[ Open In New Tab For Better Resolution]

[ open in new tab for better resolution]

Zombie apocalypse AU

My Miraculous Ladybug Salt, Maribat & Adribat Requests and Prompts - Masterlist

All Miraculous Ladybug Works

—–

A Visit to Princeton Academy

Summary: Miss Mendeliev and Bustier’s class take a trip to the expensive private school Princeton.

Wait, the principal there is your best friend’s uncle? Wow, Lila, that’s amazing!

—–

A Grandfather’s Love

Summary: Curious as to why his granddaughter missed one of their weekly baking sessions, Roland Dupain decides to figure out why.

—–

The Assassin - The Protector

The Protector’s Vengeance

The Protector’s Entrance

The Protector’s Plan

The Protector’s Battle

The Protector’s Defeat

The Protector’s Past

The Protector’s Aftermath

The Protector’s End

Summary: He was tasked to assassinate the girl.

Not devote himself as the Protector of her and her best friend.

Fox!Felix (Arctic Fox) Art by @i-will-be-your-ace

Arctic Fox Redraw by @krissykat0207

—–

Listen

Summary: Ladybug has had enough of Chat Noir’s pestering for a date.

Too bad they argued about it in public.

—–

Disappointed

Summary: Alya remembers the time she was severely disappointed in Marinette.

But she didn’t expect the tables to turn - and a strong sense of déjà vu when they did.

—–

I’m Surprised You Don’t Recognise Me

Summary: Lila decides to blame Marinette for prank calling the Fire Department.

Luckily her friends and family are ready to defend her.

—–

Angel in Disguise

Summary: Lila’s a demon.

Luka’s an angel.

One wants to steal souls - the other, protect them.

It just so happens the two are targetting one soul in particular.

—–

Cupcake?

Summary: King Monkey, or Kim.

The boy with a crush on one Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

And hero that is terrible at keeping his identity secret.

—–

It’s Your Birthday

Summary: Adrien knows she’s been tormented by the whole class - all thanks to a liar.

Wouldn’t you know, it’s Marinette’s birthday, and he has the perfect present.

The downfall of Lila.

After all, Princesses deserve to spoilt.

—–

Of Brothers And Beverages

Summary: Marinette, along with her co-worker Adrien, notice an exhausted teen at the coffee shop they work at.

Naturally, they decide to see if he’s okay - leading to a sibling-like friendship between them and Tim.

It’s no surprise that the delicious pastries Tim bring home catch his brothers’ eyes…

…and they decide to investigate.

—–

Domestic Anniversaries

Summary: As a surprise for their anniversary, Damian takes Marinette to the local pet store to adopt some animals.

And man, do they adopt.

—–

An Awkward Reveal

Approvals And Explanations

Headcannon

Summary: Who can blame Edward Nygma for being protective over his adopted daughter?

The very daughter who was dating Damian Wayne right under his nose.

It was only a matter of time until Marinette’s dad and uncles found out, along with her boyfriend’s family.

Now they want to meet her in person, much to the annoyance of the Riddler’s overprotective instincts.

—–

I Expected Business, Not…Babies?

Summary: Tim only wanted to complete his work in Paris - easily, peacefully, and most importantly, safely.

He didn’t expect to come across a villain turning people into kids.

Or one of those very kids thinking of him as their “Bwuda”.

—–

A Familiar Melody

Summary: Luka can hear a heart’s tune.

And can tell who’s is who’s - with or without the mask.

—–

Crazy Coffee Conspiracies

Summary: A theory about Ladybird and Red Robin dating…

…and both being aliens?

All it takes is an oblivious Adrien Agreste and one sleep-deprived Tim Drake to prove the theory true.

If it is indeed true, that is.

—–

A Mother And Her Instincts

Summary: It’s a mother’s instinct to protect her children.

And if said children happen to be Paris’s heroes?

Well, that only means that there’s more to protect them from.

—–

The Teeter In Your Tune Is Destined For Disaster

Summary: For as long as Luka could remember, he had possession of an ability that no one was aware of.

It was both a gift and a curse.

—–

You Were To Babysit, Not Abandon

Summary: Lila thinks that babysitting Alya’s sisters is a great way to manipulate the reporter.

