Stew by the Fire

Abelle really likes to read and especially loves poetry. I think she's tried to introduce her friends to poetry multiple times, but I feel like the attempt isn't successful. I imagine she'd get the idea for a bookclub so everyone can read and discuss together instead of on their own, so it would be more fun ! Problem is day of the club no one shows up so she's just left at a big table at a cafe by herself and she feels very embarrased and silly for trying.

She's very visibly sad by this, and i imagine Archie is actually in the same cafe picking up something for home and sees her...so being who he is checks up to see if shes okay. Shes just "oh im just being silly..." and explains the situation. Archie tells her its not silly to be sad things fell through, then says "you know what, I havent read this book before but I'll still join. Maybe we can trade for a bit so I can read it !" He probably has some random shojo on him but it still makes Abelle happy. They move to a smaller table and read together and eat and chat things over. Anyways thats how they become friends yaey.

I lost the ask Link #oops

👋 Do they have any habitual gestures ? Any gestures that they specifically avoid ?

I cant think of any specific one but he gestures a lot when speaking. Hes probably accidently smacked people in the face when talking cause his gestures are big and very animated.

🎃 What would they dress as for Halloween/a costume party ?

He might be a prince or a knight..lmao

🧊 Would they rather be too hot or too cold ?

Probably too cold ! Which is funny for a fire type, he just finds it very refreshing. I dont think he minds being too hot though, either.

🏊‍♀️ Can they swim ? If so, do they enjoy swimming ?

Yes and yes ! He likes lake swimming most, he swims with Toad and Wiwa often.

🚴 Can they ride a bike ?

Maybe ? But I dont think he owns one, he would rather run.

🥇 Give an example of a competition they would definitely win. Bonus: Also a competition they would definitely lose

Win: maybe a cross country race of sorts ? He loves to run long distances and is pretty fast.

Lose: the quiet game....jkjk but also. A real answer might be ice skating, he'd fall on his libble bibble ass I dont think he can ice skate or rollerblade for that matter.

🎲 Are they generally a lucky person ? Do they believe in luck, fate or destiny ?

Probably not to both ? I said before but to him luck is more of a feeling, not a thing or thing that happens.

🎤 Can they sing well ? Do they enjoy it ?

Yesss and yes ! He has a very powerful singing voice...but I think its one thing hes a little shy about. He usually just sings in the shower or at karaoke lately.

🌠 If they could have one wish immediately granted with no conditions, what would they ask for ?

HMMMM....probably for his crush to smile lol.

💰 What is the most expensive thing they own ?

Lame answer but his phone. He has probably splurged on a special edition shojo thing before, obv not as expensive but it still was a bit I think.

🔐 Would their passwords typically be easy to guess, or impossible to crack ?

Probably hard unless you know which journal he writes them all down in.

🤕 Do they have any scars or lasting effects from old injuries ?

He has scars on his back from a childhood "accident." I dont think he tries to hide them or anything.

😈 Give an example of a controversial petty opinion they feel passionately about (e.g. pineapple on pizza)

I think Archie was extremely bullied as a kid. He didn't fit in with all the water types his community was built around, but this also meant he didn't fit in with the fire types. I feel like fire types invited him over to play a lot regardless, but he was just the punching bag to all their jokes. He really wanted to be with other fire types though, so he kept going back. Eventually their "jokes" got a bit out of hand and Archie got seriously injured, which lead him to being extremely scared and anxious of his own typing.

After that event Toad started to hang out with him a lot more and started to feel more protective as well.. he probably wasn't any less bullied at first but Toad stood up for him and shut it down quick. Eventually other kids started to leave him alone. By some miracle he was able to turn from a meek and scared kid to a very excitable, sunny, happy adult. I think evolving helped a bit with that, but also Toad did too...she helped him believe in the kindness of others even when it seems hard to see.

I think current day Archie believes everyone deserves kindness cause of all of that. He believes A little kindness can help a whole lot, so its why he tries to be so positive. Despite everything he has a very good heart.

Though I also think its a fragile heart. Fire types make him extremely nervous still, but he still does his best to be kind. His bullies probably wouldnt recognize him, nowadays... and I think while he wants people to feel safe he can't fight to protect them. He doesn't fight at all...but maybe he actually did go out of his way to learn Protect.

https://www.tumblr.com/mimble-sparklepudding/732838254840315904/autumn-symbolism-oc-questions

Apples - Liberality, Felicity, Peace and Salvation

• Is your OC open to new ideas and ways of doing things ?

Yes ! I think while Archie likes to do things a certain way, he is always interested in seeing how other people do things. He might learn something fun or new (:

• Does your OC find it easy to express themselves in words ?

