#ghostwalker phighting

Venomshank

When the relationship first starts, he's wary of quite a bit. He doesn't want to hurt you, and isn't very experienced with relationships in general. The relationship needs to evolve slowly. Hold his hand every so often (do not jump straight to trying to kiss him, he will get up and leave if you do), spend more time with him, get him more used to you being around more often.

He lives in Crossroads, so as long as you know where he is, you can visit him probably the most often of the sfoth. As time goes on, you'll get a key so you won't always need to knock and wait outside in the elements.

A big thing, but Sword needs to be okay with you. At the very least. Sword lives there too, Venomshank is not making his mentee uncomfortable by being in a relationship with someone Sword may not like. If Sword seems fine with you or reacts positively to your presence, Venomshank'll let you stay.

When he does finally get comfortable enough to initiate touching you, he'll be touchy. A hand will be on you if he can reach you.

Do not try to get the mask off him ever. If he does ever take it off around you, he's not going to try to kiss you. He's scared even trying to might turn you into one of his zombies. He's insanely scared you being anywhere near his mouth could result in an accident. If his mask is off and you want to kiss his face, stick to the upper half of it or he'll pull away and not let you near his face until his mask is back on. You can kiss his mask too, and he generally prefers you to do that.

He'll want at least one photo of you to hang on the wall. I don't make the rules.

He doesn't sleep himself, but he'll sit with you while you do. If he's feeling especially cuddly, he'll hold you throughout the night. Though if you aren't up at the asscrack of dawn with him, you'll wake up alone. He's gotta train Sword still, so he'll just leave you to your sleep. Though, most of the time, Sisyphus will watch over you while you sleep in.

Speaking of Sisyphus. The bird will land on you. If you're scared of birds like me then you may want to try getting used to Sisyphus as fast as possible. That bird does not wait for you to get used to it. It will just randomly land on or near you and just. Sit. If it fits it sits.

He's not going to let you hold his gear. He's not going to do it. You can let him hold yours but you aren't touching his. He won't even give you a reason, he's just going to say no and leave it at that.

Often, you'll be allowed to sit and watch Venomshank train Sword. Sword doesn't mind, and Venomshank sees it as an opportunity to teach you things as well. Most things, like how a gear is simply a piece of the whole of an Inphernal, an extention of oneself, you know. But some things you do learn.

Darkheart

Kill him. BOOOOOOOO. Anyway. He's annoying and mean when the relationship first starts. He still views you as lesser than him, but you are not equal to your fellow mortals. Give it time and he may eventually see you more and more as an equal.

He likes to poke and prod, and you are the one to be dealing with that. He's careful enough not to hurt you with his claws, but he's still going to be annoying. Swat his hands away and he'll just pick you up.

He doesn't need a key to your place, he's just going to appear. You are going to have to deal with it. Sometimes you get a warning, his stupid giggling faintly in your head before you turn around, run into his chest, and are trapped in a hug. Other times he just appears. For example, you've once stepped out of the shower to him just sitting on the ground in front of your sink. You did slip because you were shocked. You were fine though.

Cuddly. He's always hugging you or has an arm around you or you're being picked up and held. He just likes having you close.

You might be able to get his hat off him. Maybe. But if you get it off him, he's putting it on you. And if it looks big on him (him and his bigass hat, I want it) it'll be HUGE on you. He finds it hilarious.

If he isn't curled around you while you sleep, he's definitely watching you do so. In fact, he'll watch you go about your day. In the comfort of your home, he's following you like a lost puppy as you go about doing chores or trying to find something to do. He'll sit in the bathroom as you shower and just bask in your presence. When you go out in public, he can't openly follow you (which he has expressed his dissatisfaction with), so he'll either follow through your shadow or other shadows around you.

Do NOT complain to him because he will do something about it and you will not like it. Too hot in your room?? Snow. Inside. Covering everything. And he's giggling while you try to figure out how he fucking did it. Someone bothering you?? They totally came to apologize to you on their own and totally not because a certain chaotic entity spooked them by parading around as a shadowy version of tbeir loved ones and thought it'd be funny to torment them. Why are you blaming him, he was just finding entertainment. But yeah be very careful about complaining around him. It'll be changed!! But not in a fun way (to you, at least).