Too bad she doesn’t realise what little devils they are.

Nor how a certain Adrien Agreste is so keen on keeping his friends, and their relatives, safe from her.

—–

A Bat Protective Of A Cat

Summary: Bruce Wayne, as the godfather of Adrien Agreste and practical brother of Emilie, takes it upon himself to save the boy from Gabriel and his emotional neglect.

Only, he didn’t anticipate the ladybug-themed heroine to barge in and try to bring back the partner that she thought to have been kidnapped.

—–

The Bad Get Outed In Bad Ways

Summary: You know the saying: ‘Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire’?

An akuma strikes Lila, with their goals unknown to most. It comes as a big shock to all when said saying ends up being true.

After all, she is a liar.

—–

The Demon And Her Angel

Summary: The demon Marinette Dupain-Cheng comforts her angel boyfriend after a falling out with his father.

And perhaps gives him a reason to think about if he truly wants to stay in heaven.

—–

Her Boyfriend, My Girlfriend

Summary: Marinette’s class is insistent on her turning up to a date with Adrien that Alya prepared.

What they don’t know is that she already has a date, with a boyfriend that none of them would expect.

—–

A Frisbee Flying At A Fiancée That Fled

A Dinner And Domestic Discussion With A Designer

Headcannon

Summary: Marinette and her partner Kagami flee Paris in an attempt to escape Adrien Agreste, and find themselves relaxing in a Gotham park not so long after.

Only for a stray frisbee to disrupt their date.

—–

My Cousin

Summary: By accident, Marinette and Adrien change Harley Quinn into a young teen using their magic.

What follows are shenanagins involving a jester, a liar, a dumb class and two hyenas.

—–

Queens Have No Need For A Prince

Knights Are The Ones That Save Royalty

Summary: Queens don’t need a prince.

What they want is a king.

—–

A Hidden Hades Hunting For (Hopefully) Her Husband

A Willing Persephone Is Welcome Whenever

Summary: He said he’d love her no matter what domain she ruled over - so why did he leave? Why did he not return to Earth?

Marinette makes the decision to make sure he does, and who knows? Maybe he’ll be okay with that.

—–

1K notes View Post

bossviper28

3 years ago

Yep

Reblog if you think Edgelor-I mean Goma deserves Love and Appreciation

11 notes View Post

bossviper28

11 months ago

Headcanon: Bowser fucking hates King K Rool’s guts, and that’s why K. Rool doesn’t show up more often in the Mario Kart/Sports/Party games.

Like, because, while Bowser is an imperialistic dictator, we know from stuff like the RPGs that he actually cares a lot about his troops/subjects, and there’s a huge degree of respect between them.

King K. Rool, on the other hand, is shown to treat his subjects/troops like shit, to the point where his chief mechanic defected in DK64 and one of his goons takes bribes to let you in to the bonus areas in DKC2, his mad quest for vengance for the Kongs ended up with him inadvertently fucking sinking his people’s homeland, and at one point his troops fucking lead a coup to replace him with a robot after said sinking.

Granted, he was the puppetmaster of that robot, but they didn’t know that at the time!

And, getting into wild speculation territory, I’d bet dollars to doughnuts too that the reason Krocodile Isle was such an ecological trainwreck before it sunk was due to his policies, considering what the factories he installed as a breachead on DK Isle would look like.

Plus, there’s the fact that his basic tactic of “steal his enemy’s staple food supply so they starve to death” is a foul tactic that I’m pretty sure could be counted as a war crime of the level Bowser has never resorted to; even when he was trying to become God in Mario Galaxy.

So, seeing all of this, it’s easy to understand why Bowser would be fucking disgusted with the guy, and would probably be able to convince even the notoriously-lenient Mario (Who has even let the guy who tried to keep him as a permanent painting join from time-to-time) to not let him come after that one time.

Ironically, I think that K Rool would probably greatly admire Bowser, given the strength and greater efficiency of Bowser’s army, as well as how Bowser tends to bounce back from defeat much better than K. Rool’s army…

I HAVE COMPLEX FEELINGS ABOUT THE MARIO SETTING OKAY! JUST BECAUSE THERE IS ONLY THE LOOSEST OF CONTINUITY DOESN’T MEAN THERE ISN’T WORLDBUILDING POTENTIAL DAMMIT!