I don't think so, especially when over excited-- he usually just squeals or moves a lot. I think its easier for him to express himself with showing things rather than saying it.

• Is your OC happiest when things are peaceful and harmonious ?  Or do they secretly (or not so secretly) relish more drama or excitement ?

Archie loves peace and harmony [: while he does like excitment, he doesnt like it when it stems from drama. Its gonna be fun for everyone !

• How far would your OC go to protect others from harm ? 

If its someone really important to him, he might stand between them and the danger. It would turn out bad for him, he can't really fight, but its all he can think to do to shield the other.

Acorns - Independence and Ambition

• Does your OC find it easy to make their own decisions and come up with their own plans ? Or would they prefer to ask for advice or guidance from others ?

I think it depends on the situation. He has to make some on his own, but if there's people he trusts around he does find himself relying on them maybe a bit too much to decide for him.

• How much freedom would your OC willingly give up for the sake of a relationship or family commitment ? How much would they give up grudgingly ?

Tba im thinking

• Does your OC enjoy teaching others and nurturing their skills to the point they are masters in their own right ?  Or would they prefer to hoard certain strategies or wisdom in order to guarantee their own pre-eminence ?

Archie enjoys helping other people learn things, but he also feels he doesn't have much to teach. I'm sure he has helped people learn things without realizing it quite often, though...maybe not skillwise but life wise.

Squirrels - Thrift, Caution and Conception

• Does your OC carefully consider all possible outcomes before embarking upon a course of action ?

Nooooo, very much an act first think about it later kinda guy. It might get him into trouble sometimes, but it could also lead to some fun.

• Is your OC frugal with their money ?  Carefully budgeting and saving against unexpected eventualities ?  Or are they more likely to spend money when they have it and not worry about it until it runs out ?

I think he always makes sure to have enough set aside for responsibilities, then the rest gets spent without thinking too much. He really enjoys treating others, so I think a lot of his funds goes towards that.

• Is your OC someone to whom others come for advice or help with planning ? Or would their companions or associates laugh at such a notion ?

Its like 50/50 cause I think that is part of his Job in an unspoken sense. As a bartender, I think he is really easy to talk to and share your woes and ask for advice or help in situations-- and he's pretty good at giving positive feedback. It seems like outside of work no one really asks him for advice though.

• What does your OC most fear happening should their plans go awry or their intended aim be thwarted ?

I feel like Archie is usually the reason plans go awry. Not in a bad way but because he is open to changing things suddenly...which is funny cause while personal change can come off as scary to him, changes in the moment and short term plans are fun and exciting. So i don't think he really fears that...though I'm sure its made people unhappy before.

• What is something that your OC would never spend money on for themselves, but would be delighted to receive as a gift from another ?

Air fryer. He can't justify buying one but he wants one so bad.

Oak Leaves - Faith and Endurance

• How does your OC cope with hardship ?  Are they stoic and uncomplaining ?  Or do they whine and grumble ?  Is their response to hardship an accurate indication of their actual character or degree of resilience?

Archie probably tries to hide how its affecting him, but doesn't really take it well. Tries to be chipper and positive in the moment but he's crying over it later.

• Do others have faith in your OC ?  Is this due to their past accomplishments ?  Or are they just exceptionally charismatic and easily able to inspire belief in others ?

Another "I think its 50/50" answer. Archie is suuper charismatic and it makes others believe in him, and i think in one of these I said his joy is contagious. However, there are definitely people who find him annoying or childish and would not trust him at all.

Hedgehogs - Thoughtfulness and Provision

• Is your OC prone to introspection and reflection ? 

He's got bad anxiety of course he is always thinking about his actions and reflecting over them--

• Does your OC like to hoard items and treasures ? Or do they prefer to have few possessions ?  How do they feel about those with a different approach to such things?

Oh he loves trinkets, he loves little treasures ! He probably has a bit of merch from his shojos too. He thinks its a very fun way to "show your soul" by displaying lots of things that make you happy. I don't think hes too bothered by people who like less things, but he does think it makes their homes look a bit boring.

• How good is your OC at remembering small details about other people, such as their favourite foods or their date of birth ? Do they find it easier to remember details about people they find attractive or potentially useful ?

• What gift or reward is your OC most proud of having bestowed upon another person ?  What makes them proud about it ?

Archie is pretty good at it ! I think he tries to be for his friends and for his job...he has a lot of regulars I'm sure. While he can't remeber everything, he does like to write it down so he can still have the info on and if he cant recall it all. I think he would be a lot more likely to not have to look up what he wrote down if he has a crush on someone, but he still writes it down just in case.

