Cinnamon

Asexual aromantic model Yasmin Benoit

https://www.edx.org/school/harvardx

But TBH I prefer the MIT Open Coursewear approach. Feel like taking a class on the policy and economics of nuclear engineering? MIT’s got you covered:

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/find-by-topic/#cat=engineering&subcat=nuclearengineering&spec=nuclearsystemspolicyandeconomics

In fact they’ve got  you covered with A LOT of their courses, everything from fine arts to immunology.

wagnetic:

plinytheyounger:

be-there-now-in-a-minute:

You, Legolas, are fucking lost.

@queenofglitches

#do your elf eyes see a damn compass

Also, he looks so much like Thranduil with his hair down, I love it!

How to Tell

So (according to the concept art book) as the Fellowship travels deeper into Middle Earth, the places they pass through become inspired by progressively older periods of history. The farther along you are in the story, the more ancient the design influences

We begin in The Shire: which feels so familiar because, with its tea-kettles and cozy fireplaces, it’s inspired by the relatively recent era of rural England in the 1800s

But when we leave Hobbiton, we also leave that familiar 1800s-England aesthetic behind and start going farther back in time. 

Bree is based on late 1600s English architecture

Rohan is even farther back, based on old  anglo-saxon era architecture (400s-700s? ce)

Gondor is way back, and no longer the familiar English or Anglo-Saxon: its design comes from classical Greek and Roman architecture

And far far FAR back is Mordor. It’s a land of tents and huts: prehistoric, primitive, primeval. Cavemen times

And the heart of Mordor is a barren lifeless hellscape of volcanic rock…like a relic from the ages when the world was still being formed,  and life didn’t yet exist

And then they finally reach Mount Doom, which one artist described as 

“where the ring was made, which represents, in a sense, the moment of creation itself”

Elves are noble, proud, highly intelligent, as well as caring. However, they are very distant creatures. They love strong, yet their love is hard to earn. So if you catch yourself gaining the affection of an elf, know it is very difficult for them to open up, for their race doesn’t show emotion so easily beside the polite ‘happy’ conversations at meetings or parties.

To initiate the courtship, the male elf must invite the other to a night of craft. This is the night where the male tries its best to impress the other, showing off what they do best. Painting? They will fill the hall with their work and possibly ask to paint a portrait of you to show off their skill. Baking? They will have tables of their best creations lined up alongside your favorites.

This shows the love that you’re capable of, to show the courtee how you can love them just like how you love your art form. The courted will let the male know their affection right away, for all elves know this as a symbol of beginning courtship. If the relationship is between two males or two females, then the courtship is simply done by the elder of the two. Even if the age difference is two days, it counts. Cross-raced relationships are considered rare in the elven community, so the first thing in that courtship is to explain each side of the courtship rituals to understand what the other may be doing as a sign of affection and want.

At this point, the courtship hasn’t officially started, but it has been initiated. To officially begin the courtship, the two must go to the courtee’s parents. The older of the two, or the male, shall go to the other’s parents and request permission for the two to court. While elvish couples are said to be one per lifetime, like soulmates, it isn’t uncommon for parents to disapprove and to request the courtship to be ended. This won’t be out of politics or hatred, the parents act out of protectiveness of the child. Elves are very protective beings. If the parents agree, the couple will be sent to a house separate from all influence. This can be in the woodland, a cabin in the mountains, or even as far away as the Shire. This is the trust establishment phase.

Elves can be extremely distant, no one truly knows each other unless they’ve been friends since birth. Because of this, this is a time for both participants to get to know each other with no influences of parents or political standing. The couple can spend however long they need to get to know each other, however, the typical stay is around two months. This is a perfect amount of time for the couple to get used to living with each other and to get used to being open with each other for a long time.

This is where courtship truly comes into play. During the time the couple is alone, they will present each other with a plant. Nature is especially important to elves, it shows how you can care for your partner. By the end of the two months, both of the plants should be alive and healthy. This symbolizes the care and importance that the elf will have for you. If the plant is dead or sick by the end of the typical two month period, it shows negatively to the other that you won’t take the courtship and their love seriously.

When the couple has been together long enough, the courtee will decide if they would like to marry. Elves believe marriage is eternal, as they are (traditionally) immortal, your love should last as long as their life. So, if the courtee decides that the pairing isn’t fit for a lifetime, the courtship is cut off and the two shall go their separate ways. This is decided by the younger of the two or the female in the relationship. If the courtee agrees to marriage, the male or the oldest will craft a braid clasps out of pure moonstone. Similar to the dwarves and their courting beads, this will too hold a wedding braid in place.

This stone represents wholeness to the elves, being a healing gem and a symbol of the stars they so love. Each clasp or braid decoration will be different. The crafter will make it out of pure love and care, spending sometimes years on creating the perfect clasp. It is also crafted to be strong, because of their long lifespans, the clasp cannot break or else it will be strongly frowned upon. This is like a wedding ring for the elves so it is held with high importance.

Once it is crafted, the clasp is immediately presented. The couple now moves into the marriage phase. The two will spend one day together to confirm that they still want to be married and that love is still strong between the two. After that day, the couple separates while the parents begin the wedding planning. The wedding is prepared within two weeks, and tradition doesn’t allow the two to see each other until they meet for the ceremony.