845 notes View Post

bossviper28

2 years ago

Female Fett Cosplay

Albuquerque Comic Expo 2012 - Gallery here

Image by Sal Galindo

1K notes View Post

bossviper28

3 months ago

D&D Demon Lords and Warhammer Chaos Gods - Lolth and Slaanesh

(trigger warning: mature themes and topics)

Another, perhaps less obvious similarity is between Lolth and Slaanesh, and how Lolth possibly in part inspired the Prince of Pleasure (and even maybe got some inspiration in return).

Lolth, in her first appearance in 1978's "D3 Vault of the Drow" module, was hinted to have a connection to excess, including debauchery but also excessive ambitions. In the same module, drow society in the city state of described as: "The main ways of this ancient and depraved city are thronged with as unlikely a mixture of creatures as can be imagined. Green cloaked Illithids and Kuo-Toans rub shoulders with Dark Elves. Ghosts and ghouls roam freely, and an occasional shadow or vampire will be seen. Bugbears and troglodytes are common, as are other various servants and slaves of the Drow (dwarves, goblins, half-orcs, humans, and orcs are sometimes free inhabitants of the place). All are pale from dwelling in the sunless Vault. Trolls slink by evillooking men wearing the green garb. None are disturbed to pass a lesser demon or succubus, a night hag or mezzodaemon. These crowds part hurriedly for Noble Drow riding nightmares or the more powerful demons or nycadaemons (see special section at the end), but those of the Dark Elves with pack lizards must slowly force their way through traffic. Beggars of all sorts are seen, and half-Drow thieves, pimps, and harlots are as common as the enslaved human and elven prostitutes displayed before certain establishments."

"The tiers and dungeons of Erelhei-Cinlu reek of debauchery and decadence, and the city's inhabitants are degenerate and effete. (Those with any promise and ability are brought out of the place to serve the fighting societies, merchant clans or noble houses. The rest are left to wallow in the sinkhole of absolute depravity which is Erelhei-Cinlu.) The most popular places in the city are the gambling dens, bordellos, taverns, drug saloons, and even less savory shops along the two main streets. The back streets and alleyways too boast of brothels, poison shops, bars, and torture parlors. Unspeakable things transpire where the evil and jaded creatures seek pleasure, pain, excitement, or arcane knowledge, and sometimes these seekers find they are victims."

Succubi are also noted to be most probable to appear out of fiends in the city streets, even one Silussa, having an role along with her lover, the drow vampire Belgos. As detailed in the sequel module, "Queen of the Demonweb Pits", succubi are specifically mentioned among Lolth's servants in the Palace of Lolth.

While the city's decadence and debauchery aren't directly stated as connected to the worship of Lolth, it is suggested to be the case, especially in how the temple of Lolth is described as having: "An obscene tapestry at the rear of the temple screens a pair of double doors which lead to the lower level of the place."

"2) The bed chamber of the High Priestess is as lewdly and evilly decorated as the outer room. There are no spider tapestries here, merely opulent furnishings, including various jeweled objects of great value (13 items with a worth of 1,000-8,000 g.p each)—including a strange platinum rune set with black opals (if it is touched a nycadaemon is summoned, and it will expect something altogether different than the party of adventurers, so it will immediately attack!). 3) Behind the secret door is a cell wherein is chained an insane human of great strength (9th level fighter; H.P.: 73; 18/81 strength, 11 intelligence, 9 wisdom, 16 dexterity, 18 constitution; 17 charisma) kept here by Charinida for whatever purposes please her at the time. There are several whips and torture instruments on one wall, and near them is a gag and a ring of invisibility. Note that the prisoner is bound to the east wall where the secret entrance to room 4) is."