I wanna answer this one but i cant think rn tba

Wheat Sheaves - Plenty and Commendable Hospitality

• Does your OC enjoy playing the perfect host or hostess ?  Are they skilled at courtesy and making guests feel welcome ? Or do they suffer others in their personal space most unwillingly ?

• Is your OC prone to excessive consumption ?

Not particularly, I don't think ? He drinks on occassion but doesn't get super drunk too often. He probably does eat a lot, but its cause he works out a lot, so its not very excessive...he's just hungry.

I think being the hostess is more of a Wiwa thing, but he does enjoy putting things together ! Guests always make him happy and he likes to make them feel welcomed and at home.

• If your OC could ensure a limitless supply of one particular thing then what would that be ? 

Tba...im thinking

• What makes your OC feel most welcome when visiting somewhere for the first time ? 

https://www.tumblr.com/mimble-sparklepudding/770891088318824448

Fir: Endurance and Hope

• Is your OC generally optimistic about the future ?  Or do they tend to prepare for the worst, whilst hoping for the best? Or do they even take a generally pessimistic view of the way things will likely unfold?

He is optimistic ! He looks forward to each new day, usually ! I think if a big life event happens he would be a bit more hesitant but still holds onto the belief that tomorrow will be great. I think this mindset was a bit harder to keep up with in college, and when he left with no degree even harder until his friends picked him back up again.

• Does your OC actively attempt to nurture or inspire hope in others – even when things look particularly dire? Or are they inclined to be more blunt with their assessment of a situation?

Archie would want people to look at the bright side of things ! Tbh, I feel like half of the time he doesnt actively try to inspire others to be more positive but his pressence and how he reacts to things usually inspires people to try to be optimistic all the same. His joy is contagious I think.

• Would your OC ever fight for a lost cause on principle? 

I think so, he feels a bit stubborn in wanting to stick to what he believes in is right. I feel like Archie himself has been called a "lost cause" by many in his life, so he wants to try to stand up for more people like him.

• How many setbacks can (or will) your OC endure before they give up on a course of action ?

I don't think he ever gives up...though some might argue he gave up on college but I dont think he wants to tell anyone he got expelled so he's just oh yeah haha I guess I did. But otherwise I think its hard for him to give up unless someone like...begs him to.

Holly: Protection and Luck

• Is your OC protective of those to whom they are close ? 

Yes I'd say so ! He's not really much of a fighter though so he does worry if he can actually protect them... meanwhile Toad has been protecting him his whole life haha.

• Does your OC carry a lucky charm of some sort ? What makes them think it’s lucky?  Or do they not believe in luck, yet find themselves unable to part with it all the same ?

I think it would be cute if he carried a "lucky" item of some sort, but I'm not sure if he believes if it brings him luck or if its just a comfort thing at this point. I think he believes luck is a feeling more than a Thing, if that makes sense. Things can't bring luck, but you can feel luck...but it doesn't hurt to play along with "lucky" things.

• What does your OC believe to be the luckiest event in their life?  Is this an accurate assessment?  Or was there actually more than simply luck at play?

He'd say meeting Toad ! Which doesn't really fit into the question, but its what he would say. They've known each other pretty much their whole lives-- their parents were friends so its not exactly luck that they met. He feels very lucky to have a childhood friend like Toad.

Ivy: Fidelity and Loyalty

• What inspires loyalty in your OC? 

Kind hearts I think, especially in those that don't fit in. People wouldn't guess it, but I feel like hes surprisingly a great judge of character cause his job is basically just Interacting with others (bartender). He learns a lot about everyone, and he feels very connected to those he can see a good heart in-- even if its not very obvious to others. He has a lot of hope for the good in others, and it makes him want to stick by them.

Mistletoe: Peace and Friendship

• Who was your OC’s first friend?  What drew them to each other?  Were they expecting to get along?  Or was it a surprise to them both?

Toad ! I said it earlier but they're childhood friends, their parents were friends so in a way they were expected to get along-- but them being life long friends is surprising with how different they feel. Toad is a little older than Archie, so she's like an older brother to him.

• Does your OC find it easy to make friends ?What barriers are there to them doing so ? Has this changed over time ?

I think he has a very easy time making friends ! Mostly cause he's really likeable and fun to be with...but also he can be a bit much energy wise and it makes people not stick around for too long. So great at making friends, but its harder to keep them.

• Do other people experience your OC as having a “peaceful” energy ? Or are they inclined to restlessness - or even fractiousness ?  Do others find them relaxing company ?

