effort. It was difficult to see from the shadows she lurked in, but it seemed like the woman enjoyed herself.

It wasn’t directly her problem so she felt no need to get involved. Why ruin ones hunt?

That is… until Jewel found herself a target of a stray. It crept nearer on its numerous legs, not a sound out of it until knew she noticed it.

A roaring strike from the beast forced the Shinigami out of her hiding place. Taking to the night sky, she descended in massive plume of the white fur that cloaked her, armed with a long spear of luminous blue ice in her hand.

In the distance she heard a choir of roars dying down, but her focus was elsewhere to give it her full attention.

Jewel landed on the top of the hollow’s skull and drove the spear into its left eye socket, causing it to screech and violently jerk in an attempt to throw her off. It didn’t work.

The right eye of the beast suffered the same fate.

She went on to impale it several more times before it began to fade away.

Her gaze darted in the direction of the herd and of the arrancar she had been watching.

Her spear was still poised.