Lolth's (probable) depiction on the cover (by Keith Parkinson) of the 1986 compilation of the Giants, Drow modules, the supermodule Queen of the Spiders, might had inspired John Blanche's depiction of Slaanesh in 1988's "Realms of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness":

D&D Demon Lords And Warhammer Chaos Gods - Lolth And Slaanesh

The positions of the two are even very similar, if mirrored

Slaanesh is also described to look (to mortals) as golden haired, and in combination with this picture, fair-skinned, which seems less similar to Lolth...except how she appeared in the 3rd episode of the 1983 Dungeons and Dragons cartoon "The Hall of Bones", were she appeared exactly with those physical traits, in her human or elven form:

Along with the succubi, it's also worth mentioning Lolth is probably named and based in part on Lilith. Especially that the Hebrew form of the name Lilith, discovered in the Dead Sea Scrolls, was Liloth, Liliyyot or Liliyyoth.

Lolth's name is also curiously influential here. It's notable it was often misspelled by players and fans as "Lloth" since her debut, this even finding it's way to official sourcebooks and novels set in Forgotten Realms (first in the 1988 novel "The Crystal Shard" by R.A. Salvatore, but especially in 2nd edition (1989-2000)). It was in the same edition, clarified as an alternate spelling, mostly used in the city states of Menzoberanzan and Uluitur (and often on the suffrace above them). But in the first edition, and original 1986 Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay sourcebook (and it's reprints), we are introduced to a mysterious divinity of hedonism worshipped once by elves, Meneloth:

"•THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELVES• Largely untouched by the collapse of the interdimensional gateways, the Elves in their island Kingdoms continued to prosper. Their already considerable knowledge of Old Slann magic allowed them to control and direct many of the new entities. From amongst these beings, the Elves chose several benign creatures and cultivated their worship, including the hedonistic creature they call Meneloth."

Meneloth was for years thought to be somehow connected to Slaanesh, either as an alias or a Daemon Prince or Greater Daemon serving them, something this passage vaguely implies seeing Meneloth's connection to Chaos, elves and hedonism. The only "semi-official" confirmation of Meneloth's identity, is from a 2004 pulication for a French Warhammer Fanzine "le Grimoire" "Warhammer : Chaos - Les Terres Du Nord" (but one on which worked official Warhammer writers/creators: Alfred Nuñez Jr. and Anthony Ragan. As well as Stephan Foulc, but he only worked on official Warhammer stuff after this books publication):

Or Google Translated: "Slaanesh is the Prince of Chaos, the Power of Chaos dedicated to the pursuit of hedonistic pleasures. He is the Master of Pleasures, lord of excess. He reigns in a vast palace lavishly arranged in the void, where his favored servants cover the ground indulging in all perverse forms of carnal pleasure before his divinely graceful and ravishing eyes. He is represented by the peoples of the North in the form of an oversized albino serpent named Loesh. He is also worshiped by the elves as Meneloth."

Here is also mentioned the name of Slaanesh- "Loesh", also connected to a related alias, "Loeth", both similar to the "Lloth" spelling of Lolth's name. Or even more so to another spelling mentioned in 1991's "Drow of the Underdark, "Loethe".

In her appearances in D3 Vault of the Drow, 1980 Q1 Queen of the Demonweb Pits, 1980 Deities and Demigods and 1981 Fiendish Folio, Lolth was described as having 66 hitpoints (though it might had been meant 166 after D3 (as Gary Gygax described the appearance of Lolth there later as an "avatar), but 1 was lost in latter publications). Still, note that later Slaanesh' number was noted to be 6.

Also, in 1987's Manual of Planes, Lolth's realm is in on both on the 65th and 66th layers of the Abyss (and she is ultimately more associated with the 66th layer).

A very early depiction of a Warhammer female dark elf - "Forces of Fantasy" 1984. Note what seems like pitch black skin (like of a drow from D&D), and the the large spider symbol, akin to symbols of Lolth drow wear in D&D. It's notable in very early Warhammer lore, before 4th edition (1992), dark elves worshiped the Chaos Gods (with Khaine and Khorne being seen respectively as the elven and human names/aspects of the Blood God - as described in 1988 White Dwarf #108), especially Slaanesh. This artwork was also basis for the figurine described officially as the "Witch-Queen of Dark Elves", a seemingly a very early version of Morathi

Lolth, as stated above, is worshiped and closely connected to drow/dark elves, being their main deity. She was also described in some sources as worshiped also by other "depraved elves", something she desires somewhat secretly from her drow worshipers, to expand (along with worship among humans, which is also present).