No matter what political position or ‘class’ standing you are, all marriages happen in the throne room with the King holding the ceremony. Only the couple and the king are present unless requested otherwise, for this is a very sacred moment that is only shared between the two and the king. The King makes the couple swear an oath to always be loyal to each other and to forever cherish their bond as a married couple.

There is no need for a long lengthy vow because of how long they’ve been courting, most of it would’ve been already established in their relationship. Unlike human marriages, elven marriages are strictly out of love and care. It is extremely frowned upon to force marriage onto a couple. (In an example, this is why Arwen wasn’t forced to marry even though she was over the age of marriage, while in human tradition she would’ve been married off to another royal’s son or daughter)

Sexually, elves remain abstinent until marriage, to save themselves for their one and only. While they can have multiple courtships and relationships, they do believe you only marry your true beloved once in your life. However, while extremely rare, divorce is allowed with elves, for if you feel so unhappy in your relationship, the king will announce your marriage to be ended immediately. The king is the only one who can marry and divorce couples. If the king himself is getting married, he can grant the power of marriage and divorce to his advisor, so the couple can have a traditional ceremony.

Elves do believe there is only one person for them, a soulmate, so if they try to court you, you are a very lucky person indeed.

Forever Tag:

@lady-of-lies @all-things-fandomstuck @xxno-wayxx @fizzyxcustard @izzydaelleth @aquaangel18

I’ve got a few generators you can use.

Need some clothes?

Try Here

Here or Here Definitely here Steam punk clothing Char Style preference Dress

Need an Appearance idea?

Humanoid generator? check

Non-Humanoid? Got that too and this and maybe this Need Monsterpeople?  I’ve got you. Maybe you need Cats?

Need some details and shit like that?

Bam

Backgrounds and stuff? yep Personality. you need that shit Need something fandom related? World-building? location? got ya City generator hell yeah make your own god damn laws Oh shit someone died Landscape. CHAR DEVELOP QUESTION GEN Profile Thingy Have some dates Quirks

You thought I was done? Nope. Motha. Fuckin. Names.

So many fuckin names

MOTHERLOAD OF NAMES

Plant Names

Magic Book title

Just search ur ass up some names man

Items. Yeah. You heard me.

Medicine? got it

Items out the ass more items wow

Other shit.

Wow

Yep Plots More writing stuff This site has everything so fucking go for it Need AUs? How the shit did these two meet? Fanfic plots. you bet your ass. (tag me in the shit u write i wanna see what you get) What does it do thing (you come up with a better name for this one. fuckin fight me.

Dwarves are private, very secretive, but caring folk. Courting is serious business to this race, and if you’re given the opportunity to court one, you shouldn’t take it likely.

To start the courting, everyone must know of your affection.

The courting bead is a declaration of affection and their courtship. It declares that the courtee is off limits to any other male or female trying to get close to them. Typically this courting bead is put into the courtee’s hair by the older of the two or the one who began the courtship. If it mutually began instead of one pursuing another, by default the older of the two will give the courting bead. It isn’t put into the hair until a few days later.

Courting beads are typically worn in the beard holding a courting braid, against the sides of the jaw. If one of the courted doesn’t have a beard, the beads are placed in the hair on the side of the face in braids.

Giving a courting braid is a very intimate act, the couple typically goes alone to a secluded place like a cabin or outside in a secret location. This is similar to the human ‘honeymoon,’ except they aren’t married. The couple will spend one day prepping the hair, using oils and mixtures of honey and vanilla to prepare it for easier braiding.

The next day, the couple will brush each others hair a total of one hundred strokes. This is not only intimate but gives one of the others to think about the commitment they’re about to make. Once the courting braid is in, the courting is official and all have to respect it. It is severely frowned upon to flirt or try to interrupt a courtship when the courting braid and bead are in place.

After the courting is established to the community, the second step is the gifting. Handmade gifts are bests, such as small figurines, a love poem, or even a song. Any gift will do, but the more personalized it is, the more it shows how you feel about the person. Dwarves are commonly craftsmen specializing in weaponry, jewelry, and other things that can be made out of metal and iron. Most common gifts are daggers with intricate detail work on the hilts and in the blade itself.

Alongside the gifting, is the strength rituals. Whoever began the courtship will try to impress their beloved, hunting the biggest animals they can find, public brawls, and overall showing of their strength. Example: Seeing your beloved shirtless to show their muscles while they chop wood for the winter, this is an example of strength for they wish to show off their muscles and their ability with an ax in hope to impress you.

This form of courtship is similar to that of an orc, however, towards the end of it, Dwarves take a different approach. While orcs get married within six months of the beginning on a courtship, Dwarvish courtship can go on for years. The key component to ending the courtship and officially began preparations for marriage is when the courtee announces to the courter that they wish to spend the rest of their life with them. This will tell the dwarf in question that their efforts have been successful.