He learns your habits pretty quickly, following you around all the time. He learns your favorite drink, what genre of books you like, your hobbies, how you try to find the exact color code of your horns (I would do this and now you will too). Everything. He'll memorize your daily routine in no time. Sometimes he'll help. If you like coffee in the morning, he'll make it exactly like you do while you're still waking up. He'll move things around so it's easier for you to reach or he'll just hand things to you like your coat if it's cold out.

Sometimes you'll wake up to find Darkheart rearranged your furniture while you were sleeping. You'll either have to move it all back yourself or just deal with the new arrangement. He'll do this ever two ish?? Months. So once you get used to one arrangement, it changes. Have fun.

He's perfectly fine with you holding his gear. He just tells you to be careful with the sword because it's a thing of its own. If you present your gear to him, he'll do the same. But he might be the one to do it first. He'll also treat your gear with care. It's a part of you, of course he's treating it with care (even if he might mess around with it to see what it'll let him do with it).

Icedagger (ambiguous)

Every day you're around him, he's probably going to jump at or on you. I do not make the rules. He gets excited to see you and. Jumps. At you. Like Foxy jumpscare style.

He's definitely not scared of hurting you (even brags that he's the least likely to try hurting you, even if that would probably more describe Firebrand [pre-scorch]), but more wary of you being close when he does have his gear summoned. If it touches you, it's a one hit kill. So yeah, step back when he has it.

He can be kind of an asshole, but he is well-meaning. No please do not be mean to him he will cry. But he can be mean to you. Yes that's how it works. Yes you just have to deal with it.

Honestly, you may not even know he's Icedagger, to begin with. He blends in so well with other mortals that he just comes off as some any normal Inphernal with an ego. You'll need to know him for a while to actually get the lore drop that he's Icedagger. His wings may tip you off, but most assume he's got a moth/butteryfly related gear. He also just goes by Icey/Icy (he doesn't care much for the spelling of it), so you still call him that most of the time. Even in private. He's just Icy to you.

Hugs are really nice for him because you're warm and he really likes warm, but they suck for you. He's always freezing, his body temperature always sitting at just above freezing. You would ask how he isn't frozen yet, but also he IS a deity. Also related, but his hands are usually stuck perpetually in the first/second stages of frostbite. So he will hold them to your warmest areas because if he does it randomly you jump from the sudden cold and he finds that really funny.

He will have a key to your place. You have no clue where he stays and he refuses to tell you, so you'll just have to deal with randomly waking up with a freezing mass squishing you. He will also raid your kitchen of any snacks he enjoys, so you just have to deal with that too.

Sometimes, when you both are alone, he'll make little icicles on your face. Usually to mimic the whiskers of a cat. If your horns allow it, he'll also make little ears on top of your head. The ice doesn't melt, weirdly enough. It just sticks to you, but pulling it off doesn't hurt much.

Icedagger isn't always a meanie though!! If you guys are watching something on tv, no matter what it is, he's completely invested. You both are getting hit with the "commentary on movie while watching movie" beam. No, Icedagger cannot stay quiet while watching movies. Yes, you will add your own commentary or he's going to purposefully hold a hand to your neck. But he does genuinely enjoy watching tv with you. It's fun to spend that time together.

If you somehow fall asleep while leaning on him, he resigns himself to his fate and just sits there. While he doesn't NEED sleep, he may let himself do so in that moment.

If you ever were to present your gear to him, he'd probably do the same but with EXTREME caution. Again, he's not scared he'll hurt you, but he's still wary of you being around his gear. Not out of fear, but more discomfort. The more he cares for a person, the more uncomfortable he is with them being around his gear when it's summoned. But he would return the gesture even if just to show he cares about you and trusts you as well.

Firebrand

Truly how the relationship starts depends on when you meet him. Pre-Scorch, he's caredul but enthusiastic. Excitable too, you're someone he can care about and love and he's just so happy to try. Post-Scorch, it's a wonder you even wanted to meet him honestly. You'd have to have Windforce bring you to him, so you'd have to have befriended her AND brought up interest in meeting Firebrand AND have convinced Windforce to bring you to meet him. He's more wary now, more careful with you. What he would've let slide Pre-Scorch he won't let slide now.

Pre-Scorch: Microphone and Megaphone NEED to like you. Not tolerate, but LIKE you. They don't need to absolutely love you, but Firebrand wants them to want you around. So if they don't, that's gotta be a dealbreaker. Sorry.

Pre-Scorch: He's definitely cuddly, but it's not as bad as post-scorch. If you need to go, he'll let you go. But he loves loves loves holding you and just being around you. You make him so genuinely happy. If he tries to touch you with his hands, his gloves are on and you'll tell him if it starts to burn. But even if for just a moment, he wants to be able to hold your hand.