Lolth, in her demonic form, "Q1 Queen of the Demonweb Pits", 1980. Also used in 1991 "Drow of the Underdark"

Her connection to elves, was first expanded in the original, 1980 "Deities & Demigods" sourcebook, were she was, in a legend described there, involved in the very creation of elves, as well indication she started out as something other, and fallen into demonhood, when describing the chief deity of the elves, Corellon Larethian:

"The god is also mighty in battle, and is said to have personally banished such demons as Lolth from the sunlit Upperworld. Elven lore states that the race of elves sprang from the drops of blood Corellon shed in this epic battle."

It implying Lolth has a connection to darker side of the elves, due to having a hand in their creation. And indeed, multiple instances of the drow origin, states Lolth sowed corruption in elven hearts, causing the origin of the dark elves (or alternately, corruption/fall of dark elves into drow elves).

(Latter descriptions of this legend, have Corellon Larethian's blood being spilt in his battle with the king of the orcish gods (and his brother) Gruumsh, and from this blood (and mixed with the tears of the moon goddess, Sehanine Moonbow), rose elves, while from blood of Gruumsh spilled by Corellon, orcs. Though even other versions, describe elves and orcs existing even before this event.)

Lolth's archenemy, Corellon Larethian, might also be an inspiration for Slaanesh, seeing as far as the very same 1980 Deities & Demigods book, he is described:

"Corellon Larethian represents the highest ideals of elvenkind: "he" is skilled in all the arts and crafts, and is the patron of music, poetry, and magic. Corellon is alternately male or female, both or neither."

Corellon is a highly benevolent figure compared to Slaanesh (described as Chaotic Good), if not without a darker side described in some later lore (2nd edition and latter).

Like Lolth is seemingly inspired by Lilith, Corellon Larethian appears to be inspired in part by Adam - both the physical Adam, as ancestor of humanity (and who, in some Jewish writings, is described as a hermaphrodite before the creation of Eve from his rib; the rib, due to it's ambiguous meaning in Hebrew, probably originally meant "other side" or "other half"); and the divine model and oversoul of humanity (and manifestation of the Abrahamic God to a degree), Adam Kadmon, also described as a hempahrodite. Adam Kadmon is not a Biblical figure, but from Jewish (originally), as well as Christian and Gnostic mysticism. His name might be in part derived from an alternate name of Adam Kadmon - Adam Elyon. Corellon - Cor Ellon - Cor Elyon (Elyon is also one of God's names).

The battle of Corellon Larethian and Lolth. The Complete Book of Elves, 1993

Other elven gods though - the pantheon being called "Seldarine" - are also described as malleable in terms of sex and gender - first in 1980s Dragon #62 (their proper debut) 2 elven deities were described as such - Labelas Enoreth (god of longlivety, time and history) and Hanali Celanil (goddess of love, romance, beauty, fine art, artisans and artists), and in 1992's "Monster Mythology" all of the Seldarine were described as having malleable sex and gender (if there is one their appear/are represented more often as). Lolth was described in 2nd edition as a fallen member of the Seldarine in 1994's "Planes of Chaos" (if being, arguably, implied being such since 1980 Deities & Demigods). So despite her misandry, sharing the sex and gender malleable nature of the Seldarine. Though so do demons in general, as I wrote in my post about Graz'zt and Slaanesh, and it's notable as I mentioned in my other post, Lolth's was not always portrayed as a misandrist, and some modern publications do imply her misandry is at least partially "performative".

As expanded in 1998's "Demihuman Deities", and even more in the same year's novel "Evermeet: Island of Elves" by Elaine Cunningham, Lolth was originally Araushnee, the lesser elven goddess of destiny and artisans, and wife and lover of Corellon Larethian (adding a further layer to their status as each others nemesis), that was cast out and transformed into a demon after an attempted murderous coup, and several other attempts at Corellon's life, and attempts to replace him. The artisan part of her portfolio was curiously taken over by the mentioned above Hanali Celanil.