To end a courtship, the courtee must announce that they are unhappy with their courtship and it will end without question. No courtship is forced or forced to continue after one of the two is unhappy, although unhappy couplings are rare. The courtship is all about the couple, so while a parent can strongly disagree, by Dwarvish law they cannot oppose or stop the courtship without the consent of the courtees. This is to prevent parents from arranging marriages and keeping One’s apart.

While affection is common through the courting, being sexually intimate is typically saved for after the marriage. This is to hold a final vow, “I give my all to you, and only you” between the couple. This is one thing that only One’s are to share. Sex outside of courtships is common, but is frowned upon and typically not spoken of in public.

The One is the dwarvish equivalent to Soulmates. How they meet depends simply on fate, but one thing is for certain, every dwarf has a One. Gender doesn’t matter to the dwarves since male dwarves out-populate the females by 2 to 1. They simply believe love is love, regardless of any gender or sexual identity.

Instead of using… You can use the word…

Looked — observed, peered, gazed, glanced, explored, glimpsed, stared, eyed, viewed, noticed, watched, inspected, examined, and peeked. 

Said — told, stated, replied, phrased, announced, articulated, reported, expressed, voiced, mentioned, communicated, uttered, spoke, and vocalised.

Shouted — yelled, roared, exclaimed, hollered, cried, called out, squealed, wailed, screeched, squawked, bellowed, shrieked, screamed, and howled.

Laughed — chuckled, smiled, giggled, grinned, snickered, cracked up, hooted, roared, snorted, howled, erupt into laughter, and burst into laughter.

Good — great, pleasant, wonderful, positive, awesome, rad, splendid, worthy, superb, superior, marvellous, stellar, excellent, and super.

Bad — awful, atrocious, terrible, negative, unfortunate, rough, dreadful, dismal., poor, appalling, lousy, unpleasant, crummy, and miserable. 

Nice — polite, kind, respectable, friendly, well-mannered, admirable, wonderful, affable, lovely, nifty, pleasant, inviting, enjoyable, and fine.

Mean — nasty, evil, unkind, vicious, cruel, wicked, bothersome, spiteful, unpleasant, hateful, malicious, harsh, uncaring, and insensitive. 

Tried — weary, burned out, sleepy, sluggish, exhausted, drowsy, fatigued, heavy-eyed, beat, lifeless, drained, lazy, worn out, and droopy.

Scared — frightened, worried, afraid, anxious, fearful, timid, startled, suspicious, alarmed, apprehensive, petrified, shaken, terrified, and panicked.

Happy — glad, ecstatic, joyful, jovial, delighted, merry, content, elated, blissful, gleeful, cheerful, thrilled, pleasant, and overjoyed.   

Sad — unhappy, disappointed, miserable, blue, depressed, sorrowful, gloomy, melancholy, down in the dumps, dismal, heartbroken, down, and full of woe.

Mad — angry, outraged, grouchy, fuming, furious, frantic, irritated, cranky, annoyed, irate, livid, enraged, infuriated, and heated.

Excited — eager, wired, enthusiastic, simulated, thrilled, jubilant, hysterical, jumpy, charged, anxious, awakened, fired up, nervous, and on edge.

Pretty — beautiful, charming, attractive, elegant, handsome, gorgeous, dazzling, captivating, nice-looking, glamorous, lovely, stunning, appealing, and memorising.

Ugly — unpleasant, gruesome, horrid, gross, dreadful, beastly, grotesque, deformed, appalling, plain, unsightly, loathsome, hideous, and homely.

Little — small, young, tiny, mini, petite, short, minute, slim, pocket-sized, slight, pint-sized, minor, miniature, and wee.

Big — humongous, ginormous, gigantic, hefty, large, jumbo, huge, massive, enormous, oversize, vast, great, giant, and abundant.

Funny — humorous, whimsical, hilarious, eccentric, amusing, side-splitting, comical, lighthearted, witty, jolly, nutty, hysterical, jokey, and droll.

Fun — entertaining, interesting, pleasurable, a blast, exciting, captivating, enjoyable, fascinating, engaging, gratifying, action-filled, lively, amusing, and enchanting. 

Smart — keen, intelligent, clever, cunning, screwed, knowledgeable, brilliant, sharp-witted, wise, scholarly, bright, gifted, canny, and brainy. 

Like — love, care about, adore, value, fond of, treasure, cherish, appreciate, admire, enjoy, passionate about, crazy about, and devoted to.     

Hate — loathe, detest, dislike greatly, despise, execrate, feel revulsion towards, feel hostile towards, be repelled by, be revolted by, regard with disgust, be unable to stomach, find intolerable, shudder at, and recoil from. 

Hot — sweltering, fiery, overly warm, heated, burning up, stuffy, sizzling, spicy, blistering, humid, boiling, blazing, scorching, and scalding. 

Cold — chilly, very cold, icy, bitter, frigid, arctic, frosty, nippy, crisp, harsh, wintry, biting, freezing, and polar.

Fast — quick, speedy, sudden, hurried, abrupt, rushed, rapid, instantly, brisk, dashing, hasty, accelerated, swift, and prompt. 

Thranduil: I hate funerals. I never know what to say.

Gandalf: Just say "I'm sorry for your loss" and move on.