Not at all lmaoo Archie is soo hectic to be with, plans often go off the rails with him around-- mostly cause he gets distracted by something else along the way. To some this makes him super fun, to others its exhausting. None would say he is peaceful I think.

• Who is your OCs most unlikely friend ? What made their friendship so unexpected ?

Probably Pilo I guess ! It seems like people think hes a jerk or a punchline and even Toad is like "idk about this one, Archie" at first. Archie believes in him a lot though and got very attached. He sees something very bright and beautiful in him that others can't see and are not sure its even there whenever archie talks about pilo. #maybe a little gay

Birch: Rebirth and Regeneration

• Does your OC believe that sometimes a person needs to hit rock bottom before they can begin to rebuild their life ?

Not at all. Idk what else to add to this he just doesn't want people to feel hopeless and helpless before they can get better, thats cruel

• Does your OC recover quickly from injuries ?  Or has it got harder for them to keep bouncing back as they’ve got older ?  If so, is this something they would ever admit ?

https://www.tumblr.com/mimble-sparklepudding/749050238368661504/springtime-symbolism-oc-questions

Green Leaves and Blossoms - The Promise of Renewal

• Does your OC hold onto hope for a better future ?

Yes, I think so ! Archie feels like someone who really believes in the good in others hearts.

• Has your OC ever made a conscious decision to make a fresh start ?  Or have they even reinvented themselves completely ? 

I feel like this comes with evolving...but also I don't think he evolved to "reinvent" himself

• Is your OC skilled in repairing or rebuilding what is broken or worn?  Or would they sooner dispose of something and replace it with something new and (perhaps) better?

I'm not sure how good he is with repairing things, probably not the best but he would try ! I don't think he likes replacing things, his phone is probably so busted and slow and Toad and Wiwa are trying to hard to convince him to get a new- or at least refurbished- one. He's not all about new shiny things. I think he likes thrift store shopping a lot when he has to replace things.

• Does your OC find their moods affected by the seasons ?  Do they struggle more during colder and darker months ? Or do they find unique pleasure in each season ?

Archie definitely finds something fun and delightful during each season to look forward too. I was thinking he might struggle a bit every time it gets darker earlier but I think hes quick to find something to like about it in the end.

Eggs and Lambs - Birth and Fertility

• Does your OC know much about the circumstances of their birth?

Nope ! Archie was adopted

• Does your OC have an affinity for plants and gardens? 

I think Archie would really enjoy plants, but he's pretty bad with plant care. Toad probably has a lil garden everyone enjoys at home, though.

• Was your OC considered to be a cute baby?  Are there any pictures or keepsakes from this time in their life?

He was so darling I'm sure. Yes his moms have pictures [: im sure he still has a baby plushie toy from then too that he has at home

• Does your OC plan to have children ?

I don't think its something he's really thinking about right now, but maybe someday !

Flowers and Sunshine - New Love and Romance

• Would your OC be delighted to receive flowers from a partner or admirer ?

Yesss omg he would be so sooo giddy he would probably bounce in place and clap his hands. He'd put them in water immidietly and try to be so so careful with them and stare at them for hours.

• What would your OC consider a romantic gift or gesture if they were planning such a thing for someone?

Peak romance to him is a prince sweeping him off his feet. Alas this doesn't happen outside of his books lol. I dont think he has any other "big" romantic things in mind, just spending time and doing things together is enough for him. Maybe that'll change if he ever gets a boyfriend and he'd feel a little more grand about it

• Does your OC's wardrobe change as the weather gets lighter and warmer?

Probably not, mostly cause he's already wearing light clothes in winter. I dont think he really gets that cold....or rather he says he doesn't. He definitely does but he likes being cold ! Its refreshing to him and feels nice. I think he likes being hot too though.

• Does your OC ever get crushes on other people?  Or did they do so in their younger days?  Do they remember these fondly?  Or does recalling such things make them cringe?

Yessss he gets crushes, hes crushing right now tbh but isn't acting on it (what he says, he is totally flirting all the time but just thinks hes being friendly lol). Im sure hes had crushes before too, but I haven't developed much of that yet.

Cleaning and Washing - Starting Anew

• What old habits or negative behavioural patterns has your OC left behind? Was this something they found easy?  Or did it take time and/or help from others?

Getting 2 sleepy brb

• Does your OC have any Springtime rituals? 

He is probably big on spring cleaning ! I think something else he does with Wiwa and Toad is jump in a lake when spring starts. The water is still cold and i think he gets sick every time but he still does it.

• Does your OC need their partner or friends to hold them accountable when they are trying to make a positive change ?