4th edition depiction of Corellon's and Lolth's battle. Dragon #394, 2010

As I mentioned above, Lolth, despite sexuality, lust, desire decadence or debauchery usually not being described as part of her divine portfolio, Lolth is described as beings deeply connected to lusts and desires, as well excess. In 2nd editions 1991's "Drow of the Underdark" (this and other details, repeated in "Demihuman Deities"), Lolth's avatar was described as basically having a seduction attack, like a succubus (or akin to Slaanesh supernatural charm that seduce anyone), and some other interesting details, like being implied to be amorous to a degree towards mortals, regardless of gender:

"Even more, Lolth enjoys corrupting elves and humans to her service. In drow form, her direct physical embrace can act as a charm person (save at -4) on a human or demi-human of either sex. She customarily leaves a poisonous spider to aid, guard, and keep watch on those who personally serve her, and gives them any one magical item that she possesses or one magical item that she possesses or can seize. Lolth can appear kind, rendering aid to those she fancies but she really cares only for herself; her favor and aid can never be relied on."

"She enjoys the company of spiders of all sorts; when in drow form, she often clothes herself entirely in clinging spiders."

Lolth, clothed only in spiders, webs and her crown, surrounded by most members of the Dark Seldarine. "Demihuman Deities", 1998

Demihuman Deities also gives, I think for the first time, one of Lolth's titles the "Mother of Lusts".

Lolth's drow form, clothed in what either seems like chitinous armor/clothing, and some spiders crawling on her, or her clothes/armor are are conglomeration and/or merging of various arthropods, including centipedes. "Faiths and Pantheons", 2002

3rd edition also describes Lolth as having access, and giving access to the Lust Domain (along with the Envy, Pride and Wrath Domains) in the 2004 "Seven Deadly Domains" article in Dragon #323 (also stated in 2005's "Spell Compedium").

Lolth's demon form, as described in 3rd edition, murdering curbstomping "fighting" some elves. Note the 6 antennae on her head, as well as having 6 eyes. "Complete Divine", 2004

Lolth is also noted to value incredibly personal ambitions, and courage to do anything to fulfill it. This is why she "forgives" worshipers breaking her rules in pursuit of ambitions (if they aren't caught or get away with it) and even a number of priestesses, that for personal ambition, betray her, and worship her son and enemy, Vhaeraun, if they return to her in pursuit of her ambitions, and even giving them powers during their betrayal, like was with Shakti Hunzrin. And as was with the mentioned in my Graz'zt post Eclavdra, as described in 2006 "Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss" returning to Lolth after betraying her to the worship and service of the Elder Elemental God and Graz'zt (both great enemies of Lolth), explaining to the demon godess she done it in pursuit of her ambition, and recognizing Lolth as the superior master among all of them, was rewarded the position of the highest priestess of Lolth in the whole multiverse, and later (in 4th edition), Lolth even gifted her with a level of divinity.

In general, even Lolth encouraging a level of betrayal among drow (what makes many compare her to Tzeentch), can all be seen as a form of excess (and seeking to fulfill ambitions at all cost), liking her even more to Slaanesh.

A (kinda) more erotic and well, weird version of Lolth (or her avatar) in her demonic form, torturing an elf. "The Book of Vile Darkness", 2002

And in Ravenloft, in the Domain of Dread, Lolth's aspect there, the Spider Queen (as described in 2004's Ravenloft Gazetter V), does have hedonism as part of divine portfolio, and it as a crux of her worshipers dogma among Shadow Elves (pretty much entirely) from the Unseelie court. Their dogma being: "Pleasure is the only goal worth pursuing, and it must be sought ceaselessly and without thought for the consequences. Take what you want. Other people do not matter; they exist only as objects of or hurdles to your satisfaction. If they are hurdles, they must be dealt with harshly, and dealing with them is itself a source of pleasure. Murder, deception, hatred and pain are all art forms, and the Spider Queen favors those who master them. Spiders, who live only for themselves and kill their mates once satisfied, are the perfect animals. You must be as selfish, deceptive and sadistic as they are. The Spider Queen helps those who help themselves."

The Shadow Prince (and the ruler) of the Unseelie Court of the Shadow Elves, Loht, while being evil (though not monstrously so), also is against and roots out the worship of the Spider Queen, like Malekith, the Witch-king of Dark Elves in Warhammer is towards the worship of Slaanesh among Dark Elves. (These details were first mentioned in the 1997 "Domains of Dread" Ravenloft campaign setting and 1998 "The Shadow Rift" module).