Pre-Scorch: He'll try to listen more when you're telling him something different than what he believes about you. If you tell him you can handle something he doesn't think you can, he'll let you do it but he's hovering and keeping an eye on you.

Pre-Scorch: Don't fall asleep around him he's so warm you'll be too comfy you won't wanna get up and in your comfortable tiredness he'll convince you to stay. "Five more minutes" turns into you being an hour late to work because the King of Crossroads wanted to cuddle for a little longer.

Post-Scorch: He is so so cuddly. Pre-Scorch he would've given you space, but now he just really really needs you as close as possible. He won't touch you with his hands, he's not going to do that. But his arms (and wings) will be wrapped around you. You may overheat. He is incredibly warm. You will not be let out until you need to leave. He also might try to hold onto you longer until Windforce pries you away from the whiny ex-king.

Post-Scorch: Windforce has to bring you to and from wherever Firebrand is hiding. She has joked about just leaving you with her brother so she isn't bothered by bringing you to him all the time, but has never actually done so. If Firebrand ever heard her say that, he might ask her to do just that.

Post-Scorch: If you give him any gifts, he'll ask you to set them in certain places so he can easily see them when you aren't around. Gifts from you make him feel like you aren't gone yet.

Post-Scorch: He's an avid listener. He wants to hear you talk about yourself, your life, your relationships with others. He wants to hear all of it. He wants to know as much as he can about you, because there's nobody else to tell him these things.

When it comes to his gear, again, it really depends on when. Pre-Scorch, he'll maybe, MAYBE let you hold it. You have to be very very careful because he doesn't want you to burn yourself with it. Post-Scorch, he won't let you NEAR it. If he summons it at all. And he'll refuse to hold yours because with hoe hot his hands are, he'll end up destroying it. While yes, you can just summon it again and it should be fine, he still will be incredibly upset with himself if he ends up destroying something you are giving to him to show how much you trust him.

Windforce

To even get into a relationship with her, you need to be both entertaining and tolerable. Most of the mortals she finds entertaining aren't tolerable, and most of the mortals she finds tolerable aren't entertaining. Once in the relationship, she won't hold you to as high standards as she does other mortals. "I hate this about mortals" but you are the exception. It isn't a quick thing to happen, but when it happens for the first time it's a pleasant surprise.

She's not very careful with you. You will get hurt, but you'll learn to deal with it. She isn't holding back just because you're with her. You're still a mortal, and she still views mortals as beneath her.

She doesn't care if you get along with Ban Hammer. He'll learn to deal with you eventually. She doesn't care much for his input on her partner(s). While yes, she'd prefer he like you, she doesn't care if he doesn't.

You'll learn to defend yourself. If you're with her, you're on the islands of Playground, which means you're also around Splintered Skies knights (if you aren't one of them already). If Windforce herself isn't teaching you, then the knights are. Windforce isn't always around, and you'll need to be able to stay alive if something happens (if a fight breaks out, she'd prefer you win).

Her actions of affection are grand gestures, and she'll expect gratitude from you. She'll accept any kind of affection from you, even if it's a small handmade trinket she doesn't know what to do with. She'll figure it out.

If you want food, she's taking some. It's best to make enough for one person and one larger person (if she's eating with you, she's eating a lot). She has her preferences on what she will and won't eat, but most things you end up making would fall under "will eat".

Forget about being insecure with her. She's not gonna let that happen. No, she's not going to use kind words to tear down your worries. She's going to use logic. "You have scars because a woind healed." "Being shorter doesn't mean you can't be stronger." Stuff like that.

She is NOT cuddly, but if you REALLY want her to hold you while you sleep she MIGHT. She does care about you (a little bit, but a relationship does require care from both sides) so she can do this for you. When you ask.

She's going to show you off to Firebrand after a like, a year or two of the relationship (he wanted to meet the mortal that intrigued Windforce enough for a relationship). You're going to meet him, and you're gonna be okay with that. If you don't want to see him after that first meeting, fine. Okay. She can deal with that. But you're going to meet Firebrand, be kind, and be respectful.

She'll show her gear off to you, but you can't touch it. She also won't touch yours, but it's more out of respect. She won't let you touch hers, it's unfair to touch yours. Later, when she's by herself, she'll wonder why she views your gear as deserving the same respect hers does.