I think he would appreciate them checking on him, but he can usually keep up with some things okay...but also I feel like he might get a lil scared of the change and back out sometimes so its nice to have friends help him out with staying on track.

• Has your OC ever burned or otherwise destroyed something that reminded them of unhappy times or experiences in their past?  Was this part of an arranged event?  Or something they did spontaneously or in anger?

Tba sleepy

• What is a habit or behaviour that your OC wishes to modify or adopt in the future?

1. Da basics.. Hydie was born in Galar, and moved to Alola with his mama when he was 13. He moved back to Galar 10+ years later. Places he lived is uh Wyndon -> Heahea City -> Postwick -> Wyndon

2. Hydie is a Botanist ! In Alola, he was researching plant hormones in his college days...but his research grant ran dry so he went back to Galar to live with his maymay. Current day he does field research and greenhouse research for the wild area plants

3. Adding on, his vast knowledge of plants makes him excellent at taking care of grass type Pokemon. He has several, but doesn't consider himself a grass-type specialist

4. Hydie isn't the best at battling...mostly cause he never does. He doesn't even know what moves his Pokemon have for a while...they were there mostly as research companions for a while ! When he does battle, he mostly uses status effects

5. He had/has 2 moms and a little sister. He lost his mama, Dutch, in an ultra beast research accident in his late teens. His maymay, Tensia, and sister, Callie Dia, live in Postwick. He has a very strained relationship with his sister when he first moves back...

6. Hydie is very sweet, silly, and friendly--but also has a very blunt manner of speaking at times. It can be a bit offputting to those he doesn't know, so he struggles to make friends. Those who do end up being his friend have a friend for life, though [:

7. One of his dearest friends is actually his ex. In his college days he had a research project in Sinnoh and ended up dating a local. They probably would have been endgame, but Hydie knew he wouldn't do well with the distance so they broke things off...but on a good note !

8. Shortly after moving to Galar, he takes up traveling since he's a bit void of purpose+to watch his sister's gym challenge. He ends up occasionally traveling with someone who changes his life for the better and strengthens both their bonds with their family as well. Yayers

9. Hydie sticks his tongue out a lot... bleh :p

He also likes wearing loose bracelets so they rattle a bit when he shakes his hands + they're fun to play with

10. Both of his ears are pierced, I usually just draw his right ear with earrings though (when i do lol).

He loves piercings though and would get new ones with you if you asked...but no one ever has yet. His bf/husband wants earrings but is too scared...

11. Another basic fact but Hydie is fat, gay, trans, and 7'1". Big men lovers rejoice 🙌

He is only so tall cause i thought it would be Funny and It Is...

12. He enjoys sketching plants, but can't really draw anything else and doesn't really want to bother. He likes pencils and watercolor the best

13. Hydie is absolutely not afraid to be who he is. I think its very hard to embarrass him or make him self conscious...im sure there are many posts about him starting with "today i saw a guy at [place] who..."

Very loud and silly guy

14. His full name is Hydie Ranger ! I named him after hydrangeas, they're one of my favorite plants. I wanted to get into plant science cause of hydrangeas so it felt fitting too :p

His bf/husband takes his last name when they get married

15. He haaaaaaates mushrooms. Those are not plants... plus they taste sooo yucky and the texture is sooo awful (to him).

Which is so funny to me because he is also dear friends with a walking talking Mushroom

16. While probably obvious, Hydie looooves gardening. When he moves in with bf he's able to start a new garden there and its very fun for him.. now when going down his neighborhood his and bfs home sticks out so much cause its all these plain yards then 1 insane garden hehe

17. Hydie really can't function if things are messy, but he doesn't mind an organize chaos. Him and bfs house is basically Trinket Land, but Hydie makes sure its clean too

In an ideal world I'd be able to add all my splat 3 ocs i have currently but only Fisheye has a drawn colored ref of any kind. But also at least for splatoon ocs i dont have to think up outfits if I don't want to... but also thats like 6 new refs or just 3 if I only include the ocs i actually have names for. I kinda really miss making splat ocs but also I have so many I'm feeling guilty about it and idk why. Twitter spaces are ruining the joy of making ocs i cannot lie, there it really feels like ur only supposed to have 1 oc. But i digress.

For pokemon i at least would like a ref for Spur. I have another new oc named Gill but idk I'm really struggling with his design so I'll see. A dlc look for Cole would be nice...hydie honestly needs a new ref but no one draws him wrong either despite the really old art so its like...should i bother. Idk. Probably why i don't update old refs i dont really hate my old art its just...old. but if its still accurate then why mess with it u know. Im not the ref machine i was in highschool where i could make 5 a day lol