Lolth, cocooning her victim. Lolth, Spider Queen Magic: The Gathering card, "Adventures in the Forgotten Realms" expansion, 2021

Though as opposed to Slaanesh, Lolth is one of, if not the powerful demon lord since second edition, specifically 1995 "Monstrous Compendium - Planescape Appendix II", were Graz'zt (who was discussed earlier) and Demogorgon (holder of the title of the "Prince of (all) Demons" (and technically the strongest of demons), both at least to a degree, fear Lolth: "Even a demipower such as Demogorgon or Graz’zt prefers not to aggravate the Spider Queen needlessly, and interfering with Lolth’s handmaidens is a quick way to draw her attention."

There is some caveat to this, and certain Demon Lords are implied to be possibly/potentially even superior to Lolth (the Pale Night) in their full power, or if they gain (Demogorgon), or regain (Obox-Ob) their full power. And Lolth is usually not interested in ruling the Abyss, her focus more being on the Material Plane.

While Slaanesh is usually the weakest of the 4 Chaos Gods (if still more powerful than everything else), but since at least the 1997 5th Edition Warhammer Armies: Realm of Chaos, it is stated Slaanesh in time will probably become the most powerful Chaos God.

Lolth is also served by Type III Demons (later known known as Glabrezu), even having a closer connection since start.

Lolth (in drow form, in the middle) along with a Type III demon/Glabrezu (on the left) and Type II Demon/Hezrou (on the right). Q1 Queen of the Demonweb Pits, 1980

As even from the start, not only they were among her minions, in Vault of the Drow there was a Lolthite artifact, the Demon Staff, that allowed a Priestess of Lolth to transform into a Glabrezu.

Why this is is important? Well Type III demons/Glabrezu very probably were an inspiration for Warhammer's Keepers of Secrets:

Artwork of a Glabrezu/Type III demon from the original 1977 Monster Manual

Artworks of Keepers of Secrets from "Realms of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness". This design is the closest to Glabrezu (if less canine and depending on Daemon, more goat-like or bovine), though later designs also retain a certain similarity

Glabrezu are powerful (physical and magically) and manipulative demons, that corrupt mortals. In canon compared and contrasted to succubi, who pray on lust, Glabrezu pray on desire for power in all forms of it. Later lore curiously further connects Glabrezu and Lolth, and her worship. As first detailed in the 1990 Homeland novel by R.A. Salvatore, Drow have a ritualistic initiation orgy as form of Lolth worship - the Ceremony of Graduation/Day of Graduation (itself a further similarity between Lolth and Slaanesh worship), were the graduating students engage in sex with each other. Demons might also be summoned (and also engage in the orgy), including more often than sometimes a Glabrezu

A drow priestess summoning a Glabrezu, from the 2012 "Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue"

In 3rd edition, it was further specified this is one of the occasions were a Draegloth (a child of a drow priestess and Glabrezu) could be conceived.

3rd edition artwork of a Draegloth from 2001 "Monster Compendium: Monsters of Faerûn"

A (male) Draegloth restraining an elf, 4th Edition Monster Manual 3, 2010

A less monstrous female Draegloth, an idea from 4th edition (originally there was not much sexual dimorphism between males and female Draegloths). Notice similarities similarities to contemporary 2006 depictions of Keepers of Secrets, as seen bellow. 2008 "Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide"

The Keper of Secrets Zarakynel, 2006 Imperial Armour Update

Another notable (even most notable) species of demons that serve Lolth, are the Yochlol, also known as "Lolth’s handmaidens".

Yochlol, fighting adventures, in both their "true" amorphous, eight-tentacled form (left) and giant spider form (right). Q1 Queen of of the Demonweb Pits, 1980

Yochlol are notable as having several forms - the two seen on the illustration (amorphous and giant spider), gaseous one, and of a female humanoid form (almost always of a highly attractive drow, other elven form, or human form) that can be changed. In their first appearance in 1980 Queen of the Demon Web Pits, they used their form as beautiful women in silken gowns, to try to fool and manipulate the player characters.