Ghostwalker

The relationship starts out ROUGH. For you, at least. He doesn't feel love like how you do, if he feels it at all. You don't really know why he agreed to a relationship, but here you are.

He's not going to understand your wants. You need to be direct with him about anything. You want him to hold you while you sleep, tell him. You want him to sit with you while you eat, tell him. He's the Inpherno's version of the grim reaper, not a mind reader.

If you tell him your favorite books, they'll be set aside in their own little section of Ghosdeeri's library. She will find out through Ghostwalker and think you'll enjoy the gesture.

The Watchers (most of them) most likely already know who you are. Their jobs kind of require it. They tolerate you as long as you don't bother them. Not that Ghostwalker cares how they feel about you.

Him mimicking mortals with romance varies from day to day. Some days he'll bring you gifts, some days he'll sit in silence enjoying your company, some days he'll help you with day-to-day stuff. He's trying, and that's what matters.

You can give him a key to your place, but that doesn't mean he needs it. Usually, he just. Appears. In your home. If you want him there, it's easier to just be there instead of knocking on the front door/using his key to get in. He can just. Be there. Also, you can convince him to cook with you. Do what you will eith this information.

If you die while still with him, he won't bring you back. But, he won't move your soul on either. He'll keep you with him until you truly want to move on. When you do, he'll hold your soul one more time, let it soak in any warmth it can from his cold, gloved hands, then let you go.

His hands are cold, even with the gloves on. His gloves also have stains, so if you can wrestle them off him, you'll be allowed to wash them. He doesn't take them off often, and doesn't see much of a point in washing anything really. You may just have to clean him. Force him into a shower. He won't object, he'll just let you clean him.

He remembers every word you tell him, so don't be surprised if he brings up something you mentioned once in passing. If he's bringing you a gift, it's most likely something you said you maybe wanted or were just thinking about. You think it's thoughtful, he thinks it's logical. You wanted it. If he brings you something, it should be something you'll want or find useful. You have no idea how he gets some of these things without being seen out in public. He doesn't tell you when asked.

Touch his blade at your own risk, but he will inform you that doing so will kill you. He won't stop you if you try, though. If you offer him your own gear, he will treat it with the respect it deserves. His fingers will trace its edges, and he'll take in every detail you'll let him observe. He doesn't feel your trust in the action, only the faint curls of his version of curiosity. He's interested in his own way, and your gear is his new specimen.

Illumina

When the relationship first starts, Illumina is distant. He's still dealing with his own stuff, so just give him time. Him even entering the relationship with you is progress in and of itself. He just needs a bit longer to warm up to you being his partner now.

Once he's warmed up to you, he's protective and kinda clingy. Hugs are an often thing, and if you ever mention feeling unsafe, he may want to go with you (he knows he can't, but he'll want to. No one is going to mess with someone around a deity). He's also cuddly, but mostly when you're going to sleep. He very much enjoys holding you while you fall asleep.

Please please please run your fingers over and/or through his feathers. There have been times where he's sat down next to you and bumped his wing into your side to get you to touch it. It's his way of asking for attention without using words. He also just really enjoys the feeling + another set of hands can reach feathers he may not be able to. He'd let you clean/preen his wing if you asked.

He's cool to the touch, but can warm up pretty easily if you throw a blanket on him or something. If you have him wrapped in a blanket and cuddle up to him so he wraps his wing around you, it's pretty warm and comfy. Perfect nap spot. He'd let you nap there, too.

He's known for being distant and cold, but with you he smiles and laughs and is happy. This does take time, but once it starts, it's not stopping. He may even try to be a little silly. There are times where he comes to you upset, but his mood lifts just by being around you.

Don't try to give him a key. He's able to get in without one. If asked, he'll jokingly say magic and move on. It's the best explanation you're getting.

He will absolutely melt at any physical affection you give him. Hugs, kisses, holding his hand, initiating cuddling. Anything. He's a sucker for it. He'll reciprocate as well, probably with more enthusiasm than you.

You can have pictures of him, but only if you ask him. He doesn't like it if you take pictures of him without him knowing. You wouldn't like it, would you?? So don't do it to him.

If you end up having an argument or fight, he's leaving for a while. You may not see him for months at a time because he needs to cool down, and then he starts to spiral into thinking you hate him. When he does, eventually, come back, he'll act like he did when the relationship first started. Distant and cold. It's more of a test, to see if he can drive you away. It gets tiring, but it's how he'll be.