1991 "Drow of the Underdark" expands quite a lot about them. It reveals they can near perfectly hide their alignment (morality) (even from alignment detecting spells), and that they are fully devoted to Lolth, as opposed to more mercenary nature of most demons in D&D. They are also described there as being able to seduce mortals very well, but also stated to often actually love their mortal lovers (if rather selfishly), and avenge them if they are killed.

The Yochlols origin is fully described/revealed in 2006's "Fiendish Codex I: The Hordes of the Abyss", stating Lolth created the first Yochlol by severely modifying succubi, essentially making them a succubi species, if one fully loyal to Lolth, with different abilities. Lolth though most commonly now creates new Yochlol from souls of her deceased priestesses, or by transforming weaker demons. As well still having normal succubi serving her.

Yochlol, shifting between it's amorphous and drow forms. "Demon Queen's Enclave", 2008

There were some hints of it before - their abilities and tactics being similar to a succubus' in D&D, or succubi-like. In first edition, the Yochlol's gaseous form, being a equivalent of the succubus' ethereal form, Domination of Succubus' Charm Person. The above mentioned "Monstrous Compendium - Planescape Appendix II", expanded on Yochlol tactics and abilities, stating that Yochlol often first "uses its beauty and charm to beguile its opponents". It also gave the Yochlol a Charm Person ability along Domination, as well as an interesting psionic ability - "Attraction" - that "creates an overwhelming attraction to a particular person or thing - be it an item, creature, action, or event".

4th Edition's Monster Manual II from 2009, also gave Yochlol the "Seductive Glare", ability that can Charm an opponent, further exploring the similarity between Succubi and them.

Again, this is a one heck of a long post. To think I originally wanted to make this and the post about Graz'zt one ^^; I also considered posting first the possible inspirations for Tzeentch by Fraz-Urb'luu and Pazuzu, but this one was already partially finished.

[EDIT]

Corrected some mistakes, and expanded on two subjects (another official in-universe spelling/form of Lolth's name that could inspire Slaanesh' names and on Yochlol).

42 notes View Post

bossviper28

11 months ago

What’s Going On with the Ears in Hyrule?

(Or: A Needlessly Comprehensive Deep-Dive into the Myst-EAR-ious Duality of Round-Eared Humans and Long-Eared Hylians, a Very S-EAR-ious Write-Up)

As some of you may remember from a few months back, I made an off-hand comment about my ideas surrounding the disparities between the different types of ears we see in Hyrule’s human citizens, and my desire to further expand on that at a later date. No, that was not a joke, and yes, I am finally Doing the Dang Thing. So! Let’s get started.

Long-time fans of the series will know that Hylians are a race of humans in the world of The Legend of Zelda with long, elf-like ears. Hylians most always dominate the land of Hyrule in nearly every installment in the series, with round-eared humans only making their first appearance in Link’s Awakening, a game that - spoiler alert - was all a dream in the first place. And though plain old humans again appear in the lands of Holodrum and Labrynna in the follow-up Oracle games, it is very in keeping with the theme of this blog that their most notable appearance happens to be in Twilight Princess.

Though it is never remarked upon in-game, Link is the only Hylian in a village filled with humans, such as Ilia and Rusl, leading the player to assume that he was not Ordon-born. Other notable examples include Ashei, who hails from the mountains, and even the inhabitants of (New) Kakariko (though only three in number) are all mere humans. The Hylians of this game seem to be centralized around Castle Town, with notable members including Telma, Shad, and Auru of the Resistance, and naturally, Zelda herself. Yet as I’ve already stated, the fact that there are two different sets of ears among the humans is never even a topic of conversation; it makes you wonder why the developers bothered to make the distinction at all, and indeed, plenty of fans have never even noticed that such a disparity exists. I certainly didn’t notice when I was ten years old, playing through Twilight Princess for the very first time - but we’ve come a long way since then, and I am delighted to finally be able to tell everyone why I think this disparity exists, and how it has bled into other aspects of the series. Let’s back away from Twilight Princess for a moment; all good theories have a beginning, and this one is no different. To understand where this all began, we must look thousands of years into the past, to Skyward Sword. More specifically, this all started…